#far from what i wished but better than nothing

[thyme-in-a-bubble]

the black sheep

a/n: wrote this at five in the morning after i woke up from a nightmare ✌️

summary: “don’t,” a sharp breath filled your lungs as you shook your head and your eyes instantly squeezed shut, “don’t do that… don’t act like you care just because my father pays you. I know you’re no better than all of the others out there…” 

warnings: soft!mob!bucky x mob boss daughter!reader, heavy angst, hurt/comfort, forbidden romance, age gap, sexual references, horrible and abusive family, bullying, mental illness (depression, anxiety, stress), references to being institutionalised at a terrible place against one's will, party, dancing, crying

word count: 1511

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The creak of a heavy pair of boots crossing over the threshold found your ears, though didn’t persuade your neck to twist around and see who had appeared in the doorway. 

“Miss?” Bucky’s tone echoed quietly throughout the room as his metal hand continued to clutch the doorhandle he’d just twisted. 

But instead of tearing your eyes away from the night sky that twinkled on the other side of the window, you instead continued to sit on the floor, the fancy dress you’d been forced into wrinkling around your legs, as you faintly began to murmur, “you know, I wanted to be an astronaut when I was little…” your eyes traced one of the constellations gleaming above, “it wasn’t because I had some fascination with space, but it was the one thing I could imagine that would take me as far away from here as possible…” a breath escaped you before your vision finally floated back down to earth and you glanced over your shoulder, “would you mind closing the door? It’s so loud out there…” 

As you reunited your gaze to the world outside and you heard the door shut behind you, the mobster then carefully asked, “are you alright?” 

“Don’t,” a sharp breath filled your lungs as you shook your head and your eyes instantly squeezed shut, “don’t do that… don’t act like you care just because my father pays you. I know you’re no better than all of the others out there…” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he tried to conceal his painful awareness of your situation. 

“I know what the others say behind my back,” you uttered, your mind haunted by their voices, playing the comments on a loop till they turned into boiling tar, “poor Y/n, weak and broken Y/n who is crazy and could never really be a part of this family… but unfortunately for everyone, I am,” you breathed, memories of your adolescence flooded your system, how they had sent you away to a broken institution at the smallest sign of vulnerability, “so I could never just leave. I couldn’t go out and earn my own money, they would cut off any attempt I made of getting a job in this city,” you pointed out their power, “and if I tried to get away, move to somewhere else, then they would have to take care of that as well because they can’t have a liability just out there. They own me, and they’ve made sure that I am nothing without them, and with them, I’d never be able to accomplish a goddamn thing. They wouldn’t hesitate to cut my life short if I ever stepped out of line again, you know that, it happened to my aunt… for all I know, it’ll probably happen as soon as my brother takes over, it is after all what everyone has surely wished for since the day I was born…” 

As those last few venting words escaped your lips, a sinking feeling bloomed in your stomach as you realised those shattering truths hadn’t been contained in your thoughts alone. 

“Oh shit…” tears began to blur your vision as you spun around and jaggedly rose to your feet, “please don’t tell anyone about any of that,” you took a panicked step forward, “I–… I didn’t mean any of it, it’s not–…” your chest rose and fell rapidly as you stared back at the gangster, “what do you want?” you attempted desperately, “do you want money? I could talk to my father and give you another leg up? I’ll give you whatever you want, just please don’t tell anyone, I–…” 

An idea then struck through your terrified blubbering, and without giving it another thought, you dropped down to your knees before him. 

“What are you doing?” he finally spoke, blinking down at you by his feet. 

Wiping your cheek as a steady flow of tears rolled down them, you then reached out for Bucky’s belt and sniffled, “you can have me, if that’s what could buy your silence.” 

But instead, your father’s right-hand man grabbed your hands, “stop,” he pleaded, “just stop.” 

Blinking up into his eyes, your hazy vision then drifted down to his fingers enveloping your wrists before you gloomily concluded, “…right…of course… I get it,” your head bowed even further as you uttered, “why would you think of me any differently… of course, you wouldn’t want me to touch you, you probably think I’m cursed just like the rest of them do…” 

But instead of ripping his touch away from your skin as if it was a scorching flame, Bucky’s frame suddenly lowered to be at your level, kneeling by you before he lifted one of your palms up to cup his stubbly cheek.

“I don’t,” a faint shake found his head, “never have,” you found yourself floating away into the ocean of his eyes as he stared back at you, his slow breath fanning across your wet cheeks at the close proximity, “I won’t tell anyone what you said,” he promised, his deep voice nearly at a whisper, “you have my word.”

But as you were filled with equal amounts of uncertainty, as well as shock, footsteps on the other side of the door found you both and tore you apart, just before the door ripped open and in strolled the boss himself. 

“Barnes!” your father’s glare landed on the mobster first before it shifted to find you, hastily wiping your cheeks, “oh great, you found her,” he uttered impatiently, “darling, come, it’s time for your brother to cut the cake. You need to be there,” he swiftly waved a hand for you to shadow him. 

The storm of the party made you feel as if you could come undone and burst into tears at any moment, pushing and shoving your shaky soul till you felt like just a tiny speck of dust floating around in the air. Keeping your gaze on the floor as you pushed through the bustling crowds, it stayed there as your sibling sank a shiny blade into the ridiculously elaborate cake that was rolled out for everyone to applaud. 

Raw and bleeding while the others drank and laughed, your vision finally found enough courage to flicker up, though only to find those same blue eyes, across the room and locked upon you. 

When the music soon was cranked up high and people swarmed to the middle of the floor in pairs, you briefly spotted one of your brother’s friends, a guy not too far from your own age, march straight towards you with an air of confidence that couldn’t help but relax your tense shoulders as you were slowly filled with hope. 

But as he neared and a greeting fell from your lips, a confused look muddled up his features as he shot you a glance before grabbing the waiting hand of a girl standing in the crowd behind you. 

Amused snickers and cruel comments found your ears even though you knew their tones attempted to be silent.

“What a freak.”

“Could you imagine if it had actually been her he’d wanted to dance with? In her dreams.”

“She should just run back to that insane asylum she somehow escaped from.”

With your back soon pressed up against one of the perimeter walls, a shadow then came to darken the spot on the floor your reddened eyes were glued to. 

“You wanna dance?” you glanced up with a wide pair of eyes to spot Bucky settled in beside you. 

“Why?” your brows knit together, “so that everyone can have another thing to laugh about?” 

Holding out his palm, he then let out a sigh, “just take my hand,” and the next thing you knew, your fingers were tangled in his own. 

Once he’d led you out onto the floor, your eyes darting around to all the bewildered glances that shot your way, a sudden breath then filled your lungs as his wide palm slid over your waist and dragged you in closer to his frame, causing your vision to cease their torture and meet his own steady gaze instead. 

The sway was slow and intimate, though you weren’t sure if the sensation terrified or calmed you, as the intoxicating way he made you feel had previously been something you’d packed far away as just an inconsequential crush back when he’d first started working for your father. Though as he held you in his arms and showed you a rare display of compassion, how could your heart not begin to thump once more?

With your gaze hazily cast over his shoulder as you danced so near that your cheeks almost touched, the warmth of his hand then slid down to your lower back before he whispered in your ear, “I know it won’t fix anything, but if it was up to me, you’d be the one inheriting this whole business, not your brother,” he uttered sincerely under his breath, “he’s a hot-headed idiot, while you are stronger and more brilliant than all of these fools combined.”

© 2025 thyme-in-a-bubble 

[corseque]

I honestly just wanted one single plot step that I could not predict given the 10 year wait. More behind the cut, I talk about Emet too, and I'm comparing his writing favorably to Solas' writing and why it worked better for me personally, but I am just talking about the writing skill that went into the games and not the dudes themselves, I love them both dearly of course. idk this is a mess and I am not going to edit it for clarity

For me, the game was a series of me saying

"ok I knew that. cool."

"oh yeah, I knew that. I guess it's good that the larger fandom knows about that now."

"nice, but yeah I already knew that too"

"that was something we've been talking about a lot for years"

"this thing they are acting like is a huge enormous reveal that the characters could not possibly have deduced through simply thinking about it in depth over the 10 years... the fans easily figured out by thinking about it in depth 10 years ago. So you would think his girlfriend would be able to figure it out more easily than we did. Like, why couldn't the game have been like 'oh lavellan already figured that out a while ago' it would have cost them nothing"

"this is something I've been thinking about for years, and now that it's being revealed, the companions' reactions to it are very irritating and jarring and unnecessary and I really dislike the experience I'm having right now, in this, the hour of my greatest triumph"

"this thing that is happening on my screen right now is something that I wrote an essay about 2 years ago describing how it would be a letdown if it happened without the correct setup"

"this way that they're characterizing Solas makes him less likable and less interesting than I have been finding him for all these years, and I have had people tell me 'no, he's simpler than you think' for years but I guess I was wrong, he really is simpler than I thought, so that fucking sucks. I wish I could take that information out of my brain."

"this thing is a retcon of information I have been thinking about for 10 years, and so I don't know how to follow along with this new direction, and I'm not sure if I even want to because it's not particularly interesting anyway"

"aw that was sweet"

"why is it like, so very impossible to have an honest back-and-forth with my favorite character about the dilemma that was most interesting to me about the previous game"

and then, as soon as, like, the other fans had caught up to the Solas lore that was really obvious from the other games, the game was.... over without anything surprising happening, or introducing a new element or plot point or perspective, or a real true twist (or two, or three) for those of us who have thought about it too hard for too long. It was very simple and easy, much, much, much, much easier than I was imagining. It all felt sort of like that Nicholson quote:

The thing was, the whole story was so interesting to think about because in 10 years, I couldn't figure out a good solution to it!!!!! It's why I was never able to write post-game fanfic about it. So I was stoked to find out some reveal we never knew about, some new information, in maybe a SERIES of steps of new information, that made the situation more complicated but also something that could be navigated by everyone involved. I know it was asking for a lot, but they had TEN YEARS, and they seemingly had set up the things they did in DAI on purpose, so surely they had some idea of a complex and satisfying narrative that would reconcile everyone.

The reason why I was expecting this is because FFXIV did a very similar story arc, which was started AND concluded WITHIN those 10 years (so it took the FFXIV team far less time to deliver as well). And the conclusion to the story in FFXIV did what I was expecting Dragon Age to do. So I thought, "holy shit, if this is the FFXIV version of this plot, how much more complicated is DA4 going to be!?!?" The DA devs also PLAYED FFXIV so they were completely aware, several years ago, of a satisfying story ending that was pretty darn similar.

People are probably going to think "oh, well Chelsea was disappointed because she spent too much time building it up in her head" but that's exactly it - I actually speculated and thought about FFXIV's story IN DEPTH NONSTOP for a year+ before its ending came out, and the ending absolutely blew me away. FFXIV Endwalker managed to introduce information and new story elements that I was not able to figure out in the YEAR I spent speculating on the ending of FFXIV's story. It took a complicated situation and revealed several several more facets to it that I was not able to predict, but were very interesting and thematically compelling, and took us all to surprising and climactic places that we could not have predicted.

Endwalker ("end" is in the title on purpose) too, was written to be THE ULTIMATE SATISFYING ENDING for a very long-running story in the exactly way that Veilguard SHOULD HAVE for Dragon Age, so while this complexity is being explored, FFXIV also gave catharsis to many different plot threads that have been built up through the previous expansions, until finally it ends with a bang. The story is desperately good to me, I loved it, it gave me closure for Dragon Age long before Veilguard was even revealed, and going back and looking at its story has made this whole thing far less painful for me.

So, I actually did not have a picture in my mind for how things SHOULD go. I just had the thought "I hope it's complicated and there are points of view or facts that we haven't before been exposed to, and the situation is resolved respectfully for Solas, not making him look like a fucking idiot (lol, the only thing I asked for). I don't even care what happens to Solas and Lavellan, I just need the story to be complicated and interesting to think about. Please, god, don't let it be "solas is wrong and he just needs to be convinced" because that's like the simplest story you could tell with this setup"

(btw they managed to tell Emet-Selch's story without making him seem like he's being an idiot on purpose or can never get anything right, and in fact the more the story goes on, the more you think of him as smart and capable and cool, so it is possible to write.... I wasn't asking for the entire moon)

And I played it and... yeah. Most of the story beats were more simple than I wanted them to be, a lot of them didn't make sense in my heart given the writing from Inquisition. (This is another essay, but if Solas' thematic story arc was always about him needing to let go of regrets, why was his personal quest the way it was? After that quest, doesn't he end up regretting not doing more....? Why did he never really talk about regret during Inquisition? If he was so trapped by regret, why was he able to do so many actions? It doesn't mesh well to me. The whole regret thing was very quarter-baked to me, I don't even like thinking about it.) His story never seemed like one that was as simple as being about one man's regrets, but then, I guess, it was always just about one man's regrets.

Emet-Selch's personal storyline (and the way it interacts with and affects the larger story) is very similar but much more cohesive and satisfying to me. It would be difficult to explain why without the aforementioned 5-hour essay. Emet-Selch's story IS about grief and anguish on a world-shaping scale in a similar way that Solas' was apparently always about letting go of regret, but Emet's story was also very pointedly and beautifully about that one theme for the entirety of his story from every tiny detail, from beginning to end - meanwhile, it seemed to me that they tried to introduce 'regret' as the main thrust of Solas' story only in the short story with the Regret demon onward.

