#especially considering that Bubble holds all his memories

[gremliinsart]

There's something I've been thinking about Carnival Bubble...

I think Bubble sorta knows they're an ai in a video game. They kinda have to... it's their job.

But unlike the others, they've embraced it. Why? Because they have Caine, of course!

How wonderful it must be to know that you were literally made/designed to be someone's friend...

Welcomed into this world...loved for just being you...

What a wonderful existence that must be.

AU belongs to @sm-baby

[lvlyghost]

Tainted Heart

PAIRINGS: Simon 'Ghost' Riley x F!Reader

SUMMARY: After not seeing you for a few weeks, you come back to the base acting strange.

WORD COUNT: 1.9k

TW: sexual themes, smut but not too explicit. anxiety, self-doubt. worried!simon, poor baby thinks he's done something wrong💔comfort and fluff, mind the english!🐸

A/N: okay so yeah, i can't believe I finished this so fast. anyway enjoy!🥹✨🫶🏻💚gif's not mine' iloveyousimonriley!💗

Masterlist✨

You try to even your shaky breathing before opening the door of the meeting room. Taking more than usual to toughen up, the last thing you want is anyone asking if you were okay. Not even your teammates and especially not Simon. Hands trembling when you open and close them, a cold sweat that runs down your spine with the clear signs of anxiety that will soon start to bubble up if you don't get this over with soon.

Another moment passes when all you can hear is your own heart racing in your ears and the world spins for a second; pushing the door open you enter. Everyone's already there, sitting around the wooden table. Four pair of eyes find you, Soap and Gaz smile your way and John nods motioning for you to take your seat next to Ghost. But you can't bring yourself to do it. You need space. You need to be left alone to battle with your own mind. Instead you grab one of the chairs and set it far from them, sitting in the far corner.

Price's eyebrows furrow but doesn't comment on it, merely resuming what he was just telling the rest of the task force. Everyone's attention is back to the Captain except for Ghost. Ghost who's frowning so hard behind the mask at your refusal to join them. It sparks a sense of irritation and worry.

He knows he shouldn't be feeling that way. You are not even together, even if a few nights spent in each other's rooms had taken place, he considered himself something akin to a friend more than just your superior or a few hook ups here and there. Were you important to him? Absolutely yes. He needed to see your eyes, needed you to look his way so he can see through you as he usually does. Your beautiful eyes would tell him what he needed to know.

But you ignore him.

Glaring at Price without really looking. Lost in your head. You know you should be paying attention but it's all static to your ears, it's the sound of every pen writing down on a sheet. Of feet being dragged across the tile floor. Bodies shifting in their seats. Someone sipping on water.

One of the boys making a comment as your leg bounces up and down not being able to stop it. All the voices inside are muffled and you just want to get out of there so bad.

"Sergeant?" Price calls you, raising his voice and pulling yourself back from your stupor.

Eyes blinking rapidly as your attention turns to him and the room is deadly silent. Was that a hair pin dropping in the hallway?

"Yes Captain?" You ask, body numb and cold.

Price sighs.

"I asked if there's anything else you want to know about the mission? You're leaving in two weeks with Ghost."

"Oh." The answer is muttered so lowly they can barely hear your voice. You find the face of the Lieutenant for one second before looking away as if it had burned you. Simon's body goes stiff. "No."

Not convinced but not wanting to push for another answer he dismisses all of you. You're storming out of the room before he's fully done, leaving the four men taken aback by your strange demeanor.

It's not until you've reached the women's barracks that you stop. If anyone had followed you, you didn't notice too preoccupied and deep in that somber haze that's been clouding your mind since you got back from home.

Memories of everything that went wrong. And the memories of the man across the room.

-

A beautiful, warm feeling forms in your belly, big hands tightly hold your waist. His face hiding in the crook of your neck as your arms circle his broad shoulders holding onto him, sinking up and down on his lap. Sweet sounds of skin slapping against skin echo around the quiet night of his room. Simon mutters sweet nothings in your ear as you both chase your highs, coming undone at the same time he forces you took straight to his brown eyes and your heart flutters, overwhelmed at the way he takes in your presence and breathes the essence of you. Just you as a whole. He doesn't let you go until he's spilled everything inside you, massaging you over the soft fabric of your —his— shirt that neither bothered to take off, too enraptured to care.

"Hey, you with me?" giving a small squeeze to your hip Simon let's you touch his face and trace the scars that adorn the uneven parts of his skin. He notices the way your attention seems to drift away from where you are.

"Yeah. Was thinking about us."

His brows lift.

"What about us?" Inhaling deeply you shake your head lifting from your spot and walking on somewhat wobbly legs, Simon follows you to the bathroom wondering why you're acting so strange. "Sweetheart?"

"It's nothing, I promise." He watches as you clean yourself, he could've done it —he has every other time— but now with your sudden change he doesn't know what to think. "I have to go. My parents are waiting for me."

Clenching his jaw he decided to not pressure you on the matter. Ghost was aware that visiting your parents or talking about them struck a nerve within you.

"Want me to give you a ride?" You look at him through the mirror and shake your head in denial.

"I can take the bus."

"Love..."

"It's fine, Simon." You utter. "It's fine."

Turning around on your heels you walk past him, who stays anchored to the same spot outside the bathroom. He watches as you gather your belongings and begin to dress. Simon crosses his arms over his chest.

"Text me when you get home, please?"

A curt nod is all you give him.

-

You never texted him although he had tried to reach out to you in the next few days and you try not to think about everything that's happened as you strip naked and step in the shower. Warm water washing your body, forehead pressing on the cool tiles of the wall. Shoulders shaking, hands coming to your mouth trying to muffle your sobs.

The all too clear picture of your father telling you no one could ever love you. Your mother doing her best to console you when you had told her the truth.

"I- I think I love him mom." sad eyes fixated on the far wall. "And I don't know what to do."

She had taken your hand with a beautiful smile on her lips.

"Any man would be lucky to have you, darling."

Her words resounding in your ears, and your eyes glimmer with hope. Hope that maybe she's right.

But you had promised to never let it get that far. You'll lose him and that's what pains you the most.

Girl's snickering and walking in the shared showers can be heard from behind, you can't see them but the sound of their giggles fade away in an instant. Gone as soon as they came. Turning off the water pipes you wrap yourself with the white towel neatly hung on the bathroom rack and the moment you slide the curtain open you're met with brown eyes leaning against the opposite wall. He's been waiting, hearing you cry. Shooing away all the women who came with a single hard look their way. No doubt gossiping about the Lieutenant being in the women's section.

A long silence stretches between the two before he finally breaks it, pushing himself off the wall and slowly walking towards you, who holds the towel against your body in a vice-like grip.

"Haven't heard from you in days. Weeks." He starts, eyes following the droplets that travel down your body and back to your face. You've been crying. Simon hates seeing you cry and not being able to do anything about it. It makes him feel powerless, worthless. What do you call a man that can't even help his girl? "You've been ignoring me. May I ask what's going on?"

He's calm, controlled despite the rage within him. You never texted him back that day, never answered his calls leaving him worried and dwelling on the whole situation.

His own insecurities sparked the worst.

"Nothing, just personal stuff Lt." clearing your throat you try to walk past him but he grabs your arm.

"Bloody hell don't call me that. I'm asking as...-"

"As what?" You bite back, eyes snapping up at him as tears collect in your eyes. Simon grits his teeth he wants to say a lot but no words come out. "You shouldn't be here. People will talk."

"I'm not leaving until you speak. What's got you like this." You shake your head. "Fucking Christ I can't fix this if you don't tell me." He hisses.

"There's nothing to fix!"

"Just bloody talk to me, I'm losing my mind was it something I said?" He's not screaming but he's panting hard. "Was it something I did?!" He demands, big terrified, desperate orbs screaming for a sign.

"I fell in love with you!" You confess, eyes widening in horror at what you just said. Fervently shaking your head and walking back, away from him. Simon's eyes widen for a fraction before he's reaching out again hands cradling your face in them with a wild, desperate look. Your vision blurred thanks to the tears.

"Say it again." He pleads, his voice barely above a whisper. Like the sound of snow falling from the sky during the winter. You freeze in your spot, chewing on your lower lip.

"I fell in love." His body relaxed, all the tension he has been bearing on his shoulders for the past days slowly fades. "And we agreed we couldn't let this happen. Never. Forgive me Simon."

"Silly girl." He breathes in, caressing your cheeks with his thumbs. "You haven't been paying attention, have you?"

"What?" You mumble, one hand coming up to rest on one of his.

"You're in my mind even when you're not supposed to be."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because I'm an idiot." His forehead connects with yours and you can finally breathe again. After the hellish days at home, the sense of being loved and protected by the man you love is enough to overwhelm you. "Thought I was losing you for a moment. Nearly lost my mind, love."

"No. Never." You promise, hugging him tightly against your body. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Simon I just... I just didn't know what to do."

"S'alright." He soothes you. "I've got you." Feeling like the luckiest man alive, even if he didn't deserve to be loved.

He remembers the moment when he had fallen for you, the day you smiled up at him under the starry night on the roof of the safe house, covered in blood and dirt.

He knew there would be no one else after you.

[nuumbie]

DRAMATIC IRONY

Prompt: You witness a memory bubble at Sir Edward’s. A product of a dream belonging to the trailblaze. Unlike the last Dream Bubble isn’t very much fun at all.

Author’s Notes: Less of Akivili!Reader x Aha. More like Reader reads a self-insert of Ahavili Fanfiction. Romantic-Undertones. A character study based on my perception of both characters based on what little crumbs Star Rail has given us. Hope you enjoy.

You had gotten a text from Sir Edward… apparently you are moving up in the ranks! You are a prized enough customer to get told when they’re having a sale on memories… obviously to maximize your achievements and to fully grasp all of the expierence! This was a must to go and see.

It’s a little exciting to witness the dreams of a long dead Aeon in order to understand them your fingers grasp the bubble. It’s warm as you hold it delicately within your fingertips. A precious memory that belongs to the Astral Express. It’s a little giddying of a thought to understand the crew better. To know of the paths your predecessors had laid out for you… and to understand the Aeon Akivili a little better considering how much of your life revolves in their footsteps…

You note in the back of your mind to tell Himeko… maybe Danheng and March? Perhaps, even Mr Yang would be curious! You can’t help but to imagine their reactions. Pompom’s especially! They seemed a little curious with the last memory bubble you bought… perhaps these souvenirs could serve as precious to the conductor? Such thoughts motivate you forward to press on! “So this is it…”

“You’re excited aren’t you?” Edward’s pupils widen at you. “This was recommended by a certain party. I’m not sure how they got their hands on the memory. I haven’t looked at it myself. You’ll have to tell me how much fun you’re having.”

You pause catching his words. “Eh… you didn’t check? Isn’t that apart of your job?”

“That it is, that it is… this isn’t mine to look at however. The person who left it with me said it was a gift for you and said ‘not to ruin the surprise no matter what’. It’s your choice whether you look at it in the end.”

Oh, that makes you less-wanting to open it up to peek inside. What if they downloaded something scary on it? What if it isn’t a memory of the Astral Express at all but a bunch of jumpscares or even worse… a Rickroll? The memory that once pleasantly reminded you of jelly now hangs like slime between your fingers… “Was… it a girl with pigtails? And a fox-mask…? Kind of short?” You even your hand around where she usually stands when compared to you regardless of your own height.

“Ah, how elaborate of a description!” Edward cheers. “No, it was this blue-haired man—“

You immediately feel all joy you felt suck out of you in instants. A world record pace.

Technically, it still could be Sparkle. That doesn’t narrow it down at all now that you really think about it. You suddenly don’t really want to do this. Because it’s either Sparkle or him… a gift from any of those two hasn’t really ended well for you in the past the more you think about it. Actually, all it’s gotten you is bucket loads of trauma and pains in the butt. But…

“…”

“Will I get stellar jades if I do this?”

Edward blinks a couple of times in confusion. “Ah, they did leave some around here somewhere in there now that you mention it… you’d have to stick your hand inside to get it.”

You immediately stick your hand within the dream bubble and grab hold of it and you don’t look back. Such is the will of the trailblaze.

-

Akivilli’s form is unknown to you yet you can feel the wet grass on your tush as the memories rush into your brain and take hold of your consciousness.

Things you know about Akivilli, perhaps bipedal? Ah, with how things are. They could possibly be a walking trash can on legs and you wouldn’t even know the difference. You try to focus through the haze of the memories.

The words are not your own. But the voice that leaves your throat is yours without any doubt in your head. A shame that you couldn’t choose for another to read it to you again… or at least have the option of it.

You find yourself laughing. Your voice calling back at you despite not knowing the words until you hear them. It’s a bit unnerving, but you soon sit back, relax, and then the dream plays out as your vision returns.

It’s a starry night sky. A view you’ve grown accustomed to. It hasn’t lost its luster yet and you fear the day that the sight of the stars no longer excites you. You reach your hand out towards the stars, tracing the constellations. Although, you can’t see your hands. You can somehow feel its warmth. It goes from your hand to your chest, leaving you warm and fuzzy inside like you drank a bunch of hot cocoa. You can’t stifle the giggle that escapes your throat. It’s you but it isn’t. It’s a strange, disembodying feeling. You should be used to it by now, but you can’t say you are any closer to coping with it than you were before.

���I think I’m really happy.” An emotion that’s not yours, a feeling that doesn’t belong to you, the bubbly, overwhelming feeling of happiness. One that you don’t understand overwhelms you. “Right now. I wonder. Is this what humans call peace? I wish this feeling could last forever.”

But it can’t. It’s a sad and happy thought. The fact you’ll go to experience many more joys and sorrows. That you’ve yet to feel even more highs and lows. For the reason for living is to go through the good and the bad.

“Ah, Akivili, Akivili—“ perhaps, you should have expected it. considering who gave you the dream bubble, but you’re still surprised. a shapeless miasma, surrounded by masks, your sight is blurry when you gaze directly at the figure. without a head THEIR arms wiggling as they hold a multitude of faces, masks, they circle between them on a dime. the mask that looks back at you in THEIR iconic smile. THEY laugh. “The real star is right here. Before your eyes. A touch away! Yet, you yearn for something so far away? How silly, how cruel, to call the night sky beautiful when I’m right here!”

A resounding sound of a million hands snapping. Louder than a gunshot.

“Pay attention to me instead.”

THEY snap their fingers.

The star you were tracing bursts into bright, colorful confetti.

A deep sadness consumes you. The constellation has lost a piece of itself. Millions of years into nothing but scraps of paper floating through outer space. “Agh— AHA.” what a hard name to yell. you weep for the fallen star with your whole chest so it knows it was loved “… you guys never change. I liked that star too.”

“Oh, but we do.” THEY tilt the mask, facing upside down. The smile is curved into a frown. “Nothing lasts forever, Akivili, my Akivili. I’m sure at the end of the universe that IX will swallow all of us down and eat us up. We will change inevitably. Ena turned into Xipe’s late night snack. This moment will go away. That is why I wish for you to admire Aha’s radiance instead! You can disappear. I would spend my eternity thinking about the time you preferred a star over me.”

You feel a deep sadness that isn’t yours. You crush it in your palms and hold it in your hands.

“Don’t get jealous. I do prefer you.” THEY giggle. you don’t turn to face THEM despite that. Glancing out towards the night sky. Bright stars hang across the planet. a planet so small and insignifant in the face of such a big universe. but that’s why it’s so important. your fingers line the stars in the sky into a million different shapes, you can taste the thrill of adventure, the loving unknown. the future and the heat of it on your tongue. a million light years away. “I like that you’re here next to me. I like that you’re with me. This sight is only so enjoyable because I have someone to love it so throughly with.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t though.” you grab where your heart would be. but as an aeon, do you even have one of those? nobody’s ever dissected an aeon before. perhaps they’re made out of rock candy, gears, oils, and a dash of love. because you don’t know. it’s as possible as any other possibility. “Can’t you at least try to hold a little empathy? That star had a long time left. And even if it didn’t— stars usually last a long time after they die. But now it’s just gone. The sky is missing a piece of itself. What will people look at when they place their eyes on that particular patch of sky?”

