#give her kids + teen room so i don't have to deals with her room again 😁

[bloomingkyras]

Miss Rosémary's Bedrooms 💜

[dcxdpdabbles]

Hii 👋 i really love your works i would eat it if i can, especially freelance inventor, will you ever countinue writing it? (Sorry if it sound rude, English is not my first language)

"So what's the deal with them?" Steph dares to ask when Bruce and Mr. Fenton finish passing out the souvenirs the inventor brought back. She wasn't sure why she was included in the gift giving, as she never even met the man before, but she now had a bowl from Irland tucked in her purse.

She's heard about Mr. Fenton through Tim and a bit from Jason. Both boys practically worshiped the ground the man stepped on. She understood that, on some level, they owed him their lives.

Jason, after being rescued from the Joker and Tim after Mr.Fenton found him on the rooftops all those years ago. She won't lie. How they spoke about Mr.Fenton painted a completely different image in her mind.

She expected someone regal, with a cold, calculating glance, who could figure out what she was expecting with a mere glance. Someone that she wouldn't be surprised if he was found tucked away in a pure white lab, working with glowing chemicals. She knows that they never claim Mr.Fenton was terrifying, but she had personally witnessed Dick threaten to tell Bruce to the man.

If he could make Batman cower by his mere mention, Steph had been expecting someone closer to what an evil version of Alfred would be.

Instead, she got a man in faded jeans, beat-up boots, and gentleness that hurt her teeth with how sweetly he smiled. If Bruce was a Bat, then Mr.Fenton could be a flower.

Gentle. Pretty. Unassuming.

Steph had logically known Mr. Fenton was a civilian. But she thought that he would be a scary one, at the least. Maybe someone in the justice system, a personal fighter like a boxer or hell, someone good with firearms.

"Hmm?" Damian glances up from his painting. Steph noticed that he has been doing a lot lately. Leaving his room to paint around the manor. She hasn't known the boy for long.

Steph had only recently forgiven Bruce for the whole Robin stunt he pulled (making her think she was his partner only to be used as bait for Tim, burned), and she wasn't around when Bruce's bio kid was found. Based on the stories Tim, Jason, and Dick shared, though, she thought he was a little more bloodthirsty.

He is more prone to violence after his upbringing, but he seemed to be shimmering down the last few weeks. Damian had apparently been given a talking to by Mr.Fenton, who took him out of the manor into the city for some "undercover training."

Steph hadn't been in Gotham then. She was busy helping a few teen titans with a mission that had her traveling to the other side of the world. But apparently, whatever harsh training Mr.Fenton had forced Damian to undergo had brought back peace to Wayne Manor.

Or as close as it could be.

He still referred to himself as the actual blood son.

"Bruce and Mr. Fenton," she repeated, nodding to where the pair could be seen conversing in the hallway. However, it looked more like Mr.Fenton was the only one talking. Bruce was too busy staring at him like he was the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen. "They seem really close, but in a weird way."

Damain's intense green eyes snap at her. She raises a brow, unwilling to let the brat see he made her flinch. "Do you have a problem with Father getting close to another man?"

It takes her a few seconds to understand why he sounds so guarded before she gasps. "It's not the gay thing! I don't care if their gay!"

"I should hope not. You come into our home and eat our food, Brown." The boy clicks his tongue distastefully. Steph has never seen someone look down their nose at someone two heads taller than them, but Damian proved it could happen. "I would not allow for homophobia to enter these halls. It is not within the rules of social justice."

"Social justice?" She repeats a little surprise that Damian was speaking to her without an insult so far. The only time the brat had bothered to talk to anyone besides Bruce had been to insult them. At least in the two months, she had seen him wander after her Teen Titians mission.

"Danny has pointed out that Father's civilian reputation is tied heavily with social justice. It would not due for his heir to cause trouble in his affairs." Damian places his paintbrush back on his canvas, sneaking glances at the window.

Curious, Steph creeps closer to take a peak and finds herself memorized by the water painting he is working on. It's Bruce and Mr.Fenton. In the painting, Bruce is staring lovingly at Mr.Fenton, who seems to be in the middle of laughing. Though neither have arms- Damian is working on those- it doesn't detract from their loving expressions.

"If it is not due to their gender, what do you find weird about Father and Danny?"

Steph considers the question before slowly getting closer, wanting to oversee the young boy splash some white into Mr.Fenton's eyes, making them appear glowing. "It's just.....weird how Bruce likes someone so normal. No training. No big fancy money. No ties to the capes. Just a man who's really good at science."

Damain shoots her a complicated glance over his shoulders before he slowly replies. "Yes. An average Joe, as you Americans would say. That is Danny."

"Right? Isn't it weird? And besides the fact Bruce is so obvious with his crush, Mr. Feton has no idea. But he can pull apart a toaster in ten minutes to curl Babs hair for her dance? Don't you think it's odd?"

Damian hums. "A true master does not need to show who they are until the blade is at their opponent's neck. But I will admit that Danny's appearance can be rather deceiving."

"Damian.....do you know something?"

The boy's face turned more complicated before returning his attention to his painting. He taps his paintbrush against his palate before he mutters. "I knew only Danny did not treat me like a rabid animal. He took me to the zoo. I haven't been outside the manor since his last visit and grew wary of these walls."

His words hit Steph like a brick. Her first instinct is to explain why it was essential to keep him here, but then she thinks more about it, and her teeth slam shut.

Crude, has she been acting like Bruce? Had she really allowed him to convince her that a child should be locked up like it was nothing? Then again, Damian isn't a prisoner here.

Even if he was, she helped break him out.

"Say, kid, you want to come with Tim and me to the mall this afternoon? I think they have an art store."

Damian twists around to stare in utter shock. For all his training, he really is just a kid because Steph can see the genuine yearning in his eyes as he tries to casually cover up his reaction with a regal shoulder shrug. "I suppose I will have time for more undercover training."

Strange, Steph thinks while texting Tim about Damian joining them. Mr. Fenton hasn't even spoken to me that long, and he already changed how I viewed Damian. Is this why Bruce is into a civilian?

[stxxrlights]

𝐁𝐎𝐎!

results based on this poll. headcanons of the jjk men scaring you and how you react. fem!reader x male jjk characters. warnings: just mediocre writing and bad spelling and grammar errors, please ignore. wc: 1.5k. comments, reblogs and likes are appreciated

★𝐆𝐎𝐉𝐎 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐔

this man was a menace. he would find any possible way to annoy you ,just to please himself. tickling you when you least expect it, tripping you on the floor and then catching you, making fun of you when you stutter... all for his amusement.

but today... today was different. he wanted to try a new method. something he's never done to you intentionally.

the setting was perfect. it was a nice normal day, you were doing the laundry and he was left in the living room alone watching television. he was getting bored and he was missing you dearly, and then it came to his mind.

he silently walked over to where you were where you were unloading the now clean laundry into the laundry basket looking so focused he thought it was cute.

he tiptoed behind you and when you get up, his smile growing wider and then "BOO!!", he shouted getting a hold of your waist.

You shrieked loudly and he laughed loudly, tears now brimming his eyes. " WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!?", you shouted at him you hand now on your fast beating heart.

"nothing. i just missed you"

★𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐔

your geto was nothing but a chill person to hang around with. you enjoyed the silent moments you shared and the meaningful convos you shared. but that didn't mean that he didn't have his moments of stupidity.

he had this thing where he liked to put you on edge just because. you never understood why he did this and today was no different.

you were walking around his estate when suddenly you heard some kids screaming outside. you quickly ran outside to find suguru standing and looking at the sky.

"oh hey baby. what are you doing outside?", he asked smiling at you upon noticing your presence. you looked up and saw mimiko and nanako screaming with joy on top of one of suguru's curses... high up in the sky.

" GET THEM DOWN NOW!!", he chuckled at that

"don't worry. they're enjoying themselves", he said looking up at them both.

"GET THEM DOWN NOW SUGURU!!"

"alright", he said and the curse came down with the two girls on it laughing and giggling. you ran up to them and hugged them.

"don't go on that thing again, do you hear me?"

"but it's fun-"

"NO! let's go inside. i'll deal with YOU later", maybe scaring you wasn't such a good idea.

★𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐎 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐎

he was relatively knew to relationships and so he desperately needed advice. and should he go to if not his trusted younger brother yuuji.

which was always a horrible mistake. because he himself got dating advice from teen magazines and not from actual experience so the things choso did for you were not ordinary but you thought that the fact that he was thinking about you was cute in it's own way.

one day, you were washing the dishes while choso was in the living room chatting with his brothers. he was asking yuuji again how he can be more affectionate towards you. he finally got his answer and wanted to test it out, so he went to you heart pounding in his chest as he watched you focused on the dishes and humming a tune.

" just hug her from the back. girls like that", he recollected yuuji's words and he took in a deep breathe. he was walking towards you silently and then suddenly wrapped his arms around your waist.

you gasped and dropped the fork which also startled him and he quickly let go.

"you startled me cho", you said smiling and he looked down blushing.

" i didn't mean to. i just wanted to give you a back hug because i thought you'd like it", he explained and your heart clenched at how thoughtful he was.

"it's alright cho. just make sure make some noise or else you'll startles me again"you said and hugged him and he hugged you back. " and stop listening to yuuji so much. his case is just as bad as yours

★𝐓𝐎𝐉𝐈 𝐅𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐎

you were always fascinated by the toji's job which was weird to him. normally, people would be afraid, but once he revealed to you what he truly does for a living, you seemed to be a lot more interested.

and with that interest, you wanted to know how exactly he does it. how does he handle his victims. does he torture then before he kills them or does he just go straight to the point? you needed to know. and that led to you constantly bombarding him with questions upon questions, but he didn't want to answer you.

for the longest time, he has ignored your constant nagging but today, it has reached it's peak. the breaking point.

" please"

"no"

"please"

"no princess. i've told you before. i'm not telling you"

"pretty please~", you whined longer tugging onto his arm repeatedly and he cracked.

" fine do you wanna know", you nodded quickly and he sighed.

"one time, i ripped out this guys arm off and then shot him 67 times. another time, i tied the guy to a chair then chopped off his fingers one by one just to get information from him. turns out he was the wrong guy", he chuckled. " another one-"

"no...enough", you placed your hand over his mouth and he looked at you with a raised eyebrow. you felt your stomach sinking deeper

"what's the matter? I thought you wanted to know", he smirked after he took your hand away from his face.

"not anymore", you said now sitting with your legs together.

"be careful of what you ask for next time princess..."

★𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐈 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐎

nanami's job was quite demanding and that was why he would always come home late almost every night without fail. the latest he ever came home was around 11pm and he would always find you waiting for him with a meal already prepared and you kept him company until his last mouthful just to spend the time you missed with him.

he always tried his best to come back home early but he almost always has to work early. you both hated it but he had to work for the both of you...so that he can retire early and spend the rest of his days with you.

but today, he was getting late... extremely late. you called him countless times and he didn't answer any of your calls. you sent a bunch of text messages asking for his whereabouts but none of them were answered, even read.

you were starting to get very worried. it was almost 1am, you were extremely tired as it is but you had to wait for him. terrible thoughts invaded your mind. what if he had gotten into something serious? your mind circled around many awful scenarios of him and then just the, the front door opened.

"honey i'm home...", he said in a tired voice and you quickly ran over to him and gave him a big hug. " sweetie, i missed you too"

"where were you?", you asked now a little worried.

"i'm sorry dear. i was held up at work and i couldn't come any earlier", he said caressing your face.

" why didn't you answer my calls or my texts? "

"my phone died"

"don't do that ever again!", you said and hugged him again.

" i wont honey. i'll take a day off just for you and we can do whatever you want", you hugged him tighter and he caressed your back.

"as long as we get to be together, I don't care what we do"

★𝐒𝐔𝐊𝐔𝐍𝐀 𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍

for someone who was so big, sukuna was a quiet man- or uh-curse. you would barely notice him walking around and he scared you many times because of this. he had no reason to be so quiet and he would always look at you funny whenever you get scared.

but on this day, he had reached a whole new level. you were in his chambers, on his bed specifically, as you cuddled each other enjoying the silence.

your one hand was caressing his abs while his lower arms held you closer and the others played with your hair. everything was alright until you felt something wet and slimy on your hand, the same hand that was on his stomach. you looked and there you saw it, a large tongue protruding out of his stomach and was licking your hand.

"WHAT IS THAT?", you quickly withdrew your hand from him and he clicked his tongue.

" what's your problem? never seen a tongue before?"

"not coming out of a stomach!", you said and he narrowed his eyes at you

" you're so dramatic", he said sitting up and then out of nowhere licked your entire face with his stomach tongue and you shrieked. "relax woman", he said wiping your face with his hand and then the palm of his hand licked your cheek and before you knew it you were out. he chuckled and just held you closer.

"such a weakling..."

story belongs to @choso-is-bbg. characters belong to gege akutami

[ckret2]

Chapter 72 of human Bill Cipher being 50% the prisoner & 50% the weird guest of the Mystery Shack:

Soos makes a deeply significant moral decision. To redecorate!

If you're seeing this picture, it's because I either didn't have enough time to draw a better one before the queue spat out this chapter, or I decided that nothing else I could draw would be half as funny.

####

Whenever Soos faced something difficult, he talked to Abuelita. And Bill was nothing if not something difficult.

Soos laid out the situation to her in the living room as she watched her telenovelas—she didn't mind the distraction, she far preferred real life drama over anything they put on TV. He told her about the confiscated canes, the daily injuries, the bargaining for food, the threat of forced showers, the bruises and burns and blood Bill said nothing about. He told her about Bill's door trick and how he'd only used it to talk to a teen about life and tuck a kid into bed. Once he'd told Abuelita all his thoughts, she nodded slowly, eyes still fixed to the TV screen; and for the moment, said nothing.

The doctor on TV confirmed the tearful new mother's suspicions that her husband had cheated (DNA tests confirmed the baby was another woman's), and Abuelita muted the show as it went to a commercial break. Soos waited as she collected her thoughts to render her judgment.

"I have been talking to Mr. Cipher for the last month or so. He keeps me company while I cook so I do not poison him again," she said. "I think he is ruthless, manipulative, and self-centered."

Soos winced, but nodded. "That's true."

Abuelita went on, "I like him. He is self-confident. He's blunt in a way you only get when you're old and cynical. I think he is a bad person; but, many bad people are good company."

"That's also true." Soos nodded again thoughtfully. Like whenever a comic book had a young idealistic superhero team up with an old jaded ex-villain who played by his own rules, and they ended up best friends, in spite of their glaring ethical and political differences.

"But, more importantly than whether he is a good person or a bad person," Abuelita said, "he is a person. And if you do not like a person, there are three ways you can deal with him." She counted off on her fingers, "You can kill him; you can avoid him; or you can set your feelings aside, and treat him with decency. Yes, get rid of the people who are bad for you—but no matter how terrible a person is, you must treat him like a person."

Soos's eyes lit up. "Oh, like with grandpa!"

Abuelita nodded slowly. "Yes. Just like grandpa."

"Yeah but—what if treating him decently is, you know... dangerous? Like if he uses any privileges we give him to do bad stuff? The Pines think he will. And I think he might be secretly talking to his cultists or whatever? Who miiight wanna destroy the world? But what if they can't destroy the world actually, and if I tell about the people he's talking to, he gets treated even worse..."

"Without his devil powers, he couldn't destroy a bookclub," Abuelita said. "But, if he is so dangerous, are you going to kill him?"

"No. I actually don't think we can anymore?"

"Are you going to avoid him?"

Soos let out a heavy sigh. "I can't as long as he lives here."

Abuelita shrugged, as if to say there you have it. "You are a good, kind man, mijo. I am sure you will figure out the right thing to do."

####

He took Melody out for lunch. They went through a drive-thru so they could park and talk privately in the truck.

She took a firmer stance on it than Abuelita. "I do not want to be stuck with Bill forever," she said. "I could put up with it this long because I thought the Pines would get rid of him as soon as possible! Now that he's staying here indefinitely...?" She shook her head. "I really don't like it, Soos."

Soos wasn't surprised. "Do... you think they should have 'gotten rid' of him?"

Melody paused, then shook her head again. "This whole thing is such a bizarre situation. Like, I can get why it makes sense to execute the guy that can end the world, but... I just don't think that's a decision two random guys with a big gun should be allowed to make," she said. "Honestly? I think we should call some federal agency and put him in jail somewhere. You know I've been iffy on Ford's 'only we can contain Bill' thing from the start."

"Yeah. I know." Soos agreed with Ford—he was the Bill expert, he would know—but he couldn't say Melody was wrong, either.

"Our wedding's scheduled for the end of summer," Melody said. "And... I'm sorry, Soos, but I just can't live under the same roof as the guy that turned me into a statue. We'll still get married—"

"—Oh, phew, almost had a heart attack there—"

"—pff, sorry. But if Bill's still in the shack after the summer, then... then I'll keep staying with my aunt, or we could move into your old house and just visit the shack for work, or something... but I can't move into the shack permanently until he moves out."

"Okay. I accept that." Even if the rest of them had sorta gotten used to living with Bill, Soos thought not wanting to live with a former torturer/conqueror/dictator was a pretty reasonable boundary. "I dunno what we'll do long-term just yet, but—we'll decide on something before the wedding."

Melody let out a long, nervous sigh. "Okay," she said. "Okay. Thanks, Soos." She reached across the truck's center console.

Soos took her hand. "But, how do you think we should handle Bill until then?"

Melody stared out the window at the gray sky. The rain had dried up before dawn, but the sky was still hazy. "If we keep guarding him ourselves instead of getting law enforcement involved... personally? I wouldn't give him any kind of special treatment at all. He tried to end the world! He stuck the whole town in a throne! He can just keep sleeping on the floor and being miserable, and I'd be fine with it."

Soos winced. "I see."

Melody squeezed his hand. "But—the fact that you're kinder than that is one of the things I love about you. Even when the creep you're being kind to doesn't deserve it." She gave him a resigned smile. "Do whatever you feel is right."

He considered that. Then he nodded. "I will."

####

Bill kept Soos's Abuelita company while she cooked, and gossiped with her in Spanish better than Soos's about people Bill had never even met. Bill liked watching cartoons, sports where people got hurt, and weirdly intellectual movies Soos didn't get, and he heckled historical documentaries and the news. Bill was offended by white rice and had incredibly strong opinions about salsas for a guy who'd only started eating them a month ago. Bill hadn't taken his friendship bracelet off once since Mabel gave it to him. Bill might not have been a human; but he was a person.

It was high time they start treating him like one.

####

Soos came home late in the afternoon with his truck laden down with supplies. Stan's car was gone, and when Soos came in with an armload of wooden boards he didn't see anybody around except Abuelita, napping in the living room, and Dipper, laying on the living room floor watching TV. "Hey dude," Soos whispered. "Where's everybody else?"

Dipper whispered back, "Hey Soos. Stan and Ford are at McGucket's mansion." He didn't look up from the TV. He was watching a rerun of Ghost Harassers on mute. "Mabel's with Bill in the floor room. He's in a bad mood about something so they've been doing karaoke all day."

"Huh." Soos could faintly hear someone playing his electric piano. It sounded like it was on the organ setting. "I didn't know he plays piano."

"He's alright," Dipper said. "His singing's terrible, though."

Soos shuddered. He could imagine.

Well, at least it meant Bill was out of the way. Soos began his first of many trips upstairs.

####

"What's all this racket?" Stan trudged upstairs to inspect Soos's noises—and abruptly stopped at the top of the stairs as he almost ran into a wooden beam. "What the—?"

"Oh, hey Mr. Pines!" Soos hooked his hammer on his tool belt. He'd put up wall framing to section off the corner of the attic floor that included the window seat.

Stan circled around the framing, inspecting it in bafflement. "Soos, what the heck is this?"

"So, remember at the beginning of summer, when I said that me and Melody were thinking about putting in a gaming room-slash-guest room in the attic? And Ford said not to bother until Bill was gone because he wouldn't be here long enough for me to finish? Welp! Sounds like he's gonna be here long enough for me to finish now! So I thought, hey, might as well, right? No reason not to!" He shrugged. "By the way, do you think I should put the door in front of the stairs, or on the long side of the room opposite the window? If it's in front of the stairs, you can just walk right in the room when you come up, and we'd be able to put a big screen on the long wall; but when you're walking out of the room it'd be really easy to forget the stairs are there and fall, and uh, we already have enough of a problem with that—"

Stan finally got his dropped jaw working again. "But this is where the demon sleeps! Where are we supposed to put him now?!"

"Oh, it's fine! Bill can keep sleeping in here. I'll put up a curtain instead of a door for now. This way the room's ready for gaming once Bill's gone." Soos planted his hands on his hips and surveyed his handiwork with pride.

"Are you crazy? You're giving Bill his own room?! No way! He could do anything in private. We can't trust him with that—"

"Listen." Soos gave Stan a serious look. "Mr. Pines, I respect you, and I love you like the dad I never had except technically I do have a dad but he's off being a deadbeat in Florida or something so he doesn't count."