From Inquisition just by itself, the closest I personally could get to a story theme for Solas was his inability to trust others hurting him and the world, but his trusting others in DA4 wasn't really addressed to my satisfaction. He is never required to trust anyone before the ending, he never opens up or makes himself vulnerable at all. People find out information about him, he never really dynamically opens himself. So the personal story I thought he had was never addressed at all, while a new one about regret was introduced that never made a ton of sense to me. And I don't think this is just because of my expectations - my reaction to FFXIV proves that I am able to meet good writing where it goes in surprising directions, as long as it's interesting and thoughtful and clear.

And I think this might be part of what people felt was off about the ending - Solas is sort of uninvolved in the revelations that are about him, and doesn't do much to be part of his own ending. Part of what I loved about Solas in Inquisition is that he is not controlled by you in any way, and so he feels like his own person with a very strong sense of character.

Anyway, Emet-Selch, in a very comparable and arguably more extreme plot position, is very involved in the revelations about himself, he always feels like a very strong character who cannot be affected by the player, and the whole situation is handled with deft emotion and care and delicacy. The story is comparatively very uninterested in litigating Emet-Selch or putting him on trial - the story allows you to simply feel the way that you feel in an organic way, and Emet's story spends that energy instead actually exploring his thematic material about grief and legacy, and the larger story theme of existentialism instead, in a way that is very refreshing and interesting. I've seen a lot of western stories tie themselves in knots over "redemption" and frankly it's almost never been interesting at all. Who cares about any of that. lol

(Now, I guess this is a matter of preference, because some people really like being able to shape a character's story, but idk I rewatched the ending of FFXIV and even though there wasn't a choice with Emet, because it isn't a branching story, his story felt more satisfying to me, maybe because there isn't a patronizing choice to be made for him. He is who he is, and he fulfills a very beautiful narrative role and purpose that no other character could in the story.)

I don't know how this could have been improved to me and still allowed players to choose Solas' ending for him, but I can actually think of a few different methods, none of which involve Rook condescendingly and patronizingly lecturing Solas as if Solas had never thought about a single aspect of this horrible situation he's in before that very moment that Rook lectures him lmfao.

All this to say... idk I'm writing this and I am not going back to edit it so it's stream-of-consciousness. But yeah

I just wanted the story to be complicated on a few more levels than I could have predicted. I genuinely don't care what happened, but I thought of a few twists like the Veil coming down and yeah, I was expecting A Single Twist or reveal to happen. In a Dragon Age game.

I wanted Solas to seem cool and capable and noble and smart, and actually feel like he was as old and experienced as he is.

I wanted a clear theme I could sink my teeth into

Like notice I didn't even say anything about Solavellan. Like I never in 100 years thought they were getting a happy ending where they were both alive in bodies, and I like that we got that, but I would honestly trade it for a more complicated story. To me, if a story is sad you can always write fanfic, but if a story isn't COMPLICATED, that's a much more urgent issue.

These 3 things DA4 didn't give me in a way that satisfied me but FFXIV did. anyway idk the way my hyperfixations work, I completely switch to a new subject so talking about Dragon Age is actually hard for me right now.

[princessmaeee]

Bisexual Lights _ P2

Hello Everyone ! So, even if no one Asked, I did another part for this story cause I wanted to explore it a Little bite more. So this part is shorter than the first one and content Less Smut, But still have it No worries. It talk more about how the reader feel after what happened in the first part and for the next part I think about focusing more on Nam Gyu since how this part end. So tell me what you taught of this part and if you want to be part of the TagList ! TW : Oral ( Female receiving ) - Fingering - Orgasm denial - Nam Gyu being a cunt and having a mental break down at the end - Language - No Squid game

The next morning, you woke up in Thanos’s Bed with Nam Gyu’s arms wrapped around your Body, his head resting on your chest. You smiled and gently removed some hair from his face. Why does that guy have to look so adorable when he’s asleeps ? Almost looking like a pure Angel, but dear lord he’s absolutely not. Nam Gyu can be really nice and protective with people he likes, but with the others, mostly everyone except Thanos and You, he’s Harsh and a real cunt. But it’s okay, that’s how you like your friend, especially when you can see him as vulnerable as he was last night. 

After giving a look at your phone, you gently push Nam Gyu from your body to be able to get out of the bed. He grunt and just turned around, still sleeping.

You made your way to the bathroom to go to the toilet and slowly remember really clearly what happened last night when you looked at yourself in the Mirror. Some light red appareard on your cheeks while you pass your fingers on the hundred red marks the guys have done On your body. Some were lights and others looked like bruises. Now you're gonna have to cover everything with makeup.

Getting out of the bathroom, you go to the kitchen, following the smell of the coffee. Once in the room, you found Thanos at the table with a lot of sheets around him and a Cup of black coffee. When he saw you entering the room, he smirked.

«-What some beautiful  colors you have on your Neck, senorita. -Shut Up, Thanos.»

You take a Mug in the cupboard, putting some hot coffee in it. You felt lost from last Night. Of course you were all High, but you never planned things to go that far. Thanos and Nam Gyu were your friends and nothing more. You just wanted to play a little bit with Nam Gyu to shut him up for once. You didn't think it would go that far. While you brew your coffee to make the cream and the sugar mix together, you feel Thanos Arms wrap your body as he rests his chin on your shoulder. 

«-Something’s wrong ? Asked your purple haired friend. -No. Everything’s fine.»

You lied, of course. You weren't really sure how you felt yet. You enjoyed everything that happened last night and nothing was forced. But what’s gonna happen next ? Was it just a one shot time ? Will things change between you three ? Did the guys enjoy it as much as you did ? You felt weird to have all those questions this early in the morning. Why did you even care ? You didn’t even fucked, it was just some nice forplay. Actually, they both kissed and touched you way better than your ex’s did. 

«-What happened between You and Nam Gyu after I went to bet ? -We had continued to make out and just jack each other off. »

You felt your cheeks fired up as you imagined it. Being between them, being touched by both of them, taking care of both of them, you liked it and somehow you wish it could happen again. As you remember Nam Gyu’s lips around your nipples, his nails in your skin as you grinded against him, Thanos Lips on your neck, his tongues between your legs, you felt some fire down there and you squeezed your tights.

«-Are you doing that often ? Both of you or just with other girls ? -Never. It was the first time for both of us, with each other. I don’t know if Nam Gyu tried with other people though. I personally did once or twice, but it was nothing compared to Last night. -What do you mean ? What was different ? -I don’t know, maybe our friendship ? We are pretty close to each other, alway together. You both sleep here often. I just felt like it was natural.»

The feeling was mutual and that’s why it scared you so much. The future of this friendship seems fuggy, cause it’s clear nothing will be like before after what happened last Night and you don’t know how you will handle it.

«-Have you enjoyed it ? He asked. »

Your breath stuck in your throat. The answer was easy, but saying it out loud could be a Mistake.

«-Yeah, I did, you answered with a soft, shaky voice. -So what’s the problem ?  -Nothing. I’m just still tired, you lied.»

Thanos grunt and turn you around, grip your ass and lift you up to sit you on the counter. His hands were now on each side of you as he locked his eyes in yours.

«-I know you too damn well. You lie. What is it ? -I don’t know, I guess I’m just afraid of what’s gonna be our friendship now… »

Thanos let a light laugh escape his lips before smirking at you.

«-It depend. What would you like our friendship to be ? »

His hands move to your knee, resting there as he still looks at you. You swallow the extra saliva in your mouth as your heart starts to beat faster in your chest. Your eyes were on your friend’s hands. His thumb gently caressing your skin, made you shiver. You bite your lower lip when the feeling between your thighs starts to get stronger.

«-I-...I don’t know, you manager to say -Lier.»

Thanos' hands rose higher until they got under his to-long-for-you-T-shirt-you-borrow-him, squeezing your thighs. You softly gasp. Fuck, now you was hungry for more of his touch. Your body is asking for it.

«-Say it. -What ? -Say that you want me to touch you and I will. »

You were hesitant. You clearly want to feel his touch again and even if your mind would not agree, your body says the complete opposite. But you don’t want to look too easy. Thanos’s your friend, you doubt he would judge you for this, but he’s still a Man.

Noticing your hesitation, Thanos starts to kiss your neck, teasing you more by squeezing your tights. His lips go to your jawline, the corner of your lips. You half opened as your breath was heavier. Your arousal dominated your body, making it almost painful. You could feel your cunt clench around absolutely nothing as it hoped to feel your Friend’s fingers inside.

«-Fuck it, you softly said in a breathe, please, Su-bong…touch me. »

That’s all he needed. That Soft, desperate voice of yours asking for him. He smiled and pressed his lips against yours. He spread your legs a little bit and let one of his hands slide between it. His thumb met your clit and he gently started to rub it, making you moan through the kiss. Your hips moved by their own, silently asking to have his fingers inside of you and he noticed. Pulling away from the kiss, Thanos catches his breath and kneels in front of you, spreading your legs more. You wrap them around his head when you feel his mouth on your clit, letting a louder moan  be heard and you quickly cover your mouth, not wanting to wake up Nam Gyu who was still asleep in the next room.

Thanos' mouth sucked and licked your sensitive bun of nerves, adding two of his fingers in your wet core. You felt your body melt under his touch as your muscles softened all their strength. You hand met his hair, gripping it harder as your pleasure built up inside you. His finger went at a different pace dépending on how your grip was on his hair, curling inside you, touching this soft and spongy spot who made you moan louder. 

«-That’s a pretty entertaining show you put on here, you two. »

You blushed when you noticed Nam Gyu, leaning against the kitchen entrance. Pulling Thano’s head, you try to make him stop, but he grunt and grip your tights harder as an order to stay in place. You felt his fingers entering you more brutally as a Warning and you gasp, letting a little painful whine escape you.

«-I think he doesn't mind me, Nam Gyu said, and I don't mind it at all. »

Your friend gets closer to you and hands you your phone.

«-You boss called, enough time to wake me up, so you should call him back. -Yeah… later, you managed to say. »

You were about to take your phone from Nam Gyu’s hand but he pulled it away, A devilish smile on his face.

«-Why Wait ? It’s maybe super important. »

He pressed on your boss' contact and put it on Speak. Your eyes opened wildling when you heard the ringtone. Thanos smiled against your core and pulled his lips away to look at you, moving only his fingers, slowly. Those guys can really be the worst bastard you ever met.

«-I hate you so much, you hissed while looking at Nam gyu, before you heard your boss' voice. -Y/N, I’m happy you called me back. I know you are on your day off, but I really need you to come to the office to finish the last project we worked on. The client wants it sooner. I’m sorry, it’s a last minute thing. »

Thanos looked at Nam Gyu with an amused Smile before going back between your legs, sucking more on your clits while his fingers going deeper in you. Nam Gyu, still holding your phone, pulls up your top, revealing your naked body.  His eyes roamed over it as he bite his lower lips.

«-Y-yeah… no problem I will come…»

You grip Thanos' hair harder as you feel your orgasm build up more and more as Thanos touch your sensitive Spot again and again with his fingers.

«-Fuck, you wissper, I will be there as soon as I can. -Excellent, you’re a lifesaver. »

And the call ended. Nam Gyu dropped your phone on the counter, still looking at your body, his own arousal started to be painful in his pants. 

«-Fuck, you’re so hot like this, he said with his eyes still on you.»

Still with his annoying little cunt smile, Nam Gyu gives a little tap on Thano’s shoulder.

«-Bro, let her go, She have to leave for Work and I bet she needs to pass by her place before.»

Thanos pulled away as you were so close to the release, making you whine.

«-No… Thanos, please… I was so close… -Yeah I know, but I don't want you to arrive too late at work, he answered as he removed his fingers.»

You grunt, unsatisfied and look at Nam Gyu.

«-Why do you have to be such a Cunt ? -Just a little payback for last Night. I hate when people play with me like you did.»

His Smile never left his face and you felt more annoyed by it. Getting down off the counter and taking back your phone, You got closer to your black haired friend.

«-You’re just mad cause you know how much you liked it. And maybe you’re jealous Thanos was taking care of me this morning and you weren’t part of it this time ? »

His expression changed to something darker. You knew you touched his weak spot. As much as he tries to convince himself he has no feelings for Thanos, deep down you both Know how much Nam Gyu cares for him more than any other person. He also cares for you, when he’s not a pain in your ass. His hand came to your throat, gripping it harshly as he brought you closer. 

«-Watch your mouth or I will put it to good use next time. -You fucking Wish. »

He grunt and let you go. You left the kitchen to go get your clothes from last night and Pull it back before you leave Thano’s apartment, still mad about what just happened and still full of questions about your friendship with them. Maybe you're gonna need time to think about it.

Once you have left, Nam Gyu Sight heavily. You really play on his nerves with your attitude. Pulling his hair out of his face, he take the mug of coffee you had initially made for you and take a Sip of it.

«-That bitch, I swear she plays on my nerves. -Maybe a Good fuck with her could help both of you. -No thank You, I already have all the Bitch I want at the club. I don’t need a new one. »

Thanos goes back to his seat at the table and lights up a cigarette.

«-But Y/N is not just a Bitch. She’s our friend and you can call her all the names you want, I know you like her. Cause if it weren’t the case, even High, you wouldn't let her have seen that soft and submissive part of you that you showed last night. »

Out of Anger, Nam Gyu threw the mug of Coffee against the wall Behind Thanos, Breaking the mug in many pieces.He didn’t know why that affected him like this, but all that happened last night felt like it shouldn't to him. He lost control, he let his emotions lead his action and He hated that. And even if he liked it, he couldn’t accept it.

«-Nothing happened Last Night ! We were just high and that was it. I don’t want to ear another fucking thing about this ever again ! »

Thanos was surprised by his friend's reaction and just stayed there, in silence. Nam Gyu’s body was trembling as he started to sweat. Grunting he took a deep breath and passed his hand in his hair to place them, trying to calm himself. He’s often like this without drugs in his system, but he never let Thanos or Y/N see him like this, unable to control his emotions.