“Ewww!” THEIR voice transforms. the sound of a child, a mimicked sound and replica of a hundred crying children. THEIR face morphs into disgust. the haughty laugh is accompanied by a loud boo you’d hear from a game show. you have to stifle a laugh as they whine. “You’re killing me, killing me. Ah, dearest, loveliest, Akivili— are you trying to shackle me?”

“My detested, beloathed Aha.” you laugh loudly and try to match THEIR joy. though, a part of you lingers on the fallen star, the fallen aeon, and you resolve to live and hold onto this feeling even tighter until it sears a hole in you that’ll last forever even when you’re gone. “If only I could.”

You don’t know what love is. But you capture it in bits and pieces. You feel it ringing in every piece of you and it calls out to you when you look out at the express crew, whenever you glance up at the night sky you promised to explore, whenever the astral express warp-jumps and even you feel a little dizzy with the sensation of truly being alive.

And you feel it, too. Even for things you shouldn’t. To the things that feel like sand that flows through your fingers. To the things that will move on without you. Because worlds spin, the galaxy changes, every time you close your eyes for as much as you gain there is always something to lose.

Aha doesn’t have a face. THEIR fingertip press against your face, however, pressing your lips into a smile, you think despite being the embodiment of joy they can not smile without a head. “Ahaha.”

“Didn’t you say you could die without regret?” THEY reach out for your hand with their other arms. they move your body, while you stand there uselessly, positioning you like they were inviting you to dance. but they don’t move. neither do you. “You’ve got plenty of regrets itching at your lips, Akivili. So many words left unsaid. You should say them. You have so much power, you have the ability to reach the heavens, to reach for the stars you like so very much. But you always refuse to take.”

“It was a metaphor.” you mutter back. though, it sounds more sad than you intend. Aha notices. they ruffle your hair giggling at your sorry attempts. You don’t resist as much as you should.

“A trailblazer isn’t meant to stay in one place, Akivili. Isn’t that your path? You should tread it properly.” THEY make a buzzer-sound effect. “You’re doing it wrong.”

“You’re so strange.” THEY laugh harder and harder. their hands reach for their stomach to hold it. like THEY would fall over if they hadn’t. “Except, not strange at all! You’re strange because you’re an Aeon— but you’re so lamefully, painfully, mundane from your pinky finger to your toes. You’re a walking, talking, contradiction. To be honest, it’s lame, so dreadfully, drearily, lame.”

“Akivili, Akivili.” THEY smile and they sing a song, out of tune, manical. “I love that part of you, though, you who’s is one-and-only across all the world trees…”

You don’t understand THEM at all. But they just insulted you. You stare at THEM dumbfounded, with crossed arms, but the mask smiles back will a look filled with endearment.

“You know.” You pout as your fingers— does Akivili even have hands? But, you can feel something reaching, weakly lifting, trying to cling to them and hold onto something that touches back. “I want you to stay. The Astral Express. You could join me. We accept everyone. You could be a nameless, too. On the express, everyone is the same.”

“Everyone’s accepted me.” Your heart sings at the thought. “They’d accept you, too. That’s what I want.”

“I know.” Aha‘s smile is strange. “I wanted to hear you say it anyway! Akivili wants me. Akivili wants me. They really said it! I should sing it to so everyone in the galaxy can hear. I wonder if they’d create a holiday over it? So everyone can memorize the date you poured yourself out to me!”

“Don’t.” You pout knowing where this is going. It’d only serve as a reminder. “You’re too cruel, sometimes.”

“I’m the nicest to you.” AHA smiles. “Isn’t that so funny? I care about you. I’d miss you. That’s such a funny thought to me! I can’t help but to laugh.”

You flashback to a time where they wondered out-loud how you’d react if THEY blew up the express. You remember silence before THEY laughed it off and said it was something for the back-burner.

Nice is subjective.

“Would you join me, though? Would you leave your express for me?” Aha giggles. “Would you watch the stars burn with me. All the way from the theater seat? Would you come with me, instead? We could do other things. Everything. I could show you things you’d never get to see on your train if you’d let me.”

“I wouldn’t.” you repeat before you can even think about the words leaving your mouth. “You know I wouldn’t.”

“I know, too. See? You can live up to your namesake.” THEY tap your nose. “It’s written in you. It’s interwoven in you. You shouldn’t forget your beginnings despite all the time that goes by.”

“It’s your meaning.” THEY cackle. “No matter how hard you try, so better to embrace the upcoming tragedy.”

“I know.” Aha hugs you, deeply. “It’s okay. Akivili, my Akivili. Don’t cry! I’ll always take time out of my day to see you! You’re the most exciting show which always gets me to smile the most! I’ll always be watching over you. Maybe, one day. If you miss Aha so much. THEY would like to see you personally from first-ticket seats every now and again on your little missions, too.”

“We could never give each other our forever.” THEY squeeze hard enough for it to hurt, hands wrapping around you, possessively. but, you know better than that. you know they’ll let you go. maybe, you wish they would try a little harder to stay. “My Akivili. I’ll give you all of my now. Because I really do enjoy this! And maybe I’ll give you my later, and even more of a latter after that, and even more. Even if that seems sad. It’s not. We can’t give ourselves everything to each other.”

“But I’ll give more to you than I’ve ever given anyone else.”

“After all, I’m one of the few things that won’t go away, won’t I?” a deep sadness spills in your gut threatening to pour out. “You’re the same. Some things get boring with time. But you grow more wonderful with time. I fall a little deeper in love with you each time I see you!” ❤️

“I love you, Akivili, my Akivili.”

You ignore the burning sensation in your stomach. This grief is another feeling to cherish. A grief for something that hasn’t happened yet. Aha calls you THEIRS. But, you know deep down—

THEY would never be YOURS.

“I think I love you, too.”

Your hold is so tight it burns. You hold onto this. Knowing the moment you open your eyes it will all disappear. But that’s okay. You repeat to yourself. Because this moment is so good. And it’ll happen again. Even if it won’t last.

It’s so good because it won’t last, that means you have to make it. You try to tell yourself that. Repeating the words like a prayer. It really is funny. You’re an Aeon who begs.

“You sweet-talker!!!” THEY laugh. “You should tell me more of this Express! Aha is curious, Aha is curious! Ahaahaa… maybe I’ll take some time out of my schedule and go and visit! Would that make you happy?”

“Don’t play with my feelings like that after so throughly rejecting me.” You deadpan back, but you can’t help but to stifle the sound of your own laughter, however sad. “The express really does welcome everyone. Even if it’s only for awhile.”

And you’re right.

Like everything.

This fades away, too.

-

You wake up standing up. The dream bubble in your hand oozes through your fingers. Leaking onto the floor. Edward’s voice brings you from your stupor.

“Oh, it’s not meant to do that. Forgive me. I don’t think you’ll be able to view this memory for a second time. I wonder if I could recover it…”

So you won’t be able to bring it to the express. You wonder if you would’ve. Knowing what you saw.

It felt more personal— too personal to share. Can you bring yourself to say anything to Edward? Not really. You just shake your head. It’s okay. It’s really better this way.

Looking into your hands now sticky with the hopes and dreams of a long-dead Aeon, you find a measly 75 jades. It’s coated in the sliminess of the dream bubble.

It’s barely enough for half a pull.

[her-devils-advocate]

Pillow Talk

pairings: Femshep x Garrus

genre: fluff, comfort

summary: Shepard has finally been convinced to take a break from her work. Meanwhile, Garrus reflects on his relationship with Shepard and comes to the realisation that they both had feelings for one another a lot earlier than he initially thought.

Set during ME3.

word count: 1,517

ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/58434538

The quiet hum of the ship's engines echoes around the quiet room, occasionally broken by the bubbling of the fish tank’s filters when Garrus lets out a quiet sigh of relief, it had been a war of its own to convince Shepard to get some rest. He's still surprised he managed to get her bundled under the soft blankets with him. Now he only needs to get her to actually sleep, but knowing her, he will take what he can get. He can’t complain considering that either way, he gets to hold her for a few hours and she’s not running herself ragged with work.

It’s better to have her mind resting in any way it can, especially when she all but refuses to sleep.

Garrus looks down at the smaller woman, idly fiddling away with her omni-tool, the object casting a warm orange glow upon her face. A part of him thinks that he will never come to terms with just how lucky he is while another part of him fills with concern that she might be working still, but her reports don’t usually cause her to smirk at the orange screen, so he’s ready to let that concern die as quickly as it arose. While they cuddle in a gentle silence, he can’t help himself from subtly admiring her; from the way her silky hair brushes against the bare skin of her shoulders, down to the way her odd amount of fingers glide over the virtual interface around her arm. 

Back when he first got to know her, he had pushed down the flickering flame that ignited whenever she flashed him a gentle smile, fully convinced she would never have a flame of her own, not for him, at least. They had more important things to worry about at the time, a stupid thought in comparison to the not-so-stupid things they worry about today. 

He wants to smack his younger self for letting the chance to kick things off early go to waste. But as he watches her chew on her lower lip in thought, her eyebrow creasing slightly before typing away, he wonders if things are better this way. Sure, they haven’t gotten the chance to experience a relationship without the constant stress and anxiety that a suicide mission or war happens to bring, but they were both different people back then. Their strong relationship was built upon the back of such a close-knit friendship, after all. Despite that logic, Garrus’ mind can’t help but replay those tender moments from their hunt for Saren back to him, what-ifs filling the gaps in his memories when he thinks of the way she would gently rest her hand on his bicep after a particularly rough mission. The way she always sought him out first during her rounds of the ship, even though it would have made more sense to start with the crew deck. Or the way she would always extend an offer to him whenever she had a sliver of extra time to kill on the Citadel, usually while the Normandy was being refuelled or when they needed to stock up on supplies. 

His mind comes to a sudden halt and for a brief moment, Garrus would admit to being an idiot, just this once. A small giggle breaks him from his musing and he gives her a questioning look as she turns to gaze up at him.

"Joker's placed a bet on who's going to be the first to pick a fight with Javik. I'm not going to encourage that one, but I can't exactly say that I blame him." She explains, waving her hand dismissively.

Garrus lets out a chuckle of his own, muttering his agreement as he shuffles their positions, shifting to hold her in his arms from behind. She grins before turning off the omni-tool and leaning back to be as close to him as possible.

"Were you flirting with me?" He lowers his face to nuzzle her hair, causing his voice to come out muffled despite the embarrassed hum of his subvocals.

"You're going to have to be more specific, love, considering we're currently lying in bed together." Her voice is light and he doesn’t need to see her to know she’s smirking.

"I mean back on the SR-1, when you would come and chat with me while I worked on the Mako." He watches her fidget, burying her face into his arms wrapped firmly around her, almost as if it could hide her from his sharp eye.

"Oh..." She mutters quietly, her face flushing crimson.

"Are you really getting embarrassed over flirting with me back then, considering we are, and I quote, "lying in bed together"?" Garrus brings his hands up in front of her, making sure she can see the exaggerated air quotes while he pitches his voice up a few octaves, earning him a small scoff as she resurfaces. She gives his shin a playful kick with her heel before wiggling out of his grip so she can turn to face him.

"Hush, Vakarian. Yeah, I did flirt with you here and there. It wasn't the most obvious, but I had no idea you were that blind to it, are you really just noticing?" She tilts her head to watch his reaction intensely, a catlike smile taking over her expression as she notices the blue tint taking over his neck. She does her best to stifle her chuckle and reaches up to gently stroke one of his mandibles, "...Now who's the one getting embarrassed?"

“Yeah, well, I caught up in the end, didn’t I?” He does his best to sound confident, full well knowing the retort she was preparing, ready to shoot his way.

“Sure, but only because I had to risk an HR incident with you to test the waters.” The groan she gets from him in response causes her eyes to light up with glee, she then shuffles closer to rest her head against his carapace, sneakily stealing most of the covers as she does. He lets her get away with it, just this once.

He gently glides a talon up and down the length of her arm, never growing tired of the way her skin reacts to the touch, before pressing his mouth plates against her forehead. If anyone were to tell him back then that Commander Shepard would look adorable within the arms of a turian, Garrus probably would have laughed in their faces. If anyone were to tell him that she would look this adorable within his arms, well, Garrus would probably have passed out from laughter instead, not once believing that he of all people would be her choice. Now, he simply thanks the Spirits each day for the sight.

Shepard slowly rises in the bed, instantly catching his attention and before he can question her, she not-so-gently bumps her forehead against his and holds it there. Despite the adoration overflowing in his chest, he can’t help the bark of laughter that escapes him. He catches the confusion in her eyes and holds the back of her head before she can pull away, not wanting the moment to end so soon.

“You really need to stop hanging around Wrex and Grunt. A turian kiss is supposed to be gentle, not a krogan headbutt, sweetheart.” He lectures, subvocals humming with amusement as she rolls her eyes at him.

“That takes the fun out of things,” she retorts, her voice taking on a songlike tone as he lets out a small snort before she continues, “But yes, I was flirting with you back then. I wasn’t entirely sure if you weren’t catching onto it or if you were just not interested. Guess I got my answer there in the end, though you can see where we were both going wrong considering my own flirting skills were basically non-existent.”

“Were?” Garrus mutters, earning him a collision with one of the spare pillows.

“Hey, I’ve improved since we first started dating! Besides, you wouldn’t have me any other way.” She declares as she wraps her legs around his own and clings onto him tightly.

“You’re right, I wouldn’t” He punctuates his point by taking the blanket and re-arranging it, making sure she’s properly wrapped up as she begins to let out a small yawn, “Looks like it's time you tried to get some sleep and no arguing, I’ll be right here.”

She instantly goes to argue, despite his words, only to be stopped when he lightly presses his finger against her lips, effectively silencing her protests. She gives a small huff of defeat before nodding and he searches her eyes for a moment before dropping his hand, placing it between her shoulder blades and holding her close.

“If it distracts your mind and helps you fall asleep easier, you can just think of ways to improve your flirting techniques,” Garrus suggests flippantly as his own eyes flutter shut for the night and as unhelpful as his suggestion is, Shepard finds herself taking the advice and letting a dozen scenarios flood her mind, just for him.

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 59

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words : 7k

Masterlist

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Wednesday, February 24th; 8:30 AM - Lucy's Apartment.

I groaned as the alarm echoed through the room. It’s way too early, especially considering how late we got home last night. I buried my head in the pillow, while my wonderful girlfriend chuckled. Unsurprisingly, when I turned to face her, she was already fully awake.

"Do you think this is funny?" I mumbled.

"A little bit," she teased. "Good morning..."

I smiled as she leaned in to kiss me. I love our morning kiss, even though it’s not the best one of the day. A slight headache began to take hold. It wasn’t the most pleasant wake-up, though far from the worst.

"What do you want for breakfast?" she asked, getting out of bed.

"Stay," I groaned.

"As much as I’d like to, we have to pick up your little brother in an hour," she said, changing from shorts into a new pair of joggers. "We shouldn’t be late, right? You only have yourself to blame for wanting to stay up so late."

"At least I didn’t drink until I was wasted," I teased, hugging the pillow closer.

"You’d better not have. I would’ve made you sleep on the couch if you had."

"I don’t believe you," I teased again.

"You should. I would’ve done it without any guilt."

I stuck out my tongue at her, which only made her smile smugly. She came back over to give me another quick kiss.

