#especially when it comes to her and carver like don't even get me started on the whole guard application thing okay i *will* scream

[stop-breaking-my-heart-dragonage]

"-the real end for me was Ostagar. What about you, Carver? You were there. Do you feel something similar?"

"No."

"All right, then. Bit of a tit, your brother."

Yes, Aveline, Carver's a tit because he doesn't feel the same way as you do about Ostagar and being forced to flee his homeland, nor does he want to casually discuss the trauma of it in the middle of the barracks with you. Right, he's definitely the ass here 😑

[whispereons]

Oracle!Reader Part 12

Masterlist - Part 1, Part 11, Part 13

Putting this early so y'all got something to read while waiting for Fontaine. Gl on wishing/saving!

Warning! This is SAGAU which is yandere, plus my story is imposter au which makes things even worse. You can expect detailed descriptions of sensitive topics like blood in this chapter.

The water is still as Mountain Shaper relays your claim to the other adepti. The cutting gaze they have is deflected by that calm expression you wear.

"Then before we deal with them, let's wrap up the situation with the children." Ganyu speaks softly as her eyes move past your form with wariness. 

Xingqiu and Chongyun relax at the sight of Ganyu.With her around, the punishment from the adepti should be prevented.

"Thank you both for coming to save the children, and I'm sorry we weren't in time to help that poor boy. I'm afraid I'll have to burden you both with the task of bringing them back to the city. This would be quite a big deal, especially for you, Xingqiu, as the son of such a prestigious family."

Xingqiu freezes up at the mention of his family while Ganyu takes out a notepad. She writes something on it and hands it over to him.

"This is a brief report on what happened, your cover up is that I asked you to bring them back home. You and your friend will have to give a report to the Millelith and when I get back, I can finish the report. I can get the needed information from your... teammate."

The skepticism and slight disgust in her voice makes it perfectly clear what she thinks about you. She didn't even want to thank you for participating in saving the children.

Ganyu is an adepti, even if she is half human, and that is why she has some of that signature arrogance. She always did jump to conclusions; like how she attacked that Fatui skirmisher that was berry picking. Her arrogance only makes it harder for her to change her mind until it's nearly too late.

Xingqiu smiles politely but the twitch in his eyebrow as he accepts the note says it all. Chongyun's face visibly sours but he keeps quiet. They both turn to you, silently asking if it's okay for them to leave you here.

Your lips stretch into a cheery smile and you give them a thumbs up. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Just make sure Yiran gets to her father and that the mother of that poor boy gets his body."

They leave with the children clinging to them, the children still have remnants of tears in their eyes. You can only silently command Teyvat to make their journey back to the city as safe as possible.

"One knows not why this interloper is not already decaying at our feet. Surely any being that claims such a frivolous thing deserves to be sacrificed to the glorious Creator."

Rude as always, Cloud Retainer is the first to ignite the hatred for you. In Genshin she was always comedic relief after the Archon quest but it's different with your current position.

"Don't be so quick to see to my death, Cloud Retainer. Surely Mountain Shaper has already told you what secret information I know about you all." You smoothly comment. 

"The young herbalist is not impossible to hold information on, it's the scent of Teyvat on you that led me to not kick you off my mountain." Moon Carver interferes calmly. You get the sense that he's the most curious on who you are in contrast to the rest that just want you to die.

"Like I said, I'm an Oracle for the Creator themself. Surely you aren't going to doubt Teyvat in who it chooses to embrace."

"Mimicry is a common tactic among evildoers like yourself. Perhaps you're a demonic spirit from the old war hiding in human flesh. It would suffice as an explanation for the way you used that little girl to buy time for yourself." 

Mountain Shaper pushes the agenda of some evil lurking within you. Honestly, it's starting to annoy you but becoming emotional would only fuel them further.

"I only spoke to Yiran so rashly due to your stupid rules. Who focuses on intruders that you clearly saw came for the children instead of the terrified young girl? She was scared from the massacre and felt responsible for that boy's death. That same dead boy’s mother that you proceeded to insult."

"And why should we concern ourselves with the folly of humans?"

"I'm not asking you to. I'm saying that you should at least allow the other humans to help those children, yet you treat adults and children like they have the same mental capacity. Not surprising as adepti couldn't possibly understand the complexity of humanity but it’s still quite disappointing that you cannot even see the logic."

Your words earn you a sharp amber tearing into the skin of your left arm.  A low curse escapes you as you yank the injured arm away from the crimson painted amber. Examining the wound with a grimace, you apply pressure to slow the bleeding. The puncture wound lets your blood stain the clothing and drip off. 

It didn't go all the way through but in certain areas your vein and arteries can be seen. Not broken, just exposed and so very painful. Resisting the tears, you dig into your bag with your good hand for the medical kit.

As you clean and wrap up your wound, you can hear the adepti arguing.

"What are you doing you old coot? One was looking to expose their lies, not attack in such a haste. Now that filthy blood is staining my abode."

"Cloud Retainer is correct on this topic. As devoted worshippers of our caliber, having the ability to unravel the demonic lies is true proof of our strength."

It's so funny, you almost want to laugh in their faces. 'Filthy blood'? Your blood is the one that they worship like salvation. 'Demonic lies?' Isn't the Creator's word's law and truth no matter the message?

That haughtiness that leads them to try beating you at your own game will be their downfall. You'll enjoy this new act. After all...

They're only the stepping stones for the showdown between you and the Geo Archon.

With a bandaged arm that sends dull aches and electrifying pain at intervals, you smile and speak in a sweet tone.

"Finished conversing yet? If you're ready to try exposing my nonexistent lie then get rid of this amber cage and let me show you firsthand why I'm the Creator's Oracle."

Your serene smile is met with sharp glares, distrustful eyes and a timid gaze that speaks first.

"And what proof or action will you show us?"

"Well, I have multiple ways, but illuminated beings like yourself will not be satisfied with that. You'll see it as a trick, a prepared prop to convince you all. So instead, why don't you ask me to do something or relay something to the creator? Something that you're positive I can't complete."

Beisht's scale seems to make your bag heavier with the reminder of its existence. But it's not time for it yet. The adepti only see Beisht as an enemy, that gamble isn't one you're willing to risk just yet.

"One would never ask you to pray to the creator and sully their ears with your sinful voice. One has a better idea on what you can do as 'proof'. As much as One hates to let you get closer, it is necessary to enter my abode."

Mountain Shaper seems to grumble as the other adepti force him to release you. Chains made of Geo and Dendro wrap around your wrists and tug you forward. 

Were you truly that untrustworthy in their eyes? Four adepti against one human, the outcome is obvious, but you keep a leisurely pace behind them.

Cloud Retainer's domain-like door opens and once you all step inside, the door shuts with a loud bang. It's just like how you remembered it in the game.

An absolute confusing mess.

Ganyu and Cloud Retainer cross the barely hanging rock bridge with ease, Meanwhile Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper throw remarks at her.

"What is the meaning of such a mess? It's in even worse condition than when we visited 300 years ago."

"One's abode is not of your concern. It is normal for one to keep it in the environment that suits one's needs."

Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper continue to bicker back and forth as you are led through the turning platforms and transparent golden bridges. 

"Maybe if a certain mortal had just accepted death as their punishment, we wouldn't have to be going through this disorganization."

As adepti, they probably could have just flown to the top where Cloud Retainers' main ruins are but as you are clearly human, they had to take the long way. They don't bother to keep that fact quiet but Moon Carver constantly saying that only makes you walk slower in pettiness.

The main ruin finally comes into view and you remember the initial conversation with Cloud Retainer when you had to discuss Morax's fake death. The door behind that never let players in, is now open. 

Entering you are greeted with long hallways with inventions in different stages of creation littering it. Texts, and murals of different time periods cover the walls. Morax, Guizong, the Yaksha and even other adepti you don't recognize are there.

A left turn at a three way intersection goes to a large room decorated beautifully with feathers and gemstones alike. The image of you forming an egg that has brown scales and gold accents is the main centerpiece. 

This must be how they believe you created Morax. Then does that solve the question on whether the egg or the chicken comes first? 

Cloud Retainer stops in the middle of the room and spreads her wings to point at the sides of the room that are inscribed with text.

"Ever since One took residence in this abode, One has never been able to decipher the text, nor has any other being that got One's permission to enter this sacred room been able to decipher it. If you are truly the Oracle then surely you must be able to decode such scriptures."

"Then let's see just what message this scripture contains." Your proud words are all the bravado you need to walk past their eyes and approach the closest words on the left wall.

As you move to walk past Cloud Retainer's form, she brings her wing down to cover your path.

"Death is the only ending for you in One's eyes. If you fail to translate, then you'll die. If you tarnish or destroy it, then you'll die. And if you refuse, then death will claim you before you can even finish your words." 

"I understand full and well, Cloud Retainer. My life belongs to the Creator, no matter how difficult or painful."

Her wing cuts through your shackles with ease. Now free, you walk past with that confident posture you've held throughout this meeting. Your hands itch to run over the wall and pray that Teyvat will automatically translate it as it had done for everything else. Yet when you get close enough to make out the words, you smile widely. A sight so beautiful for your poor eyes.

'Elemental creatures of all kinds must continue to worship the maker of all things to maintain their loving and personal connection. Refusing or forgetting to do so is the same as rejecting or not caring for them. Consequences are dire and just like trust, it'll be much harder to restore.'

Your language is written on the wall in clear letters. Your luck seems to have turned around for now. You could do so much with this information.

"I can understand this perfectly. It's the language the Creator uses to communicate on the world they're resting in. The scripture describes elemental worship that is specific to only elemental beings."

You recite the first text with ease as the room goes quiet. Not a laugh, scoff nor grumble is heard in the room. Should you take this as a bad or good thing? 

Pushing onward you begin to translate the rest of the text on both sides of the room. It gives a detailed explanation on how to sacrifice body parts, energy, blood, and lifeforce. 

"Stop, we have heard enough." Moon Carver cuts in emotionlessly. You look back at them feigning a confused expression. Trouble is clear on their faces, the truth of your words is spreading guilt within them.

Inwardly your lips curve into a smile that seems to soothe the pain in your arm.

They aren't guilty from the approaching truth of your 'oracle' status being real. They're feeling guilt over the worship methods that they had forgotten.

But pompous beings like them will never accept their wrong-doings so easily.

"You speak of words that poison our minds and weigh our hearts with guilt. This may be but a sham that you wish to deceive us with. Us, illuminated beasts will not accept this method until it's been proven in our sights."

With a careless shrug and scoff, you speak to Mountain Shaper with an uncaring attitude. "I would happily do it to myself just to prove my words true, but I'm not an elemental being like you all were so happy to point out. It seems one of you will have to test it out or we'll never get anywhere."

"Or perhaps we can end this farce now and eliminate you from the beloved maker's gaze." His angry reaction has you covering your mouth in surprise.

"You would skip past the proper protocols in the case concerning the Creator? Where is your devotion? Your faith? Or are you just afraid to do so and see the honesty in my words? Maybe it's a mix of both..."

Mountain Shaper takes a clawed step forward that makes the ruins shake. Cloud Retainer blocks his path with her wing.

"One has had enough of this Shaper! Treat the eulogies and artwork of the creator with more respect."

"It is shameful that an illuminated being like yourself is being led by a mortal like that. Are we not the ones who survived this long despite the varying enemies and plots? Calm yourself before you sully the Creator's pride with your uncontrollable wrath."

Mountain Shaper looks pissed as his eyes glare at you with malice. The temptation to flip him off with a shit-eating grin is too strong and he turns away like a toddler at your crude actions.

"I can do the ritual for us to learn the truth on this matter." A timid voice steps in during the brief silence. All eyes turn to Ganyu as she keeps her hands close to her chest.

"All the work I do is for Liyue, Rex Lapis, and most importantly: the Creator. If this method is true then I can learn a more intimate way to worship them. And if not, then I can keep the creator's reputation pure by utterly destroying Y/N."

Her words are soft and gentle but turn dark near the end as she stares at you seriously. The adepti stay quiet seeming to respect her bold actions even if Cloud Retainer seems just a bit ruffled.

"You said that there are many different offerings to give, all with their own reward. Which one would give the best result?"

"The energy sacrifice would be the most convenient and easiest but it doesn't fit you well due to your lethargic nature. Your body is physically strong so a blood offering would be the best choice."

Ganyu's eyes seem to follow your form as you step closer to the section that contains the instructions for the blood offering. She's no doubt trying to figure out how you could know about that without considering the possibility of you being the Oracle true.

You read it out loud so that everyone is on the same page before looking back at them.

"So let's start with the main things. We'll need a clear area outside along with a ceremonial dagger and cup. I'll wait here and write down all the ritual instructions for future use."

In Genshin you always know a NPC is suspicious when they want to 'wait and write' something while you do the actual work. The distrustful looks they all send you feel the same way.

They leave Ganyu to watch over you while they all leave to prepare the ritual. Deciding to leave Ganyu alone, you go back to jotting down the text into your handbook.

It's quiet to the point of it being uncomfortable yet you diligently finish the notes and simply doodle on the free space. Ganyu's eyes never stop running down your body, you ask yourself if she's even blinking.

"Before I came here to visit, I heard of an incident at Liyue Harbor. About two geovishap hatchlings that went feral and caused a mess. The most interesting part was how the 'winner' displayed its trophy to a masked stranger."

Ah, Ganyu... 3,000 years old and counting half-qilin adeptus with a whole war as experience. Did you ever forget her knowledge? No, you just simply underestimated her resilience to erosion. 

"Is there something you want to ask me about that incident? If so, just spit it out. Communication is important, a secretary like yourself should know that much."

"I have no doubt that you are the person in the incident. I'm conflicted over how you came to your... position. Someone tricking the people is normal and still saddening. But someone trying to trick the adepti? Foolish and stupid. I will stop you either way but just know that I will not stand for your evil actions."

A laugh slips past your lips as your gaze falls onto her firm stance. Gentle and quiet are the words to describe qilin yet the conflict avoiding nature seemed to have skipped Ganyu's genes. 

"Then I hope you repent properly to the creator for refusing to believe their loyal servant for speaking the truth." You move to stand in front of her and stare deeply into her eyes with mirth. "It seems the adepti have already returned. Why don't we get going?"

Not a moment later, Cloud Retainer's voice rings out, calling for you both to come outside. Smiling cheerfully, you follow Ganyu out of Cloud Retainer's home.

The moon's glow tenderly caresses your skin and bandaged arm as the water laps at your legs. The adepti stand on the small patch of land as you and Ganyu trudge across the water. On the table is a clean dagger with intricate gold patterns and a gold chalice decorated with Noctilucous Jade.

Dagger and chalice in hand, you survey the area with a critical eye. Smiling, you point at an area of water.

"The water here is clean and clear so it fits the bill in what the ritual needs. Follow me Ganyu." Not bothering to look back you walk deeper into the water, even still the water only reaches above your knees.

"Words are not needed, only actions. Kneel and choose a place for me to cut you. Your blood has to fill the chalice to the brim."

She goes along with your words and kneels, letting the liquid soak her clothes without complaint. Grabbing ahold of her beautiful white sleeve, she pulls it off, exposing her arm.

"Cut my arm in a long shallow slit so it can be filled quickly without too much damage."

"Alright, let me go over the steps once more as your time is limited once it's filled." With practiced ease, you cut her arm and watch her blood flow into the chalice. Not even a peep escapes her from the pain.

"You'll hold the chalice with both hands raising it into the air to signify that you are offering. Keep your eyes closed and pray for what you wish to communicate to the creator. In this case, you want to pray for the creator to accept your blood offering as the first step to forgiveness. After that you'll just need to follow my lead."

Ganyu nods solemnly and you move the now filled chalice to her hands carefully to avoid spilling it. Her eyelids flutter shut as her hands hold the chalice high in the air. The air seems to still as her lips move to mouth a silent prayer.

