#don't ask why the quality of the first gif is Good and the rest is like . a potato

[obeymestory]

I don't know if you do these, but could you make a scenario of the demon brothers taking care of MC while they're pregnant with their kid?

Of course!! I was kinda waiting for someone to ask me to do one of those things. <3

Warning!!: Slight mature mentions!! Hope you enjoy this though my dear lambs.

✒ Lucifer 🖋

Would be shocked at the first mention of you being pregnant, asking you to take a test to confirm the pregnancy if you hadn't already, then putting his hand on your belly and feeling a huge sense of admiration towards you for carrying his child, as well as a huge sense of responsibility.

Would do his best to make sure you're always comfortable.

Would help you downstairs even when you're just a few weeks along.

Would probably have you near his desk on something comfortable while he does his paperwork so he could be there immediately if your water were to break.

Would think your food cravings were strange but would fetch the food for you immediately.

Always pick things up for you, even if you just dropped something.

Probably be more stressed in the delivery room than you were because of him wanting everything to go smoothly, and because he's worried about you and your guys' baby. "What's taking the doctor so long?" (Referring to the doctor being late, you're the highest priority to him.)

Have Barbatos make you tea every night to help you relax, especially when you start having contractions.

Would rest his hand gently on your belly while you're napping near him, happy to be the father of a new soul.

Probably wouldn't have coitus with you until he knew it was alright, and even then he would make sure to be gentle, resting his hand on your belly while he pleased you, mainly only focusing on your satisfaction.

Be more focused on you to the point where Diavolo or his brothers would have to do some of his paperwork while he took care of you.

When the baby kicks he immediately rests his head gently on your belly, having a small smile on his face as he remembered that he helped make such a lovely being. "I can't wait to meet you."

💰 Mammon 💸

Would think that you were messing with him at first upon telling him about your pregnancy with his child.

Always wanting you not to be too active and to constantly be comfortable.

Would instantly fetch your cravings and not question them.

Would rest his hand on your belly and rub it every now and then when you both were spending quality time together, especially when watching movies.

Would talk to your belly like the baby was able to listen, mostly complaining about how the baby was making you feel during pregnancy. "Why ya' always gotta make yer' mommy throw up, huh? She's doing all this work for ya', so ya' better be a good kid when ya' come out."

Would freak out as soon as you said your water broke, rushing to get you the care and doctors you needed.

Would probably try stacking poker chips on your belly, considering it both quality time for you and your guys' baby.

Would worry about you during contractions, pouting the whole time and asking if he could do something to ease the pain.

If you were to suggest coitus to him, he would accept immediately, then process what you said and ask if it's okay to do while you're pregnant. He'd be rough or gentle for you as long as you and the baby were safe. "Yes! ...Wait- is dat' okay for us to do?"

Would constantly ask if you were okay, and if you weren't he'd comfort you to the best of his abilities.

When having hot and cold flashes he'd probably fan you with a wad of cash or wrap his arms around you to warm you up.

🪼 Leviathan 🍡

Would think that you're pranking him at first as you said that you were pregnant with his baby, then once you confirmed that it wasn't a prank he'd tear up and hug you happily. "Not funny Y/N... you shouldn't joke like that... w-wait... r-really? I'm gonna be a daddy? *sniffles happily*"

Would cuddle you constantly and hum anime intros as he rubbed your belly, picturing showing your guys' baby a bunch of anime as soon as they were born.

If you were to suggest coitus he would be extremely hesitant to agree, and he would only finger you or eat you out.

Would turn on your favorite anime while you were having mood swings.

Would not know what you meant when you said; "my water broke" and would gasp and instantly call out for his brothers to help you as he made you all comfortable. "Hmm..? Your water broke? What does that mean? O-oh... OH!! The baby's coming!! GUYS- THE BABY'S COMING!!!!-"

Would caress your belly as you had contractions, giving you a worried expression.

Would probably suggest names for the baby first, and the names would be based on anime characters you like, not what characters he liked, what characters YOU like.

Would let you play video games when you had more severe mood swings, like extreme anger.

If it came to it, he wouldn't be mad if you ended up accidentally throwing up in his tub-like bed, he'd clean it up and start putting a little trash bag near you so it wouldn't happen again.

Would buy you a whole new bed so you weren't uncomfortable laying in his tub-like bed.

Would gasp as he saw the baby kick, asking if that hurt you or made you uncomfortable.

📚 Satan 🐈‍⬛

Would blink as you told him you were pregnant with his child, he would promptly close his book and blush deeply, still taking a full minute to process what you just said then get up and pull you into a tight yet careful hug. "You have no idea how happy I am."

Would read a bunch of books on human pregnancy, wanting to know how to take care of you during the next nine months.

Would have a good idea on how parenting goes, but would still check out a bunch of books from the library about parenting just in case there was something he didn't know.

Would read you a bedtime story every night, keeping one of his hands on your belly as he read from his book.

If you were to suggest coitus he would agree, having learned that it's beneficial during childbirth, and wanting to satisfy your needs as much as possible, being gentle and sensual the entire time.

Would pick everything up that you were to drop, hold the door open for you, and help you down the stairs without hesitation.

Would suggest healthier foods if you were to ask him to go get certain things you were craving, but would abide by your wishes.

Would already be prepared for you to throw up, keeping a trashcan nearby you at all times.

Would make sure you're laying on your left side whenever you would take a nap or go to bed.

Would put both of his hands on your belly as the baby kicked, being extremely happy, especially if the baby would constantly move, knowing that it meant the baby was healthy. He did feel bad that you were uncomfortable every time the baby moved though.

Would have you in the royal medical room as you reached your last month of pregnancy, wanting to be entirely prepared, and remaining beside you no matter what, even if you were to say that you were fine and he could go do his usual things. "No. I'm not leaving you both whatsoever."

Since he was a straight A student he could just skip school to take care of you.

💄 Asmodeus 💅

Would gasp and widen his eyes, covering his mouth at the revelation of your pregnancy, squeaking happily and kissing you lovingly, immediately suggesting name planning. "Oh my goodness!! We need to start thinking of names!!~"

Would agree to coitus, but would be gentle, he'd also do it as many times as you wanted.

Would massage you every night, especially your breasts since he knew they were producing milk and were gonna be sore soon.

Would wash you in the bath and take care of all your self care needs.

Would hold your hair back carefully as you threw up.

Would shower you with compliments, especially when your belly starts growing in, knowing you might be insecure about yourself due to your body changing but saying that he loved you no matter what. "Oh hon. You're gorgeous... especially your skin. It's so radiant and youthful, I'm so jealous~"

Would whisper sweet nothings and comfort you as you cried or had mood swings.

Would design a HUGE baby shower for you both.

Would paint his and your nails to the color the gender was revealed to be.

Would record a video of the baby kicking, happy tears welling up in his eyes as he replayed the video over and over, asking for your permission to post it on Devilgram.

Would kiss all over your belly and murmur a soft "I love you~" to your belly every night before murmuring the same thing in your ear.

Would help you to the hospital gently and carefully, holding your hand all through labor and giving you little whispers of encouragement the entire time.

💪 Beelzebub 🍔

Would take a whole six minutes to process you telling him that he made you pregnant. "Wait-....Really? We're having a baby?"

Would carry you everywhere and anywhere, no questions asked. The bathroom, downstairs, the kitchen, the delivery room, etc!! (He'd even wake up to help you to the bathroom.)

Would not mind your food cravings, but he's making you eat a bunch of healthy stuff afterwards if your food craving wasn't healthy.

Would watch your belly with sparkles in his eyes as the baby kicked, putting both of his hands on your belly. (It's like that gaze he gives whenever he sees food.)

Would love to go out and buy baby stuff with you, especially baby clothes.

Would place a piece of his meal on your belly, calling it; "Feeding the baby."

If you were to ask to have coitus during your pregnancy, he'd put his hand on your belly and get worried about the baby, needing you to tell him it was good for the baby beforehand, and he'd do it rough or gentle for you, just as long as the baby was okay.

Would pick up everything for you, carrying everything you were attempting to carry, and holding the door open for you if you did convince him that you were okay to walk instead of being carried everywhere by him

Would let you squeeze his hand as hard as you needed during labor, staying beside you no matter what and giving you encouragement just after the doctors do.

Would probably give you hot or cold food when you were having hot or cold flashes. He'd give you cold food when you were hot, then hot food when you were cold.

Would immediately learn to start carrying a vomit bag around for you just in case, rubbing your back as you threw up.

Would get scared at first once your mood swings started happening, feeling guilty until you or one of his brothers reassured him that it was part of pregnancy.

🌌 Belphegor 💤

Would gasp as soon as you said you were pregnant, diving down and resting his head on your belly for a while, nuzzling against your skin and having a dorky lazy smile on his face, knowing you were carrying his baby.

Would definitely join you for naps, offering to massage your chest before he used them as pillows.

Would definitely use your belly as a pillow at one point, listening for movement with his ear pressed against your skin.

Would definitely help you make a nursery, "testing" the baby's bed to make sure the baby would be comfortable. "Hmm? Oh. I'm making sure the bed is okay for our baby. Would you like to join me?"

Will always make sure you're comfortable and laying on your left side when sleeping.

If you were to suggest coitus he would do it very gently, knowing that you were more sensitive now and treating you very delicately.

Would hum or sing soft lullabies to you and the baby to help you fall asleep.

Would probably become more clingy during this time, helping you everywhere and caressing your belly whenever he had the chance.

Wouldn't mind your mood swings, offering his body pillow to punch if you ever got angry to the point where you needed to blow off some steam.

During labor he'd ask Beel to help carry you as he comforted you all the way to the delivery room, caressing your hand as you squeezed his hand for dear life.

Would probably suggest some constellation related names. "Maybe Cygnus? For a boy. Or... Andromeda? For a girl?"

(Hope you enjoyed this!! My ask box is still open, so feel free to ask or send anything!!~)

[woso-dreamzzz]

If Music Be The Food Of Love

Laia Aleixandri x Reader

Summary: Leila can't quite believe that Laia's bringing her to see the orchestra

"Since when were you into music?"

"I've always been into music."

Leila gave her a deadpan stare, one perfect brow raised. "Not classical music. You told me when you moved in that classical music was the bane of your existence and if you found out whoever played it in the locker room, you would come down upon them with a vengeance."

Laia had forgotten that but she awkwardly clear her throat, trying to brush the comment away. "Things can change," She said," Maybe I've matured."

"Matured? Ha!" Leila replied," Sure, and pigs can fly."

"Look, if you don't want to be here then fine! Leave!"

"Whoa, whoa!" Leila held her hands up in defeat. "I never meant that. Thank you for the tickets, really. I was just questioning your newfound love for the orchestra. Sorry if I hit a nerve or something."

Laia ignored her friend as they filed into the auditorium, finding their seats in the box. "Hi," She greeted the other people in the box with familiarity as she took her seat, dragging Leila with her," Hello. It's good to see you."

"Who is your friend, Laia?" A much older woman asked, hands wrapped tightly around the walking stick between her legs.

"This is Leila, we play together. For club and country," Laia said, indicating to Leila who looked incredibly confused as to just how many times Laia, the self-proclaimed classical music hater, had been to see this orchestra.

"A different type of playing than this," The old woman joked.

"Very different to this," Laia agreed.

A hush descended upon the audience as the curtain rose and revealed the orchestra, a group of smartly dressed individuals in all black.

Instantly, Laia's eyes sought you out. She had no problem finding you. She never had a problem finding you - even though you sat closest to the audience in the first chair to the conductor's left. She was drawn to you no matter where you were and could find you in a crowd without a second thought.

Your face was a mask of professionalism but, when your eyes glanced to the box, the barest hint of a smile poked at the corner of your lips.

"Don't tell me that's why we've come," Leila hissed in her ear," Because you've got the hots for a violin girl."

Laia didn't get time to respond (not that she would, lost to the world staring into your eyes despite the distance between you) because the conductor cleared his throat, hand up to begin the concert.

Music of angelic quality filled the room but Laia didn't turn her gaze from you. Your eyes were slightly closed as you counted your beats and rests. Your violin was a snug fit under your chin and your bow moved over your strings with such experience and skill that it was obvious why you were the concertmaster.

Laia didn't stop watching you even when there was a flute solo. You caught her eye several times but mainly stayed focused on your conductor. But, every so often, your head would tilt the slightest bit to the side, towards the box that Laia was sitting in.

Your eyes would meet for a moment and you would instantly be transported back to when you first met her, in a hole in the wall café that served the best coffee in the city.

She had asked to sit at your table as everywhere else was full. You would later learn that it was just an excuse so she could finally pluck up the courage to speak to you.

You welcomed her into your booth and got to talking, about her football matches and your orchestra concerts. She confessed her hatred for all things classical and you invited her round to your place to listen to good classical music - because only people who heard bad classical music ever swore off the genre entirely.

Things had blossomed easily from there and soon she was sat in the family box with your fellow musicians' families, listening to you play with a soft smile and warm arms to welcome you at the end.

You adjusted your positioning as the introduction to your solo began to build. The music swelled before, one by one each of your fellow string sections dropped off. Your first violins accompanied you into the first few notes before stilling, letting you take the lead - your shining moment of the song.

You kept your eyes on Laia as you played, not really needing the conductor when you had played this particular solo many times to perfection.

It was actually the first solo you had ever played in Laia's company when she had demanded to hear your excellence on your third date, curled up in your apartment after a warm meal.

●～●～●～●～

"Are we allowed to be here?" Leila asked in a hushed voice even as she took a flute of champagne from the waiter offering it to her.

"For the last time, yes," Laia said back, sipping her own champagne. It wasn't her alcohol of choice but your events tended to be fancy like this so she had gained an appreciation for it.

Leila let out a breath as she surveyed the room where the afterparty was taking place. "You never told me how much I owe you for the tickets. I mean, a box Laia? How much did this cost?"

"Nothing." Laia was only half paying attention, eyes focussed on each of the doors, trying to guess which one you were going to walk through. "They were free."

"Free?" Leila's voice was steeped in incredulousness. "Have you been donating to the orchestra or something? Those seats were fancy."

"Not quite."

You stepped through the door on her left. Your face held a single-minded purpose as you walked across the room. You took a glass of champagne on instinct, not bothering to look at the waiter as you joined Laia and Leila.

"Hi," You said.

"Hi," Laia said back.

"Hi," You said again.

"Hello."

You broke your gaze from Laia and turned it to her companion. You smiled. "You must be Leila, it's so good to meet you. I'm y/n." You held out your hand.

She took it and nodded knowingly. "Violin girl."

You giggled, taking a sip of champagne. "That's not a name I'm quite accustomed to. Usually, it's just the concertmaster."

Leila grinned. "I'll pretend that I know what that means."

"It means that she's second in command," Laia said quickly. She placed her champagne flute off to the side and wrapped an arm securely around your waist. "I'm very proud."

"I'm glad you could come," You said to Leila sincerely," It's nice to finally meet one of Laia's friends."

Leila looked between the two of you suspiciously, taking in Laia's arm and the way you leaned into her grip, practically laying your head on her shoulder.

"I take it I have you to thank for the box tickets."

Your cheeks coloured. "I get up to four free box tickets for every performance. I told Laia she could bring whoever she wanted."

"And is Laia a constant audience member for you?"

"Always." You pressed a kiss against her cheek. "Laia's been coming to shows ever since I made her fall in love with classical music again."

"Laia? Into classical music?" Leila laughed," You must be some persuader."

"I like to think it was my kisses that really sealed the deal."

Leila roared with laughter but Laia didn't care.

She dipped her head down to meet your lips. You tasted exactly like usual, a mix of fancy champagne and the chewing gum you always used before a performance.

You kissed her back just as sweetly.

"So," Leila said, wiggling her eyebrows," I'm getting the sense here that you two are an item."

"What gave it away? The kissing?" You asked.

Leila shrugged and Laia already knew she was going to regret introducing her friend to you. "And the eye fucking every time she looked at you on stage."

[watchtowerindistress]

for the love of ... bob? - jake seresin x reader (1/2)

Summary: Being Jake's (best) friend - sorry, Javy - proved to have its ups and downs but there was something about having him in your corner you couldn't resist. Jake and you just clicked on a deeper level. That's why you didn't get it when the Southern boy was acting so weird.-

Word count: 3.6k

Warnings: Language, Jake being an idiot (what else is new?), Jealous! + Soft!Jake, fluff

Author’s note: Just something fun I wanted to write. I kinda hate myself for not writing for Bradley first, since I love the guy. You know, Jake's fics I love to read, yet I couldn't stand him while watching Maverick. Go figure.

I haven't watched the film enough to distinguish the traits of the characters, so I can't guarantee for accuracy for the side characters. I can only include a handful of people - that's why I don't have people like Reuben in there since their character traits aren't included in the fandom page.

Tagging: @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14 @blackmagicwoman @silenthappyplace @mrsevans90 @dempy @yourgirlypop (blank blogs can't be tagged)

Read me on AO3 | Series masterlist

“So, tell us all the details. Preferably, the humiliating kind,” Natasha asked with a curious air.

You smiled. “What about?”

“Hangman, of course.”

The Dagger Squad was the perfect company to be around, you decided. Jake, your childhood best friend, who you haven’t seen in years, offered The Hard Deck as the place for you to wait until he arrived. Video calls didn’t hold up to the real thing. Especially, with you two being very busy people and you finally getting out of New York to spend some quality time together.

“I need to get the embarrassing goods, at least before Hangman shows up. I mean, we have the perfect person to interrogate. In the rare instances, when he talks about something other than himself, Hangman keeps mentioning you,” she mused.

“Nat-” Bob interjected, who was sitting next to her in a booth while the rest of their squad were scattered in the bar.

Natasha turned her head. “Aren’t you a little bit curious about the depraved mind of Jake Seresin?”

“Not really.”

You snorted at their torn convictions when Mickey and Javy arrived at their table with bottles of beer.

“What did we miss?” Javy asked.

Natasha’s stubborn gaze didn’t stray from yours for many seconds. “I’m trying to crack Y/N.” Her eyes met Javy’s over her shoulder. “Tell Rooster he needs to stall him until I get to the good bits.”

You looked around speculatively. “Is this some sort of initiation or baptism by fire Jake should’ve warned me about?”

Javy offered a small reprieve. “Don’t mind her. She just wants to pick your brain. How long are you going to stay?”

“About a week. Enough time for Jake to show me around San Diego.”

Mickey took a gulp from his drink. “Good luck with that.”

Warm breath against your neck sent shivers down your spine when someone whispered into your ear, “Did I just hear my name?”

Your body jolted at hearing the unexpected voice. “Oh my God.” You turned and found a cheeky Jake standing behind you. “You little f- Don’t startle me like that!” Clambering out of the booth, you jumped into his arms, while giggling from the shock. “Hey, you,” you said, holding on tightly.

“Hey, yourself. Someone’s gotta keep you on your toes, darlin’.”

“You’re such a jerk,” you whispered into his neck.

Jake swayed you lightly. “You love when I’m a jerk.”

Leaning back, you pressed your fingers an inch apart. “Just a tad.” You hesitated. “Like about 10%.”

Jake rolled his eyes. “Oh please. Talk about 75%. It’s part of my charm,” he murmured, stroking your lower back.

“Is this what you tell everyone here?” You teased, pointing to his colleagues behind you.

Javy’s scoff was joined by the others.

You looked back to see their reactions. “You know, I’m starting to really like your group of friends.” While turning back, you narrowed your eyes when you saw Jake glowering at the Dagger Squad before his expression turned into an innocent one.

“I’m starting to question your taste in people,” he said.

Someone snickered next to him. “That’s funny, … Hangman.”

Realizing that another person joined their company, you turned towards the man who looked vaguely familiar from the pictures Jake had sent you. Not to mention, you remembered Natasha’s remark from earlier that Jake would show up with someone else.

“Rooster, right?” You stepped away from Jake’s embrace and shook Bradley’s hand in greeting. Jake merely sighed and crossed his arms.

“Bradley’s fine.” He faced the rest of the group. “By the way, am I the only one that felt really awkward just standing here, watching those two?”

Mumbles echoed all around. “No, you’re not.” Still slightly by the display of the too-long-hug.

A sigh left Jake, who placed an arm around your shoulder. “Don’t listen to the others. And the words of the chicken shouldn’t be trusted. I hope those knuckleheads treated you right.”

You shrugged. “It was fun. I was this close to reveal your darkest secrets for a slice of a good ol’ fashioned apple pie made by … Phoenix, was it?”

“There’ll be no revealing. And no pie,” Jake interjected before pointing at Natasha. “You’ve already been in the company of Phoenix and the goon squad for less than an hour and Nat already found out your weakness for sweets,” he whispered against your neck. “At least you didn’t have to be subjected to the likes of Rooster here.” A shiver coursed through his body. “I shudder at the thought of you having to listen to him at first. He’ll probably want to talk about his caterpillar of a moustache.”

A languid smirk drew on Bradley’s lips as he stroked his mentioned facial hair. “Very funny. You jealous?”

You tilted your head at their teasing. “You have some weird fixation on Bradley’s facial hair. Didn’t you talk on the phone about-”

Abruptly, Jake took you by the hand and dragged you to the bar counter. “Let’s get some food into you. Your blood sugar’s getting awfully low. Someone’s getting tired already.”

“You’re being such a grump, Jake.”

Jake leaned against the counter. “I’m not. I’m just making sure you’re getting some nachos into you, darlin’.”

“You need to be nicer. We both know you’re more of a sweetheart than this.”

He rolled his eyes. “I have a reputation to uphold. And don’t let yourself be bribed by the others.” Jake turned to Penny. “A basket of nachos for this one, Penny?” You rolled your eyes at seeing Jake point at the top of your head.

There was something about Penny’s playful glance that warmed you upon first meeting. The woman nudged her head at Jake. “Be careful with this one.”

With mischief in your eyes, you stole a glance at him. “I know. This one … has been trouble for as long as I can remember.”

“Hey!” Jake uttered in mock outrage before he did introductions. “Penny, that’s Y/N. She’s my friend,” he said, placing his hand on your back.

“And here I thought I was your best friend.”

Jake hushed any further confessions, whispering, “But don’t tell Javy.”

You turned to Penny with a smile. “See? He’s such a big softie.”

Penny smirked. “I’m starting to. Where are you from?”

“Moved around a lot as a kid. Dad’s an Air Force pilot.” You waved towards him. “We grew up together in Texas. But I live in New York.”

Penny’s eyes lit up at the mention. “I’ll get you some cheese dip.”

“Thanks.”

Jake watched Penny wander off with a speculative gaze. “Someone’s making friends quickly.”

“It’s okay. I’ll teach you my ways,” you said only half-teasingly and stroked Jake’s arm. Your hand lingered on his muscles. Wait, were they flexing? “Woah, what happened to your arm, dude?”

Jake’s voice turned concerned. “Why? What’s wrong?”

There was something akin to awe in your voice. “Your bicep feels like it’s going to rip through your shirt.”

His shoulders were shaking when he chuckled. There was something about Jake turning his head to hide his blushing cheeks that stunned you even to this day. “You’re such a smartass.”

“I’m serious. Someone’s really working out, huh?” You mumbled to yourself, “This could make a girl feel weak in the knees.”

“Okay, you need food,” Jake said with a resolute mindset, before calling over your shoulder, “Thanks, Penny.”

He pushed the basket towards your elbow. “Get some chips into you.” Jake just watched you munch on your crispy snack. “Speaking of food, you want to join me and the group to some Barbecue this weekend?”

You barely lifted your head. “Barbecue? Special occasion?”

“Rooster’s uncle Maverick is celebrating his birthday-”

“Woah, hold your horses, Jake.”

You raised your hands. Either to stop Jake from continuing or to restart your own brain. “Come again? Maverick?” Your hands hovered over your mouth, as you mumbled, “You’re inviting me to Maverick’s birthday barbecue party? I don’t feel prepared for this.”