«-Forget about Last Night. »

That was the last thing he said before leaving his best friend’s apartment.

[burningembers91]

All of You - Park Min-Su x Fem!Reader (NSFW)

Follow up piece to:

The Secretary Lunch Date Awards Night Overtime The Taste of You

Synopsis: Desperate to show you that he loves you, Park Min-Su showers you in gifts. But the only thing you really want is him

Park Min-Su was head over in heels in love. Ever since that night in your apartment, he felt like he was walking on air. You were perfection personified, everything about you a dream come true. He walked a little taller, his head held a little higher, content in the knowledge that you wanted him, and he wanted you.

His father had him working almost relentlessly in the office to prepare for a meeting, and it meant Min-Su hadn’t had much time to see you outside of work. He had to make do with stolen kisses in his office, your floral perfume enveloping him as you draped yourself over his lap while he sat in his office chair. He was so in love with you, so in awe of you, but he had no idea how to express the way he felt.

His parent’s marriage was one based on convenience rather than mutual affection. His mother’s family were rich and influential, and it was a marriage based on strengthening their empires. Min-Su was sure he’d never seen a flicker of affection pass between his parents, and he often wondered how they’d stood each other’s company for long enough to make him. There were no words of affection, no looks of love or sweet kisses between them. They stayed as far away from each other as possible, interacting only when entirely necessary. Min-Su didn’t know how to express his feelings towards you, so chose to shower you with gifts.

Every day something would arrive at the office for you: flowers, jewellery, a pair of shoes made by a brand he knew you liked. Each gift was more extravagant than the last, and he never got tired of seeing the look on your face when you opened them. “You don’t need to do all this,” you smiled, unwrapping a custom-made perfume he’d designed especially. “But I want to,” Min-Su insisted. “You’re worth it.” You could see he was trying, but what you really wanted was to spend more time with him. You’d barely had five minutes to yourselves in the last few weeks, and you were craving more of him. Ever since that night in your apartment, he hadn’t left your head. Min-Su treated you better than anyone ever had, and you found yourself desperate for more. You were finding it hard to admit that your feelings for him were more than physical, so used to being used and then thrown away when you no longer served a purpose. You couldn’t help but wonder whether Min-Su was using you, using you to teach him things before he moved on to a new girl. But deep down you knew he wasn’t like that; he was different from anyone you’d been with before.

“What would you like instead?” he asked, desperate to know what it was that he could do to please you. “Just spend time with me,” you smiled, spritzing some of the vanilla and tonka scented spray on your neck. The smell was heavenly; he’d somehow managed to capture your essence in a single scent and it matched you perfectly. “Tonight,” he said, almost begged. “Tonight. Let’s do something. Whatever you want.”

“Take me for dinner,” you told him, “and then I want you to take me back to my apartment, and I want you to fuck me.”

Min-Su groaned as you said the words, pulling you down onto his lap. He’d thought of nothing but making love to you, of hearing you moan for him again. His lips met yours, his hands trailing up your waist and across the soft contours of your breasts. He was getting more confident with you, taking charge a little more. You loved it when he kissed you, his hands softly gripping the nape of your neck so he could tilt your head back. Around you, the Min-Su who was scared of his own shadow was gone, replaced by a confident man who knew what he wanted. You only wished that bravery extended to his family and colleagues, but Min-Su hadn’t made it that far yet.

That night, he pulled out all the stops, taking you to the best sushi place in Seoul, ordering the most expensive champagne and cocktails. He wanted to tell you how he felt so many times, but he could never seem to find the right words. He’d never had anyone tell him they loved him before, and he’d never said the words either. Up until you, he had been sure love was something made up. But you made his stomach flip, his heart sing and whenever he was with you, everything just seemed to make sense. You looked especially beautiful tonight, the soft glow of the lighting above the table illuminating your features. Min-Su couldn’t wait to get you home, couldn’t wait to finally know what it would feel like to have all of you.

You walked back to your apartment, the city streets buzzing with the busy Friday night crowds. You were so wrapped up in each other, you barely noticed the sea of people around you. Min-Su clasped your hand in his, wondering how he’d gone so long without you. He couldn’t understand how his parents stayed together when they didn’t feel anything for each other. What he felt for you was so strong, so raw, and he couldn’t fathom the fact that his parents didn’t have that. You were everything he’d ever wanted, and he hoped you felt the same.

Arriving back at your apartment, Min-Su felt that all too familiar pang of nerves as you opened the door. He wanted to please you, to make you feel good, and there was always a little voice in the back of his head telling him he might get it wrong. He helped you take your coat off, hanging it on the hook by your door. It never ceased to amaze you how caring he was, how he looked after you in the smallest of ways. “Come here,” he whispered, pulling you into him, his fingers gently brushing up the soft skin of your arms. He kissed you, relishing in the little moans of affection that fell from your lips. “I want you,” you breathed, your fingers fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. You’d started this relationship being the one in charge, but tonight you felt entirely at his mercy. His hand cupped your chin, his lips trailing over your cheeks and jaw. He’d learned so much from you already, and tonight he wanted to put it into practice.

Leading him to your bedroom, you sat down on the soft mattress, taking in Min-Su’s toned torso that peaked through the opening in his shirt. Your hand reached up to take his, gently pulling him down next to you. You could feel him shaking, could hear his breath hitch as his hand brushed against your thigh. “Take off your dress,” he told you, savouring the moan that fell from your lips at his order. You liked this bossier side of him, enjoyed seeing him taking the reins for once. You did as you were told, standing up and letting the soft, silky fabric fall to the floor.

Min-Su would never get enough of your body, your soft curves sheer perfection. He pulled you down onto his lap, tracing the outline of your breasts with the pads of his fingers. He pinched your sensitive nipple in between his thumb and forefinger, smiling as you moaned again for him. He liked having you needy for him, enjoyed using his hands to make you feel good. He could feel how wet you wet, the fabric of your underwear damp with your arousal. As much as he wanted to tease you tonight, he needed you, needed all of you and he couldn’t wait anymore.

His lips met yours, hungry and desperate as he unzipped his jeans. You pulled his shirt from his shoulders, his lithe, taut body warm against yours. Lying back for him, you spread your legs, and for a moment, Min-Su saw stars. “We can take it slow,” you smiled, mistaking his adoration of you for nervousness. “I don’t want to take it slow,” he whispered, “I want to show you how much I love you.”

You stared up at him, shock etched on your face. No one had ever said that to you before, no one had ever cared about you the way Min-Su had. “I love you,” he whispered again, his hands trailing down across your spread thighs. His thumb pressed gently onto your clit, your moan the sweetest sound as he whispered those three words to you again. Now that he’d told you how he felt, Min-Su would make sure he whispered those words to you every day. “I love you too,” you smiled, pulling his body down on top of you. You helped guide him inside of you, the guttural groan he made as he entered you lighting the fire deep within your belly.

You moved slowly together, Min-Su clinging to you as he got lost in the sensation. You were so tight, so warm, your walls clenching him so deliciously he forgot to breathe. Your legs wrapped around his waist, pushing him further inside of you as he cried out at the overwhelming sensation. He knew he wouldn’t last long, not when you felt this good. “Min-Su,” you whispered his name, knowing it drove him crazy. “You feel so good. Harder, I need it harder.”

He planted his hands either side of your head, thrusting fast and deep into you. You cried out, your moans his undoing. He told you that he loved you as he came, painting your tight, wet walls with every last drop of himself. “Stay with me?” you asked him as he collapsed next to you, waiting for your breathing to return to normal. “Always,” he whispered, his face buried in the crook of your neck.

He made love to you over and over again that night, drawing your pleasure out until you begged for a release. You’d given him so much over the last few months, and now it was Min-Su’s time to return the favour. He would make sure you never wanted for anything, would ensure that every day you knew how much he cared for you. He refused to be like his parents, to simply exist alongside someone.

You were the only thing that mattered to him now; not his job, or the company, or the life his father wanted him to lead. Somehow, he had to find the courage to start living for himself, to make a life for the two of you. He wasn’t sure how he’d find the guts to stand up to a man he’d feared his entire life, but he needed to start being brave.

If he wanted to make a life with you, he had to break the chains he’d father had placed him in and start building something new with you.

[mommyslittlebird]

A Room of Your Own

Married!WandaNat x Reader

Summary: After getting kicked out of your college dorm, you find yourself living with two older strangers. It was never meant to be anything more than a temporary arrangement born out of necessity, but as the semester continues, something new starts to grow.

CW: Homophobia, Getting Kicked Out, Slow Burn (No sex or romance in this chapter), Age Gap

Word Count: 1.9k

A/N: I’m back from the dead, though probably not in the way you wanted or expected. I had to take a (not so) little break from one-shots and smut for the time being for some personal reasons. But I’m still finding ways to write and enjoy myself. Some of you probably have already seen this. It’s been up on AO3 for a while now. But I figured I’d post it here too.

A/N: This is my first attempt at writing any sort of slow burn, so we'll see if I can resist having them all fall into bed together in the first few chapters. I also don't know how to write an introductory chapter without making it boring as shit, so I at least made it short to spare you all. I promise it gets better.

Chapter 1 of A Room of Your Own

You sat, knees curled to your chest, on the curb in front of what used to be your dorm. It was late, a little after midnight, and absolutely pouring rain.

Three days. You had been in the dorms for three days and you had already been kicked out. You’d expect some pushback, going to a religious college and being queer, but nothing like this. Nothing like getting kicked out of your dorm in the middle of the night because you were making your roommates uncomfortable. You’d tried so hard to get them to like you. They seemed sweet. Not your type of people, sure, but you thought the three of you could get along just fine.

As it turns out, they were actually so repulsed by your presence they couldn’t even wait until classes started to kick you to the curb. Literally.

“Hey!” Somebody shouted from the doorway, holding a large umbrella. You turned to see her approaching and shrunk back in on yourself. You didn’t think you could handle anymore ridicule that evening.

When you didn’t respond or turn to face her, she sat down next to you, sure to cover you with the umbrella as well. She spoke softer now. “Hey. I’m sorry for what happened back there.”

You still didn’t speak, but you looked at her now, partially soaked from where she was sitting next to you on the wet concrete. “I’m Yelena.” She reached her hand out for you to shake.

You shook her hand. “Y/N. Nice to meet you.” You recognized her from your dorm floor, though you’d only ever seen her in passing.

“It’s nice to meet you as well,” she smiled softly. “I wish it were under different circumstances.”

You nodded, turning your gaze back to the raining night.

“Do you have anywhere to go? For tonight I mean. I would offer you to stay in my room, but…” she turned back to the door of the building. You both knew you couldn’t go back in there.

You shook your head. You hadn’t even thought where you would stay tonight. You could always stay in your car. It wouldn’t be the first night you’ve slept in the backseat. Still, the sopping wet clothes would surely make for a morning full of rashes and blistered skin.

Yelena sighed, looking at the ground. She was silent for a moment before she came up with an idea. “Let me call my sister. She and her wife have a massive place not so far from here. They’ll have a bedroom or two to spare.”

Before you could form a rebuttal of any sort, Yelena pushed the umbrella into your hands and dashed back inside. You tucked the umbrella between your leg and the crook of your arm, resting your head on your knees.

It wasn’t very long before Yelena was by your side again. “Okay she’s on her way. She’ll be here in about 10 minutes.”

You didn’t look at her, facing intentionally in the other direction. You felt so horrible. You just wanted to curl up and disappear. And now you were going to be picked and taken to the home of some random classmate’s sister? You try to formulate a response, a reason that you will be fine on your own, but there was nothing. It was either this or the back seat of your 1993 Toyota Corolla. Somehow, you bet Yelena wasn’t going to take that as a reasonable explanation as to why she should call off her sister.

“Are you coming with me?” You asked weakly.

She sighed and put her hand on your back. “I wasn’t planning on it, but I will if you really want me to.”

You finally turned to face her. She didn’t look thrilled at the prospect of leaving. She was probably a freshman. It was her first couple days in the dorm too and everything was so new and exciting. The last thing she wanted to do was go back home with her sister.

“No it’s okay,” you responded. The last thing you wanted was to inconvenience someone else tonight, and it’s not like a freshman you hardly knew was going to bring you much solace anyway.

She patted your back. “They’ll take good care of you, I promise.”

Before too much longer, Yelena stood up at the sight of headlights. She waved her arms in an “over here” motion. The car approached Yelena, stopping hard in front of the curb you were sitting on. The tires splashed you in rainwater and mud. Yelena winched, walking back towards you to usher you into the car.

She led you to the passenger door, popping it open and peeking her head in. “This is your girl,” she said, pointing back towards your soaked, mud covered figure. She motioned for you to sit.

You hesitated. The car looked nicer than any you’d ever been in before. The idea of ruining the nice leather seats made you want to shrink further into your ball of shame.

The woman in the driver's seat noticed your hesitation, but didn’t seem the slightest bit concerned with her seat. “Come on in,” she ushered. “Get out of that rain.”

You handed the umbrella back to Yelena, reluctantly taking a seat in the car. Yelena peaked her head back in to say “take care of her,” before closing the door and scurrying back into the dorms.

The woman looked at you, reaching up to pop on the overhead light. The sight of her in the light nearly took your breath away. She looked oddly familiar. Maybe you’d seen her around town. You sharply inhaled as the most beautiful woman you’d ever seen leaned over the console towards you. She frowned. “Oh you poor thing!” She reached out to wipe off your face. You cringed when you saw the mud smear across the sleeve of her jacket. “Let’s go home and get you cleaned up.”