He pointed at the floor. "But this is my house now. My name might not be on the deed, but my butt is in the master bedroom! And nobody under my roof is living like—like—like some kind of starving hobo sleeping on a bench under a newspaper, you know what I'm talking about? The Mystery Shack is a happy place! Where people come to see dreams come true and have their imaginations expanded! And I won't see it turned into some sad one-man prison!"

Stan stared at Soos, speechless.

"So." Soos took a deep breath. "With all due respect—I'm building a gaming room, and it'll have walls, and Bill gets to sleep in it. Because he's a person! And we're gonna treat him like one!"

Stan slowly looked from Soos to the wall framing, to the boxes of supplies he'd bought for the room and pushed against a wall to wait—to the pathetic couch cushion bed still sitting on the floor in front of the window. "All right. That's—that's fine. I'll let Ford know."

Soos's shoulders relaxed. "Thanks, Mr. Pines."

Stan clapped a hand on Soos's shoulder; looked for a moment like he wanted to say something; then just shook his head and said instead, "Knock off the hammering before the kids go to bed, all right?"

"No problem! I've gotta set up some furniture and stuff in here anyway." He got back to work as Stan went downstairs.

####

Soos paused his work when he overheard Bill's voice: "Hey Stanford. Figured out the kitchen situation yet?"

Soos had to strain to hear Ford (jeez, Bill was loud) as he said, "We haven't had a chance yet. For now, we can at least leave one of the counter cabinets open."

"Huh." It didn't sound like an impressed huh. "And will this open cabinet have any of the foods you put in the cabinet to hide from me? Or just more of the junk I've already been scavenging."

Ford was silent long enough to provide the answer.

"Right."

"I went by the grocery store," Ford offered. "I got avocados."

"Uh huh."

"And several pepper varieties."

"Ooh." Bill sounded intrigued in spite of himself.

"And protein drinks. They're nutritious, at least," Ford said. "But—I know that's not adequate. Stan and I will have something permanent figured out by the end of the week."

"I guess it's fine as an emergency measure," Bill said, "but you know how the phrase goes! Give a triangle a protein drink, and it'll eat for a day. Teach a triangle to open the fridge, and it'll eat for the rest of its life. If you lift that curse..."

"We'll talk. But don't get your hopes up. Neither of us likes the thought of giving you the power to come in our bedroom and smother us in our sleep the next time we have an argument."

"Fine." Bill's voice had hardened again. "You've got to the end of the week. But don't forget! If I don't like your offer, I don't have to take it! You can't keep me in this rickety barn anymore."

"I haven't forgotten."

The conversation seemed to be over and Soos didn't hear anyone coming up the stairs. He got back to work.

He felt good. He was doing the right thing.

####

When Mabel came up to bed, she stared in confusion at the modified attic floor, squealed in excitement when she realized what she was looking at, surprised Soos with a hug, and gushed about how great it was; and then she let Soos know Dipper and Ford were out tonight investigating weird stuff and went on to bed herself.

The first notification Soos had that Bill had come upstairs was a flat, offended, "What."

"Oh, hey!" Soos ducked out of the opening he'd left for the doorway—which he'd ultimately decided to put straight across from the window, to let a little light back into the attic. (He'd have to add more lighting in the main attic now that the window was blocked off.) Bill was standing at the corner of the new room, surveying the work with an expression of deep suspicion.

Soos said, "I was just getting started on this gaming room Melody and me wanted to put in—it's okay though, you can keep using it, we'll just turn it into a gaming room, uhhh... lllater. Whenever, it's cool!"

Bill turned his suspicious look on Soos; but when Soos gestured for Bill to follow him into the room, he reluctantly followed.

"Yeah, I got up the framing," Soos said, "but I couldn't get to the drywall today, so I just stapled up some tarps to be walls for now. But, look!" He gestured grandly. "I brought up the old orange sofa and chaise thingy that used to be in Abuelita's room! They've been in storage for like a year. I bet we could sit, like, six people on it for game nights. It turns out the sofa's a daybed, so we can use it as an extra guest bed for visitors, we do not have enough beds for visitors in the shack, haha. And, check it—" Soos flipped up the lid on a chest he'd placed in front of the right end of the sofa like a footrest. "I put in one of those top-down chest fridges for gaming snacks! It uh, the top of it swings up, that makes it a lid instead of a door, right? Sooo I guess you can use it too, right? You can just, put whatever you want on the weekly grocery list, and we'll put it in here. Oh, and!" He pointed at the ancient TV console table he'd hauled up from the cellar, "I set up a hot plate here, too! So you can cook stuff in the attic! For—for normal legitimate gaming room purposes."

Bill's gaze followed where Soos pointed, from the ancient orange sofa to the fridge chest to the hot plate. He didn't say anything. His expression was completely unreadable.

Soos swallowed. "Oh, and, by the way, speaking of home improvements, I took out the doorknob on the main bathroom, and put in one of those, like, little slidy dealies like public bathroom stalls? Plus I gave the door those swinging hinges—like the kind on saloon doors in the movies, o-or, say, the door into the gift shop—"

Bill whipped around to face Soos.

Soos jumped. He laughed nervously and tried to remember what point he was making. "S-so, um... there's no latch now, so it doesn't latch, which means there's no way to accidentally get locked in—or out, of the bathroom, and... and I don't actually know how much of that you understood, due to the whole curse thing? Just forget everything I just said, I guess, the important thing is you can use that bathroom without asking someone else now! Cool, right?"

He had to turn away from Bill's intense gaze, pointing back at the gaming room's doorway. "Anyway since the room isn't finished yet and you're probably gonna use it for a while, I hung up a curtain instead of a door. And I added that cool zodiac spell blanket thing Mabel gave me inside the curtain! Since you said you liked it so much when you first got here. And like... having it in our room kinda creeps Melody out, I think it might be giving her nightmares? So I thought you might like it better. Anyway I've still gotta do some other stuff, like add power outlets in here, and air conditioning, and... a-and..." He petered out weakly.

Bill was giving Soos the most venomous look he'd ever seen. 

"Sure. Terrific." Bill crossed his arms, seething. "I've slept on the floor, I can cope with sleeping in the middle of a construction zone too. No big deal! I'll make do."

"Oh," Soos said. "Uh... if it bothers you, I could try to get the walls finished tomorrow? Shack's closed tomorrow too, so, I was already planning to keep—"

Teeth grit, Bill snarled, "Don't put yourself out on my behalf."

Soos froze. "Oookay! Uh... well, I'll be getting ready for bed if you need... yeah, no, you—you probably don't need anything. Bye." He ducked out into the attic, letting out a whoosh of a sigh as soon as the curtain swung shut behind him.

Bill had looked like he was two seconds from ripping out Soos's throat. Why? Had he liked sleeping on the floor? He'd never seemed like he had. Maybe he'd preferred the attic's open flooring? Maybe he hated extremely 70's orange upholstery? Was this a mistake...?

Bill watched through the tarp until Soos was down the stairs. Then he lunged over the sofa, hanging over the back by his waist, to reach the attic window seat. He groped for the corner of the seat cushion where he'd hidden Journal 4.

He sighed in relief when he felt the familiar rectangular block in the cushion. He pulled it free: there was Journal 4, along with his two stubby crayons. As well as two marker pens, black and red, with a sticky note wrapped around them that said, "Thought these might be useful, dude!"

Bill's hands trembled with fury.

####

Soos was brushing his teeth when someone pounded on the bathroom door, making him drop his brush. The door swung open a couple of inches; Soos heard Bill mutter a confused, "What?" before it swung shut again.

Soos opened the door. "Bill? What's..."

Bill's face was completely flushed. It was hauntingly reminiscent of the look he'd had last year right before trying to murder Soos and the kids in Stan's mind. His rage had shot past "apoplectic" and landed on "apocalyptic." Soos understood how Pompeii had felt when the rumbling began. He took a few steps back.

Bill stalked into the bathroom.

He slapped the red pen down on the counter.

And, avoiding eye contact, he muttered, "Fine-tip yellow highlighter would be better. If you've got it."

"Oh," Soos said. "Sure, I... I think I have some skinny highlighters in my office. Just... lemme finish brushing my teeth."

####

Bill leaned in the office doorway, arms crossed tight, waiting. As Soos rummaged through his desk supplies, back to the door, he got the uneasy feeling that maybe Bill had lured him here to stab him in the back or something. He seemed mad enough. And the office was narrow; if Bill came up right behind him, there'd be nowhere for Soos to dodge...

When he found a new highlighter and turned around, Bill was glowering inches behind him.

Soos jumped. "Dude! You freaked me out."

Bill didn't condescend to respond. He just snatched the highlighter out of Soos's hand and stormed from the room. A moment later, Soos could hear him stomping up the stairs (and stumbling on one step. Soos really needed to figure out how to make the stairs more safe). 

For the life of him, Soos didn't know how he'd offended Bill.

####

The contraband supplies Bill had hidden behind a loose board in the wall still appeared to be undisturbed. He could only hope Soos hadn't found them during his snooping. For tonight, he could hide Journal 4 there; tomorrow he'd have to find a new, more secure hiding spot that kept it close enough to where Bill slept.

He turned around the hanging zodiac blanket and curtain so Bill's watchful triangular face was guarding the new attic hallway rather than staring into the room.

He surveyed his atrocious new sofa. If he'd known he would be plagued with this thing in the future, he would have found a way to make Ford get rid of it thirty years ago. Would Ford have thrown it out if his blessed Muse had told him it looked hideous? Maybe, but that would've put a ding in Bill's benevolent image. He could've said the sofa would lead Ford to doom? No, too implausible. Ford had always wanted a nice set of leather furniture; maybe if Bill had claimed the cost of leather furniture was about to skyrocket, and if Ford ever wanted to build his dream sophisticated gentleman's den then he should buy as soon as possible—maybe sell his current sofa to recoup costs and free up space... Yeah, Ford would've eaten that up, he'd have been so grateful Bill was thoughtful enough to care about his silly little life dreams and look out for his financial future. He shoulda done that. Hindsight.

So. What did he have here? A daybed; personal fridge; mini-stove; walls (tarp); two pillows; throw blanket; two markers; a lamp (unplugged); a clock radio (unplugged); a low console table with two shelves, onto which Soos had emptied the contents of Bill's cardboard box of clothes; and an implicit promise to keep a pile of secrets.

How humiliating.

He considered sleeping on the bare floor in protest; but, his back still hurt. Once again, subject to the tyranny of an organic body. He sighed, pulled his bedsheet from the console table, and curled up on the sofa.