Jake groaned. “Oh great, I forgot your dad is such a Maverick fanboy. Of course.” He closed his eyes in a mixture of misery and defeat.

“Jake,” you breathed in deeply and covered his shoulders with your hands, mindful of not dropping nacho dust on his shirt. “Jake,” you began again, “I’ve never told you this, but this is the first time when I realized how absolutely invaluable you are to me as a best friend.”

“I’m seriously regretting telling you this.”

You nibbled on your lip. “I think I scared Jake off with my … how do I say it … domineering admiration for Maverick. I’m getting the feeling he’s embarrassed of me. You have no idea how quickly he dashed the moment we arrived here.”

Natasha appeared nonchalant at your worries while she took a bite from her noodle salad on her paper plate. “Not possible. I’ve only met you yesterday and can affirm that man couldn’t be closer to you. Hangman was probably held up by something. Or he’s just elevating his testosterone level with Rooster again. You met the birthday kid already?”

“Nope.” At the mention, your hands tightened around the food container.

A soothing smile tugged on Natasha’s lips. “Deep breaths. You can’t miss him.” She pointed outside to the backyard. “He’s the guy at the grill, in the sunglasses and Hawaiian shirt. If he has a mustache, you’ve gone too far.”

“Got it.” You exhaled quietly and reminded yourself under your breath, “No mustache, Hawaiian shirt.”

“You’ll survive, don’t worry.” Natasha looked behind her. “Rooster, take her with you. She wants to meet the birthday man in question.”

“Sure.” Bradley stepped forward and offered his arm.

Your body acted on pure instinct.

“Holding my hand, alright, that’s fine.”

You only mouthed in gratitude, “Thank you.”

They walked a few steps onto the lawn when Bradley looked around. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

“Nat told me he was probably wrestling in the mud with you to assert his dominance.” You cleared your throat when you realized something. “And not my boyfriend.”

“Whatever you say. Just making sure where you two stand if he sees us standing together, holding hands.”

“Jake Seresin is not my dad,” you said absentmindedly when a dark-haired man caught your eye. Your throat felt dry. “Is that him?”

“As everyone keeps telling me.” Bradley approached the man standing behind the grill. “I found someone who wants to send their birthday wishes, Mav.”

Maverick revealed a crooked smirk. “Is that so?” You could feel his curious gaze through his sunglasses. “You’re a new face.”

“Um, yeah. I’m Jake’s friend.”

“Hangman has friends?”

“I know it’s a first for everybody,” you admitted. Knowing that Bradley and Jake were at least on speaking terms, and with Jake inviting you to Maverick’s barbecue party, you elaborated, “He needs some time to let people get close.”

Bradley gasped. “You don’t say.”

You focused on Maverick. “A few days ago, Jake invited me to your birthday. Hope that’s okay. I brought you peach cobbler as a present.”

At the mention, Bradley’s head whipped around. “Jesus, why didn’t you just go with that?”

Maverick moved his glasses until they laid atop his head and his eyes were uncovered. “You had me at cobbler.” He rubbed his hands against his jeans. “Bradley, you mind taking over the grill for a bit?”

“Fine. Get me a beer along the way?”

“Sure.” Maverick faced you again when he led you towards the table filled with food. “I didn’t catch your name?”

Just being in Maverick’s company felt surreal. You tried to restrain yourself from appearing too much like a crazy person.

“Um, Y/N … L/N. You’re Maverick?” Nervously, you stroked a curl of hair behind your ear. Even saying that name while standing right in front of him felt out of this world.

“Pete’s just fine.” His expression turned inquisitive. “Did Hangman tell you stories or did I miss something?”

You swallowed thickly. “My dad’s a big fan of yours. He’s a pilot in the Air Force. Told me stories ever since I was a kid. Your flight maneuvers have been legendary.”

He smiled at the devotion in your voice. “Still are.” You adored that playful glint in his eyes still shining through.

“Definitely. You probably get this all the time.”

“Want a beer?” After seeing you nod, he gave you a bottle. “Sometimes. Although, that kind of reverie I’m not used to.”

To calm your nerves, you downed some alcohol. “Really? Okay, I’ll try to control myself. However, Iceman’s skills were far-” Your eyes widened at your blabbing mouth before you covered it. “I’m sorry, too much liquid courage.”

Pete—even thinking that name felt strange—released guffaws of laughter at your gaffe. “Hey, it’s still my birthday!”

“I know, I’m sorry. Happy birthday, Ma-Pete.”

~ Jake POV ~

“Hey, Hangboy, I need to have a word with you,” Jake heard Natasha’s hard voice a few feet away from them as he hung out with the boys. Despite that, the concept of strength in numbers didn’t make him feel safe, judging by her vehemence.

He swallowed at the dark glare in Nat’s eyes. “Vernacular?”

Natasha didn’t appreciate the humor and crossed her arms, letting uncomfortable silence fester around them.

Jake pressed his lips together. “Bad timing?”

“Someone ever say you’re a bad friend?”

Without hesitation, he replied dryly, “You. Every morning when I show up to work.”

“I had to send Bradley in Y/N’s direction because she was nervous about meeting Maverick.”

He groaned at the thought, throwing his head back. “Oh, poor Y/N. Being forced onto the company of that dull-stache? Sounds horrible.” Jake checked his surroundings, hoping to pick them up.

There was something about Natasha’s innocent eyes, with murder in her eyes, that unsettled him deeply.

“You make me want to punch you in the gut. And you know I grew up with brothers. I know how to make it look like an accident.”

Jake dropped the drink he was holding on a nearby table. “I have a plan.”

Natasha tilted her head in fascination. “Wow, your brain can actually do that? Could’ve fooled me. What does that even look like?”

He drew nearer at the sound of her challenge. “It’s called giving each other space. Did I miss something or why are you so gung-ho when it comes to Y/N? Do we need to have a talk?”

“Five minutes in her company and I already know how she’s too good for you.”

Something bitter settled in his stomach at the mere mention. As if he didn’t already know. He smiled tensely. “Thanks for the reminder, Phoenix. Do I need to save her from Rooster?”

Natasha waved a hand. “Not to worry. Y/N is having fun with Bob.”

His mind went blank, trying to process her words. Jake pursed his lips, feeling confused. “Wait—w—why—what are you saying? Bob? Bob with the glasses? Or is there another Bob I should know?”

Natasha hummed, analyzing his reaction. She chose to unnerve him further by chuckling maniacally. “Cake stand. Have fun.” And with that she left.

Jake whipped his head around and narrowed his eyes. The food area instantly caught his eye. Y/N stood with Bob and was laughing uproariously. It felt X-Files-strange to watch that anomaly. Y/N arched her back and patted Bob’s shoulder, with a plate of cake slice in her hand.

Feeling perturbed by the macabre reality, Jake imagined Y/N being into Bob of all people. He frowned at that scenario, whispering, “Bob?”

~ Y/N POV ~

You held your stomach. Your cheeks were hurting from uncontrollable laughter, as you were trying to breathe. “Oh my God, Bob, that’s so-”

Jake inched closer with a small smile on his face. “What’s so funny?” He draped his arm over Y/N’s shoulder and reached for her dessert plate, either so she wouldn’t drop it or to have a taste himself. Without looking at him, you placed it into his hands.

You took a deep breath to calm yourself. “Why didn’t you tell me that Bob is so funny?”

Jake swallowed before coughing. “You learn something new every day. Still waters, huh?”

Bob smiled awkwardly.

Upon seeing his reaction, you spoke up, “I always hated that saying. Bob’s an absolute sweetheart.” To reinforce your point to him, you rubbed Bob’s shoulder.

Bob adjusted his glasses while blushing. “I try my best, ma’am.”

“Bob!” You chuckled in mock outrage, swatting lightly against his chest.

He nodded with a small smile. “Yes, Y/N, affirmative.”

“We’re getting to know each other. I just found out that Bob’s from Montana and his momma used to be a Grizzlies mascot. Personally, I’m more of a Saints girl, but to each their own.”

Jake groaned, with his mouth full. “I’m eating here,” he muttered indignantly. Jake swallowed his food. “What did I ever do to you? The last time we did this, we had the Cowboys/Saints-gate.”

You leaned your head back against Jake’s chest, patting his cheek consolingly. “He’s such a big baby.”

Bob pressed his lips together. “Uh, I think I hear my name. I need to say hello to Maverick real quick.”

You reached out with your arm. “Oh, do put your feelers out if the birthday guy is still fine with me after I was blabbing my mouth about g-loc and Iceman’s record stats.”

“He’s probably fine.”

“But still!” You called out against his back as he left.

It was turning out to be a quiet evening, you realized, rubbing your feet.

Jake stepped into the living room, drying his moist hair with a towel. He leaned his shoulder against the doorway, watching you. “Would you look at that.”

You were transfixed on the film playing on Jake’s TV while you snuggled deeper under the towel on the couch. “What’s up?”

Jake decided to join you on the couch and put your feet on his lap. He spread his legs comfortably. Unconsciously, warming your heels. “You know, feels like old times. You sitting on my couch, taking all the blankets.”

You covered your eyes, with a groan, and leaned your head back. “You make me sound like a mooch. I offered to go to a hotel.”

“Hey, that’s not what I meant.” Jake chuckled. You felt the warmth of his hand when he reached for yours. Before you could blink, Jake stared deeply into your eyes and interlaced your fingers together. With a smile, he whispered, “I missed this. Feels like old times.”

With blushing cheeks, you felt your skin tingling at sitting so close to him. It was moments like these that made you question the nature of your friendship. You swallowed at seeing Jake’s sage-green eyes sparkle. His soft smile was making it hard to breathe.

You whispered, “Me too.”

“You know what else I miss? And what I can’t stop thinking about?”

You swallowed thickly, licking your lips. Feeling uncertain by his thought process, you slowly asked, “Which is what?”

Jake inched closer. “How I used to do this.” He tilted his head, rubbing his wet hair into the crook of your neck.

“You jerk!” You giggled from his attack. It made him seem more like a dog than a human when he was content in brushing his wet hair against your skin.

He grumbled lowly, as his warm breath puffed against your skin. “But this feels really nice. I could stay like this forever,” he said with a hum.

Your phone emitted a notification sound. “You’re an idiot.” Slapping against his forehead to push him away, deep chuckles followed you while your focus switched to your phone.

“You hungry? I could whip up some chicken teriyaki for us? I think I got some sauce in the cabinet. I know how much you love your teriyaki.” He groaned while standing up.

Giggles left your mouth when you read the incoming messages.

Jake turned his head. “Your girlfriends miss you already?”

You bit your lip. “No, it’s Bob just being sweet.”

Blinking slowly, Jake tried to process the words you just uttered. He cleared his throat. Jake’s voice turned slightly high-pitched. “Come again?” He coughed, placing his hands on his waist. “Are we talking about the same Bob? Bob Bob?”

You hummed in agreement without looking up.

He mumbled, “Didn’t know you guys already exchanged numbers. That’s quick, … right?”

With a curious gaze, you looked up. “What do you mean?”

Jake paused. “What do you mean?” He licked his lips, backtracking a bit. “With, you know, Bob … being a total sweetheart.”

You smiled fondly at the memory of the barbecue. “Well, he is. I really loved talking to him.”

With grumbling breaths, Jake puffed his chest. “Really?”

You shrugged your shoulders. “Yep, it was fun.”

“As you keep mentioning,” Jake murmured.

“I did some thinking,” you spoke, “and I was wondering, how would you feel about doing karaoke night with your squad?”

At first, Jake had a look of appreciation which took a turn to disappointment. “But karaoke night is our thing,” he said, pointing between them.

“I know, but this could be like a bonding thing. You’d get to know them, I’d get to know them and we could have fun together. Win-win!”

He sighed deeply, letting his shoulders drop. “You’re far too invested in this.”

“I don’t want them to remember me as the friend who didn’t want to bother with them.”

Jake’s voice turned into a soothing murmur. “They wouldn’t dare think that.”

With a whisper, you enunciated, “Not if we do karaoke night. It’s going to be fun, I promise.”

[moirindeclermont]

Today's episode, "All Polin First Times We Didn't See " is brought to you by the lovely request of @spaceorphan18 on Tumblr, who asked me for the first time outside England.

The first place they stay for more than a couple of days is Paris, and Colin is practically vibrating with excitement while showing everything he loves about the city. Pen, bless her, matches his enthusiasm, endlessly curious about the place—and the people he met, as well as all his adventures. They arrived just last afternoon, taking the rest of the day and the night to rest. Today was all about exploring, but finally, they were back at the place they were staying.

They eat dinner quietly, but their quiet is of electrical quality. Both were too tired to do anything last night, and they were travelling for several days before their arrival, meaning besides kisses and stolen touches, they haven't been intimate since leaving Mayfair. Adding to that, the walls were thin in this place, so thin they could listen to the remarkable performance of the couple next to them. Their passion evoked shivers down their back.

The servants bring the dessert; by now, Penelope knows how to spur her husband. She eats slowly, looking Colin in the eyes. The spoon she is using gets a lavish treatment that Pen would prefer to reserve for something more alive... but all in good time because she knows that Colin absolutely can not resist the combination of Pen plus food. She closes her eyes and enjoys the decadent taste of the confectionary when she hears a chair, and a moment later, Colin is standing right next to her.

"Are you still hungry, husband?" she asks, hoping he will do what she discovers she loves to do. Colin must be on her same wavelength, as usual, because he takes the spoon out of her hand and presses something else again in her small hand. Yes, exactly what she wanted. "Yes, Colin -- I'm still hungry. Can you help me?" And Colin - her sweet husband, bites back a moan at her words and then actually moans when he sees her moving around, fumbling with his pants.

It takes a moment to free him, but then she has him in her hands. "I fear I might be growing addicted to your taste, husband," she says before taking the tip in her mouth. She isn't lying. She has felt addicted since the first time they did this, and now they are in Paris, and she seems she cannot stay a couple of days without him inside her mouth - and her centre as well.

While she pleasures Colin, her other hand goes to herself, taking some time on her breasts and her core. She doesn't want to wait. Pen thanks whatever deity she can remember. She forgoes a stay tonight, meaning she can lower her neckline to reveal her breasts, knowing Colin would not miss the chance to tease her. As on cue, Colin whispers a "bloody brilliant Pen" before touching her.

She takes her mouth away from him, looking at him from her position. "Would you like to take me to this table, Colin?" He doesn't even answer. He helps her get to her feet, lifts her skirt, and makes her sit on the table's edge—a moment after he is inside her, finally. "Be loud, Pen," he says as he moves. She knows he has entered them in a competition to be the loudest against their neighbours.

She should scold him, but she doesn't care, not when he is giving her exactly what she wants. She feels carefree as he pushes inside her, and she follows him with her hips. She is loud. Louder than she ever was back at home, but something about this moment compels her to give it all to him. "Fuck, Pen", almost shouts Colin when she squeezes him with her core, something they discover makes him go feral.

It's a matter of minutes, and then Colin comes on her stomach. She spurs him on by taking a finger and tasting his release. "Why don't you take your dessert?" she says after sucking the finger in her mouth, and Colin is practically drooling at this point, going on his knees and touching her with his finger and mouth until she is coming once, then twice. Then, he smiles and crooks his fingers inside her, making her gush out. Colin loves making her release like that.

The place is now dead silent; only their breaths fill the space. Colin claims they won the competition, smirking. "And this is nothing," he says, a bit drunk on her. He lifts her and brings her to their bedroom, disrobing both. "Colin, I think I want to go to that place you mentioned... the one dedicating to those parties you mentioned in your journal," and he looks at her, stunned. "Really?" Pen nods, shy.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow, what do you say?" She smiles, and they both get under the covers. Pen caresses his chest for a few moments before falling asleep. He quickly follows her while thinking about what she said.

(Part 2 tomorrow)

[lady-boketto]

Gaming Headcanons (Call of Duty)

A/n: This is not canon at all and I thought it would be fun to think about what kind of games and gamer the CoD men would be

Price:

Price does not have a lot of gaming experience but he likes to be included in game nights

He's the one who rages the most when he is playing games (but it's mostly when he is playing multiplayer games)

Price prefers board games rather than digital ones (likes the atmosphere that is created when gathering around the table with close friends to sit down and have some fun it)

Don't ever ask him to play poker because he can and will kick your ass (unless you are a poker legend or you manage to cheat without him noticing)

He has his own personal chess board to play with (it's a nice quality wooden one that's not too big so that he can bring it with him to pass time when he doesn't have access to the internet)

Gaz:

A true master of gaming, like there's no game out there that this man won't be good at

Also kind of a sore loser when someone finally manages to beat him, Gaz kind of lets out this big sigh and crosses his arms over his chest while looking off into the corner but he doesn't stay this way for long, it more of a 'in the moment' situation (Gaz is more frustrated that he wasn't good enough to win this round but knows there will be other chances)

Gaz equally enjoys playing digital games as much as he does when he plays a board game (his favorite board game to play is monopoly, since he can get very strategic while he plays and is very easily annoyed when he's sitting in monopoly jail)

Soap:

Johnny is the person who tries to tell stories over the mic only to realize that he's been on mute for the past ten minutes (the rest of the group was wondering why he was so quiet all of the sudden)

He also has a Nintendo switch ( He has a Nintendo lite in the color blue) but he loves playing Mario Kart or any of the Mario Parties and loves it when you get frustrated when he steals first place or star from you (he gives his famous laugh and pecks your cheek while telling you how much he loves you while committing the vile act)

Trolls/griefs a ton. He thinks it's funny when other players scream curse words at him and never misses an opportunity to provoke them even further. (he laughs his ass off when they rage quit or if he has to read their attempt to argue back at him in the game chat)

He actually likes spending multiple hours on a game. Grinding to get the best stuff just so he can brag about it the next day.

Soap also does occasionally broadcast his game play with others (because he likes to look back on the memories when he feeling alone or that he just needs something to cheer his mood up a little)

Ghost:

Ghost is the type of person who would say they only play multiplayer games but likes to secretly play the cozy single player games like animal crossing and Stardew Valley (he rant to you about how unfair Isabella is when rating his island a mere 3 stars or how he often forgets to go back to his house before 2 am because he was too focused on the monsters and loot in the mines.)

Even though he doesn’t mind online multiplayer games to play with the rest of squad 141, he also doesn’t mind to play co-op games with you (his favorites to play are it takes two or playing some version of call of duty zombies on a split screen, he takes pride in protecting you in co-op games or he shyly admits a thank you when you revive him)

He just likes strategic games in general, you will find him often playing chess with Price ( when you watch them play, they always take the longest time possible to make their move, it seems like they both go through every possible move until they find the best position to move forward but the game is always interrupted by something that needs one or the other’s attention)

[yan-randomfandom]

Hello! We loved what you did with our dev ask. Wanted to know if you would do Yan! Irep headcanons? I'm a little surprised that Dale got a request before irep.

💘ficto anon

Yandere!Irep x GN!Human!Reader

warnings: hickey or biting mentions!!

just realized how right you are about Dale having a yandere request before Irep,,, woah— half bullet & half drabble!! lil square man

I feel like he'd easily get attached to you on the first day. If you somehow check all the boxes that catch his attention, at least.

For example, buying him ice cream. Surprisingly, it's simple enough to get him to stay with you.

When he heard you say it was your treat, the first thing he thought of was karma. He had done something good for you, and now you were returning the favor. This type of positive thing never happens to him.

Even if he didn't like sweets, he wanted to know what would happen if you bought him ice cream. A simple action, but to him, it felt like you were making up for years of his social interactions.

He's an anti-fairy. His species is feared and avoided. Irep doesn't have many friends, really—he's the second fairy born in a thousand years.

His family, while they love each other dearly, often don't have as much quality time as the originals. They're probably too caught up in their evil schemes.

Having said that, he'd nonchalantly reveal that he's a fairy to you the second you take his heart.

You're so kind to him. It's new. It's nice. Even his parents don't offer this much kindness.

So, if you think Peri is deprived, imagine how much more deprived this guy is.

Irep loves praise. Call him handsome. Call him stylish. Call him better than Peri—he's folded.

He would do anything for you. Literally. Da Rules can't stop him. A stranger is talking to you without acknowledging him? Woah. Where'd they go?

Clingy to a fault. Irep would show you off to the world; he has no shame.

His parents are confused about why he's mingling with a human, but they're supportive nonetheless.

Loves to tease you. It's the most evil thing he can do to you (in plain sight).

Much like Peri, he'd love cuddles. It's a funny thought, but he'd often rest his flat head on your chest or lap. At least he's comfortable.

With fangs like his, he might playfully bite you. He'd love nothing more than to give you hickeys, but he would never leave marks on your skin—unless you ask nicely.

While he's certainly confident, filled with his ego, sometimes there's an inkling of doubt in the pit of his stomach. He's still an anti-fairy, and he would hate to see you go.

This is where his manipulative side can come into play. He’ll make sure you see him at his most vulnerable, making you feel guilty enough to avoid even considering leaving him.

He may be a bit rough around the edges, but Irep can genuinely be good support. After all, that's all he ever wanted: to be useful and to have something for himself.

Irep was disguised as a human. This was the closest he could get to Dev and Peri without getting caught.

The duo were currently inside an ice cream parlor, with Hazel as their company. Irep squinted his eyes. Oh, wait, his reverse parents were there too. Of course they were, being Hazel's godparents and all.

A sneaky smile crept across his face. He had an evil plan brewing in his mind, but first, a loophole must be discovered. Maybe they'll fight right there and then, allowing Irep to reach Dev again.

So, all he has to do is... wait.

Wait.

...Until Dev or Peri decide to separate.

It didn't seem like it was going to happen anytime soon. They were happily chatting, smiles on their faces. Hazel offered a spoonful of ice cream to Dev, who grumpily accepted anyway.

...

Finger after finger, impatient tapping fell on the table. Has it always taken this long? Man, it feels like he's wasting his eternal life just... stalking them.

In fact... He's been having this weird emotion for some time. Irep unknowingly goes deeper into a space of his mind. Has defeating Peri always been his goal in life? Well, obviously. He won't ever deny that. But is that all there is?

Anti-fairies are despised as villains, bringing bad luck and destruction, yet still, there is a delicate balance. Something, something... Ugh... It's such a hassle to think about. Maybe all the time he spent stalking and brooding alone finally got to him.

Still, isn't there anything else he can do?

Hazel and Dev eventually stood up and began to leave the parlor. It was time for Irep to follow them again, as usual.

The anti-fairy stood up and trailed behind them, his hands shoved into his pockets. Huffing, he couldn't push back the restless thoughts.

"Shoot—!"

Someone suddenly bumped into Irep, but with his quick reflexes, he caught the person before they fell to the ground.

He stared at you with widened eyes.

"I'm so," you fretted, hastily adjusting your position. With a crooked smile, you sheepishly patted his clothes to straighten them. "Sorry! Thanks for catching me."

Irep didn't know how to talk to a human. He had only ever dealt with them when necessary, and in those times they usually catch him in the worst mood possible.

Perhaps this was one of those times.

"No matter. It's fine, fellow human," he remarked, adjusting his sleeves. By now, his future godkid and Peri were already at the terminal.

"Um, okay... I can buy you ice cream if you'd like," you smiled. "As an apology. Oh, wait, unless you've already bought one!"

"Ah. I don't like sweets. I have to go— Wait, did you say it's your treat?"

[peachjagiya]

How Layover taught me self confidence

Or Why Biasing Kim Taehyung is good for your mental wellbeing

-----------

So I'm not even a year into being into BTS. I'm toddler army, I think since April? This video of the Sirius performance of Butter came up on my tiktok randomly and I Just Wanted To Know Their Names and now I'm here.

I didn't immediately bias Tae. I actually attached immediately to Jimin. I also thought Suga was grumpy and there was something going on between Jimin and JK cos I watched the official content and fell for the narrative 😇 (I wouldn't say I'm a former jikooker though. It lasted like a week then I got weird vibes from it 🤷)

I'm really into jazz and swing so Tae wrecked my bias with Le Jazz De V.