"Don’t take too long, okay?"

"I’ll try my best... Can you make me some toast this morning?"

"Of course."

We exchanged smiles before she left the room. I love our life together. It feels like we’ve been living together for years. Everything is so ordinary, far from anything that could bother us. I stretched out once more before lying on my back. Today is going to be long and busy, but so perfect. Our little bubble will be interrupted with Joan’s arrival, but I’m excited to see him again. I forced myself out of bed and, unlike Lucy, didn’t change before joining her. I smiled when I saw her making the toast I’d asked for.

"I expected you to join me much later."

"I had a good teacher for getting out of bed."

"Oh, please. I only threw you out of bed once," she teased.

"After throwing a glass of water on me, if I remember correctly. The other times, you made me run outside. I’m not sure which was worse."

She laughed heartily as I joined her in setting the table. I didn’t find it funny at all. I went through a lot because of her. There’s a reason I didn’t like her at first, now that she reminded me.

"Stop laughing."

"Oh, come on. Admit it, it was funny."

"No, it wasn’t," I pouted. "You really pushed me to the limit."

"Those are good memories. I can’t wait to tell our grandkids about our first meeting someday."

"Of course," I giggled. "Let’s focus on having kids first, before thinking about grandkids."

"You’re right. We’ll get there one day."

"Mm-hmm."

I approached her and hugged her from behind. She leaned back against me, and I took the opportunity to kiss her shoulder. I slowly moved up to her neck, lightly biting a few spots without leaving any marks. Mine had finally faded, and I was glad about that. Knowing Joan, he would’ve asked what it was, and I wouldn’t have known how to explain it to him at his age.

"Thanks for agreeing to have my brother over for a few days."

"It’s no problem. I was surprised your mom let him come alone, though," she admitted.

"Me too... It seems the airport reassured her by saying he’d be accompanied the whole time. Plus, she knows how attentive I am with him, so nothing can really happen to him with us. And, I feel like she trusts you more than she trusts me," I chuckled.

"She shouldn’t, though. You’re way better with kids than I am."

"Nonsense. You work with teens all day."

"They’re students, which means they’re almost adults. It’s not the same at all."

"Well, let me tell you, we’re way worse than innocent kids."

"That’s debatable. I’ve always found kids to be quite devious... Though Joan isn’t like that, thankfully."

I giggled at her thinking. She must not have been around many good kids. I let go of her waist when I saw she was finishing up the toast. I quickly poured her coffee and heated up my hot chocolate. Then I joined her at the table, where she had brought all sorts of toppings.

"So, you don’t like kids, huh?" I asked as I began my breakfast.

"I didn’t say that," she rolled her eyes. "I don’t like spoiled, badly-behaved kids. That’s all."

"Or cheeky ones, huh?" I teased.

She laughed, knowing full well that I was referring to myself. She used to say that about me, and it wasn’t in a pleasant tone.

"Or cheeky ones, indeed. But they can be redeemed after a few laps around the track."

"Ha ha ha!"

"Isn’t it true?"

"Maybe. But I wasn’t cheeky."

"Oh yes, you were," she teased. "You had a comeback for everything I said."

"Well, you were really hard on me. I mean, you were very direct with me... And I hated it. That’s why I didn’t like you at first."

"You didn’t like me because I dared to tell you things to your face, and that’s exactly what you needed, right? You needed someone like me to help you understand and make an impact on you."

"You’re probably right... Your words made me think a lot at the beginning. I felt like crap," I admitted shyly.

"That was kind of the goal... At least, by insisting and being so harsh with my words, I wanted you to realize who you had become. It was obvious you weren’t a bad person. Circumstances made you that way."

I smiled softly at her, nodding. I love when Lucy shares her thoughts with me. She’s so good at reading people, a quality few possess. I, for example, don’t have it. I couldn’t tell who has a good or bad heart. At first, I saw the good in everyone, but since Feli, that’s changed.

"Do you think everyone has a good side?" I asked thoughtfully.

"I think everyone has both good and bad sides. It’s just that one tends to come out more than the other at certain times."

"Yeah, okay. But do you think someone can become good again after being bad? Like Korbin, for example."

She seemed to think for a moment, dipping her toast in her coffee before taking a bite. She took her time chewing and swallowing before replying.

"Well... It’s hard to say with that example. Korbin grew up in a tough environment. The people you saw in Wiegman’s office last time weren’t her real parents, but her foster family. Some people don’t have a choice about who they become. Even though she was taken out of her old neighborhood, I can guarantee that once she feels ready, she’ll go back there."

"You think so?" I asked, surprised. « Why? »

- Because that's what her parents decided. In neighborhoods like that, families have reputations to uphold. If she doesn't go back, she'll be shunned for the rest of her life and disowned by her family.

- That's really not cool, I grimaced.

- That's life... Not everyone has a choice, she replied with a shrug.

- Is that what she told you?

- Yeah. You weren't my only student, you know.

- Really? I thought I was the only one, I admitted.

- No, she shook her head. You weren't the only one, but you were definitely the most important. Wiegman wanted me to focus on you. To do that, she let some go early and reassigned others to Ingrid.

- Oh... What about Korbin?

- Wiegman let her go early. The more I think about it, I believe she took it out on you to get back at me. She must have felt betrayed and abandoned since I was the first person she ever opened up to.

All the hatred I had for her almost turns into pity now. Even though her actions are unforgivable, I can understand them. I would have reacted the same way if I were in her shoes. What I don’t understand is why Lucy was so adamant about her leaving Camp Wiegman, even though she knew about her issues.

- Why did you insist on having her leave Camp Wiegman if you thought she still needed help?

- As I just told you, some people don’t have a choice and decide they don’t want to be saved. That was Korbin’s case. Unlike you, she didn’t want to be saved because she already knew her future. I can guarantee she’ll be on the wrong side her whole life, and keeping her at school would have put you in danger.

- Y-you wanted her gone to protect me?

- Of course, she replied as if it was obvious. You specifically, but also all the other students. Her group of friends will have you in their sights for a while since you got their leader expelled. But don’t worry. You don’t have anything to fear. You’ll be watched, just like them.

- What do you mean, watched? I asked, frowning.

- The entire teaching staff and the instructors are aware. They won’t let anything happen, trust me, they know.

- OK... I murmured. Why are they even here if they’re so dangerous?

- Everyone deserves a chance, right? she smiled. Some of them won’t follow Korbin’s path. Take Athenea, for example. Ingrid was in charge of her, and she plans to continue her studies after school.

- Really? I was surprised. She doesn’t seem very smart... I said without thinking.

Lucy laughed and shook her head.

- Believe me, she’s smarter than she seems. She wasn’t just the little girl following Korbin around. If she let people think that, it was to get Korbin’s protection within their group. I wonder how things will go for her now that Korbin is gone.

- People are really crazy, I sighed.

- Oh yes, she giggled. More than you think. Well, I’m going to take a shower. Can you clean up in the meantime?

- Yeah, but I need to shower too, so hurry up.

- Then go first. You take longer than I do.

- Hey!

- What? It’s the truth, she teased as she headed to the kitchen.

I stuck out my tongue at her while bringing my cup and some topping jars like Nutella and jam to the kitchen.

- That’s mean, I commented.

- Oh, please. It’s not the worst thing I’ve said to you, she laughed.

I was about to pretend to sulk, but she pulled me back and held me firmly against her. Her lips quickly found their way to my neck, which I instinctively tucked in.

- Sorry. I take it back, she said with a hint of amusement.

- You’re only saying that so I’ll stop sulking.

- Is it working?

- You wish, you fool.

She laughed, turning me around so we could face each other. She kissed me so intensely that I stepped back until I felt the countertop against my lower back. I was about to go in for another kiss when we barely separated to breathe, but she gently pulled away.

- Shower, she reminded me with one word.

I groaned in frustration, knowing she was right. We can easily get lost in the moment, and now is not the time given our schedule. Still, I gave her one last kiss before heading to the bathroom. I can’t wait to hug my little brother.

Wednesday, February 24; 10:30 AM - Manchester Airport

My foot bounces in rhythm with the seconds as I watch the display board counting down the minutes until the plane lands. The wait is so stressful for me, and apparently for Lucy too, who finally places her hand on my knee.

- Stop that, she grumbled.

- It’s taking forever!

- Fidgeting won’t make the wait any shorter. It’ll just annoy me.

She raised an eyebrow in a threatening way. I bit my lip and stopped moving my foot. I don’t like it when she looks at me like that, even if I deserve it. She let out a sigh of relief and turned her attention back to her phone. I looked back at the display board to see how much time had passed. Fifteen minutes. I’m definitely going to die before it reaches zero. My excitement is at its peak. I’ve missed Joan so much. I hope his flight went well since he was traveling alone. A flight attendant was supposed to accompany him from the beginning to the end of the boarding process, so everything should have gone smoothly. However, I’m not sure if it’s Shay.

- The girls are asking if we want to have dinner together tonight, Lucy announced, snapping me out of my daydream. Is that okay with you?

- Yeah, of course. Joan will be happy to see them again. We could also invite Alexia and Jenni. I know Ale has always wanted to meet him, so this would be a good opportunity. But I’d avoid inviting the other girls. They might scare him, I giggled.

- Okay. I’ll suggest they come to our place then. It’ll be more relaxed.

- Do you have enough to cook?

- If not, we’ll go grocery shopping or order pizzas. I don’t have to ask if Joan likes them, do I?

- He loves them, I said with a smile. But we already had some this weekend.

- That’s true... We could order Chinese instead?

- Owh. I’m not sure he’d like that. Oh, what if we made crepes? That’s a good idea, right?

- We could, but I thought you wanted to take Joan around the city? We won’t have time to do both.

- That’s true... But it’s not like he’s going to be interested in the city’s architecture at his age. A cooking session would be more fun for him, I think.

- Okay, we’ll go shopping then. Crepes it is?

- Yep. We’ll save your pizzas for next time.

- Alright, she teased softly. We’ll do that next time. I know how much you love them.

I smiled and nodded as she ran her hand through my hair, gently stroking it.

- A lot. If it were up to me, we’d have them again tonight, I confessed.

- You know, you can have them whenever you want now.

- I know, I sighed. That’s why I’m not pushing it. It wouldn’t be reasonable.

- Since when are you reasonable?

- Hey! I protested.

- What? she smiled mischievously. Want to know something? I’ve always loved your innocence.

- Really? I’ve never claimed to be an adult.

- Oh, I know that. Well, your innocence is part of why I love you.

The spontaneity of her words always gets to me. Plus, she continued to stroke my hair as if nothing had happened. Eventually, she stopped and kissed the corner of my mouth before getting up.

- Now that I’ve kept your mind occupied, it’s time to welcome your brother, right?

I looked up at the screen to see, to my surprise, that there were only two minutes left. I quickly stood up. My girlfriend pulled me close, wrapping her arm around my shoulders, and kissed my temple. Instinctively, I wrapped my arm around her lower back.

- Does that amuse you? I murmured into her neck when I heard her chuckle.

- A little. You’re very impatient, but so easy to distract.

- You knew the whole time, didn’t you? About tonight?

- Since we left the house. I said yes and already invited Jenni and Alexia.

Since my head was still nestled in her neck, I smiled freely. I can’t tell if I appreciate or dislike that she always knows what I want in advance. Since it wasn’t the time to debate it, I simply lifted my head from her neck.

- And you’re way too organized and decisive.

- Decisive, really? she laughed. I always gave you a choice.

- At school, you would always let me choose between two options, knowing full well which one I would pick.

"Well, it's true that I didn't give you much choice back there," she chuckles. "But it was for your own good."

I would have replied, but my attention is drawn to the people disembarking from the flight we've been waiting for. I step away from Lucy and move as close as possible to the others. Lucy quickly follows, keeping her hand on my back. I'm scanning for Joan, but I don't see anyone yet. I start to feel impatient as I realize we're nearing the end. Finally, I spot him holding the hand of a flight attendant. I smile, recognizing Shay. The message seems to have been passed along, which eases my mind. At least I know he was well taken care of and likely had a good flight. Shay looks surprised when my brother points me out to her, and he tries to break free to run to us, but Shay keeps hold of him. She only lets go when they're about a meter away, allowing my brother to run toward me. I kneel down to catch him and lift him into my arms, letting him hug me tightly.

"Ona!"

"Hey, sweetheart. Did you have a good flight?"

"Yeah, but it was long!"

"Oh, I bet it was," I chuckle. "Hey," I say, addressing Shay as she approaches, "were you the one looking after him?"

"Yes, I was asked to specifically, but now that I see you, I understand why."

I smile softly, glancing at Lucy, who has been quietly standing behind me this whole time, tracing patterns on my back with her fingers. I remember she talked to my mom about this just yesterday, ensuring Joan would have someone for the flight. For some reason, my mom insisted on having Lucy's contact information. Given what happened last time she found me, I guess it makes sense. Now she wants to be informed if anything unusual happens. I think it was just an excuse, but Lucy didn't mind, so I didn't argue. It’s strange knowing they’re in touch, but at least I know Lucy gets along well with my family. She’s even won over my brother, who is now asking to be held by my girlfriend. Lucy doesn’t hesitate to pick him up. The sight of them together warms my heart.

"Thank you," I say sincerely to Shay. "So, everything went well?"

"Yes, yes. He got very impatient toward the end, but overall, it went smoothly. Is he family?"

"He's my little brother," I reply. "Thanks for taking care of him."

"No problem, it’s my job. He was adorable. When’s his return flight?"

"Saturday at two o’clock."

"I’ll be on that flight too, so I can make sure he’s okay."

"My best friend will be with him, but it’s great to know. Thanks."

"It’s no trouble. Well, have a great weekend."

"Thanks, you too."

I turn back to the two most precious people in my life as Shay leaves. Joan is now on the ground, firmly holding my girlfriend’s hand.

"Are we going, Ona?" he asks, reaching out her other hand to me.

"Let’s go," I confirm. "We’ll just grab your suitcase first, and then we can finally enjoy ourselves."

With a big smile and a full heart, the three of us walk through the airport. I’m so happy to have Joan with us. These three days with them are going to be amazing. My mom couldn’t have given me a better gift.

Wednesday, February 24; 11:30 AM - Supermarket

"Is this good, Ona?" he asks, showing me a pack of gruyère cheese.

"Yep. You can put it in here," I say, handing him the basket. "Okay, let’s go find Lucy now."

After our little battle earlier over crepes, here we are doing the grocery shopping. When my brother heard the word, it was nearly impossible to get it out of his head. According to him, it’s been ages since he last had them, which was funny to hear. Knowing my mom, that’s probably almost true. When I was still living at home, we barely ever had them. To speed things up, we split up to find the ingredients.

"Are your new friends nice?" Joan asks, taking my hand again.

"They are, sweetie. You don’t need to worry," I reassure him. "And Mapi will be there too."

"Really?" he says excitedly. "She’s here too?"

"Yes," I giggle. "And Ingrid will be there. Do you remember her?"

"Mapi’s girlfriend?"

"Yes," I confirm with a smile. "She was nice, wasn’t she?"

"Mm-hmm."

We told him the news for tonight. He was a little nervous at first, but he wasn’t opposed to the idea. As we leave our aisle, I freeze for a moment when I see someone in front of us.

"Damn it," I mutter.

"You said a bad word, Ona."

"Yeah, I know, and that’s not good. Come on, hurry," I say, pulling her along.

"Why?"

I don’t answer and rush into the next aisle to find Lucy. I’m relieved to still see her here, choosing the last of the savory items.

"Lucy!"

"Hmm?" she responds indifferently.

"We need to leave!"

"Why?"

"I ran into Leah."

"What?" she frowns. "She lives in the center. What would she be doing here?"