The moment he lay down, a scent soaked into the seat cushion made his heart leap into his throat. He was sure he could smell home. Familiar and comforting and right—and for a moment the evidence of his other six senses didn't matter: he had his power back, he was in his kingdom, and all was right with the world. It took a moment to figure out what about the scent had so strongly disoriented him: he was smelling the atmosphere of the Nightmare Realm.

And then took another moment to work out that it wasn't really the Nightmare Realm, but a very similar scent—sulfurous, organic, burning. Burnt hair.

The cushion still smelled like Ford.

Bill groaned in frustration, rolled off the sofa, and flopped to the floor.

After permitting himself a moment of rage at the injustices of the multiverse, Bill crawled up onto the chaise lounge on the left end of the sofa, avoiding the part of the sofa where Ford used to sleep.

The chaise was smaller than his floor cushion bed used to be; but he'd make do.

####

(I know we're all busy going insane over the website but i'd love a comment when y'all read this chapter lol)

[ratsarecute4]

Some Hatchetfield Headcanons

Richie had a Warrior Cats phase in elementary school

Ruth owns a pet chameleon named Yoda

Max thinks that Pizza Pete's is owned by Pete, and that is where he gets the money for his rich kid bowtie

Mayor Lauter pays Steph's allowance in cryptocurrency

There was a month where the Clivesdale Chemists and the Hatchetfield Nighthawks had an even higher amount of hatred for eachother than usual. The Chemists accused the Nighthawks of stealing their mascot (they didn’t, the kid just moved to Hatchetfield)

Because of the mascot stealing allegations, the Chemists decided to steal the Nighthawks mascot for ransom, but they let Richie go after an hour because he wouldn't stop explaining the plot of One Piece

The problematic puppy Steph got in a Twitter fight about was the cop dog from Paw Patrol

Ziggy owns a couple of pet snakes

The Smoke Club has a rule that you must wear at least one weed-patterned item of clothing to meetings or else you're out of the club

Ted is one of those guys whose bedroom has just a mattress on the floor and a TV sitting on a bunch of cardboard boxes

Also Ted gives big lives in his parents' basement vibes

Steph had a creepypasta phase

No one at CCRP ever knows what to get Paul for work holiday parties so now he owns a bunch of gifted mugs and he's starting to run out of cabinet space because he doesn't want to get rid of anything that was gifted to him

The Hatchetfield High theatre department has never payed for the rights to a play. The students don't know about this. Ms Mulberry is fully aware of how illegal that is but continues to do it anyway. Hatchetfield is a small town, they won't get caught. Also the theatre department has like no funding

Grace was a horse girl in elementary school and she used to eat grass

Charlotte sells DoTERRA essential oils on the side. Everyone at the office has tried to tell her its basically a pyramid scheme but she doesn't believe them

Miss Holloway was a famous rockstar in the 80s, but after she made a deal with the Lords in Black, her past existence was wiped from everyone's memories and no one ever listened to her songs again

Grace has OCD, specifically religious scrupulosity

Richie owns so many body pillows that he no longer has room for himself on his bed

Ruth and Sherman Young have beef with eachother from Ruth's middleschool My Little Pony phase

Kyle is autistic and I will die on this hill

Max's mom dissapeared after being crowned Honey Queen. She wanted the prize money to support her family because Max's father was layed off from his job

I just know Brenda and Stacy are super into astrology

Local teens describe Paul's aesthetic as "cardboardcore"

Ted has one of these tattoos. He doesn't remember getting it and it took him forever to notice because it is on his back. It is a miracle that it never got infected

[tree0frog]

hiya!! i was wondering if i could ask for rosie, lucifer, charlie, and angel with a teen reader who’s always very sweet, charismatic, and soft spoken, but suffers with a sad past:(

it’s a wonder to everyone why she’s in hell in the first place, she never talks about her life back when she was alive

one day *character* walks in on reader having a ptsd induced panic attack, once reader calms down, for the first time ever she opens up about her past life. her dad abandoned her at a young age, her mom committed suicide, then the man who adopted her when she was 13 just abused her and pimped her out to his friends until she killed him n ran away for the sake of her own survival which was the sin that landed her in hell:/ something additional is the panic attacked being caused because reader ran into her abuser, even in death she can’t escape him.

also all characters have a platonic relationship with reader ofc, rosies like a mom, charlie and angel are like a big brother and sister, and lucifer is an eventual dad figure, reader being the one who changes his mind abt sinners

p.s this isn’t based on irl or anything (thank god) it’s just kinda an oc request but i understand if it still makes u uncomfy that rlly isn’t my intention:(

hi so sorry this took so long i wasn't sure how to write this so I do apologies if this is wrong by any means!!

tw~hell breaks down blood swearing self-harm Abuice

You were the youngest siner within the hotel it sadden some of them{mainly Charlie} that you were down here so young, the group had learned that you didn't want to talk about why you ended in hell and respected it.

that was until

Charlie

now i see charlie as someone who as much as she wanted to help you can be she will end up crying along beside you even if you don't know why she is crying she is.

loves hugs as a form of comfort but will understand that sometimes they can be too much for you and will settle for just sitting beside you if you let her.

She will play music if you write to her.

and will help you clean up any mess that you may of made from yourself or by slowly messing up your room.

is a good listener and will let you draw or write how you are felling if you are not up for talking.

Rosie

omg she is the best out of them all!!

if you have hurt yourself before when you are having an episode she will sit with you and hold your hands or remove anything that she thinks you could use to hurt yourself or someone else away from your reach.

will give you tea and let me tell you she makes the best tea.

she will play classical music to calm the vibe down and tell you it's alright and not your fault.

the best advice you will ever get is from this lady trust me.

she would kill for you and you know that.

Angle

i feel like he would go two ways

one leave you alone and go work out how to talk to a crying kid

or OR he would pick you up and give you the best hugs and tell you its ok

now I fell like out of everyone he would make you fell the most better about the other sinners as he isn't hell-born like the others you know.

best comfort

he knows what it's like to deal with shitty people and knows a little of what you're going though

he seems himself in you.

will let you cuddle him until you fall asleep

and will let you sleep over on those harder nights.

Lucifer

ohoho the big man well let me just say one word

DUCKS!!!!!!!!

he will make you a duck every time you are having a hard time or just cos he can you know

if he finds out your mother is in hell we she would of wished the angles got to her first

and see you as his second child.

he will let you put his hat on

if you end up hurting yourself he will kiss each cut, bump, bruise or scrap better.

will play the violin and sing you to sleep.

[profundcherrylady]

SINGLE DAD!SAE ITOSHI

A/N: ANGSTY TEENAGER VERSION LET'S GO. Y'all I really wanted to write this you have no idea; I love the idea of Sae single-parenting an angsty teenager (he already kind of does with Rin though). NOT using the name "Mao" this time so y'all can interpret it however you want. Very short but I'm planning on making another part. I'm so excited omg 😭🙏

Warnings: Making out (the daughter with some guy don't ask me who), some cursing, daughter acting like a brat a lot.

Description: When the child stage of parenthood ends you might think things will get easier, but you're wrong. For Sae, dealing with a teen on a rebel phase has been nothing but trouble.

"Good morning" Sae looked over his shoulder at his daughter, who was still sulking and ignoring him as she made her way to the fridge. He was expecting her to be mad; they had a bit of an argument the night before at dinner when he acused her of hanging out with bad influences. She argued that he was being a helicopter parent and that she was fine, but he doubts it. The teenager had been acting up a lot lately, and he feared she may be entering some kind of bad phase. "Hey." he tried again, getting his eyes off the food on the pan infront of him to look at her.

"...Morning." she murmured reluctantly, shoving her face inside the fridge to avoid eye contact.

"You still mad?" he asked, a glimpse of his unspoken concern laced to his words.

"...No." just frustated. It's what she would've said if she bothered telling him what was going on with her life. She was just trying to fit in, for god's sake! Wasn't he a teenager once too? "Can I go to a party tonight?"

He blinked at her almost hopeful question, turning around completly now.

"Why are you suddenly asking about something like that?" he turned off the stove, looking at her, and then crossed his arms before letting out a sigh. "Who's going to this party?"

"Only everyone who is considered cool."

"Who's hosting it? Are there going to be adults there?"

"No, it's a PARTY, it's supposed to be fun so they'll be no parents."

"What time does it start?"

"At 10:00pm..."

"I'm afraid you're not going." he turned around again to resume his cooking, not giving her a chance to argue.

"WHAT? Why not? Dad, I have to go! All the cool kids are going"

"You don't need a party to be cool. Being related to me should be cool enough for you."

"Yeah, that's why I got invited... which is another reason why I should go! If I don't, everyone's going to think Sae Itoshi's daughter is lame."

"Nice try, it's still a no." he heard her huff in annoyance. "Believe me, you'll survive staying home tonight."

"But-"

"End of discussion. You're not going; I don't want to hear another word about it." he heard her walk of the kitchen, then shut the door of her room hard enough for him to hear it from there.

He sighed. He kind of understood why it was important to her but he felt the need to be firm about his decision; it's not like it was the end of the world (even if it kind of did feel like it from her perspective).

So he ate alone while she stayed in her room, sulking probably, and considered the situation. 'Cause maybe he was a bit too hard, and he knew she was just trying to make friends, but this wasn't the way. Perhaps if he had a talk about it with her she would get his point of view. He stood up after he finished his meal and left the dishes in the sink, then walked up to his daughter's room. It was unusually quiet, but he figured she might be angry.

He knocked softly and spoke.

"You there?" there was no response, but he assumed she was just angry still. "Listen, I know you really want to go but this isn't the way to make friends." silence again. Even if it didn't look like it, it really did affect Sae that his kid wouldn't talk to him, so his resolve crumbled a little. "Hey, if you really want to go I suppose I can allow it, but I have to drop you off and pick you up, and you're not allowed pass 11:00pm."

When he didn't get a response, he started getting worried. He leaned his ear on the door, trying to hear something — anything — but there was nothing. Just silence.

Sae tried opening the door then, but he found it locked, and that is when his worry started shifting into suspicion and annoyance. He clicked his tongue and grabbed his keys to head outside, and after walking a few feet around the house, he found her window open. That little brat had sneaked out.

"Are you serious...?" he aked to himself, heavy footsteps approaching his car and making his way to this party his daughter mentioned. Ita wasn't difficult to find the place; it was loud as fuck. Even a couple of miles away, he could hear the music coming out of the big house where this party was taking place.