Then it really got serious with Layover. Specifically these pictures:

See this outfit rewired my brain.

Here's the thing: I'm a big girl and I've been uncomfortable in my skin and clothes for a long time. I'm also gay and that comes with a lot of style related baggage too. Don't dress too masculine, everyone will think you're a man-hating lesbian. You're wearing a dress, you don't SEEM gay.

It made me hate my style. Trying to dress to hide my figure but not look too baggy. Trying to be feminine but not too feminine, trying not to wear anything too masc, trying to be stylish, trying a lot of things that never worked for me. I have no gender dysphoria but I never felt happy in my clothes.

Then I saw a literal idol wearing baggy jeans and tee and looking so stylish with it and a switch flipped. Maybe a slender South Korean man isn't where I'd imagine finding inspiration as a British bisexualish plus size lesbian but I suddenly felt like a style was accessible to me. The jewellery, the effortless slouch... I tried it out and it sounds dramatic but it was like a fashion euphoria. I liked how I looked for maybe the first time ever. My tummy hidden but I still looked good and like I'd made an effort.

His queer coding is so important to me too. It doesn't matter to me what he turns out to be. His promotion of queer artists, films and music, genderless expression and demonstrated support for queer community, will always be important in helping me feel seen and valued regardless of whether his participation is as a queer man or as an ally.

And he has made me more accepting of my own neurodivergence. I'm a mum to a six year old. I do the school run and cook and pay my mortgage with my boring communications job and I'm really into BTS. It's a bit of an eyebrow raise for a lot of people. I'm not into diagnosing strangers but Tae's relentless ability to be himself, no matter how weird the rest of the world thinks he is, and being a hugely popular idol when the world tells you you can't be a bit of a free-thinker and successful at the same time... That's important!

So yeah. The other guys have qualities that comfort me too but Taehyung has had a profound impact on things that needed fixing in my brain.

And that's why he's my best guy THE END ask me anything I'll talk about Taehyung for hours.

(I'm sorry I ever thought you were just a grump, Yoongi.)

Are these dungarees/overalls backwards btw?

[he-goes-down]

There Was A Time:

previous chapters/warnings

6. You Ain’t The First

Second person POV:

That Friday the band had a gig. You did the usual; help the boys tease their hair, this was the only time you could be near Izzy or touch him, you helped Slash with his eyeliner and Axl's eyeshadow. They went on stage you watched them from a secret balcony opposite the stage, where all the lights and other technical controls were. You watched Steven's hair bounce as he played the drums, and it was even more hypnotising with his teased hair. You watched him for the beginning of the gig, it soon trailed over to Axl. You knew it was bad that you had feelings for him, even worse that you kissed him. You're his manager, you couldn't be with him, just like nothing could happen between you and Duff. But my god he is so addictive to look at. His teased hair made him look like a lion, and the way he moved his hips when he sang made all the girls, the boys and yourself go absolutely wild. You did however look away from him when it was Slash's solo. Duff and Izzy were looking at you while he shredded, you didn't notice of course as you were in awe at his talent and his man boobs. Duff was jealous, but he wasn't hateful, he knew Slash was amazing at going nuts on the guitar, he stared too sometimes. Izzy however, no one knew what he was thinking. Murder? Maybe. Toe hair? I don't know. Unicorns shitting glitter? Sure! He was so hard to read, he was a complete mystery.

The rest of the show went well. Axl didn't jump on anyone or even shout at them. When they ended you waited for them in the changing room. All the guys were first in, but Axl was slightly delayed, but soon he stepped over the dressing rooms threshold. "Guys, I have someone that I want you to meet." Axl said with a smile. It was quite unusual to see him this chirpy after a show, he would normally be ranting with the small nit-picky stuff of the not-so-good quality equipment. A stunning girl with long curly hair and the most beautiful blue eyes walked in behind him and then stood next to him. "This is Erin." He spoke. "My girlfriend". Those words hit you like a freight train, your ears started ringing. You felt so betrayed. You felt your heart break under the sheer amount of pain it just felt in that moment. You hated them. No not her. Him. Axl Rose. He played with your heart just like that. Did he think of you like you were some groupie? He couldn't have, your kiss and everything but lust behind it. You had to put. Brave face on to not like you wanted to kill yourself in that moment because, they rest of the band were introducing themselves and you were up next after Izzy. "This is our manager." Axl said as he motioned to you. "Ah! Oh my god you're so pretty! I've heard so much about you!" She said. 'Oh thank god she's a girls girl' You thought in relief.

You guys sat at the booth like normal, this time with Steven and Erin on your sides instead of Axl. Erin was absolutely lovely, you contemplated taking her for yourself and getting back at Axl. Or just taking her for yourself. You we're still heart sore and annoyed at Axl, with every word he spoke your malicious thoughts of getting back at him got worse and worse. Would he even care? He better. "If you weren't in the music business, what would you do?"  Erin asked. You were about to speak but Axl spoke over you. "Some Rocket Science things. That's why we call her our Rocket Queen." He spoke. You coughed a little nearly choking as you remembered one of the stories behind the song Rocket Queen that they haven't even made yet. "That's so cool!" She responded. You smiled at her. "I can speak for myself Axl." You said with malice. "Geez, what's got you so riled up?" he asked as he laughed. You didn't know if he knew what he was doing was getting on your nerves, but he loved doing it. You rolled your eyes. "Stop listening in to our convos babe." She said as she playfully hit him. The pet name hurt you even more, but at least he was getting smacked. "Steven can you sit next to Axl so he can't eavesdrop?" You asked Steven, and he agreed and moved to the other side. You and Erin chatted more, as the guys were talking in their own world, it felt good to have another girl to talk to, you realised just how much more immature boys were. "So... Which one is your favourite?" She asked as she nudged you. "Oh, no no I can't choose," You giggled "Steven definitely. Oh, and maybe Duff as second" You whispered to her. "And the others?" She giggled "Izzy hates me for I don't know what reason. Slash doesn't warn anyone when he's bringing someone over, so I always get to hear the noises he makes." You giggled as you rolled your eyes. "And Axl just getting on my nerves sometimes." You added. "I don't know, I think Izzy has thing for you." She spoke. You stared at her with wide eyes and a 'what the fuck' expression on your face. You nearly burst out laughing. "Seriously! Look, every time he takes a sip of his drink, he looks at you." She whispered. You scoffed lightly at her in disbelief. "Look!" She whisper shouted. Both of you looked at Izzy who sat at the other side of the table. He took his glass, lifted it to his mouth and took a sip, his eyes then glanced to your end of the table. He saw the two of you looking back at him, and he quickly glanced back at the other guys while coughing slightly as he nearly choked on his drink. Your mouth was slightly a gape as you looked back at Erin, and she had the most shit eating grin ever and was about to giggle her ass off just like you were. She snorted then you did, it didn't take long till the two of you were laughing uncontrollably, not being able to breathe soon after. Izzy quickly made his way out of the booth seeing this scene unravel and he went to the bathroom. The rest of the band were looking at you two going mental.

You soon calmed down, but you didn't explain to the rest what happened. Axl looked a little irritated, but you didn't notice as you were having too much fun with Erin. Izzy soon came back also looking irritated but much more than Axl. You two didn't giggle more at him just encase he might go off on you. "But who do you like?" She asked. "Didn't you already ask me this?" You raised an eyebrow. "I mean like. Like, like you know?" She explained. Shit. You couldn't say it. "I can't date any of them. I'm their manager." You told her. "Yeah, but you can still like one of them. It's not illegal." She responded. "Nah, I couldn't." you said. 'Wise words, should have listened to them sooner.' You thought. "Come on! What about the tall one? He's been taking peeks at you too." She said. You blushed a bit, you had an initial crush on him, but you still couldn't pursue it. You looked at Duff who was talking amongst the group, then glanced at Axl who sat next to him. If Axl didn't care about you, then he wouldn't mind you getting closer with Duff. Right?

You all drank some more and talked some more. Izzy starred daggers at you the whole time. You didn't realise as you were talking to Erin and Duff over the table. It was soon time to leave, and you were innocently flirting with Duff as you were walking to the exit. Axl noticed and his intoxicated rage filled eyes glared at the sight of you two, and his anger burned brighter as Duff laid his hand on your shoulder as he sweet talked you and you giggled in response. Erin left to her own apartment as you were halfway home, Axl didn't even seem to acknowledge that. Or even get the slightest bit of excitement when offered going to her place to do some unspeakable business. He just grunted a 'bye' and continued to hang his head with distain as he continued walking. He gets like this when he's off his head drunk, but not when naked women are involved. You got home and everyone went to their respective rooms. You took Duffs hand and leaded him to your shared room, you were drunk and wanted to have fun, and especially get on Axl's nerves. Duff was more than happy to endorse what you were about to do. "Wait. I need to talk to you." Axl said. You rolled your eyes and sighed. You nudged your head at Duff to go to the room. You rested your back on the nearest wall and crossed your arms, as you gave a tired look at Axl. "Mhm?" You started. "What do you think you're getting at?" He accused. "I don't understand." You responded in a sarcastic annoyed tone back at him. "Why are you so angry? You have a girlfriend now. You should be ecstatic!" You waved your hand as you spoke. He huffed slightly, being at a loss for words. "Go on...?" You urged. Nothing. You got up off the wall about to walk to the room. "Just, don't hurt her." You said to him in a lighter serious tone. "Don't go kissing her and then leaving her for another girl the next week." You said as began walking. He did not like that. He started to speak up. "You ain't the fucking first. Just remember that." He shouted down at you. You knew you weren't, but you really wanted to be.

You did get back to the room, tired from the mental drainage that's been this night. Duff was half-way undressed but he was passed out hard on the bed. You sighed in relief as you put the covers over him and tucked yourself into bed next to his.

[chiiyuuvv]

heyy can I request xikers reaction to you being insecure about something in yourself(anything, u name it) thank youu and I love your writing 🤍✨

• PAIRING — xikers x fem!reader

• GENRE — comfort, insecurities, yeah

• WORD COUNT — 695

• AUTHOR'S NOTE — Everything that i have written has been pulled from here so if there was something i didnt name or you'd like to read more about, i highly suggest it :)

• TAGLIST — @lil-elle , @hyunukitty , @cake1box , @mars101 , @nenede , @soul-is-a-strange-kid , @the-lemon-boy , @yuniniverse , @hunchan444 , @s00buwu , @cherrycolaberry

MASTERLIST! – JOIN THE TAGLIST!

"I'm not going to get into that college"

First and foremost, minjae understands the pressure to get into a certain college in order to please your parents. But you wanna know whats more important? Why do you wanna go? Other than pleasing your parents. After a long talk and cuddle, you should come into a better sense of whether or not college is something you want to do. But either way, you should always believe in yourself! ♡

"I don't have many followers"

Junmin's going to take away your phone. Not because you did something bad, but so you can take a break. Go outside, turn on do not disturb and take a walk with your lovely boyfriend. Its a win-win for you, him, and his dogs. A win-win-win, technically ♡

"I don't have a good fashion sense"

As someone who likes to dress a certain way, sumin knows what its like, but he has a tip; dress for you. When you wear things that make you happy, you often forget about the others around you, and their opinions. It also helps you stand out from the crowd. Wear what you like ♡

"I cant do any better"

Grabbing both of your hands, jinsik will give them a tight squeeze in front of the mirror, making you repeat the same mantras every morning. They may feel silly at first, but over time they help you convince yourself that you are worthy of whatever you desire ♡

"I dont have many friends"

First, hyunwoo will talk about the importance of friends. Friends that help you grow to become the better you and give you a good laugh. Friends that would never judge you for their own benefit. That being said, you need to eliminate the ones that dont actually care for you. Worry less about the quantity, and more about the quality. Who cares if you only have 3 friends? As long as youre happy and growing, thats all that matters ♡

"I'm not pretty enough"

Beauty is subjective. You may be insecure about one thing, but junghoon, 9 times out of 10, finds it really stinking cute. But what he feels doesnt matter, what others think doesnt matter. How you think matters!! So stop worrying about other peoples eyes and work on your inner self. If youre happy.. youre at peace, and if youre at peace, you start to smile. And thats very attractive ♡

"I'm not that smart"

"Why dont you think youre smart?" Seeun would ask, his chin resting against his hand. "Why do you want to be smart?" These questions may be dumb but they have meaning. We all have the ability to learn something. After all, life is about experiencing things and growing from it. It all just takes time, so dont stop believing in yourself, 'kay? ♡

"No one will miss me when im gone"

Although you may feel alone and think no one would care, yujun would care. Yujun would always care. But, stop worrying about the future, you know? Live your life in the present with no regrets. Every moment spent worrying is a moment spent not really living. When you obsess over that type of stuff, you are missing out on whats in front of you. And when you miss that, you wont realize the people who love and support you ♡

"I feel overweight"

Hunter will take you to the gym, but not just so you become 'thin' and everyone will accept you, to focus on being healthy, mentally healthy too. Focus on getting in shape with a well balanced diet and exercise program. Hunter will help! ♡

"People talk behind my back"

"Do you know that for sure??" Yechan would ask, poking his fork in his salad. "Because most of the time, its just an imaginary conversation you have in your head. Stop worrying what other people think and focus on your well being. But what you said is true, expect to see me at your school." He finishes, shooting you an innocent smile ♡

[miitarashi]

Oh- OH?? IS IT A REQUEST ABOUT BUFF WOMANS??? my dear unknow,consider yourself kissed. (Yeah,i'm using a photo cuz i had to delete the first one because i made something wrong but luckily i didn't lost what i writed).

☆Tintin headcanon☆

- Buff woman 🙏🏽

Oh dear,this one is quite interesting not gonna lie.

First he would probably be surprised a bit,just a little.

He gave that quick up and down, took in the information and just kept his polite demeanor as always.

Traveling the world,he probably saw a buff woman or two but one close to him was something interesting in a way.

If you end up getting close to him,he would be more than happy to know you better.

If you talked about your workout routine and the amount of weight you lift,the boy would feel genuinely surprised,joking a bit that what he normally does in one adventure is almost a long workout since he's always running,jumping and or punching someone just to get his story.

And when he said it,now was your time to be surprised,even more because his body looked a bit ""petite"" for someone who does all of that (in a fucking daily basis)

One thing that I know probably happened is,when Tintin introduced you to Haddock,at some point,being an old marine like him, he probably wanted an arm wrestle just to see what would happen. You won,but it was a fair game lol.

Now,the dating part is kinda funny.

Do y'all know that couple dynamic “The amazon x the short guy”?

This. This is your dating life.

If you're taller,of course he wouldn't feel ashamed or anything like that,we all know this man,this perfect one that can do no wrong and does not have a fragile masculinity.

Just don't tease him about being short or trying to carry him like a bag of potatoes and we're good.

Only when not in public tho.

Like,having a buff woman is basically accepting the prince/princess treatment. Being held,hugged from behind and having someone to look up to for comfort??

A bit weird at first,but when he discovers the good things of having a buff girlfriend?

Sign he in.

Being used as a weight,like him laying on your back while you do push ups? A bit cynical at first,but when you easily do it,normally it becomes a thing. Like he is reading something while lying on your back or mumbling about this new mystery,it's kinda funny but he doesn't have a problem with it. (Again,as long it's made at home)

Would even go running with you as a way of spending time together, stopping at some park or little place to stay and just enjoy some quality time before going back home.

The cuddles? Being holded like a fragile thing always gives him the best naps he ever had in his life. Adore when you wrap yourself around him like a blanket.

I don't know why,but I feel like when you guys cuddle with you resting on top, hugging his waist and resting your head on his abdomen with a tank top or any clothes that shows your muscles,he would like,trace the definated line of it??

Like,I'm sure he would do it If you had body marks too.

Other girls hitting on him,he find amusing when you tower over him and kinda of send them off. (If you is far he would walk up and be by your side holding your hand)

He would even take you on adventures too,bonus if you learned some type of martial art. What is this? The perfect woman??

Although,if you're the tough exterior and fragile inside,the princess will be you. No questions asked.

He would find it lovely. The way you could be tough to be face to face with someone taller,but ask him to kill a roach out of fear clinging on his arm for protection.

The ✨cutiest✨

Insecure about wearing dresses? You're a queen in his eyes. Worshiped on the spot.

Need motivation? He's your number one fan,rooting for you and helping you out in any way.

Feeling insecure about him leaving you because of your looks? Didn't i said that this man sees you like a Goddess??

Let's not even get on the thighs part because damm he just want to be crushed-

Beside it! This man fell in love with every little inch of you and love being the prince or making you his Goddess, nothing less than this.

It's a Win-win for both of you basically.

——————————————————————

N/A: hey! I said i wasn't dead. So the thing is,i'll probably settle sunday or monday to post fics and request. Maybe one day a week and in between i post some incorrect quotes that pass cross my mind while i write the big fic that i'll post on my AO3. Like i said i already have some things writed so don't worry,i'm still here and writing requests too. (Making bots too cuz i just made a Tintin bot about that "i could be a better boyfriend than him" best decision i've ever made🙏🏽). So yeah,hope you liked! Thank you for reading😘

[saichisugimoto99]

Halloween Holiday

Pairing/s: Ethan Landry x OC!Miyuki

Summary: When Chad said he had won an all-inclusive trip to Japan for 8 people, most people thought this "little vacation" was a good opportunity to clear their heads. The place was beautiful, although that was exactly the problem. How could Chad win a luxury trip in a raffle of dubious origin? Shortly after, they discovered that, despite being a charming place, it had a very dark secret.

Warnings: Language, shoddy comedy, gore? (just a description, I think), bad writing, sorry, non-ghostface. I think that's all, if I'm missing something, don't hesitate to tell me.

W/C (Word Count): 5,631

A/N (Author's Note): For the story of this special (which comes a little late, sorry), I based it on two movies and a video game: The Grudge (its American version), and the game that was created by Chilla's Art: The Bathhouse. English is not my first language, so if there are mistakes, don't crucify me. (Only Nexorath dialogues will be purple)

Everything was completely fine. Miyuki just wanted to spend the next few days making Halloween-themed cookies together with her spoon cleaner, Ethan. If only Chad hadn't won that damn trip to Japan, they wouldn't be in this situation. But for more context, let's go back in time.

Two weeks before…

Miyuki was preparing the cookie dough while Ethan hugged her from behind, his face hidden in the crook of her neck. “Love, I need space to handle the dough” he said to the curly-haired boy. “I'm sorry... I barely saw you all week because of exams, I can't help but want to be close to you” Ethan responded with a sad expression. Miyuki just smiled and rolled her eyes. “Okay, stop making that puppy dog ​​expression and help me make the cookies” Ethan smiled and started helping his girlfriend with the preparation, just like she had taught him a while ago.

After a few minutes, Miyuki put the tray with the cookie dough in the oven and took out the sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle on them within 10 minutes. At that, the head of his symbiote, Nexorath, emerged from behind his back. "I can't wait to eat cookies" the symbiote said with a smile, Ethan just rolled his eyes, “Are you leaving the rest with nothing again, glutton?” after saying that, the symbiote quickly turned to look at Ethan.

“Who do you think you're calling a glutton, you broccoli hair idiot?!”

“What did you call me a parasite?!”

"Parasite?! I’ll headbutt you!!”

“Enough!!” Miyuki exclaimed irritably. “My God, you look like an old couple. They won't eat cookies if they keep fighting like that. Nexorath, you know you are forbidden from headbutting others, and Ethan, stop calling him a parasite” after the girl scolded them, they both bowed their heads and remained silent until the cookies were ready and sprinkled.

They were about to start eating cookies when the door to the apartment Miyuki shared with her best friend, Anika, was heard. Multiple voices could be heard and, seconds later, the aforementioned girl stuck her head out of the kitchen door with a smile. “Sorry to interrupt your quality time together, guys, but Chad needs you in the room.”

“What for?” Miyuki asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No idea, he said it was incredible news.”

Anika leaves in the direction of the living room, “The cookies will have to wait guys” Miyuki said as she took Ethan's hand and headed to the living room, “I hope it's quick, I've already waited a long time to eat cookies” Nexorath and his infinitely short patience.

Entering the room, Miyuki saw everyone: Sam, Tara, Mindy, Anika, Chad, the perpetrator of the incredible news, and even one of her brothers, Kenji. “Kenji? "What are you doing here?" the girl asked, looking at her brother while Ethan sat on the only space left on the couch and she settled into his legs. “I don't have the slightest idea, I was just coming to leave you the book you lent me. I ran into them and Chad dragged me here” Kenji said with his usual serious expression.

“So… Why the sudden reunion?” Ethan asked, looking at his best friend and roommate as he wrapped his arm around Miyuki's waist. “I'm glad you asked my dear Ethan. The news that I will give next will only demonstrate my good luck.”

“Do you have any idea what the hell he's talking about?” Miyuki asked in a whisper to Tara, who was next to her, but she just shrugged, “He didn't want to tell me.”

“Well, I hope it's really too good news to interrupt my time eating cookies” the symbiote spoke in his head, making only Miyuki hear him.

“A few weeks ago I went to Brooklyn with some kids from one of my classes and entered a raffle place. I signed up for one of them and I won. Can anyone guess what the prize was?” Chad asked, looking around at everyone.

“Speak up!” Miyuki and Mindy exclaimed at the same time.

Chad was startled, “Shit! Well, well, how impatient” he rolled his eyes and spoke again, “Well, friends, I am pleased to announce that... I won a trip to Japan!” everyone was silent for a few seconds, before they jumped and They began to congratulate Chad, except Kenji, Mindy and Miyuki. “Chad, that's incredible!” Anika exclaimed as she stood up to hug her friend. “It's true, you really have good luck” Sam told him with a smile and then Tara stood up to congratulate her boyfriend. , “I wasn't expecting that news, congratulations babe” “Congratulations, bro!” Ethan moved his girlfriend to hug Chad.

“And you guys aren't going to congratulate me?” i ask, looking at Kenji, his sister, and Miyuki.

“I still don't know what I'm doing here” Kenji said.

“Chad, dear brother, your award gives me a bad feeling.”

“I share Mindy's opinion.”

“I haven't eaten cookies for coming to hear your news, and it's rubbish!” Nexorath came out, he was very irritated.

“Oh come on! I haven't even told you the best part. The trip is for 8 people! That's why I brought Miyuki's brother.”

Miyuki and Kenji look at him for a few seconds, “You know we go there with the same frequency as we visit a supermarket, right?” Kenji said making Chad a little frustrated, “Please, guys, so that the trip is valid. There needs to be 8 people, plus it's a good opportunity for the rest of us to see a place outside of the United States, so what do you say?” Miyuki shares a look with her brother and they both nod at the same time, “Okay, we'll go.”

“I still think this is very suspicious and a bad idea, but anyway, I'm in too” Mindy said, standing up with her arms crossed. And oh, she was definitely right; This trip was a very bad idea.

Miyuki was at the door of the apartment, giving instructions to her sister, Natsuki, on how to take care of her pets while she went on a trip, “Koda and Nimbus have to go out every morning to walk for at least an hour, since They have a lot of energy. What Horus eats most are crickets and lettuce, and Jade already has enough frozen mice in the small refrigerator under her terrarium. About Zinnia, the only thing you have to keep an eye on is its litter box and its diet, technically it would be the easiest to care for. Okay?” her sister just looked at her for a few seconds, processing everything.

“Yeah… I think I should thank you for the written instructions” he said to Miyuki with a smile, the girl imitated his action, “It's necessary, you know I worry about my babies.”

“Don't worry, if you visit 'aunt Namika, give my regards.”

“Of course, see you.”

Miyuki said goodbye to her sister and her pets, and headed downstairs, where Anika was already putting both of their suitcases in the trunk of the taxi. The girl approached to help her, and when they finished placing the suitcases, they got into the vehicle heading to the airport.

When they arrived, the rest of the group was waiting for them at the entrance. They got out of the taxi and went to get their suitcases. Ethan ran to Miyuki to help her put them down.