"I swear, she was—"

"Ona?"

Both Lucy and I freeze. I was sure I saw her correctly, but the voice isn’t Leah’s. I look past Lucy to see Alessia at the other end of the aisle. I couldn’t say which of the two is worse to run into.

"Hey," I say with a forced smile.

"What are you doing here?" she asks, starting to walk toward us. "I thought you were in Barcelona."

Lucy points behind her, and I quickly understand she wants to take advantage of Alessia’s back being turned to slip away. I step aside to let her pass and move toward Alessia, but she groans, making me turn around to see Leah this time. We’re completely trapped, and to make matters worse, Joan tugs at my arm to get my attention.

"Who is that, Ona?" he whispers, pressing himself against me.

"Ona? B-Bronze?" Leah says in surprise. "What are you two doing here together?"

Her voice rises with a hint of anger, making me sigh. Joan starts to get scared of the newcomers and clings even more tightly to me. He asks to be picked up, so I do. Now, we’re face-to-face with both Leah and Alessia, who are staring at us. Alessia is the first to grasp what’s happening, breaking into a huge grin.

"No way! You and Bronze!? Was it her all this time?"

I groan as Lucy gives me a hard look.

"Don’t look at me like that. I never said anything about you."

"Really?" she arches an eyebrow. "That’s not what it seems like!"

"I figured it out on my own that there was someone in her life. She never confirmed it or gave me a name," Alessia defends me.

It’s Lucy’s turn to sigh. I hope she’s not too upset with me, even though I didn’t do anything wrong.

"Sorry," Alessia apologizes. "I just didn’t expect us to get found out here."

"Well, you’re crazy for hanging out together like this!" Leah scolds us. "There are plenty of students from Manchester, including us! Imagine if you ran into someone else!"

"Excuse me, Leah, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen students in my neighborhood," Lucy retorts, full of bitterness. "I should be the one asking what you’re doing here. You live downtown, and we’re in a small convenience store. The odds should have been very slim."

I chuckle at Lucy’s visible annoyance. I knew she wasn’t a fan of surprises, but this must be the last straw for her. My reaction doesn’t seem to please her, judging by the stern look she gives me. Even Joan is scared and clings to me more tightly. I understand him completely; I know how it feels to get on Lucy’s bad side.

"Relax," Alessia responds. "It’s not like we have anything against Ona or that we’re going to snitch on you. We were just surprised, right, Leah?"

"Hmm," she grumbles. "Dating is still risky," she insists.

Her comment earns her an elbow from her sister, as they’ve since switched places. It was unexpected to see them, but on the other hand, I feel relieved not to have to hide such a big secret from them anymore. I’ve gotten close to them since we’re in the same class, so it’s been pretty annoying to keep it from them. Especially since Alessia already had suspicions. I take this opportunity to ask her directly.

"You suspected it, didn’t you?"

"Yes," she admits with a small smile. "I didn’t want to push because every time we talked about it, you’d get angry."

Poor thing, I can’t even deny it. Alessia is very persistent, and it’s hard for me to handle since everyone else gives me the space I need. I remember she hesitated to bring up the topic during our last week of classes. It was probably to talk about Lucy. She was right not to ask me anything. I would have immediately shut down. Lucy sighs again, which prompts me to move closer and kiss her cheek.

"It’s okay, it’s fine."

"That makes three people, Ona," she says discontentedly.

"They’re my friends. Yours know too. I don’t see the problem."

"Mine aren’t at school. That’s the difference. And Leah’s right. I’m starting to think anyone could see us together if they can."

I wince as she abruptly pulls away. Without giving me time to respond, she takes the basket I was still holding and drops the ham inside.

"I’ll finish the shopping. Don’t take too long to join me."

No one dares argue with her as she walks away, clearly in a foul mood. I sigh, running my hand through my hair. This afternoon is likely to be tense now.

"Why is Lucy mad?" my little brother asks.

"Lucy?" Alessia repeats. "Oh... Bronze, I get it."

"Yeah... Another thing to keep to yourself. And don’t worry, Jo. It’ll be okay. »

- "She looks really scary like that," he whispered.

- "You haven't seen anything yet," Leah commented.

- "Stop it. Don’t scare him," I replied, frowning.

- "Is he your little brother?" Alessia asked.

- "Yes, this is Joan. He just arrived today, and he's going to spend a few days with us. Joan, this is Alessia and Leah. They're friends of mine from school."

His head, which was mostly buried in my neck, emerged to curiously look at them before he gave a shy smile when Alessia waved at him.

- "Will they be here tonight too?"

- "Uh... No, sorry," I giggled. "Maybe another time."

I adjusted her on my hip as I felt her starting to slip. Even though he's only six, he's slowly getting heavier.

- "Will everything be okay with Bronze?" Alessia grimaced. "We didn't mean to cause any trouble."

- "It’s fine, I’m starting to handle it," I reassured her with a small smile. "I'll let her cool off, and we’ll talk."

- "Sorry for getting carried away, but what I said was true," Leah continued.

- "I know. I think that's why she's upset, so don't take it personally. It’s just that you've brought up a major issue that didn’t exist before. We’ve been going out for a while, but we’ve never really paid attention to our surroundings."

- "For a while... you two?"

- "No, just a few weeks," I admitted honestly.

I could have gone into more detail, but I held back. After all, it’s a story that only concerns us. People don’t need to know that we went through ups and downs before getting together.

- "I thought it had been longer," Leah responded. "It seemed like you two had been circling around each other for a while."

- "It was a bit complicated for both of us at first," I stayed vague. "The most important thing is that we're together now."

- "And so you see each other outside of school?" Leah asked. "You’re both crazy. What if she dumps you because she's afraid of risking her career? We’ll have to pick up the pieces."

- "That’s not going to happen," I rolled my eyes. "We’re a solid couple."

- "Alexia’s girlfriend got fired. It could easily happen to Lucy."

- "And they’re still together. Anyway, I assure you, Lucy won’t dump me for that. But if you want her to be nice to you, I suggest you stop getting on her nerves. Especially since if we stay together, you'll have to deal with her in private, and it would bother me if you two didn’t get along."

- "Oh my God," Leah muttered as if imagining the scene. "Is she as annoying as she is at school?"

- "Of course not," I giggled. "She’s adorable with me."

- "I find it hard to picture her in 'adorable' mode," she repeated, mimicking quotation marks.

- "She certainly won’t be with you," I teased.

- "Hey, wait. If your brother is here, does that mean your parents know?"

- "My mom knows, yes. She found out when she came to see me after the fight with Korbin. She took it well and loved Lucy."

- "Wow. And she didn’t say anything?"

- "No. She was actually happy. Since my ex, I hadn’t opened up to anyone, and no one thought I’d get into another relationship so soon. She even invited Lucy to come with me to Barcelona three weeks ago."

- "Really?"

- "Yeah, they were on a weekend trip, so she told Lucy she could come along when she found out about us."

- "And what did you do during those holidays?" Leah asked. "I guess you didn’t go home."

- "No, we didn’t. We went to the Alps with her friends last week and then came back here. Alexia and Mapi are here too; they were with us."

- "Really?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Even Mapi?"

- "Uh... yeah," I giggled. "She’s dating Ingrid, or rather Engen. So she’s at her place. We’ll see them tonight... hence the shopping."

- "Oh my God," she muttered. "This is all way too complicated. You really have a knack for getting into crazy situations."

- "Oh, please, it’s nothing bad. Anyway, the school year is almost over."

- "Ona," Lucy called out sharply. "Let’s go."

I turned around to see her waiting for us with a full basket. It seemed like my chatting had given her time to get everything done by herself. I looked up to see her expression just as stern as when she left. It didn’t seem like she had much time to calm down.

- "Well, see you soon then."

- "Yeah," Alessia smiled. "Good luck, and see you in a few days."

I thanked them and said goodbye before joining Lucy. Surprisingly, she offered me her hand when I reached her. I took it and let her lead me to the checkout. Despite her gesture, I could still feel her tension. Once again, I kissed her cheek.

- "They won't say anything, I promise."

- "I know. That’s not what bothers me, but the way they found out. Leah is right in what she said. Besides, I would have preferred to wait until the end of the year for your school friends to find out. I don’t want them to see me as anything other than your superior. They’ll think I’m showing favoritism, and we both know that’s not the case."

- "Everyone knows I have a special relationship with you. They won’t think that."

- "Yes, they will. They already do now. How many times have they teased you or made comments about me, huh?"

I blushed slightly, shrugging. Far too many times to count, really. As I just said, they know we have a special relationship. It’s no secret given how she acts differently with me than with other students. So, I often get gently teased about her. When we got to the conveyor belt, I put Joan down, and he was the first to start placing our items on the belt. Poor little thing. I had completely neglected him since our encounter with my friends.

- "Anyway, it’s done now," Lucy concluded.

- "Please don’t be in a bad mood. Not after these past few weeks, and I don’t want Joan to be scared of you. If you need to blow off steam, do it only in front of me."

She gave me a soft smile and surprised me by leaning in to kiss me.

- "That wasn’t my intention... I’m sorry for being so moody, but you can’t really blame me. You know as well as I do that we need to be more careful now."

- "Yes, you’re right. There's no such thing as zero risk, so I’m not going to argue about it, Lucy. If you decide we shouldn’t go out anymore, I’ll accept it."

- "No, I was just joking," I laughed. "I wouldn’t go that far. Besides, apart from coming here or to The United, we haven’t really gone out in Manchester."

- "We’ve visited your secret spots, the park, and even some galleries."

- "Don’t twist my words," she said, rolling her eyes. "If we take the park out of the equation, those aren’t places where we’re likely to run into students."

- "True," I giggled. "Thanks, though. I really expected you to stop us from going out."

- "Of course not," she smiled, gently pulling me into her arms. "Anyway, there are only a few months left. If I get fired, it won’t be dramatic since I plan on leaving next year anyway."

- "But that would bother me..." I admitted.

- "We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen, I promise. But just know that if it does, it won’t be the end of the world. I’ll leave without causing any fuss, and it won’t change our relationship."

I smiled against her lips as she kissed me firmly. This was exactly what I told Leah earlier. Lucy won’t leave me. We laughed softly as we pulled away when I heard Joan make a sound of disgust.

- "That’s really gross."

- "Hey, watch your language," I gently reprimanded him.

He shrugged like a cheeky little boy before turning his back on us and moving toward the cashier when it was our turn. I was stunned. He had never behaved like this with me before. I was starting to think that what Sam or Sofia told me when I left wasn’t exaggerated. Lucy snapped me out of my stupor with a soft giggle.

- "Are you still sure you want kids later?" she teased.

I groaned in displeasure, making her laugh even more. The surprise was such that I didn’t even know how to react. Finally, I moved forward to help pack our groceries. I listened to Lucy continue talking about tonight, but I looked up when I felt someone watching us. I realized it was true when I caught Alessia’s eyes observing us from afar. I gave her a gentle smile before my attention was drawn back to Lucy, who waved a hand in front of my eyes.

- "Are you listening to me?"

- "No, sorry. What were you saying?"

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that answer.

- "What’s got you so distracted?"

Before she could even look up to see Alessia, Joan chimed in with an answer.

- "It’s her friend from earlier. She’s been watching us since before."

Lucy narrowed her eyes slightly before looking at me as if expecting confirmation. I shrugged indifferently, not finding the information particularly important. She then turned to my brother.

- "Really? And how was she looking at us?"

- "Luce-"

I stopped when I saw her raised hand, signaling me to be quiet. I placed our last item in the basket just as Lucy pulled out her credit card. I felt a bit guilty letting her pay for everything, but she insisted.

- "She was looking at Ona a lot. Kind of like Emma at my school. My friends say she wants to be my girlfriend but is too scared to talk to me."

I didn’t know what to think or what to worry about more after hearing that revealing statement. Joan is only in first grade, so it’s strange that he’s already talking about girlfriends, even if it’s harmless at that age. Lucy, however, seemed to have made her choice on the most important subject to discuss.

- "Is she still interested in you?" she surprised me by asking.

- "We’re friends," I replied. "I’ve always made it clear I’m not interested."

- "That wasn’t my question, Ona."

I sighed, shrugging as she put away her credit card after paying. As I’ve said many times, I’m not the best at reading people.

- "I don’t know," I admitted. "But if she still had hope, I think she just lost it."

She nodded, taking my free hand. The other was busy holding our packed shopping basket. Before we headed toward the exit, she pressed her lips firmly against mine, prolonging the kiss as if to make sure we were seen. That was definitely her intention.

- "I hope so. Because I’m not sharing you. You’re mine."

I blushed, discovering this new side of her that I hadn’t known before. With Feli, I hated her possessiveness, but it’s a different story with Lucy. I felt warm and reassured at the same time.

- "Why do you think I was never interested in her?" I retorted. "If I hadn’t met you first, I might have given her a chance."

My honesty caught her attention immediately. I’d be lying if I said Alessia isn’t my type. Besides her persistence, we have a lot in common. Lucy was about to respond, but I quickly cut her off before she got the wrong idea.

- "You already had too much of a hold on my mind for me to look elsewhere, darling. No matter what I might have done before meeting you, know that no one can compare to you now. You’re the only one I need and want."

I could say so many wonderful things about her to make her understand that since we met, nothing has been the same for me. She managed to fix me and bring back a missing part of my life. If she were to leave, it would be like losing a part of my soul. I realized that when we were apart.

- "I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m afraid you’ll find someone better than me."

- "That’s not going to happen."

The thoughtful expression she had disappeared, finally replaced by a wonderful little smile. She gently pulled me close and kissed my temple.

- "I know, I’m sorry. I love you, my love."

I closed my eyes for a few seconds, smiling in return. I didn’t know what she had been thinking, but it seemed I had managed to change her mind. As for me, I really couldn’t have dreamed of a better new life. If only she knew how much I care about her. She is my everything.

[rory-multifandom-mess]

Errrrmmm, 12, with wheat thins??? please???

ANOTHER WHEAT THINS REQUEST. LETS FUCKING GOOOO

12. “I want you. Only you”

Genre: Hurt/Comfort.

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Thad sighed, laying on his back, staring up at the ceiling. His stomach churned with anxiety and a sense of longing. Longing for someone special to swoop in and sweep him off his feet.

Obviously, he was thinking about N, the guy he’d been hanging out with for the past two months.

They had met under… not the greatest of circumstances, considering the Disassembly Drones had just broke in, Thad was injured, and several Worker Drones were already dead. But Thad had to admit, his core skipped a beat seeing N fight as hard as he did.

He started to hang out with N more after that, trying to spend time with him. And he couldn’t lie, every time N smiled at him or hugged him or even just looked his way, he’d get butterflies in his chest. N was so adorable and friendly, and Thad loved that about him. It was such a rare sight to see, and especially from a Disassembly Drone… but there he was, being perfect and wonderful and bubbly.

But the best part about N was the way he could protective and defensive when he needed to, like when he had saved Thad from falling debris. He had rushed so quickly to him and lifted him out of the way, holding him in his arms.

Thad stared up at N and his expression of pure determination, and when he looked back at him, a look of relief, asking Thad if he was okay.

Thad’s mouth hung ajar, blush on his display, amazed at the way N was so quick, and how he held Thad so tightly, how protective he was to make sure he wouldn’t get hurt.

His core fluttered as the memory came to the forefront of his mind, closing his eyes to envision it all over again.

The way N looked at him would make him melt, and whenever he saw him in the stands during his football games, he’d play better just to impress him.

And the way N’s hair flowed in the breeze, and his eyes glistened in the snowy air, and his tail coiled around Thad’s leg when they were talking… It was all too much for Thad’s core to handle.

But then N mentioned his huge crush on V offhandedly in the middle of a conversation.