He was getting ready to just park his car wherever and go inside looking for her, but then he froze completely at the sight he was witnessing. His daughter wasn't in the party at the moment, she was sitting outside with her so-called friends who were smoking (disgusting on his opinion. Contaminating his daughter's lungs with the puffs of smoke coming out of their mouths.). They were too young to be smoking! And why as she hanging out with a bunch of smoking idiots? He thought she was smarter than this. They weren't even looking at her.

But that wasn't the worst part of it all. No, the REAL kicker was that — aside from her friends — his daughter had some company by her side. Some guy. Someone that he didn't know about, who was kissing her like it was no big deal; except it was. It wasn't just a little peck; this guy had his tongue all the way down her throat with no shame and his daughter was doing nothing to stop him or the way he was being too touchy for his liking. She almost seemed encouraging! Just looking at her holding onto him and letting him go on was making him want to throw up. He couldn't sit there and do nothing about it.

He stepped out, and before she could even register it, he approached the little group and frowned again at the sight before speaking.

"What do you think you're doing, young lady?" as soon as he was heard, he watched her almost push the boy aside with all of her strength. He hit his head a little with the wall behind him when she did that, but he tried to act cool about it. "We are going home. Now."

"But-"

"NOW. Into the car, miss." she didn't dare to argue back, so she stood up and started walking towards the way he was pointing at.

"Um... I have to go..." is all that she said to the group of other kids, who were silently trying not to laugh at her embarrassment. All of them except for the boy she was kissing earlier, who was still rubbing his head from the hit on the wall.

"Oh, okay...! Um... call me later, yeah?" there wasn't a trace of sarcasm on his voice, but that was unimportant to Sae, who shoot an angry glare at him.

"She will not be 'calling you later'. She's grounded, and NOT allowed to use her phone."

To say the way back home was filled with silence and awkwardness would do no justice to it. They spoke no words until they reached their home, and then Sae didn't even let her begin explaining herself.

"I cannot believe you. Sneaking out of the house to go to a party and... make out with soem boy? I did not raise you like this. I'm very disappointed with you; I expect you to know you'll be grounded for a while."

"Dad, you don't understand-"

"I understand enough. I told you specifically not to go and as soon as you don't get your way you go and disobey me behind my back. How could you do that? And to think I was going to let you go because I felt bad."

"You were going to let me go?"

"Not anymore. You're not going anywhere that isn't school or home for the next month. No, two months. I can't believe you would do something like that."

"Sorry..." she said nothing else, and since he was seeing genuine regret he decided to show some mercy.

"...Just go. You have school tomorrow."

[buddierecs]

secret relationship buddie fics

all of these are general audience, teen and up or not rated (no smut) make sure to kudos/comment on these amazing works :)

our love is all we need (to make it through) by: chimneysrebar "buck and eddie decide to hide their relationship from their friends. It goes about as well as you would expect" word count: 3.1k important tags: sleepy cuddles, eddie diaz loves evan buckley, firehouse 118 crew as family, fluff

no thing defines a man like love that makes him soft by: justhockey “i don’t think you need a dad, that’s not how families work, right? like, they all look different,” chris says. “but it’s okay if you want one. there’s nothing wrong with that.” “what’s it like, having two?” denny asks, and buck has to cover his mouth so he doesn’t give himself away. christopher’s laugh is loud, and sweet, and tugs on buck’s heartstrings in the same way that it always has done. he doesn’t even hesitate to say, “it’s fun. i love them.” word count: 4k important tags family fluff, soft eddie diaz, christopher diaz has two dads, firehouse crew as family it's golden, like daylight by: rarakiplin "the sun comes up" word count: 8.7k important tags: getting together, weddings, fluff, first dates when you come home by: 7ate9 "buck was surviving. that was the least he could do. survive with his son, his new position as a probationary firefighter, while his fiance was overseas. it was too painful to talk about. so no one could know." word count: 19k important tags: army!eddie diaz, reunions, firehouse 118 crew as family, engaged!evan buckley/eddie diaz don't tell my husband (he'll kill me) by: coupe_de_foudre all bobby has to say, as buck is hightailing it towards danger, is a low, threatening, “don’t make me call eddie.” and buck will skid to a stop, pause, and eventually turn around and slink back towards the team like a scolded dog with his tail between his legs." word count: 2.6k important tags: army!eddie diaz, hurt/comfort, light angst, married buddie, pov outsider blindspot by ashwinmeird "hen was starting to accept that buck's life would always be a mystery to her and the others. Then the 136 gets a new probie, eddie diaz, and buck doesn't appear to be the guy's biggest fan. but there's something, some secret, hen isn't privy to and she was going to get to the bottom of whatever was happening between buck and eddie." word count: 10k important tags: alternative universe, pov outsider, oblivious, confusion, relationship reveal

give me a sign, i want you next to me by: 42hrb the 118 knows buck has a really cute kid and a partner he loves, they just think that partner is his husbands ex. word count: 7k important tags: army!eddie diaz, different first meeting au, married buddie, evan buckley and shannon diaz friendship, family fluff and the winner is.... by: heartsdalliances "when maddie convinces buck to join her and the rest of the couples of the 118 on a couples game-show with eddie as his partner, he does so hesitantly, if only because he knows that by the end of it -- the rest of the team will realize he and Eddie are way more than best friends." word count: 18k important tags: game show, fluff, angst, 118 team as family

there's a rumor going around (about me and you) by: justhockey “$100 says he’s not taking a girl home tonight,” eddie wagers. all four of them look at him with stunned looks on their faces, as if they can’t possibly believe eddie is being so stupid. eddie shrugs, holds his arms out in a take it or leave it kind of gesture. of course, they all think he’s insane, so -- “deal,” athena says." word count: 3.1k important tags bets and wagers, drinking, clingy!eddie diaz, karaoke, coming out, flirting welcome to the family by: shutupheather "eddie gets hurt on the job. the team meets and comforts his husband in the hospital waiting room." word count: 3.4k important tags: married buddie, alternative universe, hurt!eddie diaz, worried!evan buckley finally found it right here by: justhockey "he just wants to sleep. but then eddie is placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and shaking. - “buck, what did you just say?” - buck huffs out a sigh. “i said maddie is in lab-“ - Oh fuck. word count: 3.4k important tags: coming out, babies, fluff

explicit rated secret relationship fics mature rated secret relationship fics

[peachiemilkytea]

ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ ʙᴏʏ

pt 2, pt 3, pt 4

Summary: Henry has been talking to your dad about his co-boss a lot lately, enough to invite him over for dinner knowing that he is your boss too. Now you have to deal with a dumb teenage boy you don't like.

Paring: Teen!Michael Afton x Fem!Reader

Warnings: use of Y/n, third and first person pov, your parents embarrassing you, flirting?? romance??? enemies to friends

W/c: 5K

☆════ ⋆★⋆ ════☆

Flipping the pages in between my fingers of a romance story. Seventeenth Summer by Maureen Daly. It was in my top ten favorites, my first favorite was IT by Stephen King. The one I'm reading now is about two teenagers, Angie Morrow, and Jack Duluth, being a couple and going out together in June for the first time. Their dates would be them getting cokes with friends, riding in Jack's car, going to movies, and taking the boat out. They grew closer than they could ever be together. It gave it a whole new point of view on the world. Rose-tinted glasses.

"Dottie! Come down here!"

Uh oh, am I in trouble? I put my book down on my bedside and walked downstairs. Mom was leaning on the kitchen counter talking to my dad who was smoking a cigarette. My mother hates the smell of cigarettes. Her nose scrunched at the intoxicating smell. I took a seat at the table.

"Whatever happened, Daniel did it!" I accused my little brother without hesitance. Holding my hands together, my shoulders become tense. Dad snickered out smoke holding onto the sink, biting his lip to hold back a big smile. Mom rolled her eyes at the smoke he let out.

"You're not in trouble (Y/n), we're having the Aftons over for dinner." Mom explained, breathy chuckling.

"Henry and I had lunch with him the other day, he's something else. I had to use everything to stop myself from making fun of his accent. Anyway, his family will be here by six twenty so get ready." Dad explained twiddling the cigarette in between his fingers.

"Alright, whew, you scared me! I thought I was gonna be in trouble! Where's Daniel? Does he know?" I asked, looking around.

"Yes, he knows, he walked in on us talking about it. The Aftons have a boy your age. We'll leave Daniel to suffer with the little ones." Mom said getting off of the counter. I let out a "Yes!" pumping my arm up and running upstairs.

Now that I think about it, William never really talks about his family. He'll bring up his daughter Elizabeth but that's really about it. I had to find out that Michael was Will's kid myself, he never talked about him and whenever I try to bring him up Will shuts it down. He's a jerk to me, I swear it's like he hates me! One time when I was working he spilled soda all over my head with a sarcastic 'whoops.' Poor Henry had to give me a towel and wash it out of my hair and face.

While with Henry he'll talk about his kids all the time, I would hear all the stories about Sammy and Charlie. All the cute things they did and all the tantrums. Henry would have a picture of his wife in his pocket, Nancy Emily, they've been high school sweethearts. She's a sweet woman who got me into Seventeenth Summer. I usually hang out in her garden with her taking care of the plants or sunbathing. I cleaned up my room, picked up the clothes on the floor, and fixed my plants, stacking my books into the shelf, tidying up my desk. I think I looked okay. It was presentable enough. Daniel was standing at my door.

"Come on, hurry up! They're at our door." Daniel said repeatedly knocking on my doorway. I rubbed his hair walking past the kid. Downstairs there was William with a gingered-haired woman, his daughter Elizabeth, a smaller boy holding a golden Fredbear plushie, and... Michael? Ohhh that would make sense now, that's why he looks like William. I didn't pay attention when Mom was talking about us. He perked up surprised but then waved at me with a smile.

"This is Daniel and (Y/n), my kids," Mom said putting her hands on her hip. That stance always gave off 'I'm a tired mom.'

"Kids, this is the Aftons. William, Clara, Elizabeth, Evan, and Michael." Mom introduced us, pointing to each one of them.

"Hey boss," I said, looking towards William. He smirked at my remark. I looked over to my dad and saw the gears in his head turning, Mom gave out a silent 'oh.' Clara looked between me and William.

"But you work for Henry?" Dad asked more like a question.

"William is Henry's co-boss, I work for both of them," I said putting my hand on my hip, then going back to the family and flashing them a smile before going up to my room.