"I missed you."

“We saw each other last night, babe” the girl responded with a teasing smile.

“Exactly” Ethan leaned in to give his girlfriend a kiss which she reciprocated.

“AGH, you guys disgust me!” the symbiote spoke telepathically, causing Miyuki to roll her eyes as she finished unloading her suitcases to walk towards the others along with Anika.

As they made their way through the airport, the bustle of people and the sound of advertisements echoed around them. Miyuki looked around, feeling a mix of irritation and nervousness because she didn't like crowded places. “I can't believe I finally got to visit where your family comes from” Ethan murmured, the girl just smiled and squeezed his hand tenderly.

“Shit!” Miyuki exclaimed, stopping short.

“What's going on? Did you forget something?” the curly-haired boy asked, causing the entire group to look at them.

“Ahh no, I hope you didn't forget anything, we don't have time for you to go back and forth” Chad said, with a worrying tone.

“No, it's not that. I just forgot to mention something to you” before he could continue speaking, you heard a voice calling out to you from behind, when you turned around, you saw Quinn and another of Miyuki's brothers, Masashi, approaching you.

“I forgot to mention them.”

“What are you doing here?” Sam asked.

“Damn, we barely missed you guys. 'I ran into Miyuki's brother on the way and we thought they had already left, I'm glad we arrived on time" Quinn said as she gasped for air, the only one who didn't even look tired was Masashi, who only had a backpack on him. shoulder and a travel bag in the other hand.

“Well yes, we were already on our way to the inspection area” Miyuki said with a smile as she hugged her friend and then her brother, “Hello, Masa”

“Hello, flea” Masashi said with a half smile as he the hug corresponded to his dear sister.

“I'll repeat Sam's question: what are you doing here?” Chad asked, raising an eyebrow. “Well, despite my negativity about this trip, I didn't want to leave Quinn alone in New York, so I called my dad to pull some strings and talk to the owner of the accommodation, and he set aside two more places: one for Quinn and another for Masashi. Because, lacking a brother, he decided to send two to take care of me. You don’t have to worry, your tickets are paid for too.”

“Tell us the truth, Miyuki, how much influence does your dad have?” Mindy asked with her arms crossed and a smile, causing Miyuki to just roll her eyes, “Let's go, before we miss the flight” with that, Everyone continued walking, and this time with two more companions.

The group arrived at the screening area and began to line up. Chad remained cheerful, making jokes about Japanese food and what they planned to do as soon as they got to Tokyo. “I have to try real ramen and see if it's really as good as they say!” he said, as Tara laughed and nodded.

“And I want to walk around Sensō-ji temple. I saw some pictures and the place is beautiful” Quinn said as she linked her arm with Sam’s.

Finally, they passed the security check and collected their suitcases. “We're almost ready to board!” Anika exclaimed, as she checked her watch.

While they were waiting in the departure lounge, Mindy approached Miyuki and said quietly, “Hey, do you think this is all a good idea? I can't stop thinking about what the news said about that place…”

“What do you mean?” Miyuki responded, a little confused.

“You know, the stories about haunted places and stuff like that. 'I don't know, I have a bad feeling."

“I don't believe much in ghosts, but my aunt Namika is an itako, which is the equivalent of shamans in Japan. For that reason, I always keep an open mind. But you're right, I don't have a good feeling either." (Says the one who has an alien up her ass and also knows Doctor Strange)

Before Mindy could respond, an advertisement caught her attention. “Attention, passengers of flight 452 to Tokyo, the last calls to board are being made. Please go to boarding gate number 7.”

“It's time!” Chad said, excited. The group got moving, with renewed energy.

Once on board the plane, they settled into their seats and, as the plane began to take off, Miyuki looked out the window.

“Japan, here we come!” Chad shouted, raising his arms in triumph. Everyone applauded and laughed, infected by his enthusiasm. However, deep down, Miyuki couldn't help a small worry from settling in her mind. What awaited you on this trip?

Throughout the trip, Miyuki was watching movies with Ethan, listening to music and occasionally talking to her brothers, or answering some of Quinn's questions about Japan. When they finally landed, the group felt refreshed. Excitement filled the air as they picked up their suitcases. As they left the airport, the fresh air and bustle of the city surrounded them.

“Look at that!” Anika exclaimed, pointing towards the illuminated signs and the hustle and bustle of the streets. “This is incredible.”

“Don't react as if it's your first time coming to Japan,” Kenji said, with an almost imperceptible smile, “She looks like an old woman seeing a modern phone for the first time,” Masashi said next, looking at his brother with a mocking smile, “ I hate you guys,” Anika punched them both, but still smiled.

“Guys, do you know what time the minibus that dad rented for us will arrive?” Miyuki asked, looking at her brothers. Masashi looked at the time on a nearby screen at the airport, “He will arrive in approximately 10 minutes.”

“Did they rent a minibus?” Chad asked, confused, “Don't look at me, Dad would never take 'no' for an answer” Miyuki says, as her siblings nodded at the same time.

The minibus arrived shortly after, they stored the suitcases in a compartment with the help of the driver and got into the vehicle that would take them to the accommodation. Upon arriving at the place, they were surprised by how luxurious it looked from the outside.

Immediately, everyone turned their heads to look at Chad, who had a huge smile. “Well? What do you think?” “Chad, this looks too good to be true” Mindy said with a serious and somewhat nervous expression. “Come on, little sister, don't be a party pooper. “Stop being so negative and just enjoy this vacation.”

“For the first time, I agree with her. I feel something strange about this place” Nexorath said, stepping out from behind Miyuki as he looked around the accommodation, making sure no one else saw it.

“Do you see it? Even the alien agrees with me,” Mindy said. “Come on, you too, Nex? “This place is amazing.”

“An incredible place to die” Miyuki commented. As beautiful as it was, it definitely had a very strange vibe.

“That's enough, let's get in at once, shall we?” Quinn took the key from Chad and quickly began walking towards the entrance of the small house they had shared.

“I don't want to go into that place” the symbiote said, looking at its host. “I'm afraid we have no choice, Nex” the girl sighed as she dragged her suitcase. “Awww, is the almighty Nexorath afraid?” Ethan asked sarcastically as he put his arm around Miyuki's shoulders. “You're lucky Miyuki doesn't let me eat your damn head!”

The place was also nice inside, with all the amenities. The house had three rooms; In one pair there were two double futons, and the last one was the main room. They quickly began to choose who would stay in each room: Miyuki, Ethan, Anika and Mindy would share one; Sam, Quinn, Kenji and Masashi would share the other; and Chad and Tara would get the master bedroom.

After settling into their accommodation, the group decided to head straight to the temple. As they walked, Miyuki noticed the atmosphere change; The bright lights of the city were transformed into the calm of the temple.

Upon arriving at Sensō-ji, they felt small before its majesty. Paper lanterns illuminated the path, and the scent of incense filled the air. Miyuki closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the peace that emanated from the place. The girl and her brothers had visited Japan some time ago.

“Let's explore” Ethan said excitedly. “I want to take photos of everything.”

As they walked, they passed a handful of food vendors selling local delicacies. Chad stopped at one of them. “We must try the dorayaki!” he said, pointing excitedly. Everyone joined the line, laughing and enjoying the moment. “Shit, I don't remember the last time I ate one, they are delicious” Masashi said as he finished eating a dorayaki and ordered another one. “I want one too!” Nexorath said telepathically, "Don't worry, I'll buy some for you, if we buy more candy or food, I'll save some rations for you" Miyuki whispered with a smile, so that only the symbiote could hear her.

However, while they were enjoying the food, Miyuki felt someone watching her. He turned around, but only saw a group of tourists. She shook her head, convinced it was just her imagination.

"All good?" Ethan asked her, noticing her expression.

“Yeah, I just thought I saw something” she replied, but decided not to tell him more.

At the end of the day, the group gathered in front of the main gate of the temple. The atmosphere was magical, and everyone except Miyuki, Kenji, and Masashi took out their phones to capture the moment.

“This is just the beginning of our adventures in Japan!” Chad exclaimed, raising his camera.

But as they prepared for the photo, Miyuki felt a chill run down her spine again. This was going to end badly...

When they returned it was almost 12. Everyone went to their respective rooms, wishing each other good night. Miyuki walked into the room she would share with Ethan, Anika, and Mindy. The walls were decorated in light colors and there was a large window on the side where Mindy and Anika would sleep.

“This place isn't so bad after all” Anika commented, dropping her suitcase on the floor.

Miyuki smiled, although Nexorath was still alert, peeking out from behind her. “Sometimes I wonder if we're really safe here” he murmured.

“Stop worrying so much” Ethan told her, as he unpacked his clothes. “Let's enjoy our vacation. What we need is a good rest and then explore.”

Meanwhile, in the main room, Chad and Tara were getting comfortable. “Can you imagine what we could do here?” Chad said excitedly, looking around. “We can have a party at this house and explore the city during the day.”

“That sounds fun, but don't forget that we're also here to enjoy the culture” Tara responded, with a smile.

Returning to Miyuki's room, Mindy took out her phone and began searching for interesting places to visit. “Look at this! There is a lantern festival happening this week near here. “We should go!”

“Sounds great” Anika said, excitedly. “And then we could go to the temple again, especially at night. I think it would be magical.”

“It must be because of the fall, there are usually more festivals in Japan this time of year” Miyuki said as she got up from the futon, “I'll go get some water, I'll be right back.”

The girl was heading to the kitchen when she began to hear a very strange and terrifying noise. It was like a guttural and broken whisper, similar to a muffled lament, accompanied by a raspy tone that sent a shiver down Miyuki's back and caused her symbiote to poke its head out from its host's back at the imminent sensation of danger. “You didn't listen too, did you?”

“Yes, this place is definitely very strange. Something is hiding in the shadows.” Nexorath continued to remain alert as Miyuki continued on her way to the kitchen.

“I should talk to my aunt or investigate more about this place” the girl poured herself a glass of water while the symbiote tilted its head.

“You mentioned her before. What are you doing?" Nex asked as he searched through the kitchen shelves for the sweets that Miyuki had saved for him.

“She is an Itako. She lost her sight when she was a child because of an enemy family. He had to find a way to regain his sight, so he focused on spiritualism. "He always had a talent for the supernatural, and thanks to that, the spirits showed him a way of 'seeing', if it weren't for the milky tone of his eyes that indicate his blindness, anyone would think he had excellent eyesight."

“I spent decades locked in that laboratory and never heard that word.”

“I'm not surprised, after all, it is a word that is linked to the supernatural. Someone in science would never explore that field. When I said that I did not believe in ghosts, I was speaking from ignorance because nothing paranormal has ever happened to me; and look we know Doctor Strange.”

“HAHAHAHA, The magician? That guy is very funny” Nex spoke while stuffing his mouth with dorayakis.

Miyuki was about to respond, but something she saw through the window caught her attention. In the distance, on the golf course that could be seen from the kitchen window, there was someone standing, looking in her direction, although she couldn't be entirely sure...

“Nex… Can you see that person over there?” Miyuki asked as the symbiote turned its head in the direction where she was looking.

“…” “…” None of them said anything and they stood with a blank expression as they stared at the woman standing there. When they both turned their heads to look at each other and then turned their heads again toward the window, that woman was gone. A minute passed while Miyuki and her partner stood frozen, until they heard that terrifying moan again... right behind them. Very slowly, they both turned and saw her there, peeking out from the small food cellar.

Another few seconds passed that seemed like an eternity, until Miyuki whispered: “Por las sagradas chanclas de Jesucristo” (By the sacred flip flops of Jesus Christ). Right after, both the girl and the symbiote screamed at the top of their lungs at the same time. “AAAAHHHHHHHH” “AAAAHHHHHH.”

His screams caused everyone in the house to become alert. The group ran towards the kitchen; encountering a somewhat particular scene. Nexorath was holding a frying pan with an extra arm he had generated, Miyuki was holding a knife in each hand, and a few others were nailed to the kitchen pantry door.

“What the hell happened here?!” Mindy asked, seeing how upset Miyuki and Nexorath were. “There was a-a…” The girl tried to explain, but she could hardly articulate words, so it was the symbiote that finished the sentence for her. “There was a ghost! A damn abomination!! That damn thing was terrifying!!!”

"Ghost?" Tara spoke, somewhat skeptical, while Ethan approached his girlfriend to take the knives from her, followed by the girl's brothers to make sure she was okay.

Kenji looked at his sister to check that she wasn't hurt. Masashi came up next to hug his sister.

“Are you sure you saw a ghost? Wasn't it something else?" questioned Chad, who looked just as skeptical as Tara. Miyuki didn't respond. “My sister doesn't get upset about anything, look how she is. That means he really saw something.”

“I… I think I'll go to bed” the girl said as she left without looking at anyone.

Soon, Ethan, Mindy, and Anika entered the room. They found Miyuki lying on the futon she shared with Ethan. “Precious… Are you okay?” her boyfriend expressed concern. When there was no response, Anika approached her to hug her. “I believe you Miyu. You react to very few things, if you're this upset it's because something is happening." Miyuki looked at her and smiled a little, "Don't worry, Ani. I'm fine." After calming down his friends and insisting that he was fine. Everyone got ready to sleep, however, Miyuki and Nex slept with one eye open. Knowing that whatever that thing was, it was still stalking them.

The next day, the group had decided to visit the festival at night, to relieve the tension of the previous day. Miyuki seemed fine. The reality was that she was only pretending so as not to worry her friends and boyfriend.

During the day, before going to the festival, some had decided to go to the game room there, including Miyuki. The only ones who had decided not to go were his brothers, Sam and Quinn; SERIOUS MISTAKE. The four of them were talking in the living room of the house, when everything fell apart.

“Seriously, I was surprised when he wouldn't stop talking about her. When my brother fell in love with a girl, he barely mentioned anything about her; but then he met Miyuki and couldn't stop talking about her. Your sister has Ethan around her little finger and she hasn't realized it” I speak looking at Masashi and Kenji.

“We were just as surprised,” the taller boy spoke. Then Masashi mentioned what his sister's love life was like.

“Miyu dated a few guys before Ethan, she didn't seem really interested in any of them; until your brother arrived. She seemed happier, she didn't talk much about him, but her heartfelt eyes gave her away.”

“When we had meetings at our apartment, Ethan always asked if Miyuki would be there and vice versa. It was so much fun watching them give each other glances” Sam said, laughing at the memory.

Kenji was going to say something, but stopped when he heard a noise coming from the second floor. He wasn't the only one; The atmosphere in the house had become tense and oppressive.

"What was that?" Quinn asked, visibly scared.

“I have no idea” Sam replied, looking toward the stairs with a mixture of curiosity and fear.

The sound was strange, as if something or someone was crawling on the ground. A shiver ran down Kenji's spine as he realized that the noise seemed to be getting closer. With a protective instinct, he pulled Sam behind him, while Masashi did the same with Quinn.

“Where is that going?” Sam asked, his voice shaking.

Suddenly, the figure appeared at the threshold of the stairs. His eyes widened as he saw what it was: a spectral figure, with a disheveled appearance and a face that seemed to be in eternal agony.

“Fucking hell! Run!” Kenji ordered, and without hesitation, the four of them rushed towards the front door, their hearts pounding.

“What the fuck was that shit?!” Masashi exclaimed, running a hand through his hair, trying to calm himself.

“It must have been what Nexorath and Miyuki saw” Sam suggested, trying to remain calm, though the tremor in his voice betrayed his fear…

“We-we should tell the others” Quinn managed to articulate, who was so scared she could barely hold back her tears.

“Let's go” Kenji said, taking the lead. “We can’t stay out here.”

As they ran to reach the game room of the lodging place, the panic in the girls' hearts intensified. The image of the figure crawling on the ground remained etched in their minds.

“Guys, you have to listen to us!” Kenji shouted, attracting the group's attention.

“What's wrong?” Anika asked, worried by her friends' expressions.

“We saw… we saw something on the second floor. It was…” Sam couldn’t continue.

“Probably the same ghost that Miyu and Nex saw. He was crawling on the ground” Kenji finished, his voice steady.

The group's faces changed, the fun and excitement they had previously had fading. “Are you sure what you saw?” Tara asked, her voice strained.

“Completely” Masashi stated. “We are not joking. We need to do something.”

Miyuki, who had been in a corner, approached the group. “This place feels. Something is not right. Maybe we should leave, or at least investigate what's happening.”

"Investigate?" Chad repeated, his eyes narrowed. “No, we have to get out of here. This doesn’t sound good.”

But the thought of leaving the place filled them with a feeling of defeat. They couldn't let fear dominate them. Kenji looked at his friends and said, “If we're going to stay, we need to be together. None of us should separate ourselves from the group.”

They all nodded, knowing that facing the unknown was their only option.

After that conversation and everyone returned to the house, this time in discomfort, Miyuki stayed outside talking on the phone with her aunt, informing her of the situation so she could help them. When the call ended, Miyu went directly to the living room, where everyone was waiting for her, and sat down next to Ethan.

“Well? “What did Aunt Namika tell you?” Masashi asked.

“He will come first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Having to wait until tomorrow makes me nervous” Quinn said, crossing her arms.

“He said he had to prepare for the ritual, depending on which one he had to do. Each type of ghost has its own ritual.”

“While you were away, I took the time to research this place. “It's really scary what I discovered” Mindy mentioned as she sat on the floor with her phone in her hand.

“20 years ago, a woman was brutally murdered in this place. An older man had become obsessed with her, kidnapped her and brought her here. When she tried to contact the police, he murdered her in a horrible way; Months later, they found him dead, with every bone in his body broken.” Quickly everyone's expressions changed to one of horror at what Mindy said.

“Shit, I don't want to know more, what I heard was enough. Next time we take a trip, we will investigate the background of the accommodation places.” Quinn said with a displeased expression.

“I'll go to the hot springs. I don't care if they're also haunted or whatever; I just want to relax for at least one fucking minute without a ghost chasing my fucking ass.” Miyuki spoke, standing up to go pick up her bath products and take a well-deserved shower before entering the hot springs.

Only the girls followed her. The boys decided to stay inside and wait for them. After bathing, the girls entered the hot springs and started talking to lighten the mood.

“I think the only good thing about this trip has been the temple and these hot springs.” Mindy said with her eyes closed.

Only the girls followed her. The boys decided to stay inside and wait for them. After bathing, the girls entered the hot springs and started talking to lighten the mood.

“I think the only good thing about this trip has been the temple and these hot springs.” Mindy said with her eyes closed.

"Unfortunately. I don't like that they take this image from Japan. If we go back, I'll be sure to thoroughly research the accommodations so you don't have to worry about ghosts or demons.” Miyu smiled at her friends.

“I hope so, we've already dealt with murderers, we don't want to add ghosts to the list.” They all laughed at Sam's comment.

At that moment, Nexorath emerged from Miyuki's back.

“Is something wrong Nex?” The girl asked curiously.

“There is something on top of the wall…” The symbiote spoke and immediately the girls turned around, and sure enough, there was something; It was a… Wig?

Seconds later the hair jumped as if it had life, causing the girls to jump. When that… wig fell into the water; The ghost that had been stalking them all along began to emerge from beneath the water. Before it came out completely, they all screamed and immediately ran out of the hot spring with only their towels on. They didn't think about anything and just walked out of there and closed the door.

"What happened?!" Ethan asked. The rest of the boys were right behind him as he hugged Miyuki, but before anyone could say anything else, the door slowly opened…

Everyone began to walk slowly backwards with terror plastered on their faces, as the entity began to approach.

At that precise moment, Mrs. Namika pushed the group aside and stood right in front of Miyuki. “Watashinokazoku ni fureru koto wa yurusanai, kono jaakuna sonzai.” (I will not allow you to touch my family, you evil entity) The woman spoke in Japanese and made some signs with her hand, causing the entity to emit a very terrifying noise; Seconds later the ghostly woman vanished.

“Aunt Namika!” Miyuki exclaimed hugging her.

“I thought you wouldn't come until tomorrow.”

“Yes, but I had a very bad feeling. “I’m glad I arrived on time.”

“That thing disappeared. Is it over?” Chad asked, still quite scared.

“I'm afraid not. If it were that easy, someone would have broken this curse by now. But they have nothing to worry about. Pick up your things and return to New York. Buy your return tickets; My driver is waiting outside to give them to you and take you to the airport. I will take care of everything here.”

They didn't even think twice; The girls changed, everyone took their belongings and left the place to let the brothers' aunt work. The driver took them directly to the airport and handed them the tickets, wishing them a safe trip.

Quinn, still shaking, spoke. “Did that really happen? A curse?” His voice was full of disbelief.

“It seems so,” Kenji replied. “Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.”

“I hope that means we're safe now,” Anika said, sounding hopeful.

Upon arriving at the airport, the bustle of the place gave them a sense of normality. They rushed to check in and go through security, but each carried with them the heavy burden of what they had experienced.

Finally, they called their flight and headed to the gate. Once on the plane, the group settled into their seats. “Love,” Miyuki spoke and Ethan looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Next time Chad wins a raffle, remind me to hit him.” The boy laughed heartily. “I will remind you, precious. Don't worry." Ethan kissed his girlfriend on the lips and they both settled down to sleep. Yes, it was a shitty vacation.

Extra Notes: I was two days late posting this, but better late than never. This is my first fic, and I'm really sorry if there are many mistakes or problems with the narration; I hope to improve over time. I send you all a hug <3

[writersblockedx]

Loose Ends: Chapter Three

Chapter Three: Hope

Based off - Episode three Pairing - Joel Miller x Fem!Reader Warning - Angst! Mentions of death, implication of a miscarriage, alcohol, mentions of violence Words - 10K

A/n - I altered some of the structure of this episode to better fit in some other scenes but I hope still reads okay!

⇦ Previous Chapter  Series Masterlist / Main Masterlist 

2010 Of course, Joel was wary. Though, not so much because they had left the comforts of QZ or because any infected could be roaming around, but because they were going to go and meet people. People they didn't know. Well, Y/n knew them, had talked to one of them at least. And her being her, she chose to trust the man on the other side of the radio who promised ideas of trading and supplies they both needed.

It had taken a long time for Y/n to convince Joel. As it had Frank to convince Bill. "What'd you tell FEDRA you were doing?" Joel had asked, half way through their journey.

His hand on the wheel, his eyes taking glances between the road in front and the woman in the passenger seat. "That I needed a day off." She shrugged. "As far as they're concerned, we're having quality couple time in the apartment." The girl winked which only caused the man to roll his eyes. She giggled and it relaxed the air, "I promise, they're good people."

"If they're even telling the truth." Joel argued.

"I suppose we're about to find out."

As it turned out, they were telling the truth. The couple had boarded off what used to be a small town. It was as if Y/n and Joel had walked through a wormhole, transported to a time where a disease hadn't taken out most of humanity. They were severed lunch on porcelain plates with aged wine in expensive glasses.

Y/n savoured her last mouthfuls as a smile slipped to her lips. "I don't know if I've just been deprived of propper food for far too long, or this is truly just delicious."

Frank straightened his back, his wine hanging from his fingertips, "Didn't I tell you?"

"You must have been a cook before the outbreak, right?" Her palms cupped her chin as she leaned in, looking at Bill who had yet to say a word. Rather, he had just stared rather intensely between her and Joel, as if trying to work them out.

His only response was to put a gun to the table. The barrel was pointed to the man across from Bill, Joel. Yet Joel didn't tense at all. "Can you not?" Frank scolded, his hand hovering over Bill's as he seemed to calm for a moment. Frank reached for the wine bottle, topping up everyone's glasses. "But no, he wasn't a chef. Just a survivalist." He glanced to Bill. "Right? That's what you call it?"

He gave a nod; the first addition to the conversation the man had given. "I'm the same." Said Joel, not taking his gaze from Bill or his gun.

"What?" Frank uttered with a raised brow. "A survivalist? Paranoid? Schizophrenic?"

