#genuinely think we considered him a runt

[therese-lokidottir]

I keep thinking about that scene in Loki season one where Mobius puts Loki in the memory loop with Lady Sif, and what it's trying to tell us about Loki.

What does that scene want us to believe? Are we now supposed to believe that Jotuns are physically and significantly weaker than Asgardians? Or just Loki, because he is an "ice runt"?

We've seen Loki hold his own with Thor, and take on Captain America. We've seen him kick people and send them flying through the air. We've seen him take down a group of Dark Elves by himself. Why can he not defend himself against Lady Sif? Why doesn't he fight back?

He's trapped in a loop and the memory happens over and over again, but aren't the gods supposed to have super endurance? Or is that just for true Asgardians, and once again, Jotuns are just significantly weaker? And if Lady Sif and the rest of them know that Loki is so much weaker and can't fight at all, then why bother taking him with them on their adventures? Wouldn't they make him stay behind, considering that he's so weak and not like the rest of them?

I guess the real point of the scene is to tell us what a horrible, petty, vengeful person Loki is, and also drive home the whole narcissist narrative. And also gives Lady Sif a badass bitch girlpower moment.

I guess I shouldn't think about any of this at all, but it creeps in. It haunts me. It's pure nightmare fuel, lol.

Now, on one hand, Sif is an Asgardian trained warrior goddess. I do think she and Loki could go a few rounds and it being a pretty even fight. No, the problem is Loki is just sitting there and taking it and never defending himself despite knowing what's coming.

That scene holds no purpose narratively. Loki has already been brought down to his lowest and forced to self-reflected and the torture scene proceeds Loki showing genuine compassion and sympathy for others. So there's no point in kicking him in the groan calling him a narcissist because we literally just saw that he's not.

That's the whole series Loki sitting there and taking it being called a horrible person even though he's the only one to show genuine kindness that's not used just to benefit himself.

[youdontknowwheretogofromhere]

Monday, September 23, 2024 8:42 pm

so

i didn’t go to school today :P i’ve been sick since friday and it’s gotten a little better i guess. i was sooo sick friday i literally couldn’t stand up, i was so hot and sweaty it was gen disgusting

anyways, I’m still sick and i’ve been having loads of nosebleeds so that sucks, thats actually why i didn’t want to go to school cuz i was scared of my nose bleeding in the middle of class and most of my teachers don’t have tissues so id just be kinda fucked

sorry for swearing, I’m just a little runt you know? i also have homework due tomorrow that i’ve had since like thursday to do and i haven’t done it soo

as you know per my last post, I’m 16(i don’t remember if i said that lol) and I’m such a fucking loser i know but i’ve got a boyfriend(?) for the first time(ill explain later) but i’ve met him on discord cuz i was super desperate and whatever

and i’ve met him

changing the song I’m listening to hold on

i’ve met him about a little more than a month ago(i’ve been trying to make more bad decisions lately) actually i want to expound up l

sorry my nose started bleeding a little bit

i want to expound upon that more. i felt like i’ve been too responsible my whole life, like internet safety meant the world to me and shit. but then i was like, am i missing out? not that i want bad shit to happen to me, but i feel like everyone has does stupid internet shit once in their life so like i want it too?? and i feel a little more stupid because like my actions lack authenticity so it’s so much lamer. like if i was some 16 year old kid that’s just so desperate for a relationship they date some internet because they haven’t thought about the repercussions then it’s like a thing to look back on and ittle be like “ohh i was such a dumb kid hahah” but since i know what I’m doing i just look like a dumb fuck.

it’s not even that i don’t like the guy, he’s really nice to me and he acts like he really likes me. idk if he’s lying to get something out of me but I’m just gonna pretend it’s real for now and hope it goes well for me

that sounds really sad lol. i just mean like he’s the only person ever in my life that has acted attracted to me and everything so like ther

changed the song again

there’s something there that’s keeping me instead of just letting me realize this is a really bad idea and i shouldn’t just block him or something. he’s got something up with him and maybe i’ll complain about it another day but

OMG ALSO like 20 minutes ago i asked him if he wanted to call and he didn’t answer cuz ig he’s too busy playing dark souls 1 or something. which only pisses me off cuz it took a lot out of me to even ask. i have social anxiety(idk what it is actually) but like i feel like genuine pain when i have to speak to people and reaching out to him almost made my heart explode, which it does all the time. and ive been trying to make an effort to be braver and talk to people more but its so hard. its been working tho, I’m actually able to start and somewhat hold a conversation now. actually the only reason we r even talking rn is cuz i was trying to get better at social interaction. like the third time he dmed me, i considered not responding and just ghosting him but i was like, “NO. YOU NEED TO COMMIT TO THIS.” so i did and now we are like dating(?)

to explain the question marks, and i still haven’t gotten over this. he asked me one day if we were together or something along those lines then i was like “i though we were already together” and he’s all like “well if we were together i think we would text more”

and omg it pissed me off to no end. THE GUY WHO CANT TEXT ME FIRST SAYS WE NEED TO TALK MORE. ARE TOU FUCKING SERIOUS??? like dude so we aren’t dating in ur book unless we talk more(and this is after he said we were taking things slow, which i[how do i do italics] thought was code for casual dating) and then won’t fucking talk to me unless i say something

and I’m only complaining cuz he’s older than me(he’s 18) and has also been in a relationship before( also told me one time that i was acting like his ex and i almost shot and killed myself) like dude, i already told you about my anxiety and shit

whatever anyways it’s been like 30 minutes and he still hasn’t said anything. who cares. i didn’t. even want to call him anyways

what really sucks is i really like him and think about him all the time and idk and i haven’t called him in like a week T-T

I’m so fucking lame god

okay i don’t think i have any more things to complain about so i hope you all have a good day/night/morning! i love you. i really do love you. you took the time to read my stupid ramblings and i really love you. god i want to cry but i can’t even cry anymore

should i start numbering these?

9:15 pm

[leoriowithaknife]

haytham is such a cutie pie, your post of his noises was one of the few blazed posts I’ve seen that I actually liked.

AWW THANKS 🤍

he is indeed an adorable cat. i live on my own, away from my family and don't get to see him much (and he's rather skittish around strangers anyway. it would take me a while of staying with my brother for him to get re-acquainted with me... not as easy as popping over for an afternoon to say hello to him lol)

he is also a perplexing little weirdo. we've filmed/photographed all of his antics. he had a phase as a kitten (from the time we adopted him at 8 weeks to when he was around 5 years old) where he would sleep in the bathroom sink(s). he doesn't purr out loud (but you can feel the vibrations in his throat when you pet him and he's relaxed enough). he used to play fetch with me. he meows lots (always been like that). he eats plants. he will try to eat any plant including cacti, often to his detriment, my brother is constantly having to check and make sure the only plants he owns are cat-friendly because haytham will eat them whether we want him to or not. he seems to only drink in highly inefficient ways; either with his paws or by licking the edge of his water dish.

my brother got a novelty lobby/service bell when haytham was a kitten and we pavlov conditioned him together, using those greenies treats (the chicken flavor is the only one he'll go for anymore but in the past he's liked the fish and catnip flavors) - (also this has proved excellent for summoning him when needed... thank you 2012 novelty lobby bell impulse purchase). he has a musky smell like a dog sometimes. i like to think of him as a little mobster man who acts fancy like a butler from downton abbey.

i took this as an opportunity to ramble and share more of him 😊

i'm glad you like my blaze(s)! i'm aware of the dumb and sometimes wildly inappropriate or offensive sponsored/blazed posts some people end up seeing and decided that i could afford a couple impulse-blazes of our sillystupid kittyboy to brighten some folks' day (i had another, featuring some photos my brother took and sent to me that i wanted to share for the same reason 🤭)

and here’s what he looked like as a kitten:

[absolutepokemontrash]

MC is Half Demon and They’re- Oh Crap They’re Barbatos’ Kid!

This is the second part of that one request I answered for Dia and Barb’s possible kids. Sorry this took so long! Writer’s block, y’know? Anyhoo~ enjoy, everyone!

This story didn’t start on the first day of the exchange program, it started five days before in Barbatos’ room at three in the morning with the poor butler waking up in a cold sweat.

Oh dear, it appeared the exchange program would be up in a bit of a tizzy. He had… a child? Oh my… Barbatos hoped the young master wouldn’t be too miffed about the student not being a totally normal human.

On the day of the exchange program, Barbatos insisted he had to be present for the event, he carefully pushed a cushioned sofa in the drop zone before opening the portal. The child fell right out of the sky and landed perfectly on the couch, they were already wearing a helmet and looked quite shocked by the cushioned fall.

Well, it was a big shock to the assembled crowd, but the child gave everyone a lopsided smile and removed their helmet.

“So, I assume I’m here for the exchange program?”

Dadbatos

Well, this child was incredibly… what was the word the kids were using? chill? They were quite chill considering the situation, and was surprisingly prepared for the sudden drop into hell.

“Oh, I had a dream that this was going to happen, and I dream about the future n’stuff. I thought I’d come prepared.” “Ah, that’s very sensible.”

Diavolo recovered quickly from his shock and was positively delighted to meet this little munchkin. He insisted that they had to stay with their dad.

MC was polite, if not a bit overly calm about a lot of things. They didn’t run off to start trouble, and they didn’t seem very impressed by the Devildom itself. It was sort of like this child had a very low maximum level of excitement. Barbatos was glad his child wasn’t some little hellraiser.

He was never a child himself, so he’s a bit clueless about what children actually enjoy. Here child, have a… have an old torture weapon. Don’t use it on anyone who doesn’t deserve it :)

(I’m kidding, Barbatos is too responsible to give one of his instruments of torture to a child. That’s for when they’re older.)

“MC,” Barbatos knocked on his child’s door. “Have you done your homework?”

MC answered the door with a grin on their face. “Yep, done this week’s and next week’s. I’m getting a head start on the potions project due next week.”

Barbatos almost breathed a small sigh of relief. Thank the stars his child was responsible, it already took a big chunk of his energy to make sure Diavolo didn’t get distracted from his paperwork. Though, his stress levels did rise a tad when he got a glimpse at the mess in MC’s room.

“Are you going to clean that?”

“Nah,” MC shrugged. “It’s whatever. I know where everything is and nothing’s a fall risk. See you at dinner, father.”

And with that, MC shut the door. Well… no child was perfect.

As much as MC’s lack of cleanliness bothers Barbatos, he knows his kid isn’t being maliciously lazy, just for the love of the Demon King please stop leaving cups on the coffee tables without a coaster!

Oh yeah, Luke has a big sib. Sorry- little sib, because Luke isn’t some chihuahua child, he’s a totally mature grown-up Angel.

Barbatos is the type of father who will let his child go off and have whatever kind of fun they want as long as they don’t slack on their important duties.

Barbs also has a goddamn torture dungeon so we here at Stupid Headcanons inc. do NOT recommend trying to eat MC. Doing so may result in you wishing you were dead.

Don’t fuck with the butler.

Lucifer

…out of literally everyone in the room, the last person Lucifer expected to have a secret scandal baby… had a scandal baby. Damn.

At least the human wouldn’t have to live with him and his brothers. The last thing Lucifer wanted was for Barbatos to be even more aware of the chaos that went down in that house every single day.

MC and Lucifer have a healthy level of respect for one another, but Lucifer just can’t shake the feeling that this kid is messing with him somehow.

Just, little things… MC offering him fruit and loudly assuring him that it was just blackberries and nothing poisonous, asking if the RAD uniform suits his tastes, proclaiming that the dirt was high quality-

SOMEONE TOLD MC ABOUT LUCIFER’S FIRST VISIT TO THE DEVILDOM!

MC wasn’t exactly visibly goading him, they said everything with an innocent smile on their face.

When MC starts getting nosy with the attic, he’s not terribly sure how to deal with it. He was going up against a child that could at least partially tell the future. After the first time Lucifer told them to scram, they never went back to the steps… at least not when Lucifer was there to guard it…

After everything goes down, Lucifer is glad that MC wasn’t hurt or anything. He’d come to like the child and it’d be awful to lose the only person who could get his more hyperactive brothers to calm down.

Mammon

Mammon wasn’t present for the meeting, but when he was informed later, the news was met with an eloquent: “the fuck? Huh, wild.”

He isn’t too interested in MC at first. At least until the little runt saved him from getting busted for skipping class. Mammon was just eating his lunch in the courtyard when MC passed by and calmly told him that if he skipped class he should not hang out in the west staircase because Lucifer was going to walk down those steps during third period.

At first Mammon tried to brush off the warning, but ended up listening to the kid anyway, and what do ya know! He didn’t get caught by Lucifer!

That’s when it clicked that MC could see the future, right? Right?! Ya know what Mammon could use that for?! Right?!

Gambling! Scams! Schemes! General shennaniganery!

MC wasn’t terribly enthused about the entire situation, so they may have messed with Mammon a little. Just a bit.

It’s not like Mammon ever listened when MC told him to cut his losses and leave the casino anyway 🙄

Leviathan

First reaction? Thank the anime gods that there wouldn’t be another normie living in the house with him…

Reaction upon hearing that the MC was Barb’s kid? Really? Barbatos? Wow… well, to be fair Levi totally understood why someone would be attracted to Barbatos, I mean, Levi’s watched plenty of anime involving butlers, but Barbatos actually having a living breathing child? Damn.

But still, Levi wasn’t going to hang out with some normie brat. He had better and nerdier things to devote his time to.

Whenever MC visited, Levi was up in his room. But once MC decided to poke their head in the door while Levi was in the middle of gamer raging.

They calmly sat Levi down and explained to him that he could be upset about whatever happened in his game, but lashing out wasn’t going to fix anything or make him better at the actual game.

…damn it… they were right.

Slowly but surely Levi and MC built up a friendship, and the brothers rejoiced at the lack of rage related Lotan summons.

Satan

Out of everything Satan could have possibly expected from the second exchange student, this was not one of them.

Satan began to wonder exactly how MC’s powers worked, he didn’t exactly have any concrete data to compare them to because Barbatos was so mysterious

Hm, how very interesting. Satan decided that it was up to him to satiate his own curiosity and began to study MC. To be honest, MC wasn’t being terribly interesting.

They were a pretty normal kid all things considered. MC went to class, made friends, did their work, very very normal. Well, except for the fact that they seemed to dodge practically every unfortunate thing that could have happened to them.

They’d stop at the perfect time to avoid something accidentally being spilled on them, they always had pencils ready, and they always seemed to know exactly when a teacher was coming… mad sus.

Satan eventually confronted MC about this, and they just shrugged and explained that they tend to dream about what was most likely to happen the next day and would adjust their actions accordingly.

It may have been anticlimactic, but MC did inform Satan that there would be a cat in the courtyard in fifteen minutes.

HE NEEDED TO GO!

Asmodeus

Asmo had genuinely been looking forward to the new exchange program, he was excited to have a new face around the house to shake things up! He loves his dear brothers but spending thousands of years with them makes their shenanigans become a bit… well, a bit boring.

But my oh my, the new face was being obscured by that tacky bicycle helmet… the new face looked an awful lot like Barbatos…

Once Asmo registered what was going on, he was positively enchanted with the little half human. They were just so cute! They looked like a baby Barbatos with those adorably chubby cheeks!

Oh Barbatos~ he just had to let Asmo babysit!

When Asmo managed to sweep MC away for a fun day with shifty uncle Solomon, he was reminded of all the shenanigans that he, Barbatos, and Solomon used to get up to.

*sigh, Barbie was always so busy… no time for a fun night of torture, chaos, and revelry

Anyhoodles~ MC was always such a relaxed little thing. They let Asmo vent whenever any awful tragedies occur, like when Asmo finds a sweater that isn’t in his size… *sniffle*

Beelzebub

A child of Barbatos? The best cook in the three realms Barbatos?! …hey kid want to hang out with cool uncle Beel?

Beel tried everything in his power to get MC to make him food. I mean, the genetic disposition for making good food has to have been passed down from father to child!

When MC finally made Beel food, he was ecstatic!

…Until the food touched Beel’s tongue and he realized it wasn’t good, it was just… okay. Average. Passable.

Aw man… but the kid looked so excited to have made something for Beel…

Beel really hammed up his reaction to make MC feel better. Beel was like “Wow. So good. Amazing.” “Thanks Beel.”

Very sweet child, they don’t mind being used in place as a dumbell.

Belphegor

Damn, and here Belphie was, thinking Barbatos has standards. Apparently not!

When MC went and walked up the attic steps, Belphie was almost bouncing on his toes in anticipation. This human had been a pain in the rear to call up, so he was excited to finally get a good look at them. And lo and behold, a half demon child of Lord Diavolo’s butler.

MC grinned and greeted Belphie first, using his name and asking why the Avatar of Sloth was stuck up in the attic of his own home when he was supposed to be in the human world. Belphie was flabbergasted and didn’t exactly know how to respond.

He came up with a new plan quickly. Belphie didn’t exactly know how this kid’s powers worked, so he’d continue with trying to trick them into opening the attic door. Allowing Belphie to end their miserable little life and thus ruining the exchange program.

The child continued to visit Belphie up in the attic, relaying the events of what was going on, and Belphie continued to play the part of prisoner. Until one day in particular…

MC appeared in front of the door, looking a tad more unkempt than normal, they weren’t smiling their usual carefree smile either. Their eyes bore holes into Belphegor’s skull as they flared at him.

“How long have you been planning on killing me?”

MC had seen the future where they died at Belphie’s hand, and they sure as hell were not going to let him out of the attic after that. Though, they did tell Belphie about Lilith’s true fate before they left, and assured Belphie they had no reason to lie to him about something he wasn’t directly involved in.

So, Belphie did get let out of the attic eventually, and even though MC smiled and welcomed him back all the same, there would always a barrier between the two. Broken trust wasn’t easy to mend, after all.

[thebeautyoffanfics]

Hey there Savi.. could i request a kou,mitsuba and tsukasa x reader where their s/o gets bullied alot?? I've been struggling with it recently and now that school is going to start again im dreading it .. thank you in advance <3

kou minamoto x gn!reader, mitsuba sousuke x gn!reader, tsukasa yugi x gn!reader

a/n: of course!! I’m really sorry that you’ve had experiences like that, but I also genuinely hope that this year will be better! You’ve got this-!! And don’t be afraid to ask for help <3 you’re so so welcome, tho I’m sure schools probably started by now, therefore I’m super sorry for the time this took- and thank you so much for requesting <3

Waaaaaah i’m also sorry if it’s OOC, cos I know Tsukasa’s at least is;;; writer’s block is aaaaaaah-;; I’ve genuinely been writing this since September 19th,,,,

warnings: bullying

word count: 2,044

kou minamoto <3

You glanced at your phone screen, the date flashing up at you. It was depressing. Thoughts of previous years danced in your head, as you shut your phone back off. You currently stood outside of your school, “open house” finally over. School was starting back in just a few days. Your days of freedom could be counted on one hand… this was, by far, one of your least favorite times of the year.