The blood that drips down her arm and into the water seems hypnotizing. To think you’d really hurt someone to hide your lie. It's different then the case with Beisht; you hurt Beisht to prove your identity. What you have done to Ganyu is a line you may have to cross again in the future. What if you eventually kill someone to hide your lie? The thought seems ludicrous to you now but so did hurting someone before this moment...

Your thoughts seem to still when the blood dripping from her wound changes in color. No, not just color but in texture too. Those wine red drops shift to a mix of pink and blue. It solidifies into a small glittering object that clinks softly as it hits the water.  

It flashes for a moment before dissolving into water like it never existed. Was that truly what a primogem looked like in real life?

An indescribable feeling swells up in your chest, soft whispers lead your body closer to Ganyu without a fight. Shakily your hands cover hers as that intangible feeling urges you to speak.

'I accept your offering' is nearly spoken but even in this haze of dopamine and serotonin, your self control is firm.

"The Creator accepts your offering." Your words are shaky with unknown emotions. Is this Ganyu's feelings towards you as the creator? It's gentle and rests on your soul like a weighted blanket feebly trying to pull you into a deep sleep.

Reminding yourself of the ritual at hand, you begin to tilt the chalice toward the ground. The scripture never specified what would happen but the sight you receive is beyond what you could expect.

What pours out of the chalice is not scarlet liquid, but thousands of primogems that clink and clank as it hits the water. Just like earlier, it dissolves leaving bubbles that cloud the starry sky that was reflected on the surface.

When the last primogem hits the water, you release Ganyu's hands and step back. You look up at the night sky that begins to glow with color as your voice cuts through the tense silence.

"Open your eyes Ganyu, it's time to see your wish revitalized. The Creator accepted your offering after all."

Coral and lavender eyes open slowly and go wide at the sight of the sky. The chalice is gripped in tightly on her lap as the night blooms with blue and purple wishes.

A single gold star begins to travel through the air at high speeds. Noticing its course you step farther away from Ganyu as she stays kneeling in amazement at the sight.

Before anyone can speak, the gold shooting star hits Ganyu and engulfs her spot with a beam of light. It's harsh on your eyes but the game screen that automatically opens in front of you soothes it.

Ganyu's splash art is the only thing you see before you click it off with a triumphant smile. Skipping through all the other wishes and four star constellations, the game screen and gold light disappear at the same time.

A shocked and confused Ganyu could be expected. A quietly happy and thankful Ganyu was expected. But the half qilin adeptus silently bawling her eyes out as she stays kneeling in the water was what greeted you instead.

The other adepti don't hesitate to move to your area with inhuman speed from where they were watching. You expected Mountain Shaper to be the first one to attack you as Moon Carver stands protectively in front of Ganyu but it seems the adepti didn't like to respond logically.

Sharp talons wrapped around your neck as the weight of the crane pushes you back onto the water. The unexpected submersion has you coughing uncontrollably underwater as your body seems to be weighed down by something invisible.

Fingers dig into your throat as blurry yells make your heart pound with panic.

"It's all your fault!" 

"None of this would have happened if you didn't exist!"

"Should have just let me do what I want with you, you pathetic fuck!"

Sickle in hand your attacks are choppy as the electro sputters in and out of existence. The fingers turn into a bruising, clawed grip once more as your free hand grabs a fistful of feathers.

The crane is pulled away and by extension you're pulled out of the water too. The water droplets make your vision blur as you try to calm your hyperventilation into something less vulnerable.

Cloud Retainer is held back by all three adepti as she squawks with indignation. The ringing in your ears prevents you from hearing anything more than, "One has not seen Ganyu cry in such a way since she was a child!"

Ganyu seems more than embarrassed as she repeatedly tells Cloud Retainer something you can't be bothered to make out. Your nails dig into the blood and feathers in your hand as you stare at the missing patch of feathers on Cloud Retainers body.

You're cold, wet, hungry, and so very tired but that bald patch you left on the noisy crane makes you feel happy in a vengeful way. If you weren't still reeling from the near death experience you would have loved to comment on her new preen.

The situation seems to calm down as Ganyu and the rest explain something thoroughly to Cloud Retainer. It's obvious that she had gone on a rampage due to Ganyu's reaction without bothering to view the situation in full. A rare mistake for someone as meticulous as her.

With care and concern only for the present, you move to the edge of the mountain and stare out across the sky. The view of Liyue is muddled yet enhanced by the starry sky. The grass under your shoes is welcome in comparison to the pond that nearly swallowed you whole.

Your fingers mindlessly pick at the healing scabs and bruises from the treasure hoarder fiasco. The grimace on your face is not from the pain of the jostled arm but the uncomfortable feeling of wet bandages. Carefully, your fingers trace the new talon marks on your neck that you gained from Cloud Retainer. Should you get hurt by Moon Carver too, to collect wounds from all three?

The grass crunches behind you and you already know what is about to happen. Your eyebrows pinch in worry and your gaze rarely leaves the floor as the adepti stand face to face with them.

"I'm so sorry for my reaction earlier. I was so surprised and overjoyed that the sacrifice convinced the Creator to awaken me that I reacted in such a shameful way. It's due to my failure to keep my emotions in check that you got hurt. Please forgive me."

Your mind is blank but your body is well versed in what to do, what lies to say. Softening eyes are steady with Ganyu's as your fingers gingerly touch the claw marks.

"I understand Ganyu, the creator's grace is an amazing thing. Be sure to serve them properly from now on." With a near patronizing tone you speak to the adepti as a whole.

"Don't you see what damage you had done to me? The creator is love, peace, justice and truth. I hope you don't think they'll let Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper off easy for harming me who has taken on such a heavy and dangerous burden."

Facades are only good if you know how to upkeep and keep track of them. If you act like some soft pushover now, they'll be suspicious. You slide into the control seat of the spider web of lies you've created as easily as breathing. 

Rest? Mental breakdowns? Dissociative states? Hallucinations from past traumatic experiences? All of those things must be pushed into the crevice in your mind. The same crevice that seems to grow deeper and darker with each passing year since your birth. Those thoughts can consume you when you're safe, if that day ever comes.

They react exactly as you expected; haughty but thoroughly humbled with seeds of self doubt planted in their hearts. Breaking even a fraction of their pride in their fake-ass devotion brings a longing for them to crumble even more.

You go along with conversation while conserving as much energy as possible. Ganyu was the only one with enough sensibility to apologize to you so why should you care about the rest of them? If they had Ganyu carry and apologize in their stead then they should be just as fine with you only giving her actual attention.

Pointing out this fact seemed to stun them into a tense silence. Your body naturally goes on edge expecting some sort of attack but nothing comes. Instead they present you with a few apologies without using words.

"As a faithful servant of the Creator, you are welcomed anytime in Jueyun Karst, as well as any other areas that would be deemed off-limits within our authority."

"Why not stay in One's home for the night after the enlightening events that have occurred today? One is not a careless host and will be sure to provide all that you need during your stay."

It honestly wasn't a bad idea, your mind and body were not fit for teleporting to Liyue and setting up camp. You accepted the offer despite knowing that the sleep you will get will not be fulfilling.

The conversations they hold as you are fed and tended to flow in one ear and out the other. The most notable information you picked up was how they wanted to try the method themself and even spread it to Xiao in hopes of the creator lessening his karmic debt.

It's Ganyu that accompanies you to a guest room that Cloud Retainer somehow managed to not make messy. The other adepti seem to think that you like her in some way when little to their knowledge, you're simply fond of her.

Not in the way that you want to be near or interact with her. She apologized for being part of the reason you were attacked. She still hasn't apologized for all her previous rude actions. You liked her the same way as you did on Earth. Only as a character.

A voice whispers that it's better than how you refuse to associate with Ei in any way.

You lay down on a clean mattress in the comforting silence of the night. You're dry, warm, full, and comfortable yet still as on edge as before. The eyebags you wear are not from random all-nighters but from the never-ending cycle of lying for a living. Both on Earth and on Teyvat.

Sleep doesn't come easy, not with the constant fear of talons holding you down. Nor with the unease of amber cutting through your skin. Rest comes in spurts of deep sleep before hands are choking you again back into the waking world. 

Sometimes you wish you could forget who your family was too.

Your internal clock is all sorts of confused as you wake up for the 50th time. Judging by the lack of discomfort in your body, you couldn't have slept more than an hour. 

Pale green glows in the corner of your eyes making you speed into sitting position. You catch the faintest glimpse of a horned masked bearing large fangs and glowing teal eyes. 

You blink at the spot as your breath is harsh even to your own ears. Was it real? Was he here? Why would he be?

For what reason would he watch you sleep if not to investigate?

The cool mask calms your clammy skin. If he had looked under it, you wouldn't be here anyway. It's that morbid thought that brings you peace. 

How ironic.

Knowing that sleep will not come to you for a while, you get dressed and follow the vague memory of the path Ganyu took when bringing you to the guest room. 

It leads to the domain doors to the outside and the brush of your fingertips on the stone doors has it moving smoothly. The early morning sun warms the stone walkway as you exit into the free space.

The sight of the pond trudges up memories of yesterday. With a bright smile and light footsteps, you hurry down the staircase and jump over the water with ease.

"-yet how could we possibly forget such a vital ritual?" "One suspects larger factors are at play." "The records in our abodes should show-"

Catching the near ending of such a serious conversation, you slow down as they all turn to look at you.

"Awake already Y/N? Would you like a light breakfast?" Ganyu is the first to speak, the other adepti are surely still examining you. Now far more lucid than last night you are positive that having another meal with them would be a true nightmare.

"I'm not hungry when it's so early so I'll pass for now. There are many private duties that the creator asks of me and it would be best that I get straight to it. Yet there's a slight problem."

The adepti seem to tense up in unison, not that they are wrong for doing so. You've been a consistent thorn in their side since you met Mountain Shaper.

"You see, my body has not fully recovered from the injuries that I received from fighting the treasure hoarders. And with the how rough I was handled by you all, my injuries were reopened."

The wind ruffles your hair as if highlighting the bruise and talon marks. Your left hand is pressed against your chest making the sun shine on the bandaged arm. The parts of damaged exposed skin are the icing on the cake.

"Then what is it that you desire oracle of the beloved? Do you wish to check on the children that were saved?" Mountain Shaper's voice is like ice. Sharp when cold like yesterday but smooth when controlled correctly.

It was a good thing you slept, even if it was sucky. You almost missed out on such a great bargaining chip!

"That is one thing I plan to do when I head to the city but there's a few things before that. Since you're already offering to take me then it would be a great help if you can take me to this location."

Shamelessly you hold out the map in your handbook with the only commission location left.

Increasing Danger - Hilichurls are building towers in the circled area. Destroy these towers for the safety of the people.

Mountain Shaper sighs tiredly and is about to respond when you cut him off on purpose. 

"Oh and those ceremonial tools we used in the ritual yesterday? I need them. The creator is an all-loving deity that would never desire to push away the innocent and loyal beings in Teyvat unless they deserved it. The creator wishes to conduct more rituals if necessary."

Cloud Retainer seems to stare at you in shock at the forceful way you pushed for the items you desire. The dagger and chalice glint in the sunlight as she resists the urge to hide them from your greedy eyes.

"But before you drop me off for good at my commission site, I'll need you all to help me activate the teleport waypoints. There's no way I'm climbing those mountains again. Besides, the creator blessed you all with such power, how could you not use it to support a fellow devotee?"

Your smile widens to bare all your teeth as Moon Carver avoids looking directly at you. They may be reluctant but you always make sure to have your debts be paid with interest. The price for hurting, exhausting, and stressing you out is not one to sneeze at either.

Quite a few teleport waypoints were activated with the dagger and chalice safely in your bag. Adeptus powers really were useful in situations like these. Within half an hour you had activated enough to safely teleport around Jueyun Karst without fear of running into the adepti again.

As Mountain Shaper sets you down nearby the hilichurl camp and towers for your commission, his curiosity finally gets the best of him.

"For what reason did you discolor so many teleport waypoints?"

"I can teleport using them due to the creator's blessing. Now that I activated them, I can teleport to all of your mountains whenever I want to visit!"

Each word you say with a cheerful grin seems to send him deeper into agony. He nods tightlipped and flies away. The wind brings his muttered words to your words. 

"A vacation is in order. A vacation for as long as possible."

Messing with the adepti was really fun. You just hoped that they would go on vacation permanently, your job would be much easier that way.

All you have left is to finish this commission, teleport to the waypoint near the harbor's entrance and get your money. Simple as that. Opening the game window from your safe viewing spot of the hilichurl camp, you begin to review all the books on hilichurls.

First and foremost, thank you to the editor of this chapter @serpent-benediction! He was a huge help even if he terrorized me the whole time </3

It gives me more time to add some fun stuff like italics and bold. Stories pack more of a punch with flair, in my eyes at least. All the improvements to the chapter are his work like capitalizing Oracle and Creator. We did debate on whether adepti was species or title. So yall are free to give your opinion on which it is and whether it should be capitalized. I'm glad to see that (almost) all the build-up to the adepti part is finished. Well for the adepti at least. I was like dead tired after the choking part so that's why it may be a bit wonky. Now that I'm not pressed for time (yet. Sep is coming soon) I wanted to thank everyone for staying this long in the series! I love reading and responding to comments. I love reading the notes and/or tags from reblogs. I don't know if I should respond to reblogs like I do to comments. Cause I see some really in-depth reblogs that I wanna respond to but I end up not doing that thanks to my thoughts of-'Is that weird, strange or uncomfortable?' I just don't wanna scare anyone off. And for those that might wonder why Y/N was choking here but not with Beisht, it's due to Retainer. Retainer was using her adeptus power to pressure the water against Y/N which caused the drowning and bruises. I hope that clears it up a lil!

I'm a dumbass, I forgot the taglist. That's why it looked so short in my eyes. Everyone is allowed to yell at me for this (except for my editor) Taglist: @vvyeislazzy, @nikqi, @the-dumber-scaramouche, @etherisy, @yourlocalstranger123, @ra404, @iruiji, @goldenglow149, @haru-tofuu, @lsleepysimpl, @bebobeboben, @yuyuzi-ling, @amidst-the-tempest, @resident-cryptid, @mxd1zzy, @mochicurls21, @nervouseaglelover, @thedevioussmirk, @yumuramma, @kwqsla, @undecidingfate, @ehjane, @game-savvy, @akiramirae, @sielt, @fluffy-koalala, @formacoon, @sxftiebee, @khxii-i, @ursinaw, @chuuya-brainrot, @sweetbills, @kazuchaos, @snowfoxnix, @bluebelony, @conspicuous-mayonnaise, @pencil-of-ashes, @ghostlyintervention, @taiformaifoe, @sielt, @goaudduck, @carminerin, @maddysflowers, @zenith-of-all-zeniths, @crazydreamcat, @leafanonsforest, @grimreapersscythe, @leylanx, @undecidingfate, @sapphireknown, @help-whatdoimakemyusername, @zhonglisfruityass, @fluffy-koalala, @mer0n37, @victoria1676, @mochinessss, @sinnful-darling, @emilymikado

[sailingfireshipz]

Ok, so i could be putting too much thought into this & completely reading into things that Andrea has no intentions of fulfilling, but this is where I'm at with the Stellaride baby slow burn. @chicagofires & @stella-kidd, this is for you 😆

It started clicking for me back in 13x08 when Stella was talking to Ritter when he was spinning out about moving in with Dwayne. She said, "You guys are good. You're just asking for more time. " I started wondering why they'd have Stella be the one to deliver that line versus a Violet or Novak, especially with the baby talk conversation not being addressed since 13x01.

It felt like they were acknowledging the elephant in the room with the audience even though Stellaride themselves haven't. To be fair between the mess with Damon, Stella almost losing her job, the Bishop two parter, Stella & Kelly missing their respective episodes there hasn't really been too many moments where it would have made sense for stellaride to address the elephant in the room. They just need more time.

Prior to last weeks episode getting pulled, we would have had the episodes in this order 13x10- "You got this" a saying very specific to Stella & Stellaride hanging randomly in a children's classroom. Let's face it the call itself was very minor in scale. They could have had that same call at a different location. Hell, it would have made sense for the police cadets that were training to be the ones impacted by the gases, yet they weren't they chose to have it at a community center for young kids. That sign placement being in a childrens classroom, imo was very intentional.