I heard Dad and mom talking to William and Clara talking more about work and what's for dinner, telling Daniel to take the little ones. Then They were talking about boring adult stuff, the only thing I found interesting that they were talking about is all the butterflies Clara's been finding and keeping. Maybe the book my dad was reading, The Color Purple. A book about a teenage African American, Cecilie. Raised in rural isolation in Georgia. She resists the self-paralyzing concept forced on her by others. He's the one who introduced the book to me, it was hard to read because of the writing. But that's the fun of it. Like I did with The Great Gatsby, I took notes on it and broke down the language to understand it then burned the chapters into my head of what happened in a modern way.

Grabbing one of my types of vinyl, I always liked the vinyls more than the cassettes, mixtapes, and walkmans. They played it so much better than the others. Putting on Highway To Hell by AC/DC, it was one of my all-time favorites. Nodding to the beat and mouthing the lyrics.

"Good pick! I didn't expect a good girl like you to be into rock." Michael said, leaning against my doorway with a smug look. I looked back at him and rolled my eyes. I took my vinyls out of the packages and wrote what songs they were on the middle-colored part before putting them on my green flowered walls. Michael was staring at my pictures on my bulletin board.

"Did you take these?" He asked, pointing towards them.

"Yeah, I did. It's still-life photography. What? You like them?" I spat out walking to his side. He was looking at a picture with a book that had cursive letters on the pages, a jar of flowers and the other side is a jar of ink, an old pen sitting next to it, and circled glasses on the other side. Maps and drawings of herbs under the book.

"It's not my style but I like it. It's like something really old and adventurous. Like those old guys you see in the history books." Michael read the photo perfectly. He captured it in his way but still expressed what I was trying to get. I was surprised he was being so nice right now.

"I think this one might be more of your style," I said pointing to a different picture above the one he was looking at.

A bluish-whitish tinted photo, concrete stairs with yellow lines at the end going down. The white walls were covered in graffiti, paint, posters, photos, and drawings. There were marker drawings on the walls and messy paint splattered onto the railings. Graffiti symbols and phrases are marked onto the floor. Some vinyl and cassettes were glued to the wall. Boy bands and magazine covers on the wall with famous faces and logos. The pen drawings on the side made planets and black stars. Drawings made by people saying "runaway" or lists of things or missing pet beetles people found off of the street. A large rectangular mirror on the left side reflects the turn to further downstairs on the right.

Michael's brows raised and his mouth fell slightly. His hand tucked a strand of his hair back behind his ear then covered his mouth with his hand. He blinked a couple of times through his eyelashes. I chuckled and picked it off of the bulletin board and flipped it over on my desk, writing 'To Michael' and handing it to him. He furrowed his brows and stepped back pulling his hand away from his mouth.

"Take it if you like it so much. I know you don't like me very much and I'm okay with that. I'm still your friend." I said being left hanging and still holding the photo.

"I hate you. I hate your '70s haircut. I hate how your teeth are yellow. I hate how your loud laugh echoes in a room. I hate the way you read knockoff comic books. I hate how you smile so big when you lie. I hate you. But I don't, I tried. Something about you is keeping me around. I want to be your friend." Michael admitted. That was a turn of events... He took the picture out of my hands and pressed his lips together. Holding it with two hands he stared at it. I chuckled, and a smile tugged my lips.

"So the soda thing-" I said pointing to the floor lazily. He quickly looked up bug-eyed.

"Ahhh!! Ahh!! We don't talk about that!" Michael yelled jumping on my bed. He got off of his stomach and laid on his back looking at her picture. I sighed going back to my bulletin board of pictures. I put up some new ones I took a few days ago. From the corner of my eye, I saw him put the picture on the bedside desk, and he picked up the book from my desk.

"What is this? It's so cheesy? The guy on the cover looks like me!" Michael asked, reading through the pages.

"It's what girls feel when they're in love, you wouldn't know." I joked. Hearing him scoff.

"Girls fall in love with me. Women get with me." Michael protested moving on his side to look at me with a cocky look, his tongue on the corner of his lips while biting down on it with his teeth. I let out a long 'sure.' He went back to reading. Genuinely Michael seemed invested in the story. Maybe I should show him Sixteen Candles one time. He might like that more because it's a movie. God, I love Molly Ringwald, she's such a great actor and in so many films I love. I have an undying love for her! She reminds me so much of Cheryl. Soon the vinyl stopped playing, so I grabbed another record. Metallica, Ride The Lightning. Putting it in and turning up the volume. Michael's head lifted quickly.

"No way! Metallica! Wait wait I know this one. Ride The Lighting, right?" Michael fanboyed over the vinyl. I nodded lazily. Grabbing a few covers I handed them to him. Dr Feelgood Mötley Crüe, Sweet Child O' Mine Guns N' Roses, Detroit Rock City KISS, Cherry Bomb the Runaways, Bad Reputation Joan Jett, Pet Sematary Ramones, and so many others. Rolling Stones, Judas Priest, you name it. Michael looked like a kid in a candy store flipping through the record covers. He was stuttering his words.

"Oh my god." Michael managed to get out of his excited stutters. Holding up one of them records.

"You can pick the next song." I gave a small smile sitting at the end of my bed. I lie on my stomach further it and swing my feet back and forth. Bopping my head to the beat of the metal music. I felt my imagination running wild, anything with music made me daydream. It was like scenes in a movie or a cartoon show. Michael was mimicking the strings of a guitar that the song was playing.

"Is this all you do?" Michael asked, looking up at the ceiling. His hand was up pointing and tracing the cracks.

"Yeah. I mean sometimes I'll go out if it's with my best friend or if it's because of work. My room beats going outside any day." I said, swinging my feet back and forth while leaning my cheek on my pointer finger. I like to be introverted, my mother always called me a homebody who needs to get out more. The most I would do is hang out with my dad on the porch at dawn talking about our days while he was smoking a cigarette.

"You have a friend that isn't Henry? That's hard to believe." Michael playfully insulted. I grabbed one of my pillows and smacked him with it. He yelled and put his hands up laughing.

"Yes, I do! Jeez. How do you even know I'm friends with Henry? Will doesn't like to talk a lot." I asked sitting up and hugging the same pillow I assaulted him with.

"I know Henry too, you know! You're not the only one. Father will bring me and my brother and sister to work sometimes and that's how I know Henry. He talks about you too much. It's like you're some star student. It's always (Y/n) this and (Y/n) that and oh did you know what (Y/n) did? All the time, it's so annoying!" Michael groaned into the pillow.

"Boo hoo, oh poor you." I mocked sticking my tongue out. Michael lifted his head from the pillow and spotted something. Should I be worried? He looks so curious. He grabbed a book on the floor next to my bed that read 'The 48 laws of Power' which was about Niccolo Machiavelli's philosophy.

"Where did you get something like this?" Michael asked, skipping through the pages.

"It's a philosophy book, about the philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli. He lived in Florence during the Renaissance period. But then a prince came to the city and kicked anyone he didn't like out. Machiavelli was one of them. He would think while he was homeless. He would put on his fanciest clothes and talk about philosophy. Machiavelli has the theory that to get power you need to be feared to be loved. He wrote a letter to the prince on why he should come back to Florence. The prince read the letter and let him back into the city. He gave Machiavelli his spot. To have power you need to cheat, manipulate, and have confidence. It's used in politics and elections." I explained talking through my hands, never leaving his eyes.

Funny story, when I was out for a walk one day I found a kid in a tree reading it and I asked him how he knew that book. We had the best talk about being manipulative. It takes a true philosopher to understand and with that, you need to change your mindset. Philosophy is the love of wisdom, or in Greek Philosophia. It's pursuing your lover, pursuing Sophia. I love doing philosophy but I don't have anyone to do it with.

"This is deep," Michael said he was gapping like a fish. I could tell it wasn't really his thing and it's probably something you look at and forget the next day. I only nodded with a small smile.

My door creaked, I expected it to be one of the kids or my dad telling me to come downstairs for dinner. Cujo came running and jumped on Michael. He grunted putting the book on the nightstand on top of Seventeenth Summer. Cujo jumped on top of him and soaked his face in dog slobber, drool coming down and hitting Michael's cheek. He pushed the dog off of him and wiped the grossness off of his face. Gagging and scowling. I let out a fit of laughter.

"Good boy! Good boy Cujo." I patted his head.

"You named him after the murder dog?!" Michael shrieked scouting up on my pillows trying to get Cujo out of his lap.

"Yeah." I held Cujo's chin up to me and kissed his forehead.

"He almost killed me!" Michael complained, crossing his arms and glaring at me.

"Stop being a baby. Cujo's a sweetheart, he would never hurt anybody unless I tell him to, Isn't that right?" I coo'ed to my puppy. He barked in response. I swear it's like he understands me. We don't deserve dogs, they are too good for us.

"Never thought I would hear that..." Michael mumbled and slowly came off of my pillows. He hesitantly held his hand out to the dog, taking it back quickly when Cujo turned around to sniff his palm. Michael tried again shaking but moved his hand away too quickly again. Cujo barked at him. I grabbed his wrist and held it up to Cujo, finally, he smelt his palm and declared Michael his friend. He put his head into the boy's hand making him pet him. Michael loosened up and pet Cujo's head. A genuine smile tugged at his lips. Scaredy cat.

"KIDS ATTACK!" Uh oh- Elizabeth jumped on her brother and tackled Michael on the bed, hitting him. Telling his face it hurt. Evan was timidly hiding behind Daniel.

"What? Evan! You're supposed to be beating up your brother and my sister!" Daniel said, lifting his arm and looking behind him. Evan was shaking behind him, shutting his eyes so hard you could see the wrinkles on the side. I got up from my spot while Elizabeth and Michael were beating each other up. I went up to the two boys and squatted down to the little one's height. He opened his eyes slowly. They were glossy, you could see every sparkle in the blue. His cheeks were a rosy red. A golden bear was in his arms, looking like Fredbear. William must've given it to him.

"Hey little buddy, it's okay. You don't gotta be me up. Daniel was just joking. Uh... Do you want a hug or something?" I asked, holding out my arms. Evan calmed down a little bit. He left Daniel's side and came up to me laying against me. I wrapped my arms around him and rubbed his back softly. Evan's crying calmed down and only had little sniffles and shaky gasps of air.

"I like your plushie, what's his name?" I asked, trying to relax him.

"Goldie," Evan mumbled lying on my chest. I stroked his hair.

"That's a nice name," I said softly, looking down at him. Something about this kid melts my heart. He's so delicate, fragile. If he was a box being shipped overseas he would have the fragile label on him.

"Wh-What's your name?" he stuttered looking up at me.

"I'm (Y/n), Daniel's sister. You're daddy's friend. What's your name?" I asked, sitting down on my knees.

"I'm Evan, sometimes my sister calls me Ev," he explained. Isn't that sweet? It's his sister's nickname. Daniel looked confused, glaring at us. I shot him a glare. He stuck out his tongue and pulled down his eyelid.