"I'm not schizophrenic." Bill said, though didn't deny the idea of being paranoid. Not that paranoia was such a bad thing in the midst of an apocalypse.

Y/n shifted in her chair, taking a sip of her wine before speaking, "Look, we get the gun, the paranoia, we do," She glanced to Joel who silently agreed. "But this place is incredible. The food incredible too. So thank you, both of you, for letting us into your home and giving the chance for us to start working together."

It was Frank who spoke first, to no surprise at all. "Of course." He sent a smile which Y/n returned. "And speaking of working together, why don't I show you around?"

The two were already standing from their chairs, "Definitely." Said Y/n.

"You two behave, alright?"  He warned, looking between Bill, Joel and the gun which was still on the table.

Y/n's hands glided along Joel's shoulders, placing a soft kiss to his forehead before she left with Frank. The rest of the town was similar to their home. While still affected by the outbreak, the town was slick and clean. The plants were growing but the weeds were pulled. Most of the shops seemed tidy and only needed a fresh lick of paint until they looked as if nothing had changed.

Y/n couldn't help but swirl on her two feet, taking in this town which still held a white-picket-fence facade. "I just- I can't believe this place." She thought aloud as her gaze danced around the buildings.

"Bill was the one who did it all, made it possible." The other man explained. "It was me who just made things look pretty."

She settled on her feet once again and nudged Frank's shoulder, "Well, I think you both did an excellent job."

A moment passed as the pair wandered down the clean street. "You know he found me in a ditch." The girl peered over, a laugh at the tip of her tongue. "Well, a ditch he had dug himself. I think he saved me." The man went on, a wholesome grin held at his expression. "What about you? How'd you find that one back there?" He nodded to where they had walked from, where Joel and Bill were still having a tense dinner by the house.

A smile graced her lips just at the thought of him and the scowl she was certain he was wearing. "Oh, I saved him." She uttered before they turned and continued their walk. "He was a mess when I found him. Came into the medic building with a broken hand, I fixed it up for him. Though, it wasn't until we-" She stopped and squirmed, causing a chuckle from Frank.

He nodded in understanding, "Yeah."

And that gave her the prompt to continue, "He told me he had broken it punching a wall. I made a promise to myself then and there that even if we didn't get together, I'd still stick by him until he was okay." She explained.

"And is he okay now?" Frank asked in full sincerity.

Y/n shrugged as she thought on it, "I suppose some wounds heal, some become scars." She uttered and he agreed silently through his expression. "But in terms of this, the outside, infected, whatever, that he keeps me safe from."

There was an understanding hum from Frank, "Didn't know how to use a gun until Bill."

Y/n giggled at the similarities, "Me neither."

Frank came to a slow stop as they came towards one of the buildings. It was made of white wood as like the rest of the town, but had a pharmacy sign on the outside. "Take whatever you need, just leave some painkillers for when Bill drinks too much of that wine." Y/n wouldn't blame him; they didn't have anything like that back at the QZ.

"And whenever you need me-" She had started, but the man had been smooth to cut off her worries.

"I'll radio you." He nodded his head in agreement. "Might be nice to have someone who knows what they're doing. Don't think it'll be long until his liver gives in." The two chuckled before wandering into the pharmacy for Y/n to grab some of the supplies they were low on back in Boston.

They left with a bit more than medicine. Frank had given Y/n some of the female clothes they had no use for, some decent food and even a bottle of wine. She said her goodbyes to the couple knowing it wouldn't be the last time they saw each other.

"I told you they were good people." Y/n uttered as the two climbed back into the car. All that Joel gave in reply were some grunts. So she leaned over before he started the car, "You just hate that you were wrong and don't want to admit that you actually had a good time."

He sent a stern expression in response which had only made the smile at Y/n's lips grow twice as much. But he leaned in and mumbled against the small amount of air between them, "I always have a good time with you." With that, he leaned into her lips, savouring the sweet kiss.

When the man pulled away, that smile on Y/n's lips had yet to leave. "Such a romantic, Joel Miller." She had mocked, urging her giggles on more as he retracted back to the steering wheel.

"Shut up."

The woods were always bitter. The autumn trees didn't help in preventing the wind and the ground was crisp and uncomfortable to sit on. Joel had been adamant they stay near the river as it would have been easier to collect water, but that only meant their attempts for sleep were futile.

Y/n must have gathered at most an hour's sleep throughout the night. While Ellie must have gained a few, sleeping through the early hours with her head in Y/n's lap. Just as she was right now. It was Joel who made Y/n the most worried. She was certain he hadn't a wink of sleep, said nothing when the sun started raising and when Ellie began to stir, he stood from his place and walked off with the promise he would be back soon.

"What you thinking about?" Ellie wondered aloud, looking up at the worrisome woman.

She flashed a smile that was obviously forced as she said, "None of your business, little one."

Then she faked an obnoxious gasp, "Is it Joel?" She queried. "Are you worried about your ex-hubby?" Her own words were erupting chuckles that, considering the tense atmosphere, were definitely needed.

"I thought you were trying to get more sleep?" Y/n swiftly changed the topic.

She hummed, "Tormenting you is just more fun."

Another one of her giggles followed, stopping Y/n from noticing the heavy footsteps which welcomed Joel back. Both Ellie and Y/n went quiet; Y/n was certainly worried about him. But that wasn't because of their history, it was because he had lost someone close to him. Maybe Joel had expected himself to be fine and was pushing that onto himself, while the other two were waiting, almost willing for him to give in to the feeling they were sure was plaguing him.

Ellie pulled herself up from Y/n's lap, gazing at the silent man. "Do you want your jacket back?" She questioned holding up the material Joel had given her in the middle of the night when the air-dropped in temperature.

He shook his head, rummaging through his bag. Y/n's eyes trained over his body, lingering on his exposed hand. The one she had once fixed up for him. The one which was now bruised and black and urged Y/n's concern on further. "How's the hand?" She questioned.

He barely looked at her. "Fine."

Though, Y/n doubted it truly was fine. Anyone could look at his hand and tell you that it wasn't fine. "I can do it up for you agai-"

"It's fine." He snapped back but didn't raise his voice. Instead, it was stern and haunting as it shot through the bitter air.

Silence followed. Joel went back to his bag and Y/n felt a wave of regret passing; maybe she shouldn't have said anything. When Joel finally stopped rummaging through his bag, he leaned back, something wrapped in his hand. It wasn't until he threw it to Ellie that Y/n realised it was the last of a sandwich. And a starving Ellie didn't think twice about eating it.

Joel glanced to Y/n, holding up another piece of bread they hadn't bothered to eat. He raised a brow, quietly asking if she wanted it. Her head shook; they didn't know how long it would take to get to Bill and Frank's. "I don't like the woods." Ellie spoke aloud as her gaze danced around the trees above. "Too many bugs than I thought." She complained.

Y/n stood at that, walking over to Joel who was sorting out the supplies. He'd never ask for it, but she thought it best to help him. Ellie stayed comfy by the tree, and between chews she uttered, "I've been thinking about-"

"I don't want your sorries."

Y/n halted as she stared up from her own bag. "I wasn't gonna say I was sorry." Ellie argued as the man slung his backpack over his shoulder. "I was gonna say I've been thinking about what happened. Nobody made you, or Y/n or Tess take me." Her words slowed over the memory of Tess. "Nobody made you go along with this plan. You needed a truck battery or whatever and you made a choice. So don't blame me for something that isn't my fault."

Her defence was valid and it seemed enough for Joel as he nodded in return. The two girls did as he had, taking their bags and standing. She returned Joel's jacket and Y/n wandered if it were still right for her to be wearing the one which belonged to Tess. "How much longer?" Nagged Ellie.

Her and Joel shared a similar expression. "You're not gonna like it." Y/n told her.

Joel was the one to break the news: "Five hour hike."

"You alright with that?" Y/n checked.

But the young girl nodded in full confidence, "We can manage it." And if it were always that easy, they had simply got up and left in search of their next pitstop.

The journey was quiet. Ellie spoke but Joel never bothered responding. A lot of the conversation was fueled by Ellie's lack of awareness about this world outside the QZ. Y/n watched in awe as the innocent girl explored this nature she had always been deprived of. But there still lingered a hole, a haunting memory of Tess who had too fed into the young girl's wonders.

"You gone this way before?" She inquired, walking between Y/n and Joel.

Joel's eyes were kept trained in front of him. Even when Y/n glanced over at him, he didn't make an effort to glance back. "We used to." She answered as her gaze glistened down to the young, curious girl. "We normally came up in a car, used what's left of the roads."

"But this way is safe right?" She pressured.

Y/n's expression moulded into a cautious one, almost offended that Ellie would even think they would take her somewhere not safe without warning. "You think we'd risk it?"

Ellie didn't give an answer to that, instead, she continued on with her questions, "So no infected?"

"No infected." Y/n confirmed.

"Then what's he looking for?" She gestured over to Joel who had finally taken it upon himself to look back at the pair.

His glare was daunting and heavy, urging him to let out a sigh as he looked away. "People." His tone just like his glare: heavy, tired, worn out. So much so, it had sent shivers down Y/n's spine just at the sound.

Ellie didn't seem shaked by that idea as, like always, her questions piled on. "What about Bill and Frank? Are they nice?"

And as she had done for the last hour, Y/n answered them as to the best of her ability. "Yeah, Frank more than Bill, but they're good people."

A pause came. Y/n was certain it gave time for Ellie to wonder on more as more questions started falling from her lips. "How'd you get that scar on your forehead?" Y/n had looked back to the girl, finding her gaze centred on Joel. And the man did nothing but huff. "What? Is it something lame? Like you fell down the stairs?"

Y/n's eyes too clung over Joel, awaiting his answer. "I didn't fall down the stairs."

"Okay? So what then?" She pushed.

"Someone shot me and missed."

The young girl's face glistened, "See, that's cool!" She exclaimed. "Did you shoot back?"

He still seemed to refuse to look at Ellie. His eyes were following the trees and what could be hidden within them. "Yeah." He informed.

"You get him?" Her voice eager and hanging onto this story Joel obviously didn't want to tell.

"No, I missed too." Her face fell, obviously expecting more from him. "It happens more than you think."

A small chuckle slipped from her lips as she stared up at him, doe-eyed, "Because you suck at shooting? Or just like in general?" She asked.

His glare became firmer as he answered, "In general."

Ellie then peered over at Y/n, the same curious wonder speckled in her eyes, "What about you? Any cool scars?"

She shook her head lightly, "Not really."

"So you do?" Her eyes widened.

"None that have stories." That seemed to satisfy Ellie enough as she continued on. But Y/n felt another gaze on her. She lifted her head and there was a flicker of a shared glance between her and Joel.

Her mind's focus dwindled. As did her eyes. Y/n hadn't realised it, but she stared at the rifle in Joel's hand, the pistol tucked in the waistband of Y/n's jeans and the third pistol that clung to Joel's waist. "You know, I was thinking I should probabl-"

Y/n cut her off first, knowing where she was going, "Not happening." And her lips stayed sealed.

They turned the corner, meeting their half way point which Joel had planned. The sight of something other than woodland had build up Ellie's enthusiasm as she skipped in front of the two adults. "Cumberland Farms." She sung, reading what was left of the store sign.

He walked passed Ellie, instructing her, "Hang back a minute." Though, Y/n doubted that Ellie would listen. "I gotta grab some stuff I've stashed."

And as expected, Ellie didn't 'hang back'. In fact, she continued to follow Y/n and Joel. "Stashed? Why do you have stuff stashed here?" She interrogated.

Joel started walking quicker and thus, the other picked up their pace too. "You ask a lot of Goddamn questions."

Y/n chuckled and lifted her head to Joel, "You've only just noticed?"

They came up to the front of the decaying store and Joel slowed. He made no care to try and attempt to get Ellie to stay outside. Instead, he was silent as he swung the door open and it crackled. "So...are you gonna answer me or what?" Ellie pestered.

Once Joel knew it to be safe, he walked through. Thuds and cracks came from below as their feet stood on scatters of glass and trash which was left behind. "We hide supplies on routes in case we find ourselves short on gear." The man explained.

Y/n followed Joel down the first aisle, "Like we are now." She added.

"No way!" Y/n spun around, stopping her walk to find a gigantic grin plastered over the girl's lips. She was making a B-line to the other end of the store, her pupils glowing at the sight of the old 80s game machine. "You ever play this one? I had a friend who knew everything about this game. There's a character name Mileena who takes her mask off and she has monster teeth and then she swallows you whole and barfs out your bones!" She went on, that same excitement flushing through her tone.

Joel stared over at Y/n with raised brows, silently asking what was up with Ellie and the game. In response, Y/n could only shrug her shoulders before Joel shook his head and start searching the floor. His feet kicked against the rubbish which littered the floor but seemed to come out empty handed. "Joel?" Called Y/n, gaining only a grunt in response.

Ellie caught on to Y/n's line of thinking, "You forgot where you put the stuff didn't you?"

He looked up, gazing between the two and realising the little hope they had in him finding these supplies. "No." He said, ever so sure of himself. "I'm just zeroing in on it. It had been a couple years." He excused as he looked back and continued to shift through the ashy floor.

"Well then I'm gonna take a look around, see if there's anything good." Ellie announced, already walking further into the back of the store.

As Joel didn't bother to look up, Y/n did, "It's already all been picked over." She told her.

By no surprise, that hadn't stopped her. "Maybe. Maybe not" She mumbled before wandering into another room. "Is there anything bad in here?"

Joel still didn't look up but he came out with a reply, "Just you."

"Getting funnier." Ellie grumbled, going to turn before Y/n snapped at her.

"Hey." The girl turned back, rolling her eyes like the teenager she was becoming. "Don't do anything stupid, yeah?"

She nodded her head and mocked a salute in reply, "Yes, Ma'am!" And with that, she slipped into the other room as wonder consumed her thoughts and behaviour once more.

Y/n's pupils lingered until her figure faded into the shadows. Only then did she turn around to face Joel who had opened a cupboard to find it empty. "Fuck." He had whispered in hopes the woman hadn't over heard him.

Alas, when he peaked back at her, he found her arms crossed and her brow raised. "You can't remember can you?" She was well aware of the answer. She had been well aware of the answer for the last five minutes.

He huffed as he retracted from the storage cupboard, "No, I can't." He muttered and moved onto the further end of the aisle.

Y/n followed after him. All she did was brush her fingertips over his and it caused a stir. He snapped around and snatched his hand away. His eyes seemed wary of the touch he had been so deprived of. So much so, he seemed scared of that touch now. "Joel," She uttered his name so softly it had helped him calm. "Just let me help."

They both were aware that statement was in reference to everything else, not just helping him find this box of supplies. And maybe his reply was too in reference to all them other things which had burdened him, "Okay." He nodded his head slowly and she followed him in searching the rest of the floor. "It might over this way," He was pointed over to another storage container, leaning over as he reached to open it. "But I don't know if it was- Fuck!"

Y/n jolted, she hadn't realised what had happened until she noted the way Joel was clenching his hand. His broken hand. "Shit, Joel." She hushed. She jumped over the littered floor, her tender hands wrapped around his broken one. Her gaze glanced back at the container and the fresh blood which was scattered across it's rusted edges. "Sit, now." She ordered, her eyes stern when he looked back, not wanting to entertain what was about to happen. "Joel just do what I fucking say for once, how bout that?"

He huffed but tumbled over towards the end of the store, sitting with his back against what used to be a freezer. Y/n crouched down, throwing her bag in front of her. She shifted through it, locating some cloth and tape to patch the man up. She went to touch his hand once more which had only made him jump. "Joel," Her tone was suddenly soft. "I meant what I said, let me help."

It took him a moment. His gaze lifting between her hand and her expression. But, alas, he put out his hand and Y/n took a gentle hold over it. She placed over the new cloth, putting his fingers in place before tying it and taping it together. Yet, her hands lingered for a moment. "I know it's not my place to-"

"You're right, it's not." He grunted in response as he snatched his hand back to himself.

Her head lowered but she stayed crouched in front of him. A moment passed in which the girl plunked the courage to speak her mind, "You can't do this again Joel." His eyes snapped to her, wide at the idea that she had even thought to say this. "You can't hide away and pretend nothing has happened. You're allowed to feel, Joel. You're allowed to ask and accept help. Otherwise, it will eat you whole. I wo- I won't let you do it again."

When Joel gave no argument, she shuffled, sitting next to him. "She was wrong you know." The girl thought aloud and he peered over at her. "Tess. You and her weren't bad people, you just had bad things happen to you. You both did the best you could with what you were given." She offered.

"You had bad things happened to you too." Joel finally said something and Y/n felt a wave of relief pass her. "No one thinks you're horrible."

She shrugged, "You'd be surprised."

He chuckled at her words, "I've known you for years, Y/n, I don't think you've got many surprises left in you." There was a cheeky glint in his eyes which had only enticed her more.

"Oh, really? So me working with the fireflies was so obvious to you was it?" He knew he was fighting a losing battle once she said that. "Or helping a kid who might have the cure flowing through her vines. Shall I go on, because I can?"

He shook his head, "Alright, alright." And he surrendered this battle he was never going to win.

A moment passed and the comedic tone fell. Y/n nudged the man, their fingertips grazing against one another's. "I'm here for you, Joel, whatever you need." She said, her words dripping in sympathy that could be heard from miles away.

And he returned to such with the slither of a smile and true gratitude, "Thanks." He nodded his head and they seeped back into silence.

But such silence had allowed Y/n's eyes to wonder. They dropped to the floor in front of them, about only a meter away where part of the floor seemed higher than the rest. "Oh my god." She spoke aloud as she dragged herself over to it.

"What?" Joel questioned with knitted brows as the girl in front leaned over a part of the floor.

"It's here!" Excitement grew in her tone as her fingers lined the square which was hidden into the floor. "I can't believe it, we- we must have walked right over it." She glanced back, finding Joel had moved to, barely inches from her face.

Y/n lifted up the piece of the floor, revealing the bright green box which resided within it. They pulled it out with glee on their faces. "Suppose it's good to know you can hide things well." Y/n thought aloud before dropping the box to the floor with a thud.

Joel clicked it open, ravaging through and gathering things as needed. "I'm thinking about leaving this." Voiced the man as he gestured to the rifle.

The woman raised a brow, uncertainty woven through her pupils, "You think that's a good idea?"

As if backing up her words, a metal clank came from the room Ellie had wandered in to. The two adults snapped around but Y/n stood. Her hand went straight to her back, pulling her pistol from her jeans as she took steady steps over to the adjacent room. "Ellie?" She called, giving a cautious glance to Joel who was towering over the metal box of supplies. "Ellie?"

The woman was about to round the corner into the room when the young girl skipped out. She was flashing a box of tampons into Y/n's face and then over at Joel as she walked out, "Picked over my ass." She spat as she strolled out like it was nothing, like Y/n hadn't just pictured her face as several infected crawled at her skin.

Still, Y/n leaned into the room slightly. When nothing came to alarm her, she slipped the pistol back into her jeans and wandered back over. Joel returned the box into the floor - along with the rifle. "What are you doing?" Inquired Ellie.

Joel had simply shrugged, "There's not much ammo out there for this thing. Makes it mostly useless."

Ellie snapped over to Y/n, pointing a finger at Joel as he packed the supplies away. "And you're okay with that?" She checked over.

"I mean it's there's no use for it, then-"

"We don't have to leave it." The girl offered hastily. "I mean I could always-"

And, in sync, the two adults became stern in their expressions and said, "No." With that, the girl shut up and they continued out the store.

They walked through many fields and paths as they made their way towards Bill and Frank's. Conversation was light. Suppose walking for almost three hours had tired Ellie and her various questions out. But the young girl soon lit up as they passed a rather eye-sore of a sight.

Atop one of the fields laid a wreckage of a plane, which likely went down during the day of the outbreak or around that time. And likely a military plane, meaning FEDRA. "Holy shit!" Exclaimed Ellie as their footsteps slowed. "You fly in one of those?" She wondered.

Y/n gave a hum, "Sometimes."

A sniffle of a laugh passed from her lips, "Lucky." And Y/n recalled thinking about how back then, going on a plane was never seen as something so lucky to be experiencing.

As if reading her mind, Joel leaned into the conversation, "Didn't seem like it at the time." He went on, "Got shoved into the middle seat and paid twenty bucks for a sandwich."

"And trust me," Y/n nudged Ellie's shoulder playfully, "The sandwiches were nothing like the ones Marlene makes you."

"Oh, come on," The girl nagged. "You literally got to go up in the sky!"

"So did they." Joel gazed back at the wreckage and suddenly the enthusiasm of the plane was stripped to apathy, clouded by the idea of death.

Y/n huffed and turned to continue walking, "Always the positive, Joel." She commented as they all moved on.

"So it all came crashing down in one day?" Ellie asked as she came in between Y/n and Joel, looking up at each of them.

"Pretty much." Answered Joel.

"How? I mean someone had to be the first to get bit? Was it a monkey? I bet it was for a monkey." She rambled on with her theories.

Joel took a breath as his eyes jumped over to Y/n, "That's a question for the doctor."

Y/n thought on it for a moment. There were many grim parts of the outbreak starting, parts of which sometimes weren't worth thinking about. So, the woman explained as best as she could, "A few of my friends, before they got infected, were working on a theory. It's likely the most reliable one. Though we'll probably never have the resources to know for sure, but they think the Cordyceps mutated and got into the food supply." She glanced over to Ellie who was hanging onto every word the woman spoke. "First record of it was at a flour mill in Indonesia. But, by that point, the food had already been shipped out all around the world. It was on the shelves, people were eating pancakes and cereal for breakfast not aware it was about to turn them into raging monsters. You were just lucky if you were able to miss it."

Ellie took it in before commenting, "Makes more sense than monkeys." She sent a smile which the older woman returned. "Did you know? Like were you in a lab somewhere stopping it- or well, trying to stop it?"

Her smile faded and her eyes went blank. "Yeah, yeah I was." She said as her mind seem to be drawn somewhere else. "We tried. We tested. We did everything we could but- but it in the end the only thing that made any dent in the spread of infection was destruction." And even then, it had barely done anything.

"Harsh." Ellie huffed.

Y/n nodded, not bothering to look back at her, "You've got no idea." It was only after she said that she realised the other two were no longer following her. Y/n halted and peered back at Joel whose eyes were widened, scanning the area ahead. "What-?" It hit her and she let out an, "Oh."

"What?" Ellie's eager eyes flickered between Y/n and Joel. "What is it?"

Joel glared at the woman and she knew she was getting silently scolded for such an obvious hint that Ellie was sure to pick up on. "We'll cut across the woods here." Joel planned as his finger aimlessly pointed to somewhere passed Y/n's head.

"Isn't the road easier?" The young girl argued.

The man gazed to Y/n, begging for help in getting around this sticky situation. "In a way, sure."

Her brows narrowed, "Okay, what aren't you telling me?"

Y/n shrugged, "There's just some things that maybe you shouldn't have to see, that's all."

"Oh, come on," A smirk rose to her lips as she wandered forward. "Now I have to see." Y/n knew something like that was always bound to follow.

The young girl swirled in front of the two adults who had stayed utterly still. "We don't won't you to." Added Joel, their stance stern as they held this parenting facade which wasn't working for them in the face of Ellie Williams.

But the girl kept on walking. And that smile at her lips failed to ever leave. "Ellie, this isn't a joke!" The woman snapped, finding herself having no choice but to walk on after her, Joel trailing behind.

"Can it hurt me?" She asked, her back turned to them both.

"That's not the point." She gave her most disciplinary voice; it still wasn't enough.

Ellie looked over her shoulder, "So, no then?"

The girl continued to walk in front of the other two. She seemed rather hyper to figure out this unknown. Anything slightly worrisome or cause for concern and Ellie was all over it like a rash. Y/n wondered if the same would be true if she really knew what part of the past she was about to walk in on.