Also, Stella asking Hermann how Mouch did as acting LT. This is a valid question to ask for sure, but it also goes to the topic of her knowing that her rig would be in great hands pending she has to step away. It's finally stabilized after Gallo, Gibson & Damon. Carver seems to be back on track. Ritter is meshing well & clearly stepping up. Mouch jumped right on in as acting LT & didn't miss a beat. Her first baby (T81) is good. ✅️

Next would have been 13x11- Stella's cousin comes to town to reveal family history. At this point I don't think this cousin is coming with ill intent. Again, this is just my feelings. I have nothing to base it off of. Whatever this family history is would have sparked a conversation again with Stellaride. Do I think this conversation would have ended with Stella saying she's ready, no, not exactly. I think it would have ended still up in the air, but the topic at least brought back to the surface & acknowledged. I also think it would give Stella some resolution to some unsolved family trauma. Stella getting closure from her traumatic past ✅️

We say this all the time. STELLARIDE needs big life altering pushes to make decisions most times. Kelly & Stella had been in this weird holding pattern for the majority of early S6, even when Zach was in the picture. They both were dancing around the matter until 6x15, when Stella's trapped with bullets flying (big push). "Kelly for once can you just tell me what you're feeling" (BIG PUSH)

Other notable pushes: Stella breaks up with Kelly in S7, forcing him to choose to be a better man for her. Kelly is unsure if he should propose, 9x15 "I'm never going to leave you happens" he drops to one knee & asks her. Both scared of getting married until 10x21 happens then it's let's get married next week. Kelly kidnapped held at gunpoint. Don't you have a wife & kids? 12x11 prompted 12x13 confession of maybe we start our own... BIG PUSHES

So what's the BIG PUSH for S13? Oh idk maybe the first crossover in 5 years. In the last crossover, Kelly verbalized for the first time he saw himself & Stella growing old together with a family of their own. And don't get me wrong I'm not saying she's going to come out of this crossover like omg I want a baby right now but it would be hard for me not to assume that she doesn't come out of it ready to have a genuine CANDID conversation that leads to action.

Ultimately if after 13x12 they still aren't acknowledging the elephant in the room then I'll start to become annoyed again but currently I'm enjoying watching these subtle pieces fall into place & am interested on how they play out. The ONLY thing I'm curious about is how or if them switching the episode, order around will have any impact from a continuity standpoint.

I do not believe these crossover episodes will be standalone & that topics brought up in them won't spill over or show up in other episodes.

Again, I could be way off base here, but these are my thoughts. What are yours?

[the-lark-ascending69]

How would Nancy and Steve protect Robin from homophobic attacks?

I love this question. I love the idea of Steve and Nancy being kind of her... "protectors" in a way? The way she cried out their names and they both rushed to help her when the vines caught her... something in my cold heart melted. She's their lil soft bby lesbian, they must protecc (particularly love this in omegaverse AUs in which they're both alphas and Robin is an omega... ik it's not everyone's cup of tea but I adore it). I love the idea of Robin having two soulmates who recognize the danger she's in and how everyone will come after them if They Know so they promise to themselves (!! or each other!!) that they'll keep her safe.

Specifically, I'm thinking of a scenario in which Nancy and Steve kinda don't like each other. Maybe there are still hard feelings after their breakup, and they kinda give each other the side-eye, feeling uncomfortable when they need to share a space or when they're alone in a room without everyone else there making plans and stuff.

But every now and then, they find Robin being cornered at school, her head low, trying to make herself invisible and small as boys taller than her make horrible comments about frigid little dyke needing to see what she's missing, and Steve and Nancy don't even think. They walk up to where she is and push the boys away, eyes dark and voice severe, warning them to never come near her again if they know what's good for them. Boys often reply with something along the lines of "careful, Harrington, seems like your dyke girlfriend's got a hard on for Wheeler here", but they leave nevertheless. Robin remains silent, hugging herself, and mumbles a quiet "can you take me home?" or "can I stay over tonight?" She doesn't like being alone when these things happen, and she's reached a level of trust with Steve and Nancy in which she's comfortable seeking comfort from them, so she'll end up having dinner with both of them (because neither of them want to leave her, even if it means enduring each other's company). Steve will cook something while Nancy sets the table, hesitantly rubs her back and asks if she's okay, and then they'll watch a movie - Robin nestled between the two of them, playing with Steve's fingers or with the sleeves of Nancy's cardigan - touch and hand-holding has always been one of her love languages, especially when it comes to fear and comfort. Whether she falls asleep on Steve or Nancy's shoulder depends on the night, but regardless of it, Steve will carry her to bed and Nancy will tuck her in. They have this little routine, in that way. Nancy will lovingly observe her, kneeling before her bed, and very softly she'll tuck a strand of hair behind her ear while she sleeps. And Steve will stand nearby, arms crossed, watching both of them, a question in his expression, and heartbreak in Nancy's. They share a look - they can't let her face this alone. They can't let her get hurt. The entire world will be after her, and she needs them. Both of them. Because predatory jokes and insinuations are not her biggest problem - Jason Carver had given her a black eye a few months back because he saw her having a chat with his girlfriend (he attacked her in the way you'd attack a man, not a woman), and Billy Hargrove had made his intentions clear with her when she made the mistake of going with Steve to a party, and he saw her, and licked his lips, and he'd grabbed her by the back of her neck and told her he could help her with her problem. Robin's dark, self-deprecating jokes nowadays always hinted at something somber in her future - "okay, but don't cry when they find me dead in a ditch" or "Steve and I share the whole 'possibly becoming moms agaist our will' curse", and it always makes Steve and Nancy uncomfortable.

They might not get along nowadays, but they both adore Robin with their entire hearts. If it meant Nancy had to start keeping a gun in her glovebox, or that Steve had to make sure to never take his eyes off her at social gatherings, they'd do it. If it meant spending time together just to be with her, so she'll always remember she's not alone, they'll do it. Anything for her.

Safe to say that they always drive her to and from school and work, especially at night. Nancy has started cycling again just so she can be with Robin when she misses her bike. She always sits with her during lunch, and glares at anyone who dares to look at her. Rumors spread, of course, but people are much more afraid of Nancy than they are of Robin, and they rarely dare to do much more than whisper. Steve makes sure people see her with him whenever possible, as a reminder that she has people looking out for her and others should think twice before messing with her. Robin almost feels like a child, and she hates that she needs her friends to do this for her, but she's also so deeply thankful to have them. Truly, she loves them. She loves them both so much. She doesn't know how she's even going to make it up to them.

For now, she enjoys curling up in the Wheeler's basement couch with a blanket around her shoulders, a mug of hot chocolate in her hands, watching Steve and Nancy fight over which movie to watch. It's familiar. It's warm and safe and so full of love.

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

The Road Back to You

A Stancy fanfiction

Nancy pulled out the box from her closet. The box she told Jonathan she had thrown away. They were filled with momentos filled with her time with Steve. . .photographs, ticket stubs, and a stuffed rabbit she had won for Steve, but Steve had slipped it into her pursed when she had seen how much she loved it. She picked up a photobooth strip from a fair she went to with him. She grinned. They looked so happy. . .and she had been happy with him. . .so, utterly smitten.

"I could totally kick your ass," Nancy teased.

"Excuse me, I played baseball," Steve scoffed.

"And I played volleyball," Nancy rolled her eyes. "I'm going to win you that bunny."

They had been at the school fair, thrown by the council to raise money for new uniforms for the marching band. Steve and Nancy gone with Ally and her new boyfriend, David. Steve and Nancy always liked to compete with each other. . .they never went far with it, but it was pretty competitive. They both loved it.

"Not if I win it for you first," Steve said.

Nancy had watched him play baseball plenty of times to know that he didn't let her win. She won fair and square. Of course, it was a lot cuter up close, and she tried to hide her disappointment when she gave him the bunny. Apparently, she hadn't hidden it well enough. She later found it in her purse with a note that said: "This belongs to you. The bunny said it herself. She said as much as she liked me and my hair, you were prettier." Nancy remembered giggling like she was doing now.

"What are you giggling about?" A familiar asked.

Nancy's head snapped up, and she found Ally Callahan standing in her doorway. She hadn't seen her. . .shit, she couldn't remember. Guilt slammed into her. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen Ally.

"Ally!" Nancy said in surprise. "I wasn't - I mean, what are you doing here?"

"Your dad let me in," Ally said. "I hope that it's okay that I stopped by."

"Of course it is," Nancy said and stood up. "It's good to see you. I missed you."

"Did you?" Ally asked, and then she sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't come here to be a bitch."

"No, I deserved that. I haven't been a very good very friend. . .I haven't been a friend at all," Nancy sighed.

"I figured you'd probably been dealing with shit. . .like all of this," Ally said and pointed towards the window at the particles from the Upside Down.

"Yeah, I can't really say a whole lot more on that," Nancy said.

"I figured," Ally said softly.

Ally used to wear her hair so very short, but now it's longer, so very long, and the sight of her like that made her feel like even more of a stranger. Suddenly, Nancy hated herself. Aside from Barb, she had considered Ally one of her closet friends, and Nancy just disappeared from her life.

"I'm sorry, Ally," Nancy said.

"I know," Ally said, her eyes filling up with tears. "I mean, I get it. . .it's a lot. It wasn't just all of this, though. It was Jonathan, too."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I know that you didn't mean for it but I had hoped that after Jonathan had left, you would come back to being my friend again but you just shielded yourself away even further," Ally said. "It started with Jonathan, though. I don't have anything against the guy, except for the fact that he didn't seem to want to let anyone else, but you get to know him. . .as many times as I've tried."

"I didn't know you tried to befriend Jonathan," Nancy said.

"Well, before you started dating, you seemed to like him, so I thought why the hell not," Ally said. "I thought maybe he was just shy at first, but I don't know, I think he just didn't want to let anyone else into your little bubble. Hell, I thought that he didn't like cheerleaders, which doesn't make sense because you used to be one, and most cheerleaders tend to hate people like Jason Carver. . .especially, with how he treated Chrissy."

"That's not true! About Jonathan letting other people in!" Nancy exclaimed, and then she thought about. . .or was it?

"Like I said, I don't think you intended to make it happen. . .but it really sucked Nancy. We had this great thing going, especially with Steve. . .at least with Steve, I still got to be your friend," Ally said angrily and then sighed. "I did not come here to start shit! I guess I just didn't realize how much I fucking missed you until I saw you again."

"You could have told me all of this," Nancy said, her eyes filling with tears.

"I tried, Nancy, but like I said. . .you and Jonathan lived in this little bubble. There was a part of you that no one else could see, that could understand you the way that Jonathan could," Ally said, and the tears were falling down her face. "I just wanted to see my best friend before the world ended."

"I'm sorry, Ally," Nancy said.

"Even if you couldn't tell me everything, I wished you could have let me in a little bit," Ally said.

Nancy was crying now, too. It was true. She pushed Ally away and Steve, too. She wanted them to be a part of her life, but. . .did she let herself be completely swallowed up by Jonathan? She really didn't mean for it to happen, but how did it happen? She just wanted to cling to the person who was going through the same thing she was. . .who was there to help her get justice for Barb, but she knew that Steve would have been there eventually. . .he wasn't wrong for being afraid. Jonathan had been the only one to understand her, to know what she was going through, and she didn't realize how hard she had held on to that.

"I'm sorry," Nancy cried and she threw herself into Ally's arms.

"I was upset that she was gone, too, Nance," Ally whispered.

"I know, but he had lost Will and I had lost Barb. . .he understood," Nancy said. "And there was a stupid part of me that hoped I would get Barb back like he got Will back. . .it's stupid."

"It's not stupid, Nance," she whispered.

They held onto each other tightly, crying into each other's shoulders before pulling away.

"I'm really glad you came over," Nancy beamed.

"Me too," Ally grinned. "Now, what were you giggling about?"

"I was actually looking through this box of Steve's stuff I had gotten while I was with him," Nancy said. "I was thinking about the fair that we had went to."

"Ah. . .David. . .what an asshole," Ally sneered. "I can't believe he dumped me at the fair. I am eternally grateful that you two worked so hard to win me that stuffed giraffe. I still have it."

"I still have the bunny," she said sheepishly.

Ally got down on the floor with Nancy to continue looking through the box.

"God, you two were so cute together. I liked who you were when you were with him and not just because I got to see more of you," Ally said. "You seemed to like yourself when you were with him, too. You both brought the best out in each other."

"You think so?" Nancy asked.

"Oh, yeah," Ally grinned. "I think eventually Barb would have come around to see that. She would have, Nancy."

"I don't think Jonathan would agree with you," Nancy said, thinking about the conversation in the woods.

"Why are you being so dependent on what Jonathan thinks, Nancy?" Ally asked. "It should only matter what you thought of Steve. . .everyone else's opinion is moot even mine. Besides, I'm probably biased, Steve is my cousin."

"What?" Nancy asked.

"Oh, while you were creating a secret club with Byers, I found out that Mom and Uncle Phil had another sibling - Steve's mom," Ally said. "Steve was tickled when he found out."

"That's really cool," Nancy smiled. "I'm guessing you and Steve spend a lot of time together."

"Oh, him and Robin are a hoot! He's definitely my favorite cousin. . .well, my only cousin," Ally said. "Uncle Phil definitely doesn't have any kids - because he's weird, not for any other reason!"

"Ally," Nancy said with a laugh. "Keep your secrets about Uncle Phil."

"Oh my god, is this poetry? Did Steve Harrington try and write you poetry?" Ally asked.

"He's surprisingly good at it, and you can't read those!" Nancy exclaimed and grabbed them, blushing. "They're in response to stuff I sent him."

"Dirty poems, you and Steve wrote each other dirty poems," Ally giggled, and then her face fell. "Ew, that's my cousin. . .although, even if. . .turns out men don't do it for me, anyway."

"What?" Nancy asked.

"I'm a lesbian, Nancy," she replied.

"Oh, wow, that's really great," Nancy said, smiling softly.

"You think so?" She asked.

"I know so," Nancy said and bumped her shoulder against Ally's.

"So. . .besides Jonathan getting in the way of you two," Ally said, looking at a photo of Nancy and Steve. "Did something else happen?

"I just - I couldn't do it anymore. . .pretend like it didn't absolutely suck that she was gone. I was happy with Steve, but I was also unhappy that she was gone, and it was a hard combination because I felt guilty about being happy, especially knowing. . .the first time I had sex with Steve was the night that Barbara died. I didn't know until after, but she was dying, and I - I thought I was being stupid," Nancy said. "A year was coming up, and I just couldn't celebrate that. . .I fucked it up and got drunk. . .I told him he was bullshit, that our love was bullshit, and that we killed Barb."

"Holy fucking shit," Ally gasped. "No wonder he couldn't get it up. Fuck! Ignore what I just said!"

"What? He couldn't - because of what I said?" Nancy asked.

"Forget I said anything!" Ally groaned.

"Ally!" Nancy exclaimed.

"Okay, okay. . .I know he dealt with a lot of guilt after your relationship ended. He felt like a lot of it was his fault and that he could have done more but thinking about it now. . .I'm not sure what he could have done. The only thing that could have helped you was time and distance," Ally sighed. "Which probably explains why you distanced yourself from everyone. . .if I know anything, I know that people shut down during the most traumatic events of their lives. . ."

Nancy looked at her. She knew Ally was thinking of her own mother, who had shut down briefly when her father died and she had to live with Phil for a while. While he could be an asshole, Ally had changed her tune about him and said that he did a lot for her that overshadowed any of his annoying traits. Phil had softened after that, but he still had his moments where he put his foot in his mouth. Ally joked that it was a family trait. He had been there for the worst time of her life, and he continued to be there afterward. Despite that one really shitty interview, Phil had shown that he was better than that one moment that Nancy had with him. He had even apologized to her later. People. . .they were always learning even as adults. Somehow, that made her think about Steve and how he was there for her afterward. He had held her after every nightmare, tried to cheer her up when she needed a distraction, and he went to every dinner with Barb's parents. He had been there for her, and she had pushed him away.