"IZZY! Get the hell off of me!" Michael yelled fighting his sister. I forgot that was happening. To be fair, Elizabeth was winning the fight. She was laughing at him and sitting on his stomach punching him, Michael's hands covered his face. As much as I'm enjoying seeing Michael getting his ass whooped by his little sister it can't go on forever.

"Alright! How about we play hide and seek?" I asked standing up. It caught Elizabeth perked up, she stopped fighting Michael and looked at me with a bright grin. That kid is a little devil but at least she's cute with her bow. She got off of Michael jumping off my bed and running towards me.

"Hide and seek! Hide and seek! Hide and seek!" Elizabeth chanted jumping up and down. Evan on the other hand shook his head no.

"Come on Evan, pleaseee! Pleaseeee! I'll beat up Michael if he scares you! Daniel's sister will make sure he won't scare you!" Elizabeth begged and pointed to me.

"It's true, I won't let him scare you, I'll even make a pinky promise." I held up my pinky. Evan's foot moved in circles and his body turned to the side, his head down looking up at me with doe eyes. Seriously, this kid is adorable. If Michael does anything I'll have Cujo eat him.

"Okay..." Evan held up his pinky. Interlocking it with mines. We pinky promised to stop Michael from scaring Evan. Speaking of the boy, his hair was disheveled and he was leaning on his elbow lifting himself. He held the back of his head, rubbing it while one of his eyes closed. My covers were a mess! My pillows were everywhere! Elizabeth probably used one to hit him. Kids...

"Daniel's it! Run kids! Count!" I yelled pointing to my brother and running away with the kids. Michael hurried soon after.

I don't know where the other two are, but I ended up with Evan. His small hand was trying to hold mine despite it being bigger. I pointed to Daniel's room under his bed. Evan and I hid under there. He was freaking out a bit. Looking around and shaking. I played with his hair and drew soft slow circles on top of his head. He looked like he could fall asleep. I heard Michael screaming like a girl. Daniel must have found him. What a wuss! There were footsteps and sounds of them arguing. They're like Dumb And Dumber. Elizabeth was found, she was whining and complaining about being found. They were looking for Evan and I. Their footsteps were so sloppy. I snickered a little too loudly, Michael was right about my laugh. How did he even pay attention to it?

"Wait..." I heard Daniel's moment of realization. He beelined for his room. It was weirdly suspenseful. Evan didn't like it at all. Seeing his socks roam the room he looked for us cautiously. Suddenly, fingers grabbed the bottom of the blankets and lifted them. Daniel was squatting there with the smugest look on his face.

"Found ya." He said slyly.

"You little buttmuncher." I jokingly insulted. He dramatically grabbed his heart and gasped offendedly. Evan sighed and crawled out from under the bed. I grabbed Daniel's ankles and pulled him to me. He shrieked and yelled at me. Hitting my hand. We got out from under the bed in a laughing fit.

We spent an hour laughing and scaring each other. Besides Evan, I was always paired with the little boy and he seemed a lot less scared when I was around. Daniel even ran downstairs and hid behind the couch till Elizabeth found him by getting a hint from William. She's a daddy's girl.

Michael was it, for the first time. He refused to do it for all the other times. He only agreed to do it if I did it with him. Pulling me away from Evan. I mean I hope the kid will be okay. Mike is kinda a dickhead. The kids ran off and hid, while we counted. Though he stopped counting.

"Why did you stop?" I asked. He stood there arms crossed with a smirk and one of his brows raised.

"They won't notice," Michael said, leaning up a little.

"Ookaay?" I said confused leaning against the wall. There was an awkward silence like Michael wanted to say something but didn't know how to phrase it. I can tell because I can see the cogs turning in his head.

"Whatever, let's go look for the little dweebs." Michael walked off.

"Hey! I'm the only one who can call Daniel a dweeb!" I ran after him.

We looked around the house. The bathroom, in the shower, the hallway closet, under my bed, under Daniel's bed. These kids were too good. It's like they disappeared. Michael and I went into my room. He put his finger to his lips and tiptoed to the closet. He paused for a moment. I shook my head no quickly, pressing my lips together. What if Evan was in there? Grabbing his shoulder and tugging it. He pushed me off. Michael slammed open the closet and put his arms up with a yell. Turns out... Evan was in there. And now he was having a sobfest thanks to Michael. I pushed past him and squatted down in front of the little boy who was clinging onto his Fredbear stuffie for dear life.

"Hey hey honey, it's okay. Come here. Oh man, I'm so sorry I broke our pinky promise." I said hugging him. Evan clung to me. I picked him up grunting at the sudden weight. He sobbed into my shirt. I glared at Michael, annoyed. For once he looks guilty. I kind of felt bad. Dropping my glare with a neutral smile. I rubbed Evan's back.

"Go find the others, Mike I'm sure dinner is almost ready." I nodded my head towards the door. He just nodded and walked off. Evan slowly calmed down still with leftover tears in the corner of his eyes.

"Do you want to go downstairs and hang out with the parents?" I asked him. He slowly nodded, not moving from my neck. I exited my cozy room and walked downstairs. The adults saw me with a crying Evan in my arms and eyed me confused and worried.

"Oh uh, hide and seek is a little too scary for him," I explained. Mrs. Afton showed understanding like this has happened before or the normal but mixed with guilt for her baby. William looked a little phased by it, his smile fading but going back to talking with my mother.

"Oh uhm here Mrs Afton." I tried handing Evan to his mother but he clung to me like a koala bear. It surprised the Aftons and my parents.

"That's very new, well I suppose he likes you a lot. That means a lot to a little child. And please call me Clara. No need to be so formal!" Mrs-... er Clara said. I nodded and took a seat at the table motioning her to sit next to me.

"I'm (Y/n), I'm sorry this is just so new to me. I wish I had heard about you more. You seem nice." I tried to make conversation. As you can tell it's going poorly.

"Awh, you're sweet. William isn't one to talk about personal stuff that much. Why I didn't even know that you two were coworkers! You work with Henry too?" Clara asked with a heartwarming smile.

"Yeah I do, Henry is my best friend. He's really how I got the job in the first place. I'm the head engineer. The bosses are the ones who are in charge of the whole engineering stuff. I'm just here if they need a little extra help or repairs." I explained she seemed to listen to every word. Her eyes softened too. Something about her makes me so comfortable like I can forget every problem I have. Dammit, William's lucky.

"I uhm.. I like your hair, my friend Cheryl Jo, her hair is red like yours too. Except hers is a little shorter." I said awkwardly, I think Evan is asleep or something. He's really quiet and not moving. His breath is a little shorter.

"You flatter me. So you're an engineer for robots? That must be interesting, you don't hear about that every day. What is it like?" Clara asked me.

"Are you going to let me geek out to you about robots? Because if you get me going I won't stop." I grinned brightly.

"I'm married to William, that already says a lot. I would love to hear you geek out about robots." Clara giggled, her nose scrunched up. If Evan wasn't laying on me I would be bouncing in my seat right now. I went on to rant to her about almost everything I learned about robots and what they could do, what's in them, how they are made, and what I think I could do for the future. I was talking so fast that I almost forgot to breathe.

"Dottie, can you get the kids and tell them dinner's ready." My mom said, wiping her hands together. I nodded, giving Evan back to Clara. He woke up instantly mind you. I got up from my seat and went upstairs.

They can't be far, so I check my room first... What the fuck. Michael was on my floor half-naked with Elizabeth and Daniel trying to shove my yellow floral white sundress over his head. He was yelling at them and trying to push them off but Daniel held down his arms and Elizabeth was solving his head through the dress. Daniel moved Michael's arms through the straps. I cleared my throat and leaned against the door. All of their heads turned towards me, surprised. Michael was beet red.

"Uh... Dinners ready."

I walked downstairs and waited for them to... stop whatever that was. I sat down in my seat with no comment. I want to unsee whatever I just saw immediately. William set the table with plates and asked what drinks we wanted. It feels weird to see him act so casually with my family, it feels weird to even see him in my home. To think my family and his never knew each other all this time. It was only him and I. He's so secretive I wonder why. He never told me about Clara or his kids. It could've been like Henry and I with Elle and the twins. Well, they're an odd bunch but still a presentable family those Aftons.

Speaking of which, Michael, Elizabeth, and Daniel came downstairs. The poor boy couldn't even make eye contact with me. Daniel took his seat next to me. Michael sat across from me. Clara was on my right and in front of her was William. Across from Daniel was Elizabeth, Evan sat next to his sister, Mom sat next to Daniel, and Dad sat in front of Mom.

My parents and the Aftons were telling stories or talking about what happened the other day that seemed so crazy. Evan was trying to get Elizabeth to eat her vegetables, he even held it to her mouth. She was stubborn, crossing her arms and pouting. Daniel was listening in on the parents' conversation. felt my foot get nudged. Fucking Michael. He was looking away listening to the parents talk. I stomped on his foot. His eyes became the sizes of dinner plates, he hit his chest with his fist and coughed violently.

"Are you okay, sweetie?" Clara asked, leaning over the table.

"Yeah yeah... just went down the wrong pipe." Michael sipped his water awkwardly. Mom snickered at him and shook her head.

When he looked up he made eye contact with me and gave me a death glare. I smirked picking through my food. His foot hit mine again, I hit his shin with my leg. We were battling playing footsies under the table. Staring at each other and not breaking it. Daniel nudged my shoulder. I stopped. The parents were questioning why the table was moving. Michael kicked my ankle. I nodded my head towards the parents. We both looked at them, they were looking back at us. Michael and I quickly awkwardly took sips of our water not looking up.

---------

The loud and lively became cozy and quiet. Clara walked out with a sleeping Evan in her arms. Putting him in his car seat.

"Daniel! Come down here and say goodbye!"

"Bye!"

"That's not what I meant..." (Y/n) said, pinching the bridge of her nose. She felt her shoulder get lightly punched. Michael standing there with a smile. The annoyance of her little brother wore off.

"You leaving? I mean... you are leaving why wouldn't you be because your mom and little brother are in the car and-... I'm not making this better for myself." (Y/n) said, scratching the back of her neck shyly.

"Don't worry it's cute, I'm about to head off. I'll see you soon, right?" Michael asked looking away then back at her for a moment.

"Yeah.. yeah! Anytime besides when I'm working. Then again Will's the boss so maybe you can come when I'm working? I don't know, I'm bad at goodbyes." (Y/n) stammered awkwardly.

"Cool, cool" Michael laughed awkwardly. There was this tension between them. Vivian swung her arm around her daughter.