“(Y/N)! Do you still want to walk to the park?” Kou questioned, running up beside you. You nodded, hoping that spending time with your boyfriend would get your mind off of school, and memories related to such. As the two of you began to walk, you could practically feel the question on the tip of Kou’s tongue. He always made himself rather obvious- his hands fidgeted a bit, his gaze lowering to the ground.

“Say, (Y/N)... you seem sad. Is it because school’s starting back?”

You thought for a moment, unsure of how to put it. He certainly wasn’t wrong…

“Yeah, that’s basically it… last year was just… not a good year, haha.”

“Oh? Well, I’m sure this one will be better!! If you want, we can make a list or something? All the bad things about last year can be something we change this year-!”

Despite bitterly knowing that it wasn’t exactly something within your realm of control, you laughed a bit. “That’s… insanely corny, Kou. I didn’t say a terrible idea- just… corny.”

When you glanced up at him, you noticed his red face, as he blurted out an excuse. A moment of fumbling over his words passed, before he gave up, glancing off to the side once more.

“Wh-whatever- I mean, just… like, tell me what’s wrong, if you want to. And I’ll try to help. Alright?”

“It’s really not something either of us can help, Kou.”

“So? I’m your boyfriend,” He seemed a bit embarrassed to say, most likely not used to pulling that sort of card, “If you don’t want to tell me, I can’t make you. But, if you’re alright with telling me, I want to know. Either way, I’m here for you...”

“Ah… I know it, Kou. Honestly, I just… dealt with some bullying last year, so I’m really not looking forward to this year. No matter how much I hear ‘oh, the bully does it to feel better about themself’, it’s just emotionally… hm, awful, you know?”

“Oh… I understand, (Y/N). I do remember some people picking on me, since I have a big brother like Teru- it’s not fun at all. Here!! I’ll stay with you, 24/7! Sit with me during classes, and I’ll hang out with you during free time!” “Thanks, Kou- but we probably won’t have every class together.”

“Then- just tell me if something happens during the class,” He spoke, crossing his arms rather seriously. “I’ll talk with the teacher! Easy peasy!!”

A moment passed, before Kou took your hand, looking at the ground, then back up with you. His eyebrows were furrowed just slightly, his eyes not as wide as they usually were. Kou was being serious- as serious as his sweet mind could let him be. He almost seemed to resemble his big brother even more- when the two were serious.

“If something happens, tell me, okay? I mean it. I don’t want this year to be bad for you- as your friend and boyfriend! Let me do what I can to help, alright?”

You blinked a bit. Kou’s words were so sincere, you felt your heart beat a bit quicker. “A-alright. Thank you, Kou. I really mean it.” You spoke, bringing the boy into a hug to hide whatever sort of expression you were making.

“Of course! You don’t need to thank me, (Y/N). I’m happy to try and help-!”

mitsuba sousuke <3

“(Y/N), if you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I’ll give you something to complain about.”

Ah, Mitsuba… he spoke, his arms crossed as he sat next to you, silently noticing your slightly disheveled clothes. Judging by the slightly down look you wore, too many things were now adding up. Something was bothering you, and he was bound and determined to find out what it was.

“Mitsuba, it’s okay, really. Here! Let’s eat, I’m starving!” You opened up your bento box, sliding one his way, and sticking the chopsticks into your mouth. Though you hummed happily, Mitsuba was… in Detective Mode, to put it lightheartedly. Your every move was being analyzed, as he tried his best to figure out what was wrong. Your eyebrows furrowed, as you swallowed a bit harder than usual.

“What’s the point of lying to me, dummy? If you aren’t hungry, it’s probably because whatever is bothering you is ruining your appetite. Talk to me. I’m serious.”

You sighed, feeling as if the food was stuck in your throat. Or maybe your throat simply felt as though it had a lump in it…? Either way, you were painfully aware of the unpleasant feeling. Along with the creeping suspicion that Mitsuba wasn’t going to leave this alone. Was he good at reading people?? Were you just easy to read…? Or maybe, he was just far too accustomed to the way you reacted to things. Able to focus in on the little things, especially when he wanted to. Perhaps it was the talent of a photographer? Being able to read the entire picture??

Perhaps you were thinking too much into it, desperate for a way to get your mind off of the things going on around you.

“I’m just… dealing with some stuff.”

“Well, duh. What kind of stuff?”

You kept your gaze glued to the floor, fiddling absentmindedly with the chopsticks. You knew you could confide in Mitsuba… yet, something about it felt practically impossible. What would happen if you told him? Could he do anything? He was merely a ghost…

“Oi, I asked a question. Listen, and listen well, you idiot- I know I can’t solve all your problems, but I can at least listen- which is what you’d better be doing right now. You listen to me, though who wouldn’t want to is beyond me, so I can at least do the same. I’m not your therapist, but I am your boyfriend.”

Those words danced around in your mind for a bit, as you considered how to put it. For a moment, you simply nodded, letting Mitsuba know you heard- and were acknowledging- what he said. A few more moments passed before you began to speak.

“Lately, there have been some students… picking on me, I guess. It’s… discouraging, and makes school feel like a living nightmare. You’re the only good thing in my day at this hellhole.”

“Oh.”

You tightened your grip on the chopsticks, trying to read Mitsuba’s tone. Suddenly, it clicked- remembering Mitsuba mentioning being bullied for being “feminine” and “foul-mouthed”. He truly, genuinely, understood where you were coming from.

“I see, then… I’ll tell you what to do, (Y/N). Tell an adult, lame-o. I don’t give a flying flip about ‘oh, they won’t believe me’ or ‘what if the bullies blah blah.’ At least try it- it’s hard, but I don’t care about that either. Also, freaking ignore them. Obviously, you don’t want to pay them attention, so don’t.”

“Mitsuba, it’s not that easy-”

“I know. (Y/N), I’ve been in your shoes. Maybe it’s different- I dunno what kind of bullying they’re doing. Still, if you’re good enough for my standards, you know you’re at least worth something. So don’t let those low-lives get you down. I promise you, if I could, I’d give them a piece of my mind. But, since I can’t, just… do it yourself, or something. Don’t endure it, you rat.”

(“Mitsuba, all your insults lowkey feel like bullying-”

“Shut up, stupid-face, you can’t tell a teacher on a ghost. What’re you gonna say?? Waaaah, sensei, school mystery number 3 is calling me names!! Hah.”

“Tsuchigomori-sensei can see you, you know. And he teaches both Minamoto boys!”

“Lalalaaaa, I can’t hear you-”)

tsukasa yugi <3

Tsukasa… knows.

There was no other way to put it. You knew he knew, and you knew he was just waiting. A part of him wanted you to ask him for help- to confide in him, even if it took some pushing. He was… a bit different in that sense- I mean, how was he to know you didn’t enjoy being bullied? Was it the same way he felt when Amane looked at him with such hatred?

“(Y/N)!! What’s with such a sad look?? Did you get a bad test grade?” Tsukasa questioned, floating alongside you as you entered the broadcasting room. You simply shook your head, placing your bookbag on the floor, then standing back up.

“It’s just been a day, Tsu,” You added, taking a seat near Sakura. As you did, she pushed a cup of tea your way, her gaze as it usually was. She looked right through you, as if you were nothing but a ghost. Still, it was a much better look than the ones given by the bullies. Muttering a ‘thank you’, you lifted the cup, fiddling with it slightly.

“If there’s something bothering you, feel free to share it,” Sakura spoke, her gaze staying on you, then finally closing as she sipped from her cup.

“If there’s something bothering you, share it.” Tsukasa added, placing his head on your shoulder and staring at your eyes. His gaze drifted to your hands when you brought the cup to your lips, then over to your throat as you struggled to swallow.

“Runt, if you don’t back away from them, you’ll the the one bothering them,” Natsuhiko spoke, raising his eyebrows at Tsukasa, then offering you a slightly concerned look. His expression was enough for you to know he wanted to know if you were alright- to which you shrugged, reaching up and patting the side of Tsukasa’s face.

“Don’t worry, guys. I’ll be fine, really.”

Sakura pondered for a moment, before standing. “Mitsuba, would you like to walk with me? I should go grab something.”

Mitsuba, who had been sitting off to the side- glanced up, his usual puppy-like expression on his face. “Sure,” He replied, standing up, practically in sync with Natsuhiko.

“I’ll go as well, my lady!”

Oh. She’s doing that on purpose.

Your eyes followed the trio as they left the room, and you could feel Tsukasa’s eyes still stuck on you. The moment the door shut, he spoke. “(Y/N), tell me what’s wrong. You don’t seem to enjoy being miserable!”

“Am I supposed to?” “You’re miserable then? What’s wrong, c’mon!!”

“I didn’t say I was- just that I don’t think many people like it,” You spoke, taking another sip from the tea. The warmth of it made your throat feel hot, but it didn’t help the lump stuck in it.

“(Y/N). Just admit to me what’s wrong, and I’ll do what I can!”

You sighed, not wanting to grow frustrated. Tsukasa was… trying. He just didn’t understand everything- the boy who enjoyed seeing people wear normally unpleasant expressions, of course he wouldn’t personally understand. He wanted to help you, but how could a ghost help? Much less, the ghost of a boy such as him?

“(Y/N)-” “I’m just dealing with some bullies. It’s fine, Tsukasa- I’ll figure something out.”

“I’ll kill them <3”

“Tsu-”

Tsukasa stepped away from you, crossing his arms. “So, (Y/N), you don’t like it when people bully you? I’ll take care of it! Promise!” “Stop it right there, Mr. Only-grants-wishes-for-the-dead. Don’t ‘take care of them.’ I just need to get enough confidence to tell a teacher or something…”

Tsukasa paused, pouting his lips slightly, before nodding. Quickly, he floated back over to you, and trapped you in a hug. His arms wrapped around you securely, making you feel rather safe for being in the arms of such a destructive boy. “Fine. I’ll go with you, then, (Y/N)! I’ll even hold your hand!! And I definitely won’t let those bullies bother you any more~.”

“Tsukasa, please, don’t do anything drastic-” “Whatever you say, (Y/N). You know I can’t go against the wishes of my cute partner~!”

[whaleofatjme1920]

The Ends of Hallways (Proxies X F!Reader)

The Ends of Hallways

[Proxies X F!Reader]

[Warnings: slight language]

[AN: Y'all are just gonna have to thank Eris for always sending me the best requests. I don't have favorites,,, but Reader, I have favorites. Also no Kate sorry :( ]

Your face was practically squished against the glass of the car Hoodie had stolen as the four of you pull into the parking lot of woods that brim with the Operator’s energy. You’ve never seen these woods in person - only in dreams. You’ve never even really seen your master in person, once again, like these woods, he too has been confined to your dreams. But you hear him, and often. His voice falls down on your ears like gentle rains that fall from the heavens. He is everything and more. That is why it is so exciting for you to finally be here, so close to him, and to his presence.

“You excited?” You hear your group leader ask.

You nod and press harder up against the glass. “Are we going now?” You’re ready to bounce out of the car and everyone can see that.

He chuckles in response. “What do you think Hood? Time to go?”

The hazel eyed man behind him shoots the driver a look. “Masky, just look at her, she’s gonna break the window if we don’t.” There’s a slight playfulness in his tone that tells you the right hand really isn’t annoyed with you.

“Fair enough,” Masky smiles. He then reaches behind his seat, hand slapping at who used to be the runt’s knee. “Tobes? Tob-Tobes, get up.”

Toby’s eyes shoot open as he lurches forward. “I’m u-u-up, I-I’m u-up,” he yawns as his hands rub tiredly at his eyes. “Are w-w-we here a-alaready?” He asks, the exhaustion still clear in his tone.

Both of the men in the front seats nod. “C’mon, let’s get going,” Hoodie says as he pulls up the lock on his car door before sliding out.

You wait impatiently for Masky to unlock the car then zip out like a bat from hell. You’re immediately at the edge of one of the forest’s many trails and taking in the sights and sounds of your boss’s woods. They’re beautiful, really. The autumn colors bathe the woods in fiery oranges and passionate reds with threads of gold to interlock it all together. The sky is just the slightest shade of blue as clouds cover the sun. There weren’t any people here either - not under the little structures, not exploring, not anyone but you and your comrades.

“Wrong one,” Hoodie says as he closes the trunk to the car before tossing a backpack to Toby, who catches it like second nature.

You whip your head around to see that Masky, Hoodie and Toby are smiling at how excited you are before silently asking you to follow them. “Where are we going?” You ask, eyes wide as you jog up to them.

“Across the field. There’s this cool tunnel of trees we think you’ll appreciate,” Masky replies as he leads his group across the grass. It crunches slightly as the four of you move, like it hasn’t been watered in a long time.

“R-Really?” Toby hums as he puts his hands in his pockets. “You s-s-sure we’re n-not gonna be l-late?” The young proxy gives a slight look to his group leader, eyebrow raised as if he’s sure the Operator is okay with them possibly being tardy.

Masky shakes his head before tapping his temple with his free hand, “he told me it’s okay.”

“He did?” You ask as stars cloud your eyes. The Operator, as you’ve heard so far, is to be feared and respected. He’s like a father you can look at but never touch. He seems so out of your range, like he’s not even visible - not even if you squint your eyes. You wonder what makes you so… interesting… in his eyes. You really don’t think you’re worth all the fuss. Clearly he does.

Masky chuckles before ruffling your hair with his hand, “yeah. I think he finds your enthusiasm endearing.” Masky’s not entirely incorrect. When they first got Toby, the Operator was strangely favorable towards the young proxy as well - maybe because he was hand plucked, special, and therefore deemed worthy of his time. You were similar to Toby, albeit, you accidentally got involved with the Operator. He liked you, chose you, then kept you.

Hoodie whistles slightly as the four of you step into the trees, his gloved hand reaching up to tear off a branch from one of the low hanging trees then swing it aimlessly as his side. “Seems pretty obvious in my opinion,” he whacks Toby lightly with the stick making said proxy laugh. “Looks like Toby isn’t the only golden child anymore.”

“P-Probably not,” Toby hums, a slight melancholy coming into his tone. “Think I-I’ve been losing f-f-favor with h-hin for a w-while.” He glances over his shoulder and smiles at you.

You frown slightly and place your hand on his shoulder, “I don’t think so,” you say. “Just means he has two golden child-s now.”

Toby beams.

You do too.

The group continues to move through the trees, mostly silent save for Masky and Hoodie pointing out little memories from time to time. Things such as some guy named ‘Alex’ chasing them through here, Masky’s waking up with no memory, Hoodie’s nature shots, and everything in between. You learn a lot about the hands of your group from when they were just scared film students to the things they’ve done as proxies here. It’s kind of nice as you’ve never really spoken to them this way before.

When you first came into this life and were placed in this group, the hazing process kicked in like wildfire. Almost every day was a mentally or physically, sometimes both, a draining task and a bonding agent. Authority was not to be questioned and they made that more than clear. Eventually, the hazing grew lighter and lighter until it just… didn’t exist. That was how it went - you were no longer considered naive and starry eyed. Still, authority was not to be questioned, and it’s why you and your comrades have never really talked on this specific level before.

It’s why it’s such a treat that you get to talk to them like this now.

Eventually, the four of you make it to an odd stretch of trees. They tunnel over each other, a lot like a thorny funnel, but they frame the sky so well.

“If the sun was setting,” Masky starts. “It would look like a cradle.”

You take a step back and observe the tunnel of trees, trying to imagine the setting sun. The mental image is pretty. “Will we ever be back here to see it?”

“Oh definitely,” Masky continues. “But uh, the business we’re here for today? Don’t know if that’s meant for anyone but me and maybe Hoodie.”

You look on instinct to Hoodie who nods. “Is that normal?”

“Sure is,” Hoodie says as he takes in the scent of the cooling autumn woods. He knows the group is almost to the limits of the Operator’s realm. “Tell me what you feel right now, Reader,” he says in passing as he flicks the stick somewhere off the given trail.

With a glance around at your surroundings, you attempt to get a feel for the area you’re in. It’s cold, much colder, but the atmosphere still feels a little thick. The further you go into the woods (and by extension the Operator’s bounds to which you don’t even know exist yet), you get that odd feeling in your legs that feels like they’ve fallen asleep. It’s like the physical sensation of static. You try to explain it in words, but they fail. Instead, you allow Hoodie into your thoughts.

“Nice,” he smiles. “Alright, try to ask for permission in.”

“I need to ask for permission?”

“E-Everytime,” Toby begins as he and the others pause. They’re right on the edge of the bubble and can feel it so much stronger than you can. “It’s t-to ensure n-normal humans c-can’t come in,” Toby begins to explain as you gaze around your surroundings, wondering how you’ll even begin to ask. “T-Though, their f-feelings sometimes k-kick into o-overdrive and they e-end up p-piercing through the v-veil on a-a-accident.” He chuckles softly and you know exactly what he’s referring to - you’ve heard tales of the people who get stuck wandering where they shouldn’t: always ends in someone strung up in the pines. “W-We’ve all learned t-to ask p-permission like b-breathing.”

You shoot your comrade a confused glance, wondering what that will mean for you. “I just ask?”

“Kind o-of,” Toby says. “Just l-let your f-f-feelings guide you. She’ll t-t-tell you whether you’re a-a-allowed in or not.”

You close your eyes and begin to hone in on whatever your heart is telling you. It’s a cold feeling, mostly like vines that slip up and down your limbs as they grow upwards and then inwards towards your heart. It’s an odd feeling. Once the static vines pierce through your heart, you physically see a fog roll into the forest around you. It consumes you and your comrades before you remember Toby mentioned ‘she.’ The fog thickens. “Wait, she?” You say as the static begins to leave your system. It feels like you’re tearing through roots as you walk forward.

“He didn’t mean it,” Masky quickly replies as he begins to pull you through the fog. “Good job on asking though. Strong response,” he says as gestures to the fog, his hand swimming through the billowy clouds. “Wives’ tale is the stronger the fog, the more genuine you were in response.”

You wade your fingers through the thick fog as you and the others walk forward, deeper and deeper into the darkness where there was none. “Must’ve had a really genuine response, huh?” You mumble to yourself. The fog doesn’t even feel like normal fog - it feels thick and heavy and leaves slight dew on your clothing as you walk. How interesting.

‘Head talk from here on out,’ Hoodie says as the four of you reach a stretch of woods that feels slightly dangerous.