You nodded and she turned the light off before pulling out of the parking lot. You fought the urge to curl up in her passenger seat, fearing further ruining her seats with the dirty bottoms of your shoes. When you didn’t speak, she offered up an introduction of her own. “My name is Natasha. I don’t know what Yelena’s told you, but I’m her sister. My wife and I have a place not so far from here.”

“I’m Y/N” you managed.

“A friend of Yelena’s?” She asked.

You chuckled a little. “I suppose you could say that. We met about 20 minutes ago.”

Natasha chuckled. “Of course. Leave it to Yelena to seek you out after such an injustice.”

You bit the inside of your lip. You wished you had heard the phone conversation so you could gauge just how much she knew.

It was as if Natasha could read your mind when she started next with the details of the phone call. “Yelena told me you got kicked out of the dorm by the other girls. They were uncomfortable because you were gay? I never expected to hear anything like that happening in 2024, but I guess I stand corrected.”

Well, that was one way of telling the story. At least Yelena had left out the peeping Tom allegations that got you chased off the floor by everyone who had to share a bathroom with you. They weren’t true, of course, but the fact that you’d made people so uncomfortable they were willing to name you a pervert without second thought made your skin crawl.

After a short, largely silent car ride, Natasha pulled the car into a garage. You hadn’t gotten a good look at the house, both because of the dark and getting lost in your own thoughts, but even by the state of the garage you could tell it was nice.

Natasha got out of the car, unlocking the door and leading you into the kitchen. You took your shoes off by the door, then decided to take your socks off too to avoid tracking muddy water through the house. The woman took your hand and guided you to the stairwell, then to a bathroom. She turned on the lights and opened up a cabinet, pulling out fresh towels and washcloths.

“I’ll get you some fresh clothes and sheets. The bedroom is through here.” She opened a door that revealed a sizable bedroom connected to the bathroom. You could hardly believe this wasn’t the master suite she’d led you too.

She turned to face you, exhaling as she once again took in your disheveled state. She picked some errant pebbles from your tangled hair and wiped it out of your face. “Now,” she started, “do you need anything else before I let you get cleaned up and off to bed?”

You shook your head. “No. You’ve done enough already. Thank you, Miss Natasha, for letting me stay here. It means a lot. Truly.”

“Of course.” She smiled. You didn’t notice the blush that crept onto her face at the formality. She swiped away the hair that had fallen in front of your eyes again. “We wouldn’t want a sweet girl like you sleeping out in the rain.” She booped the tip of your nose. “Now promise you’ll wake me or Wanda up if you need anything at all. We’re just in the room across the hall. Can’t miss it, it’s the only door on that side.”

You nodded slowly. There was no way in hell you were going to wake her or Wanda, who you assumed was her wife, for any reason. But you nodded anyway.

She smiled and rubbed your chin. “Good girl. Now go get cleaned up and try to get some rest.”

As she set off to her room, you hoped the mud had covered how pink your cheeks had gotten. You headed to the shower, sliding open the glass door and turning on the water. You decided to hop in with your clothes at first, hoping to get enough of the mud off that you could wear them again tomorrow. Then you wrang the clothes out and threw them over the door to dry. You took your time in the shower, letting the hot water warm you up from the cold rain. By the time you were finally clean, you grabbed the fresh towel Natasha had left for you.

Your clothes were, obviously, still soaked save for your underwear. You were thankful for the little time it had taken the thin silky material to dry. You put them back on and wrapped yourself in a towel before entering into the bedroom.

There was a maroon hoodie at the end of the bed. It had been there since Natasha first showed you the room, so it clearly wasn’t laid out for you. However, in lieu of other clothes, you decided the owner probably wouldn’t mind if you borrowed it for the night. You slipped the soft fabric over your head. It was much too big for you, going down to almost your mid thighs while the sleeves dangled over your hands. But it was, quite possibly, the softest material that you’d ever felt. It felt simultaneously brand new and freshly washed.

You crawled up into the queen sized bed, slipping under the covers. You held the fabric of the hoodie close to your face. It smelled nothing like the musky bergamot of Natasha, which had been equally as entrancing in its own way. This was distinctly different. It smelled soft and comforting like lying in a meadow on a spring day. The comforting smell and warmth, along with your own exhaustion, quickly had you asleep.

[pukefactory]

HELLO!! May I please request some Bobbette x reader headcannons?

Of course! I hope you enjoy these headcanons.

˖⁺‧₊˚ ˚₊‧⁺˖✮ CHERRY LEMONADE ✮˖⁺‧₊˚ ˚₊‧⁺˖

❆ Summary: A compilation of headcanons featuring Bobette as your girlfriend

❆ Character(s): Bobette (Dandy’s World), Coal (Dandy’s World)

❆ Genre: Headcanons, Fluff, SFW

❆ Warning(s): None - Completely Safe!

❅ Bobette is already a cheerful and friendly toon, but with you, she’s the sweetest companion imaginable. Caring, inventive, and always by your side, she wants nothing more than to spend time with you and spread holiday cheer. Lively and upbeat, she makes it nearly impossible to stay upset when she’s around.

❅ One of Bobette’s favorite traditions is enjoying cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa, and naturally, she wants to share that with you! With Tegan’s help, she prepares a big plate of cookies and two oversized mugs of hot cocoa, topped with cream and marshmallows—the full works. The two of you cuddle up, savoring your treats and each other’s company. It’s not unusual for you both to drift off during this, with Bobette’s arm around your shoulder as you rest your head against her chest, peacefully napping together.

❅ As a toymaker, Bobette is extremely busy around Christmas, crafting toys to fulfill children’s wishes. But even though she’s the best at what she does, she still appreciates an extra pair of hands. When you offered to help, she was over the moon! She loves having you by her side, even if it means things get a bit messier than usual, with paint scattered everywhere. Over time, you become more skilled, and together, you both produce toys far more quickly than Bobette could on her own. With your help, her work feels even more special.

❅ Speaking of presents, Bobette often gives you gifts she made herself. Whether it’s a toy you specifically requested or something as simple as a new blanket, she always manages to create or find exactly what you wanted—and you couldn’t be more grateful. Bobette makes sure you never go without, and seeing your face light up with happiness and surprise makes it all worthwhile for her. Just be prepared—sometimes, she might give you a few too many gifts!

❅ Being Bobette’s partner means you are partially responsible for looking after Coal, especially when she isn’t around. Coal tolerates you as much as she does everyone else—except for her owner—but she is a bit warmer toward you than she is with others. When Bobette is too busy, it’s up to you to take Coal on small walks and help her move large crates of toys. Of course, she probably likes you more than most because you regularly give her favorite treats, making you very popular in her eyes. Your girlfriend truly appreciates your help with Coal, and you always get plenty of kisses from her after she sees how well her pet rock has been cared for.

❅ It’s probably no surprise that Bobette’s wardrobe consists entirely of Christmas-themed sweaters. However, nearly all of them are at least slightly itchy—if not unbearably so. Neither of you knows why, but they always seem to irritate her skin. As a surprise, you got her a stack of new, non-itchy Christmas sweaters made from the softest, most comfortable material you could find. Needless to say, Bobette was elated and gave you a bone-crushing hug. From that moment on, she only wears the ones you gave her.

❅ Another one of Bobette’s favorite festive activities is making gingerbread houses, and what better way to make it even more fun than doing it with you? She carefully lays out all the supplies before you begin, and it isn’t long before you’re both covered in brightly colored icing, your hands and aprons a complete mess. No matter how much effort you put into decorating, the house always seems to collapse under the weight of gumdrops, peppermint swirls, and mountains of powdered sugar. After a moment of staring at the sugary disaster, you both burst into laughter and give up, helping each other clean the icing off your skin. Her kisses tasted especially sweet that day. You both agree to ask Ginger for help next time.

❅ After finishing her toy making, Bobette loves nothing more than to snuggle up with you and Coal under a warm, cozy blanket. You’re well aware—probably even more than she is—that her constant work leaves her completely exhausted and maybe even a little stressed. You can see it in her eyes; something always seems different once she’s done. Of course, you’d never stop her from doing what she loves, but you make up for it by ensuring your shared bedroom is as comfortable as possible. Soft Christmas lights, freshly baked treats, warm cocoa, plush blankets, and an especially cozy Coal all make her heart swell with happiness. So, you always make sure everything is just right before she returns. She rests easily, comforted by the love and care you put into making her feel at home.

❅ Bobette loves telling you about her adventures with Coal—how they delivered presents in blizzards, how she got frostbite, and how she came so close to meeting Santa himself. Oddly enough, she only seems to share these stories when you’re settling in for bed, which can be a little frustrating since her voice is so soothing that you always fall asleep before hearing how they end. Fortunately, you still remember every detail of each tale, no matter how many times she retells them. Especially the one about Coal dragging Bobette through the snow in a sleigh—you’d love to recreate that someday, even if there’s no snow.

❅ Bobette often attaches a sprig of mistletoe to the end of her hook to steal as many kisses from you as possible—and you fall for it every time. Not that you mind the extra affection, but she loves pulling you into an impossibly tight hug and covering your face with kisses until you’re too breathless to protest. When she finally lets go and you gasp for air, she giggles, apologizes, and insists that you’re simply too cute not to smother with kisses. Honestly, you can’t argue with that. You do love her kisses, after all.

[msookyspooky]

Fours a Franchise

Part 20: Final

wordcount: 9,860

(Sorry babes I'm like that toxic ex that comes back in ur life and gives you hope just to ghost you 💔👻 BTW no this is not 'final. Series is done' there is a Scream 5&6 I'm combining but this is the final for 4.)

—————————————

   You laid in bed with your own thoughts. you REFUSED to sleep at night in this damn hospital after what happened last time. Getting startled in your half-sleep state was common. Even by Karla knocking on the door and Mindy and Chad barreling in during the late afternoon while you had almost dozed off.

“Hey! She's hurt you two.” Karla scolded harsher then she usually did as Mindy almost tried jumping on your hospital bed and reluctantly stayed to the side. “We brought your purse that was in Randy's car. Oh, and your suitcase from the house.” She offered as she sat both down on the floor near a hospital chair.

“Oh…Thank you.” You murmured sitting up to look at her in a tired voice. Then casted your gaze to look down at the two bright eyed innocent kids staring up at you.

…You couldn't help staring at them and wanting to cry. Seeing Randy's lopsided smile and curious eyes in Chad and seeing his personality and sharp tongue in Mindy. You felt your throat tighten seeing them all dressed up. Karla in a black dress shirt and pants…Already knowing where they had been today.

Mindy and Chad asked you so many questions and you realized you had just been blankly staring at them with tears in your eyes.

Especially when Mindy just bluntly said, “Our Daddy died. We buried him today.”

As if you didn't already know.

You swallowed hard and furiously nodded, “I-I know honey. I'm so, so sorry.”

The guilt from just looking at them. How in the Hell could you see them knowing their Dad died because you got careless? Because of a stupid choice you made to go talk to those two in that barn and separate from Randy…That his final wish was you to stay far away from him and his family...How can you live with it?

Both 6 year olds looked sad, confused and concerned. This had to be so hard for them to fully process.

Karla, with a tight smile, talked a bit softer this time as she told them, “Here. Go to that vending machine down the hall where I can see you. No further.”

They took the money and nodded; running off as Karla tiredly sat in a chair near the door to watch them before asking you, “How ya feelin’, YN?”

“Better I guess. Not as sick. I…Should be asking you that.” You spoke barely above a whisper and tried not to cry. “I'm so sorry I missed Randy's funeral today. I-”

“No, not at all. Please, YN. Don't think like that. You can barely get out of bed.” She gave you a remorseful look. “I just- Shit. I should've known. I mean, you meet a man at a survivors meeting for victims of serial killers and think your life will be normal?” She wryly smirked and shook her head all before it faded. She looked at you with her own guilt. “YN…I didn't know you were kidnapped by those men when I called. I'm sorry, I should've known or helped or something. I could've accidentally got you killed! I-”

“No.” You interrupted her. “It's alright, I didn't speak in code or anything and…I'm okay.”

You hated being vague but she couldn't know. No one could. Dewey and Gale were a nightmare enough to deal with.

Karla watched her kids before leaning closer to whisper, “YN…Are you sure you're okay? They…They didn't? They didn't force you or…” She trailed off her question with immense worry on her face.

You stared before quickly shaking your head, “Oh no! No, nothing like that um…I don't know why they gave me up other than, uh, fear of being caught?”

You swore the way she looked at you was skeptical but maybe that was just your paranoia?

She exhaled, averting her eyes as something was clearly on her overworked mind before she just forced it out. “I gotta know...What happened?”

Your chest ached and stomach turned at her question. You already knew she'd ask. You almost hated talking to her because of it.

“Karla, I…” You faltered. Could you completely lie to her?

“Please.” She grasped your hand. A pleading gaze thrown your way with tears in her red rimmed eyes. “It makes no sense for Randy to split up. He wouldn't leave you alone, he wouldn't be in a parking lot of cars in a dark field by himself, he shouldn't have even been at that party…Why? Please YN, why? Dewey won't tell me anything and Gale…She's saying crazy things. I deserve to fuckin’ know as his damn wife, do I not?!”

“Crazy?” You repeated with a tense look at her hand clasped over yours.

“Talkin’ all kinds of craziness like you…Ya know. Like you know the whole story and you're…” She trailed off swallowing as her gaze wavered. “Not tellin’ it all or something.”

You frowned. “Gale's wrong. Whatever she said is just her hounding for more fame the older she gets…I had nothing to do with anything. NOTHING. I would never.” You couldn't even finish getting too devastated and angry to speak. That Gale, that dumb bitch, might be telling Karla YOU ACTUALLY could've killed Randy. That you murdered your best friend...It made your blood boil; Made your heart monitor rise a little too.