"There were times when Steve just wasn't what I wanted, and he could say the wrong things, but he tried. There were so many times where he was there for me. . .how could he know how to deal with my trauma when I didn't know how to deal with it myself?" Nancy sniffled. "He should know how sorry I am for that. . .I should have told him. . .instead, I let him call himself a shitty boyfriend and walk away. Even after all of that. . .he still loves me. He still wants a future with me."

"He said that?" Ally asked.

"Six little nuggets in an RV traveling the country. . .Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, maybe in a beachside town in California for a week. . .just us seeing what the world has to offer. He said that the most important part of his dream was that I was there," Nancy said, smiling fondly.

"That's sweet. . .but six kids?" Ally asked.

"It's nothing we couldn't handle. It's not like we haven't had practice with my brother and his friends," Nancy said and then grinned. "It would be the best kind of chaos, especially if we adopted."

"It sounds like you're seeing him there in the future, too," Ally said, smirking and then paused. "Hm, it's bad luck to judge someone for wanting to have kids or not. . .I couldn't do six kids, let alone one, but hey, if anyone could do it and still have it all. . .it's Nancy Wheeler."

Nancy pulled out a letter from Steve and smiled at her, her cheeks growing warm.

Dear Nancy,

I want you to know that I really like you! I think about you all the time and I can't help but look at your beautiful face during passing period.

You're not like the other girls, and I'd study science every day if it meant I could spend more time with you.

I love you, Nancy, and I hope you feel the same.

Steve

Nancy ran her fingers over the handwriting. He had been so excited to write it that he had forgotten to write EACH passing period. She didn't want to correct it. Then she could see it. . .her in the RV, taking turns driving, taking in the sights as they tried to wrangle the kids. . .a kid running in and out between their legs. Nancy curled up in the passenger's seat while Steve drove and the kids napped in the backseat, her notebook open in her lap as she worked on her articles. . .Steve singing while he used the steering wheel like a drum, singing the wrong words to whatever song was on the radio, and somehow they were at peace during all that chaos. She could see them breaking down and arguing, covered in sweat, before they realized that it's the worst they had to deal with. She could practically feel Steve’s arms around her as they laughed. Nancy's heart sang as she beamed. She wanted that. . .and she wanted that with Steve.

"Hey, Nancy - oh, hey, Ally," Jonathan said, appearing in the doorway. "Uh, your mom let me in. Did I see your mom and dad laughing together?"

"Oh, yeah, they finally realized they're better off divorced," Nancy said.

"Okay, you left that part out," Ally said.

"Well, they seem better for it," Jonathan said.

"Yeah," Nancy said smiling.

"Is that all the stuff you got from Steve?" Jonathan asked. "I thought you threw all that stuff out."

"I didn't want to let him go," Nancy said.

"You know, I haven't talked to Mike in a while. I'm going to see how he's doing, maybe even say hello to Holly," Ally said and awkwardly moved to leave. "Jonathan."

After Ally left, Nancy stared awkwardly at Jonathan. She wasn't going to change what she said. She didn't want to let Steve go. It was Jonathan who broke the awkward silence.

"That's kind of why I came over here," he said and paused. "I've been seeing someone else."

Nancy wasn't surprised. It didn't hurt actually, all she felt was relief.

"Oh," Nancy said softly. "I'm not really sure what to say. I never do."

"I think we both know that our relationship was doomed from the start. We never should have. . .with what I did," Jonathan said. "There's a part of me that wishes that I could have been content with us staying friends."

"We had to try, right? I don't regret trying or how I felt about you. . .I do regret how we started," Nancy said. "I want us to be friends. . .I still want us to get through this together even though we're not dating anymore."

"Me too," Jonathan said and paused. "It's always been you and Steve even when I didn't want to admit it. . .he's a good guy and you'll be good together. . .that's something I kept lying to myself and to you about."

"So," Nancy smiled, already taking a guess. "Who are you seeing?"

"You already know that I'm seeing Argyle," Jonathan said in amusement.

"He's good for you," Nancy said. "He's something else, and he really makes you happy."

Jonathan stared at her, smirking.

"You're going to leave as soon as I do, aren't you?" Jonathan asked.

"What? No. . .I mean, maybe," Nancy said, and she scowled when he plopped down on the bed. "Jonathan!"

Jonathan grinned and stood up. Her parents' laughter was heard from downstairs, and they shared a smile. Yeah, this was the best decision for both of them. They hugged each other tightly and parted ways, both of them feeling rather relieved.

"Okay, you can stop listening at the door, Alyson!" Nancy said.

"Excuse me, I was looking for a contact," Aly said as she came back in.

"Sure you were," Nancy laughed. "I'm going to Steve’s. . ."

"Oh my god. . .you know, it's been a while since I visited my cousin, and you can't stop me from going," Aly said. "I came in my own car."

Nancy laughed and grabbed the bunny, hoping it still meant something to him. As she was moving out the door, Mike cornered her, asking to come with to see. . .he had trailed off, looking at Ally. Nancy smiled. She knew who he wanted to see. Ally was going to find out anyway.

"Anyone else want to come with?" Nancy laughed.

Holly popped her head out of her room, her face split into a grin.

"Ooh, where are we going?" Holly asked.

"Steve’s," Mike replied.

"Ooh, I haven't seen in him forever," Holly said. "I want to go!"

Nancy laughed again and waved at her to come with them. They walked downstairs to find Ted and Karen sitting at the kitchen island, talking.

"Where are you going?" Karen asked Nancy.

"Steve’s," Nancy blushed and Karen smiled knowingly at her.

"I always liked that guy," Ted said.

"Me too," Karen said. "I like Jonathan, too, but I was rooting for you and Steve. . ."

"You did?" Nancy asked.

"Yes, I never wanted to our relationship to affect any decisions you made about the people you want to be with. I always hoped that your fear of that wouldn't stop you from choosing whoever you want to be with. You loved Jonathan, but you always seemed to love Steve more," Karen said. "You always seemed happier than I had ever been with Ted. . .no offense, sweetheart."

"It's true, though, and I could say the same thing, too," Ted said. "Neither one of us wanted to admit it was over."

"It's what made us finally realize that we didn't just need to do this for ourselves but for you guys to follow your hearts," Karen said. "So, go. . .drive safe."

Nancy, Holly, and Mike all gave their parents hugs. It was always awkward with Ted. . .he couldn't help himself. That's how he was. Mike was just as awkward about it, so it was entertaining for all involved to watch that play out.

"Have fun with your divorce party!" Holly yelled as she left the house with everyone.

"She has no right being that cute and funny, Karen," Nancy heard Ted say. "She reminds me of Nancy when she was that age."

"Softie," she heard Karen tease in an affection voice.

Nancy smiled, glad they were no longer holding back. Karen was less frustrated, and her dad was less tired. They had felt the tension but hadn't known how to address it. She was glad her parents were getting to be in a better place. She had to follow behind Ally as she had parked behind her with Mike sitting in the passenger's seat. It was hard to believe that Mike was so tall now. . .she remembered he used to be as small as Holly, who was shooting up, too. Nancy smiled. She really was going to be the only short one in the family besides their Nana. She was almost to Steve’s when a song came on the radio and she couldn't help but laugh. Africa by Toto. . .If felt like the world had been against her and Steve for so long, but now, it feels like someone out there is finally correcting that. . .

"This is our song," Steve had said to Nancy.

They were in his living room, and he had turned on the radio. The very same song had been playing. He moved to the music and held out his hand for her to join him.

"Why is this our song?" She asked in amusement.

"Because it was playing in your room when I realized that you were different than other girls. You expected more from me than just sitting there and looking pretty. . .you wanted something else from me that no one has ever really asked for before. . .to be a better version of myself, to treat you as well as myself with respect. I didn't want it to be about sex either," Steve said and sighed. "I think the problem with popularity is that you're surrounded by people who only tell you what they think you want to hear, but you were honest with me, Nancy, and it was so refreshing. . .made me realize that I could easily start to fall for you."

Nancy had gotten up off the couch and had taken his hand.

"You're right. This is our song," she said and kissed him, melting into his arms as they started to dance.

Present day Nancy couldn't help herself. Her heart was already singing in anticipation. Why not sing along with it? Nancy started to beat on the steering wheel as she embraced her feelings for Steve so utterly and completely.

"Don't be such a dork, Nancy," Mike said but he was struggling not to smile.

"I'll sing with you, Nancy!" Holly yelled.

"Thank you!" She beamed.

As Holly and Nancy started to sing together, Mike rolled his eyes and smiled before joining in. When they pulled in behind Ally, they were still smiling when they got out of the car.

"I guess true love is infectious," Ally teased.

Holly raced past Ally and ran toward the door. Nancy called after, but she ignored her and ran straight in without knocking. Nancy and Mike shared a look before following after their hyperactive little sister.

"Steve!" They heard Holly yell.

"Holly Dolly! Jesus, you've gotten tall. . .I feel old," Steve replied.

"You look old!" Holly giggled as she threw himself into his arms.

Nancy and Mike raced into the living room. Eddie was sprawled out on the couch with Chrissy curled up against him, checking over his bandages. They were all still dealing with the aftermath of Vecna's second attack, but with that came the weakening of Vecna himself, as well as the discovery that Eddie was alive along with Vecna's victims. . .they hadn't been dead at all. They weren't sure if Henry was dead or not, but they knew he was weak, and in the meantime, they were working on their defense and getting the gates closed.

"You literally saw each other over spring break," Robin said, who was curled up in a recliner.

"Robin, that was forever ago," Steve scoffed as he continued to hold Holly.

"Yeah, Robin, that was forever ago," Holly said.

Nancy smiled at Holly and Steve, her heart fluttering at the sight of them. Suddenly, memories of her babysitting Holly came rushing back. It had made her heart flutter then, too. Ally collapsed next to Eddie.

"Hey, Eddie," Ally said, and everyone stared at her. "What? I know for a fact Eddie Munson isn't a serial killer. Although, I didn't know Chrissy was fucking alive. . .what the fuck?!"

"Hey, Ally," Chrissy giggled as Ally hugged her.

"Sorry about Holly, we should have knocked," Nancy blushed.

"Nah, you guys don't have to knock," Steve shrugged.

"How do you know Eddie?" Mike asked Ally.

"Oh, he was the last guy I kissed before I realized I was a lesbian," Ally said.

"You're just blurting that out?" Nancy asked in surprise.

"I'm past the point of caring who knows," Ally replied. "I just want to live my life the way I want to."

"You're a lot braver than I am," Robin said.

"So, Older Lady Wheeler - ," Eddie started to say.

"Excuse me," Nancy laughed.

"Well, there's little lady Wheeler, and then there's sir Wheeler over here. . .," Eddie said.

"How about you just call me Nancy?" she replied with another laugh.

"What is it that just happens to bring you by here?" Eddie grinned, wiggling his eyebrows.

"I came here to see you and your gaping wounds," Nancy said, deadpan.

"I'm honored and very flattered, but my heart has been taken by this cute little thief right here," Eddie grinned, holding Chrissy's hand.

"Well, newsflash, Eddie, I'm not here to see you," Nancy said. "Although, Mike is."

"Well, at least one Wheeler likes me," Eddie said.

"I like you, Mr. Eddie!" Holly yelled.

"Do you even know him?" Mike asked.

"Well, no," Holly said. "But he looks a little rough. He should hear something nice. Besides, you always talked about him, and I feel like I know him! Tell me more about your magic guitar."

Chrissy giggled as she made room for Holly. Nancy smiled, looking at her sister for a moment before glancing back at Steve. It felt a lot like they were on a stage standing in front of an audience underneath a spotlight, but Nancy found that she didn't care.

"I broke up with Jonathan," Nancy said.

"Oh," Steve said breathlessly.

"Oh? I was hoping you'd be a little bit more excited about it," Nancy teased.

"Do you want me to be excited about it?" Steve asked.

Nancy shook her head. It was like pulling teeth, but it probably felt more than that for Steve back then in that alleyway. More guilt.

"I want you to tell me how you feel about it," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Selfishly happy," Steve grinned.

"Good, because I totally did it for us," Nancy said.

"Yeah?" Steve asked.

"Yeah."

She recalled a moment when they were together where she found him crying in this very same living room, right there on the couch where Chrissy and Eddie were.

"Steve?" Nancy had asked. "What's wrong?"

"I ran into Tommy today," Steve said.

"What did he say to you?" Nancy scowled.

"A bunch of stuff, but he brought up things that I should have told you," Steve said.

"Like what?" She asked, sitting next to him.

"Tommy wasn't always an asshole like this. He once was kind and funny. . .he used to be there for me all the time when my parents were gone. I don't know what happened. . .maybe it was his dad or when we joined the basketball team. I hoped that if we sorted out all of our feelings that Tommy would go back to being somebody that I used to know," Steve sighed.

"Feelings?" Nancy asked.

"We were together," Steve sighed. "I've always sort of knew that I was different from everyone. I like men and women. It's why I've tried so hard to blend in. . .to pretend like I'm not queer. I trusted Tommy with it, and I told him how I felt about him, but nothing changed except for the fact that he was using me. He always had been. . .from the very beginning. The worst part is that he told Carol, and he told her that it was my idea. The hell she gave me. . .I ended it with Tommy, and he was the one who called me a coward for running away."

"I'm sorry," Nancy said softly.

"I'm sorry I never told you," Steve said.

"I get why you didn't," Nancy said. "It took a lot for you to walk away from him, didn't it?"

"Yeah, but you showed me that I deserved better and deserved to be better," Steve said.

She had stroked the back of his head softly, and he leaned into it, closing his eyes.

"I'm here, Steve, I'm not going anywhere," she said.

She leaned back and pulled him to her chest, holding him tightly.

"If you want to ask me anything, you can," Steve sighed happily.

"So. . .have you ever thought about Tom Cruise while we're making love?" Nancy asked.

"I mean, yeah, okay, I have," Steve said, blushing.

"Me too," Nancy said, and they giggled.

"Nancy?" Present day Steve asked, and she snapped out of it. "What were you thinking about?"

"Tom Cruise," she smirked.

"Oh? Oh!" Steve exclaimed and then he laughed with her.

"Okay, I was following the plot, but now I'm lost," Eddie said.

Nancy reached out and took his hands, heart racing with excitement.

"It's always been you, Steve, and I'm sorry that it's taken this long for me to realize that. I guess I don't learn as quickly as I thought I did," Nancy said. "I'm sorry for everything. You deserved better, and you definitely deserve it now. I liked who I was when I was with you and you made me so happy. I want to be that person again, and I want to be with you. . .I just hope that I'm not too late."

"No, never," Steve said, smiling and swallowing thickly.

"I love you," Nancy said, and her smile grew when she heard someone squeal.

"Eddie! Shh!"

"Sorry."

"You love me?" Steve asked in amazement.

His eyes were so big, so full of hope and promises. Tears were coming to edges of his beautiful hazel eyes. This was something he had been waiting to hear for a very long time.

"Yeah, I do," Nancy said. "I'm here, Steve, and I'm not going anywhere."

Steve continued to gaze into her eyes, rubbing the back of her hands with his thumbs. She sighed. She always loved the way his hands enveloped hers. It made her feel so safe.

"Are you going to kiss him, or is one of us going to have to do it?" Eddie asked and immediately got elbowed by Chrissy.

"I don't want to see that, Mr. Eddie," Holly said.

Mike grabbed Holly's hand.

"Neither do I," Mike said. "Let's go get some ice cream."

"That ice cream is for Erica!" Steve sighed. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you. If she asks, Mike, I'm not going to lie!"

"Are you afraid of Erica?" Nancy asked in amusement.

"Yeah, no. . .okay, maybe a little," Steve said.

"You're an idiot, Steve Harrington," Nancy said, laughing.

"And you're beautiful, Nancy Wheeler," Steve said.

"They said it!" Robin and Ally gasped.