‘Did you feel it too?’ Toby asks, his hand at his hatchet.

Hoodie nods slightly, his eyes narrowing as he slows his pace so he’s guarding the back. He gives you a slightly concerned look as the fog evens out. Everyone but you knows that they’re in perhaps one of the most dangerous parts of the veil. The Operator’s mere presence is usually enough to deter the things like the Rake from his grounds, but that often means they get trapped here - in the in-between - and lash out on the first thing they sense. The sooner the four of you get out of this dangerous spot, the better.

‘What do you sense?’ You ask, cutting mentally through the rough silence, your own hand moving to your blade.

Hoodie looks like he’s about to answer you before he holds his fist up and the other three of you duck down instantly, dipping below the fog. Just then, some deer begin walking past.

‘Deer?’ You say in a questioning tone.

‘Not just any deer,’ Hoodie begins as the deer slowly nibbles on the leaves and other things. ‘Take a good look at their bodies. They look normal to you?’

You narrow your eyes slightly and get used to peering through the fog as the deer pass. Eventually, you’re able to look at their coats. There’s something off about them, something wrong. Something you can’t quite place. The longer you watch them as they move in front of you, the stronger that off feeling gets. They have every physical part of the deer down but it’s just not right. It’s like their joints don’t fit well beneath their skin. And their eyes… Their eyes are completely hollow.

‘You see it?’ Masky asks as the last of the deer passes by. He glances over his shoulder briefly to see you nod. ‘We’re lucky they didn’t change this time,’ he mumbles, slowly inching forward while crouched against the earth.

‘What would’ve happened if they changed?’ You inquire, moving quietly alongside your comrades.

‘Nightmare fuel,’ Toby finally pipes in. ‘Nothing about them looks right. Big mouths full of sharp teeth, black eyes, too many limbs, like a messed up centipede,’ he finishes, a slight shudder coming into his mental tone.

You notice the other two of your group members nodding in agreement before finally deeming it safe enough to stand up and finally exit the in-between of the veil.

You’re greeted to the sight of a beautiful, rustic looking Germanic mansion surrounded by iron gates that hold honeycomb patterns that trail skywards only to end on sharp peaks that you’re almost certain your boss has spiked people on plenty of times. There’s also flowers of every kind in the front gardens that catch your eyes the moment you step through the grand gates. There’s fountains and topiaires, statues and benches that tell you the Operator drips with style and elegance.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” Masky smiles.

You nod, “it’s gorgeous.” The air smells slightly expensive, but mostly sweet. How is it that a place like this can even possibly exist? Around the mansion are autumnal trees, mostly maple, some sycamore and other birch. Scattered on the front lawn are other proxies and some independents, mostly catching up and talking before leaving through the same gates you entered from. Some of them smile and wave as they pass you, others grunt and turn their nose up at you upon realizing you’re the youngest. This place sings with the Operator’s overwhelming presence.

Your comrades continue to watch your amused expression as they lead you to the front doors of the mansion. They’re large and stained glass, slightly gothic in woodwork and tower over you.

“Go ahead,” Hoodie chuckles as he nods for you to open the doors.

You glance back to him, then at the large doors before tentatively placing your hands on their surface. With a small breath, you push them open and find yourself greeted to the most exquisite foyer you’ve ever seen. Large chandeliers hang from the ceiling, sapphires and rubies drip from the fixtures and shine the light beautifully across the marble floors. Gold leaf adorns almost everything that juts out while the huge staircase in front of you beckons you forward.

“Doesn’t seem like he needs us yet,” Masky says as he checks his watch. “Got here earlier than expected, huh?” He lightly ribs Hoodie who rolls his eyes in response. “C’mon, let’s go to the sun room. Don’t wanna wait around in here.” He nods for the three of you to follow.

Toby clears his throat slightly as if to remind the two in charge that you’re still very much here and new.

“Oh, right,” Masky says. “Reader, this is super important, so listen up,” your group leader begins as he turns on his heels to eventually rest his hands on your shoulders.

You raise a brow at his sudden contact. Masky normally didn’t touch you unless what he had to say was important - which really, really didn’t happen often.

“This mansion likes to play off your thoughts, feelings, and logic,” he says, his hand gesturing to the staircase that’s slowly moving directions. You didn’t even hear it begin to shift. “The Operator usually keeps things in line for when he summons you, it’s almost a guaranteed path you’ll make it to him, but,” his eyes go serious. “If it’s just you and you’re moving around, you need to have a place in mind or it’ll accidentally spit you out somewhere totally random. We’ve had people get lost in here because the mansion is slightly playful and weirdly baneful depending on the individual walking around.”

“The Operator has a playful side?”

Masky stifles a laugh before shaking you lightly. “I legitimately mean it, you need to have a place in mind or you’re gonna get lost and the Operator isn’t gonna be happy. By extension, I won’t be happy because I need to come get you.”

“Mhm,” Hoodie nods in agreement. “And you can’t have the thought in passing either, it’s gotta be on your mind until it’s in sight.” After Hoodie’s words leave his mouth, Masky lets you go.

You take all the information in and wonder just what makes the place run. It’s like it has its own personality - it’s playful and baneful? You have to ask it permission to even enter its grounds and it deems whether you’re worthy or not? What kind of power does the Operator even have and why on earth would he even care about that kind of stuff? If he truly wanted his proxies to access him, he’d do it with no hesitation. The humans that would wander into his rooms would just end up tasting someone’s blade.

“Sun room?” Hoodie reminds Masky.

Your entire walk to the sun room you try to conjure a mental image in your head. They say it’s doubtful you’ll get lost so long as you’re with them, but you consider it good practice. When you finally make it to the sun room, you’re pleased to see it’s relatively empty save for a few groups interspersed in the large, window adorned room overlooking a silver lake. There’s a few independents walking around with carts holding different tea time finger-foods and waiting tea sets on every table. Maasky leads you over to one of the tables nearest to the view of the lake.

“So, what business exactly are we here for today?” You ask as you waste no time in pouring yourself some tea.

Masky shrugs, “no idea. He said he just wanted us to come.”

“T-Think he r-really only n-needs an audience w-with them though,” Toby adds before silently thanking you for pouring him some tea as well. “L-Leaves us some t-t-time to chat. Y’know, t-the thing H-Hood hates us d-doing,” he lightly jokes.

Hoodie scoffs and feigns being annoyed, “I only hate you two chatting when we’re in the middle of tearing out some guy’s entrails.”

“Y-Yeah, which is a-all the time,” Toby giggles.

You laugh as well.

The four of you are in a heated argument about something relatively stupid when static overtakes Masky and Hoodie’s hearing. They visibly pause, as if they’re trying to key into something you can’t understand when it suddenly stops.

“Have t-to go?” Toby inquires before taking a strawberry tart and popping it into his mouth.

Both Masky and Hoodie nod.

“Yeah. Keep an eye on Reader, please? We won’t be too long,” Masky replies with a small, tired smile.

Toby flashes the two a thumbs up before the both of you watch them leave, a clear destination on their minds.

It’s not long until Toby gets distracted by some other independents that stroll into the mansion. You recognize the two of them as relatively minor legends - well, maybe not the one with the smile. His name is Jeff.

“So, this is your fresh meat, huh?” Jeff chuckles as he lightly pushes Toby’s shoulder. “She looks a little scrawny. Are you feeding her right?”

Toby laughs and nods, “Masky w-w-would lose his m-mind if you s-s-said that.”

Jeff’s chest rumbles as he laughs. “I’m joking,” he holds his hand up as a sign of truce. “Hope you know you’re running with one of the only decent groups out there, Reader,” he says before picking up his tea cup. It looks slightly comical as he brings it to his lips.

You offer him a smile and nod, “yeah, I know.”

The man to Jeff’s left nods in agreement, “Masky’s really good at what he does. Got one of the best.”

Toby immediately fights the notion (playfully) and the three engage in conversation that’s lively and vibrant all the same. You listen to the three verbally duke it out before you find yourself bored. You can’t just leave though, but you want to move at the same time.

“Toby?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I excuse myself?”

“W-Where to?”

“Washroom,” you reply.

“Do y-you need m-me to a-accompany y-y-you?”

Both Eyeless Jack and Jeff scoff.

“She’s a big girl, let her go,” Jeff says as he nods his own approval for you to go. “You told her about the mindset thing?”

Toby nods.

“Yeah, then she’s good to go,” Eyeless Jack agrees.

You flash the men at your table a smile before getting up. You push in your chair and then make it to the entrance of the sunroom, leading into the halls. You don’t have a set destination in mind. The moment you step out of the sunroom, you feel the air change. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s different. On instinct, you turn your gaze over your shoulder to see the sunroom is gone. It’s just hall and lining the hall are doors upon doors.

Alright, you can work with that! A small smile comes to your face as you begin to walk forwards, allowing your curiosity to bloom. The first door you decide to open is one that’s honestly not that exciting. It was just a storage unit. Another was a study. Then it was someone’s room. Another room. And another. How many residence rooms are there?

You close yet another door and then feel a thought come into your head, taking a seat on your train of thought like a butterfly sunbathes on a flower. She - Toby had mentioned it. And you wondered. You let the thought stay. Before you know it, you’re walking through the halls guided by forces you don’t quite understand, and the further you get into the mansion, the stranger the atmosphere becomes. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s not a normal feeling either. You watch as the light fixtures change from something relatively modern and regress into something more vintage. The dust begins to kick up. Irish lace begins to pepper the ceiling. You notice how the doors change style as well. How strange.

Eventually, you reach a dead end stretch of hall. At the very end of this hall is a singular door that looks weathered, as if it was sunbleached and painted over in oils. There’s an elegance to it you can’t quite place, and like a siren song, you find yourself being beckoned to it. Your proxy instincts kick in like second nature the closer you draw to it. You feel your breathing lighten, your steps as well, and you move towards it with a silence that is unmatched - as if you’re floating on air. You draw closer and closer to the door. It’s so magnetic, and you can’t quite explain why/ But closer still you must be to it.

Your hand tenderly grasps the doorknob - it feels like ice - and you twist it open. You wonder if you should be doing this. A part of you feels like you shouldn’t be doing this, but another part of you says this is what you were meant to see. You push the door open ever so slightly, just enough to be able to see inside, but the door is heavy, almost as if it doesn’t want you to. Like it’s trying to protect you from something further. You wonder if it just wishes to keep its secrets.

It’s gorgeous, it truly is. It puts the rest of the mansion to shame. It looks old - perhaps from 16th century Germany and fit for royalty. Plants of all kinds line the walls. They look like emeralds as light shines through their leaves. The sunlight kisses the flowers that sprout from the stalks. Beautiful woodwork surrounds the windows that are covered in fairytale-esque stained glass pieces. The scent is of something much, much sweeter and warmer than the rest of the mansion. Your eyes then draw to the center of the room, where an ornate table sits. There’s gold leaf decorating its legs followed by symbols you can’t really pin down. A tablecloth that looks like it was weaved from the stars above is the only thing that separates a delicate tea set from the precious mahogany table. The tea smells heavenly from where you stand.

Before you can press into the room, you pause upon seeing slender, pale hands take hold of the tea pot. Your eyes follow upwards to the owner of the hands only to see a woman so much more beautiful than the moon in twilight and the sun in the morning. Falling from her shoulders was golden hair that looked like a sea of amber as it cascaded down near the floor. Flowers were woven into it - mostly snowdrops, baby’s breath and queen Anne’s lace. She’s dressed in something from medieval Europe, and never once does her sleeve touch the table. She begins to pour herself some tea, a honey like hum coming from her being as she pours the sweet liquid. Her eyes flick upwards for but a moment when she hears a bird chirping outside. Her eyes are so dark, there exists no white sclera. They’re so dark, like black holes that hide in the depths of space, but you feel as if she holds the universe inside of them. She’s so beautiful, you’re not sure she’s real. A cat has jumped up onto the table, purring at her. When she smiles, your heart sings.

You want to say hello to her and spend time in her presence when you attempt to open the door some more. It creaks slightly. The hinges are ancient. Before you can say anything, the door is slammed shut, sending you flying backwards. You let out a sound of shock before seeing Toby reaching down to get you.

“What t-the hell a-a-are you thinking?” He hisses as he picks you up, grabbing your bicep and beginning to drag you away from the door that still holds your attention. “You r-really just w-wandered off l-like that?”

You furrowed your eyebrows, attempting to get free of his grasp as he continues to pull you along. No matter how hard you smack at him, he doesn’t let go.

“M-Masky said it’s not s-safe for y-y-you to wander o-off. A-And without m-me? D-D-Did you have a-any cognitive t-t-thought when you w-went out on a l-limb like t-that?” He sounds so heated.

You find he’s bringing you back to the sunroom, undoubtedly going to tell Masky and Hoodie about your misbehavior. “Why are you being so weird?” You retort as you attempt to wriggle out of his grasp. “It’s just a room!” You cry out in an exasperated tone.

Toby only reprimands you louder. It’s a losing game.

You eventually find yourself back in the sunroom. Only, instead of Eyeless Jack and Jeff, you see the deeply concerned and slightly pissed off faces of Masky and Hoodie. They’re not happy to see you, and you’re not exactly thrilled to see you either.

“Take a s-s-seat,” Toby says in a harsh tone as he thrusts you back into your seat.

“What the fuck were you thinking?” Masky asks, not even attempting to mask his voice because that’s the privilege of being a proxy. You’re able to reprimand your proxies without anyone giving a care.

“You can’t just go off like that,” Hoodie continues as he furrows his brows. “You could’ve gotten-”

“Hurt? This is the Operator’s mansion, what the fuck is gonna hurt me in here other than himself or you two?”

“That’s it,” Masky points out. “He can seriously hurt you if you snoop where you shouldn’t!” His hands grips at your wrist, tightening to a point of pain.

When you feel tears prick your eyes, Hoodie sighs and puts his hand on Masky’s shoulder, “stop it.”

Masky hesitantly lets you go.

“What did you see?” Hoodie asks with a deep sigh, his posture tensing. He’s really hoping you didn’t see the Operator’s trophy room.

You give your comrades a concerned look, not sure whether you should answer or not when Hoodie raises a slight brow. Damn it. You’re emotionally compromised. He’s seeing what he needs to without your permission.

“That’s… Odd…” He says.

Masky glances to Hoodie. “No.”

“Unfortunately, I think yeah,” Hoodie says with a growing frown. He glances to Toby for confirmation, and upon seeing Toby’s nod, says “yeah,” again.

Masky groans and puts his face into his hands, finding comfort in being buried into himself.

You hold your wrist in your hand and lean back in your chair. “Just… What is it you guys aren’t telling me?” You question, hoping they’d just bite the bullet and tell you.

The group shares a look, debating whether they should even say it or not. When no one says anything, you press them again.

“Come on,” you sigh. “It can’t be that bad.”

“It really could be,” Masky says as he finally releases his face from his hands. “No one knows what seeing it does.”

Your eyes widen before you bark a laugh. “What?”

“No, he’s serious,” Hoodie picks up. “Seeing that door is rare, like, rainbow pikachu rare. Proxies think it’s an omen or a bad luck thing. To see it means a group’s eventual demise.”

You briefly scoff at the thought of proxies being superstitious before you remember some of you can actually cast portals. It’s really not that out of pocket.

“N-No one has e-e-ever found o-out though,” Toby shrugs. “W-We just know t-that the g-groups that h-h-have n-normally e-end in death.” He looks a little uncomfortable as he says the words, like there’s a legitimate truth to what he’s saying even though he’d rather it be utter BS.

“To be fair, we thought it was a rumor prior to you sneaking off,” Hoodie says as he tries to calm down his group.

You take in this information with a small frown. How could something that beautiful be that evil or a harbinger of doom? The thought of it left you perplexed as your comrades continued to lecture you on not wandering off until Masky and Hoodie were called away.

“I don’t know if I feel comfortable leaving Reader here with-”

Toby rolls his eyes, “you c-cant just s-say you want m-me to come with i-instead. N-Not need to insult m-my competence a-a-as a babysitter,” he mumbles before glancing down to his hatchets.

Masky sighs and nods for Toby to follow him out. Looks like it’s just you and Hoodie.

“So,” you awkwardly begin, not really sure what to do or what to say.

“So,” Hoodie hums back. “Anywhere you wanted to go?” When he sees the glint in your eyes, he shakes his head. “Like, a normal place. We’re gonna be here for a while while those two are out,” he chuckles, watching as you visibly deflate.

You allow the question to bang around in your head until you nod with a thought in mind. “The library. I’d like to go to the library.”

Hoodie smiles at that suggestion and finishes the rest of his tea before standing up. He stretches for a moment, then leads you to the hallway your original snooping began. You noticed as his thoughts immediately became clouded with the word and vision of ‘library’ as the two of you trekked the halls. As you walked, you barely recognized any of the doors you passed. They weren’t on your radar, which was odd in your opinion as you had opened a lot of door you probably shouldn’t have.

Eventually, you reach two large oak doors. Hoodie pushes them open and you’re greeted to the sight of a beautiful library. It’s impossibly huge - how could such a place exist in the mansion? You’re well aware it’s a huge place, but the fact that all of this is here… It’s bigger than a downtown city library you visited when passing through Chicago a few months ago. The Operator’s influence is beautiful, isn’t it?

“I’m gonna be in the sci-fi section,” Hoodie says as he nods over to the right wing of the library. “It’s on the second floor.” You notice the spiral staircase that leads to what appears to be a balcony - it must stretch backwards forever. “Check in with me in about 15 minutes. Don’t do anything stupid.” It’s surprising how relaxed he’s being with you. You would have expected someone like Hoodie to be a lot angerier and more observational.

Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, you nod and flash him a thumb’s up before bounding over to the left wing of the library. Nothing is properly labeled, but you get a strong bout of intuition where everything is. Right now, you’re on the hunt for history.

The aisle that holds the history books looks just as old as you would have expected it to. The books here aren’t any you’ve ever seen in stores either - they’re largely from the time period they’re to be representing. Some are more modern, but you get the feeling that they don’t exist anywhere else but under the Operator’s influence. You find a few books that talk about the early history of proxies, some on independents, but nothing to inform you on what you had found.

It’s honestly a little maddening. You check in with Hoodie when you have to - he asks you to list the spines of the books you’re currently looking at - and then you’re back to your fruitless search. You run up and down the halls of the history section looking for anything when you hear static begin to buzz in your heads. The feeling travels upwards like the vines you felt earlier from your heels to your chest. When they claw deep into your heart, you feel a pull. And once again, like a sailor beckoned to the rocks due to a siren’s song, you follow it.