“Shh, I know.” She affirmed in a hushed tone at hearing your beeping heart monitor rising. “I just…I'm frustrated that no one has answers.”

Truly she was the only friend you had left, and yet, you had to lie through your teeth to her.

She continued in a whisper, “I also know you were his friend and you were together before he died. Please. If you know anything…Something.”

You stared at her for a moment before sighing, “...We went to the party cause we heard a noise at your house and figured we should be trying to catch the killer rather than wait…We did split at the party…We had…An argument-” Tears tried burning your gaze as you blinked up at the ceiling.

Karla looked both equal parts sympathetic yet urgently curious. “About?”

Your frown deepened as you tried to not let your lower lip wobble.

“YN, please. Not a single thing about any of this makes any damn sense. Where are those guys? Why is Dewey avoiding everyone? Why did they take you? How were you and Jill attacked at the hospital?...Please, what did you and my husband argue over?” Her voice grew more firm. Unrelenting in her pursuit for the truth about why she was now a widow.

Your voice failed you especially as you saw her crying as well. She quickly wiped her tears and you did the same as the kids came back and Chad slid you a candy bar. “Here, so you feel better.” He told you in his tiny voice. His eyes, despite being Karla's color, were Randy's round observant eyes to a Tee.

"I picked it out!" Mindy chimed in.

"Did not!" Chad scoffed.

"Did too!"

Karla quieted their petty bickering as a wry chuckle bubbled on you at their carefree issues they focused on at 6.

You forced a smile. You didn't have the heart to tell them you were so sick that even hospital food tore your stomach up on these heavy antibiotics. Let alone a candy bar. No you'd just hold onto it. “Thank you. I just ate but I promise I'll eat it later and think of you two being so thoughtful!”

You kept that forced a smile and also forced your voice to be sweet. But on the inside; You felt…Like a stranger. You felt like an outsider. Everytime you looked at these kids it was painful. You knew Karla would not rest till she knew what you and Randy argued about and you couldn't tell her. You just couldn't tell Karla and it ate you up inside. She was going through it. Husband dead, two kids, a bank teller job she didn't make enough on to really afford anything now that she was a single income household.

Mindy and Chad yapped away while you looked at Karla who dabbed her eyes. She looked ready to go step into the hallway or bathroom to collect herself but she had more stress on her shoulders than you felt she deserved.

There was only one thing you could do. You were 32 with no kids and in the lifestyle you had; it would be selfish to bring any into this. You had your home, you had passive income from ‘Out of Darkness’...And who were you kidding? Who needed retirement if Ghostface would kill you? You'll be lucky to make it to 60...After all, Randy made it to 32 almost 33 and still didn't make it.

“...Mindy? Can you get in my purse?” You asked her as she paused to hear your request before obediently getting it with an eager ‘Yes!’.

In all the chaos; you forgot it. Hell, you wouldn't have had your phone had it not been in your pocket that night. “Careful, too heavy. Your Godmother has too much stuff in there... Thank you.” You joked as you helped her lift it over the bed with what little strength you had right now.

All three of them curiously watched you get in your checkbook and get out a pen.

Mindy and Chad watched while Karla looked perplexed before she mumbled, “What are you?...” Then dumbfounded as you wrote a check and handed it to her. “What is this-” Her voice trailed off and eyes widened to saucers as she saw the amount.

“A check. Pay for the funeral cost, live on it, I suggest moving the fu-”

Chad and Mindy gasped. Mindy pointed, “Aw, you swore!”

You couldn't help a snort like chuckle that hurt your stitched up stomach. “Ugh, sorry. Moving from Woodsboro.” All before seriously looking at Karla. “And if you stay then…Use it to get the best security system known to man.”

Karla was floored at the amount of 0's you wrote. “YN! There is no way I'm accepting this!”

“Karllaa,” You drew her name out in light scolding. “Take it. Put your pride aside and think of these two…You don't owe me anything. I'm the one that owes you.” You sighed at the last part.

She gave you an odd look, “Whaddya mean?”

“...Nothing. Survivors' guilt, I guess....”

She tried shoving the check back at you, “YN, you don't owe me for living! Randy would never accept this from you and neither am I!” She went to rip it.

“Karla!” You forced out firmly. “Use it for his funeral, use it for groceries, damn it, think of your kids! Just because Randy was stubborn doesn't mean you have to be.”

She faltered, her fingers on the check as she gazed down at the twins. Her eyes softened just looking at her children she and Randy brought into this world together. They stared up at her, their only source of comfort and protection now.

“Please…It's all I can give you. It's the only way I know how to make this right. I promise, that isn't going to break me. I have plenty to live off of.” You gave a tight smile while trying to reassure her.

This was the only thing you had. If you couldn't bring Randy back then you'd at least take care of his family. He's probably rolling in his grave cussing you out right now for this but all well. If you couldn't tell her the truth then this was the least you could do.

“YN…” Fresh tears of a different kind tried springing to her eyes. “I-I…I don't know what to say but…Thank you.”

For the first time in days, you felt a warmth spread through you as she hugged you. Leaning over to give a friendly hug to show how grateful she really was under her pride to not accept it at first. A small smile graced your lips as you soaked it in.

The kids watched and as you released her. You patted the bed offering them to sit on either side of you. Karla helped them as you looked between them. “I don't know how often I'll see you two after this.”

“But why?” Mindy urged.

“Yeah, why?” Chad begged even more. Eyes looking extremely sad and it tugged at your heart.

“Well…” You pondered what to say. “I just have a lot to think about. And you guys do too…And after all this I have to be very careful coming back to Woodsboro.”

Mindy frowned, “I heard people saying people die when you're here…”

“Mindy.” Karla scolded.

“No, no they do say that. I don't know if that's true or not but I can't risk it.” You sighed out ruefully.

Chad's eyes looked so scared, “So we'll never see you again?”

“Oh…Oh no, no. I'll try. Maybe when things settle down you can visit or I'll visit but…I need to go home and recover and figure things out.” You offered him a small smile.

He took this even harder than Mindy as he bribed you. “You can sleep at our house! You can have my bed!”

You gave a sad smile as you hugged him close and rubbed his back. Keeping one arm around Mindy as well.

You couldn't risk it. Not with Dewey, Gale, Jill…And besides that, even if Randy didn't mean it, he still told you to never see his family again. It felt like a direct spit on his grave if you came around every holiday or god forbid lived with them. It would also put them in danger of Jill or Billy and Stu or anyone else…Besides, the guilt would be astronomical and you knew if Karla knew the truth; she'd tell you the same thing Randy did if not worse.

“No, I need to go home. We'll figure this out somehow. Just know that I loved your Dad, I love your Mommy and I love both of you…We'll be together soon I just need time to think.”

It hurt. It hurt so goddamn bad. But they were in kindergarten. They'd move on, forget about you the more you space out visits and phone calls and soon you'd be like some distant family friend they forget for their own safety.

You just sat on that bed comforting them as Karla watched. Just soaking in this normal human warmth and contact. This motherhood you'd never get to experience. This family you'd never have of your own…Maybe if Mark would've lived; you'd have some kids of your own? Just imagining him as you remembered him. Some domestic normal fantasy of him smiling at you in the morning making pancakes with a daughter or son in the morning…But it faded to reality just as quickly. Of Ghostface storming in and Mark going for his gun and the kids screaming…That was reality. Domestic bliss was never for you. Fate had other plans.

At least you had the peace of mind that Randy's death wouldn't be in vain. He didn't have to work his ass off anymore and Karla didn't have to either for quite some time. They could rest. Something they needed after losing a husband and father.

———————————

Days went by. Jill was out of the hospital and already doing interviews on tv. You just turned the channel every time.

Everyday, Karla and the kids visited you and you were both grateful yet…Sad. It made things harder. And only one day went by of her not prying; you could tell it was eating at her. Why wouldn't it? Her best friend and husband she loved made her a widow over a secret argument that split you and him up while a killer was on the loose and you couldn't tell her what it was about. You prayed she didn't think it was an affair or something outrageous especially since you and Randy dated for a hot minute years ago.

You finally had to lie poorly and say it was stress over this killer and things got said that you shouldn't have that neither of you meant. Blaming each other in the heat of it all…Not a complete lie but a piss poor one that made you feel like shit for telling it. You swore one day you would just start hallucinating and see his ghost mocking you or something…

She bought it, comforting you that whatever he said, he didn't mean…But if only she knew. None of it made you feel any better.

And what made you feel worse, was besides the media trying to sneak in or Gale trying to act friendly like you were an idiot thinking she didn't have on a damn wire…But that Dewey didn't visit you. Not even once.

It went from heartache to bitter anger that he wasn't willing to talk. To hear you out without Gale present. To not ask his own questions…But then again, maybe you couldn't trust him anymore anyways?

You even played with Sidney's locket you had in your suitcase Karla brought and suddenly it felt empty too. Somehow in your mind, you had clung onto hope that her and Tatum would forgive you and understand the position you had been forced into for years but with Randy and Dewey's reactions…You weren't sure now. You weren't sure this locket that now felt like any other teen short lived friendship instead of a beacon of hope wasn't just…A thing. Just a thing that the person that died had gave to you and that the person wouldn't hate your guts or act like you don't exist if she was still around.

You sighed, hanging your head with the locket in your grasp…

You knew on that video that piece of shit Charlie had; was a recording of Randy begging for his life and not only for his kids and wife's lives but yours as well. It hurt so much worse than if he would've hated you to the very end. And yet, you couldn't be sure. Would he try to forgive you somehow? Rally against you and say fuck Dewey and Gale?... Or would his reaction be like Gale and Dewey? Agree with them even?

And yet, something in you screamed he may have been angry but eventually would have attempted to be a Mark and help you catch Billy and Stu and get therapy or something. At least you hoped. Another part of you said with his family now; he would've told you to stay away. Dewey couldn't look past his grief of Tatum and the betrayal of you lying. Gale was just an enemy in disguise from day one. The one friend who could possibly have forgiven your sins was dead and his wife and kids were reminders.

You got off your hospital bed and now dressed in comfortable clothes…It was time to leave. Well, actually it wasn't but it had been a week in here and you were ready the second they switched to oral antibiotics. You were both scared yet relieved. Tired of expecting cops to bust in your hospital room to book you or Jill to finish off as a loose end. You swore she tried but to your relief, it seemed despite his reluctance to see you; Dewey and now Judy were not taking chances after last time. Your room was monitored round the clock.

Sooner you leave to go to your secure home in the woods away from everyone, the better…Even if it is lonely.

“Do you need a car called for you?” The receptionist asked.

“No, I'm just going to the nearest bus station. Thank you.” You mumbled. Not sure who to trust.

So here you were, recovering but healed mostly, and lugging a suitcase on wheels behind you on the sidewalk. Thankfully, even if some recognized you, they were too hung up on Jill as you tried to avoid everyone. Frowning deeply at the bookstore you passed with a permanent closed sign. Passing all the changed buildings from when you had lived here in '96…You'd give anything to go back to being that 17 year old YN in the 90's.

You walked until you almost got on the outskirts of town, then settled. Getting out your phone…Karla knew where you lived…Maybe just this one time? Maybe have dinner and-

You looked up feeling watched. And you instantly scowled…That little bitch.

You just knew it was her. You tsked and hauled your suitcase up the best you could; subtly getting your knife that had been in your purse transferred to the inside of your boot lining. You stooped down to ‘pick up’ something and shoved the knife inside your jacket's sleeve.

As you got near the cemetery at the edge of town, you felt a presence as if someone was right behind you and whipped around.

“You wanna finish it? Do it!” You snapped. Tense and ready to fight that stupid cunt once again, and this time, you'd risk prison if it meant she was dead after everything she did.

“Oh, I wanna finish alright. But if I do it, you'll yell at me.”

You blinked at the voice before seeing Stu near a tree in garb he'd normally not wear to disguise himself.

“...Stu?” You gasped out and he shhed you harshly.

“Babe. We have been over this for 15 years. Stop name dropping in public.”

You looked around and got closer to whisper to him. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Checking on you. It's been a week. Too risky to call you.” He nonchalantly gave. “Ready to leave?”

“Um…Yeah but?-”

He grinned, “C'mon. Asshole is nearby. We'll take you home. I got on better meds at a hospital for a few days and we're both fine just waiting on you, Sweetcheeks.”

You eyed him skeptically.

He rolled his eyes, “Hey, that hurts. And after our moment? Tsk.”

“...No thank you.” And kept lugging your suitcase.

“No??” He looked dumbfounded and folded his arms. “So you're gonna huff it on foot clear back to your cabin an hour away, huh?”

“I'll figure something out. Just stay away from me.”

“Ouch.” I scoffed.

“I'm serious!” You hissed out picking up speed. “If Jill or Dewey or Gale or Judy sees you with me, you idiot, we're both fucked. Go!” You grumbled as you nervously looked around.

He sighed heavily. “Fine. Have it your way.” And to your immense relief he walked away. You let out a sigh of relief and kept walking away. You'd get Karla or a car to the nearest town or rent one or something.

You huffed to yourself trying to drag your suitcase too heavy to constantly carry across the sidewalk. You knew this was being stubborn but after so many have attacked you…How were you going to just be like ‘Oh yes! I am a suspect that was dropped from multiple cases and yes the internet thinks I did it and yep of course you random person can have directions to my secret location where I live!’

What fucking choices did you have?

You panted and took a break. Your infection is mostly gone but you were still weak, woozy and short of breath. You looked up seeing the street you were near and decided to take it.