Thad’s core swelled, his heart shattering into a billion pieces.

He didn’t think he’d ever fall so hard for someone, to the point that they were all he could think about during all of his waking moments.

He didn’t think his heart would ever break as much as it did just then.

Just then, he had realized everything N did for him was just because he was being nice; because he was being himself. It wasn’t anything more than N being his friendly self.

Thad had brushed it off by chuckling and asking if N was serious. Their conversation didn’t last very long after that, Thad pretending he had something really important to do, though it was all a lie. He needed to get away from N. He needed to think.

Now it had been a couple days since he’d last hung out with N, and he still felt like crap. His heart was still broken, an N shaped hole in it.

* * *

“Uzi, I think I messed up,” N whined, sitting in Uzi’s room laying on his stomach, hugging her pillow under his chin.

Uzi sighed.

“What was it this time?” She asked playfully, swiveling her chair around to look at him smugly.

He looked back at her, looking like a sad puppy.

She blinked.

“Oh. Okay, geez. What’s up?” Uzi asked.

“I… so, you know how Thad and I have ben hanging out a lot, right?” N asked.

Uzi nodded along.

“Well, I, Uh… I like him a lot. He’s so cool and athletic and handsome, and I really really want to hug and cuddle him all the time, and he’s like— he’s like eye candy, y’know?” N explained, speaking almost too quickly.

Uzi made a fake gagging sound, but then nodded along.

N inhaled deeply.

“I maybe, kind of, sort of, uh… Told him I liked V,” He admitted, wincing slightly at himself.

“You did what?!” Uzi exclaimed, her eyelights hollowing.

“I-I don’t like her anymore! At least not romantically! But— I don’t think he picked up on it, and he hasn’t been at our meet up spot in a few days, and I don’t know what to do!” N said, sitting up in a panic. “Can you help me?”

“I don’t know!” Uzi announced, throwing her arms up, “I don’t do romance! But, uh— I don’t know, just… go talk to him!”

“Now?”

“Yes, now!” Uzi ordered, yanking him off her bed and toward the door.

N yelped as she shoved him forward, then turned back to look at her.

“What do I say to him?!”

“I don’t know! Just use those stupid RomComs we watched or something!”

N paused to think, then snapped his fingers

“That’s perfect!” He called, “Thank you, Uzi!”

“Bite me!”

* * *

Thad had gotten up and out of bed, now sitting on the counter in the kitchen, eating batteries out of a bowl. He decided it was probably a good idea to grab a snack to take his mind off of N for once.

Though, as he sat there, staring at the ground, slowly eating the batteries, he realized he was wrong. Everything reminded him of N. The bowl of batteries reminded him of their movie nights, where N would fall asleep on him while softly purring. And when they woke up, they’d be snuggling, N holding him close to his chest.

But it meant nothing, didn’t it? There were no feelings behind it. N was just like that.

Thad frowned, losing his appetite. He sighed and put the bowl off to the side.

Suddenly, he heard a clutter from his room.

He lifted his head quickly, freezing in place.

Carefully, he hopped off the counter and slowly crept toward the hallway that lead to his and his siblings’ rooms.

He was hoping the clutter had been from Lizzy’s room. Maybe she was rearranging her accessories again. Or maybe it had come from Chad’s room and he’d just dropped his phone.

He took a deep breath and pressed the button for his door to open.

It slid off to the side, behind the wall, and he looked into his room.

He was greeted by a familiar face.

It was N, who looked as if he was trying to climb back into the vent he just crawled out of. The vent grate laid on the floor beside Thad’s bed, one of N’s legs already in the vent, while his arms were fully inside. He ducked his head down slightly to look at Thad, his eyelights hollow.

Thad stared back, his face blank.

“…Hi, N,” Thad said, breaking the awkward silence.

“H-Hey, Thad,” N greeted back. He glanced back up at the vent, then slowly lowered himself onto Thad’s bed. Once sat, he anxiously held the end of his tail.

Thad stepped into his room, closing the door behind him. He crossed his arms and walked toward N, though he didn’t make any moves to sit on the bed.

“What’cha doing here?” N asked blatantly, clearly not thinking.

Thad resisted the urge to smile.

“I sleep here,” Thad responded, “I could ask you the same thing.”

“I, uh… I wanted to talk to you,” N answered, looking down at his lap.

Thad’s core skipped a beat. He lowered his arms.

“You did?”

N looked back up at him and nodded. He gently patted the spot besides him.

Thad obliged the invitation, carefully stepping over the vent grate and sitting on the bed.

N scooted closer, bringing his legs onto the bed to fully face Thad.

Thad turned his attention to N.

“You remember… Last time we hung out? When I mentioned I had a crush on V?”

Thad’s heart sank.

“Yeah?”

N didn’t break eye contact, noticing the look of dread in Thad’s expression.

“You know I… I don’t still have a crush on her, right?” N asked, just to make sure.

Thad perked up, turning his body slightly.

“Uh… No, I didn’t. I thought you still…” Thad trailed off, blushing slightly in embarrassment.

N smiled softly, glancing away from him.

“To be completely honest, I stopped having a crush on her because I…” He paused, then looked back at Thad. “Because I fell for you.”

Thad’s eyebrows raised, sitting up completely. His core fluttered, his mouth slightly ajar in surprise. His face heated up, his blush spreading across his screen.

N reached his hand out, gently cupping the side of Thad’s face as he leaned closer, mere inches away from his face now.

“I want you. And only you, Thad,” N said, his voice full of sincerity and adoration and vulnerability. He felt love, and he knew Thad loved him back.

Thad looked at him, surprised, but then smiled softly.

“That’s a relief to hear,” He muttered, his voice shaking.

N leaned forward slightly, placing a tender kiss on Thad’s lips.

Thad returned the kiss.

N kissed him again, but this time longer, pulling away later than he had intended. Thad chased his lips for a moment, before pulling back as well.

“I love you,” Thad muttered, leaning forward and laying against N’s chest.

N smiled and began to purr, wrapping his arms around Thad.

“I love you too.”

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Literally had to stop myself from crying while writing this. It’s just so damn cute bro. Anyway, hope you enjoyed! I finished writing this at 5:20 AM!