It twists and turns you through the shelves, making you zip past the few proxies and independents that are currently visiting this wing of the library before you’re drawn to a rotunda. You look backwards and see in the distance the front doors of the library. When did this place get a middle wing? It was just straight shelves and a wall with large windows overlooking the rolling hills of the woods. You turn your attention upwards to the ceiling of the rotunda. There’s a large skylight that allows sunlight to cascade down. Around that are gems you don’t even know the name of that weave a mosaic of something positively divine. You allow your gaze to follow the shaft of warm sunlight down, and there, sitting at a table with a book in hand (it looks like a journal) is the Operator himself.

“S-Sir!” You manage to squeak out as you find yourself startled to be in his presence, Heat rises to your cheeks when he looks up from his book to turn his attention to you.

“How did you get here?” He asks, confusion etching his body as he curiously tilts his head.

Your breath hitches. “I’m so sorry,” you apologize, bowing your head almost immediately. “I don’t know how I got here. It just felt like a pull and suddenly I was here? I was in the left wing and looking over history books and I-” you continue to rattle off until the Operator holds up his hand, silently signaling you to stop. You do so as soon as he asks.

“I-. It’s no matter,” he waves off. “Come, sit down beside me.” An inky black tendril sprouts from his back as he pulls the chair in front of him out, allowing you to sit in his presence.

You will your stone-like legs forward and attempt to gracefully take a seat in front of him. It’s a slightly awkward silence before he speaks again.

“How have you been, Miss Reader?”

“I’m alright,” you reply, voice no higher than a whisper.

The Operator hums. “Good.”

Another pregnant pause.

“Child, where is your book?”

“I uh, didn’t grab one?” You answer softly. You can tell the Operator is looking at you with what he can convey to his fullest as confusion. “When I was pulled here I just.. Followed,” you attempt to explain. “I don’t know why I’m here.”

“And what have you done today?” He asks, giving his passing attention to you like a father would.

You bite your lip before steering the conversation towards the room you saw. “I think I met someone.”

“You did, did you?”There’s a passing interest as if he’s saying ‘that’s nice, honey.’

You nod. “She was in a tea room-”

He pauses.

“I found her by accident-”

He makes sure he’s hearing you correctly.

“Her hair was golden-”

He looks up.

“She had plants-”

He’s sitting upright now.

“She had a cat-”

He leans forward.

“Her smile rivaled the stars-”

He’s focusing so intently on you now.

“Her voice was like honey-”

He entirely focused on you.

“She was beautiful.”

The Operator’s ichor pauses for just a moment as he takes in the description of the woman you described. It makes a part of him sing and another part of him sob. He hasn’t heard of her in so, so long.

When you look up, you see the Operator practically leaned halfway over the table and entirely focused on you. It makes you jump. “I’m sorry,” you apologize sheepishly, thinking you saw something you shouldn’t have. “I wasn’t thinking and I uh, think the mansion led me to her?”

The Operator wordlessly nods. “Was she pouring tea?” He asked, voice so much gentler than anything you could ever expect him to conjure up.

You slowly nod. “She was.”

The Operator suddenly slumps down, making you jolt. You rise on instinct to help him when he waves you back down. “Do you realize who you’ve come into contact with?” He asks.

You shake your head. “I’m afraid not, Sir,” you say with slight remorse.

The Operator chuckles deeply - it rumbles his chest and in your head. “You found her.” He could smile, you were sure it would be from ear to ear if he had the correct facial features. “All these years later and you found her.” He emphasizes you like a bittersweet affirmation.

“Who is she?” You ask softly.

Your boss sits back up again. “Someone who loves me,” his tendril sprouts once again from his back and moves towards you. “Someone who loves you,” it taps your nose. “Someone who loves us.” The tendril makes a grand, sweeping gesture.

You take in the words and nod, still not knowing what they mean. Upon seeing your confusion, he decides to elaborate.

“A long, long time ago, in a realm you could not begin to fathom, there was light and there was dark,” he begins, his voice slipping into something akin to someone saying a bedtime story. “I was the light, and that cur we call Zalgo was the dark.”

You scrunch your nose at the sound of his name.

“The dark and the light were born from nothing, and she was beautiful.” His audible smile is actually endearing to hear. “Throughout the years, the light and the dark fought, constantly at each other's throats. It was woven in the threads of history, it had been our birthright. When we came to this place, this planet after being cast from our home - a palace amongst all palaces, a kingdom that rose far above any other, the nothingness came with us. She called herself Liebevolle Frau. She loved her children.” By this point in the story, the Operator has taken the liquids from the coffee cup he drinks from and animated them into the characters for this story.

You watch with stars in your eyes.

“But no guardian is without its favorites, and I happened to be hers.” Liebevolle Frau’s figure was shown sheltering the Operator’s much smaller one. “And this caused a rift that could not be mended through the light and dark. Eventually, the dark waged war on the light.”

It’s a war you’re still fighting to this day.

“In the 1500s, long after this mansion had been built and my power continued to grow, Zalgo had almost wiped us off the face of the earth to splatter out remains across all the five realms. Liebevolle Frau, thought caught off guard,” that would explain the tea, “sheltered me and protected this place and all who resided in it. At the time,” the Operator looks at you. “Independents and proxies had lived here much more commonly than they do now.”

You smile softly.

“Liebevolle Frau’s power had been pushed to its limit in holding back her first born son, and mind, as well as her heart, broke because of it. In her remaining moments of lucidity, she imbued herself, her soul,” the liquids take the form of something fluttering and soft, like a bird, “her everything, and became the place I hold jurisdiction over today.”

Your eyes widen as you think back to the odd feelings you’ve had coming here for today - and Toby’s slip-up.

“I have not been able to find her since the late 1500s,” The Operator explains as the liquids dance back into the coffee mug, the figure of Liebevolle Frau taking a hair longer than the rest. “She lives in everything.”

You’re honestly speechless over everything the Operator has said because it’s so… It’s strangely heartfelt. You’ve never even spoken face to face with your boss and when you do, it’s because some force is guiding you to do so. But if that force felt so alive, it must have meant she wanted you to know.

“Her physical form,” you finally manage to wisp out. “She wanted to be at peace, didn’t she?”

The Operator chuckles deeply. “I would assume so.”

Before you can respond to anything or even come up with another response, you hear both Masky AND Hoodie yelling for you in your head. The jarring difference between your boss’s gentle voice and Masky and Hoodie crying out for blood is enough to make you jump (once again).

Upon seeing your sudden switch in atmosphere, the Operator hushes the voices in your head and calls them to his side.

Toby is the first to show up though, and quickly trailing after him is Masky and Hoodie. They both look ready to reprimand you but upon seeing you sitting with the Operator, nothing but reverence crosses their minds and bodies.

“Good evening, Sir,” Masky says as he bows his head. “Are you well?”

“Thoughtful, aren't you, Timothy?” There’s no animosity or anger in the Operator’s tone, but it makes Masky blush all the same.

A pregnant pause passes.

“I was just speaking with your newest member, Miss Reader,” a pale hand gestures to you. “Come, join us. I could use the company.”

You watch as confused glances get shared between your three comrades before they take a seat beside you.

A pleasant silence passes through the air before a gentle humming that’s sweeter than honey overtakes it like a passing breeze.

[sereia1313]

Chapters 91-100

Read it on Ao3, Dokuga, or FFnet for daily updates!

Summary: Some memories fade with time, lured away by a passing breeze. Others are so ingrained in our hearts that we cling to them with every fibre of our being. To the point where it’s all we remember.

Inspiration: Forget Me Not by Marianas Trench

Quibble

"Ya think he's told her yet?"

Inuyasha snorted. "The runt wouldn't be with them if he had." He leaned against the balcony, one leg draped over the side. He wished it wasn't so close to the new moon but knew it was one of the reasons Kouga had stopped by in the first place.

Overprotective jerk.

"What's he waiting for?"

A genuine smile touched Inuyasha's lips. "Probably for K'gome to make the first move."

Something fell over, hitting the ground with a loud thunk. "They haven't done anything?"

He shrugged, finally turning around. "Sesshoumaru protects what's his. Don't matter if—oi! Quit walkin' around with yer dick out!"

Ingenuous

"I don't sleep with my armour on." His tone was so matter-of-fact that Inuyasha had a hard time coming up with a retort.

He opted for throwing a pillow at him instead.

Kouga caught it easily, smirking with devilish glee before stalking towards him. "What's the matter, mutt-face? Afraid I'll do something you'll like?"

"Keh! You wish!" He tried to evade him, but the wolf was too quick, grabbing him around the waist and pulling him close.

A little less inclined to struggle only because they were alone, Inuyasha glared up at him, the smirk still plastered on Kouga's face.

"Ready to say you missed me yet?"

Confidant

Kagome placed the lopsided flower crown around Inukimi's head, thankful that she'd opted for pigtails today to keep it from falling. "I'll have to ask Rin for some pointers the next time I see her."

Inukimi leaned close, sliding their cheeks together before returning to her painting, mumbling incoherently under her breath.

"You know, one of these days I'm going to figure out what that means."

"It means she trusts you."

She tried to laugh it off, but the seriousness in Sesshoumaru's tone stilled her tongue, and her gaze darted between the two inuyoukai.

"But she did that the first night I met her!"

Noisome

Kagome continued to sputter, trying to come up with a relevant argument.

"Most of your pack attempted to harm you during your first encounter with them, did they not?"

"So?"

He chuckled softly, momentarily distracting her. Did he know that his eyes changed colour when he laughed?

"Has it not occurred to you that if you were not worthy of their trust, you would not have been able to change their minds so readily?"

She wrinkled her nose, the scent of miasma forever burned into her mind. "Naraku never seemed to think so."

"The spider was incapable of seeing past his own ambitions. All of which you interfered with."

Culminate

Hubris replaced her disbelief, blue eyes sparkling. "Is it bad that I enjoyed that?"

He smirked in return. "I would say it was warranted, considering how much strife he caused you."

"You too," she said softly, offering one of the leftover flowers to Inukimi. The youkai stared at the bloom, her paintbrush forgotten. "I just wish I could've done more."

"Miko—" They both watched as Inukimi moved closer to Sesshoumaru, offering up the flower without meeting his gaze. Kagome's heart clenched as Sesshoumaru accepted the gift, then blushed at the knowing expression on his face. "Do you honestly believe you have not made a difference?"

Jingoism

"Well, maybe a small one," she relented. Golden eyes hardened, and she waved her hands. "Okay, okay! A big one!"

"If the entirety of Japan had the means to do so, they would be bowing at your feet." He seemed slightly disgusted that it hadn't happened already, and it warmed her heart.

Sesshoumaru wasn't overly generous with his praise; during his training sessions with Inuyasha and Shippou, his words were carefully crafted to ensure resilience and progress while not allowing for any type of favouritism.

Even Rin, who held his regard above all else, was limited to soft replies and gentle pats on the head.

What would it be like, she wondered, to be his favourite?

Fulsome

Jaken had learned, through various glares and head I juries, not to disturb them in the garden.

He meant well—Kagome knew being the Lord of the West was a full-time job—but now that Inukimi was under control, Sesshoumaru's duties seemed to increase.

She cast a longing look towards the doorway, currently huddled under a makeshift shelter, as Inukimi still wasn't comfortable with being inside, the rain blurring Sesshoumaru's form as Jaken puttered back and forth.

Warmth settled around her shoulders, Inukimi's face full of concentration as she made her own pelt appear. "The wind is gone."

It could've just been about the weather, but Kagome's heart clenched all the same.

Duress

"Do you wish the wind wasn't gone?" she asked softly. Inukimi's hands stilled, and Kagome braced herself, remembering what happened last time.

"I tried to bring it back." Golden eyes were clear and focused when Inukimi raised her head, and Kagome stopped breathing.

"What happened?" she whispered, not daring to move.

"The power was not right—not enough." Her expression was pained, her aura a mixture of shame and guilt.

"What else did you need?"

The crescent moon creased as her brow furrowed, and Kagome leaned forward, brushing their cheeks together, her smile reassuring when she pulled back. "It's alright if you can't tell me, I just—"

"A sacrifice."

Scintillate

Kagome watched as Inukimi was plagued by memories, hands shaking as she receded inwards.

Sesshoumaru had spoken of what his mother had been like before Kagura's death; a queen of the youkai court, ready to take on anyone who thought her unfit to run her station.

She was the culmination of two long lines of nobility with the spirit of an unforgiving goddess who was just as likely to command armies as she was to lead them straight onto the battlefield.

Kagome reached for her, tears pricking her eyes when Inukimi screeched and pulled away.

"I wish I'd known you then," she whispered.

Debunk

Jaken was still talking.

She wished she had the right to pull him away, cheeks heating as soon as the thought entered her mind. It was bad enough her heart sped up every time she was near him, she didn't need Jaken squawking about how she was unworthy of his time.

Inukimi was resting in her true form, tail curled around Kagome's waist, her scroll long forgotten as the word 'sacrifice' spun around in her mind.

What exactly did the sacrifice entail? Was it a life for a life? Sesshoumaru had managed to cheat the chains of death before—

The chains.

[axoxtxhxh]

Not Without Trying - Chapter 3

Summary: After reader and Reiner have sex, they discuss their relationship.

ReinerxFem!Reader

Warnings: Sex, mentioning sex

Word Count: ~2,800

When Y/N woke up, the sun was just coming up. The familiar warmth of Reiner’s body next to her brought a smile to her face before she even opened her eyes. She lifted her head to look up at him. He was still asleep, soft snores coming from him. She slowly sat up and looked for her shirt and instantly felt a hand on her waist. She turned around to see Reiner facing her, head propped up on his arm with a smirk on his face.

“Not yet.” He pulled her back into bed with him. Hovering over her, his lips were on hers. She wrapped her arms around him and he moved down to her neck.

“Aren’t you hungry?” She wondered.

“Always.” He was down at her chest now. “Just give me 5 minutes.”

“5 minutes, huh?” She looked down and he lifted the blankets looking up at her.

“5 minutes.” He grinned and dove back under the covers, finding her sweet spot in a matter of seconds. She had to give it to him. It took him only two minutes to bring her to orgasm, from which he moved up and thrusted into her finishing himself off in another two minutes.

“I think I may have an extra minute.” Reiner lay next to Y/N panting.

They got dressed and made their way down to the mess hall. It was nearly 8:00, but everything was still quiet, mostly everyone was still sleeping from partying the night before. Walking into the kitchen, Y/N looked around to see what ingredients they still had to make something.

“Do you like bread?” She asked him, handing him flour and eggs.

“I’d like anything you make.” He moved the ingredients to the counter for her.

“Let’s make everyone a treat.” She smiled at him and he looked at her with a smile on his face as she got to work. Reiner helped where he could, but he mainly kept her company while she worked. Giving her the occasional kiss on the cheek and cleaning up as she baked.

A short while later they had a huge batch of pastries ready for the soldiers when they woke up. She laid all of them in baskets wrapped in cloth and prepared them for the tables. As she walked in to the mess hall with two baskets in her hands, she saw a familiar face sitting at the table with his tea, reading a book.

“Good morning, Levi.” She put a basket in front of him, Reiner coming behind her with two more baskets for the other tables. Levi looked up from his book, looking from Y/N to Reiner.

“You can sit down, I’ll get the rest of the baskets.” Reiner said then disappeared into the kitchen.

“You guys made breakfast?” He questioned, taking a sip of his tea. Y/N nodded, setting a plate in front of him and a plate in front of her.

“You should try some, Captain.” Reiner was back putting the last few baskets out. “Y/N made this all herself.” Y/N smiled shyly.

“You definitely helped.” She made room for Reiner to sit next to her. He straddled the bench, keeping his body facing her.

“Not really.” He put a pastry on the plate in front of Y/N. “I’ll get us some water.” And he was back in the kitchen.

“You guys woke up at the same time to make breakfast together?” Levi’s eyes narrowed a bit.

“Yeah.” Y/N opened up the pastry to let some of the steam out. “It helps that he slept in my room last night.”

Levi tried not to choke on his tea, but it still caught Y/N’s attention.

“You okay?” She stood up, about to pat him on the back, but Levi closed his eyes, shook his head and coughed quietly to himself. Reiner was back out of the kitchen and sitting next to Y/N, gobbling down his pastry.

Levi quietly watched the both of them. Reiner stayed in her room last night? Had they been dating and I not notice? He hadn’t detected that Y/N was even interested in anyone. Was this an accident or maybe a one-time affair? He was so lost in his thoughts that by the time he came back, Reiner was already on his third bread.

“Save some for everyone else, you pig.” Levi ordered pulling the basket away from Reiner reaching for a fourth one. Levi quickly put one on his own plate and watched as Reiner took his plate to the kitchen. “Where did you learn to bake?” He asked her as he bit into the pastry. Damn it! This is good. So good. Warm and flaky with a touch of sweetness. It nearly melted in his mouth without him having to chew.

“My sister is a baker.” She propped her head up on her elbow, looking off into the corner of the mess all. “I just picked up some basic things from her.”

At this point, everyone was waking up and flooding the room. Reiner came out of the kitchen and pulled on Y/N’s arm.

“Can I talk to you for a second?” He gestured to the hallway and Y/N followed him. “Today is cleaning day for everyone.”

“Yeah, Commander Erwin, Hange, Levi, Miche and I have meetings before we join you guys. What’s up?” She wondered. He held her hands in his, rubbing them with his thumbs.

“After everything’s done for the day, can we talk a little?” He was looking down at their hands. The fact that he could still be shy sometimes made her smile.

“Sure. It probably won’t be until after dinner though.”

“That’s fine.” He looked at her with a small smile then put his hand on her cheek, leaning in to kiss her. “Later then.” He held her chin lightly and then went upstairs.

…..

The part of the day that was filled with meetings and paperwork was nearly finished. They had just planned out the next scouting mission to take place over the next couple days. Y/N noticed Levi staring at her a lot throughout the meeting, nearly nonstop. She kept taking peeks over at him, even narrowing her eyes trying to get him to stop, but he wouldn’t budge. It was getting on her nerves.

“Commander Erwin, do I have permission to speak?” She asked as everyone switched books.

“Of course.”

“I was just curious,” she looked over at Levi, “if maybe I have something on my face or if there is another reason Captain Levi keeps staring at me.”

Levi’s eyes widened slightly and Erwin chuckled along with Hange and Miche.

“Oooh.” Hange perked up.

“I’m just trying to figure out, why Reiner.” Levi stared at Y/N and stood up. She stopped laughing and the others looked confused.

“Reiner?” Hange looked from Y/N to Levi hoping one would explain.

“Well you’re not going to read it from my face.” Y/N stood up. “And thanks for sharing my business.”