Nancy wrapped her arms around Steve’s neck and pulled him into for a kiss. They gasped happily into each other's mouths. Oh my god, she missed his lips. . .she missed his hands on her waist. . .she missed everything about him. Steve’s hands moved from her hips as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in closer. Their lips continued to move softly against each other until Nancy couldn't help but deepen it, pressing her lips eagerly against his, slipping her tongue in. She ran her hands through his hair, curling her fingers deeper in. God, she loved his hair. She heard loud coughing beside her, but she ignored it until she realized where she was. Nancy broke the kiss and giggled at the sight of Steve. His hair was sticking up in every direction. He had a happy, dazed look on his face, and her lipstick was all over his mouth.

"Okay, the kiss started off sweet, but it sort of ended up being slightly pornopgraphic," Eddie grinned. "A nice solid ten, I'd say for making Steve completely forget where he is."

"I know where I am," Steve scoffed and paused. "It's Nancy's house, right?"

Nancy laughed and gripped Steve’s hips. God, she missed those, too. She wrapped her arms around his waist again and pressed her face into his chest, hugging him tightly. She breathed in his scent. Steve laughed and wrapped his arms around her. She gasped.

"I forgot our bunny in the car," Nancy said.

"You still have that thing?" He asked.

"I kept everything you gave me," she said. "I was going to give it to you."

"Hm, how about we just share custody of it?" Steve asked.

"Deal," she laughed.

Nancy sighed happily, feeling safe in Steve's arms. Yeah, it was always Steve.

1989

Nancy cursed. She had cut out on the party early to pick this up, but she really didn't think this through. She should have had someone come with her, but she didn't want to ruin the surprise. Of course, it had to break down. Nancy cursed out the person who sold it to her. She stood on the side of the road, frustrated. Okay, she had to radio someone. Nancy dug through her purse for her radio.

"You've got to be shitting me," Nancy cursed again when she couldn't find it.

She had left it in her car, which she had left in the parking lot of Bradley's Big Buy where they had agreed she'd pick up the vehicle. Nancy frowned. This couldn't get any worse. She had to jinx it, didn't she? Thunder clapped above her head as the clouds darkened. She cursed again and flipped off the sky. She stared at it for a moment, and she realized that it was just going to be rain. The sky could be painted red, and demobats could be raining down on her, but the gates were closed. Henry Creel was dead, and they were safe. Nancy laughed and spread her arms out wide, begging the rain to come to wash away the darkness.

"Umm, are you trying to fly there, Wheeler?" Eddie asked.

Nancy jumped. When did Eddie's van pull up? His head was out of the window while Chrissy peered through from the passenger's seat.

"No, it's about to rain," Nancy rolled her eyes.

"So, we're kind of late to the graduation party Steve threw for the kids. . .are you late, too?" Eddie asked.

"Yeah, I mean, sort of," Nancy said.

"What's with the RV?" Chrissy asked.

"It's a surprise, and I won't say anything else," Nancy said.

"What happened?" Eddie asked. "You break down?"

"Yeah," she said sheepishly.

"Let's see what the problem is," Chrissy beamed and hopped out of the van.

"She's an expert now," Eddie said, grinning with pride.

Nancy grinned as Chrissy and Eddie worked on jumpstarting the RV. Chrissy did most of the work while Eddie watched on with love in his eyes. It seemed like Chrissy really enjoyed working with her hands, and Eddie loved watching her. Pretty soon, the RV was started and ready to go. Nancy hugged them both tightly.

"Thank you so much," Nancy said.

"Now, let's go see what this surprise is all about," Eddie said. "Chrissy is quite eager."

"You're the one who's curious," she said, rolling her eyes.

Nancy laughed and hopped into the RV. She drove off with Eddie and Chrissy following behind her. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She was really going to do this. She had no doubts, not all, but she'd be crazy if she couldn't admit that she wasn't terrified. This wasn't the kind of fear she had experienced before when she thought she was going to die. . .this was the kind of fear of knowing where your life is going to go and who you were going to spend it with. It was solid, dependable. . .safe, and even after a few years, it was still strange to know that monsters weren't going to pop out of the ground to take you away from everything you ever loved. Steve Harrington was a permanent part of her life, and no one was going to take that away from her or tell her she was trying to be anyone else except for who she is. . .Nancy fucking Wheeler.

"You can do this," she breathed.

She pulled into the driveway, and Eddie pulled in behind her. Nancy took another deep breath and lay on the horn. The front door opened, and the partygoers spilled out. Steve moved through the small crowd.

"Nance, what is this?" He asked.

"Well, Steve, it looks like an RV," Dustin said.

"Yeah, no shit, Sherlock," Steve scoffed.

Nancy smiled and took his hands. She refused to get down on her knee. She was already short enough.

"So, I've been thinking a lot about what I want, especially while I've been away at Emerson. Now that the kids are going away to college and you've started to think about what school you wanted to go to. I figured you could think about that from anywhere and was hoping while I was finishing up at Emerson, you'd come with me. . .I even made room in my apartment. I figured we could also do a little trip this summer," Nancy said. "What do you think?"

"You know I'd go anywhere with you," he said with a grin, and he moved towards her but she stopped him.

"There's more. . .all these roads I've gone down, that we've gone down separately, and we somehow managed to find our way back towards each other. There's only one road I want to go down now, and it leads towards the future. . .I want to go down it with you. . .Steve Harrington. . ." Nancy said and took a deep breath. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes! Yeah, I'll marry you," Steve grinned, tears in his hazel eyes.

Nancy squealed and threw herself into his arms, kissing him. She could hear everyone cheering behind them. Eddie was louder than most. . .

"Like I said, unambiguous sign of true love!" Eddie cackled.

"You proposed to me with an RV," Steve gasped as his pulled back, his face split into a wide grin.

"Engagement rings are overrated," Nancy said.

"I fucking love you," Steve said fondly.

"I love you, too," she gasped.

Suddenly, Robin was squealing and wrapping her arms around them.

"I knew she was going to do this, but I didn't know she was going to do it with an RV," Robin said. "This is so romantic!"

"She was the only one who knew," Nancy said. "Besides Ally."

"She had to ask me for your hand, Steve," Robin said.

"It was a joke. I was going to propose to him whether or not you gave me your blessing," Nancy said in amusement. "He's mine."

"Yeah, I am," Steve grinned.

And so, the graduation party also became an engagement party. Her parents made sure they congratulated them both, and then it was Mike and Holly followed by Dustin, then the rest of the party. Claudia and Sue nearly squeezed the life out of Steve. Nancy smirked. They were going to have plenty of family at the wedding. She watched Steve with Robin and Vickie as he stepped into the RV with them, eager to get a good look at it. Ally appeared next to her.

"I knew you were going to be the one to propose," Ally teased.

"Yeah, me, too," Nancy said, recalling the first day they had met.

She had been going to the public library for yet another romance novel, which Barb had teased her endlessly about. Nancy couldn't help it. . .she loved the idea of it all. . .the small and big gestures, the intimacy of it all, and there were many times where she dreamed of the stories. . .of proposing to anyone, whether they were a man or woman. She had wanted to love and be loved. . .she wanted a partner. . .someone who understood what it was like when you don't want to be perfect all of the time. . .someone who liked some of the things she did and who had different interests of their own. . .someone who cared. Underneath the King Steve persona, she had seen someone who wanted the same things she did. . .someone who didn't want a picture-perfect loveless marriage. . .someone who also wanted passion. It happened when they were reaching for the same novel.

"Steve Harrington?" She had asked in disbelief.

"Uh. . .I was getting it for my mom!" He exclaimed.

She couldn't help it. His expression had been so comical. . .he looked like a deer caught in headlights.

"Your mom asks you to get her romance novels?" Nancy asked in disbelief.

"Yeah. . .no, okay, that was a lie and a really shitty one," Steve said, sheepishly. "I,uh, like romance novels."

"Me too, and there's nothing wrong with liking it," Nancy said.

"Well, my dad would tell me that it's for girls," Steve said. "It's bad enough that I spend too much time on my hair."

"Screw what your dad thinks," Nancy said. "So, this is the only copy of this book. Maybe we could read it together?"

"Yeah. . .I'd like that," Steve said, giving her a crooked smile.

He had looked so softly at her. He looked so different from the King Steve that wandered the halls like he owned the place. He may not have bullied people, but he had worked harder than anyone to make sure that he didn't pull that shit. . .Still, there had been an air about him like he was trying too hard to pretend like nothing affected him. For this moment, with her, he didn't have to try so hard. A part of her had known then that he was going to be her forever, and maybe that's why she had gotten so scared. . .in that moment, she knew.

"I'm not going to run away this time," Nancy vowed.

And she didn't. She and Steve moved forward down the road together. . .After Nancy graduated, they had a small ceremony in Hawkins in the backyard of her childhood home. Robin was Steve’s best man while Ally and Fred stood up there with Nancy along with Chrissy while Eddie and Dustin stood behind Robin. Mike had been more than excited to be the ring bearer. On the honeymoon, they spent traveling the country in the RV. Years passed with fights and tears in between. . .waking up from nightmares from the traumas of the past, but they proved to be stronger than ever and that nothing was going to break them. It was Steve’s first year as an elementary school teacher, and Nancy was further into her career as a reporter when they started to expand their family. Steve had come home in tears because a child was being abused, and they had no one. They didn't waste any time filing the paperwork to foster than to adopt. Their home, their life was soon filled with children, laughter, healing, and the best sort of chaos. Nancy Wheeler didn't regret a single minute going down the road to get to where they were now. . .this was who she was, whether other people liked it or not.

[croquettish]

14, 15, 25 for end of year! 🩵

thank you so much for the questions!! :D

a fic you didn’t expect to write: oh my god, so many of them honestly. I wrote several fics for birthdays and those were all planned. but in april I started writing a fic with a (somewhat flighty) friend of mine that I definitely didn't expect to write and honestly probably never expected to write but that also might not ever see the light of day bc rn I'm stuck waiting for her to write a section and it's been months. so WE SHALL SEE I think the biggest surprises (aside from the aforementioned WIP) all happened in the second half of the year. I didn't expect to write a rugan fic (DIDN'T KNOW HE COULD STAY ALIVE FOR SOOOOO LONG) and I definitely didn't expect to write the two nancy drew fics that I wrote after the one I wrote for my sister. one of them (the thanos one) was less of a surprise since it had been a wip for almost a decade. but the other one (the grigor one) was a huge surprise since that one had only been plotted out (somewhat) for almost a decade. that said, aside from the probably-forever-wip fic, the biggest surprise of them all is the one that I'm currently writing (albeit very slowly) that will also take a metric fuckton of coding before I can start posting it, so that won't start being posted until sometime next year. the huge surprise there is that I never expected to get into stardew valley, let alone to write fic for it... eight years after it first came out, but that's just how it goes sometimes... honestly, if I had more time right now and wasn't spending the vast majority of my days doing phd research and writing my dissertation, I'd be spending all of my time on that fic just bc it's so damn fun to write. I can't wait for people to get to read that one :D

something you learned this year: this is a good question. I don't think that I learned anything huge but I feel like I learned a lot of little things: I found that I will always be able to surprise myself in one way or another. I really like experimenting with different things and seeing what works out. there's less fear in that for me than other people (apparently) seem to feel, and that knowledge does feel pretty liberating, honestly! I learned that I am a lot funnier than I give myself credit for, or rather than I was always told I was growing up. and I learned that I am not only capable of writing longfic, sometimes longficitis strikes me when it used to be something that I worried I wouldn't be able to make happen. which, in terms of problems to have, is honestly not a bad thing at all :D I also learned that I care a lot less these days about having an actual audience so long as I'm writing what I want to write. like, no one is out there reading my nancy drew fics, and that's fine. I doubt anyone will be reading the stardew valley fic this long after the game came out. and the fic I'm writing with my friend is even less likely to go anywhere. but that's okay! because I'm enjoying myself and that's what matters!!

a fic you read this year you would recommend everyone read: this one also isn't easy. I honestly don't read a ton of fic (especially while I'm writing something myself or busy working) but I will end up with small periods where I read loads of it. my tastes for fic esp can also be a bit all over the place, so I'll list a few (since I know I have a lot of friends from different fandoms on here): Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Hans Capon/Henry of Skalitz - in character and it gets the dynamics right. doesn't make either of them too weepy or too assholeish. just insanely well-done Dragon Age II - Carver/F!Hawke - I am starved for more Carver/Hawke smut but this one is amaaaaaazing and the most in character it could ever possibly be. bathroom sex leading to bedroom sex Dragon Age II - Fenris/F!Hawke - sex pollen and a rescue. just a delicious and super ic well-written fic Resident Evil 2 Remake - Leon Kennedy/Claire Redfield - hhhhh I also yearn for more good porn of them but this really hits the spot. post-canon motel room sex. just really really good all around Baldur's Gate 3 - Durgetash - fellow zhent book club members will have already read this fic but it's by far my favorite iteration of their dynamic that I've seen And then there's the fic that I reread about once a quarter at least because it is simply a Perfect Fic, which was a present from my sister to me for my birthday (very belated present) some years ago: Persona 5 - Yusuke Kitagawa/Ann Takamaki

full list of questions is here!

[bionicle-ramblings]

Onto our boy himself:

Onewa!

@chancetimespace I hope I did him justice!😅

I mentioned in the intro post he was trying to get his honor back and make a name for himself.

Before the AU takes place, he was actually a renowned carver and was working his way into knighthood, as he was skilled with handling weapons and was pretty well known for building statues and a few buildings. People had a lot of respect for him, knew he was someone that was reliable, even though he often had a chip on his shoulder. By all accounts, he was honored as a skilled architect and an artist. He was also able to support his family(namely his parents and younger siblings) pretty easily, and had really made something of himself.

So what happened?

A night where the village was attacked and he not only worked alongside a fugitive to save everyone, but then also didn't think to capture or alert the guards that the fugitive was even there in the first place. And when he tried explaining what had really happened, most people didn't believe him, as a rival carver who saw everything twisted the events and spread it like wild fire. It cost him just about everything, as his titles of artist, carver, builder, etc, were all stripped from him and his family was left in shambles. Hard times fell on them and most family members blamed him for it, doing so to his face and behind his back.

The only one who really believed him and was still in his corner was his friend Matau, who had heard what happened from his travels(we'll get there when we get there), and offered what he could to support his friend, even offering to helping supporting his family and offered Onewa an easy way out; "Long-travel with me! You never know! People in the North love a good share-story, especially when the hero's someone like them!"

As much as he appreciated it, he turned both down and instead did whatever work he could, much of it being physically taxing for hum and not paying well because people knew who he was and didn't really trust him.

He started getting ideas when someone from a group of ten returned from a journey, being in pure hysterics and going on about a princess locked in a castle and being guarded by a dragon, one that was cunning and ruthless and killed the rest of his group. The dragon also guards a vault, but no one's been able to get close enough to it.

While everyone fretted about an unstoppable creature and a poor girl doomed to die in its clutches, Onewa really got to thinking about what he'd heard and tracked down the princess's family, who revealed their daughter was indeed trapped, having been trapped under a curse and now with a dragon, and they don't have the means to rescue her; everyone they send winds up never returning.

It's here that Onewa offers himself and himself alone to take on the task: he will rescue the princess and bring her home and defeat the dragon, but in return, he wants the treasure in the vault and he wants to be able to be a carver again. They are skeptical on letting him go through with it, but Onewa never mentions that in saving someone who really might need help, he'll get his honor back and show that he's good for something. And if he fails, at least Matau will mourn him.

After some negotiations and talking, the family agrees and Onewa prepares for his trek and his mission. His own family is even more livid, but this time it's the kind of anger where you don't know how to express that you're scared for your son/brother, so it comes off more as, "You're a fool and an idiot and this will literally be the end of you," rather than, "We don't want you to do this because what if we never see you again?"

The only one to really voice the latter is his sister, who makes him promise he'll come home.

With that, he leaves, and everyone has now heard what he's planning to do and equally bid their farewells and wish him luck, as he really is going to need it.