Y/n was aware they were close when that pit her stomach grew. Like bulging pain which was impossible to ignore. "Whatever is was...I think it's gone." Said Ellie, but it wasn't, it would take many more years to erode away into the soil.

When Y/n took another glance, she found the girl stopped in her pace. Her eyes were drawn to the ditch below. There were many horrors in this world, but the bones which piled high in that ditch summed up most of them. The clothes, some baby clothes and broken bones, some of which had snapped and cracked with the time which had passed. She had never been able to look long enough to find a bullet-shaped hole in any of the heads. Though, she knew they were there.

This time there came no question from Ellie, only an answer from Joel. "About a week after the outbreak, soldiers went through the countryside and evacuated small towns." He took a breath, gathering the words which were ever so hard to voice. "Told you that you were going o a QZ and you were, if there was room. If there wasn't..." He needn't go on any further.

"These people weren't sick." Ellie realised.

Subconsciously, Y/n's head seemed to shake, "No they weren't." She said before swallowing the lump which was growing in her throat.

"So why kill them? Why not leave them be?"

The woman felt her shoulders tense. And Joel was about to jump in and answer for her when her lips opened, "They needed to save everyone they could." Her throat choked at the words. "And well, dead people couldn't get infected so." Her eyes lingered only for a moment. Not long enough to draw tears from her pupils. "Come on, we should get moving."

Y/n started walking but the two didn't follow, not straight away anyway. With knitted brows, Ellie had peered up at Joel, "Is she okay?"

"She's fine." He said sternly and started walking.

Neither of the two would say anything, but something had Y/n on edge. Maybe Joel knew slithers of what might be going on in her head but he had never been told the full story. And considering the current context, it certainly wasn't his place to push it. So he kept quiet and made sure to keep his eye out on the woman.

The path they were following soon led to the town. The one town which was still intact, not overrun in raging killing machines. But yet, something haunting still loomed over it like a dark rain cloud. They wouldn't realise the intensity of such until later on. But it was something that was going to make them wish they had never headed for their old friends.

Joel took the lead as they came up to the gate which boarded off the small town. It seemed quiet, strangely quiet. By now, they should have tripped the alarm and Bill should be out here throwing a gun in their faces, not realising they were friends. But that never came. Instead, Joel pushed the code into the gate and they let themselves in.

It only got stranger as they proceeded further into the town, with no sign of either Bill or Frank. Though, it was when Y/n noted the dead flower arrangments that her panic really started to grow; Frank wouldn't have let them die like that. They each slowed in front of the house. Y/n couldn't help but turn back to face Joel, worry written into her pupils, "You don't think that...something's happened, do you?"

He could only shrug at the thought, "I don't know." And with that, the man took the first step towards the front door.

Y/n trailed behind, her eyes darting between the several other plants which lacked the beauty Frank once provided them with. Joel clicked the door open: unlocked. The air inside the home felt empty. The three of them were bundled inside the hallway and Y/n couldn't shake the lack of the life that resided here. "What the fuck?" Ellie questioned in a hushed whisper.

Joel kept a tight grip over his pistol as he stared towards the bottom end of the hallway, "Bill?" There came no reply.

Y/n wandered into the room next to them, the one scattered in paintings, "Frank?" Again, nothing called back out to them. She huffed and walked back, "Joel, what's going on?" The panic rose in her tone.

His head shook and he stared over at Ellie, "You stay here. If you see anything, hear anything...yell." And with that, Joel dragged himself further down the corridor and Y/n headed for the stairs. Something was wrong and they were convinced they were going to figure it out.

For once, Y/n didn't take that second glance at Ellie. Rather, she kept her eyes straight on her next steps as she pulled herself to the top. Her hand slipped around the back of her jeans, retrieving her pistol and keeping it close in her grip. There were two rooms upstairs: a spare bedroom and a bathroom. Both of which were clear.

She rushed down from the stairs, swirling from the bannister as she caught sight of Joel by the end bedroom. "You find anything?" She inquired.

His hand left the door, "It's like- like there's something wedged against it." He described as he shook his head before his eyes were drawn back to the door nob.

Y/n turned the corner and found Ellie sitting lazily in one of the dining room chairs. It took her another moment to notice the pieces of paper in her hand. "What's that?" She asked, a worrisome confusion woven throughout her tone.

She held it up, "Letters." Joel swerved around the corner at that moment too, just as confused. She rose one of the papers, "To whoever, but probably Joel." She held up the second paper. "For Y/n, and Y/n only." It didn't take a genius to guess who had written each letter. "They came with this." The girl pushed over a key.

Joel chucked his back off, stepping forward to take the key, while Y/n didn't have it in her to move. "So they're dead?" Ellie nodded.

Y/n may have expected it, but the pain of such still hurt just as much. "What erm- what do the letters say?" She plucked the words from her throat carefully, not wanting to break the tears she was sure were pricking at her eyelids.

Ellie seemed to give the woman a once over, as if concerned she wasn't ready for this. But Y/n never met her eyes so she went on and read the first letter, Frank's letter, the one addressed to Y/n over anyone else. "I do hope you're the one reading this. Before anything else, the wine is yours, I know that was your favourite part about visiting." She would have laughed if she wasn't fearsome that would have brought on her cries. "I want you to know, most of all, I was happy and hopeful. Because of such, I was able to make sure Bill was happy and hopeful. Please make sure that you- you keep Joel the same and make sure he keeps you alive." There came a pause from Ellie in which both Joel and Y/n refused to meet eyes.

"I know you hadn't visited so much recently - I'm going to assume you're busy doing your genius medical needs." Y/n felt her heart sink. She hadn't seen them, well, the last time she had seen them was right before her and Joel separated. And the only reason they had been there was to prescribe Frank a boat-load of drugs. "Or maybe you finally beat the odds and that-" Ellie stuttered over her words, her brows knitted as if she was struggling to read on. "That baby of yours was born healthy into the world-" Ellie looked up and found the woman across from her was staring in an abyss with empty eyes as if a life had been sucked from her. "Baby?"

She huffed, still refusing to look at Joel as she stepped forward, snatching the letter from her hand. "No." One word. One word which echoed through each of them and thickened the air which they were already having trouble breathing in.

Joel had watched as the woman took a seat at the other end of the table, reading over the letter as if it's writing was going to change, as if what happened to her was going change. "Read the other one." The man requested.

Ellie took the second piece of paper, "August 29, 2023. If you find this, please do not come into the bedroom. We left a window open in the bedroom so the house wouldn't smell, but it will probably be a sight. I'm guessing you found this, Joel or Y/n, because anyone else would have been electrocuted or blown up by one of my traps he-he-he-he-he." Well, it was definitely written by Bill that was for sure. "Take anything you need. The bunker code is the same as the gate but in reverse. Anyway, I never liked you. But still, it's like we were friends, almost. And I respect you. So I'm going to tell you something probably the only you will understand."

"I used to hate the world and I was happy when everyone died. But I was wrong because there was one person worth saving. That's what I did. I saved him. Then I protected him. That why men like you and me are here. We have a job to do. And God help any motherfuckers who stand in our way. I leave you all my weapons and equipment. Use them to keep-" She paused, glanced to Joel, then glanced down to continue. "To keep Y/n, your future family and that friend of yours, Te-"

She stopped at that. And as Y/n had done, Joel stepped forward and took the letter for himself. There were wounds in the letters which had yet to heal and rather than help cover them up, the words had only dug them wounds deeper. The room was silent. After hours of non-stop questions and bickering, there was a silence and it was tormenting all of them. Until, shooting through the air, there came a muster of Joel's voice, "Stay here." By the time Y/n looked up, he was already walking away.

He slipped out of the front door while the other two watched from the dinning table. It took a few seconds for Y/n to debate her next move but she ended up standing, and without a word to Ellie, she went right after Joel.

He had walked to the end of the yard, the letter still in his grip as the man attempted to compose himself. That moment was a moment of doubt. Y/n wondered if she had been better staying inside. But all her doubts faded when she spoke, "Joel, I know this isn't easy and I know I'm probabl-"

She had been walking towards him slowly. But once she was close enough, the man turned, tears at his eyes and he crashed into her. Y/n caught him in her arms, holding him close like it was natural. The closest they had been in over a year. Yet, still, it felt memorable as if no time had passed. And Y/n was certain in calling Joel a broken man, she just never expected that now, considering everything, he would break in front of her.

"It's okay, I know." She had soothed into his ear. "I meant what I said Joel, I'm here to help."

It took the man a moment until the wave of emotion passed and he pulled from the girl. His eyes were glossy but his expression was stony. "Thank you." He said. "I know it was never the plan you coming out here with her." He nodded his head towards the house where Ellie was still hidden in. "You took a risk, a big one and now it's changed everything for you."

"As it has you." She responded with a slither of a smile.

Joel didn't voice much in reply to that. Rather, he held up the key he had been given and mumbled something along the lines of: "I'm gonna go-"

And Y/n let him go, "Yeah, yeah." With that, he started walking one way and Y/n went the other.

She wouldn't stop Joel. He was a grown man who would deal how he wished to, but she would always welcome him with open arms when it was needed. She just hoped he had it in him to get through. That thought made Y/n wander back to the letter, to the words Frank had used, to provide happiness and hope for those who lack it.

The second Y/n stepped foot back into the house, Ellie was at her side. There was something bubbling in her eyes, yet something also that was holding her back. "Is he okay?" She started her rampage of questions like so.

"He's fine." She answered as her mind was set on checking each room as her thoughts dwindled together a plan.

"Are you?"

Ellie was right behind her like a puppy. "Yes." She answered though none of her answers had convinced the young girl.

She checked the dining room, then she dipped her head into the kitchen. Everything was as it should be. Well, except for the dusty plates and mouldy food. Which, as Y/n turned from the kitchen, she couldn't stop staring at. "So...what's the plan?" Ellie stopped too.

There came no reply from Y/n. Instead, Ellie watched as she moved abruptly around the table. Her hands collected each of the plates and the glasses and she took them into the kitchen, placing them into the sink to be cleaned. "Your plan's to clean up?" Ellie observed as the woman stopped in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room. Her eyes were empty and, truth was, she didn't know what she was doing.

The front door swung open and the two turned. Joel noted the wide eyes on Y/n first and the fear which seemed speckled between her pupils. Once he looked away, he spoke, "I just finished making the truck battery, its charging right now." He informed.

"How long will that take?" Y/n inquired.

He shrugged, "A good few hours."

"Okay then, I propose we stay here for the night." Y/n suggested. "We're all tired. There's the spare bedroom upstairs. Hot water. We can have a shower finally, get changed."

"Leave in the morning?" Joel asked and Y/n nodded.

"Where will we go?" Ellie questioned.

Y/n glanced to Joel to answer that, "I have a brother out in Wyoming. He's in some kind of trouble and I'm heading out there to find him. He used to be a firefly. My guess is he knows where some of them are out there. Maybe they can get you to wherever this lab is." He explained as their new plan came together.

"Alright." Ellie acknowledged. A few seconds passed before the girl opened her lips once more, "Listen about the letters, I just want you to-"

Joel was the one who cut her off, "If you're coming with us, there's some rules you gotta follow. Rule one: you don't bring up anything about them letters, not Tess, not the baby. Nothing." Y/n felt her stomach drop at the mention of it but didn't add to Joel's words as the man continued on. "As a matter of fact, we can just keep our histories to ourselves. Rule two: you don't tell anyone about your...condition. They see that bite mark, they won't think it through, they will just shoot you. Rule three: you do what we say, when we say it. We clear?"

Had Y/n been in any better mood, she might have requested Joel toned it down. But with everything they had just gone through in the last 24 hours, she kept quiet. "Yes." Ellie replied.

"Repeat it." Demanded Joel.

"What you say goes."

A silence passed. Broken when Y/n stepped forward, putting a smile to her lips. "Well, I call dibs on a shower first." She announced.

She was already walking towards the stairs as Joel spoke in reply, "I'll check the basement, see what we can take." Y/n hummed in agreement.

And there came no surprise when Ellie beamed, "Can I come?" Y/n was at the stairs by that point, hearing the deep sound of Joel's sigh which had urged a smile to her lips.

A shower was much needed - especially a hot one. If Y/n was so inclined, she could pretend that everything was fine. That with her eyes shut, there was no danger, there were no worries. She wondered if Bill and Frank lived their lives like that every day. She also wondered if there would ever come a time when she could live her life like that. Maybe if Ellie weren't such a crucial player in a could-be-cure, she would suggest they never left this place of sanctuary.

She stepped out from the shower not long after she got in, uncertain of how much hot water they had. Wrapping a towel around her body, she stepped out, words already leaving her lips before she realised what she had stepped into, "Shower's fre-"

Y/n glanced up, her eyes just as wide as Joel's who was carrying some pillows downstairs. "Shit, sorry, I didn't know you were out here." She rambled out an apology.

"It's fine." He replied, his eyes seeming to jump from place to place, not wanting to linger in one place for too long. "I was just erm," He raised the pillow in her hand, "Thought that at least one of us are going to end up sleeping on the couch so."

Her head nodded, "Right, yeah."

"I just figured that Ellie should-"

At the same time, they both agreed, "Should have the bed." An awkward chuckle came from them both before silence followed.

An equally awkward silence which could only be broken by a certain teenage girl. "Oh, is the shower free?" Ellie questioned. "I get dibs on going in next!" She exclaimed as she climbed up the stairs. As she passed Joel, she patted his shoulder, "And then it's your turn buddy because yeesh." She made a disgusted expression before wandering into the bathroom.

Just as quickly as she came and broke the silence, it came rushing back once again. Y/n gestured her head to the room passed Joel which she was heading for, "I'm just gonna go and-"

He jumped out of the way, "Sorry, yeah, course." He mumbled before they got passed each other and Y/n escaped into the spare bedroom.

Maybe it was the abruptness of seeing each other in such a domestic state. As well as the fact that Y/n had such thin material between Joel and complete exposure. Either way, it had done well to make them both flush a nice pink as they tried to sway their minds back to current matters.

Within a few hours, Y/n and Ellie had a change of clothes on as Joel took the last shower of the night. The young girl had climbed into the bed first, curled beneath the warmth of sheets and blankets they hadn't had the privilege of for a while now. Y/n was watching her from the door way, leaning aginst it as a smile covered her lips.

"Comfy?" She asked once Ellie stopped tossing and turning.

"Much so." She said, mockingly.

"And you're sure you'll be alright here?" Her tone was suddenly concerning, her need to protect Ellie taking over. "Me and Joel will just be downstairs."

"I'll scream if there's an infected in my room." She joked with a straight face.

"There's nothing to be worried about here." Y/n assured. "Nothing's getting through that fence." Bill had certainly made sure of it.

Y/n hadn't noted Joel's entrance until his figure was standing right next to her. Fresh clothes, his hair slicked back and no lingering survival smell. "What's that?" The man questioned ever so casually as if Y/n's eyes weren't dancing over his new appearance.

"Y/n is worried I'm going to die." Ellie's voice broke the girl from her stare as she peered back over at her.

Her head tilted and a smirk drew at her expression, "Why else do you think you're still alive, huh?"

"Probably because I'm immune."

"Alright, I think it's time you sleep," Joel announced, flicking the light switch off.

Ellie continued to glare at them through the light which illuminated from the hallway. "You two are weird." The young girl stated.

Though, they simply shook their heads, turned and shut the door on their way out. "We're the weird ones?" Joel whispered to her as they headed downstairs. Y/n could only offer a shrug in reply as they walked to the bottom floor.

Joel had made two make-shift beds in Frank's painting room. One on the couch, the other on the floor. He'd already convinced Y/n to take the couch - despite her arguments against such. The thought of how little sleep the man had gotten the night before still loomed over her mind, but she struggled to argue against Joel. He always had a way of convincing her.

When Y/n wandered into the room, Joel was tidying up some of the blankets. He didn't look up until she spoke. Leant against the doorway, her hair tied up and an unopened bottle of wine hanging from her grip. "I've already shoved some in the boxes were taking, but thought it'd be a nice way to end the night."

"You sure that's a good idea?" He questioned with one raised brow. "Don't want you complaining about a headache all day tomorrow."

She took that as a yes anyway, walking further into the room, sitting cross-legged in front of a coffee table. She laid out two glasses as she responded to Joel, "It's a very good idea." She poured one glass and pushed it over as it sat in front of Joel. But he didn't reach for it. Not until the woman had gone on, "Trust me, we deserve a night off." With that, he took it, taking a long sip.

Y/n attempted to conceal the smile which painted her lips as she poured her own glass. It reminded her too much off the past. Neither of them had experienced these tranquil moments for a long time, for years. And, honestly, it was a feeling they had both yearned for again. "Do you ever think about it?" That feeling seemed to be pushing Joel on as he walked into uncharted waters.

She raised a brow, keeping her glass in her hand as she shuffled back, leaning against the couch. "About what?"

It took Joel longer than Y/n expected for him to reply. Though, when the words finally escaped from his lips, she came to realise why that was. "The baby?" Her smile dropped. "I mean, do you ever think it could be like this? Somewhere safe, where you could almost forget the world we live in."

She never let her eyes leave the man. There was something haunting written in his pupils. Y/n wasn't sure whether that was the pain of Tess' death which still lingered or whether that was what came to light whenever the memory of what could have been surfaced. "It never would have been like this, Joel." She told him, realistic against this fantasy his imagination had concocted over the years. "FEDRA never would have let me leave the QZ for good, we would have been living in that apartment, waking up neighbours with a screaming baby and it's likely we would have been so worn out we would have ended up hating each other." So, either way in her mind, baby or not, she doubted she and Joel would have stuck through it all.

"That's what you think?" There were remnants of sorrow in his tone. "That we never would have made it anyway?"

Y/n tilted her head, sympathy in her expression like she was facing some naive boy. "Not many couples do. Trust me, I've seen it." She had been subject to multiple couple arguments in the space of her own office.

"But we were different." He interjected before Y/n could continue her words.

"Joel," His name left her lips soft, yet he knew what was to follow wouldn't complement that. "Look at us, we were no different to everyone else. The 'what could have been' broke us. You have the same memories as me. There was no way we were going find a way through that." He was silent in accepting her truth. "Up until now, we could barely look at each. We despised each other and avoided one another like the plague. The only reason we're sat here is because we have a common goal." That goal being the young girl asleep upstairs.

Joel took another long sip from his wine before he gave a reply, "You know for someone who's meant to have hope, you don't sound like you do." She tensed. The thought of hope took her back to the letter and Frank's voice which was now woven strictly throughout her thoughts.

"This isn't about hope, not anymore. It's about closure, Joel. And for me, realising that there was no way we were going to stick together, baby or not, was how I got over it." A huff followed. She re-filled her wine glass and stood, "Stop torturing yourself with the could have been and let yourself get over it. Please, Joel." She seemed to beg, but she doubted that man was at all inclined to listen to what she had to say.

He said nothing more. Instead, the woman turned and wandered out the room. She couldn't have gone on much longer. Just as she had once avoided Joel, she avoided the memory of what could have been. It brought on the same emotional baggage, if not more, and if she thought on it too long, she found herself drowning.

Y/n had sought refuge in the upstairs bathroom. A small, square room with a closed door and a lock. One where she didn't have to look Joel right in the eye and lie about this closure she had said comforted her. Maybe it was wrong to say it, but Y/n hadn't a speck of closure. In fact, when she thought on it, this was the one thing in which she had acted exactly as Joel did. She'd pushed every thought and feeling about it away and locked the box. Whenever it came back up, it came back up overflowing. Like it was now.

She wasn't sure how long she had hauled herself up in the bathroom. Only that she knew she was waiting until her tears stopped falling and her wine glass as empty. By the time she had crept back downstairs, the lights were out. She turned the corner, finding Joel's back turned to her as he laid in the make-shift bed on the floor of the room. Her eyes lingered on his shadow and a part of her wondered if she should say anything. It didn't take her long to realise that was bad idea.

So without any word, any extra movement, she slipped under the blankets of the couch and let sleep take her.

As morning came, they had wasted no time. They had already packed everything into the back of the car the day before. All that they needed now was to grab anything from the road and head for the car. Up until Ellie had wandered downstairs, it had been a quiet morning. Silent, in fact. The voices from the night before still seemed to linger in the air, making it thick and neither Y/n nor Joel were wanting to break that yet.

"And you've got everything you need?" Y/n checked over as they each walked through into the garage.

Ellie was practically skipping towards the car, "For the tenth time, yes." She replied in her teenage-tone as her hand hovered over the driver's door.

"No way." Said Joel, erupting a groan from the young girl. "In the back."

With the roll of her eyes, she followed his instruction and jumped into the back, between the several boxes of supplies. But even then, she leaning forward between Y/n and Joel, her eyes darting over all the enticing buttons she didn't understand. They were lucky the engine wasn't on when she decided to start pushing all the buttons, only enhancing the glee this machine was providing her.

Y/n gazed back at her with raised brows, "First time in a car?"

She nodded but never looked up from the buttons, "Yep. It's like a spaceship."

Y/n took a gentle hold of her hand and pulled it from the radio, "Well, how about you try and not press anything which will cause the car to break down, yeah?" She pulled back a little but her grin never left her face.

"Seatbelt." Joel stated as he and Y/n pulled theirs over their waist, clicking it in.

Ellie, however, was oblivious. "Ellie?" Y/n called as the young girl looked up. "Seatbelt." The woman tugged at her own so the girl knew what she was referring to.

And with knitted brows, she turned, trying to pull her seatbelt over. Only to fail miserably. In the end, Joel leaned over into the back, pulling it over for her. "Oh." She realised as it clicked in. "So cool."

With that, Joel finally started the car. Ellie's scavenging still continued. Though, it was harmless and as she was in the back, was likely to not cause any harm to the car itself. They were half way towards the gate when a sharp gasp came from the girl in the back. Y/n looked to her through the rear-view mirror, relaxing a little when she realised it was just a tape she had found. "Look," The girl said, before leaning over towards the radio.

"Ellie," Joel used his stern voice. Not that it had done anything to stop the young girl.

Instead, she put the tape into the radio and a rather soft-sounding, almost classical song started to play. "Oh no, this is good," Joel changed his mind like the flick of a switch. "This is Linda Ronstadt." He informed, not that the name meant anything to the girl in the back. "Do you know who Linda Ronstadt is?"

"You know I don't know who Linda Ronstadt is." She quipped in return.

The car slowed as they faced the gate. Joel retrieved the small remote that controlled the fence. With the press of a few buttons, it started opening. "It's better than nothing." Ellie finally voiced her opinion. Something of which seemed to have offended Joel - not that he said anything.

With the gate open, Joel drove through. And like that, they were back to normal. Back to the fear of what creatures lurked around them, or what people they may end up surrounded by. The only thing to break Y/n from that thought was the first of many questions she was sure were to come. "So?" Ellie voiced, leaning between the two front seats. "What were you guys talking about last night?"

Y/n felt herself tense, but tried to hide it as best as she were able. "I thought you were listening to the music?" She argued, seemingly enough to prompt the girl back into her seat with a huff.

And rather than silence taking over, they were each comforted by the sounds of Linda Ronstadt.

-

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[darling-i-read-it]

Would you be willing to maybe write Giles headcanons from btvs. Like about his love languages and how it would go? Much love 💕! Please and thank you ☺️.

angel? spike? no. giles. it'll always be giles. (ps thank you for this request im knee deep in watching buffy so this is on my mind lots)

this is love language headcanons or alternatively: different scenarios in giles house. (gentle warning for some insinuating jokes lol)

acts of service

Giles appreciates when other people do things without him having to ask. He's very used to be in charge and likes that position; it makes him feel important

but goddamnit it sure would be nice for someone else to shoulder the weight. it would be double nice if it was someone other than buffy who also never gets a damn break.

it also doesn't have to be big things. Setting the tea bags out for him, buying the kind he likes when he's low.

Bringing him books you think he'll like or putting away the ones he had left out.