“You seemed more than willing to share that with me this morning.”

“That’s you!” Y/N closed her books and looked at Erwin. “This is not important information for this meeting.

“I was really holding out for you and Levi.” Hange spoke up.

“Hange!” They both shouted.

“I see.” Erwin spoke. “Is this about you leaving the party early with Reiner?”

“Does everyone know this? Don’t you guys have better things to do?” Y/N said.

“I didn’t know,” Miche spoke up.

“Sorry Miche,” Y/N apologized. “You were really great dancing last night though.”

“Thanks!” He said with a smile.

“Can we get back to the meeting now?” Y/N was very done with the conversation surrounding her and Reiner.

“So does this mean there’s no chance for you and Levi to—" Hange started

“Shut it, four eyes.” Levi stared at them. “Commander, I was considering suggesting some changes to the scouting mission. I thought that maybe Y/N wanted to take lead of the scouts heading north since she mentioned this morning that her sister was a baker and Orvud district is known for their breads.”

“Is that true, Y/N?” Erwin asked, “There isn’t a lot of time, but you would have a couple hours to visit, if you’d like.”

Y/N froze looking down at her hands. She wasn’t expecting Levi to say that. She felt her eyes starting to burn, filling with tears. Her emotions were things she was never good at hiding, most of them resulting in anger and her exploding. She wasn’t expecting this to be brought up this morning, but she needed to calm herself down. She quickly blinked back the tears as best she could and looked at Erwin.

“I appreciate the offer.” She smiled at Erwin and turned back to Levi. “And maybe I never made this information known, but my family is from Shiganshina, not far from Eren and his family actually.”

“Oh goodness.” Hange let out a gasp.

“Currently, I’m unsure of where my family is seeing how evacuees were dispersed throughout the towns within wall Rose, but I can only assume the worst. At the time of the attack, my mother was visiting her family in Krolva, which is where she currently is. Therefore, taking the west is much more beneficial to me.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me that you brat?” Levi complained, looking genuinely hurt by not knowing that about her.

“When would be the right time to bring that up?” Y/N pointed out.

“That doesn’t matter,” he continued. “We’re friends. You—"

“It doesn’t matter,” Y/N started. “I am happy to lead the west group. If there is time, I can see my mom.”

“Then it’s decided. Y/N will take the west group, Levi the South, Hange the east and Miche the north. If everyone is okay with that,” Erwin spoke. “We can work on teams.” No one complained so Erwin continued. “Since the south has the most titans, Levi, you can choose your team.”

Levi looked directly at Y/N. “I want Reiner.”

“You scheming little runt.” Y/N reached over the table to grab him, but Levi leaned back in his chair, just out of her reach, smiling at her. “Get over here!”

“As much as I’d hate to interfere with young love,” Erwin interrupted. “Levi has one of the more densely populated titan areas.”

“Fine” Y/N pouted. “Also, you’re only a couple years older than me.”

“Isn’t Reiner still a teenager?” Levi pointed out and she glared at him.

“Let’s continue.” Erwin resumed creating teams until everyone was decided.

…..

Y/N walked into her office, tired from the day. She rubbed her hand on the back of her neck, trying to release the tension. This day turned out to be a lot longer than she thought it would be. She made her way to her bedroom. She felt bad for keeping Reiner waiting as long as she did. She pushed open the door, excited to change into her pajamas. The room was lit up, Reiner must have turned on the lights. He was standing by the window with his back to her.

“Reiner,” she said with a smile. “Sorry that took so—”

He turned around to face her. He had a bunch of flowers in his hand and had a huge grin on his face.

“What is this?” She asked, taking the bouquet from him. She held them up, then smelled them.

“There’s a floral shop not that far from here.” He stated. “I ran and grabbed some after dinner.” He kissed her forehead.

“This is so sweet.” She kept smiling at the flowers.

“I needed to do this right.” He took a deep breath and walked her over to the bed, sitting her down on the bed while he knelt down on the floor in front of her. “I wasn’t sure before, but I am pretty sure now. I think I am in love with you and I want to be with you.” He looked at her waiting for an answer.

“… Are you asking me or just sort of telling me?” She laughed.

“Damn it.” He cringed. “I’m asking. Let me try again.”

“Reiner, you don’t—”

“No, I do—I want to.” He grabbed her hands and held them in his, looking up into her eyes. “Y/N.” Deep breath. “I am definitely in love with you. It’s a little bit terrifying for me. I’ve never really felt this way about anyone before, but I’m happy I feel this way about you. I don’t want last night to be the last time we are together. Would you be willing to consider being with me?”

“I sort of already assumed we were—but yes.” She put her hand on his cheek and he closed his eyes, displaying a huge smile. He leaned forward and rested his forehead on her legs. After a second, he stood up.

“I know you’re busy so I don’t want to bother you.” He brushed off his pant legs. “I just wanted to make sure I talked to you. I didn’t want you to think yesterday was nothing.”

“Even if you didn’t do this.” She gestured at the flowers. “Yesterday was very much something… This morning was too.”

He smiled and made his way to the door.

“Reiner?” She called at him before he left. “You can stay a little. I’m not that busy—”

He closed the door and dove onto the bed. The pillows and blankets popped up as his weight hit the bed.

“I see.” She smiled. “So all you needed was an invitation.” She moved the flowers onto the nightstand. “So how was cleaning?”

“The same as it always is.” He shrugged. “I was on bathroom duty. How was your day?”

“A lot of paperwork and writing.” She pulled her hair loose. Reiner sat up and moved to her. Putting his hands on her shoulders and massaging. She closed her eyes, feeling his hands work out the knots in her neck.

“You work really hard.” He told her.

“I need to be better.” She asserted. “There’s so much more I could be doing.”

“More?” He moved her shoulders back so he could see her face. “You already do so much.”

“No way.” She protested. “I’m just starting out. I have so much I have to learn. I need to make sure I am being a good captain as well as useful to the team.” She turned to face him and he sat next to her. “I also want to make sure I’m good to you.”

“You’re already amazing to me.” He said, surprised she didn’t already know.

“Today was just a really busy day,” she commented and held his hand. “We will have more time together.”

“Don’t change anything for me.” He touched her cheek. “I am more than happy watching you work on busy days.”

“Speaking of work.” She looked over at her office door, knowing she had mountains of paperwork she still needed to get through. “I should try to get through some of what I have so tomorrow won’t be as bad.” She looked back at Reiner. “You’re welcome to stay, but you should probably get some sleep too.”

“I’ll wait here for a bit.” He smiled at her. “Just get done what you need.” Y/N headed to her office, leaving the bedroom door open just a crack and got to work.

It was about two hours later when she decided it was enough. She wasn’t sure how long ‘a bit’ was for Reiner, but he was still waiting. She wasn’t complaining though. She was grateful he was excited about how much she loved her job. Her last relationship failed for that reason. Honestly, all of her relationships failed because she obsessed over her job. It’s not really that being in the survey corps was necessarily her dream job, but she loved doing it and doing her best was actually really important to her.

She stood up and made her way to the bedroom. She was about to ask why he waited so long when she saw him lying in bed, asleep. He had taken off his shirt and pants and tucked himself under the covers. He managed to make her pretty decent sized bed look so small with his feet hanging off the end. She smiled at him sleeping. Sometimes she forgets and has to remind herself that he is so young. She quickly changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed with him, careful not to take up too much of his space, knowing he needed more. As soon as she settled in, he turned over to wrap his arms around her.

“Did you finish?” He mumbled.

“Just about.” She replied, pushing her back into his chest.

“I knew you …could …do it…” He trailed off at the end. She smiled and let herself fall asleep.

Taglist: @ lainessia

[hello-im-not-a-possum]

16. Play.

Noticing the power shift created by Joey’s new form and role in his story, the Ink demon, the Prophet, and the now much more lucid searchers are interested in playing a few games with their old pals Henry and Joey. (Or not very interested, in the prophet and searchers’ cases) (Set in the AU where by yeeting Joey into the ink machine before going through the portal-door in the kitchen, Henry is accompanied by a chatty, useless, and overall insufferable little imp.)

The novelty of Joey accompanying him as a friendly, (Henry used that term loosely considering what he knew now.) tiny, cartoon demon wore off the second the story actually kicked into play. For starters, the former animator knew that whether either of them liked it or not, Joey was going to be clinging to him whenever he felt like it and following him like a lost puppy.

At the moment, the imp was running ahead of the animator, tapping his feet impatiently as he ‘waited’ for the old man to catch up before scurrying off again and occasionally tripping, but Henry knew that by the time the Ink Demon came into play, the little devil would use him as a meat shield.

 Speaking of the two devils, Henry approached the freshly boarded up ink machine room which Joey was already peering into with an uneasy expression on his pale face. The animator also peered into the room, but instead of being greeted by the Ink Demon popping out of the hole and starting the chase, he watched the Ink demon pace about the small room with an expression he’d never seen on it before: a grimace.

In addition to the demon’s seemingly much more expressive face, he seemed to have a different approach to his role as a villain now that he had no script from Joey to follow; a villain who was much more dangerous than a smart animal.

“SAMMY! JACK! JOHNNY!”

The Ink Demon shouted and called up three figures of ink.

“Alright, now listen up you three good-for-nothing, sewer-water-brained Lackeys, the creators will be here ANY second now, and if I find out YOU STUPID INK BLOTS let them get away, I’m gonna wring your necks out like wet towels! Do I make myself clear?!”

“Yes, your vileness.” The swollen searcher with a bowler hat replied in a tired sounding tone.

“Clear as day, your assholiness.” The Prophet added, sounding like more of a smartass than he had ever been when he was alive.

“Y-yes… Lord Ink Demon… We’ll take good care of them all right! W-well not good, but- EEEP!” a third searcher that appeared to have teeth made out of piano keys meekly stuttered and hid from the Ink Demon’s untrusting glare from behind the safety of the Prophet’s legs.

“Good! Now listen up: they’ve started up our machine already so we don’t have much time to plan: So what do we do to stop them?”

“Uh... ...Same thing as always?”

“W-well… I’m sure that you’ll have the best plan out of all of us, your rottenness!”

“You can stick your hand out of the holes in the boards and watch them run and fall to their doom like a pair of stray sheep who don’t see the cliff.”

“NO! When Joey’s not in control, I’m calling the shots around here! And I say: We’re not going to run his stupid story through the machine any more! We’re doing something completely different, something that will really make ‘em suffer...”

“Henry!” Joey tugged on the man’s pant leg and whispered loud enough for him to hear, but not loud enough to grab the ink monsters’ attention. “He can think and talk! He’s not supposed to do that! Hell, aside from Sammy, none of them are supposed to be any smarter than feral animals! Not to mention, they all look different… I think that stuff on Sammy is supposed to be hair, but it’s never been THAT long before...”

The Ink Demon slapped his forehead and grumbled under his breath.

“Speak of the %*#@ing devils…” He then stared expectantly at the confused trio of searchers. “WELL?! THEY’RE HERE; RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR! ARE YOU GONNA MAUL ‘EM OR ARE YOU JUST GONNA SIT AROUND WAITING FOR THE COCKROACHES IN YOUR HEADS TO CHEW UP THE GARBAGE YOU CALL BRAINS FIRST?!”

“Why not take the pleasure in offing them yourself, your dicklessness?”

“Uh, Yeah, and when you fail at that, we’ll set up traps for ‘em downstairs. It’s not like they’re gonna escape the studio.”

The searcher with piano key teeth sheepishly nodded along.

“What?! But I had this cool dramatic entrance planned out and everything- ARGH! FINE!” The Ink Demon grumbled as he started breaking the boards. “If you want a mauling done right...”

Henry held Joey like a football as he ran through the rapidly flooding studio as the Ink Demon cackled manically throughout the chase.

“READY OR NOT HEEREEE I COOOOMEEEE~”

Henry found himself having to jump and duck to avoid a lot more falling debris and had felt the demon’s claws at his back at times, the situation was not helped by Joey screaming and crying the entire time.

He felt more dread than relief as he saw the exit coming in, no matter how close it got, he never got to it, like every time before, the floorboards broke underneath his feet. He always fell, and now, someone would try to catch him.

“HA! NOT WHEN I’M IN CHARGE, CREATOR!”

And would succeed.

It happened so fast that Joey couldn’t tell if he did it intentionally or not, but he had slipped out of Henry’s grip and had fallen down to the depths of the studio with a loud ‘splash’ announcing his arrival.

Announcing that he was alone, defenseless, and weak. In a studio that Joey now knew no longer was his to control, and was filled with many, many enemies who would fully take advantage of that.

“Y-you just need to stay c-calm, Joey...” He pulled himself up on a floating piece of stray wood and started paddling towards the valve. “There’s an ax nearby, all you need to do is get to it and you’ll be fine. you’ve seen Henry do this hundreds of times, you’ll be alright, you just need to believe in yourself.”

In spite of his reassuring speech, the scared little imp felt a large pit of dread in his gut. The former Music director, former lyricist, and the former organist would probably hesitate if it was Henry instead, but those three caught him... Joey shuddered just thinking about it. 

As the ink drained he took his miraculously unstained bath robe off of the floor and put it back on. He was also missing his pants now, but it wasn’t like he could go back up to get them, and even if he could, he wasn’t going to fight the Ink Demon for a pair of fucking pants that were too big for him anyway.

“Get the ax, get back with Henry, get the ax, get back with Henry, get the ax, get back with Henry...”

He repeated to himself under his breath as he repeated his task of descending and turning valves as an attempt to keep himself from jumping at every twist and turn. The imp also kept his eyes peeled for anything that looked suspicious or out of place, fearing the looming threat of the searchers’ traps.

The ax and the room was exactly how Joey had left it, not a single thing changed, which did make him feel relieved.

When he moved forward, he didn’t find any evidence that Sammy was worshiping Bendy at all when in the shrine room, there were plenty of ritualistic circles, plenty of cryptic messages, but they all had the little devil as a thing that was meant to be sacrificed, not as something worth the former musician’s worship.

“Of all the runs for Sammy to not worship Bendy...” He groaned. “It HAD to be the one where I became an imp...”

He wasn’t sure whether he was grateful or even more afraid when he didn’t see Sammy moving the cutout around.

------

When Joey got to the music department itself, he heard the sounds of laughter, pool balls clacking, cheers and glasses clinking in the distance. Following the sounds, he found the three searchers lounging around the pool table in the middle of a conversation and a game.

The upbeat atmosphere fizzled out when the three noticed him. The Swollen searcher muttered something about the game just getting good, the Piano key-toothed searcher groaned about Joey spoiling all the fun as usual, and the masked mad maestro smiled at him.

Not in a sarcastic or forced way like how his human self smiled at people, it seemed genuine enough. But it also wasn’t a warm or kind smile, it seemed more ...hungry.

“Hello little Lamb.” The prophet stood up and got into the imp’s face,  “Are you interested in playing a game with us?”

‘Oh fuck, he’s still crazy.’ Joey thought to himself. “N-no thanks!” He smiled and waved hoping that he didn’t look as terrified as he felt. “I’ve got a friend of mine to get back to and I really don’t have a lot of time to play.”

The imp dashed out of the break room and slammed the door shut behind him, completely unaware that the merriment had returned to the room.

“Thank god he didn’t go for it.” Johnny sighed. “If The Ink Demon found out about this room because of that little runt...”

“I told you it would work.” The prophet took the mask back off and set it aside on a crate. “...But he’ll probably come back to pester us into trying to help him find Henry, maybe even take up the game offer.”

“Yeah...” Jack poured himself another shot. “Kinda surprised that you didn’t jump at the chance to make his life hell though.”

“Less is more.” The prophet hit the eight ball and watched the rest of them knock against each other. “If you get one big punch left to linger, it hurts like a bitch, if you get hundreds of them, you grow numb to the pain. But I don’t think that Inky understands that.”

“Well, at least he can have fun playing his game of cat and mouse with Joey...”

“Yeah.” Johnny raised his glass. “Cheers to those two being each others’ problems instead of ours!”

“Cheers!”

[wipodu-ao3]

Finding peace - a HTTYD fanfiction

Read the first chapter on Ao3. Join the Discord!

A Hiccup runs away AU, follows the second movie closely at the end.

Summary:

Any fight he had in him drained. He looked into her eyes again, finding only understanding there, she put an arm around him, giving him a side hug.

“I understand,” she said, her voice soft, “but Hiccup, you can’t keep avoiding that place, for your own sake, we have done this many times, spying on Berk is nothing new."

Chapters: 59      Words:109,489

[Complete]

“When are you getting him out of my home? You know we can never be at peace with them”

“We can! All you need to do is understand!”

“Stop with those foolish thoughts, the sooner the monsters go back to where they belong the sooner everything will go back to how it belongs!”

“How is it better than the future we could have together with them?”

“It just is!”

“Well it wasn’t better for me!”

“This isn’t about you, end of discussion, son”

“It never is, it never was and it will never be about me, dad, not to you or anyone”

“I’m sorry son”

“I’m not”

Hiccup’s eyes shot open, yet he remained laying still, he was used to the nightmares at this point. Five years had passed from that day, and he wasn’t alone anymore, yet the nightmares still hadn’t let him rest, and he knew they wouldn’t until he went back to talk to his father. He could do it right now, go talk to him and be free to rest, but he wasn’t ready, and he would never be ready by this rate, the hurt still too present for him to forgive, let alone forget.

He blinked the sleep out of his eyes. It was still dark outside his small hut, but he knew he won’t get any more sleep that night. Toothless was still sleeping on his slab, so trying not to make too much noise Hiccup slipped outside of his hut and went to the cliff side his home was on, and sat down. Being alone with his thoughts wasn’t his favorite pastime, but with Toothless and everyone else still asleep he didn’t have much of a choice.

He looked down to his small village. His village of six people, including himself. Six for now at least. By the weeks end there will only be two of them left. Hilda and Toke decided to move to join the Defenders of the Wing village as they were expecting a child, and with Hiccup’s insistence that his island wasn’t fit for a baby, joining Mala and her people was the best for them. The young couple were also taking a little boy, Ulf, and his sister, Frida, with them. The two kids that Hiccup himself found abandoned after their tribe was wiped out because of a land dispute. After they leave only Hiccup and Storm will be left on the island that they call their hideout. They and the dragons of course.