I regret nothing

~~~~~~~

Prompt Post! Lizzy x Doll; "Stay with me forever"/"Because I love you!" N x V; "I thought you didn't want me"/"Why haven't you kissed me yet?" V x Thad; "I'm in love with you" V x Thad "I missed you so much"/"I can't stay away from you" N x Thad; "Can I kiss you?" N x Thad; "I want you. Only you." <- You are here! V x Thad; "I thought you didn't want me." Sam x Uzi; "The way I feel with you"/"I can't stay away from you." Uzi x Thad; "Please don't leave me"/"I'll always love you" N x Thad; "Please marry me"/"Why haven't you kissed me yet?" N x Uzi; "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen"/"I'm better when I'm with you" J x Thad; "Please don't leave me"/"I'm better when I'm with you."

[twost3ps]

heard of an au about Adam being so traumatized by what happened, he just forgets everything and everyone in his life after he died.(Lucifer and Lilith, Eve, his kids, the angels, everyone and everything). He's not commander of the exorcist,just a representative of Heaven,

So I wanted to ask how would all of the angels react to that?

I'm assuming die as in like, post apple and not hazbin era.

Michael is devastated. At first he doesn’t believe it at all and tries to get Adam to remember but it’s just not working and is freaking Adam out. Like, he waited 900 years or so for Adam and him to meet again and rekindle their friendship. He visited Earth to watch over him sometimes (it was very rare), but never got to actually talk to him, only watching from afar. He knew he shouldn't talk to adam, and so he didn't. He got spotted once by Adam and fled immediately. He missed adam dearly though, he considered the man his first real friend. So finally meeting adam again to then find out adams memories of him are erased and gone took a large blow on him. Michael tries to make Adam as welcome as possible trying teach Adam himself how to integrate into heaven. He’s been out of the loop though for friendships so he comes off a bit pushy and demanding which irritates the very confused and lost Adam. But Michael likes to talk to Adam about what he was like in Eden and it gets Adam to welcome him a bit more. Michael tries to treat Adam the best that he can since he feels like he failed him, especially with the memory loss. Their relationship is.. kinda strained like this. Michael is trying but sucks at it, trying to make it like Eden. Their relationship don’t flow the same so yeah lol. It gets better but takes a lot of time and ass kicking from his brothers.

Gabriel is sad too. Not as sad as Mike, but he sympathies with him. He wasn't friends with Adam in Eden but, atleast for my au, he visits Adam and Eve on earth, especially in their further later life, sending some devine messages. He doesn't from a friendship per say with Adam, but he does kind of get get acquainted with him. They formed a lot of small talk and Gabe could see why Michael liked him. Although Adam doesn’t align with the man Michael had described (earth made him a lot more jaded and angry- untreated trauma and hate lol) He even visited on Adam's last day before Azrael collected him. Adam recognized him on his deathbed so Gabriel was surprised to see that Adam didn't know who he was when Adam finally acended. Gabriel's no secret keeper. He's the first to tell Adam what happened to him or the story he's most familiar with. He's really mean when he talks about lucifer or lilith, so he honselty gave Adam a very bad impression of them (very exaggerated on Gabes part), but he was kind when talking about Eve and his kids. (Gabe hated Lucifer’s push for free will especially as the messenger of gods will (free will vs gods will arguments go cray cray) and even before the fall the two has a lot of conflict which is why he he talks smack a lot abt them Lilith by extension. Gabriel’s also not one to hold back on his opinions no matter how friendly or bubbly he may seem.) Where Michael falls short on how Adam was on earth, Gabriel tells Adam about how he was like on earth and his family.

Raphael is curious and intrigued by adams' memory loss. Since Adam is kinda like a first case, he's not sure what to really do. And as the angel of healing he feels kind of responsible to heal Adam’s mind or something. He debates on whether he should go and try and help Adam remember the bad memories then so he can go and process them or if he should wait a bit longer and then help them process them. He makes Adam meditate and stuff and they have long therapy and talk sessions. It’s a slow build to get Adam to try and jog him memories but he doesn’t push much.

Uriel is kind of like Raph and is also intrigued on adams memory loss. He aids him in the study of Adam’s memory loss. He’s s a lot more clinical about it though and is pretty cold cold. He’s documents Adam’s behavior and what he does.

I wanna say Azrael is a soldier of Michael who the was given the title of angel of death (Azreal is a Powers and serves as a destroyer angel under Mike so yeye) and has no personal ties to Adam because of it. Only real tie is taking adams soul and sending it up. He is intruded by his cousin's reaction to Adam, especially Michael's. But he really doesn’t care at all for it.

[alleunwalk]

because of how sad jujutsu kaisen has been i've been thinking what if they were just all actors and this was just one big drama series/movie.  I CAN DREAM OK?!

jjk actor au 

itadori: he's pretty much the same off-camera and on-camera. just generally so nice and kind to everyone on set. extremely good at remembering his lines last minute (gg photographic memory). always buys the hair/makeup and stylists coffee.  megumi: extremely loud, bubbly, and a total goofball. often breaks character just from laughing so much.  nobara: shes more soft-spoken, dainty and gentle off-camera but she's still a girlboss in her own way. shes a popstar/idol when she's not acting.  gojo: he's surprisingly a lot more reserved off-camera than on-camera but he can be goofy with his castmates, especially geto's actor. loves mentoring and giving advice to rookie actors.  geto: he's a lot louder and extraverted off-camera but put him in a room with gojo and they will literally pop off. the directors and crew groan when they see them together tbd. he and gojo's actor actually used to hate each other back in the day but they became the best of buds during the first tableread. their chemistry on-screen though constantly blows everyone away.  nanami: another goofball off-camera. known for his superior range. played in movies ranging from comedy, horror, and heart-tugging romance. put him in a room with gojo and geto and it ends up being immense chaos that the staff loses their minds. 

*the three of them can not take an interview seriously but they're all known to be extremely A-list top of the top actors in the industry who all have won awards. 

utahime: consider her like the 90s superstar actress of her generation. she started acting since she was a child. just superior all around and an absolute legend. cares for the younger cast very dearly.  shoko: another legend to walk among the set. was also a runway model. she's extremely smart off-camera too and was known to go to a prestigious university. hangs out with utahimes actress a lot.  *all of the cast get shook when they come on set-- the power these women hold is just unmatched. the beauty, grace and class they hold.... 

you can basically think that gojo, geto, nanami, utahime, shoko, sukuna, and toji are all just academy award winning legends among their generation. 

sukuna: his personality is pretty similar to yuji off-camera. just super sweet and kind. was amazed the casting directors found someone who looked just like him as a kid. loves joking around with yuji. breaks character a lot too because yuji keeps making him laugh.  toji: the cast tends to joke about how he could look like megumis real dad. loves telling dad jokes-- which only megumi ends up laughing at for real. (he calls him dad as a joke during cast interviews.) 

maki: a lot more reserved off-camera. gives off really chic vibes and everyone is intimidated by her cool, suave personality. started her career off as a model.  mai: also reserved, just like her sister. they're both pretty introverted off-camera and tend to keep to themselves but hangs out with nobara's actress a lot on the weekends as a trio. they love shopping and going to cool restaurants together.  inumaki: loves pulling pranks on people and filming tiktoks behind set. this kid doesn't take anything seriously but that's what people love about him.  panda: under the panda costume/CG effects is a guy who's just stellar at voice acting but people get shocked by how handsome he is when he doesn't have the costume on. super silly with inumaki and often joins his pranks.  yuta: similar to itadori- his character is the same on/off camera that people can't tell if he's acting. really famous for acting in a lot of melodramas.  todo: HUGEEE nerd and softie off-camera. is the biggest scaredy cat on set hence he's the main target for all the pranks when the cast pulls them (cough* inumaki). loves collecting plushies as a hobby. would not hurt a fly. him and yuji really did become best friends irl. miwa: down-to-earth, just very sweet. pretty much the same on/off camera. she's good at crying on command.  muta: he's very talkative and just loves chatting with anyone and everyone on set. he wants to know everyones life story. just super genuine. like his character, he has a huge crush on miwa.  kamo: SUPERRRR clumsy off-camera. he's always accidentally slipping on the fake blood or dropping something. it's okay though, he just laughs it off.  momo: tends to sit in her trailer and plays video games when it's downtime. very laissez faire about everything but that's what makes her so easy to work with.

mahito: extremely serious off-camera. only keeps things professional. doesn't mess around when it comes to work. doesn't have any bloopers when it comes to his scenes. he's a really nice guy though when you get to know him. choso: golden retriever energy. super talkative and loves getting to know people just like muta. he remembers really endearing memories about people. asks staff members how they're doing and checks up on them. loves hanging out with yuji on the weekends. 

[johnkahner]

hi !! i really your work and wanted to request something (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) !! so how about a head canon/drabble of kuai liang & reader after the events of bi-han’s betrayal of the lin kuei. him, the reader and smoke would return to liu kang’s command in hiding. so while at the wu shi academy, the reader and kuai liang comfort each other of their lost. you can add onto it as well :) !!

AN: Hello, It makes me so happy to see people enjoy my works! All the support is highly appreciated! I hope you like it! I enjoyed writing it. Not proof read.

Notes: Gender-Neutral Reader, Drabble

While in hiding at the Wu Shi academy from Lin Kuei. It hurts you that you are hiding from those you once called family, but you are not alone at this moment. Besides you there are Kuai Liang and Tomas, your former Grandmaster’s younger brothers. While the three of you disagreed with him about his greed for more power, and to even consider making a deal with the snake, Shang Tsung. 

You were in the library reading about the history of the temple. You were only reading these documents to distract yourself from your thoughts of the place you once called home. Deep in thought and reading through these records, you fail to notice a certain man join you at the table you are sitting. A tapping on your shoulder makes you jolt a little from where you sit. Turing to head to glare at whoever decided to disturb your reading. You see that it is Kuai Liang. Sighing as he chuckles at your reaction to him distracting you. 

“Was that really necessary, Kuai?”

“How else was I supposed to get your attention? You were nose deep in these books,” He looks at the books in your hands, “About the history of the Wu Shi temple? I wasn’t aware that this interested you.”

“And what if it does interest me? Is that bad or something?”

He looks a bit shocked by your response.

“That was not my intention. I was just trying to joke around and lighten the mood.”

“Apologies.” You pause for a moment. “I.. I just don’t know how to react to recent events I guess.”

“I understand.” He heartily pats you on the back. “Just know that we are here if you need someone to talk to. You are important to my brother and me, especially me…” 

You look at him as he turns to look at you. Staring one another in the eyes. He makes you feel… warm. Not because he is a pyromancer. He just makes your insides feel all warm and bubbly. It’s not a bad feeling, you quite like it. You wonder if he feels the same towards you. 

“What are you thinking about so hard?”

“N-nothing!”

His eyebrow raises at your quick and panicked response.

“If you say so.”

Sitting in an awkward silence the two of you had no idea what should be said now. Kuai Liang stands up from his seat. Stretching his arm up above his head. You glance up to look in his direction, and you look at the way his muscles move as he stretches. He sees you staring at him from the corner of his eye. He then looks down at you, so you two could make eye contact.

“Would you like to join me on a walk?” 

“Oh! Um, sure! I’d love to walk with you.”

Kuai Liang chuckles at your reaction, and holds out his hand so he can escort you. You accept his kind gesture. The two of you walk around the temple reminiscing about memories the two of you share from the past. Some stories were happy, some were sad, but the two of you were just enjoying being near each other. The two of you are now standing under a tree. Standing face to face to look each other in the eyes. Stepping closer to him you both wrap each other’s arms around the other. 

The two of you have been through a lot, and hell this won’t be the end of your struggles. Kuai Liang, Tomas, and yourself will be working hard to form the Shirai Ryu. Hopefully you and Kuai Liang will be able to have the happy ending you both deserve in the new home you’re building together.

[thatturtleleon]

TFP Human Hcs Pt. 2

Note: I love this scene, just look at them LMAO, also here's pt.1

Raf

so this is a bit of a newer headcanon i have of him, but i feel like he's transmasc or genderfluid

raf never really cared about gender roles and things like that, but he overheard miko talking about how she didn't mind being called a girl or a boy or whatever people wanted to call her

he asked her about it and she replied saying she knew herself better than anyone else so it didn't matter what other people thought or wanted to label her, she knew who she was and that's the important part

miko then went back to talking about monster trucks or something and raf's just *cue the mind blown emoji*

lol i love them

he definitely went as the Dr Emmett guy from back to the future or as some mad scientist character for halloween

is actually pretty ok at drawing, just doesn't enjoy it as a hobby that much

LOVES learning about cybertron and its history and everything about it

at first ratchet thought all of raf's questions were annoying but grew to appreciate his curiosity

raf prefers asking ratchet any questions he has about cybertron because optimus goes on telling a long memory/story and trails off from the original question (raf's a sweet kid tho, he listens through the whole thing), while ratchet gives more straightforward answers

dog person

Jack

him and miko have "try not to laugh" challenges (raf's the judge) and usually wins

one time however, miko did something unintentionally funny while doing the challenge and jack let out the loudest screeching laugh they've ever heard, like the type of laugh that bubbles up and explodes when you're trying to hold it in

dated sierra for a little while, then sierra came out as lesbian, they still remained good friends though

(leon try not to HC every girl as a lesbian challenge, failed.)

considered going into the medical field like his mom did but decided it wasn't for him later on

in the future he eventually got a job with the government thanks to agent fowler

goes to drive-in theaters with raf and bumblebee but always ends up falling asleep

bought a mini blue motorcycle figurine and carries it in his bag

cat and dog person

favorite song is "roll on (eighteen wheeler)" by Alabama

discovered that he and optimus had similar taste in music (country music ofc) and plays some songs in the base if it's just him

Miko

makes fun of jack for liking country music

cat person (canonly has cats i believe) but she loves dogs too, except for the crusty tiny white dogs that old people have

drew bulkhead and herself together fighting some decepticons and framed the picture for him as a gift

he cried lol

speaking of gifts, she told the bots about birthdays and all of them immediately wanted to know when all the kid's birthdays were

bulkhead and some of the others took her to a monster truck event and she had the time of her life it was amazing

actually got jack into some of the music she likes, and they like going to smaller concerts around town

she bonds with raf by getting into comics and graphic novels, they both enjoy sci-fi ones

definitely doodles all over her desk at school, especially when she's in detention

although she's VERRYY extroverted, whenever she gets a crush on someone or thinks they're pretty, she gets a little quieter/shyer; not a lot but you can tell

jams out to metal music with bulkhead (canon)

i don't remember if this is canon or not, but she has a bag with pins and stuff she's collected over the years

her bookbag has doodle marks all over it, like little stars and swirls and stuff, very much a miko bookbag

[watercolorfreckles]

Apple Pie // Secret Santa Snippet for @that-storming-writer

If you're a part of the discord server, you probably know that @creweemmaeec11 arranged a secret Santa event for writing snippets! Everyone submitted a request and she assigned people's prompts to each other, to be posted on Christmas Eve. As said, this is for @that-storming-writer! Merry Christmas and I hope that you like it!!

Their prompt request is: Rescue missions are fun, especially if the rescuee is surprised they're being rescued. It's especially great if it's coupled with "My enemy/rival is in danger and I'm going to pretend I don't have these feelings/ignore the feelings I have for them while I save them"

TW: Vague mention of past violence; bruises; imprisonment

"You have an insufferably persistent knack for getting yourself into trouble. I have half a mind to leave you here."

Hero's head snapped up and immediately regretted the way the contents of his brain seemed to swoop and crash together at the sudden movement.

Villain could feel the jump of his pulse as if it were her own. It slashed red across her mind's eye. The two of them, in their thoughts and feelings, were intertwined. Villain's powers craved a host to copy; to mimic. To blur the lines between what feelings truly belonged to her and what only belonged to the person her powers clung to.

She could sense the horrors that had been done to Hero in this cell. The echo of it ghosted over her. Her skin itched with the false memory of it.

Hero's eyes locked with Villain's where she stood on the other side of the bars to his cell. One finger crooked, she dangled a jangling ring of keys in front of her.

Villain sensed Hero's stomach jolt. With hope? Relief? Dread that Villain might instead make a show of leaving him behind after demonstrating she could have helped him?

Hero rose to his feet, slowly as if cautious of spooking her off. In the dim light of the hanging lantern outside his cell, the purple bruises marring his perfect face became apparent. His lip sported a red split down the center.

Villain could taste blood in her mouth.

"I didn't mean to get caught," Hero said, trying for a smile. It shone with all the energy of a golden retriever seeking to please its human (while requesting a tummy rub with those innocent eyes).

"People seldom do, honey," Villain said, pitying.

Hero eyed the keys in her hand, though he didn't reach for them. "You came for me." Even through the edge of doubt lacing his words, his voice was optimistic. The unrelenting beam of sunshine that he was.

(And Villain most definitely did not love that about him.)

Something warm and velvet trickled through the cavity of her chest and she refused to consider that the feeling was her own.

"You are hopeless," Villain grumbled, sliding the key into the lock. The door swung open with a whine.

"But you came for me," Hero repeated, in that soft, adorable voice.

As he said the words, she smelled his surprise, sharp and vaguely sweet. It bubbled up and over her, settling into a blush at her cheeks.

Hero blinked at her. "You're blushing."

"Only because you're blushing," Villain shot back, taking hold of his arm and tepidly pulling him out of the cell.

Hero stumbled, legs folding beneath him. Villain caught him, saving his knees from cracking against the stone floor. His relief was jarring. It whispered against her bones, ringing them into wind chimes.

Villain had no control over who her powers chose to feed off of, nor could she determine how long her physical and emotional senses would be interwoven with theirs. The way those senses manifested themselves to her could be a tad unconventional as well. When her powers latched onto Hero some months ago--her rival, her enemy--it was unexpected, to say the least.

The growing fondness she had for him was a liability. It led her to do stupid things like chase down the lairs of supervillains to free naive heroes.

Annoyingly soft, sunny, and pitiful heroes.

"Are you hurt?" Villan nodded toward the hero's legs. Before she'd even finished speaking, her own legs creaked in answer.

"I'm sorry, I'm sure I can walk," Hero said, fumbling to straighten on wobbly feet. "I may just- need a minute."