This also goes for things like helping research or helping Buffy if she needs it. A lot of his life is surrounding helping her so if you help as well it takes some of the pressure of his shoulders.

Giles ran his hand through his hair as he left the bedroom. You had stayed over the night before but weren't in bed when his alarm clock went off. He looked around the corner, seeing only himself in the mirror coming down the stairs. He wanted to call out your name but didn't, out of sheer exhaustion.

When he emerged into the living room he could hear you. You were in the kitchen, gently humming to yourself. His eyes opened wide, the sleep leaving them, when he saw you.

"Mornin sleepy head. You forget to turn your alarm off?" He gave you a confused look. "It's a holiday today. No school." He looked back up the stairs, trying to find what day it was in his head.

"Why are you awake then?"

"Couldn't sleep." His eyes drifted down to your hands. You were making breakfast. You had pancakes on the counter already made. Bacon was sizzling.

"Breakfast?"

"Figured it was the least I could do. You were so generous last night," you teased. He smiled, shaking his head.

"This..this is a lot of bacon." There was a whole stack already made.

"I figured your scoobies were going to be stopping by sometime this morning with a problem. Don't want them to starve." His eyes floated to your face with the most adoring look. You met his gaze. "You okay?"

"I love you. I love you so much."

quality time

Giles doesn't have a lot of free time, at least not in the first few seasons. He was technically always running around and doing something with the library or with Buffy or with the council. Constantly stuck within a losing battle of his free time and his sanity.

Spending all the time he could with those he loves and appreciates is important to him. He attempts to make time.

It's just...not easy.

It isn't actually his fault necessarily but yeah...he can barely finish a book for pleasure.

But when he has that time he does not like to waste it.

"I've taken the phone off the hook," Giles announced. You looked up from the couch where you were sitting. He looked quite proud. "Buffy is patrolling with Angel. She'll be safe for the night."

"You don't have to convince me," you told him.

"I know. I was convincing me." You gave him a sly smile. He sat down beside you. He had a stack of books in front of him on the coffee table. You were cuddled up in the corner of the couch with a blanket and a mug. "Has your tea gone cold?"

You shook your head, no.

"Good." He picked up the stack of books and rested them on his lap. You watched him with big heart eyes. He was about to talk about something he was extremely passionate about. You were excited to listen.

"Which one are you going to read to me tonight Rupert?"

"I have options."

"Naturally."

physical touch

we all saw the episode where they reverted to their teenage selves

growing up, Giles had the tendency to be handsy in relationships. That wasn't something that exactly faded away as he grew older, he just became slightly better at hiding it

It was something you were surprised about when you started a relationship with him but it was something that was simple to ease into. It became natural fast

He likes to have his hands on you whenever you're alone. the whole time. all the time.

in public he's okay, he's sophisticated, he's borderline shy/timid. He does not want to traumatize the children he is constantly around. Even when Xander makes joke after joke after joke after jo-

Will pull you aside privately if he feels the need to though. Stern talking to. You look too good. That's literally not his fault.

but ALONEEEEEE

"Rupert," you muttered. He had his arm wrapped around you tightly from behind as you sat on the couch. He had his book up but was holding it with one hand. Everytime he turned the page he would set the book down and turn it so he didn't have to take his hand off you.

"Yes?" he questioned. You looked up at him. You sat between his legs, your back flush with his chest.

"I need to go to the bathroom," you said. He raised his eyebrows, floating his gaze back to his book.

"Can it wait?" You laughed.

"No." He let out a hearty sigh as though you had just told him grave news.

He moved his arm off you so you could get up.

"Hurry back," he said. You smiled, face scrunching. The warmth in your chest expanded out towards to your face as you walked away.

"I'm hurrying."

[hairstevington]

i can't tune you out (part 3)

Eddie Munson x Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley x Chrissy Cunningham

Summary: Eddie and Chrissy become friends. Robin and Chrissy bond. Eddie and Steve strike a deal.

(part 1, part 2)

Word Count: 4.8K (it's a long one!)

Warnings: Rockstar!Eddie/Musician!Steve, modern day AU, enemies to lovers STILL very much enemies sorry I love a slow burn, Chrissy x Comphet, allusions to Chrissy having body issues, Hellcheer being wholesome, angst upon angst baybeeee, this chapter is very fun just bear with the boys absolutely despising each other lmao

A/N: Hello friends! From here on out, this fic will only be posted to my Ao3. If you're digging the story so far, go ahead and follow along here! To those that don't have accounts, I might be able to finesse some sort of system where I let you guys know when I've updated. Also, for those in need of Soft Steddie (tm), more "Flowers and Ink" is coming soon! Love y'all &lt;3

Eddie got to the bar before Chrissy did, but he kind of preferred it that way. It gave him a chance to sit down, order a drink, and settle into the environment before being thrust into more chaos. 

Sometimes, even though he thrived in insanity, he needed a moment to breathe. Not that he’d ever admit that out loud, of course. 

“Hey, stranger!” Chrissy’s voice rang from behind him. He spun around and was surprised when she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. He’d thought that she’d been extra sweet and friendly the night before because of the alcohol, but apparently that was just her vibe. It was actually really nice. 

“H-hi, Chrissy,” Eddie replied, hugging her back. She pulled away after one last squeeze, then plopped herself beside him. “How’s it going?”

“Pretty good,” she answered. “I was up all night, so I slept most of the day. Now, I’ll probably be up all night again. Such is life.”

“Been there,” Eddie replied, taking a sip of his drink. 

“Can I get a vodka soda and two shots of tequila, please?” Chrissy asked the bartender.  

“Tequila?” Eddie asked, attempting to hide the disgust on his face. He hadn’t touched the stuff in years, after one fateful night involving a playground. Helpful tip - being drunk on a swing set is not the move.

“Tequila,” Chrissy confirmed with a smirk. “I’m invested now, and considering this is our first of potentially many drinks together, I figured we should start off with a bang.”

Eddie stared at her, blankly. She wanted to see him again after this? But he hadn’t even really done anything!

“Why are you so invested in this?” Eddie asked. 

“I dunno,” Chrissy replied with a shrug. The bartender put the vodka soda down in front of her, and she started mixing it around with the thin plastic straw. “I guess I’m just kinda…bored?”

“Bored?” Eddie repeated. “How could you be bored when you’re doing all the shit you do? Going to parties and photoshoots and - I mean, you barely know me.”

“My life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” she responded. There was a flicker of sadness in her eyes, but it left as quickly as it had come. Chrissy sipped her drink, then thanked the bartender as she set the shots down. “Come on, let’s commemorate this!” 

She took out her phone and gestured for Eddie to hold his drink up so they could take a picture. He was blown away by the whole thing, honestly. He almost texted Carla just to be like - can you believe this shit? 

It all seemed too easy. She was too open to being his friend, and he didn’t know why. He’d worked hard and all that, but he didn’t feel like he was decent enough of a person to get any sort of karmic reward. So this all felt a little suspicious, but he tried to enjoy it anyway. 

They did the shot. At least Chrissy had sprung for the high-quality liquor. It was still kinda nasty. 

“How was the rest of the party?” he asked. 

“Good,” Chrissy responded with a tight-lipped smile. She didn’t add any details, which was odd, but she spoke again before Eddie could ask any follow-up questions. “So, what’s the deal with you? People say you’re dating Steve, but you didn’t even know what he looked like last night, soooo…”

Alright, here we go.

“Yeah, well,” Eddie began. “I’m not dating him, clearly.” No sense in lying to Chrissy when she already knew. 

“But you want to?” Chrissy asked. Eddie shrugged. He would have flat out told her the truth, but he was hesitant to give everything away immediately. Steve was the one with the power, and Eddie hated that. “Do I need to order us another shot?”

“Please, no,” Eddie shot back instantly. When Chrissy laughed, he realized she’d been joking. “Sorry, it’s just -”

“It’s okay,” Chrissy assured him. “Talking to people in this business is hard. You never know who you can trust. I used to be a lot more open, and then you kinda just learn that you…can’t be, most of the time.”

Eddie furrowed his brow, wondering what exactly Chrissy felt she couldn’t tell people. Even moreso, he wanted to know who had broken her trust in the past. Then, he felt a pang of guilt, since he’d been mostly excited about this drink because it would boost his fame. Everything about all of this was corrupt and morally ambiguous. He sighed. 

“I’m just trying to make it out there,” Eddie admitted. “And I - I mean, I don’t know what to do, or how anything works.”

“Yeah, I remember what that’s like,” she empathized. She took a sip of her vodka soda, then turned back to Eddie. “Do you ever feel like -? I mean, do you ever feel like you’re losing your mind?”

“Uhhh, just on a daily basis,” Eddie replied. He and Chrissy smiled at each other, and he could feel her authenticity. Maybe it was stupid for him to open up to her, but he was going to do it anyway. “Chrissy, have you ever, uh - like, have you ever done one of those PR relationships?”

“Oh, yeah,” she replied, unfazed. “I can’t really say anything, but yeah. It happens a lot around here.” Eddie nodded, then sipped his drink. “Wait, are you trying to do that with me?”

“Not quite,” Eddie mumbled, his lips pressed to his glass.

“I thought you were gay,” she continued. 

“I am.”

“Oh, okay.” She thought about it for a moment, then her eyes widened. “Oh.” 

“Yeah.”

“Oh,” she repeated. “Ohhhh!”

“Got any other letters?” Eddie teased. Chrissy giggled, then shoved him playfully. 

“You’re funny,” she said. Eddie wasn’t used to people enjoying his often wicked sense of humor. This was refreshing. “So, who’s idea was it?”

“My manager, I guess,” Eddie answered. “Well, she told me to use what the fans were saying and to meet up with the guy. But it, uh - it didn’t go well.”

“No?” she asked, surprised. “What happened?”

Eddie wanted to keep talking to Chrissy. He didn’t care that she was famous anymore - he wanted her perspective as someone who’d been through it. He also knew that Chrissy could tear him down just as quickly as she could build him up. 

“Did you mean what you said about us getting drinks more often?” he asked. 

“Yeah!” she replied, smiling brightly. “Like I said, you’re funny. And I - hmm. Okay, um. This next part might sound really bad at first, but I can explain.”

“Okay…” Eddie said, feeling his walls come back up. 

“I don’t really have a lot of male friends,” Chrissy admitted. “It always feels like - like they’re just waiting for their chance to strike.”

“Like, try to sleep with you?” Eddie asked. Chrissy nodded. “Oh. Christ, that sucks.” 

“Yeah,” she replied with a half shrug. 

He skipped the part where he doubted whether or not what she was saying was true, because it was clearly affecting her whether it was true or not. Eddie also had an urge to diffuse the tension with a joke, because that was kind of his thing.

“Chrissy Cunningham,” he stated, “- are you trying to make me your gay best friend?” She bit her lip, fighting a guilty smile. “Cuz like, I’m down, but I’ve never really done this before so I don’t know what the role entails.” She stopped fighting the smile, so Eddie continued. “I mean, is there a rulebook out there? I think there’s a movie about this on Netflix. Should I watch that first?”

“Eddie!” She interrupted, fully laughing now. Eddie joined her, feeling accomplished that he’d lightened the mood and set her at ease again. “I’m in the modeling industry, I’m surrounded by gay men all the time. It’s not just about that, I promise.”

“Okay, then what is it?” Eddie wondered. She sighed, her body much more relaxed than it had been before.

“It’s just that everybody I’m around talks about their looks all the time. I mean, it’s our job to be beautiful, I know that, but it’s tiring to just constantly hear about new diets and calories and what I should and should not eat. It’s just - it’s nice to get away from that, sometimes. You’re nothing like them, and I like that.”

“Nothing like them, huh?” Eddie smirked. “Are you saying I’m not beautiful?” She laughed and shook her head. 

“Okay fine, you have one thing in common,” she teased back. “You’re not mad?”

“Nah,” Eddie said, shaking his head. “But while we’re coming clean, I definitely was excited to come here because I hoped I’d get more followers if we hung out.”

“Well, obviously,” Chrissy responded, flipping her hair. “Okay, so that’s out of the way. Can we stick together, then?”

She asked it so sweetly it made his heart ache. 

“Yeah, ‘course,” he replied. He thought back to what Chrissy had said earlier about her model friends and decided to commit to being the opposite. “So, uh, I dunno about you but I could really go for some fries right now.” 

Chrissy’s eyes widened. 

“I’d kill for some fries right now.”  

“Great,” he said, grinning. “Who are we killing?” They laughed together, and then he got the bartender’s attention so he could order.

-

“For the record, I’m not doing this for you.”

It took Robin less than two seconds to agree to going to the bar with Steve. Now, they were walking down the street so that they could spy on two people they barely knew but were somehow entangled with. 

“I know, I know,” Steve replied. 

The bar was in sight. Chrissy hadn’t tagged the location or anything, but he recognized the place because he went there often. So often that it wasn’t out of the ordinary for him to show up with Robin. They’d done it before and they’d do it again. 

The plan was for them to discreetly sit at a table in the back. But then they were at the door, and then they were opening the door, and then they were immediately being stared down by a blonde and a brunette at the bar. 

Shit. 

“Steve, what do we do?” Robin muttered rapidly. 

“Uhhh,” he said, glancing over at the table he imagined they’d sit at. He thought about ignoring them and just sitting down, but they’d all already seen each other so that would have just been rude. “I think we just have to own it.”

“Own what? That we’re psychopaths?” Robin hissed. 

And then, Chrissy was waving them both over to join them.

“Just follow my lead,” Steve said. 

In hindsight, this plan had been really, really stupid. 

Steve knew that his cover for all this was to get Robin and Chrissy in the same room again. But truthfully, Steve didn’t know Chrissy’s deal or if she wanted anything other than friendship. Steve could say this had nothing to do with Eddie all he wanted, but that wasn’t true. 

He’d been wracking his brain all day to make sense of this. His fight with Eddie the night prior had been a little fuzzy, but one part of it really stuck with him. 

Just a few years of King Steve bullying the school freak.

Well, that comment plus Eddie saying that Steve’s music sucked. That stung, but he wasn’t expecting someone like Eddie to appreciate his music anyway. The truth was, Steve had left high school behind, and he’d moved on, and he’d forgotten the shit he’d done back then. All that bystander crap, the teasing, the little comments that Steve didn’t understand the impact of at the time. 

Steve didn’t like Eddie. He still thought Eddie was a dick. But that didn’t mean Steve hadn’t also been a dick back then. 

All of this was very complicated, and the residual headache from the hangover made his head spin. Actually, the dizziness was probably also from the hangover. The thought of drinking made him want to hurl. Good thing he was at a bar, right?

“Hey!” Chrissy said as they approached. “What are you guys doing here?!” She jumped up to hug Steve, then Robin, and Steve watched as his friend acted as if the physical contact with her crush didn’t affect her. 

“We, uh -” Steve began. “We come here a lot, actually. Well, I do. I live just down the road.” 

His gaze drifted to Eddie, who gave Steve a knowing smirk. 

“Oh my god, Robin, I’m actually so glad you’re here,” Chrissy said. “Your style is just - I mean, wow! Where do you get your clothes?”

Robin’s eyes landed on Steve’s for a nanosecond, but it was enough for him to know exactly what was going through her brain. Basically just the embodiment of a bunch of exclamation points. 

“I - I usually thrift them, actually!” Robin responded. 

Then, Chrissy continued asking where Robin thrifted, and whether she could come with sometime, and Steve figured they’d be at it for a while. 

Huh. Maybe there would be something there after all.

Of course, while they were talking, this left Steve to either stand there awkwardly or interact with Eddie. He probably would have chosen the awkward standing, had Eddie not chosen the opposite. 

“Well, if it isn’t HARVEST in the flesh. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Eddie began. He was smiling, but his tone was biting. Steve looked at Eddie, nodded his head toward Chrissy and Robin, then looked back at Eddie. He shrugged. “Ah, I see.”

“Yeah.”

“No other reason?” Eddie prodded, playing dumb.

“Nope,” Steve said. “Like I said, I live right -”

“Down the road,” Eddie interrupted. “So I heard.” Steve swallowed. He kinda felt like he was being interrogated or something. Eddie was making this extremely uncomfortable. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Steve wondered, desperately wanting this interaction to be over. Unfortunately, Chrissy and Robin were still chatting eagerly. 

“Like what, HARVEST?” Eddie asked. Steve rolled his eyes. 

“Steve is fine.”

“Hmm, is he though?” Eddie retorted. “I don’t think you want me to treat you like I treat Steve.”

God, Eddie knew how to push Steve’s buttons. His heart was racing, he was so mad. He clenched his jaw and considered how bad it would be to smack the smug grin off Eddie’s face.

Really bad. He knew that. He took deep breaths instead and relaxed. His hands had balled into fists at some point during the conversation. He extended his fingers out, flexing them. He was trying to leave this version of himself in the past, not bring him back. Another deep breath. 

“Whatever, Munson,” Steve sighed. “I just -”

“Hey, guys?” Robin said, diverting the attention to her. She pointed to the window, where a crowd of people had gathered. 

Some of them had cameras. 

“Shit,” Chrissy said. “How long do you think they’ve been there?”

“I dunno,” Steve responded. “You wanna get out of here?”

“Yeah,” Chrissy agreed. Eddie and Robin looked at each other this time, both outside of Chrissy and Steve’s shared understanding. 

Good thing all of them looked nice. Those pictures were gonna be all over the place tomorrow. 

Steve was here a lot, so he knew the bartenders and the owners, and he also knew how to sneak out when things like this happened. 

“Come on,” he said, urging Chrissy to follow him. With Steve came Robin, and Eddie sure as hell didn’t want to be left there alone, so he came too. Oh, joy. 

The four of them walked past the bar and through a sign marked for employees only. They wandered through the kitchen and left out a black door that led to an alley behind the building. 

“So, what now?” Robin asked once they were outside. 

“I’ll give them about two minutes until they find us,” Steve replied. 

“Is there somewhere else we could go?” Chrissy wondered. “I kind of don’t want to go home yet.”

“Well, I know HARVEST over here lives nearby,” Eddie said. 

“Will you quit it with the HARVEST thing?” Steve complained. 

“Sorry, do you prefer Harvey?” Eddie shot back. Steve groaned. 

“You’re impossible.”

“Oh, boy,” Chrissy mumbled. 

“I know, right?” Robin agreed. “Steve, can we go back to yours?”

“All of us?” Steve asked, knowing the answer already. It was his apartment. He could have flat out said that Eddie wasn’t allowed in. But he saw the look in Robin’s eyes, and he knew that if they all went back to the apartment, she could spend more time with Chrissy. “Alright, fine. Let’s go.”

-

Steve’s apartment was nice. It was huge, spacious, and all the utilities worked. It was also minimalist in that Steve hadn’t put up any decorations. He had the essentials - a couch, a TV, a table. Not much more. 

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting to have people over,” Steve said as they walked in. 

“It’s beautiful,” Chrissy said. 

“It’s empty,” Eddie noted. His apartment was a lot smaller, but it also was a lot more filled up. This place had nothing, basically. Eddie almost made a comment about Steve not having any money to decorate after paying what he assumed was an absurd rent, but he held his tongue. 

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Robin agreed. “I keep throwing ideas his way, but he’d rather live in an asylum, basically.”

“I’m not here that often,” Steve explained, shrugging. “Sue me.”

“It definitely could use some color,” Chrissy agreed. “Art on the walls, maybe a rug -”

“Yes! Exactly!” Robin exclaimed. “I even have a Pinterest board.”

“Oh my god, can I see it?” Chrissy asked. Robin nodded, and then they were both sitting across the room looking at decor or some shit. All of the logistical stuff related to interior design was beyond Eddie. He just bought things that he liked and then put them where they best fit. He didn’t know anything about color-coding, and he didn’t even know what Pinterest was. 

Anyway, Robin and Chrissy bonding so aggressively and so immediately (which was interesting, to say the least) left Eddie semi-alone with Steve once again. 

“Can we talk?” Steve asked, surprising the hell out of Eddie. He had given Steve zero reason to want to talk to him, he’d made sure of it. Like, Eddie had been at his maximum asshole level for a few reasons. First and foremost, it was payback for high school. Second, it was fun. And third, because Eddie didn’t like Steve, and because he currently didn’t have anywhere else to direct his anger. 

He didn’t say they were good reasons. 

“Uh, suuuuure,” Eddie replied. Steve gestured for Eddie to follow him down the hall so they could have some privacy. 

Oh, great. Now we’re fully alone.

-

Chrissy was amazing. She was wonderful. She was everything Robin hoped she’d be. It was almost too good to be true. No, it was definitely too good to be true. 

They were huddled over Robin’s phone, talking about color theory and decorations which turned into art and hobbies which turned into a discussion about college (Robin went, Chrissy didn’t) and then finally their conversation settled on music. 

“Have you listened to their stuff?” Robin asked, gesturing towards where the boys had gone. It had been a few minutes and no arguing or fights breaking out yet, as far as she could tell. Of course, she hadn’t been listening that intently. 

“Sure,” Chrissy responded. “Corroded Coffin not so much, but that’s just because I’m not into that sort of music.”

“Very fair.”

“Yeah. But HARVEST I hear all the time. That one song is literally impossible to escape from.”

“Oh, we know,” Robin replied with a laugh. “Steve secretly can’t stand it’s that song that blew up.”

“What do you mean?” Chrissy wondered. 

“Like, it’s definitely his most commercial song,” Robin explained. “I’ve been listening to Steve’s music since we met, and it’s a little out there sometimes, but now that I’m used to it I’m all for it. Anyway, his favorite songs are the ones most people haven’t heard. That’s why his new album is - I mean that’s why he -” 

Robin stopped herself from saying the rest. Chrissy was great, but Robin wasn’t about to spill all of her best friend’s secrets.

“That’s why he what?” Chrissy teased, nudging Robin in the shoulder. 

Dammit. It was really hard to avoid temptation when temptation was someone as vibrant as Chrissy Cunningham. 

“That’s why he’s so excited about it,” Robin concluded. 

Thank god. I can keep my best friend card.

“Oh, okay,” Chrissy said, nodding. “I’ll have to listen to his other stuff then.”

“Let me know what you think,” Robin replied. 

“Of course I will.” Chrissy smiled, then pulled out her phone. To Robin’s surprise, she handed it to her with an empty contact open. 

Holy shit.

Robin typed in her name and number, then triple checked to make sure she put it in correctly before handing the phone back to Chrissy.

“There you go,” she said, doing her best to remain calm. 

“Thank you,” Chrissy said. “Wow, it’s so crazy. First with Eddie, now with you. I just feel like we’re all going to be really good friends.”

Friends. GOD. Ouch. 

Robin probably should have expected that. She had expected it, really, but it stung nonetheless. That was okay. They could be friends. Robin cleared her throat and hoped she didn’t sound too disappointed. 

“Yeah, if the two idiots in there can get their shit together,” Robin joked. 

“I know!” Chrissy agreed. “Like, what’s going on with them?”

“I honestly have no idea.” She looked down the hall, still not hearing any arguing.

If she’d been alone, she would have pressed her ear to the door and listened in, but she had to be on her best behavior. You know, for her new friend.

-

“Sooo, what the hell is going on?” Eddie asked once they were in a different room. It looked like an office. There was music equipment everywhere. 

“I’m just gonna go ahead and tell you a bunch of shit, okay? Because the last hour or so has been crazy and I’m still kind of hungover and I’m not interested in doing a whole dance with you.”

“Yeah, you made that clear last night when you didn’t dance with me,” Eddie deadpanned. 

“Jesus,” Steve exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Could you just -”

“You wanna tell me something, so skip the preamble and tell me -” 

“I’m sorry, okay?” Steve snapped. “I’m sorry for - I’m sorry about high school. I was an idiot.”

Oh. Well, shit. 

“Past tense?” Eddie teased. 

“Go to hell.”

“Okay, okay, point taken,” he relented with a light chuckle. “Thanks. I appreciate the apology.”

“Really?” 