Storm, the one who managed to make Hiccup believe in himself. She was fierce, dedicated, kind-hearted and she was the sister Hiccup wished he had back on Berk. She was the only person he interacted with regularly and Hiccup himself sometimes couldn’t believe they were so alike, both appearance and personality wise. Apart from the unconditional love for dragons, they had a peg leg each, their hair color was almost identical, Mala was even convinced that they were siblings the first few times they’ve seen her. Their sense of humor was the same, and with Toothless’ contribution, they’ve annoyed more than a few dragon hunters with their dry sarcasm. The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that Storm’s just a human Toothless and, as strange as it sounds, that thought comforted him. Storm had once said that the four of them were family in everything but blood, he, Toothless and she were three siblings and Shadow, Storm’s Skrill, was like the grumpy uncle everyone loved.

“What’s up Chief?”

Hiccup startled, not having heard her approach while he was lost deep in thought. He looks her over, looking for any wounds that might be obvious, having found nothing he relaxed. Storm made her way the short distance that separated them and handed him a cup filled with mead while sitting down next to him.

“So, what’s up Chief? Why are you out on your own in the middle of the night?”

“Oh, you know, nightmares.”

“Oh I do know, want to talk about it?”

“No really, I’d rather hear what news you have, considering you were gone for five days and didn’t immediately go to your hut to bathe, you have something to tell me.” Storm sighed deeply, and Hiccup turned his head towards her, looking into her eyes, knowing that whatever she was going to tell him he won’t like. He sees her eyes filled with sadness and he dreaded what she had to say.

“Okay, so first some good news!” she started, genuine excitement filling her voice. “The Wingmaidens are all good, no dragon hunters have come near their island, so they’re safe. Mala is getting ready to welcome Hilda and the others to her home, she said that they’ll be having a small feast and she’ll introduce them to her people during it, so they feel welcome, she even invited Dagur, and Heather already confirmed that she’ll be there, Mala also expects us to stay at least for a while after we accompany the young family there.” She stopped, taking a sip out of her cup, the excitement gone from her voice completely as she continued, this time about a topic he knew would be a sore spot for him.

“Berk, well umm, Berk was trying to capture a Nadder when I stopped there, I mean they managed to capture it, but that’s why I was a day late, I waited until it got dark and set the dragon free. B-but, Hiccup, the men that were capturing the Nadder were-were careful with him, they were saying things like ‘don’t hurt it’, ‘make sure that the wings are not straining’ and, fuck, I-I just don’t understand, I mean, you know that this isn’t the first time this happened” she trailed off, voice growing quiet, unsure, like she didn’t understand what they were trying to do, and truth be told she didn’t.

Hiccup didn’t understand either, what Storm said confused him, truly this wasn’t the first time that the Hooligans have tried to capture and not harm dragons, the ones who come to the island at least. They never went searching for dragons, and that made the occasional job of keeping dragons away from Berk, and its people, easier.

Hiccup didn’t trust those people near a dragon, wild or not. Especially after the reaction he got after storming out after the last argument he had with his father, he could never forget the fear and disgust that he saw in the people’s eyes. The way he saw every one of those hands grip one weapon or another, he still remembered the teenagers, he finally thought to be his friends, standing there with heads hung low, not daring to look at the runt that saved their lives. He remembered Astrid and how her father had to keep a hand around her because she was trying to go to him, the desperation in her eyes clear as day.

He remembered just walking into the woods with Toothless by his side, not saying a word, not looking back even once. Finding a bag with Toothless’ prosthetic fin, a saddle, all his notes that he had left in the forge and letters from Astrid and Gobber was also memorable. He had nightmares about that sometimes, about all of the Hooligans just attacking him and Toothless as they exited the house.  

“Chief, we need to do something about that,” Storm said, staring into her now empty cup. Hiccup looks down into his still full cup and sighs, he knew that they had to do something, he just didn’t know what and that worried him. He always had at least an idea for a plan, but as soon as it came to Berk he felt lost, not knowing what to do, he’s been like that as soon as he left Berk.

“What do you propose Storm? Because I’ve got nothing.”

“Well, you might want to start drinking that mead Cheif, because you’re not going to like what I’m thinking,” she said, determination burning in her eyes, and waited until he drank before continuing. “So… at the end of the week we will be the only humans left here at the hideout, and I think that the best plan would be to head to Berk and stay there for a while, to-to gather information, to spy on the village and-“

“What?” he interrupted her, only then catching up on her train of thought. “Storm-what, no we can’t do that, i-if they find us we’re dead, no we can’t even think about doing th-“

“Hiccup! Calm down and listen to me, we will not get caught, we never get caught, no matter how close anyone comes to discovering us! We both have dragons that blend into the night and Berks forests are vast if, and I mean if not when, someone comes near us we will already be gone before they know we were there.”

“Storm I don’t know,” he trailed off, any fight he had in him drained. He looked into her eyes again, finding only understanding there, she put an arm around him, giving him a side hug.

“I understand,” she said her voice soft, “but Hiccup, you can’t keep avoiding that place, for your own sake, we have done this many times, spying on Berk is nothing new. We go there, get information and then decide what to do next. And while there you’ll maybe get some closure, you’ll see Gobber, Astrid, Stoick, and maybe you’ll stop wondering about them for a while.”

“Okay,” he said after a few tense minutes, “you’re right, and if anything does happen, at least I’ll have you with me.”

“I’ll always be with you Hiccup, that’s what family is for.”

“You’re the best sister out there, thank you. Now, go take a bath, you stink.” He laughed getting out of the hug, she scoffed in mock offence, getting up. She ruffled his hair while passing him her empty cup, after a few steps she turned to him.

“And Hiccup, I know it’s hard, I’ve been there, but know this, if the time comes the three of us will sooner die than let anything happen to you.” She turned and walked away with a small smile on her lips. He smiled too, knowing that he would do the same for them, after all, that was his family after all.

[angst-fairygodmother]

Puppy Love (A Light Fingers Moment In Between)

A/N: Sometimes I say words, and other people say words, and stuff happens. Part of me wants to say AU because it would be easier, but I love making things More Difficult on Purpose.  Word Count: 2333 Rating: G(eneral Audience)

You tapped Diego on the shoulder, nodding your head in the direction of the faint clatter you’d heard. 

The pair of you had popped in to stop a home invasion, but one of the perps had taken off with a priceless family heirloom, and you’d agreed to give chase. Unfortunately, he had a head start and you had lost him in the warren of a crowded parking garage. 

Diego pressed a finger to his lips and nodded, gesturing with his free hand for you to circle around while he approached from the front to draw attention.

You met his eyes for a brief moment, lower lip worrying between your teeth. You gave his arm a brief squeeze before nodding and setting off. No matter how long you’d been doing this, you worried about him when his plans worked out like this, with him picking fights so you could have the element of surprise. As you moved, quick and quiet, something felt wrong about the situation. Hesitantly, you fingered the knife that Diego had insisted you started carrying on these jobs, not pulling it out yet, but reassuring yourself that it was there and easily accessible. 

There was another scuffling sound and a soft whine, one that didn’t sound human. You picked up your pace now, running in the direction of the noises. There, huddled in the corner of the garage, caught and tugging on the corner of a dumpster, was a small, shivering dog. 

“Hi there,” you said softly, sinking low and holding your hand out as you crept closer to the frightened creature. 

You heard pounding footsteps behind you as Diego ran up, the sound making the dog yelp and try to cower more.

“Shh, shh,” you hummed, shifting to sit cross-legged in front of it, blocking it’s view of Diego, and giving you a more steady position to hold the little creature still while you unhooked it’s collar from the sharp, bent edge of the trash.

Once freed, you expected it to squirm in your arms or try to run, but instead, it stayed, pressed lightly against your leg, shivering. It was covered in so much mud you could hardly tell it was meant to be white and stank horribly (or maybe that was the bins), but you were pretty sure someone would be missing it. 

“Think you can find our bad guy on your own?” you murmured as Diego peered over your shoulder. “I don’t want to abandon this little one to its own devices.”

He couldn’t help chuckling. “Yeah, I got it. Meet you back here?”

“I’m not waiting for you by the dumpsters. I’ll meet you by the entrance.” 

~

After returning the expensive and hideous brooch to the family, and turning the would-be-burglars over to the cops, you and Diego made your way home, the little dog wrapped in a towel in your arms. The family hadn’t ever seen it around before, and the tag had the dog’s name, “Penny,” but no name or address of an owner.

“It’s alright Penny,” you told her as you walked. “We’ll get you cleaned up, take some nice pictures and put up flyers. I’m sure someone’s missing you and will be excited to have you home again soon.”

“Why don’t we just take it to the shelter?” Diego asked gruffly, trying to hide how cute he thought Penny was.

“Shelters are overcrowded and understaffed. They have a hard time caring for the dogs that need homes, let alone the ones that just got lost and get brought to them. Besides, I...want to make sure her family gets her back, and that’s easier to do if we make the handoff.”

Diego shook his head, slightly exasperated. “Fine. But if it takes more than a few days--”

“We’ll discuss that only if we have to.” You shifted the dog so that you would have a free hand and bopped Diego’s nose teasingly. “Don’t be a grump.”

He gaped at you. “For that, I’m not helping you wash it.”

“Of course you’re not, baby. You’re going out to buy kibble and a leash.” You smiled winningly at him.

~

Penny was with you for just over a week before you got a call during dinner one night. The man on the other end of the line said that he had seen your flyers and was sure that the dog you found belonged to his elderly mother. She had been worried sick when the dog slipped out, but hadn’t been able to follow it, and because of his work, he hadn’t been able to put out ‘missing’ posters. You told him you were glad he called and asked if he had evidence the dog was his or his mother’s. He told you he’d bring a picture of the two of them together, and arranged to meet you at Griddy’s Doughnuts the next morning. 

During the time she was there, Penny settled in quite well with you and Diego, excited when either of you left and came back, quite happy to sit on your laps while you watched tv or read at night, curling up at the foot of the bed when you went to sleep. She and Diego in particular, for all his protests, seemed inseparable. For all his protests at first, he seemed to enjoy all of her antics, and slipped her food off his plate when she gave him big sad eyes and he thought you weren’t paying attention. When you told him that her owner had finally called, he hid a frown behind a cough.

“Diego,” you sighed, seeing his face fall anyway. “You knew we couldn’t keep her…”

You were just as sad as he was, if you were being honest. You had never really imagined yourself a dog person, the idea of having a pet so far off your radar as to be unfathomable. But Penny had slotted into your lives like a missing piece, and as glad as you were to return her, safe and happy, to her home and the people that loved her, you and Diego loved her too.

“I know,” he said softly. “Just. It’ll be weird once she’s gone.”

You bit your lip, considering the words that bubbled up your throat before letting them fall from your tongue, nearly as impulsive as your marriage proposal.

“Ya know...we could...get a dog of our own?” you shrugged, trying to play off the idea as a casual thought.

~

It was hard not to be overwhelmed by the smell and sound within the shelter’s kennel area, over two dozen dogs baying, barking, and bouncing on the chain-link fencing as the pair of you were led through to an open area where you could do some meet and greets. 

Nervously you sat on the bench, fingers laced with Diego’s and running your thumb back and forth over his knuckles. 

“Hey,” he said, leaning in to whisper in your ear. “Talk to me.”

You shrugged, biting your lip. “I dunno. This just feels big, suddenly. And what if we can’t find one that likes both of us, or what if we fuck it up. I’ve never...taken care of another living thing before. Not by myself.”

“You take care of me all the time,” he said, tugging you into a hug. “And you won’t be alone. We’re in this together remember?”

Your smile was watery but genuine as you returned the hug, burying your face against his neck.

“How did I ever do shit without you?” you murmured, backing away but not fully letting go.

He didn’t have a chance to respond with more than a squeeze of your joined hands as Martin returned with the first dog. 

“I thought we’d start with some one-on-one interactions with a few dogs I think would be a good fit based on what you told me, and then we’ll see who clicks and you can have some time to play with the top two or three, pick from there.”

You nodded, holding your hand, palm out, toward the black lab tugging at the leash he held. He introduced her as Sheila, and while she seemed friendly, your heart wasn’t in it. The same feeling continued through several other perfectly nice dogs, and though you were both tempted by a roly-poly border collie puppy and by a sweet but very lazy bulldog, as soon as the handler had left the room with them, you’d looked at each other and known it wasn’t right. 

“Can we...maybe, just walk through the kennels and see if something I don’t know...calls to us?” you asked hesitantly after about the eighth dog you felt no real connection with. 

“Oh!” the man looked surprised you had even suggested it and took a long moment to process the request. “Sure, we can do that.”

Wrapping his arm around your shoulder, Diego pulled you against his side as the pair of you followed Martin back into the kennels.

“You know we don’t have to find a dog today, right?” he asked softly, sensing your continued nerves. “If nothing here works out, we’ll keep looking.”

“I know,” you sighed. “I just…got really excited, and now I feel like we failed or something.”

“Well, we haven’t yet.”

Suddenly, you stopped short, jerking Diego along with you, so quickly that your guide didn’t even notice. Staring up at you, his black fur almost lost in shadow but for his white bib, the boxer gave you the biggest, saddest eyes you had ever seen. Crouching down, you tentatively reached your hand outward, pressing it against the chainlink.

“Hi…” you cooed as he edged forward, crawling on his belly until he could sniff and then attempt to lick your fingers from the other side. 

Diego mirrored your stance, kneeling in front of the kennel door, and by the time Martin realized you were no longer behind him and doubled back, the pair of you were enraptured and the dog was no longer cowering, instead bouncing and pawing at the fence to try and get to you, tongue lolling out of his mouth and slobbering on as much of you as he could reach. 

“Oh,” he said, sounding almost disappointed. “You met Duncan…trust me, you don’t want him.”

“What?” you asked, whipping your head around to look at the man. “Why not?”

“He was born here, runt of the litter so for a while no one wanted him. Now he’s almost two and he’s ended up back here from four homes already. Can’t figure out why, but he just doesn’t work out.”

“Well there must be something going on,” you argued. “Or else that wouldn’t be true right?”

Martin shrugged. “I guess. But it ain’t my place. I just know the poor bastard’s probably going to live his whole life in there.”

“No,” Diego said, turning to you and smiling when you gave him a brief nod. “Because we’ll take him.”

“I really don’t think that’s a good idea. And it seems cruel to give him false hope a fifth time.”

“It won’t be false. We won’t give up on him,” you insisted. “I understand wanting to protect him, and us, but please. Just...trust us.”

“You’re sure there’s not another dog you want instead?”

“No,” Diego said firmly. “We want Duncan.”

At the sound of his name from Diego’s mouth, his ears perked up and he sat down patiently, expectantly almost.  

We know a thing or two about loving the unloved, you wanted to say, this was fate you wanted to argue. But how could you even begin?

“Let’s go take care of the paperwork and...see what my boss says.”

~

Later that night, as you rested your head against Diego’s chest on the couch, not really watching the movie on the tv, you found yourself anxiously drumming your fingers on his knee.

“Y/N,” he said knowingly, catching and stilling your hand, rubbing his thumb soothingly over your knuckles.

“Do you think they’ll approve us?” you asked, voicing the question on both your minds.

“I don’t know. We just have to wait,” he chuckled, shaking his head as you opened your mouth to interrupt, “patiently. And see what happens. Hope it’ll work out.”

You groaned. “Why do you have to be right all the time?”

“It’s a carefully honed talent.”

~

Diego’s keys jingled in the doorknob and you held your breath, praying that your companion would stay quiet.

“Just another minute boy,” you muttered. 

As soon as you heard the door shut behind your husband, you let go of Duncan’s collar and he bounded over, his entire body wriggling along with his stubby tail. Diego swore, startled by the dog’s sudden appearance from around the corner, and you couldn’t help laughing as you followed, more sedately behind.

“Wha—” Diego said, kneeling to ruffle Duncan’s ears, leaning away as his lolling tongue tried to lick his newly accessible face. 

“You didn’t steal him did you?” he asked, teasing smile lighting his features.

“I am hurt and offended that you would even suggest such a thing,” you said dramatically, a hand pressed to your chest for effect. “This was completely legitimate, and Duncan is now our dog. Or technically my dog, until you go sign your copy of the adoption contract tomorrow morning.”

“That’s...we have a dog…” he breathed, shock settling over him. 

“Diego, are you crying?” you asked gently, concern overriding your amusement. 

He was silent and you moved to his side, sitting down, next to your husband and dog and wrapping an arm around each of them.

“They’re happy tears right?” you asked, feeling some of your own building as it suddenly struck you that this right here was a family, a happy family, and all your own. 

“The happiest,” he murmured, managing a quick kiss to your temple just before the moment was broken by Duncan licking a long stripe up his cheek and flopping over onto your laps for a belly rub, sending you both into a fit of laughter.

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

End Note: Is a studio apartment an appropriate space for a boxer? Should inexperienced owners adopt a dog that the shelter thinks is a “problem” dog? Probably not, as a rule. But individual dogs have individual needs, they’re active-lifestyle adults, we’ll assume there’s a dog park nearby, and also it’s fiction and I think it’s cute, so...

[vreedleedleedle]

Argit headcanons

His species has a trinary sex system- to make a baby one individual provides flagellated gametes, one provides ciliated gametes, and one carries the litter to term. Everyone involved in the reproduction is expected to breastfeed the babies. Every member of the species has breast tissue, but boobs aren't seen as sexual. Also, the individual that carries the litter in their womb and one of the gamete providers can be related without it being considered incest, but the two gamete providers can’t be related.

The trinary sex system is incredibly uncommon across the universe, so argit doesnt bring it up often.

Argit’s species doesn’t have gender, but he chose to be a guy because it's easier.

A normal litter for his species is six individuals. In the event that seven or more are born, the runt of the litter isn’t really expected to be breastfed, and are considered a shameful secret like hikikomori

Argit is the runt of the litter. He wasn’t treated well and when he fought back he got sent to the null void.

He has several tattoos under his fur- the first one he got was a bar code on the back of his neck when he was sent to the null void at about nine years old. Kevin was understandably horrified when he found out. He gave himself some other stick and poke ones in the null void, and when he got out he got them professionally redone.

Argit is an AMAZING actor. He’s also really good at pretending to be a bad actor.

Argit has the earth equivalent of a psychology degree due to his planet’s super advanced schooling. He left the planet when he was like nine.

Argit has great aim, both with his quills and with a gun. He always plays the sniper class in video games.

He’s actually pretty strong- physically, he’s not as strong as kevin, but he is stronger than gwen. Gwen hates this because she works out every day and argit doesn’t.

Argit practices medicine as a “hobby”

The same hair/fur/quills grow all over Argit’s body and are made of all the exact same keratin, but the fur on his body generally breaks before it gets an inch long, and the quills on his head are allowed to grow long. He chooses to keep a punk mohawk hairstyle because it looks cool- he trims the fur on the side of his head like we do. Like, he goes out of his way to have less quills for aesthetic. I think his 10k design proves this actually.