His earnest expression, determined and delicate, spilled that heroic and golden hope through her insides. It felt sticky, like melted candy smudging her ribcage.

Disgusting.

She tried not to think about how cute he looked, clinging to her shoulders.

Shouts filled the distance.

"Unless you'd like to be locked back up in that cage, we may not have a minute." Villain swept the hero into her arms, hooking one arm under his legs. He was thin and relied far more on his own powers than his muscles. Which was reflected in the lean contour of his limbs.

His breath caught as Villain carried him out of the room.

His weight only strained her slightly. She focused her attention on dodging henchmen and reaching the exit safely, though Hero's singing heart and burning cheeks were difficult to ignore.

The pink flush of him branded her cheeks in mirror image.

Villain turned a corner and slipped down the final corridor, not looking at the hero in her arms. "Stop swooning."

"I am not swooning!" he squeaked.

"I literally feel you swooning, Hero, it feels like butterflies and apple pie, I can taste the color blue."

Hero's nose crinkled. "Huh?"

"Forget it," Villain snapped, kicking open the final door.

Freedom.

She wasn't sure whether the giddy rush of adrenaline was hers or Hero's.

Carrying him to her car, Villain tucked the hero into the back seat where he could lie down. She draped her jacket over him and reached to buckle his seatbelt.

Hero winced as her knuckles brushed an unhealed injury. Villain paused. Flashes of the incident blazed across her mind. It smelled like smoke in her nostrils. "They will pay for this," she said, soft and matter-of-fact.

Gently, she brushed the hair away from his aching temple.

Villain made to pull away to shut the door, but Hero caught her fingers. His touch was feather-light. Electric all the same.

"Villain?" His voice filled her with clouds and warm tea.

She looked at him, lifting a brow in question.

Hero glanced at their hands, as if unsure what to do now that he had it. "I, um- You... You feel like apple pies and butterflies too. I think."

Villain cracked a smile. The effort on his part to connect, to understand, made her pause. Even if he didn't really comprehend what he was saying. She knew what his soul whispered.

I was swooning. I do like you. Thank you. You came for me.

Villain straightened, pulling her jacket up a little more snugly against his chest. Her smile didn't fall. "All in a day's work, honey. Let's take this rendezvous to my place, yeah?"

The skip of her heart, the warmth in her belly, definitely belonged to her.

General Taglist: @pinned-to-the-wahl   , @valiantlytransparentwhispers   , @distance-does-not-matter  , @redbircl  , @lilaccatholic  , @crazytwentythrees   , @thelazywitchphotographer   , @chibicelloking   , @lolafaiy  , @thinkwrite5   , @putridghost  , @tobeornottobeateacher , @sunflower1000 , @bouncyartist  , @feyriddle  , @yet-another-heathen , @silverwhisperer1  , @distractedlydistracted, @pensivespacepirate  , @appleejuicee  , @deflated-bouncingball  @maybe-a-cat42  , @m0chik0furan , @mercurymomentum , @fairysprinkles, @vuvulia, @amongtheonedaisy , @rose-pinkie  , @trappedgoose-in-a-writblr-room  , @scorpio-smiles  , @inkygemuwu , @wolfeyedwitch, @thewhumpmeisterx3000, @ikiiryo , @moonquires , @lem-hhn , @fanastywhump, @smallangryfish  , @ladybookworm, @freefallingup13 , @acaiaforrest , @a-blue-comedy  , @puppyaddict , @a-person-who-likes-musicals  , @talkingsperm  , @qualitychaoslover, @deckofaces ,@7eselt, @annablogsposts, @lunatic-moss-studio, @medusas-hairband

[do-it-jakey-baby]

An Unlikely Encounter

Jake Kiszka x f!reader

Warnings: mentions of emotional abuse, drinking, profanity, very minor physical assault, what *could* be considered as cheating, aggressive behaviour, toxic relationships (sorry if I’ve missed anything)

18+, MINORS DNI

TAGLIST: @torniturntomyarrow, @ignite-my-fire, @hollyco

Chapter 8

“Yes brother… in the same way.”

Your world crumbles in slow motion around you as you sink down onto the ground, your head in your hands.

Josh loves you?

Your mind flies through every memory you have with him, how tender and sweet he is, how much he cares. How he’s always there for you when you need him.

How did you not notice?

You think back to the time in the bar, when Josh’s lips nearly brushed against yours. How he looks at you like you are the sun that shines beyond the clouds. The way his face lights up when you enter the room.

You feel a tear roll down your cheek, unable to hold back the utter grief you feel as you come to terms with Josh’s feelings. You loved Jake so openly, spoke about how much he meant to you frequently, especially to his twin. How could this be happening?

Jake’s POV

You stand there, staring back at the man you shared a womb with, dumbfounded. Your mouth gapes open, unable to form a coherent thought as you mulled over the absolute fucking bomb he just dropped on you.

“Jake…” He begins.

Fury.

Blind fury.

Somewhere within you, a fire burns so brightly that it causes physical pain under your skin. You lunge forward, shoving your twin backwards. He stumbles, holding his arms out, pleading you to be reasonable.

“Jake, please!”

“Why her, Josh?! WHY HER?!” You bark, spitting poisonous venom with every flick of your tongue.

“I didn’t ask for this!” He frowns, barking back.

“I don’t fucking care! She’s it for me, what don’t you get about that?” You take a step forward once more, ready to collide with him again, but the door of the house swings open with an almighty thud.

“Stop it, stop it!”

There she is, your girl.

Your girl, that your brother also loves. Tears are spilling from her eyes, her face puffy and red. Her beautiful lips are contorted into a grimace as she begs you to stop fighting with Josh. You’re still propelling yourself forward, unable to stop what you’ve started. She throws herself in front of Josh, extending her palms out to stop you.

You screech to a halt.

She’s protecting Josh.

The fury licks at every edge of your body, bubbling up with ferocity. You can feel the blood boiling in your veins, your limbs shaking and pulse thumping.

“Fuck this.”

You turn on your heels, fishing your car keys from your pocket. You get into the drivers side, slamming the door, then press your foot onto the gas so hard the wheels spin aggressively. You don’t know where you going, but you do know it’ll be far from here.

Your POV

You watch helplessly as Jake speeds off into the distance, leaving nothing behind but the dust from his tyres and an incredibly bitter taste in your mouth. You turn slowly to face Josh, immediately drawn to the anguish in his eyes.

“Did you-” He lets out a short puff of air “Did you hear all of that?”

“I did.”

“Fuck. Shit.” He rakes his hands through his hair. “Please, you have to understand. I didn’t mean any of this to happen.” His energy is frantic as he tries desperately to explain himself.

You cup his face gently, looking him dead in the eye. “Hey, hey. Deep breaths. It’ll be ok.”

He relaxes almost instantly, his hands coming up to grip onto your wrists. You’re the single anchor weighing him down in that moment, the only thing stopping him from drifting up into the clouds and becoming one with the sky.

“I wasn’t ever going to tell you.” He whispers.

“You can’t help how you feel.”

You stand there like that for a while, your hands on his face, thumb lightly caressing his cheek as his breathing calms. He still has a vice-like grip on your wrists, as if he’s scared to let go.

“What are we going to do?”

“I have absolutely no idea. I don’t think you should be here when he gets back, but I also don’t know if it’s best if I am either.” You sigh.

“You can come back to mine… if you want.”

“Josh, that is also not a good idea.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

You think for a moment, then pull your phone from your pocket. After 3 rings, your call is answered.

“Heyyy gorgey.”

“Kitkat, I’m so sorry it’s late. I need to ask a favour.”

“Of course, is everything ok?”

“Can I come and stay with you tonight?”

“Y/N… what’s happened?”

“I’ll explain later, is it ok?”

“Are you mental? Yes, do you need Sam to pick you up?”

Josh looks over and shakes his head no.

“No, I’ll be there in a few.”

It doesn’t take long for you to arrive on Sam’s doorstep, Josh opting to come inside with you instead of going back to his empty house. You explain the situation to Kat and Sam, their eyes widening as you recount the events leading up to the catalyst of the evening.

“Holy shit. So he just fucked off?” Kat asks, utterly bewildered.

“That’s Jake, alright.” Sam swigs gingerly from his bottle of beer.

You rub your hands over your forehead, feeling exhaustion wash over you. “I’m gunna head to bed, if that’s ok? I’ve had enough for one day.”

“Of course, baby girl. Do you need anything? I’ve left some pyjamas for you in the guest room.”

“No, that’s great. Thank you. Both of you.” You give each of them a hug, then retreat up the stairs. You slip into the pyjamas that Kat had left out for you and are just about to crawl into bed when you hear a soft knock at the door.

“Come in.”

The door creaks open and Josh is stood there. You perch on the end of the bed and pat the space next to you. He sinks down into the spot, turning to face you.

“I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that the evening ended like this. It just slipped out. It was never my intention to voice my feelings, but it happened and I’ll never stop being sorry.”

You swivel your legs around, now knee to knee. “Josh, do not apologise. You don’t choose how you feel about someone, I know that better than anyone.”

“Jake and I can be very competitive with one another, but I love him and I would never ruin his chance at happiness. I wont act on my feelings, I know what you have is special.”

“You are the sweetest, kindest soul I’ve ever met. You have the biggest heart, and the way you love is so beautiful. It’s all-consuming and irrevocable. I love you, Josh. Probably more than I should. You mean more to me than I can put into words, and in another lifetime it’s us. It’s me and you. But in this lifetime, it’s Jake.”

“I know, Songbird. Any way I get to love you is a privilege. I just can’t lose you, please.”

“You would never lose me.”

Your hands find each other as you enter a teary embrace, grasping on for dear life. You pull back and rest your forehead on his. After a while, he tilts his head up and presses a kiss to the top of your head.

“I’m going to fix this.” He breathes.

You nod, not wanting this moment to end just yet. But it does, and it needs to. Josh stands and walks to the door.

“Goodnight, Songbird.”

“Wait.” You stand, following him. On impulse, with no time for thought, you place your hands on either side of his face and kiss him softly. His hands immediately wind around your waist, pulling you closer. The kiss is intimate, full of emotions that neither of you dare speak aloud. As the kiss draws to an end, he peers down at you through his lashes.

“I just couldn’t let you leave without doing that. Now we can wipe the slate clean.”

“Consider it clean.” He chuckles.

“Goodnight, Josh.”

~

When you wake, you’re met with fifteen missed call notifications. You decide that coffee is needed before you tackle those, and whatever else the day will throw at you. As you begin to make your way downstairs, the unmistakeable sounds of Kat shouting fills your ears.

“No no no. You are not coming here. She’ll talk to you when she’s ready, Jacob.” There’s a pause. “I frankly couldn’t give less of a fuck. If she’s ignoring you then thats her prerogative, and I don’t blame her after your childish fucking behaviour!”

You walk into the kitchen to find Kat pacing aggressively, her phone to her ear. She notices you, then returns to the conversation.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m hanging up now. Bye, Jake.” She ends the call and throws her phone on the island, huffing.

“Good morning.”

“He’s a fucking nightmare!” She throws her hands in the air, slumping down onto one of the stools.

You sit down next to her, placing your hand on her arm. “I love you.”

“I love you too, so much.” She rests her head on your shoulder. “He went out to a bar last night, got wasted. Realised a few hours later what he’d done. Came home, you weren’t there. He’s been blowing up all of our phones since. Got it into his head that you’d be on a plane back to England by now. He’s desperate to speak to you.”

“I need coffee first before tackling any of this.” You laugh, always one to cover your emotions with humour.

As if on cue, Sam appears behind you and places a steaming cup on the counter.

“Do you have an-”

He winks and places a bottle of french vanilla creamer in front of you. “Sil, I know you better than you think.”

Kat cuts her eyes to him. “Don’t call her Sil, not now.”

Sam raises his arms in the air, emulating a faux surrender. You can’t help but giggle at this as you stir the creamer into your coffee and take a sip. You’re about a third into your cup when your phone screen lights up. You swipe across, declining the call, then sigh and open your messages.

10:02am

You: I’m not speaking to you about this over the phone. I’ll be back after I’ve had chance to gather my thoughts. Stop blowing my phone up.

Not even a minute passes before you hear a chime.

10:02am

Jake: I’m sorry.

“Is that him?” Kat rolls her eyes.

“Yup.”

“How do you feel about it all?”

“I don’t know. I mean, I know I’m pissed, but to which extent I’m not sure.”

“At the risk of being lynched, I do just want to say that he loves you, Y/N. He loves you more than I’ve seen him love anyone. He’s terrified of losing you, and I know his behaviour doesn’t excuse that. He’s been an ass. He knows that, we all know that.” Sam places his hand on your shoulder.

“That’s all well and good, but this isn’t the first time, and I’m scared it wont be the last. Whilst I’m not claiming for one second that he is like my ex in any way, I just left an extremely toxic and emotionally abusive relationship. I’m still healing from that, and if this is what it’s going to be like with Jake…” You pause, feeling tears beginning to well up in your eyes.

Sam wraps his arms around your shoulders from behind, squeezing you tightly. “I’m sorry, Songbird.”

Josh’s POV

You suck in a short burst of air through your teeth as your car comes to a halt outside the house. The painful memories of the evening prior flood back into your mind like a swarm of hornets, injecting you with their excruciating venom over and over.

You get to the door and wrap your knuckles on it, stepping back and anxiously waiting for an answer. When the door opens, you’re met with your counterpart. He stinks of whiskey and expensive cigars. If looks could kill, you’d be on the floor choking on your own blood.

“I thought you were her. What the fuck do you want?”

“We need to talk about this.”

“The fuck we do!” He flares his nostrils.

“Yeah, we do! For her sake. Stop being a fucking child!”

He grits his teeth, but steps aside to let you in. You walk through to his living room and take a seat on the couch. He joins you, sitting opposite.

“You’re going to lose her if you keep this up.”

Laughter erupts from his chest, ripping through the room with its ferocity. “You’d love that, wouldn’t you.”

“No, Jake. I wouldn’t, actually. You lose her, I lose her. This situation doesn’t bode well for either of us, I’d much rather continue loving her as a friend than not at all. Sort your shit out.”

Suddenly, he turns solemn. He fidgets in his seat, before looking up at you. “I think I’ve already lost her.”

“Then fucking fight for her.”

Jake’s POV

Josh didn’t hang around for long, which was probably for the best. You hated to admit it, but he was right.

Had you pushed her too far this time?

You were so consumed within your own thoughts that you didn’t even hear the keys turning in the door. You didn’t hear the sound of her footsteps as she walked through the foyer. You didn’t notice until she was stood in front of you.

“Don’t you think you’ve had enough to drink?”

You look up, startled by her sudden presence. You place the lowball of whiskey you’d been nursing down onto a coaster on the table in front of you.

“Y/N, I-”

“No, I’m gunna talk. You’re gunna listen.”

You nod meekly, shame seeping from every pore.

“I don’t know what I expected from you but this isn’t it. Hell, I don’t even know what I expected, because our entire relationship has been a whirlwind. We’ve rushed ahead so quickly, and I wanted that at the time, but your behaviour has proven time and time again that you aren’t ready for this. I can’t do this Jake, not whilst I’m still healing.”

“Baby, please.”

“I said listen.”

You scramble to your feet, stumbling over to her and cupping her face. She’s crying, you see that now. Tears of anger and pain.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. Please, please don’t leave. I love you. I love you more than life itself. I’ve been so fucking stupid and I realise that, I know. I promise I won’t ever do this to you again. Please. If I have to get down on my knees and beg, I will.”

She pulls back, shaking her head.

“I need some time to think. I’m sorry.”

“Songbird.” Your face falls and it feels like you’ve taken a dagger to the heart. The sounds of her footsteps walking away are muffled as the sound of your heartbeat thumps in your ears.

She’s leaving.

Your feet propel you towards the door, only to catch the back end of an Uber driving out of sight. The light significantly dims around you, as you drop to your knees and slowly succumb to the abyss in which you’ve made your home.

She’s gone.

[lythea-creation]

Expectations - Shams x fem reader (Chapter 4)

Chapter 1

Previous Chapter

warnings: nothing new rlly

word count: 1.014

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

I woke up in Shams' bed, my girlfriend soundly asleep beside me. It was not anything unusual. Omar had carried me to her bed lots of times before when I had fallen asleep on the couch.

It took me a moment to remember yesterdays events and when I did my stomach was doing back-flips.

What was I supposed to do now? Would my dad come and search for me? How will he react? Will he force me to return home and isolate me even more? Make me switch schools to separate me from Shams and Omar?

Thousands of worst-case-scenarios were flooding my mind, but I gulped them down. It was not helpful anyway. I had to focus on how to solve this situation.

So I decided to get out of bed and take a shower, hoping to feel better after cleansing myself of the dirt yesterday.

Today was Wednesday, meaning we had to go to school. I had no idea what time it was, only that Shams' alarm clock had not rung yet.

I did not find my backpack when I returned to Shams' room. Therefore I blindly borrowed some of her clothes to leave as quickly as possible, hoping not to wake her up.

The clock in the living room was telling me that it was 4.26 am. A lot of time before school. Time to think and reconsider.

Right now I was missing my mom more than I had for a long time. How could you long for somebody you never got to know?

“Hey”, Shams uttered quietly.

I flinched slightly out of surprise. I had not heard her coming.

She sat down next to me, scanning me up and down as if she could read my mind simply by looking at me. Maybe she could somehow. After all she had known me for pretty much my whole life.

“He hurt you worse this time, didn't he?”, she inquired, a knowing glint in her eyes.

“He brought up mom”, I confessed.

He usually never did and Shams knew that. I barely knew anything about mom as he was shutting her away, keeping his memories of her out of my reach; my only chance to get to know her.

“What did he say?”, she wondered, observing me cautiously.

“Pretty much that he's glad she isn't alive to see how pathetic I am”, I mumbled.

Shams' hands immediately moved to hold mine. “You don't believe him, do you?”

I sighed. “I dunno”, I answered hesitantly. “I mean … I have no idea what kind of person she was.”

“I'm sure she would have loved you. How couldn't she? She was even willing to risk her life for you. Some grades wouldn't have bothered her, although your grades are incredible anyway”, she pointed out.

I sent her a small smile. She was probably right. I should not let my dad get into my head. Yet I could not quite help it.

“I don't wanna go to school”, I admitted. “I don't wanna pretend everything is fine anymore. I don't wanna stay away from you for my reputation.”

“Then don't”, she encouraged me. “You literally ran away from home. Do you think your reputation is such a big deal right now?”

“It feels like I'm daring him to ruin my life”, I remarked, resting my head on her shoulder.

I was feeling tired, rather exhausted. And it was the kind that no amount of sleep would be able to fix.

“Maybe you're worrying too much. Overthinking won't solve anything”, she considered.

I could not disagree with her. So I stayed silent instead.

“How about doing something fun before school starts? We got a bit of time to spare”, she stated and got us controllers to play video games.

How could I say no to that, especially with the challenging expression my girlfriend was wearing.

We only made it to school in time because Omar showed up in the living room. The game had done a better job at distracting me than I had expected and Shams was contributing greatly to it. She was even able to improve my mood during the bike ride to school.

But as soon as she stopped at our usual spot to drop me off, the bubble popped.

“Go on! I don't wanna get off yet. I need you by my side today and I don't care what the others will do about it”, I declared.

Her grin strengthened me in my decision.

“Alright then”, she agreed enthusiastically and continued the way.

Saying that we got a lot of weird looks would be a huge understatement. Basically all eyes were on us, most of them appearing shocked.

“Did you see their faces?”, I asked Shams while she was putting her bicycle away.