“Yeah, really,” Eddie confirmed. “Don’t worry, I’m still iffy about you for a bunch of other reasons.”

“Great,” Steve said, returning Eddie’s sarcastic tone. 

“Cool,” Eddie replied. “So, is that it?”

“No.”

“No?” Eddie prodded. 

“Wait, what are the other reasons?” Steve asked, losing his train of thought. Eddie scoffed. 

“You want me to tell you why I don’t like you?” Eddie rebuffed. “Are you into that or something?”

“No, I just -”

“Come on, spit it out,” he demanded. “The quicker you say what you’re gonna say, the less time we have to talk to each other. What is it?”

Steve took a deep breath. 

“I want my album to do well, and ever since this whole steddie thing happened, people have actually started talking about it, and -”

“Waaaait a goddamn second,” Eddie drawled. “Are you saying you want to actually, like, do the fake relationship thing?”

“No, I just don’t want to deny it,” Steve responded. “Let them talk, you know.”

Eddie almost laughed. Jesus Christ, this was rich. Eddie thought he’d be the one begging for scraps, yet here he was, in Steve’s apartment, listening to his high school bully ask him for a favor. 

Eddie weighed his options. If he said no, it would feel great in the moment, but then this would be over. 

The tables were turning, and he wasn’t going to let a bit of his power go to waste.

“Hmm, very interesting, Harvey,” he said. “The King’s come crawling back to the freak.” Steve scoffed. 

“Our fake relationship benefits you more than me, you do realize that, right?” he reminded Eddie. “I’m just fine on my own. You get a popularity boost from this, so maybe you should try not to be a total asshole for once. I could find literally anyone else to do this with.”

The thing was, Eddie knew that wasn’t true. He could see right through the bullshit. 

“You’re bluffing,” Eddie stated. 

“What?”

“You’re bluffing,” he repeated. “Lest we forget you’re the one who asked me to go along with this.” Steve rolled his eyes.

“Ugh, ‘lest we forget.’ Why do you talk like that?” 

“You’re avoiding the question,” Edde said, his eyes boring into Steve’s. 

“What question?”

“Come on, Harrington. You want me. Why?”

Steve’s eyes narrowed, but didn’t break away. 

“Okay, calm down with the whole ‘I want you’ thing, alright?” Steve’s agitation was just too cute. It was so easy to rile him up. “I’m doing this for my album, just like you are.”

“Yeaaah, I don’t buy it. What else is it?” Eddie couldn’t help it. He had to keep pushing. 

“There’s nothing else, Eddie.”

“Don’t tell me, then,” he teased. “Let me guess. All those years ago when you laughed at me in high school, you were really just harboring some hidden crush on me that didn’t fully come to fruition until you saw me at Frolique?”

Steve’s face went pale, and for a moment Eddie wondered if he’d gone too far.

“Oh my god,” Steve scoffed. “Could you not be a jackass for literally one second?”

“Wait, was I right?” Eddie took a step forward, intrigued by the idea. 

“No, you weren’t right, Munson,” Steve insisted. “I didn’t have a crush on you, I was just a dick.”

Ah. So much for that. Eddie shook his head and smiled. 

“And now you’re just so goddamn pleasant, huh?” He turned to look at all the expensive shit Steve kept in there - high-tech recording equipment, instruments, microphones, sheet music. 

“Usually, yeah,” Steve replied. “I’m actually nice to most people.” Eddie’s eyes were still focused on the sheet music, an increasing curiosity within him, but he held back and returned his focus to Steve.

“Aw, so I’m the exception? See, I knew I was special.”

If being a dick was so bad, then why was it so fun?

“Seriously, what’s wrong with you?” Steve asked.

“Oh god, sooooo many things,” Eddie replied. He meant it, too. He knew he had issues, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to talk to Steve about them. “And for the record, I can be pleasant too. Just ask Chrissy.”

“When did you get so close with her, anyway?”

“Since about an hour ago,” Eddie answered. “Anyway, I’m an absolute delight, Harrington. I only bite when it’s fun.”

“Then you must be having the time of your goddamn life,” Steve remarked. 

It wasn’t not true, but once again, Eddie needed to be unpredictable. He just had this compulsive need to throw Steve off, to keep him guessing. Yeah, being an asshole to Steve Harrington was fun, but Eddie didn’t forget how much he hated the guy and everything he stood for. 

“God, I wish,” he replied. “I hate this, but I’ll have fun when I can. I mean, my career is important, too. Why do you think I made a big fool of myself at that party? I fucking danced in public so that I could talk to you. I already told you - I don’t like your music, or your weird persona, and I don’t really care for you off-stage either.”

“Yeah? Well, the feeling is mutual,” Steve shot back. 

Eddie smirked, a fire within him that somehow bloomed and burned at the same time. Matter is neither created nor destroyed right? Eddie was never that good in school, but that phrase always stuck with him. The fire - the anger, the pain, the hurt - it fueled him and it broke him down. An endless cycle. What he loved. What he didn’t. All of it was the same.

“Let me be fucking clear,” Eddie said. “I’m not doing this because it’s fun. I’m doing it because I get something out of it, got it?”

“Got it,” Steve replied. The air between them was tense, and it made Eddie feel alive. 

“Okay,” he said at last. “Then we’ll let them talk.”

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

@paintballkid711 @abraca-fxckyou @allbimyself26 @jellybabiesforall @allbymyselfexceptformycactus @justaloadofgarbage-blog @alliemunsonsstuff @undreamingnscatworld @hobbitnarwhal @calivanus @wreckmyplans-thatsmyman @antheia @goodolefashionedloverboi @lillemilly @missmagillicuddy @steviesbicrisis @gamerdano @menamesniall eyeslikewildflowers111 @callmesirkay @stringischeese @eds-trashmouth @mnl-enuh @redfreckledwolf @itsanarrum @soulsofstarsliveinyourveins @gregre369 @stevesbipanic @momotonescreaming @aryakanojiaa @wrenisflying @comicmadlover @lilacrobin @itch-my-b0nez @anonymousbandgirl @disastardly @dangdirtydemons @daisyellsong @val-from-lawrence @starryeyedpoet17 @taikawaiteatea @clumsiluni @hollysimone @swimmingbirdrunningrock @witchofhawkins @steddiegarbage @suddenlyinlove @ricekristytreaty @eddielives1986

[burst-of-iridescent]

Oh, thank you, my day is good, but after your message it got even better! I really found solace on Tumblr, which I could not find either in these terrible comics or in LOTR. To be honest, I hardly mastered the latter at all, literally forcing myself to watch series after series, searching in vain for the former depth of characters and conflict. In my opinion, LOTR is a complete failure on all fronts, with the exception of high-quality drawing. If it's about comics, it's an illogical development of events, which, unfortunately, is laid down in the last series. I wanted to ask you -how do you feel about Ursa's line? I was offended by her decision to leave the children (of course, it happened against her will, but still -to change her face and personality, forget about her beloved son and lead a happy life with an old lover?! Don't get it wrong, a woman should suffer for the rest of her days because of a failed marriage, she should not give up happiness if fate sends. But in the context of this story, in your opinion, does it not look like a betrayal, first of all of herself (Ursa?), and of course her children. She couldn't help but understand what kind of hell they got into, first of all the son, after her disappearance. And if you also disagree with this "canon", what would you see the fate of Zuko and Azula's mother? (sorry for such a long letter!)

hi again! thank you, you're so sweet!

i 100% feel you on both LOK (i'm guessing LOTR is a typo?) and the comics. it's so disappointing because both the show and the comics have some great conceptual ideas, and in the hands of competent writers, could've been excellent continuations of ATLA and worthwhile successors... but instead we got a flaming pile of garbage that deserves to be at the bottom of the sea.

the search isn't the worst atla comic imo (that honour goes to the promise) but it's definitely doing its damn best to earn that spot. i hate so many things about that comic: the outdated, insulting depictions of mental illness and mental healthcare in azula's story, zuko getting a "replacement sister" in kiyi as a fix-it bandaid, the fact that it becomes a whole gaang adventure when the correct narrative choice would've been for zuko and katara (and maybe azula at most) to take this trip together as a full circle from the southern raiders, katara and sokka's only role in the story being to foil zuko and azula and nothing else, and of course... the complete annihilation of everything ursa's character was set up to be in atla.

i agree with you that it is very much a betrayal of ursa's character for her to willingly lose her memories. she knows she's leaving her children in the hands of a dangerous abuser, one who's already molding her daughter into a lethal weapon and was fully ready to murder her son, who has proven his willingness to sacrifice his children without hesitation if it benefits him. but despite this, despite the fact that she committed murder, accepted exile and even risked her life (for she had no way of knowing if ozai would simply let her leave peacefully) to protect her child... suddenly she's willing to throw all of that away and fuck off with her childhood lover at the first opportunity?

it baffles me why bryke didn't at least make ursa's memory loss an accident, which would've both explained her absence and why she never went to look for her children without committing character assassination in the process - but that's probably expecting too much logical writing from those two.

i'm actually planning a post-canon book 4 zutara fic that would include a rewrite of the search, where ursa didn't just fuck off to do nothing, but actually had a redemption arc very similar to zuko's after secretly fleeing to live in the earth kingdom and seeing the damage the war had done. she takes it upon herself to right the fire nation's wrongs, and grows particularly invested in air nomad culture, seeing it as her duty to try and bring back some of what the genocide had destroyed. shortly before zuko's banishment she sets out to find the remnants of a people long believed to be gone - and finds that maybe they're not entirely gone after all.

i won't spoil the rest, but i think it'll both explain why ursa never went back for zuko and azula while still giving her a meaningful story that didn't involve just swapping one family for another. if only we'd gotten something similar in the comics but alas... bryke gonna bryke.

thanks for the ask! no worries about it being long, i thoroughly enjoy reading your thoughts <3

[keketopia]

Tamaki Amajiki with a Mermaid Reader

You and the Big 3 took a little road trip to a campsite.

Tamaki had a crush on you since you first arrive in U.A. but knowing him, he doesn't have the balls to ask you out. Tamaki always admired everything you do. How you were so curious about his quirk, how you were insanely smart. Seriously, you once solved an algebra math question nobody could answer. And I mean NOBODY! It got to the point where people would ask you for help.

Another thing that he admired was your eyes, he didn't know what it was about your eyes that made him fall in love with you more. Your eyes were so inhuman…almost…siren-like. He swears there was a strange, alluring quality that's drawing him towards you. Your sharp cheekbones were your most defining feature of all. Even Mirio & Nejire agreed that there was something abnormal about you. But then again, humans come in different shapes and sizes.

Nejire once joked that "She's like a beautiful mermaid, who draws people in with her natural beauty" Little did she know, she was right.

Anyway, you've arrived at your destination. It was a tiny cabin with a campfire in the front and a giant lake in the back to go swimming.

"Wow, only one bed," you said as you walked into the bedroom

"Good thing we brought sleeping bags," said Mirio who was toting a bunch of stuff.

"You sure you don't need help holding all that stuff?" Nejire questioned.

"Oh no, I'm fine" Mirio expressed with a big smile on his face.

"Alright, so who is going to sleep on the bed, and who is going to sleep on the floor?"

"I dips the bed!" Nejire jumped on the bed.

"Alright, Y/N and Tamaki, looks like you're both sleeping on the floor"

"Wha-"

"Yeah, I'm taking the bed" Mirio got closer to Tamaki

"Plus, you can get close to her~" Mirio whispered.

Tamaki blushed like a tomato and immediately went to a nearby wall to place his head against. For the rest of the day, ya'll just made smores, went swimming (except you of course), and went on a walk. It was already dark by the time you all made it back to the cabin. You all got freshened up and started getting ready for bed. Both Mirio and Nejire shared a bed while you and Tamaki slept in sleeping bags on the floor. By then, you were all fast asleep, nothing could be heard other than the tiny snores and the crickets chirping.

Everything was nice and peaceful until you woke up unexpectedly. You check the clock "1:14 a.m." Tamaki woke up too, surprised that you were awake. You got up from the floor and walked out of the bedroom. Tamaki was questioning why you got up so late but thought you were just hungry or thirsty. But for some reason, he too got up and followed you. He doesn't know why, he just let his legs carry him.

When you walked past the kitchen and headed toward the back door, Tamaki was confused. Where were you going? He sneakily exits through the back door and hid behind a tree so you wouldn't spot him. He peeks to see you by the lake.

Before Tamaki could question anything else, you started taking your clothes off. He was taken aback by your action and quickly hid to silently scream.

"W-What is she doing?!"

He peeked once more to see you fully naked, standing by the lake. Good thing you had your back towards him, but that didn't help that he could see your butt.

"C-Come on, Tamaki. D-Don't be a pervert"

He then sees you getting closer to the lake, putting your arms above your head, bending forward, slightly bending your knees and dove into the water.

He assumed you were taking a skinny dip but why so late, especially in the early morning?

He was about to go back to the cabin when he heard a noise coming from the lake, it almost sounded like…screaming! Was it from you? You were screaming in agony. Were you in trouble?!

Without wasting any time, Tamaki rushed to the cabin, grab a flashlight, and boosted to the lake before jumping in. As soon as he was in the water, Tamaki turn on the flashlight and started to frantically look for you. Eventually, the light spotted a naked figure, whose body was twisting and turning under the dark lake. As he swam closer to help you, he notice something that stopped him in his tracks.

Your skin was turning grey and scaly, your nails began to grow long and sharp, and some skin began to grow between your fingers. What was happening to you?

A single fish-like fin was growing down your back and your legs began to form into a tail. You then stopped screaming, meaning your transformation was finally over.

Tamaki couldn't believe it… was he dreaming? Were his eyes deceiving him? Or was he actually seeing a real-life mermaid in front of him?

It didn't take long for you to notice a bright light shining on your body, so you turn around to see Tamaki, looking at you like he doesn't know who you are. You gave him the same look he was giving you, you were caught! You two stared at each other until Tamaki snapped back to reality to realize he was drowning.

He quickly began to swim up as he was running out of air. Thankfully, you grabbed him by the hand and brought him to shore, which took a few seconds since you were a fast swimmer. Once he was out of the water, he took a moment to breathe as he held his breath for so long. He got his breathing straight before looking at you, you were still in the water, with a fearful look on your face.

"What- How- You- Tail-" He couldn't talk properly because he was so stunned.

You tried to speak to him but all that left your mouth were high pitch calls and wails, sort of like a whale or dolphin. You forgot that mermaids can't speak while in their aquatic form, you guys communicate in a special kind of sign language. You've been on land for too long.

Tamaki looked at you confused, he knows you were trying to say something, but all that was coming out were noises.

"I guess you can't talk, huh?"

You looked at him for a second before you climbed out of the water. Tamaki move a bit so you can have some space Once you were fully out of the water, you just laid there, in the grass. Tamaki took this as an opportunity to fully inspect your fish-like appearance.

You had 3 slits in between your ribs, on either side of your body. He guessed those are your gills, that allowed you to breathe underwater. You had webbing between your fingers, tipped with razor-sharp claws in place of normal fingernails. You had spiky pelvic fins that helped you move left & right and up & down, and are half the length of your tail. Your dorsal fin was even longer, stretching from the base of your neck to the near tip of your tail. And let's not forget about your caudal fin, it was almost the shape of a dolphin but with a stinger growing out in between.

Just as he was done studying you, you suddenly started to scream in agony again. Tamaki panicked, he didn't know what was happening. All he could do was sit there and watch you scream in pain while tugging the ground

Your grey and scaly complexion was turned back into your normal human skin tone as your dorsal and pelvic fins started to disappear. Your webbed hands turn back into human ones. Your tail started to tear apart and there sprouted your legs.

When the transformation was over, you start breathing heavily as you were in so much pain. Tamaki looked at you in shock again, you just went from mermaid to human in just a few seconds. If his jaw wasn't dropped from the moment he witness you transform into a mermaid, it was now. You were laying there in front of him, on your stomach, fully naked, all that was left was your bloody fin.

"A-Are you okay? You sounded like you were in a lot of pain"

"I'm fine, my transformation is supposed to be painful. It's dreadful, but I'm used to it" You replied, giving him a small smile.

You then got up, much to Tamaki's surprise as you were still naked. He quickly covered his eyes with his palms as he blushed madly.

"H-Hey! Warn me if you were going to stand up! You do realize you have nothing on!" He panicked, clearly flustered.

You just walk over to where your pajamas were and put them on, you then approach Tamaki who still has his eyes covered as he does not want to see any nudity.

"You can uncover your eyes now"

Tamaki slowly removed his hands from his eyes to see back in your pajamas, he felt relieved.

"Now I guess this is the part where I explain everything," You said nervously as you sat down next to him.

"Yes, I thought you were quirkless"

"I am, but the whole mermaid thing is not a quirk. I'm actually a mermaid"

Tamaki looked at you with a non-believing face.

"I know it's hard to believe, but I'm not lying. There's a blood test that proves I'm not human"

"And where is it?"

"At my house, after this road trip is over I'll show you the results"

Tamaki thought for a while. What if you were actually telling the truth? I mean your file and the U.A. staff did say that you were quirkless, but they could be wrong. And 80% of the ocean was still yet to be explored, who knows what other sea creatures were out there. Part of him wants to believe you, really, part of him wants to, but he isn't certain as they were always said to be a myth.

"O-Okay, Let's say I-I do believe you, what are you doing h-here on land and not in the ocean?" Tamaki questioned

"Well…" You looked uncomfortable. Tamaki instantly regretted asking that.

"I-I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean it to be personal! Y-You don't have to answer!" He apologized.

"No, it's fine, I was going to answer anyway"

Tamaki perked up, he was ready to listen to what you were about to say.

"A couple years ago, my sister was captured by humans." Tamaki was appalled, he did not expect that answer.

"We were hunting for food near the surface when a giant net came out of nowhere and trapped my sister, seeing her being hoisted up out of the water was unbearable as she was the person I loved the most. She took care of me when our mother died. And now she was gone. I can't even tell you how much that felt"

Tamaki's felt his heart drop, he felt so bad, he didn't know you were going through that.

"When I saw my sister being carried away, I followed her to see where she was going, and I saw this boat with a few men on it. My sister ambushed them before she was forced inside this giant safe. A few minutes later, a helicopter appeared and more people came, they took my sister and flew away. As risky as it was being on land with humans, I couldn't just sit there and let her be taken away. So I decided to come on land and look for her"

"Eventually, I came across two nice humans during my journey, they helped me look her"

"Did you guys find her?" Tamaki asked

"We did, but a lot went down after that" You responded.

"W-What happened?" Tamaki questioned, already nervous

"Well, for context of where my sister was, she was taken to a military base where she was used as a lab experiment. They took her blood and her skin. Somehow, she escaped and we were reunited. We went back home but later returned a month later due to the lack of food for us. I wanted to ask the humans for help but my sister didn't trust humans after what they did to her. We ended up in a fight because she felt betrayed. We later reconcile and teamed up to ambush the man that hurt my sister. We attacked him but the humans put a stop to it. We parted ways and she went back to the water. She brought another one of us and attacked the same men on the same boat, they ended up killing one of them who happens to be one of the men's Dad."

"The son of that man sought vengeance and wanted to get revenge on the person that killed his Dad, meanwhile my sister came back on land to try to get me to come back home, however, she was shot by the son and she died. I still think this is all my fault" You felt your emotions run all over your body and you fought back your tears.

"If I hadn't convinced her to hunt near the surface none of this would've happened" You sniffled.

Tamaki felt like he was about to cry after hearing that story. You went through so much, you didn't deserve any of that to happen.

"Hey…it's not your fault. What you did was very brave. Risking your life to find your sister was a really brave thing, even though your sister didn't feel the same way" Tamaki reassured. He place his hand along your back and started to rub circles on your back, comforting you.

"You're a strong and amazing woman, I'm really sorry for what happened, but always know that your sister is watching over you and even though she isn't here physically, she's here in your heart" Tamaki gave you a comforting smile. You hugged him, catching him by surprise. He hesitated before wrapping his arms around you. Patting your head in comfort.

This was a beautiful moment, you could be in this way forever if Tamaki didn't unexpectedly asked. "N-Now are you going to tell me why you were sneaking out in the middle of the night to jump in the lake?" Well, it was fun while it lasted.

"Ummm…" You broke the hug.

"Well, basically my skin was getting dry and irritated for the past few days due to me not being in the water for a while. I've been wearing baggy clothes to cover up my skin so no one would notice. This night I couldn't take it anymore as it only got worse, I had to be in water ASAP" You responded.

"What happens if you don't get in the water?"

"I die from dehydration"

Tamaki was horrified. "O-Okay"

Everything went silent. You both just sat there, by the lake, not talking, it was awkward. Not a word was spoken until Tamaki manage to say,

"D-Don't you wanna go back in the water, with your p-people?"

You didn't look at him, you just stared into space, thinking about what you're going to say.

"Well, I did thought about going back home at one point, but I chose not to"

"Why?"

"Because...I...I fell in love"

Tamaki felt his heart drop once again. He knew it. You were falling for someone else. What did he expect? Who would even love someone like him?

"O-Oh...w-who is this p-person?" Tamaki said on the verge of tears.

"You"

Tamaki turned his head with a surprised look on his face.

"M-Me?! W-Why me? I'm not good enough for someone like you. I probably won't be a good boyfriend"

"Oh hush! You'd make an good boyfriend, and you ARE good enough. You're amazing! You made it to the Big 3 despite your crippling anxiety. You are the most kind and handsome man I've ever met. I stayed on land because of YOU, I want to be with you, I won't be if I go back to the ocean. I love you, Tamaki!" You were practically grabbing onto his face, bringing it towards you & squishing his cheeks. Tamaki's face turned bright red by how close he was to you, he wanted to pass out.

You realized your actions and quickly let go of him "Sorry, too much?"

Tamaki took a minute to calm down "L-L-Little bit..." Man was blushing mad hard.

"So...do you feel the same way?"

Does he feel the same way?! Of course he does, if he had the chance he would shout it from the rooftops, but that would be embarrassing.

"I-I-I-I..." Tamaki was finding it hard to say the words. He could feel it coming out of his throat, why can't he say it?

"I-" Tamaki began to panic, this was so embarrassing.

"It's okay, you got it" You said, encouraging him.

"I-I...I do" Tamaki felt relief as his shoulders droop down as he finally said the words he wanted to say to you all day.

"There you go, you got it big boy" You patted him on the head.

Tamaki blushed at the nickname you gave him. Big boy?! Were you trying to kill him?!

You continued to pat his head when you heard a voice.

"Hey, is everything okay? We heard screaming" It was Nejire, along with Mirio. They were both awoke by your agonizing screaming, you can tell from their faces that they were both tired. You felt bad for waking them up, but it's not your fault, if anyone was feeling pain, they would scream, right?

Mirio and Nejire approach you both. "What are you doing up this late? And why are you both wet?" Mirio questioned.

Tamaki's eyes widened, he thought very hard on what to say to them, thankfully you came up with an excuse very quickly.

"Oh, me and Tamaki were taking a walk around the lake, but then we both fell in by accident"

"Oh, well we heard screaming, we just wanted to make sure everything is okay"

"Everything is fine, Togata" You smiled.

"Well, let's go back inside and get you two dried up so we can go back to sleep" Nejire added before yawning.

You and Tamaki got up and you all went back inside the cabin. Tamaki looked at you and you looked at him back with a finger pressed against your lips, signing to him that he should be quiet. Guess you want him to keep the mermaid thing a secret, meaning he can't tell anyone, not even his longtime best friend. He still doesn't even know that if you're telling the truth, mermaids aren't real...unless they are. He has so many questions that were yet to be answered. Guess he will find out the truth after this road trip is over.

This was my first every story I've written on Tumblr. I hope you all enjoyed this random fanfic that just popped into my head, maybe I will make a part 2 if I come up with any ideas.

This was heavily inspired by Freeform's drama series, Siren. I love the series, I recommend you watch it!

Anyways, that's all for today. Bye!