Argit’s blood is red like humans. A lot of his body processes are like ours actually.

Argit has lost a bit of his tail since he was a kid.

He’s real good at sneaking around, and he can hide if he’s in pain if he has to pretty well. We actually see him muffle a shout when kevin steps on his tail in andreas fault. He could go through a lot more silently if he had to.

He’s set his own broken bones before.

He’s gotten arrested for both prostitution and pimping before.

Argit’s species totally wears shoes, he just doesn’t like them. He has considered wearing doc martins but gets too nervous to go buy them.

He genuinely doesn’t feel empathy, but he fakes it well because of his psychology knowledge. The closest thing to caring about others for non-money reasons is amusement or sexual infatuation. He’s really intrigued with gwen because she genuinely cares about others- that and he thinks she’s hot.

He has a few secret imaginary friends because socialising with them makes more sense.

He's bisexual. (honestly though this is pretty much canon)

He and Kevin made out a few times in the null void. They got into a few fights over it cause Argit wanted to take it further and Kevin insisted he was straight.

[gottawriteanegoortwo]

Yanois - Creating A Family

I started thinking about how Yancy and Illinois might take a step forward in their relationship. Normally, creating a sense of 'family' would be a good commitment to something long-term.

Then I remembered this equation included Illinois, and it wouldn't be something normal like a puppy.

Word Count: 1,925

-

"Nope. Nuh-uh. That's it. I'm officially calling bullshit." Yancy pulled away from the table where Illinois had been showing him photos of his last expedition in caves located in the southern half of the state once his classes had finished for the day. "I know youse is fond of these tall tales, but this is absolute bullshit."

"Yancy, darling, I expected better from you. I thought you know I always tell the truth about what happened while I was out of town. You know I’d never lie to you." The archaeologist put a hand to his heart to further emphasise this sense of betrayal, along with a pained expression that, to Yancy, was simultaneously fake and genuine.

"Youse is talking about meeting a dragon and that dragon asking a favour. We all know dragons ain't real."

"Have you met a dragon?"

"No."

"Then how do you know they aren't real?"

" 'Cause if they was real, they'd be all over the news. Youse know celebrities and other wealthy uppity-fucks would want a pet dragon so theys could show how big and important they is. And this ain't even considering- " Illinois cut Yancy off by abruptly shushing him. Annoyed by the interruption - Illinois was oddly obsessed with keeping everyone quiet today - Yancy scowled and folded his arms. In a quiet expression of gratitude for the silence, Illinois rested a hand on Yancy's left arm.

"Darling… I did meet a dragon while exploring those ruins… and I was entrusted with a special mission." Illinois took a slow breath and checked their surroundings to make sure no one had entered the makeshift classroom. He pulled one of Yancy's arms out of the fold so he could hold Yancy's hand and lead him to the desk. The prisoner had noticed it was messy, which wasn’t like Illinois at all. The briefcase was lying flat on the desk, with his jacket in a large ball on top of it. Illinois normally hung that on the back of the chair, so the chance of mannerisms was odd. Before Yancy could even consider how to ask if something was wrong, Illinois tugged his hand to encourage him to crouch down in front of the desk. Then, reaching over to the jacket, he gently lifted a sleeve to reveal what was hiding underneath.

"What the fuck…" Yancy leaned in to examine it better, though Illinois yanked him back before he got too close. A reptile's head that was smaller than Yancy's hand was poking out of the material. Its scales were ochre, with a pair of tiny horns on the top of its head. Several small protrusions trailed down either side of its jaw. It was asleep, blissfully unaware of the human staring at it. Illinois's attention was on Yancy, carefully assessing the reaction. Just as Yancy was about to express doubt, Illinois lifted more of the jacket out of the way to show part of the upper body and -

"Is that a wing?" Yancy whispered. Illinois nodded. "But what - how - youse -?"

-

Illinois shook his head and put a finger to his lips. Yancy clasped his hands over his mouth with an apologetic look. Illinois draped the 'blanket' back over the dragon chick and lifted a journal sealed shut with a lock. He led Yancy back to the table they had been originally standing by. The prisoner didn't object, instead reeling at what he just saw.

Illinois pushed some of the books aside so he could place down the journal. Yancy didn't know much about it, bar that it was filled with notes that Illinois kept for himself, rather than for use in classes or talks. It was old, with a worn black leather cover and pages bulked out with things stuck on over years of writing in it. In the entire time Yancy had known Illinois, this was the first time he had seen Illinois fetch the key from around his neck and unlock it. Illinois flipped through the journal to find what he was looking for, and Yancy could catch glimpses of various photos: old items, a large wolf, something with a long neck coming out of water. Then, Illinois found the notes he was looking for and passed the journal to Yancy. To the prisoner's utter bewilderment, there were several photographs stuck onto the two pages. At first, it was simply cave photos with focus on odd rock formations or mysterious animal trackings, then a large winged reptile with shimmering copper scales glaring down at the camera. Underneath was some writing in scratch-like symbols, with a small circle of the page scorched. Illinois’ signature was underneath it. Yancy was allowed the time to stare at the pages, dumbfounded, as Illinois quietly explained himself.

"I met the dragon guarding this tiny baby. It was the last of a clutch to hatch, the runt of the brood. Her mate had brought the other chicks, which were at least two seasons older, to a colder location to help them develop. The youngest wouldn't be able to survive such a journey, no matter how careful the parents were, due to her fragility. The mother made me promise to keep her safe until it was safe for them to return to the caves." Illinois leaned over Yancy's shoulder to turn the page. A photo of the young golden dragon curled up in a nest in the cave was pasted on the left side, while some writing on the opposite side was cut off by tiny bite marks that had torn a corner of the paper.

"I'm only to be a guardian to help keep her safe until her family can collect her, but I can't help but feel a sense of attachment already. I've named her Aurelia, though she is a special little miracle." When Yancy's eyebrow quirked in confusion, Illinois continued, "As I said, she is the runt - that is to say, the youngest who suffered a minor complication before her egg was laid. Her chances of survival were slim, but me arriving when I did truly saved her life. She's at the age where she needs to be kept warm while she sleeps so she has as much time to grow… But she's so energetic and curious about the world when she is awake. I’ve already caught her flapping her wings after climbing somewhere taller than her, even though she’s far too young to fly. I know she’s going to grow up into someone wonderful…” Another page was flipped, revealing a collage of photographs of Aurelia: her asleep over several history books, her trapped under Illinois' hat, even a selfie of the pair. It made Yancy hesitate as he looked at Illinois.

"But… if youse is 'sposed to be keeping her safe, why tell me? Don't that go against that promise?"

"I tell you because I trust you with all my heart… and I want you to -" Illinois' head sharply turned at a sound that was so faint, Yancy had missed it completely. The archaeologist hurried over to the desk and lifted the bundle into his arms. It was gently rocked as he moved some of the light fabric out of the way. "I thought I heard you stirring, young lady. You had a nice big sleep, didn't you? You didn't even make a peep when everything was so loud and busy!"

Yancy was briefly stunned. He wasn't used to familial bonds of any sort anymore, yet something about how Illinois behaved toward Aurelia was so endearing to him, like a doting parent in that children's movie he had watched with Sparkles McGee. Was it bad that he wanted to see this side of Illinois more often? 

"I have someone special for you to meet since you’ve been so good all day." As though reading his mind, Illinois made his way over to the prisoner. It was clear why Illinois was so enamoured by the chick. In stark contrast to the body, her big eyes were sky blue. They were locked on the stranger while her head tilted slightly in curiosity. "This is Yancy. Yancy, this is Aureli- hey!" Yancy gasped as the dragon suddenly began chirping and squirming in Illinois' hold.  

"Easy there, sweetheart! He's not going anywhere!" Illinois laughed, before grinning at Yancy. "She wants you to hold her. I promise she won’t bite."

"But I dunno how -" Yancy tried to answer, but Aurelia interrupted with a hiss as she continued trying to tug herself out of Illinois' jacket. "Okay, okay! I'll try. B-but I hope you knows I ain't used to being around anyone so tiny." It didn't stop Illinois from unwrapping the jacket and freeing the chick. The moment she felt the material being pulled away, Aurelia pounced at Yancy, who barely had a moment to catch her with both hands under her front legs.

"Hold your arm like this - no, no, just a little higher - perfect." Illinois spoke softly as he guided Yancy on how best to hold Aurelia in the crook of his arm. She was around the size of a chihuahua and was quick to nestle against Yancy with her stomach facing up. "Oh, that's a good sign. She trusts you." The prisoner gave Illinois a look of concern, but decided to bite the bullet and rub a finger under her neck. To his surprise, Aurelia made a noise that almost sounded like a laugh as she suddenly wriggled. Yancy stopped abruptly in alarm, which prompted Aurelia to lift her head and look at him. She growled in confusion. With a nod of encouragement from Illinois, Yancy repeated his action, switching it up from lightly scratching her neck to tickling her. This time, he didn't stop as the young dragon's tail lashed against his arm in her delight. When she was given a moment to catch her breath, she scrambled up to rest her back legs on his arm and her forearms against his chest so she could reach up and nuzzle Yancy's jaw with what he could only compare to a pigeon coo. 

"I may have been telling her about you before today," Illinois admitted as Yancy cautiously scratched the back of her head. "When I told her I was coming here, she was adamant in coming along. She was very excited to meet her foster papa."

"F-Foster papa?"

"Of course. I'm her foster father, and you're my partner. So it makes sense that -"

"N-no, I get that but… You sure about this? It's a big jump in our relationship since I’m still in here and youse two will be out there a-and it's a dragon which I dunno shit about and - I-I didn't even know dragons existed until ten minutes ago." 

"Easy, tiger. Slow down." He kissed Yancy on the cheek to interrupt the panicked rambling. "I'm very sure. I told you I wanted you in my life, remember? That includes whatever makes up my family. It just wouldn't be the same without you, if you ask me." Aurelia lightly bit Yancy's chin, almost seeming to be agreeing with her foster father. Though he was a little doubtful, Illinois’ reassuring smile was enough for Yancy to lower his guard.

"A family… It's been a long time since I thought myself part of one of them." Aurelia lightly headbutted Yancy’s chin as though quietly affirming that this was real.  He laughed and scratched her cheek. “Youse is already getting to be quite the charmer like your foster father, y’know that?” He paused, throwing Illinois a suspicious look. “No making tiny hats for her.”

“No promises, sugar.”

[hawkinsschoolcounselor]

Breaking down the “leak”

It seems the leak from back in April is on everyone’s minds lately. While I don’t really see anything to suggest it is legit, there’s not really much else to talk about. I think what I’d like to do is go down the leak, bit by bit, and give my thoughts. I’ll be going through the points in the order I see them in a series of screengrabs, so it may not be the order the original post had them. A lot of this seems like it would be from a single episode, likely the first one.

The first thing I see is Steve applying to Hawkins PD, but being rebuffed for his previous vandalism in Season 1. This seems odd considering we never saw the police get involved in that. Steve being a police officer is something born out of fan theory, which further casts doubt in my mind. While it could simply be a nod to fans, it still comes off as out of place. Steve was last shown getting a new job at a video store, and we’re going to see him going for another job already?

The next bit is that Max is depressed and sees the school counselor. She has a fight with Lucas and then dumps him. Working in the school counselor from the earlier reported new characters could have been an attempt to make it seem more legit. I don’t know if that casting report was truly legit since it had more info than I’d expect. Max and Lucas fighting is not terribly surprising. Their relationship was not shown to be all that great in Season 3. Saying Max would be depressed links onto the end of Season 3, so, again, nothing too shocking. This could just be good guesswork as opposed to a leak.

Next is a new character Fred (an orphan, but more on him later) talking to Dustin. Fred tells Dustin that he believes his dad, thought to be dead, is actually alive. He was allegedly experimented on by the lab and then thrown into a mental hospital after he went nuts and killed Fred’s mom. This is a rather big piece of info for a leaker to have. The idea that there were adult test subjects was covered in the Suspicious Minds novel, so it could be a tie-in to that, but this part of the “leak” could also just be fan theories based on that same novel. I can’t see Brenner taking any chances with his work being exposed by throwing a subject into a mental hospital.

Next, we have Dustin having lunch with Nancy and Robin, while Lucas and apparent new character Eddie watch Mike be friendly with a cheerleader. If true, then Season 4 occurs immediately after Season 3, otherwise there’s no way Dustin would be in high school with Nancy and Robin. I was never too clear on what grade exactly Nancy was in, but she could potentially be a senior now. Robin had mentioned being in class with Steve though, so I would’ve thought she’d be his age. Still, it’s possible I suppose. Dustin having lunch with them seems to clash with his Hellfire Club status though, unless this occurs before he joins. One would think he’d eat with his new friends, especially if he ISN’T eating with his old friends. Meanwhile, said old friends are also split, with Lucas hanging out with Eddie and watching Mike be “friendly” with a cheerleader.

The next bit is where we’re told Dustin joins the Hellfire Club (set photos confirm this). It’s described as an elite group of nerds formed by the previously mentioned Fred. Dustin apparently is interested when they play D&D, but Lucas and Mike decline. This both clashes and fits with Season 3. Mike is bothered by Will seeming to move on from D&D, but it could still fit if Mike just doesn’t want to play without Will. Still, this seems to be building a rupture of the Party right after Season 3 showed how good they are together. Yes, it’s normal for kids their age to look to reinvent themselves, but it also goes against what the show was apparently building. Each season does have elements where there’s strife in the Party that gets resolved, but this takes it to an absurd level.

Dustin is then described as being seen as a “runt of the litter” in the Hellfire Club. That’s not really unusual treatment for a freshman in a high school club. His D&D skills and link to Robin gain him cred, apparently. This leads to him getting close to Fred. There’s not a lot here, but this “leak” does spend a lot of time on the Fred/Dustin dynamic.

Next is the “shocker” where Mike and El have a phone/walkie call that doesn’t go well. Mike is losing interest, El picks up on it. She says “I love you” and he says “I know.” Considering the level of detail on some of the other parts, this is rather brief. The exchange is verbatim Empire Strikes Back, and, while that isn’t totally out of the ordinary for this show, it makes me see it as something more fanfiction-y. The idea of them having a “meh” phone call isn’t too weird since we saw at the end of Season 3 that they were definitely not on the same page. It wouldn’t be hard for a fake leaker to come up with something like this. Should it be true, then it could spur El to go back to her possessive and distrustful ways. She may be driven to find out how to get her powers back in order to spy on Mike.

The “leak” specifically mentions there being no plans to include Chernobyl. This is an odd thing to say. I’m not sure how popular a fan theory this is, but it’d be in bad taste to work a real-life deadly disaster into a show like this. I don’t know why the person who wrote this felt the need to specifically debunk this unless they just wanted to seem more legit.

A flashback to Joyce, Hopper, and Lonnie in high school. That’s reasonable, especially since we know Lonnie is back this season in some capacity. I have no doubts that Hopper will be having flashbacks/memories during his captivity. This being believable doesn’t necessarily make this real though, as it’s another thing that’s reasonable to predict.

Despite most of the leak seeming to be from an early point in the season, the leaker goes on to say that there’s 5 major deaths (2 new characters, 3 previously existing characters), one of whom is one of the kids who dies in the final episode. Now perhaps there’s parts of the “leak��� that I just don’t see in these screengrabs, but this is very odd. Prior to this is just looks like maybe someone got their hands on the first script somehow, or parts of it anyway. I don’t know how many people would be entrusted with every script, particularly the end, for this very reason. A single script getting out is at least somewhat believable, but this is where I lose any faith in this “leak.”

Finally, the leaker mentions this season taking place over the course of months, ending with the end of the Party’s freshman year. This would indeed be a change from the usual storytelling, and it would have to mean a slowly growing threat as opposed to one already striking in the first episode. That would kinda sorta work now that there’s no superpowered character to fend off the supernatural, but it would leave a lot of skipped time that I’m not sure would work in a show like this.

Will is mysteriously left out of this “leak.” There’s literally no mention of him that I can find unless there’s missing parts I don’t have. Someone who knows who dies would have something to say about Will, but there’s just nothing. It’s especially odd considering that if this is indeed the Party’s freshman year, then Will would have started school with them. The Byers don’t move until sometime in October, so Will would have spent at least a month at Hawkins High. This would also make Season 4 start with the shortest potential time skip, or perhaps no skip at all.

So, IF this leak is genuine:

There is a small, if any, time skip, with Season 4 beginning shortly after the Byers move in October.

Given the above statement, Mike must quickly lose interest in El, possibly even before their planned holiday visit.

The Party falls apart despite them all seeing how good they are together at the end of Season 3.

Max is going through depression, likely related to Billy’s death and everything else that happened (the end of S3 supports this).

Max and Lucas’ relationship gets even worse.

Mike and Lucas don’t want to be seen as nerds

Steve is still just a lost man child, or at least suffering the consequences of having been one for so long.

Robin and Nancy hang out together, and with Dustin until he joins the Hellfire Club

Will is a nonfactor, at least in the episode the bulk of this comes from?

I really have trouble believing this “leak” simply due to how the poster claims knowledge of the ending while the details all seem to be from the first episode. I suppose it’s possible they did legit get the first episode and made up some other stuff, but that seems pointless. For now, I’m just going with the idea that ANY legitimacy in this would be that it’s a real fake “leak” created by someone on the show to mislead fans or create buzz.

[daughterofhel]

.

My icon died last night.

The little black and white cat, Auk (or-ick). A silly name from a badly remembered name from my childhood.

He was pretty much deaf; car got him.

I haven’t seen him since I left Texas, as I moved for a year to VA before finally moving to be with my wife in Vento. One of my guy friends family took him in on their ranch.

It was fitting; I did get Auk from a ranch. He was used to it, loved it even. And this was without the competition of an unhealthy amount of breeding stays like the ones I grabbed him and Ivy up from. I could only take two, my friend the same.

Funny. I had originally gone there to see the birth of a colt only to leave with a cat. Return the next day and get one more, a friend for my tiny runt of a thing.

And who should but all demand it be him to leave with me but Auk? The friendliest of cats that I’ve ever had the pleasure to be around. He also thwarted my attempts at having two girl cats. He was insistent to leave with me and you don’t argue when you’re chosen you know?

I won’t detail the tears following or the rough road and chaos that went on, but many double shifts back to back to back endlessly, a medicated clumsy grandmother with rapidly failing health, and complex roommate situations, I just wasn’t able to provide the needed time and care for my cats.

I cried the entire 45 minute drive to my buddys property when he said he could take them in. I had to pull over twice. They also cried the entire time, being afraid of the car, which made it harder. My buddy, He was the same guy who rescued a big pup clearly abandoned some years back. I had helped train him to not jump on people and other stuff. His folks also owned a longhorn ranch, lots and lots of space.