Damn…What a blast from the past. Your mind tried remembering the houses and shrubs from late September to Early October 1996. Teens walking everywhere talking with backpacks. 90's fashion and older more reliable vehicles on the roads. You passed the streets that were familiar yet foreign now. And finally you got to an area where Billy had jumped out at you as a teen. The bushes there were gone now…You got to your old house and not a single bit of it was the same at all yet you recognized it. It was your home for only a little over a year but you still remembered walking through the front door, saying hi to your cat, getting on your house phone to talk to Sidney or Tatum, going upstairs to listen to cassettes and do homework…Damn…God what you wouldn't give for a time machine. And you asked yourself as you stared…Would you have let Gale kill Billy? Would you have let Sidney kill Stu or kill him yourself? A decade ago; fuck yes you would even with Stu visiting you. After their help this time…You weren't sure.

You saw people staring in their yards and forced yourself to keep walking. If they didn't know you from the massacre of '96 and Stab; they'd probably think you were a burglar staking out a place or a drifter or something. Your stitches still hurt but they were manageable. You still felt sick but it was like a mild belly ache and fatigue.

You should've never come back. Period. You should've never convinced Billy and Stu to return. You and Randy should've fled town that night instead of going to that party; let Kirby and Jill and all those teens that died anyways figure it out. Why the fuck did you always have to be the hero just to get tossed aside after? Like some service dog forced back outside once its job is done…You felt so defeated. What good did you do this time? Jill got away with it, Randy's dead, you have to lie to his family, Dewey can't stand to look at you, Gale is just a bitch as usual but you put your pride aside to give her the benefit of the doubt and look...And now, all you had was Billy and Stu. Unbelievable.

You got on the outskirts of town near the ‘Leaving Woodsboro Sign’ same as the one on the highway the opposite way and…Your handle on your suitcase broke with everything tumbling out as the zipper busted.

“Fuuucckkk…No, please no-” You groaned pitifully and you tried getting on your knees to put everything back. Hissing in pain at all your injuries and as you tried putting it back and it didn't fit and…And…

You just collapsed on the ground on your rear and couldn't hold back tears. What the fuck did you do to deserve this life? WHAT!? Just the wrong friend group as a teen? Being nice to two guys that didn't deserve that kindness? A stupid teen crush or two that went horribly wrong? Trying to do the right thing-

You quietly sobbed in your hands, shoulders heaving each tiny cry. You didn't care who saw. You didn't even care if Jill came up behind you and finished the job. Hell, Stu and Billy might. Even if you and Stu kissed; he had a fucked up logic and way about him. He'll even admit it.

Instead, you just sat there. Done crying after a few moments with your face in your arms propped on your knees, knees to your chest. Just shutting the world out. About to suck up your pride and shove caution to the wind and call Karla that; yes you passed her house on purpose but you couldn't do this alone...

You didn't know how long you sat there till you heard brakes squeaking, creeping to a halt in front of you. You sighed heavily and looked up seeing Billy and the van.

“You getting in or what? We don't have all day.” His even toned voice rang out.

You narrowed your eyes and looked away. “I'm fine.”

“Really? Cause you look like you're two seconds away from a mental breakdown.” He mumbled.

“I'll…I'll get Karla.” You gave quietly.

“Yeah, you could… And let her pester you the whole way on what you know about Meek Geeks Death or risk her life or something with that bitch on the loose…Get the fuck in here before someone sees, idiot.”

You stubbornly hesitated. But damn it, he was right. An hour ride with Karla would be filled with awkward guilt and ‘the talk’ of Randy because no matter how much you rehearsed it; she was upset and guilt ridden and just going over it like clockwork. You understood even if it was bad for you to keep explaining half truths and lies. You knew it. If the kids were there, it may buffer but…

Billy added, “You know we gotta talk anyways about all this. You owe us that.”

You glared. There it was. This ‘owing’ thing they constantly claimed. They act nice and there it was…But, what choices were there?

“...Fine.” You grumbled like you were 18 again and hauled your suitcase the best you could as Stu opened the sliding van door. You got in and closed your eyes leaning back in the seat. “Please…Just take me home. Same cabin as before.”

———————————

The whole ride was awkward silence but more comfortable than what it would've been with Karla's rehearsal of what happened to Randy.

Stu tried to make conversation every so often but you tiredly ignored them. Talking only to stop and order at a drive thru. You swore, Stu was bionic or on some DAMN good pain relievers as injured as he had been and he still leaned over Billy's driver seat saying, “Hey yo, gimme a number 5-”

You couldn't help it. You stifled a rueful smile at the enraged look on Billy's  mug at Stu just laying over him and his ass almost in his face. Billy raised his fist to hit it and Stu told him mid order, “Smacking a guy's ass is gay, man.”

Billy sneered at him and jerked him back to his seat by his shirt instead. Stu made some snide remark about pulling off clothes; Purposely moaning to make it gay just to embarrass his former partner in crime. You looked away rolling your lips to not smile. Yeah, you were wallowing but it felt like a necessary guarding of your mental health right now.

You ate your simple order, took your pills for the day, made small talk about how they treated you in the hospital when finally Billy just blurted out the elephant in the room.

“...What did Jill tell you?”

You sighed and told him as you all drove, “She was waiting on me when I woke up. Whispered to me what to say. We both described you as having dark hair, blue eyes and a hooked nose and Stu as reddish hair, tooth gap, dragon tattoo on the right shoulder.”

“Aw man.” Stu scoffed. “Now what if I wanted a dragon tattoo there?”

“Too bad.” You shrugged.

“Hmph.” He huffed, “You couldn't make me Asian and 5’8 or something?”

Billy rolled his eyes, “They saw us on Camera, douchenozzle.”

“Exactly. We had to make you guys close but not quite. Just enough to give you both time…We're lucky as fuck Jill was cornered somehow and was willing to cooperate.” You wanted to yell at them for making a risky choice for you that could've got you arrested or killed but held back.

“She try anything?” Stu asked suddenly with a more serious tone.

“Oooh sure.” You smirked wryly. “Unlucky for her, I was awake at night and Dewey had cops outside my door at all times.”

“Yeah, probably to make sure you didn't flee.” Billy mumbled.

You faltered and grew silent. A part of you really hoped it was protection...But...

“...Yeah…Yeah probably.” You quietly agreed. “Can we make a stop? I gotta pick up something.”

—————————————

It was the longest talk of your life you had to cut short with your family but their house was on the way to yours anyhow. They grilled you for not letting them know you were in the hospital or answering your phone right away once you were safe. You just used their safety as a half truth. You lied and said Billy was a friend taking you back and cut off questioning before they really dug in. Hugs, condolences on Randy, fear, them believing Jill's lies, anger at you, sadness but relief. You promised you loved them and you'd talk to them more. It was the type of love you give to family just because they're family but at this point any contact was better than absolutely zero options. And love was love even if it wasn't chosen.

And they did watch Cherri as your elderly Golden Retriever sat in the backseat while Stu tried loving on her, “Hheeyyyy, old lady, how's my favorite girl?...Hey…Cherri!…Hey, dog-” He snapped his fingers and she huffed and rolled over to ignore him. “Well fine, guess I'll see you from your 15th nap today, you old bitty.” He playfully grumbled in disappointment only remembering her at about 3 or 4 years old not 13 with cataracts and lighter aged fur. You smiled and petted her as she snored. Thank God for her.

“Think cops could be here?” Billy asked as he drove up the hill to your house way off the beaten path.

You shook your head and replied, “No. If they were gonna arrest me, they would've done it in Woodsboro or on the way here…Place might be staked out though. Like, Media in the woods.”

“Maybe I should take off my pants near the woods and give them a show?” Stu gave a sly smirk and you rolled your lips to not grin.

“They see plenty of twigs and berries out there.” Billy mumbled. “I think they'll ignore it.”

“Hey-” Stu scoffed, “Fuck you, man. I have a log down here, alright? They'd probably be overwhelmed by the sheer size of my manhood.”

“Manhood? The Hell is this? Some Erotic novel on your mom's bookshelf?” Billy huffed mockingly with a bewildered expression.

You shook your head in amusement as he drove up the mountainside to your secluded residency. A few neighbors but far and few in-between. Was it lonely? Yeah. But it was also peaceful. You learned a long time ago you'd rather be alone than be surrounded by people that make you feel alone.

“So…” Billy pulled up to your cabin. There was a weird silence among you. The curves, dense forest, your unchanged cabin are the only comforting sights these last few days. “...That's it?”

You nodded solemnly, taking a breath to reply. “Yeah…Yeah, it is.” You shakily sighed, “She won.”

“...YN, that's bullshit.” Billy uncomfortably mumbled.

“No, she did. She fucking won and that's that.” You scoffed with a humorless laugh. “She took everything from me. My best friend, my freedom, my life, my career, my sanity. How can any of it be the same now? No more Randy…Can't even see his kids without immense guilt.” You sniffed trying to keep yourself neutral as you looked down while talking. “Always gonna be looking over my shoulder, always scared I'll get a knock on my door from FBI or a news article of me being a suspect, can never go to Woodsboro or see Randy's family again even if I wanted to…My Grandma is buried there for fucksake and I can't even visit her grave. Not really.”

Stu frowned in the front seat and Billy looked at you with his mirror.

“I know I know. Preaching to the choir with your lives but you made a choice and…Oh fuck. So did I. Unlike you two, I just thought it was the right choice. It wasn't, obviously.” You wryly huffed with a smirk and wrung your shirts hem as you kept going, “The one person, Dewey...Okay, the one person who should have my back?…Told me to not come back and won't even talk to me. I understand why but…I did all this for him and Randy. If they weren't a thing? I would've left Woodsboro the second a murder was announced. And look-” You shrugged with a heavy sigh. “I fought for them and it kicked me in the ass, tossed me on the ground and spit on my face while I'm down there too. Jill destroyed everyone's lives, made everyone else comply, got treated like the victim, is gonna be set for life and the people that should believe me; don't…She won.” You quietly ended your rant with a shaky tone.

“Man, screw that and screw her.” Stu grumbled. “We'll get her.”

“You can't.” You firmly told him dabbing your eyes to not accidentally cry in front of them. “She's gonna be heavily guarded and prepared. Especially from you two…She won.”

“She didn't.” Stu firmly gave with a glare. “Okay, I refuse to be outsmarted by a teenage bitch like her!”

“Why? You guys were once-”

“Har Har, YN. Because we were teens…” Stu made a face and waved it off. “We're grown men now. Advanced. Okay, we have years under our belt compared to that prissy ass thing…We'll get her. She'll slip up and BAM-!” He smacked his hands then grimaced at his injuries.

Billy rolled his eyes, “Yeah well, count me out of it.”

“Seriously? Pussy.” Stu scoffed.

“Look, dickhead.” He growled out with his own glare at Stu. “For the first time in a long time; we may be off the hook. I'm not going to prison or death row because some little twat wanted to put on the mask. I'd LOVE to kill her and that entire fucking bloodline…But it's over.”

You stayed silent as they bickered before Stu huffed and fell back in his seat muttering cowardly diverted insults. You frowned and went to lug your suitcase out and despite your best efforts a bit of pain hit you where Jill cut you and your stuff fell all over the yard. You smacked your hands against your thighs and didn't see Stu giving Billy a look and Billy rolling his eyes as they both got out to help. Cherri groaned, getting her old joints moving and wagging her tail at being home.

Stu and Billy helped and you reluctantly mumbled, “Thanks…Can you?-” You gestured to the suitcase as you lightened it by holding some of your stuff.

“Yeah of course.“ Stu had replied carrying the mostly empty busted suitcase eagerly to your house.

You looked back at Billy, “You might as well come in.”

“Oh…” He had his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “I don't think that's exactly great. Uh…Considering everything.”

“Well, can you at least bring my purse in?”

Billy rolled his eyes, “What am I, you're damn Butler?” He grumbled under his breath still walking like an old man with being cut horizontally over his abdomen and shot in his leg.

Cherri just moseyed around the yard with its fence as you all went inside.

“Jesus YN, do you ever want a change of scenery??” Billy mocked as everything was the exact same as it was in 2001.

You shrugged, “Hey, I've been busy the last few years. And no. I like my quaint home.”

Stu mumbled as he gingerly sat down the suitcase with a groan, “Who are you to talk? You had 80's paneling and shag carpeting in your trailer.”

“Oh fuck off.” Billy tossed your purse and started going to the door. “It housed your ass just fine-”

They both bickered as usual as you sat everything down and your heart sank seeing Sidney's locket but more so seeing your answering machine…You hesitantly clicked it and closed your eyes. Swallowing hard as Randy's voice played. “Hey YN, um I can't get ahold of your cell so maybe you're book signing or-”

You almost zoned out hearing his voice. Your eyes burned and watered and your lips trembled. Frowning to force yourself not to cry.

…Stu and Billy heard it and faltered their petty bickering back and forth. Billy steeled a neutral stare at your back while Stu looked a mix curious and concerned as your shoulders tensed and you looked down at Sidney's locket sitting on a pile of clothes. They both knew it was her's. “...That fucking cunt.” You gave low in your throat. They both looked surprised when you tossed it aside. “FUCK her!”

They looked confused thinking you meant Sidney until you ranted, “Jill Roberts. That bitch…That fucking-” Your hands were tight fist at your sides.

Stu looked more than understanding. Mildly glaring while Billy looked away.

You sucked in air and then finally said it, “...You're right, Stu. She's not getting away with this.” You shook your head and angrily started unpacking your things. “She isn't getting away with killing my friend and ruining my life! What life I had!” Jerking Sidney's locket from where it landed. It wasn't just a necklace yet it also didn't hold the weight it once did upon you.

Stu smirked, “Hell yeah.” He softly agreed at your declaration.