He's not alone, though: Matau has tagged along and won't be leaving because if Onewa wins against this dragon, he wants to see it, and the GLORY it will bring them both is terrific to even think about: "They'll cheer-hail us! Write songs! Drink-toast our names! WE CAN HAVE OUR OWN STATUES!"

[thaliasandy]

Hellcheer headcanon:

Warning: sexual themes but no actual sex and Jason is an asshole and no one can convince me otherwise.

Eddie came to the picnic table behind the school hoping he could make some money, he certainly didn't expect Chrissy Cunningham to be here today, especially not like this.

She sat at the table with her back to him but he could tell she was crying, not just quietly shedding a couple of tears but fullblown sobbing into the sleeve of her white sweater jacket.

"Chrissy?"

She flinched and whipped around to look at him.

"Whatever it is you want me to do, I'm not doing it."

She scrambled to get up from the bench and backed away from him.

He put his hands up in surrender.

"Hey, people usually come here if they want something from me...What's wrong?" he asked when he saw the terrified look on her face.

She was still wiping at her tear streaked face.

"Haven't you heard what Jason and his friends say about me?"

"In case you haven't noticed, I don't really engage in gossip with Carver...What are they saying?" He was confused why something her boyfriend said made her so distraught.

"He...he told everyone I've been doing...all these nasty things with pretty much the entire Basketball team and some of them are playing along..and everyone believes them..." she cried, her sobs sounding like she was about to hyperventilate.

He moved closer ,slowly , like he was approaching a frightened animal, and put a gentle hand on her arm.

"Shhh it's okay."

"No it's not!...Two guys stopped me in the hallway earlier and asked if they could "spit roast" me....I don't even know what that means but I'm sure it's something gross!"

"It's when you give a blowjob to one guy while the other-"

Chrissy stared at him with wide eyes, her mouth ajar in shock and embarrassment.

"Oh shit, nevermind...you don't want to know what it is, do you?"

"...No!" She squeaked.

"Sorry...Why is he saying those things about you?

She was fidgeting with a loose thread on her sleeve.

"I broke up with him yesterday...He said he didn't want to waste his time with a...stupid virgin like me anyway..."

"Stupid bastard" she heard him mutter under his breath as he pulled his bandana from his pocket and offered it to her to wipe away her tears.

Chrissy was carefully dabbing under her eyes and below her sweet little button nose.

"Haven't you guys been together since ...like 3rd grade?!"

He overexaggerated in an attempt to be funny.

"Mr Carver is the pastor at our church. Our parents are friends...Jason and I have been dating for two years but he's been getting very pushy lately and I didn't like that." Chrissy awkwardly tried to explain.

"That's good! Don't let any guy talk you into stuff you don't like."

"I promised I'd let him do it on prom night but he didn't want to wait that long."

"...Let him...do it? ...Are we talking about Sex in general here or is the golden boy into some freaky shit?"

"No! Just...normal sex...I guess...I don't know a lot about all that..."

"Hey it's okay, I haven't done all the stuff people claim I did either..."

"Really?! They say you're into...well...'freaky shit'." She repeated what he said and gave him a tiny smile through her tears.

"Yeah about that...They're talking a lot of bullshit...But don't tell anyone, I have a reputation to maintain."

"I won't. I promise..." her smile vanished when she remembered this morning.

"I can't go back there! Everyone's going to be staring at me."

"What do you say we skip school for the rest of the day then, princess?"

Something about him calling her that made her ears perk up, it made her feel excited and tingly.

"I've never skipped school..."

"First time for everything, huh?" He wagged his eyebrows and smirked over this play of words, considering what they'd just talked about.

Eddie led her to his van and just as he was about to start the engine, he spotted Jason and his friends on the other side of the parking lot.

"Princess, do you want to *really* piss him off?" He smirked mischieviously.

"Yes!" She answered with no hesitation what so ever.

"I have an idea...but I gotta warn you, they will think we...uh...know each other carnally..."

"Carnally?...Oh..."

Eddie instantly regretted mentioning it when he saw her hesitate.

"Forget it, it was a stupid idea."

"No,no,no, he'll absolutely hate it, I love your idea!" There was something evily determined in her smile.

"...but...how are we going to make him think that?"

"Roll down your window a bit and climb in the backseat."

Eddie tried his best to be respectful and not stare as her tiny cheer skirt flipped up, revealing the cutest butt ,clad in even tinier green cheer shorts, when Chrissy easily and elegantly climbed in the back.

The cheerleader couldn't help but giggle when Eddie clumsily flopped down on the floor of his van, all wild hair and long limbs.

The rear windows were curtained and Eddie pulled another little curtain shut that seperated the front seats from the backseats.

Chrissy was sitting shyly on one of the pillows he kept there for the rare occassion that Corroded Coffin landed a gig outside of Hawkins and he and the band had to sleep in the van, like sardines in a can.

She probably had a different idea of what this van had witnessed; In the dim light of the afternoon sun streaming in through small gaps in the curtains he could see her blushing deeply.

"Chrissy, we don't have to do this if its too weird..."

"I want to make him pay!...And I was hoping if people thought you and I were...you know...a thing, maybe they wouldn't bother me again..."

The memory of the two guys cornering her earlier made her shudder with disgust.

"It'd be my pleasure to defend your honor, Princess!"

He smirked, hoping he didn't look like the nervous, love sick fool he was.

"Really? You would do that?"

"Sure!" (I would do anything for you) he thought.

"Are you ready for the whole school to think you're banging the freak?" He joked.

She sat up straight, nodding her pretty little head, looking like she was waiting to be taught something really profound.

"So...how are we-"

Chrissy's question was cut short as Eddie knelt down, one hand on the back of the drivers seat, one on the cars ceiling, and started rocking the van back and forth.

"Wait! I don't know what to do!" She gasped as she knelt down beside him.

"Just make it sound like you're having a good time." He laughed.

"How would I know what that sounds like?!" She stared at him scandalized.

"Right.." He slowed down the movement and thought about it for a moment.

"Have you ever watched a movie with a sex scene?" She shyly nodded, her face now beet red.

"Just try to make it sound like that."

Eddie peeked out through the curtain and gleefully noticed Jason and his group of jocks staring at his van.

"Still sure about this?"

"Yes." She whispered.

"Mhhh, Fuck! You feel so good!" He suddenly groaned, loud enough for them to hear and a visible shiver went through Chrissy,  she hadn't expected him to sound this way.

"Oh Eddie, just like that!!!"

She tried her best to sound like she was in the throes of passion and Eddie was surprised how well she did it. He was so mesmerized by the crazy glint in her eyes that they almost forgot peeking through the curtain again, just in time to see Jason's head snap in their direction.

"Oh my god he heard us!!"

She giggled and excitedly grabbed his arm.

Spurred on by his shocked expression and those of his friends, who were one by one realizing who they were listening to, she really put on a show and Eddie went along with it.

While they were having fun in the van, (not quite the kind of fun it sounded like) at some point Chrissy clasped her hand over her mouth to muffle her laugh after Eddie let out the most ridiculous moan.

"Let him hear you, laughing during sex is one of the best feelings." 

Eddie grinned at her. When he looked out again he noticed Jason seemingly getting more and more aggravated and as much as he enjoyed seeing him like that he really didn't want them to come over and beat his ass so he whispered:

"Are you ready for the big finale?"

"Yes!"

She answered in her high-pitched-fake-sex voice, making them both laugh.

Eddie almost sounded like he was growling and Chrissy squeezed her thighs together tightly to get some relief from the tingling she felt between her legs.

She tried her best to immitate the sounds she normally had to hide by burying her face in her pillows when she was touching herself at night and it ended up feeling so good that her legs were shaking and she almost blacked out.

"Come for me, Princess!"

"Ah, ah, ah...ahhhhh Eddie!!!"

"Shit!...That sounded so real! You okay?"

He chuckled.

"Yeah, you?"

He nodded, grinning like a mad man. They were both flushed and out of breath as if they really just had sex.

He tried to discreetly adjust his pants and he was glad he was wearing black jeans, at least they somewhat hid the outline of his raging boner.

"We gotta look a bit more disheveled...May I?" He motioned to her hair and Chrissy wasn't quite sure what he was about to do but she agreed.

He gently pulled the green scrunchie from her ponytail, slipped it onto his wrist and tousled her hair, she inhaled sharply at the feeling of his nimble fingers playfully dancing across her scalp.

"Sorry, did I hurt you?"

"No...it feels nice."

She answered truthfully as she leaned into his touch.

He was surprised when she suddenly did the same to him and he realized just how nice it felt.

He wanted to kiss her and for a moment he wondered if she'd kiss him back; but he instantly felt like an ass for even thinking about this when he remembered how freaked out she was by those two guys in the hallway.

"Can I give you a hug?"

"Yeah" He chuckled incredulously and added "We just had sex, of course we can cuddle."

She giggled as she wrapped her arms around him and held him tight, Chrissy was flooded with an unfamiliar feeling of warmth and security when Eddie returned the hug and she wanted to never let go of him.

"Come on, lets get out of here before your... ex-boyfriend and his buddies come over here."

Surprisingly she liked the sound of that, ex-boyfriend.

Eddie quickly shrugged off his vest and leather jacket and Chrissy did the same with her cheer jacket. He climbed back into the frontseat first, then(like a real gentleman, not like they just made everyone listening think he rearranged her guts) helped the tiny cheerleader, even though she didn't need any help, get situated in her seat again.

Ironically when he started the engine, 'Fuck like a beast' started playing and he couldn't help but turn up the volume as they drove past Jason and his friends. If looks could kill, they both would've dropped dead. Chrissy stuck her arm out of the window and flipped Jason off with a sweet smile on her rosy lips, Eddie leaned over the middle console, flashed him a shit-eating grin and did the same thing, making sure to show off Chrissy's scrunchie around his wrist; He was so close that she could feel his breath on her skin and the tips of his wild,long hair grazing her shoulder sent a shiver down her spine.

She wanted to kiss him so badly but she figured, since they'd be spending some time together today, she'd get plenty of chances to do so without an audience and without Eddie thinking she just wanted to put on a show for Jason.

[heroofshield]

Whumpcember Day 10- Freezing (Dragon Age 2 FemHawke & Varric)

Takes place during Act 1 before the mission in the Deep Roads.

@whumpcember

--

Growing up in Ferelden, Marian Hawke had experienced her share of cold; especially in Lothering where during the winters the snow could pile up almost to the roof. Escaping to Kirkwall, she'd thought that the winters would be somewhat milder since the city was by the Waking Sea.

She was wrong.

"Maker, this wind is brutal." Marian groused as a gust of wind whistled through the streets, drawing the shawl she had closer around her. "How do you deal with it?"

"Layers. Lots of layer and furs if you can afford it." Varric replied, dodging a pile of near frozen horse droppings. "This isn't even the coldest it's gotten. I remember ten years ago when the harbor froze nearly two miles out. Ice was so thick that you could walk on it no worries. Another time there was a blizzard so bad that it took the city the rest of the winter to dig out."

Marian let out a groan, "Don't say such things, Varric. You're just going to jinx it."

Turning the corner and seeing the entrance to The Hanged Man, Varric just smiled, "It's your second winter in the city, you should be used to it by now."

Marian sighed as they walked into the tavern and the warmth surrounded her like a welcome embrace. Flexing her near frozen fingers, she threaded her way through the crowd towards the stairs and Varric's suite of rooms. Standing in front of the fireplace, she felt her muscles start to warm up and relax. "I don't think I'll ever get used to it."

--

They needed money for firewood.

The winter had been usually cold, at least that was according to those who'd grown up in the city, and they'd had to spend more than usual to keep Gamlen's house heated. So if Marian wouldn't have to dip into the funds she'd been setting aside for Varric's expedition, she needed to take a few jobs. Her reputation working for the smugglers meant that those that knew were approaching her with 'job opportunities' since she knew the best routes in and out of the city to avoid detection. And while Marian knew those guaranteed a payout, she was trying to find more legitimate jobs.

"But those are few and far between. Not everyone wants to work with a Ferelden still." Marian thought as she stared at the household accounts. She'd promised Bethany that she'd take care of Leandra and Carver, and over the past few years she'd realized that that meant she'd have to do things that her younger sister might not have approved of.

"Guess that it's the smuggling jobs until something else comes along." Marian thought as she memorized the details of the job that would get them the coin they needed to get them the firewood that they needed plus some in case the winter decided to stretch itself out.

--

Hawke was missing.

She'd asked Varric if he was up for a quick smuggling job, but he'd replied that he was knees deep in his latest novel and didn't want to stop mid-stream; if he did then who knows if he'd ever finish the draft before his editor started sending daily letters asking where it was.

Hawke had just let out a laugh and said she better get to read it first before he sent it off before bounding down the stairs towards the main floor of the tavern, calling over her shoulder that she'd be back the next day.

"That was yesterday and normally she'd at least stop by to see if she could get a few free drinks from me in exchange for telling me about it for my next serial." Varric thought as he idly tapped the end of his quill against the paper. "She could just be resting at Gamlen's, it snowed pretty awful last night; had to make the mountain pass difficult to get through."

But the feeling in his gut told Varric that something wasn't right.

So he cleaned up his drafts and hightailed it to see Carver, and somewhat discreetly see if Hawke wasn't just sleeping it off, but she wasn't at home so her brother agreed to help look for her. Then it was to the City Centre and the guard's quarters to ask Aveline if she'd seen the quick witted warrior. She hadn't either and reluctantly agreed to join their small party to go hunt down the woman. One last stop in Darktown for Blondie just in case they needed a healer and they were on their way.

In the interest of time, and hoping that Aveline would ignore the fact that they were traveling through smuggling tunnels, Varric decided to use the Merchant's Guild route he knew would get the to the highlands the quickest. Stepping out into the snow covered pass, the cold air slapped Varric's face and he wished he'd brought his fur lined jacket. "Or at the least my shirt that closes all the way up." he thought, trying to suppress a shiver.

Glad for the snowshoes so he wasn't head deep in the snow, Varric called out Hawke's name as loud as he dared without causing an avalanche, "Hawke!"

"If she's unconscious she won't hear us." Aveline said, drawing her cloak tighter around her.

Varric chose to ignore the statement and continued trudging forwards, "Hawke, you out here!?"

"Marian!" Carver called out, narrowing his eyes against the brightness of the snow.

"Hawke! You still owe for those fines last month!" Aveline called out, knowing that if the woman could hear her then she'd protest. But silence greeted them.

"Search the ground for any signs of footprints, there would not be many traveling through here this time of year." Fenris said, starting to scout ahead of the small party.

They fell silent after that, spread out and focused on the ground-hoping for some sign that Hawke was still alive.

After what felt like an eternity, Carver let out a whistle to draw everyone's attention and they made their way towards him. "Look, footprints." He pointed to the ground where an indentation could just be seen. "Looks like they go off in this direction."

Varric looked in the direction that Carver indicated and in the fading sun could just make out the outline of a cave. "Even if it's not her, we need to find shelter soon. Otherwise we'll be icicles when they find us."

"Maybe who ever made the footprints is still in there and can tell us what happened." Aveline said, unslinging her shield from her back and making sure that her sword wasn't hindered by her cloak.

Anders nodded in agreement and readied his staff while Varric got Biance out and Carver made sure that his sword was ready as well.

Inside the cave it was a touch warmer than outside, but not by much. Their breath still created white clouds in the air and Anders created some mage lights so they could see.

What Varric wasn't expecting was for Marian Hawke to be illuminated by said lights; propped up against the cave wall, eyes closed and slumped over herself.

"Maker's kickers." he cursed as Carver sheathed his sword and made a beeline towards his sister. "Blondie, you're up."

Anders nodded, setting his staff against the wall and kneeling opposite of Carver.

Marian was freezing. The snow had been heavier than she'd expected it to be and that had caused all sorts of problems until she'd realized that she'd be stuck in the mountains without any supplies to get her through the cold night. It had been luck that she'd found the cave and had hoped that Carver or someone would miss her enough to come looking.