I could barely contain my laughter and honestly I did not want to.

“Priceless”, she chimed in.

We walked to our classroom together, talking and laughing the whole way. And obviously enjoying the reactions to it.

“Since when are you talking to Shams?”, Tasneem wondered while I was settling on my seat. Hiba was closely behind her; of course.

“Hm, let me think”, I messed with her. “I'd say since I learned talking.”

Her dumbstruck face was absolutely worth any consequences.

“I don't get it”, she confessed.

“Shams is Omar's sister”, I revealed, watching as their faces lit up with realization.

“I had no idea”, Tasneem exclaimed.

“We're really close. So you're offending me every time you offend her”, I added.

Tasneem simply nodded and retreated back to her seat.

Shams and I quickly laughed at each other before focusing back on the lesson ahead.

Despite Shams' great job at cheering me up, I was anxious the whole time, waiting for my dad to show up.

But among all the scenarios I had pictured in my head I had never expected him to not show up at all. And somehow this was destroying me in a tauntingly painful way.

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

Next Chapter

You asked for it, you shall get it! I hope you like the chapter. Do you have any suggestions for the next chapters. I have honestly no clue what I'm doing with this story.

Tag List: @sunwoniie

[imavillainok]

ー ♡꒱・！Artist！: Katrina Francheska (Facebook)

ー ♡꒱・Name: Psyche Winters

ー ♡꒱・Nickname: Skye

ー ♡꒱・Age: 24

ー ♡꒱・Birthday: February 10

ー ♡꒱・Gender: Female

ー ♡꒱・Height: 158cm

ー ♡꒱・Weight: 43kg

ー ♡꒱・Hair Color: Light Blue

ー ♡꒱・Eye Color: Pistachio Green

ー ♡꒱・Type: Transmutation

ー ♡꒱・Abilities: Blood Weapon, ????????????, ??????

ー ♡꒱・Jap VA: Misato Fukuen

ー ♡꒱・Eng VA: Leah Clark

ー ♡꒱・！Artist！: @minyume (instagram)

ー ♡꒱・Appearance: Psyche has light blue hair with pistachio green eyes. She has fangs and a mole below her right eye. She is around 158cm tall and wears a red oversized jacket, a black tube top, and shorts. She has a Phantom Troupe tattoo on her right upper thigh.

ー ♡꒱・Role: Psyche is Feitan Portor's partner and a member of the Phantom Troupe, holding the 15th spot. She has the Phantom Troupe's tattoo on her right upper thigh.

ー ♡꒱・Abilities: As a transmuter, Psyche can manipulate blood and turn it into weapons. Her favorite weapon is a huge scythe.

ー ♡꒱・Personality:

• Psyche is a bubbly and outgoing person, but only around Feitan and those she trusts. She is wary around strangers.

• She has a fierce personality and is not afraid to speak her mind. She has a sharp wit and a quick tongue, and is often able to outsmart her opponents with her intelligence. Psyche is a natural problem solver and enjoys coming up with creative solutions to complex issues.

• She is easily bored and needs constant stimulation and variety in her life.

• Psyche can be charming and charismatic when she wants to be, but can also come across as manipulative or calculating.

• Allows Feitan to control her, despite valuing her independence and freedom above all else.

• Psyche can be emotionally detached at times, but she cares deeply about those she's close to and will go to great lengths to protect them.

• She can be stubborn and opinionated, but is also open-minded and willing to consider alternative perspectives.

• Psyche is extremely loyal to Feitan and the Phantom Troupe, and would do anything to protect them. She is also very possessive of Feitan and can get jealous easily if she feels like someone is encroaching on their relationship.

• Despite her petite appearance, Psyche is a fierce fighter and will not hesitate to use her powers to defend herself and her loved ones. She is particularly skilled at using her blood manipulation powers to create deadly weapons.

• Enjoys provoking and teasing others

• Psyche has a bit of a mischievous side and enjoys playing pranks on her fellow Troupe members, especially Feitan. She also has a fondness for cute things, like stuffed animals and sweets.

ー ♡꒱・Background: Psyche woke up in Meteor City with no memories of her past. At the age of five, she was found by Feitan Portor, a member of the Phantom Troupe, and he took her under his wing. She discovered her blood manipulation ability at a young age and used it to defend herself from bullies. Psyche grew up in the Phantom Troupe and became its 15th member, fiercely loyal to the group and its goals, but with a special bond with Feitan that kept her close to him. Together, they faced many challenges and dangers, relying on each other and the Phantom Troupe to navigate the harsh world they lived in.

ー ♡꒱・！Artist！: @//EG Arts (Facebook)

Chapter 1: The Little Girl

[valshirathelight]

EPILOGUE ;

Location: Mystery Sport Lysara Event Characters: Val'shira Melithar, Ramirus/Eluvian Mentions: Aradia @emissaradia, Tianyou @faelortianyou, literally just kenyer Synopsis: Not a self-para - Private DnD thread with Shaner's NPC that highlights significant character development. Bitterness and trust issues ensue.

RAMIRUS:

“Did we-” Ramirus states, he smiles, “I think that’s the exit.” His excitement can hardly be contained. “I’ve uh… I’ve been thinking about this whole.. Crossing over thing. My physical body is dead, but my soul, I mean- people use spirits all the time, why do I have to go now? If you let me hitch a ride, maybe, I dunno. Maybe there’s a way I can stick around.” They could be quite the duo together.

VAL'SHIRA:

Val is beyond relieved, and she is now firmly against ever volunteering for something like this again. What a nightmare. Relief floods her, almost moving her to tears again but she’s too excited to get home (currently an inn) and get to rest. Val turns to Ramirus, excitement bubbling down. His words put an ache in her heart… maybe he didn’t want peace. Val tried to understand exactly what he means, relying on what knowledge she may have learned of demons as a noble high elf with top quality tutoring but little world exposure.

( An arcana check passed ) : Possession can happen commonly with spirits, while all can apply consent to gain a stronger foothold in the world of the living, demons, specifically more powerful ones are known for going to great lengths to gain a person’s willingness or trust. Greater demons are unable to crossover physically without the expressed consent of a host, or invitation from a powerful conjurer.

VAL'SHIRA:

Val was a logical woman. Emotions had run high in this game, and were still running quite high now, but there had to always be pause whenever she intended to change something in her life - especially something as drastic as her own body.

Creating changelings was a tragedy, the elvhen child was sick, but attaching them to humans was an often necessary step that elvhen parents took to save a life. It was a hard decision in Val’shira’s eyes, not something to celebrate or to consider commonplace and easy to stomach. A human body was changed - two lives altered forever. Val thought of changelings with sadness, and possession and attachment of a soul to another body was not unlike changelings. Only, in this case, it was an unnecessary risk for the two of them. Ramirus had had the chance to live his life and his time had come. He had suffered, without the peace he deserved, for years. Val’shira did not need another soul within her, another mind that might come and go as they please. She cared for Ramirus. She sympathized deeply with him now, she wanted only the best for him.

But she did not love him.

In fact, the undead bard was an oddity in her life. She was over 600 years old. The elve’s trust was usually hard won, but the trauma they had both shared opened her heart in a vulnerable way that had easily let Ramirus in. Elves were no strangers to deception, Val’shira even less so, but she was not thinking of deception. She thought of the little boy who hadn’t had the kind of life he deserved. She thought of what they'd endured in his trial. She was confused, concerned and wondering if this was ever a time for any of them to make such decisions. “You would be okay with possession? With a life without peace? Even after that amulet you were wearing, that possession that had taken hold of you in that chamber of your memories?”

RAMIRUS:

“It would only be for a while,” Ramirus explained, “the Students of Proserpina bind spirits to bodies all the time… if you can help me, then maybe we can find another vessel. One that isn’t-“ he smiled a bit and rubbed the back of his head as he gestured toward her, “occupied already.”

VAL'SHIRA:

She considered, silent for a moment as she imagined this playing out. Temporary possession, but that meant he had been invited so the door would likely remain open. And how would she explain this to her future husband, or to anyone for that matter? That she had come into a Lysaran game for exposure - just to come out with a ghost friend forever invited into her body - if, by then, they had done the unsavory thing of finding him another body to inhabit? Would she explain that alongside her slowly increasing disillusionment with the world outside the Moongate? Her new beef for Olympians?

The same Olympians that had practically killed them all on the battlefield with a plague? It might have been a fake scenario but it seemed very real to her. From what Val had heard of history, the battle had happened. She was well-read, and while the elve had never seen a true battlefield, she knew that published accounts were written by victors. Bias was real. And still, she had nevertheless fully trusted in the valor of Olympians before today. If that distrust had happened to her here, how could she allow herself to be so easily sacrificial now to a near stranger? She had known Ramirus for a few hours, shared trauma or not. True care and affection in her heart for him or not. It was not love, it was not unconditional.

“I don’t trust Students of Proserpina any longer. Perhaps that’s… foolish, I don’t know. But I also do not trust ourselves right now in this very moment. We’re weary, and you might harm your only chance for everlasting peace… reunion with your Gods, the mysteries of what comes next. For what? An eternity in this volatile world?” She frowned. “Horrible things are coming. It is one reason I hope to bring more elvhen within Avalon sooner rather than later, no matter their connection to the Laurelin. I… believe you need more time to think it through. You have seen what can become of possession. Good intentions do not mean good outcomes.”

RAMIRUS:

“I’ve been trapped in here for 75 years-“ after all he’d done for them, after how hard he worked, Ramirus looked hurt. But it was to be expected, she hadn’t liked him from the onset, still, he was visibly wounded. “All I’ve had is time. You’re going to leave me here?”

VAL'SHIRA:

Val’shira wasn’t one to let herself care about other people’s feelings. She had been a bitch, still would likely be a bitch, but the soft interior past the hard shell had a heart that broke at the sight of her new friend’s wounded face. Then she reasoned. She wasn’t one to make life-altering decisions just because someone looked sad and made puppy eyes at her. Especially not someone she didn’t love. Time here would not hurt the bard, though she would still feel heavy guilt for leaving him behind.

If she had to find a way to bring him out of this, she would work her ass off to do it and force a witch to help her. Maybe Aradia? If she had to trust any Olympian, let it be an exiled one, and one who also cared for Ramirus. But the high elve would not sacrifice her body and risk Ramirus’ own regret for forcing his soul to endure this. The soul was the most important part of them all. A decision on a whim, after such an emotional journey, was not wise for either one of them. This was not something the warrior sister had to teach the artist sister, it was something that Val had known even better than Mir’solas. Grace, strength and adoration had been her sister’s, but at least wisdom had been the younger’s.

“You’ve had time, but not your memories.” She came forward, looking regretful and sad but there was steel in her eyes. Val’shira was finally firm on her choice. “You are whole now,” She said with with fervent energy, emphasizing her words. An elvhen could not lie, and so this Val believed. “The soul is who you are. You will know yourself better now and you have the time to make that decision. No danger to find you anymore, no confusion and memory-bloke to weigh on you… You need to be sure you want to sacrifice the possibility of peace. Forever. And while you do decide, I swear to you, I will not abandon a true friend in need.”

But I also need to think of myself. No one in my life has ever put me first but myself.

RAMIRUS:

A laughter blooms from the back of Ramirus’s throat, and his body shifts as he grows larger and larger, and larger. 30 ft towering above, a Greater Demon of Pride with a crown of many jewels stands over you.

“Well done, keep your wits about you. True tests are never done.”

You awaken in the stadium, the trial is over, and the people are all gone. It’s very late.

There is a note from the Master of Games: Well done.

There are illusionary images playing around the stadium of a great battle between you and your fellow combatants. A crowd cheering, a stadium in an uproar as your name and the names of the others are chanted. The world was not privy to your encounter.

VAL'SHIRA

If Val’shira had beef with Lysaran games before, she really did now. The demon emerged, and the high elve was so struck with such complete and utter shock that it suddenly occurred to her how much of an idiot she was. Naive, inexperienced in so many regards despite her age. She had been so close… SO CLOSE to trusting a complete stranger. It was nothing but her own self-boundaries that had kept her safe. Not even the consideration that this friend she had made, the first new friend in a long time, was a whole ass demon. She should have considered it. The emotional walls came up higher now. Trust would come even more hard won, coldness and indifference grew within the elves’ heart. Disillusionment with her love for Lysara. She might have learned to contend with her own history through this experience, but Val’shira had come out a colder person than before as the stadium came back into view.

She looked around at these cheering people, all these people that didn’t know what their leaders had just put her and her teammates through. Or they did. She didn’t know which one was worse.

Val’shira had always loved the world outside the Moongate, but maybe it was just naiveté that she hadn’t been outside long enough - not as much as others like Tianyou, who always preferred Avalon. Rose-tinted glasses of an elve who had never felt at home with her family so she had found home in the world outside. Maybe Tianyou was right about this place. Maybe she had to add another reason to why she needed to find a way to return elven-blooded to the safety of Avalon, not just the impending conflicts. This place… it was cruel. These were the thoughts that ran through her mind as she went through her emotions quickly: confusion, shock, hurt, denial, hot anger… cold rage. Maybe the crowd couldn’t see her face, but she knew where she was mentally as she felt her expression lock into deadpan. For a second, she hated every one of these people. And she hated that she hated them.

Val’shira looked down at the note in her hand. She let light burst from her skin. Light did not produce heat, only the eventual absorption of it. She made the light brighter, it soaked into the paper until she watched it begin to smolder. She stood there until it was ash in her hand. “Fuck you and your tests,” she muttered, glare piercing towards where she hoped the Master of Games was. Even if he couldn’t hear her, it felt good to say it.

[wsbhonni]

Sanctuary (Chapter 2: Serial Killer in Your Apartment)

- Arkin sat in his truck for a moment, contemplating. Why did he save Asa?

Why was Arkin safe housing him in his own apartment- his own bed?! His guess would be as good as his.

O'Brien only realised he was driving when the memory of Asa's softened, bloodied, face came to mind. That sad, longing, look in his dark eyes- the twinge of fear in his voice as he quietly asked Arkin about his life. What he was going to do tomorrow, how his daughter and ex were doing, how his work was going.

It was... pitiful. Pitiful enough to be considered human. Too human for his comfort. Asa is more than less irredeemable, and he, especially , should NOT have felt sympathy for that bastard. 

It would've been so easy if he didn’t hold the man's chilled hand, he shouldn't have indulged in his questions, and he shouldn't have saved him. But something nagged at him, something told him to stay, then, just as the bleeding man went quiet, Arkin’s brain began screaming for him to do something. Anything. 

By the time he arrived at the job site, Arkin silenced his thoughts. He couldn't deal with the odd emotions that bubbled in him right now. He closed his eyes and sighed, forcing the image of Asa's confused, exhausted face out of his head before stepping out of his truck.

He walked up the few steps leading to the opened door of the old house, regarding a few construction workers with a short “morning” before finding the homeowner.

Arkin hoped that today would go by fast as he smiled and shook his contractor’s hand.

— — — — — —- — — — — — — — — — —-

*It took teeth brushing against his finger for Arkin to know he has been staring at the trees beyond his vision for a good while. Now instead of the sandwich he prepared for lunch break, he has nothing to chew on but his own thoughts. He lit up a cigarette to deal with the oncoming headache.

Arkin thought about the killer’s hand then, how the man didn't ask to be held but his body language said otherwise- his hand trembling, making his fingers tap lightly onto the cold concrete floor, almost like he was pleading for something. And when he reached down in a spur of the moment, he remembers how Asa hesitantly curled his pinky around his’.

It felt like a promise. Or was it just to cling onto something? If anything, it reminds him of how a child would hold onto an adult’s finger.

And then, the questions. He can’t make anything of why Asa chose to do that. He expected the man to wring himself up and attack him in an attempt to drag him down, hissing and cursing at him in his last moments. Instead, the killer was abnormally calm.

He remembers a saying somewhere that when people are dying, they’ll either cling onto life, or give in and regret what they could’ve done better.

Did talking to him help dying feel any better? 

Arkin scoffs at the absurdity. Was it the normalcy the man yearned for? Or did the blood loss get severe enough? He wonders if *The Collector* of all people wanted comfort as he died. 

He remembers the moment when the monster fell silent somewhere in the middle of a shaky answer to one of his questions. He remembers when he tried to shake the killer’s hand to check. Then his eyes darted to the man’s stilled face, bloodied, the red only elevated the paleness in Asa’s cheeks. Arkin remembers how his guts tied themselves into knots.

How the guilt filled up the twitching pit inside his stomach.

He remembers the panic. Frantically trying to check the unconscious’ vitals. The thought of being branded a murderer on top of a thief would ruin him and whatever affection his family has left for an ex-convict. For all the law knows, The Collector burned to death, and Asa Emory is innocent without a dent in his background. Still, the thief got what he wanted, tortured the killer to his desires but never did death cross his mind until then. His hands already soaked with blood seeping out of the man he was trying to hoist up- Applied pressure to the wound, anything to stop the blood from spilling out. He slapped Asa to wake him up, but all came out was delirious grumbles-

His memory cuts to the patched up man laying in the back of his truck. The cleanup at the abandoned warehouse afterwards was a nightmare. 

The spur of emotions suddenly occupied his mind that made him throw the cigarette away. . . He should get back to work.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 

-Meanwhile, back at Arkin's apartment, Asa had finished the sustenance he was given, and was gathering the strength to explore. He trusted Arkin wasn't trying to poison him, quoting his "Would hate to have you dying so suddenly" repeatedly in his head.

Emory’s head was plagued by Arkin- and being in his room certainly wasn't helping. He laid down, and looked at the photographs again, not trusting himself to stand just yet. All of them were family photos, mostly of his little girl, an older woman (whom Asa surmised to be Arkin's mother or grandmother), and occasionally a woman around Arkin’s age would appear in group photos (O’Brien’s ex wife, most likely). 

When he was dying, he remembered he had an odd little dream. It felt like a wonderful eternity, but it surely couldn't have been longer than a minute. In the dream, he awoke next to Arkin in bed, their arms and legs tangled. Warm and cozy, he smiled, and planted a small kiss to Arkin's brow before getting up, careful not to rouse his bedmate. He went downstairs, and made a pot of coffee; feeding two happy healthy dogs as it brewed.

He remembered putting the brewed coffee through his French press, then he smiled as two muscular arms slowly wrapped around his waist. A tuft of auburn hair tickled his neck, as the musk of sleep reached his nose. A small kiss to his spine made him smile wider.

"G'morning," Arkin’s tired voice yawned softly.

Then, abruptly, an inky blackness slowly seeped through the soft reality, engulfing the world in its shadow. Asa felt himself relaxing further, suddenly feeling so relaxed and light he thought he was floating.

Then, he woke up.

Asa frowned- finally strong enough to walk to the bathroom to check his injuries himself. Perhaps that would be a good distraction from everything.