“Tsk. Yeah well-” Billy went to leave. “Good luck with that.”

“Wait.”

Billy stopped and raised a brow. Curiosity got the better of him as you swallowed and tried to find the words. Your pride and past regret and hurt and anger warring with each other. But right now, justified rage and contempt for the latest Ghostface won out.

“...I need you. I need both of you.” You forced out.

“Yeah yeah, we're your body guards or killers depending-”

“No!” You cut Billy's cynicism off. “No, I need you and you need me. We all 3 need each other. Now more than ever.”

Stu's eyes widened. “...What are you saying?”

You sucked in a breath. After all this? Priorities changed. Now that you weren't in Woodsboro or under threat. Now that it was settling in. Now that you heard Randy's voice knowing it was the last…Suddenly, Tatum and Sidney felt like distant memories. Suddenly, past wounds felt temporarily sealed with a good metaphorical bandaid. Now all the sudden, you had no one but them and the pros outweigh the cons.

“I am saying…” You paused a beat to ponder your next statement as bitter tears had ran down your cheeks, “That Jill doing this has us completely looped together now. Think about it. We gave vague descriptions but they could still match up. They could find your fingerprints at the crime scene. Your blood. Your hair or clothing fibers. I bought you both time; not safety. And me? I'll never be safe. Jill is coming for me one day; she made that pretty fucking clear.”

“So?” Billy shrugged and tried looking aloof but you knew better. Could see it in the way he didn't look at you. “We'll go into hiding and deal with it when the time comes. Like we always have.”

“Yeah…” You shook your head. “But I don't want to. I almost died. Once from being gutted and again from sepsis. I laid on that kitchen floor in my own blood holding onto you thinking that was it.”

Stu frowned but said nothing and Billy glared at the floor.

You continued, “Why? Why are we living far away in hiding and trying to get ahold of each other halfway through the murders when it's pretty much too late? These fucking Ghostface are not going to stop.”

Billy huffed and smirked wryly, “Cause of us right?-”

“We're past that.” You sternly cut him off. A fire in you that you hadn't had in a long time.

He looked with widened eyes at you. It was no secret you usually blamed them and yes, they did horrible things and started all of this. But right now? Jill took the whole damn cake.

“Jill made an enemy of all of us. She heavily injured us, got your faces on camera, got your DNA at the crime scene, may know your van now, made me as much of an outlaw as you two as far as ever even attempting to relax or have normalcy!…" You ranted with pure emotion. "And she ruined my friendship and killed the other. Fuck that bitch. She's gonna pay.”

Adrenaline pumping just thinking about what you wanted to do to her. Thinking back to the last Ghostface that tried you after tragedy. How you stabbed that wannabe star so many times it shocked everyone; even you.

“God you're even hotter now.” Stu mumbled in awe. Zero filter.

Billy rolled his eyes and pinched his nose bridge. “So what? You want us to be…What!? Fucking cool with each other or something-”

“I want that bitch dead, Billy.”

Billy's eyes widened a fraction more and his mouth parted while Stu grinned in wide eyed excitement.

You continued and held your stare, “She'll fuck up. One day, she is going to fuck up. Majorly. She'll get paranoid that we're after her or she'll get paranoid I'll talk. Or maybe she'll just get bored and crave that itch again because NO ONE kills their entire friend group and first boyfriend and their own mother just for ambition. She loves the hunt, she loves the kill, she'll get cocky…And when she does? I want to hang her and have her bleeding out of a fucking tree.”

“Fuucckk, I'm so hard right now.” Stu groaned loud enough to interrupt your train of thought.

You blinked, your anger momentarily halted by…Whatever that interruption was as Stu grinned like a kid in a candy store at you. He came towards you, “Sweetcheeks…Baby…You might as well be proposing to me. I am down. So, so down. I say we hunt her and-”

You put up a hand, “No." You halted his train of thought. "Not right now, anyways. Too much publicity.” You looked at him then Billy. “What I am saying is…We all need to stay in contact. We need to stick together even just texting…We just can't separate and let her one day pick us off. It's not enough to keep our promise to get any Ghostface's after Neil and Roman. She's got too good of a handle on this and we are fucking prey. You two are prey now just as much as Neil made all 3 of us sitting ducks back then. Only this time, there is no definitive answer.”

Stu grinned even wider, “You mean…Like, calling? Texting? Hanging out?”

You faltered…Was that what you were saying? Not exactly but…In a way…

“Okay, this has been a real fun time.” Billy waved you both off. “And by fun I mean pain in the ass. But if you two think I'm being chummy? You're both nuts! I have tried to kill you both plenty of times and after Stu punched me and you have been avoiding my kill list for years; I want to stab your faces more.” He mockingly smirked. “So fuck you both. Don't call me unless a new threat happens DIRECTLY to me-” He grunted and fell on his ass as a wet Golden Retriever barreled him over in the doorway. Rain pouring outside and just getting so much so that it was a white out.

He groaned in pain at his injuries as he fell and Cherri to add insult to injury shook off water on him, “You stupid mutt-” He grumbled going to shove her away as she left; old and oblivious to him.

Stu just stood there snickering while you went to help him up. He didn't accept your hand at first but had to when he hissed in pain through his teeth.

“Sorry. She's very demanding in her older years.” You sheepishly gave.

“Rain. What is it with rain whenever I'm near you??” He grumbled clutching his still bandaged stomach.

You shrugged, “It's almost winter. And we're elevated land. We get a lot of rain.”

“Maybe God cries every time he sees your face?” Stu mumbled in mock innocence.

Billy whipped his head to glare and you gave Stu a look but thankfully he groaned and led Cherri to the bathroom to towel dry her. Everything the same as the last time he was here. Well, mostly.

“...You might as well stay. You can't drive in this.” You offered softly.

He sided eyed you, “What is wrong with you? Why are you being nice, huh? I killed your friends, your Highschool Sweetheart, I tried to kill you multiple times and still plan to.”

Why indeed. Were you suicidal still? Maybe. Were you desperate? For sure. Were you lonely?...Regrettably, yes.

You breathed through your nose as you pondered, “...The enemy of my enemy is my ally. Or however that goes. You have no one-” He huffed in offense but you cut him off before he argued and repeated. “I have no one. Stu, well I actually don't know what the Hell Stu has. But all 3 of us are wanted or could be and our lives lie in the hands of a psychotic narcissistic teenager.”

“...Hmph.” He huffed and looked out the open door at the rain pouring off your enclosed porch.

“Huh. Maybe life does work out? Wanted you to stay a while.” You mused.

“Don't start getting philosophical with me, you freak.” Billy grumbled with no real heat in his words.

“...This might fill up my pond.”

He raised a brow. “You have a pond? Where?”

A sly smile crept upon your face as you gestured him to follow you. He looked puzzled but shut the front door and walked with you to the back of the house. You opened the secured back door to show him…True to your word; a man sized open grave like hole right there in the yard.

“It's half filled with water now. Might be kinda gross to bury you in it if you act up.”

You expected anger, mockery, defensiveness…Instead, Billy gave a low rumbling chuckle that eased to a soft laugh. “Yeah right. Keep dreaming, bitch. I'd use it for your body instead but I like to display my corpses.”

He walked away and you smirked slightly. A hint of camaraderie between you both that seemed inevitable considering the circumstances. You shut and locked up the backdoor to see Billy groan and reluctantly take the recliner while it rained.

Stu came out, “Umm…That is my chair. It was my claim a decade ago.”

Billy shrugged, took the remote. “Oh was it? Awww…”

He reluctantly grumbled and took the couch. Trying to get Cherri to sit with him when she kept staring at Billy. Billy huffed out, “YN, what does your ugly ass dog want?”

You couldn't help but chuckle at a rumbling groan of displeasure from your dog as she stared at Billy.

“You're both wrong. YOU are in her seat.” You called as you made coffee.

“Too bad, mutt.” He replied and faltered at her resting her face on the arm and looking sad.

Stu awwed, “Awww...Give her the chair, asshole! She's probably got minutes to live. She's like a corpse now.”

“No, I am not!” He smacked the arm in frustration and she took it as an invitation to just crawl up and make herself at home. “Ack! Fuck, watch the stitches you damn-” He growled out with a grimace as her big body laid on him.

Stu huffed, “You don't want his smelly lap! C'mon. C'mon girl-” He whistled and she just tried sleeping on Billy. “Traitor.”

Billy sighed with a glare. “You can have her; as soon as this rain lets up I'm out of here. You coming with me or what?”

“Undecided.” He gave a sly smirk as he eyed you up and down. Indulging in his new appreciation rekindled as you moved around the kitchen.

You came back with coffee for each of them. You knew you were being too nice and hospitable to literal killers but…What else was there? It was obvious even if things weren't ‘good’, they were not the enemy now. Or at least, not the immediate threat they once were.

You sighed, “Listen, I don't care how long you stay. We need to discuss how we're going to handle Jill. When? How? What signs?” You mumbled as you sat in the other chair.

Stu grimaced, “Ugh, babe. You know I take sugar in my coffee.”

“Now, how would I know that?” You deadpanned and gestured to the kitchen. “Cabinet on the right.” As he got up slowly with his injuries and hobbled to the kitchen. None of you were in any shape to fight or kill each other; let alone Ghostface's.

You and Billy talked amongst yourselves as Stu rummaged. He was sneaking, he just couldn't let you know. Curious about guys in your life, your personal life, all while ‘trying to find the spoons’. He was a controlling, possessive, demanding guy and if he had to kill competition then he would.

Then…He found a knick knack sort of catch all drawer…

He went to shut it but something caught his gaze. His blue eyes sparkled in wonder, softening at what he saw.

A necklace he had worn all the time. He lost it back in the day while visiting here. You most likely found under or behind something…And the note he wrote you with his number was A

all wrinkled and worn but still there.

You didn't forget him. A rare warmth bloomed in his chest at that. That maybe, just maybe, he really wasn't a last resort...

He chuckled a bit and with a coy rare little smile, gently put the note back where it came from. Acting like he saw nothing as he stirred sugar in his coffee.

This was…Going to be an interesting turn of events.

————————————

One Year Later…

“Hey! It's Jill Roberts!” Some guy called out and ran up to her, “Holy shit, can I like get a selfie or?-”

“Yeah, of course.” Jill forced the smile and that sweet act for the public her first day at Uni. She did a kissy face as he snapped a picture of them and rambled to her; asking for her socials and she declined.

It wasn't anything for guys to ask if she had been sexually assaulted or if being stabbed turned her on. She was attractive in a world of dehumanizing horny teen boys. She also got plenty of jealousy from girls. She just ignored it mostly.

She hated going to University but she was pressured in Interviews and she couldn't say ‘Take the money you idiots give me and spend it on a birkin.’ No, she had to say ‘I want to go to University and study something to help others!’ She settled on Medical for now. She just kept telling herself she could drop out in a year or two once the hype died down then work on a book deal…Hmm…Maybe if it gets too stale; another Ghostface killing spree she ‘narrowly’ escape could boost her relevance again?

On her laptop, all she did was scroll past a few nosey people saying she did it and on her phone she got prank calls constantly but she had to answer to make sure it wasn't an important person wanting her.  Despite it all, she smirked as she walked. They were talking about a documentary about her. Best of all? YN has gone MIA. No one has seen or heard from her...Good.

She walked and paused hearing someone calling for her. “I'm not into autographs or sharing details. Sorry.”

“Jill, it's me.”

…She froze hearing the familiar female voice. Of all the people…She heard news Kirby lived about a month after everything but Jill distanced herself on purpose. She turned around with a fake smile, “Hheeyy!”

Kirby smiled and they both awkwardly hugged. Kirby had a longer pixie cut, “Um how are you? I called you and you never really got back with me a few months ago.” She lowered her voice, “Jill you're my best friend and we almost died, I mean…Shouldn't we stay in contact?”

That Dipshit Charlie... He couldn't do one job.

Jill forced a smile while her eyes looked nervous, “Yeah I'm reaaalllyy sorry about that. Life has been…”

“Yeah.” Kirby agreed and nodded. “What major? I'm going into Criminal Justice with a few Sciences under my belt. Maybe some Sociology.”

Jill gave a tight lipped look, “Uh Medical. Nursing.” She vaguely gave.

“Really? Wow, man. I just…Never considered you into that, I mean, you were always as obsessed with horror as me and after what happened...”

“I need stability.” Jill saved with a sharp tone but forced herself to soften it. “You know, after everything.”

“No, I get that. I might epically fail Crime stopping anyways.” She gave a self deprecated joke as they both forced a chuckle. “Actually…I really wanna talk with you. You know about everything.”

Fuck.

“Yeahh.” Jill forced out with a too big of a smile, “Yeah, absolutely. We'll just fit our schedule.”

“Cool. The stab wound is healed ya know, if you're wondering.” Kirby mused almost passive aggressively at Jill not even asking.

She had to get her shit together. She couldn't let a year of planning and careful narratives be washed away- “Sorry, sorry. I suck.”

“Yeah you do.” Kirby smirked. “Coffee?”

“Uh, not right now. Sorry. Just trying to settle in.” Jill grimaced slightly as Kirby grabbed her phone.

“Welp, you leave me no choice. Here's my number. Call me or I'll hunt your ass down and call you.” She chuckled before handing the phone back. “I'm glad you're alright, Jill.”

“Yeah. You…Too.”

Jill watched Kirby leave and her smile dropped. No, Kirby didn't see the kitchen. She got stabbed outside by Charlie but…If she brought up that viral dark web video most sites took down every few weeks just for someone to inevitably upload it again of Olivia's murder…

Her only hope was to say Charlie had to have planted it in her room and admit to any affair and…DAMN IT!