Feeling warm for the first time since setting out, she opened her eyes expecting to be greeted to the damp of the cave-not the whitewashed walls of a room in Ander's clinic. Confused, she tried to sit up and discovered that she was nearly being held down by multiple blankets.

"You gave us quite a scare."

Marian looked over to see Varric in the doorway, a bowl of something in his hands. "Oh?" she asked in a rough voice. Clearing it, she tried again, "Did I get bitten by wolves and almost turn into a warewolf?"

"Not as dramatic. Nearly became a human icicle though." Varric carefully set the bowl of hot soup on the small nightstand by the cot. "Good thing we brought Blondie along, he said that a few more hours and it would have been off to see the Maker for you."

Marian carefully pushed back the blankets so she could sit up and brushed the stray hairs out of her vision, "At least you missed me enough to go looking for me."

"Y'know Chuckles, if you needed the coin I would've let you borrow it. Didn't have to be so dramatic and nearly freeze to death."

Marian huffed in amusement, "You know me, I have to make a statement. Besides, we'd just gotten out of the smuggling guild-what makes you think I wanted to go into debt right after that?"

"Could've called it an advance on our delving findings." Varric shrugged, knowing that the casual way they were talking was the way they communicated; through jokes and playing it off like it was no big deal. "Unlike the Merchant's Guild I have reasonable terms. At least you wouldn't lose a limb if you couldn't pay it back."

At that Marian let out a laugh and knew the words that they weren't saying. "At that, how can I say no?"

"Just promise next time you decided on a 'quick job' you at least take two other people."

"I promise to cut other people next time."

"Good. Now drink your soup so I can go back to my writing."

[thewardenisonthecase]

Hawke questions!!

8. How does Hawke feel about taking care of their family? Do they feel like they're carrying a burden or do they assume the responsbility?

28. Did Hawke initiate a relationship with any of their companions? If so, why were they attracted to that companion? Was it a frienship or a rivalry romance?

And generally, if you have anything to say about any of the relationships with any of the companions, I think all of those questions are interesting, but didn't wanna overwhelm you lmao😭🫶

thanks for the ask!

(ask list here)

8 - She assumes the responsability. Elizabeth was very close to Malcom, and he always talked to her about one day he and Leandra would be gone and she would have to take care of her siblings, so this responsability was something she grew up expecting. When he was near death, he made Hawke promise she'd care for them, and that was when Hawke began to step into the role of 'leader' of her family. Everything she does is to give her mom and her siblings a good life.

She does have some conflicting feelings when it comes to her feeling like....she's doing her best for them and yet she feels like she's criticized by everyone in the family.

28. So, she and Fenris are in a relationship and boy oh boy is it complicated, like everything in her life.

I think what attracted Elizabeth to Fenris was how different they were. In truth, when she learned his hatred of mages, she wanted to prove to him that mages could be good (especially becaus she's a mage herself). And so she was CONSTANTLY bringing him around to discuss this sort of thing, and then the conversation would turn into others things, and the more she learned about him the more intrigued she was.

Because they are very different and yet, she feels a connection to him, especially when Fenris talks about what do you do when you stop running (because Hawke has also been running most of her life, so she definetly gets that feeling). Ultimatly, their relationship develops due to the famous case of we spend so much time together that feelings started to happen.

Also because like, Elizabeth knows that Fenris hates mages and yet he never denounced her, or anders and merrill to templars, nor in any other time she was helping mages. he knew everything and never acted against them. And from Fenris's side, I think he sees that Hawke is not like any mage he's met: she doesn't do blood magic, she shuts down demons, she helps people. And even thought he talks a lot of shit, she still listens to him and takes his thoughts into consideration (even if she'll still side with mages).

Now, regarding rivalry and friendship, i've done both paths, and in MY canon, I would say its like a mix of both? I mean, rivalry makes more sense because Elizabeth is constantly siding with mages, but they also have that friendship. (If the Maker gives me the strenght, I'll rewrite my fic to try and show that better because I think its rivalry in the sense of opposite views that can sometimes lead to coflict, but friendship in EVERY other sense)

Now, after that essay, I'm gonna go into the other companions but i'm leaving it under the read more kkkkk

Ok I'll try to keep this short and fail spetacularly (i'll skip fenris cause he already got his moment under the sun in this post)

Bethany: She was very close to Bethany, and her death haunted her for a longgg time.

Carver: Like any good siblings, they have a love hate relationship. Don't touch my stuff, I'd give my kidney for you. They love each other more than they refuse to admit.

Aveline: Elizabeth goes to Aveline when she needs a more 'feet on the ground' perspective, though Aveline being the captain means Elizabeth doesn't bring her out as much. I imagine on days off, however, the two take the time to catch up. Also, she leaned heavily on Aveline after Leandra died and after Fenris broke up with her. Aveline's her rock.

Varric: Her best friend. The guy who knows her deepest secrets. Elizabeth loves him and vice versa. They're joined at the hip, you rarely see one without the other. She didn't expect for them to grow so close when they first met but it happened. Also relates to him a lot with the whole having a complicated relationship with their family. They're there for each other during the good and the bad times.

Anders: They are extremely close. Elizabeth became even more radicalized about the mage cause because of him. She wishes she could do more to help him in regards to Justice, because she hates to see him suffering. The only time they clash is because of Fenris. Also, she's very aware that he has feelings for her.

Merrill: Adores Merrill, and is super defensive of her. Loves hearing her stories about the dalish and the Creators, and Merrill made Elizabeth's thoughts on blood magic change (she's like well if everyone was like merrill, shit wouldn't be bad). Is also super aware of the fact that Merrill has feelings for her.

Isabela: She really likes Isabela though their relationship does sour a bit after act 2. Don't get me wrong, Elizabeth defended Isabela with tooth and nail, but after beating the arishok, she did give Isabela an earful. Eventually, however, they do get over it. Isabela is Elizabeth's drinking buddy, and she definetly cried about relationship problems with Isa before.

Sebastian: She's trying to corrupt him into leaving the Chantry, because he's too religious for her taste. She doesn't talk to him much and maybe that's for the better. Has felt the urge to punch him in the face more than once, and is oh so glad when he leaves after she spares Anders.

[shift-if]

prompt 77: “ Are you jealous? “ please :))

Sure thing anon. It's a long one.

🤍 Harmony - You lost track of how long you've been running through the dark alleyways. How many twists and turns it took to get away from your pursuers. You struggle to catch your breath as you feel a hand on your back rubbing your spine.

"I think we lost them." Harmony bends down to catch your gaze, nodding at you as you take in a deep breath.

"You better start learning to fight or something. I'm getting so tired of this." wiping the sweat from your brow, you grin at her. She knows you will protect her, even when you pretend it's the last thing you want to do.

"If I have to learn to fight, then what use will you be to me?" Harmony jabs your rib with her elbow, grinning as you wince.

"Less time with you means less headache for me." You move to rub your temple. You barely had enough energy as it were with the job you pulled with Carver today. This only worsens the hunger in your gut, the very hunger that tells you if you don't feed and soon...well let's not think about that now.

You flick your eyes over Harmony's figure, checking to ensure she didn't get hurt on the way here, your eyes latch onto her neck. A bite mark you know wasn't there yesterday.

"Harmony? What the hell?" You raise your hand, pointing at the two puncture wounds that are easily recognizable as coming from a vampire.

She raises a hand to the left of her neck, a sheepish grin on her face. "Oh, that was from last night. It was consensual, it's fine."

You scoff at her. Who the hell did she let bite her? Better yet why is it bothering you? Is it because you swore to keep her safe?

As she walks past you, patting you on the shoulder she grins. "What's wrong? Are you jealous it wasn't you?"

🤎 Keegan - You slide into the tiny office, made only smaller by his presence. You notice the documents on his desk, the odd placement of knick-knacks scattered along its brown oak top. As if a child had been staging out a play with the vampire and werewolf figurine on top.

"So, what did you want? You know Carver is going to get pissed knowing I came here by myself." Turning to face him, you notice Keegan rubbing the back of his neck. Nervously looking to the office door and back to you.

"I couldn't say this in front of the others, and I have to be here anyways to keep your "friend" from overstepping their welcome." He motions for you to sit.

Friend? Could he mean?

"I noticed your smell was different, well different than normal. I just wanted to make sure you're alright, you know I can keep you safe if you need me to." He doesn't meet your gaze, but that doesn't lessen the meaning of his words.

You do know Keegan would look out for you, that's not what catches your attention.

"My smell? Have you seriously been sniffing me Keeg?" You fight the laughter that tries to crawl up your throat. Since when has he been so clued in on your smell? Especially enough to notice who you were with.

"Don't be weird, it's not like that." The look he shoots you would scare a lesser person. Yet, you know you have nothing to fear from this wolf. .

"Don't tell me your..." Before you can finish your sentence, someone comes in briskly opening the door.

"Alpha, oh sorry I didn't know you had someone in here?" The young wolf flushes as they look at you then back to Keegan.

"It's fine, just wait for me in your room. " Keegan smiles at them, a cheeky smile. One that shouldn't make you jealous it's aimed at them, but it does nonetheless.

"You really leaving when we're in the middle of a conversation?" You glare at him, to the wolf smiling, then noticing your glare sheepishly leaves the room. "Are you really going to go sleep with her right now?"

"Look at you, sounding all jealous. Keep that up and I might think you're starting to like me." He winks at you before following the other wolf, looking back one last time before turning down the hall.

🖤 Carver - "Will you get down, you keep staring they're going to notice." they push your head down, keeping you from peeking over the fence. It's been a long night, and the job still isn't done.

"For fuck's sake Carver, how the hell am I supposed to know what they look like if I can't look." you push his hand off your head, swatting him on the shoulder.

Carver clicks their tongue at you, turns you around, and presses you against the fence. "I said follow my lead, do what I say. How hard is that for you to understand?" The glint in his crimson-red eyes should scare you, it would others. This side of Carver you know, the hunter. The look they use when they're hunting, for food or work.

A smarter person would let them be, but you can see they're on edge. See they're fighting the hunger just as much as you, but you have a job to do. Food comes later. You catch yourself staring at their lips, a slight tinge of red from the blood bag from earlier.

The sight makes your stomach twist, be it from your own hunger, or from the way you watch as they dart their tongue to moisten their lips.

Shit, the hunger must be getting to you. Because why the hell would you be thinking of Carver like that.

They catch your gaze and the corner of their mouth shifts just enough to see their fang. "Like what you see, dragă ?"

You push them back, you hate when they call you that. In fact, you hate him, or you should. Though you know you would do anything for Carver, even if you want to kick their ass most of the time.

You watch as they straighten, nodding their head to the person leaving the abandoned building. "That's my meal for tonight."

Your eyes widen, that was the person Carver was with several nights ago. How could you forget when you walked in on them, you couldn't if you wanted to. Your brow furrows, and once you hear the laugh from beside you, you know Carver knows what you're thinking.

"Jealousy is unbecoming of you. You know there's only room for one in my cold dead heart." he teases, brushing his arm against yours.

"Shut up, who the hell would want to be with you?"

[hiddenbeks]

oc questions tag

tagged by @hibernationsuit !! thank youuuu 💜

tagging @rosykims @aevallare @abetterbeginning @gortash @wrenanigans if u want to do this, no pressure! don't remember who's done this recently so i'm sorry if ur getting spammed with this bc of me hehe

anyway it's celyn time babey.. been thinking abt her a lot lately <3

name: celyn surana

nickname(s): uhhh. cel? i gotta think of some cute descriptive nicknames for her that others would teasingly use but i'm drawing a blank rn. will have to ruminate more.

she only lets Very Close Friends call her by any nickname btw. jowan (being her only friend lol) was the only person in the circle who got to call her cel. only andrale and carver have earned this privilege since (andrale only ever calls her celyn tho). leliana earns it as well ten years later during inquisition lol

gender: cis female

star sign: uhhh she was born on the 27th of firstfall which is the thedas equivalent of november sooo sagittarius??

height: 159 cm. my second shortest oc and the same height as me hehe <3

orientation: bisexual!

nationality: fereldan i guess. she was born in ferelden and raised in ferelden's circle of magi but she doesn't have a strong Fereldan Identity. she's not celyn from ferelden she's just... celyn...

favorite fruit: uuuhh apples

favorite season: i'm tempted to say winter bc her aesthetic is so cold and wintery but i think she would prefer a warmer season. maybe mid to late fall actually. she enjoys the gloom and fall colors and the rainy and stormy weather

favorite flower: i wonder if she's ever even seen a live plant actually. i wonder if there are any indoor greenhouses in the circle. wow i'm suddenly making myself sad thinking abt how she's barely seen any nature in her 19 years of life. anyway uhhh!!! gentians are her favorite actually look at how pretty they are

favorite scent: ghghjgh i struggle with any scent or smell related questions bc i have anosmia so idk what things smell like lmao. let's say uhhh whatever a spruce forest smells like. nice n fresh i imagine

coffee, tea or hot chocolate: she's a coffee gal... had to check if coffee exists in thedas and apparently it does and is a major export of antiva. fascinating. anyway she drinks coffee to stay awake late at night reading and studying (forbidden) magic. she enjoys the silence of the night and is at her most productive during that time

average hours of sleep: during her time in the circle i guess it was like... 5-6 maybe? as i said she tends to stay up late and i bet circle inhabitants are expected to wake up crazy early like 6am or sth. it doesn't get any better after leaving the circle bc andrale also expects everyone to get up and moving crazy early. and after officially becoming a warden it gets even worse when she starts having Warden Nightmares ahah

dog or cat person: cat person! she's a bit like morrigan when it comes to dogs. thinks they're stupid n gross lol. though she does eventually warm up to the dog (named assan by andrale <3) in dao.

dream trip: honestly anywhere is fine she is full of wanderlust... what living in a tower for 19 years does to a gal... the whole blight adventure is a dream trip to her i bet. yes she has to fight darkspawn and a horrible death is around every corner but consider: she gets to see ancient elven ruins and denerim and orzammar... so many sights to see and so many new experiences! she feels so alive! and she gets to use her powers to their full extent!! she gets to hone her skills beyond what the circle allowed!!! not that the circle's rules stopped her from studying outlawed magic in secret but like. now she doesn't have to do it in secret anymore.

a trip to tevinter would also be interesting from a purely academic standpoint. nevarra as well because it's more liberal with magic than most of thedas but also safer for her than tevinter? so basically she would like to see the whole world but especially places where she gets to expand her knowledge on magic...

favorite fictional character: in a real world au her favorite fictional character would be morgana pendragon from bbc merlin. this is not at all influenced by the fact that one of my inspirations for her was morgana pendragon from bbc merlin,

number of blankets they sleep with: hmmmm one

random fact: i'm sharing two random facts bc i can't decide which one of these is more interesting or whatev:

celyn is basically the toph to andrale's katara. they have somewhat clashing personalities and differing views on teamwork and the sharing of camp chores... andrale expects everyone to contribute while celyn only looks after herself. also despite her excitement she's kinda terrified to be out in the real world but she won't let it show!! so she acts hyper-independent!!! unfortunately for her andrale can see right through this facade and she calls celyn out on it (she tries to be gentle and constructive about it but she's had it with celyn's shit and fails). so. yea. my point is they argue a lot at first lol! but they become great friends once celyn learns teamwork and communication and andrale loosens up a little

whenever she does fire magic she makes the flames hot enough for them to turn blue, purely for the aesthetic. she also enjoys other ways of showing off with her magic and she was Very competitive in the circle. she simply had to be the best in her class and let the other students know that she was above them. most of her fellow students could not stand her because of this <3

[sweetmage]

SebastianxBethany -or- CarverxMerrill

Hi! Sorry for the late response! Well, late for me anyway, I guess it's still the same day😅

For Seb/Bethany... I don't actually ship this personally. I would try to answer the questions anyway for fun, but unfortunately I don't know Bethany very well/have never seen them together other than skimming their banters on the wiki so I don't think I can't add much😅No shame to them at all though, I have seen some of their banters and they definitely got some little thang going on!!! As for Merrill/Carver... I like them a lot 😌

when I started shipping it if I did: This was my first DA2 ship. I was sad when Carver left (and even sadder that he became a templar in my playthrough, like come on...), I wanted to see more of him and Merrill!!!!

my thoughts: I think they are very awkward and cute, love how flustered he gets around her. It's also really sweet to see the softer side of him.