Those cats deserved better and this was a familiar element, now neutered, vaccinated, and with no stray competition and the dog was so careful. But god. I never wanted to say goodbye to my cats. It didn’t matter though, what I wanted; they needed care and time I wasn’t able to keep providing.

So I dropped them off. As expected, Ivy kept close but never got too close to the family. She simply doesn’t trust; I’ve no idea why such a little thing bonded instantly with me and remained quite the fixed cuddle bug. But she had. I felt worse about it with her than Auk if I’m to be honest.

Auk loved attention. Loved fetch. Belly rubs. This cat was a classic dog and a huge whore for attention. XD He essentially made himself at home and lavished any and all attention, to which my buddies mother instantly fell for this fuzzy dorks charms. He has been well cared for.

I know younger me could’ve and should’ve done better when I got these cats. Mind you, I’ve been gone for over 10 years now, so it has been quite some time. I’m doing what I wish I could have done for my cats then with the two rescues we got last year here.

I was young and working so many hours for nearly no profit after stuff was paid, even living at home and with roommates. I couldn’t afford the extra vet fees I needed or the fanciest of foods or any of that. I loved them, and I felt them being with me instead of the half starving state they were in from constantly competing with so many other cats, was still a better option for them. I still was at least able to do some of the important visits for them.

I cleared their fleas and earmites. I never did get rid of Ivys worms, though I desperately tried. I tried so many ways to get this pill into that cat. Even crushed into wet food. Friends helping to wrap and hold her to make her swallow. All the tricks we found, failed. She just. She wouldn’t take it. And I didn’t have the cash to go every single day and time she needed a dose to a pet clinic. I had checked more than once. It was so much money.

Older, better situated now.. I’ve been able to do right by the cats, Nyx and Tivali, that I have now.

We even saved Nyx’s eye. We have a system to give her her seizure medicine every 12 hours. They’re both fully up to date with their shots and are fixed. Ears totally clean. Monthly newly added anti flea tick collars.

The best food we can reasonably find at the local pet shop; their pelts are beautiful, soft, shiny, and they never smell.

We’ve even found a biodegradable corn based litter we can flush which has been the greatest find.

We get semi regular check ups on our girls and they’re doing just fine now. I’m still proud about saving Nyx’s eye. It was a tedious ordeal. 3-4 times a day we had to clean and medicate a cats eye. We got good at it even if she wasn’t fond of it. Thankfully the vitamins they required were like treats. Even the antibiotics from the colds they had from the shelter.

I miss Auk. And Ivy. And I wish I could’ve not only given them the life I’ve given my current cats now, (I’ve constructed basket beds, hammocks, a whole canopy jungle gym and rope bridge to boot for them with my wife!), but I wish I could have been the one to have them in my life still. I know it was not possible. It wouldn’t have been possible.

But I think of them. A lot. And I knew it was inevitable. Auk would’ve been well over 13 or so years by now. A little old but could’ve lived longer yet for sure. My buddy didn’t mention he has gone deaf. Of course he rarely goes home himself; I don’t blame him. Life’s complicated.

I have mourned these two cats multiple times now. So I’m not thrown into tears upon this news, I’ve cried plenty over the years already. But I’m still sad to hear that fuzzy delight has passed on. I won’t ask, but I hope, and believe, the accident was a quick end for such a friendly guy.

I’ll mourn him eventually in full. I know I will. But considering this is the fourth major bad news I’ve gotten in less than a month and most of it a week, I thought to write about it. If only to keep sane.

May I not receive the same news of my grandmother or my sister who both remain in the hospital.

And god. May my mother stop forcing me to recall and talk about our shared trauma under my father and just keep me up to date on my families health. I don’t want to be crushed under this suffocating vice on my neck that makes me hesitate to call and see my family. I know she needs to vent. And god. I try to let her. I do. I try to be kind; she needs it.

But it isn’t the time and place when I’m trying to figure out if my grandmother is dying or getting better. I shouldn’t have to receive that confirmation, be granted a brief video called hello and check in, with the price of an hour long dredge through a past I personally have gone to two different types of therapy through to try and cope with. Which, only to some degree, have helped.

One of the last longer calls we had she all but said she hoped her theories on my father possible molesting me were true, so, you know, that would be one more trauma we had in common. She went on and on, even trying to provide loose evidence to her theory. Troubling sentences I would say in my rare visits. Etc. She just. Wouldn’t. Stop. And that was after an hour of recalling how terrible her life was with my father and the abuse, the screaming, the terror, the hiding, the injuries, all of it. As if I wasn’t left to live my life with this very man she said her three years with ruined her more than all her past shit combined.

She assured me she was a good mother who tried. And honestly. No. But I do believe she tried. But she was already weak emotionally and mentally and my father wrecked what was left. She left me sometimes for a couple days lock in that house when I was in diapers. You don’t forget that shit. I’m still scared of the dark. I can’t reason with myself on it. But being mad about all of it doesn’t change anything and would hurt a woman already broken. Why would I do that.

Still. It bothers me. So fucking much. But she’s such a fragile person in a fragile emotional state with everything else on top. She’s been heavily depressed for many many years and it’s a bunch of other stuff that spirals and honestly, at this point, she’s toxic even to herself. I’ve tried working on it with her but it matters not if she’s not willing to work on it too. I don’t know my mother besides her many traumas. We’ve been separated and estranged for most of my life. Unless I was physically able to actually be there and provide a use.

But that’s par for the course; no one will have you around if you’re unable to provide something for it. My wife’s the first person who genuinely seems to enjoy having me around just because and wants nothing more. I do stuff of course; but with her I am not afraid a slip up could mean everything it taken away and lost. I can forget the dishes once or had a bad mental health day and stay in bed without it having catastrophic consequences. She’s such a wonderful kind woman; I cannot help stressing over how to repay her.

I try and I’ve expressed my distraught on the topic and though she always seems baffled and confused about my insistence that I should be doing far more, that lass doesn’t agree at all. It’s her parents home so I am not able to freely run the house as I would on our own, as I’m able and have in many places, so I’m often less useful with the restrictions. She’s also use to the flow and swing of things and has things half done before it’s being asked.

Our own place will make life smoother and calmer for both of us; most importantly her. I’ve watched this family, sweet, but absolutely tone deaf to how many and often their demands are tossed to her. All the other kids moved out with partners. Hell, the oldest s child basically lives here. Our own hurdle with raising a kid who we don’t have the final say on any single thing. His grandparents are enablers cuz they don’t want to hear any loud noises, no matter what. And that causes strain when the kid can and does get anything and everything as long as he kicks up a fit. And he sure as hell does. There are days it’s so bad my wife’s in tears. And that pisses me off. The kids a good person, but the fact no one will actually parent and draw definite lines and be firm with No’s can also make him horrible too.

I’ve to deal with the chess match that is my father. I often call him my own personal Devil. He kind of is. But one I’m familiar enough with at this point in my life. I know where and when to cut my losses, where to step around, when I need to swallow my pride or the easily seen through lies, and nod my head. If he was all terrible, I could have cut him from my life. But no one ever really is. And I do know I owe it to the man; he has helped tremendously in my life as much as he’s been a big problem of it. I know his biggest fear is to be alone and forgotten. I wouldn’t do that, not even to the devil.

I need some bland news. Not thrilling. Not depressing. Just some ‘hey that happened’ ‘oh cool.’ Kind of news. Just a small reprieve.

Im. Scared. Of what’s next.

I. Know that things are teetering dangerously into a very very tragic terrible story on my mothers end. I know her husbands already super suicidal. My half brothers severely autistic, non verbal, among a few other things and will require his whole life to have someone be there for him. He’s not stupid, and I hate when people treat him as so, but he is absolutely unable to care for himself. He doesn’t have the right motorskills even, though we’ve gone to many different places to try and help him find ways to do actions in his own way that still get the same result. I admire how he’s such a positive little man, generally not just happy, but delighted. I aspire to look at the world like he does. He reminds me to try. I do love that about him.

He is, however, a Big boy, 15 now, and growing. He’s also very strong now. My mother is getting to an age where his, as well call em happy slaps, are really hurting her. He is generally good about slapping your hands and not your back if you provide them. But when he is upset he is a shover; one bad fall could really cause a lot of chaos for my mother with her health. The husband spends most of his time locked in his room.

My half sister is epileptic. They have done tests for years and can’t figure out all her triggers or the whys. They just sometimes stop for a long time then suddenly happen. She’s 16, turning 17 soon. And I don’t even know if she’s going to be, since my mother won’t let me know. And there are large gaps from my sister being on tech due to concerns of what triggered her seizure this time so she’s often removed from electronic devices for a time.

When I had turned 21, my mother and her husband tried to have me sign a paper to become legal guardian of my half siblings, should something happen to them, so the kids didn’t get separated.

At that time, I was still taking care of my fathers mother along with working at a shit job, and had a house full of temporary roommates who I had offered rooms to as a sort of safe house for them. I have a knack for finding people from broken homes, what can I say? With the house my father and I built, we had space, so I used it. I was able to help the girls get out of toxic places, get on their feet, and move on. Not all of them always. But it did generally work out. One has a boyfriend who was growing worse to her on top of getting more and more into hard drugs while also she dealing with an abusive aunt who got worse once her mother died of cancer. So she was stuck with the terrible boyfriend. I had her stay with me as soon as I heard.

Another was complicated, but generally revolved around the alcoholic mother and the many, shady, men in and out of the house. The dangers of that alone were.. problematic without the friend also being suicidal and not taken seriously. I’ve stayed many times with her to just hang out, clean, cook, or even read a book cuz she just wanted to hear someone talking and such. You know? Until eventually I had her move in with me too.

Another’s mothers died of a cancer and dad an alcoholic; not abusive, he just became childlike and super forgetful. To a hurtful degree in his totally dependent state, whenever he was home. Plus their whole little trailer smelled of piss. And her boyfriend (they’re married with kids and happy now) was in jail. He had a bad past but had cleaned up his act quite well, but. Well that’s complicated. We all know that the police don’t squint at details of any issue if the accused has a problematic past.

I had two different girls with trouble at home who were being used by their family to constantly work, clean, and pay for everything.

I had an ex and her girlfriend with problematic homophobic parents who were terrible and semi violent so I had them stay with us so they could be together somewhere safer.

I did not. At all. Have the assured means to also be a parent of ten children with very different needs nor any medical benefits to help out with.

I also knew, that, with how my mothers husband was, if he had some guarantees for his children’s safety, he would likely end his life if he could. He’s been so close so many times. If signed this paper, he would have the last big most important concern that’s kept him from.. I just. I didn’t want him to do it. I selfishly didn’t want to be responsible for my siblings that would take away any bit of time I had for myself away. If anything happened, I would not abandon and forget my siblings. That’s absurd. But my mother implied heavily she wanted to be sure of that. And thus this paper.

I was struggling to find aid for college so I could go to school (never got to, by the way. Minus two classes in total. Aced them both, but it doesn’t matter. Credits in the wind). I was already dealing with my grandmother. The girls I chose to help. My shit job. My fathers temper and his horrible horrible ‘on again off again’ girlfriend. The chaos that alone committed.

I was busy providing a safe space in my home and making sure it stayed that way for the rare times trouble makers made the mistake of stepping up to my door to try and harass my girls.

I often worked 10 days in a row before a day off. Many of those days often had double shifts which were 16 hours. Sometimes I got an hour nap on the double shifts.

I just couldn’t do it.

And now. I remember something that came to mind back then that comes back to mind now. My moms husband adores my grandma. She’s been better to him than his own mother. She’s dying. He’s not taking it well and his mental health has always been pretty low and in the last couple years, already dangerously rock bottom. I’ll admit, same.

His daughter is now in the hospital. My brother is smart but there are some things we can’t really explain for him to get. He understands something is wrong but not sure what and it upsets him. He doesn’t like change and gets super fussy for it. Which can be taxing and hours and days and weeks of it. Grandmas been in the hospital for a couple more or more now. She coded a few days ago but they got her back.

If grandma dies. If something happens to my sister…

God. I don’t see that man sticking around.

And with my mom isolated. A lot of it her doing with her own family but also a good part of it being dumb petty bs of other folks that have no reason to behave like that (a whole drama I don’t have the energy to keep up with..). I just.

I see it as a domino effect of terrible terrible events I don’t want to write.

My mothers side im not very close to. I don’t blame my cousins, we were kids ajd our meetings were brief as they were. But the adults kept their distance with me. No one expected me to survive and decided it was easier to not get attached. To not get involved with me, and by extension, the devil himself, my father. So I never got the chance to know that family. Even when I tried.

So the only family I do have some ties to ajd know, is in a hospital bed, or on my dads side, and they’re dying to. And I get it… that at a certain age in life, many of the people around you start to. It’s just life. Ajd it sucks. And I miss having a best friend. I miss having friends who just seem to like to have me around. Want to have me around.

And I wonder if the friends I thought I made with my roommates were just because I provided something for them. Sure we laughed a lot, we cried over shared traumas, celebrated holidays together so as to not be alone.

But not a one speaks to me now. And hey. That’s also life. But it makes me feel pretty shitty; every where I look in the past, I can’t see any relationship, family, partner, friendship, that ever had me around unless I was providing services they wanted and needed. And I don’t mean the natural give and take.

I’m aware that I’m not the friend folks have around. I’m a fun distraction at best and have been told and reminded as such. I feel like shit cuz my wife’s wonderful and the best person in my life, and yet I still mourn having close friends to hang with. I miss gaming together the most. Or the bullshitting. Sharing food.

I’m not a nice person. I’m working on it. I am. I’ve also, for years, been working on my own personal problems so as to not bring them into even conversations. I don’t know what I am doing wrong but I just.. can’t seem to keep anyone around. And frankly.

I find myself crying about it a lot with no idea what to do.

And. I’m burnt out.

I don’t want to make friends anymore. And yet I still crave it. Which sucks. I can’t stop seeming to want that. And I keep trying. And trying.

I’m trying to accept and be happy with any bit of time I get from the few friends who talk to me. I try to take my chances where I can to hang out (online, as they’re all distance by now), cuz I know it’s a short window and I’ll be lucky to get a next time in the near future.

Online is harder to provide a use, and once the ‘honeymoon phase’ of the friendship winds down, some drop off the map entirely. A few abruptly. And I just. That’s fucked me ho a ton. I can’t even express how many hours I stay sitting. Thinking. Unable to understand what I am not doing or what I am.

It’s a pity party. I know. But it’s fine. I’m still the only one at it and though I’m quite forward even with nerves eating away at me, I still just don’t know how to keep anyone in my life.

It’s taken almost 6 years for me to relax enough to believe my wife will, in fact, stick around.

But at this point in time, I’ve realized, on a note I just keep getting really sad over, that the bits of friendship I’ll get to experience with people, will be brief, snippets, and frankly, only if I am providing something they’re not getting.

I’m essentially the magazine next to the toilet when you have a bad bad stomach bug and your phones dead.

Man’s that’s.. probably my own doing. I know I’m a lot of woe is me in here. And it’s a post talking to me, so I’m indulging in it. I absolutely can’t out loud or in life. I’m working on just.. trying to feel instead of ignoring it. Per my therapists suggestions. So I feel fucking overwhelmed, sad, and alone. Isolated. Heavily.

Ignorance is bliss for real. I wish I wasn’t so aware that I was the friend you go to when all options are down and you’re bored. When you are in a bind and need a safe spot (I don’t mind that one but it does suck that it’s the only time some folks pop back in or up). That if I’m not working then no one even has a small little want to just say hi. I wish I had people who just wanted to say hi because they just.. missed me? I gues?

I wish I knew how to be better as a person and a friend. I thought I was making strides on that. I really had. And yet.

Here I am. Just.

Bitching to the void. Becuase my wife doesn’t need me to add more to her life with her father (finally back from the hospital after surgery) and his health concerned along with everyone else’s and the own sets of ordeals here. I don’t need her to fret over me.

She’s needed distraction and I’ve left her alone for a couple weeks now to her drawing. Probably one of the best things I did do for her was clean up a space for a literal drawing room for her. She’s happier for it. People compliment her art and she rather enjoys the well deserved attention.

I personally would love to have her around more. But I’m having a lot of bad shit days. Weeks at this point. And I’m using my energy to be useful in setting the table or doing the dishes, the cats, playing with the nephew, etc.

All I want to do is sleep.

Frankly. I’m tired of waking up.

But for her. I will.

[flashfuture]

Kyle just had that vibe man, just the vibe of genuine person, like...he is who is he, no jokes, no angst he won’t tell you about, just a normal dude who became a superhero. He’s also just sorta nice??? And lowkey pretty? So he’s kind of a Prince Charming but like realistically because he has his faults as he won’t ignore either, he’s just Kyle? He will meet you and will die for you, which is like pay good onto good, jahdisneis.

I don’t think it can be understated for me as a Star Wars fan how much Kyle and Hal’s relationship gives me massive Luke and Vader vibes when Hal is Parallax like...there is something poetic about the one who sees that their can be good in you is someone who only knows you as the bad guy and STILL honestly and truly believes you can be good. Like yeah, Kyle is just that little black kitten you find in a box on the street in the pouring rain and you can’t help but take in.

Also okay yeah imagine GL’s as dogs but like Kyle is most def a kitten who THINKS it’s a giant fucking dog. Now I’m imaging Conn and Kyle adopting a cat named Pluto after the sailor moon character and the disney dog.

exactly he’s the kid who’s all heart and yeah sometimes heart is stupid. and sometimes he’s too stubborn for his own good. Really Parallax!Hal probably look right at Kyle who was bleeding like crazy swaying holding a pipe and saying he was gonna fight till he was dead. And this was just Hal (cause again the retcon makes no real sense) and he probably saw some of himself. 

Here is this kid he has no connection to at all yet that ring Hal stole and he realizes Kyle is the Green Lantern. Hal can’t take that from him. His big brother instincts really popped off. It was literally the moment at the end you know Vader, Palpatine, and Luke. But if we consider Hal’s Parallax persona and wishes to be Palpatine. Hal would be Vader throwing over himself to protect Kyle in the end. 

Yeah I like that. 

Little kitten you’ve just gotta help. It’s why he draws people in to him. Even people who aren’t so great for him. 

Aww Kyle the little cat the others look out for even though they know how resourceful Kyle is they’ve just gotta watch his back. 

Okay but them having a cat would be great. I wonder if they’d just feed a street cat for too long and then they're stuck with kittens cause the mama cat feels safe in their house. she got in through the window. so they keep the little runt and get the others adopted by Conn’s tenants/neighbors