Her hand tightened on her bag. This stupid paranoia never went away. It was all YN's fucking fault. That and those two. And Gale…She might hate Gale most of all, the ex journalist still snooping.

She had a paper thrown at her while walking and she scoffed, “Okay, asshole. Who threw that?” She announced but everyone kept walking, spared a glance but ignored.

She grumbled and picked it up. The note reading, ‘I know what you did-’

She tore it up, not even reading the rest. “Real fucking original.” She grumbled as she tore it up and tossed it like confetti…Not even knowing who sent it…Who threw it…

Or the person watching her from across the Courtyard.

[lovedeluxelove]

more camboy jayvik because honestly what else would i be doing? (first part here!)

---

“Hello,” A delicate seeming hand was held out in front of him, though Jayce knew better than to underestimate it’s strength. His mind flashed with a memory of those hands around a neck and held down a shiver. He followed the hand up to it’s owner’s face, his expression soft and welcoming. “You are Talis, correct?”

Jayce took his hand, brain still stuttering to life at the fact that he was finally, actually in front of the man he had been thinking about all week. “Yeah, you’re, uh, Herald, right?” He asked, proud that it actually managed to sound casual. 

“Viktor is fine.” The man spoke as he delivered a rather firm handshake.

“Viktor…” Jayce repeated, savoring the feel of it on his tongue. Viktor raised a brow and Jayce realized he had been just cradling Viktor’s hand in his still. “Um, you can call me Jayce.” He replied as he let go, hand already feeling far too cold in it’s absence. 

Viktor took a seat in front of him, leaning his cane to rest against the edge of the table. For the first moment since Viktor walked into the cafe they agreed to meet up in, Jayce remembered his surroundings and leaned back in his chair, trying not to seem so drawn to the man in front of him. He was so used to Viktor wearing next to nothing, mostly some leather, latex, or lacy accessories, but here the man was, in a faded t-shirt for a band Jayce didn’t recognize and loose fitted pants that sat low on his hips. 

“I’m sure your fans, ah, threw you for a loop, recommending me,” Viktor smiled wryly at Jayce. “I do apologize for their fervor.”

“Nothing to apologize for,” Jayce reassured, genuinely meaning it. “I asked and they answered.”

Viktor laughed, a small huff of a sound, and Jayce made a mental note to try and make him make that sound as much as possible. “That may be true, but from what I’ve seen we are polar opposites in terms of content. I’m sure you’re not very familiar with my sphere of work, no?”

Jayce had gotten very familiar in the week after that day they agreed to meet up, actually. So familiar, in fact, he had blown through the entirety of the free content available and, after one very desperate night where he made very questionable choices, had made a burner account to buy the highest tier of membership possible for Viktor’s page. He had spent every free moment watching Viktor’s content, studying the way his body moved, memorizing the way his voice sounded, fantasizing over what magic they were gonna make together. He’d be more ashamed if his brain wasn’t so preoccupied with trying to function with all his blood below his belt.

“Not really, no.” Jayce lied.

Viktor let out a chuckle then, a warm sound, and responded, “You are in for a rude awakening.” He spoke, almost smugly and Jayce’s hands tightened where they had settled on the cafe chair’s armrests. Viktor’s voice took on a deprecating tone as he continued, saying, “Honestly, though, I know I’m probably not, eh, the most exciting choice. You’d probably be with someone more... conventional. If you’d rather–”

“Viktor,” Jayce spoke, cutting him off. “There is no one I’d rather be working with. Honestly, I wish my chat told me about you sooner.” He finished, more honesty dripping out than intended.

Viktor blinked, eyes widening in surprise, and—oh, they really are golden, Jayce thought to himself, leaning in closer. Viktor’s eyes weren’t always in frame in his videos, but the few times they were, they practically burned in Jayce’s brain. He’d always thought the gold gleam was some sort of editing. He saw an unreadable emotion swirl around in those captivating eyes before settling on an amused sort of disbelief. “Alright. We can discuss this further somewhere private of course, but do remember that I gave you the option to escape when you wish to run and hide later.” He teased and Jayce tried to will the flush from his face, failing miserably.

“Trust me. I won’t be running.”

[nipotazzi]

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. - Chapter 1

"C’mon, Lusk! It's just a little jump!”

“We’ll be here to grab you in case something goes wrong, sweetie!”

The little child looked all the way up there: his mothers were just ahead, he only needed to make a smooth super jump to reach them. He tries to calculate the distance and necessary strength for it, but for some reason, the results are utterly inconclusive.

“No silly math! You just have to do it!”

Silly? Math isn't silly. Still, maybe momma Pearl was right: he just had to try it, if he wanted to succeed.

Lusk takes a deep breath, one of the first behavioral lessons given him by the creator to ease himself to calm… and begins to run, faster and faster with each consecutive step! 

Halfway through, he quickly changes into his very small swim form, then charges the tentacles like a spring… and jumps!

He makes sure to not use his floating abilities in this form to cheat, and while taking this precaution Lusk realizes that he's already far, far high in the air: He's so much faster than gravity! He can do it! He can reach them!! 

He's… slowing down.

He can't do it.

That shouldn’t have happened. It wouldn’t have happened if…

No. Take a deep breath.

Smollusk knows that they will just say something along the lines of “better than nothing at all,” and that he’ll “get better at it in no time, you just need to try it more.” 

Disheartened, but resigned to such a result, like always, he begins to float towards them in order to avoid the fall.

But something tugs his tentacles.

He looks down, and sees a chain, as long as his sight can go, attached to his body. 

Lusk immediately tries to slip away from it, but nothing happens. His small size cannot handle the sudden extreme weight brought upon it. He searches upwards, starting to grow scared, but the only thing that exchanges his pleading eyes… are the disappointed and clearly annoyed looks on the faces of his mothers.

“C-creator! CREATOR!! HELP ME!”

“...why?”

“W-what?”

“Yeah, why should we?”

Lusk freezes, terrified of the cold tone of her creator.

“Look, Marina! Little kid can't even make a jump this easy. I'm soooo embarrassed to think that we’ve been taking care of such a monstrous failure.”

“Oh, Pearlie, no need to be so rude. We all know that this… mistake… is just one delusion after the other.”

“N-no! No!! I'm not a mistake! I-I’ll be better, I promise! Please!!”

“Are you crying now? Tsk-tsk… how pathetic. Let's go, Rina, don't even look at it.”

“Make way… I don’t want to stay a millisecond longer than I need to.”

“NO! WAIT! WAAIIIITTT!!!”

Lusk falls down, the chain trapping him tighter. It's a bottomless fall, where his screams could echo for eternity. There is nothing else, but the weight of his failures, bringing him down.

Rating:

Not Rated

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories:

F/F

Gen

Fandom:

Splatoon (Video Games)

Relationship:

Marina/Pearl (Splatoon)

Characters:

Agent 8 (Splatoon)

Dedf1sh | Acht (Splatoon)

Pearl (Splatoon)

Marina (Splatoon)

Order | Smollusk (Splatoon)

The Heavenly Melody (Splatoon)

Additional Tags:

Christ(squid)mas special

half wholesome half angst with a good ending

self trauma due to personal delusions

Angst with a Happy Ending

Family Feels

Family Bonding

Family Drama

Family Dynamics

first time moms

Post-Splatoon 3: Side Order

Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence

Language: English

Summary: Pearl and Marina are always trying to be the best moms a kid could ever wish for, and if there is something that they really don't want to mess up… is their Lusk's first experience of the most wonderful time of the year! But will the family be able to help him work trough his own fears at the strongest that they have ever been?

Happy New Year everyone! As always, comments, reblogs, and feedback are appreciated. Have a good day!

[gyokutoll]

Hotaru did not argue. There was little point. This was better than a hospital, this was better than explaining how his entire face had managed to reform into an inscrutable mask of personhood. There should have been teeth marks, there should have been half-moon indents etched into the milky planes of his shoulders from how he’d been held down. There ought to have been violets and roses oozing beneath the space of his skin, spreading into daffodils marked by blue veinwork. He was impeccable. There was nothing to indicate any outward trauma, as delicate and porcelain-like as if he’d just been manufactured.

❝ … okay. ❞ Hotaru gathered the blanket around his shoulders. He wished to not be disgraceful, to not be a cracked effigy, to not be something which had once been so neatly arranged only to be debased by fingers and prodding and rot.

What was there to say? I’m sorry I died. I’m going to keep dying. You can’t stop that and I can’t stop that. I’ll try not to call you next time. I don’t want you at the funeral. I don’t want anyone at that funeral.

❝ … thanks. You didn’t have to go this far.❞ There was something like a weary smile. Phantasmal. He was too exhausted, could barely bring himself to school his features into his habitual, impeccable neutrality. This death had deranged him, in some way—defiled him. This was his first time learning just how inefficient human teeth were for ripping apart flesh. But they were determined. Hotaru was too afraid to describe this and felt that he might know the feeling again. Should he have still had the capacity to, he might have wept at this overwhelming terror, but rabbits were things meant to be eaten. It was like trying to divorce the nature of a fish from swimming or a monkey from climbing. The gods made some things to die. That was Hotaru, in the end.

❝ But I think I’ll turn in for the night, if that’s alright. ❞

He wants to look into the eyes of Hotaru, but it proves a challenge, the way his face naturally looks away - the way he automatically minimizes. The situation was grave by Daejeon's estimations. What argument could he give to make a stranger value himself? That task seemed similar to scaling a smooth wall with no cracks to wedge a desperate foot inside. So he wouldn't run a fool's errand. The blood-soaked rag is tossed onto the coffee table in minor defeat, only minor.

People end up speaking such trash because others give up too easily, and then a series of misfortune creates their new reality. The one where they deserve every ounce of abuse, that the short end of the stick is the one they're destined to draw. While he was concerned and helpful, he remained coldly pragmatic. "I won't pretend to know what it's like to be you. I simply don't know." - and he doesn't make it any easier.

"What I do know ... is that you can still hurt. I don't think it's unreasonable to avoid pain." Moving across the living room, he pulls out a comforter and pillow. A presumptuous move on his part, but he wraps the blanket around Hotaru's shoulders. "Why don't you sleep on the couch tonight? It's so late already. I'll drive you home in the morning."

[caemidraws]

---

[sastielsfandom]

So many people do things out of obligation they can't believe the lengths people go out of love.

[prionsis]

“There you go again, coddling him when it is most convenient. One moment and he is a strong, wise and capable young man ready to be king- but soon after he is just but a boy in desperate need of guidance, just a child. I have never volunteered to care for Lambert’s spawn, hire him a nanny if you must.” It wasn’t his son, therefore not his responsibility. Why even help when the beast would never be able to truly process any feeling of gratitude towards him? Why risk himself even further, with his neck not only within Dimitri’s range, but also within reach of those four lackeys he surrounds himself with?

Gautier, Fraldarius, Galatea and that stray. One worse than the other, but under Dimitri’s command- all dogs ready to kill whatever crosses their path. Rufus knew better than to potentially involve himself with creatures unable to think for themselves.

But Matthias truly was a wicked man, his words sending ice through his veins as the regent found himself a deer frozen before a wolf’s hungry glare. None of them knew, he was sure of that- the margrave was simply saying this for the sake of bothering him, but there was this tiny part of his mind that wondered if they had figured it out after all, and were simply taking it nice and slow.

"You-” With cobalts framed by irritation, Rufus shot Matthias a glare. “You are playing with fire through those words, margrave. Baseless accusations such as these could land you a hefty punishment, I am sure you are aware of that. Were I a more impatient man, you would not have gotten away with this.” Because in the end it was just a matter of time, as the regent managed whatever he could to ensure his own safety in a world where all desired his head hanging from the gates of Fhirdiad.

Even with Cornelia by his side, he was still surrounded. The palace was not and has never truly been his turf, as he was quite sure not even his bribes would be able to keep the already delicate peace stable for much longer. His only means to prevail were long gone now, as the prince proved to be far too cunning to kill, and sooner or later the boy’s influence would continue to grow and grow, Rufus ultimately finding himself trapped in a lion’s den with no way out.

A fate that a small, insignificant yet very much present part of him, was disturbingly okay with.

“Bah, spare me from your harping regarding your land’s misery and low reputation. You forget that the territory is in your hands, and it is up to you to give it the change it needs- but this conversation has only shown me that Lambert has ruled this country like a teacher handles a kindergarten. Spoiling lords by doing their jobs for them, leaving them entirely helpless as soon as he is out of the picture. Masterfully manipulative, painfully pathetic.” Finding himself tired of this useless banter, Rufus turned away from the Margrave- but not completely, he wasn’t stupid enough to not keep a glance on Matthias.

“This discussion bores me so, and I am far too busy to spare you any more of my time. You speak much of what is best for Faerghus, but the ideas you continue to nurture in regards to my person are nothing but poison for the country you claim to love. If you wish to go down the path of ruin, go on. But keep me out of your filthy games.”

With that, Rufus finally left- his steps at a quicker pace as he went straight for his quarters. That was enough being outside for the day.

-end.

old men bickering

continued from here | @cielenruine

[yoojinluv]

[thedevotionaltour]

I SHOULD HAVE GONE INTO RADIOOOOOOOO

[sschmendrick]

I kinda miss hanging out with old people. All my friends used to be old people.

But the older I grow, and the more I'm expected to behave well like a normal adult, the harder I find it to keep those links. I'm lost between trying to stick to a script I don't know the words of to have a proper normal and interesting relationship for them, and allowing myself to screw up a little, be boring, be interested in stuff they aren't, having opinions they don't agree with (for silly stuff like music, though yk me), not be cool. Cause the latter stresses me out. Cause I see no reason for people to want to be friends with me if not that.