What makes me happy about them: Same as above! Also height difference. They're also just very funny, I loved that she thought everything he said was an innuendo when he was being more wholesome than Hawke could ever hope to be when flirting with her. She also doesn't pick on him or antagonize him the way the other characters seem to!

What makes me sad about them: They get separated from each other no matter what (wardens, templars, or death), but I would imagine him becoming a templar in my playthrough kinda puts a huge wedge in things, I don't really see them coming back from that tbh 😅 Though perhaps there is something juicy in the heartbreak/betrayal of it ending in that way. And Warden Carver is a whole other can of worms...

things done in fanfic that annoys me: I have never read a fanfic about them. However, I do not like when any fic infantilizes Merrill or has a non-mage step in to save the day because she "doesn't know what she's doing" or whatever so I would dislike that here too.

things I look for in fanfic: I think I'd only prefer to read fluffy things about them, personally. Especially her worrying over a warden Carver, especially in a canon where one of her clanmates became the HoF so she'd have that personal experience to strengthen her concern for him. Not to mention the general issues with maintaining a relationship while being a warden, etc. I'd love to see them navigate that. I'm sure there's a million fics about that, I just don't read fics often so I'll have to look some other time😅

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: I also ship Carver with an unnamed male warden I just mentioned offhand in a fic once and I ship Merrill with Isabela, my m!blood mage Hawke, sometimes with my dalish circle mage/blood mage El'la as a QPP. I also sometimes ship her in an OT3 with Tamlen (who survived) and my dalish warden Savil. I also love her having some sorta deep platonic thing going on with my canon Hawke and Anders post-canon. Same with her and Sebastian being deeply close besties. (Merrill is my favorite DA character so I think about her with everyone, she has such good chemistry with so many people)

My happily ever after for them: I think it might be asking a lot for them to ever have a normal, quiet life but I'd at least like them write to each other frequently and find times to meet whenever they can, even if only just to chat and steal a smooch for a few minutes as he's passing through.

who is the big spoon/little spoon: Carver as the little spoon is funny to me because he is so Large so I am kinda digging it. There is also something cute about the safety and security of being wrapped comfortably in her arms after many months away experiencing The Horrors. Not to mention post-nightmare too. He seems to take the whole Warden thing really well, but I can't imagine it isn't at least somewhat taxing.

what is their favorite non-sexual activity: Just catching up and sharing funny anecdotes, exchanging gifts perhaps. When they live such different lives that don't allow for much normalcy I could imagine it might be nice just to relax and enjoy each other's company peacefully for a while 💗

[sailingfireshipz]

Ok, are yall ready to yap about WTF is going on with Carver!?

I first want to start off by saying I get that what Carver saw in 12x13 was extremely triggering for him, but what I don't understand is this. He goes to Texas, links up with an old fling for 6 weeks according to the time jump & brings her back to Chicago.

He completely avoids Violet & when he does talk to her, he is the one that said they should move forward as friends. Even after finding out about Tori deleting the text message, he was so quick to fall right back in with her, but he wouldn't even give Violet a chance to plead her case.

Carver decided to lie to Tori & go to Violets's party, so why is he acting like the people at 51 are all of a sudden his enemies? I'm so confused, and it doesn't make sense. Clearly, Tori is manipulating him by keeping him liquored up & dragging him out every night to keep him busy & tired. She doesn't allow Carver to sit still long enough because if he does, he'll have time to actually think/process.

What I'm trying to figure out is if Carver is hell bent on this Tori chick because he feels like Violet rejected him or is directly tied to the call from 12x13.... is it both?

I've said this a few times, but I'll say it again. The damage they are doing to Carvers' character development is baffling to me because i don't understand what the outcome of this storyline is supposed to be. Carvers' overall attitude & presence on my screen is starting to irk me because I want to feel bad for the guy but in the same breath it's hard to overlook all the shit we've already went through with him. Atp, i don't even ship Mikarver anymore because I dont want this version of Carver anywhere near Violet.

Why make Jake a series regular if the intent was to just ruin his character. He literally just got in half of the fandoms' good graces in the back half of S11/ early 12 because of this same shit.

I get the theme of the S13 is hauntings & ppl from the past but we're 6 episodes into the season & we have unearthed NO new information about Carver but we have been vividly reminded why we didn't like him in S11.

He bumped heads with Gallo, and now he's snapping at Ritter. He was getting drunk, getting into brawls & getting locked up now he's showing up to damn near every shift hungover. He was snappy with Stella in S11 & though he hasn't been out of line with her yet the fact that she had to get out of the rig when they were supposed to be responding to a call to come find him....

So like what's the wake-up call & when is it coming? Because my tolerance is starting to dwindle & if his behavior continues to spill over into the house & dynamic of Truck 81 further widening the target on Stella Kidds back with Pascal.....

Idk, am I being too hard on him? Like I said, I feel for the guy, but how much more before we can turn the page? I want the Sam Carver that was there for Gallo & Gibson. The one that showed up for his LT when Shep was outside the loft. The one that told Violet nothing bad was going to happen to him, especially on the dance floor. 🥹

[floatyflowers]

Yandere Jason Carver x Reader

You are Eddie Munson's younger sister which makes you an easy target to your brother's enemies especially after what happened to Chrissy.

An easy target for Jason Carver.

But when Jason comes to your truck house all angry, trying to demand answers about your brother's whereabouts.

He's shocked to see you.

An innocent timide girl, dressed in modest clothes.

He can't believe that you are even related to Eddie, someone who he believes to be a satanist.

"H-how may I help you?"

The stutter assures that you are indeed shy and nervous.

Lucas prepared himself to stop Jason from attacking you with words and questions

But surprisingly, the blond smiles gently at you.

His friends can't believe the change of attitude.

"May I ask some questions? It's totally fine if you don't want to answer any of them"

Yup, the change of attitude is starting to scare his friends.

You would invite them in, and answer the questions truthfully.

Especially the one about your brother's whereabouts, because you don't really know anything about it.

Jason would only stare at you as you speak, feeling like he's staring at an angel.

An angel, he is going to turn into his future wife after he graduates.

"I'm sorry about what happened to Chrissy, she seemed like a sweet girl, but I assure you that Eddie is innocent"

Instead of getting angry at your words, Jason smiles.

"Thank you for cooperating, and here's my house number, if anything happens, you can call me"

The moment Jason leaves and you shut the door, his friends swirm him with questions.

"What was that back there, man?"

"You do realise that she is Eddie's younger sister?"

"(Y/n) also has a boyfriend"

Jason glares at his friends, causing them to shut up, allowing him to speak.

"Listen, (Y/n) is in deep danger with Eddie around, he might come back and pollute her mind with his satanic ideas"

Lucas realises what is going on, and what is going to happen.

"Therefore, I have decided to keep her safe"

In other words, he's going to kidnap you.

And scare your boyfriend away in his own ways.

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

Too Late?

Summary; Chrissy is dating Eddie to make Jason jealous and everyone knows it except Eddie.

Jason turns to the reader who is in love with Eddie to help him get back at Chrissy and the reader agrees with a few conditions.

Eddie finally realises that Chrissy is using him but y/n is dating Jason now? It's too late to get his dream girl. Right.. ?

Warnings; Angst to fluff, jealous reader, jealous Eddie, heartache.

Request by anon. I hope you like this 😘

Likes, comments and especially reblogs are always appreciated ❤😘 I do not give anyone permission to copy my work.

❤

Eddie and Chrissy had begun dating a week ago and everyone in Hawkins knew it was to make Jason jealous.

Jason knew it, all of Hellfire, Nancy, Robin and Steve, Heck even Hopper knew it and he only heard the gossip from El and Max's sleepovers.

The only one who didn't know it was Eddie and y/n couldn't believe that he didn't see it.

She was heartbroken about him dating Chrissy especially when she thought that they were so close to dating.

Obviously, she was misinterpreting everything and he had no feelings at all for her and it had always been Chrissy he liked. She had gotten everything wrong.

Seeing Eddie and Chrissy was so hard and she quit Hellfire furious at Eddie for leading her on, he had tried to talk to her but she wouldn't entertain him, even when his hurt look would etch in her mind.

The total surprise of this horrendous week of Eddie and Chrissy dating was that Jason had cornered her after class with a proposition.

"Look we all know Chrissy is stringing Munson along and using him, I want to get back at her so how do you feel about going on a few dates? Piss her off a little? Go to prom".

Is he serious? After all the shit he pulled on Hellfire?

"You think I'd help you after all the shit you pulled on Hellfire?". He nods and sighs.

"I know. Look maybe we could reach a compromise. Whatever you want?". Now this has possibilities. She mulls it over and knows exactly what she wants.

"I want you to leave my friends alone, stop shitting on Hellfire and bullying the members and don't even think of getting handsy with me Carver. Maybe a kiss or two but if your hands go a wandering I'll kick your ass".

Jason thinks this over.

"You got yourself a deal. Eddie and Chrissy are coming this way so can I kiss you just once? Rile Chrissy up a bit?". She shrugs.

Hey, if it pisses the bitch off she is all for it.

Jason kisses her taking her by surprise, it really isn't that bad but there are no tingles or anything. Still, she can be a good actress and deepens the kiss.

Something thumps on the ground and out of the corner of her eye she notices Chrissy has stopped still glaring at them and Eddie is watching Chrissy's books scattered on the floor, agony on his face.

She feels guilty for a nanosecond before thinking fuck it. He broke her heart and lead her on.

"Oh Jason, I'd love to go on a date with you, tonight at seven". She says loud enough for Chrissy and Eddie to hear but not enough to make it look suspicious.

Jason grins.

"I'd love to, I'll see you after school".

❤

She can't exactly say she was expecting much with Jason, her guard was up and she was worried about him being an asshole but to her surprise she was actually enjoying their dates.

Jason wasn't as bad as she thought and clearly loved Chrissy with his whole heart.

While he poured his heart out about Chrissy she did the same with Eddie over milkshakes and fries.

Hellfire was also a hot topic but once she started to explain what they actually did in the club Jason was apologetic.

"Look, I shouldn't have called it a cult, it's not my thing but it doesn't seem too bad. To be honest I'm starting to think Munson is a fucking idiot for not locking you down".

This makes her smile a little.

"Could say the same for Chrissy, you know Carver you aren't that bad". Jason chuckles and clinks his milkshakes with her.

"I'll drink to that".

❤

Eddie felt like he had been punched in the gut seeing y/n with Jason. His letterman jacket perched around her shoulders and Jason's arm around her. The kisses that they shared.

It's the first time he felt his heart break because he had been in love with her for so long and now he was fucked. It was too late.

Y/n would never give him a chance. He had hurt her, they were so close to dating but he panicked about how deep his feelings were for her and when Chrissy asked him out he agreed.

Then he lost y/n because she quit Hellfire and wouldn't speak to him. Not that he could blame her. He had fucked up.

It's just he couldn't believe the girl he was in love with loved him. Good things like that didn't happen to Eddie, he didn't get the girl of his dreams.

His insecurities lost his princess and he felt so fucking stupid. Dating Chrissy wasn't even all that, she spent most of the time only kissing him when Jason was around and ignoring him when Jason was awol.

Now that Jason was dating y/n, Chrissy had gone crazy and he knew that she was just using him. He felt like a fucking idiot.

He had ended things with Chrissy and was sitting at the Hellfire table feeling so fucking stupid.

Y/n would never forgive him.

❤

It was prom night and Eddie didn't want to go but Uncle Wayne had thrown his ass out and told him to make things up to y/n. He didn't know how to do that but he put on a suit, his leather jacket and hoped for the best.

He would grovel for ages if he had to and rushed to pick up Jeff and Gareth.

Prom was in full swing when they got there and y/n looked like a fairy tale princess. She was smiling and dancing with Jason.

He sighs knowing all of this was his own doing. Chrissy was with her fellow cheerleaders and giving him and Hellfire dirty looks.

God, he had really fucked up. How the hell was he going to fix things.

❤

She was actually having a great time, Jason was very polite and was making sure she had a great time.

Despite that, there was still an ache in her chest that wouldn't go away. She couldn't deny that she wanted to be here with Eddie but that wasn't going to happen.

Speaking of Eddie he was sitting at a table with Jeff and Gareth, he looked so handsome and utterly miserable.

Her traitor heart softens, Jason follows her gaze and smiles.

"You really do love him don't you?". He asks her gently and she nods feeling tears pool in her eyes.

"Yes". Jason pushes her in Eddies direction.

"Then go get him, he's miserable, he knows he fucked up. I've seen how he's reacted to us dating. He's heartbroken. Give him a chance". She sighs and nods kissing Jason on the cheek as a thank you.

Then she walks over to Eddie and he looks up at her and swallows.

"Hi princess".

"Where's Chrissy?". She asks confused because shouldn't she be with Eddie.

"Didn't you hear? I dumped her. Lost my princess because I am such a fucking idiot and let my insecurities get in the way of taking a chance and instead gave the wrong girl a chance instead. I fucked up so bad".

She sits beside him and takes his hand.

"Yeah, you did fuck up. I thought you liked me, Eddie and then you turn around and date Chrissy? I was heartbroken and thought that your feelings were just in my imagination". The tears fall freely now and he wipes them away.

"I'm in love with you, I'm so in love with you and I'm sorry I let my insecurities get in the way of us. Chrissy meant nothing to me, can't get your heart broken when the girl inevitably leaves if you aren't that fussed anyway".

Her heart aches.

"That's what you thought? That I would leave you. Don't be stupid Eddie. You aren't fucking stupid. I love you so so much. I want to be with you always you're my soulmate".

He wipes his eyes.

"I thought you'd realise you deserved better than me but it was fucking stupid because I know now that you love me as much as I love you and I fucked up, all I want to be is with you princess. Seeing you with Jason broke my heart".

Quietly she explains Jason's intentions for them dating and how he told her to talk to Eddie.

"Fuck, he really isn't that bad is he? Princess, Chrissy and I were never going to last. I lost you because of her, she would have been gone even if I didn't realise she was using me to make Jason jealous, she only ever kissed me when he was around. I swear to you we didn't sleep together, I would never do that".

It pisses her off that Chrissy was using him like that, on the flip side she feels better they didn't have sex or anything.

A gentle silence ensues between them and she tugs his hand.

"Wanna dance?". She asks him and his eyes light up, he is like an over-excited puppy as he leads her to the dance floor and she giggles.

A slow song begins to play and he holds her close to him as she wraps her arms around his neck.

"You look so beautiful, I love you so much, sweetheart". He murmurs looking at her with adoration.

"You look very handsome yourself Eds, I love you too. I wish you had just told me how you were feeling. Might have saved all of this heartbreak".

He agrees and kisses her forehead.

"I know baby, I know. I promise though if you give me a chance I will make you the happiest girl in the world. I'll love you forever princess".

"I like the sound of forever". He grins and strokes her cheek.

"Can I kiss you?". Her heart melts at his hopeful eyes and she nods anticipating his lips meeting hers. When they do it's everything she has been waiting for, she kisses him fiercely, he moans and she feels arousal pool deep in her lower body.

Fuck. He pulls away looking dazed and breathes out a stunned wow then he smirks.

"Hey princess. You want to go to mine do some after-prom activities?". The thought makes her tingle.

"Oh is that right Eds?". He kisses her again.

"Fuck yeah".

Fiery hot desire courses through her and she takes his hand and leads him to his van both of them laughing and very much together and in love.

They reach the trailer and Wayne is heading out for a night shift. He sees them holding hands and ruffles Eddie's hair.

"So y'all made up. I'm glad. Was rooting for you both". Y/n smiles and thanks him shyly but as soon as he is out the door she and Eddie race to his room in a tangle of limbs and hot kisses.

❤