"We'll see you again, right Michael? You are welcome here anytime. You see... (Y/n)'s a bit of a loner-" Vivian whispered the last part behind her hand.

"Mom!" (Y/n) yelled, embarrassed pushing her mother off of her.

"I'm going to be bothering you guys all the time now, you sure you want that Mrs (L/n)?" Michael teased.

"Bring it on kid! And call me Vivian. Mrs. (L/n) makes me feel old." She said,

"Okay, well uh I should go to the car now. Bye and thank you!" Michael walked off waving a bit. Goodbyes were shared. Vivian went back to the kitchen to clean. (Y/n) sighed enjoying the moment of silence. William comes around with a sleeping Elizabeth in his arms. Stopping next to (Y/n) with a smile. She looked up at him surprised.

"I'll see you at work, I would love to hear about your new redesign for Trickster. We have a lot to go over, love." William said in his sultry accent.

"I can't wait, I have so much to talk about. I may need help to work on the blueprints and measurements. I'll see you till then, Will." (Y/n) said gently patting the sleeping girl in his arms. He nodded and took his leave.

Stephen (L/n), was in the backyard lighting a cigarette while the Aftons were leaving. Something was odd to him. Something didn't feel right about William. His guy screamed an icky feeling near him. He didn't like it, but he knew it was a move of a fool to find out what was wrong with William. He needs to know when is the right time to act and how to act. A puff of smoke soared up into the dark sky.

Cujo follows (Y/n) upstairs lazily through her night routine. She grabbed the phone and dialed a number. Cujo lay on her bed huffing and puffing.

"ʜᴇʏ ᴄʜᴇʀʏʟ, ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ. ʜᴇ ɪꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴀᴅ."

[chershire23]

Another Prime?

“Cybertronian”

“Bumblebee”

The sun bared down on the rocks and cliffs that made up the deserts surrounding the small town of Jasper Nevada. Most would stay inside on a hot summer day like this but that can’t be said for three young teens as they are chased by a 120 ton robot wanting to kill and/or torcher them. Raf, Jack and Miko quickly duck into a small indent in the middle of the cliffs making it seem like they ran down the narrow corridor. “Oh, younglings, don't you ever learn that you can’t hide from me?” the screechy voice of Starscream taunts them as he bends down to peer into the corridor. The children huddle together, their breaths hitching as Starscream's clawed digits grasp closely to where they hide.

“Come out, come out wherever you are.” He teases digging his claws into the rock. Now you may be wondering how they all got into this situation, well let's rewind to a few hours earlier. 

(Earlier that day)

The kids had just been picked up that morning by their respective guardians Arcee, Bumblebee and Bulkhead and brought to base for the day. “So what's on the activities list today? Dune bashing? Band practice? Oh! How about we go out and kick some Decepticon tailpipe!” Miko, the ever hyperactive one exclaims as she jumps around excitedly. “I don't know Miko. I was kinda hoping for a quite relaxing day.” Bulkhead, Miko’s guardian and friend, chuckles as he looks down at her.

“I am afraid that will not be possible today, Bulkhead.” the baritone voice of Optimus sounds out and everyone turns towards him as he walks towards him. Every step the mighty prime takes makes the ground shake and vibrate, sending shocks through the spines of the kids. Yet despite how big and strong he is, Optimus was extremely gentle when it came to their young human companions. “What's going on?” Raf, the youngest of the three humans, asks fidgeting slightly where he stood. It was then Ratchet walked out with a data pad in hand. “It would appear that a cybertronian escape pod crash landed a few miles from here not too long ago. I couldn't tell if it was Autobot or Decepticon, but if it is one of our own, we would like to get to them before the cons do.” he says looking through the data pad and setting it up so that he could manually operate the groundbridge through it. 

“Do we all have to go?” Bumblebee, Raf’s guardian, questions not wanting to leave his little charge and friend alone just yet. After all, he wanted to play the new racing game Raf had gotten yesterday. He also didn't want to deal with the cons today. “I'm afraid we will need all hands for this one Bumblebee.” Optimus says with some sympathy for the young scout. Bumblebee lets out a groan before walking over to the groundbridge to await departure. Miko then opens her mouth to excitedly ask something. “Don’t even think about it, missy.” Arcee, Jack's guardian says, stopping Miko from even asking to come along.  Miko pouts and folds her arms causing all bots in the room to chuckle at her antics.

“No time to say farewell, don't touch anything in the medbay or near my station and don't burn the base down. We will be back in a few hours.” Ratchet says, giving a pointed look to Miko. She just rolls her eyes at him. They start up the ground bridge and all the bots leave through it leaving the kids alone in the base. Jack, the oldest of the group, starts to speak. “Hey Miko wanna play, and she’s gone. Raf!” “Already on it, Jack.” Raf says opening his laptop and connecting it to the goundbridge controls. After getting the ground bridge back up both boys walk up to it. “We take our eyes off her for one minute, one!” Jack complains as they walk through.

After walking through they arrive at their new destination. Surrounded by red rock and stone, they continue on looking for any signs of Miko. After about 30 minutes of walking, they find her hiding behind a rock, watching the bots as they approach a giant escape pod. “Miko!” Jack hisses in a whisper, making the girl jump as she turns to face him and Raf. “You guys are just in time, they just got to the pod.” Miko says, ignoring the fact that Jack is red with anger and poor Raf is practically shaking in his shoes. Miko then starts sprinting towards the bots ignoring Jack and Raf in favor of gaining the bots attention. “So who’s our new teammate?” She asks, causing all the bots to quickly turn around, spotting her and the boys. “Miko! Ugh, you are so grounded when I get you back to base.” Bulkhead snaps, narrowing his eyes at the troublemaker. 

Miko only scoffs and rolls her eyes while mumbling about him being a buzzkill and how he can't ground her. Arcee and Bumblebee then pin their own charges with glares. “Before you say anything, we are only here to take Miko back to base.” Jack says whilst pinning Miko with a glare of his own. “Me and Bee will take them home, Prime.” Arcee sighs, turning to face Optimus, who was looking at the children with a very disappointed stare. “Aw, leaving already? But everyone just got here.” The raspy voice of Starscream calls out as he and about a dozen Vehicons walk up to them from around a corner.

The Autobots all draw their weapons and step forward, as to keep the kids behind them away from the Cons. Starscream just smirks as his subordinates draw their own weapons and take aim at the Bots. There is a tense atmosphere surrounding them before Starscream quickly brings up one of his arms, flexes his fingers and fires a missile towards the Autobots. The bots dodge, causing it to crash into the side of a cliff making rocks and dust go flying. Thus the battle commences. The children run around the battlefield, trying to avoid getting stepped on or crushed by flying boulders and body parts. 

They manage to escape the area of danger and start to run through the canyon maze. They didn't go unnoticed though as Starscream, having seen them escape, manages to slip out of the battle and chases after the children. The kids run as fast as they can, but are stopped when Raf trips over a small rock, causing his glasses to go flying. Miko and Jack quickly run back to help him up. “My glasses! Where’d they go?!” Raf exclaims his hand searching wildly on the ground for his lost glasses. “Oh, you lost your glasses? Well why don't I help you?” They all quickly look up to see Starscream staring at them with a cruel look in his eyes. This prompted Jack to quickly scoop his younger friend up into his arms as he and Miko took off in a sprint.

Starscream chuckled darkly knowing thoroughly he was going to enjoy the dangerous game of cat and mouse that had started. He walks after them slowly wanting to give them a head start. After all, it's never fun if a game ends before it can fully begin.

 As he turns a corner the frame then focuses on a pair of glasses that, despite the harsh landing they received are in good condition. Suddenly two giant silver metal finger gently pick them up. The glasses were raised up in front of two cyan blue optics the focus in on the metal and glass spectacles before narrowing in the direction the Decepticon commander had gone after the humans.

(Present time)

Starscream's claws reached for the children horrifyingly slow. When suddenly he lets out a girlish yep and his hand abruptly leaves the corridor. The sound of metal hitting metal and Starscreams yells and please where all they heard for a moment before the sound of transforming is heard before a jet engine starts up and gets farther and farther away. The kids slowly and cautiously come out of their hiding spot. Jack and Miko look around while Raf holds onto their hands for guidance. They take a few steps out before a strange sound could be heard from the left of them. “Hey there, Little ones. Man, they do not prepare you for how cute you human younglings are up close!” The cybertronian says before bringing his servo up to his denta and biting down to prevent himself from squealing.

This bot was not familiar to the kids by any means. While they could see his coloring was a mix of red, yellow and orange he was so caked in dust and scorch marks that they couldn’t even see an insignia to identify what fraction he was playing on. The fact that he was also only speaking cybertronian was not helping. Miko and Jack look at each other before hesitantly take a step back and guiding Raf with them. “Hey, no lets not run Imma nice guy, come on I can take you guys back home and we can all get to know each other.” He reaches out to them and that was the wrong move to make as the kids then bolt. They try to go down the narrow corridor but are blocked as the bot slams his hand down in front of the entrance effectively blocking them from going that way. That didn't deter them though as they quickly turned and ran further into the canyon.

“Oh come on!” they hear the bot roar out in frustration behind them as he scrambles to get up and chase after them. He didn't want to hurt them, no, quite the opposite, in fact he just wanted to get them out of here as his sensors detected more con activity heading in their direction. The kids run till they eventually run into a dead end. They gasp in fear looking for any way to get out of this dangerous situation. “Why for such small beings are you guys so fast? I almost lost you all on that last turn, we don't want that now do we? Well you might, I don't.” The bot says mostly to himself as he gets down on his knees to better spread himself out as to prevent the kids from trying to run again. 

That didn't seem to deter Miko though as she dragged Jack who was carrying Raf behind her as she tried to help them in making one more escape. The bot quickly caught onto them as with every turn the kids made to escape one of his hands would slam down in front of them. The kids give up seeing they have no way to escape as they back into the stone wall of the canyon's end. “Primus, how can I help you younglings know I'm not gonna hurt you?” He questions before freezing when an idea popped into his head after noticing the smallest human was constantly squinting. 

Opening his subspace he fishes out the tiny pair of glasses from inside before slowly and gently holding them out in front of Jack and Raf whilst Miko glares at him from her spot beside them. “Raf, he had your glasses.” Jack gasps out as he gingerly reaches out to take them back for the young boy. After Raf puts back on his glasses he Looks up at the bot seeing that they are a mech. Jumping out of Jack's arms he cautiously approached him. “Can you understand us?” He asks but that only causes the mech to tilt his head with a confused smile. “Why can't he understand us? The bots can understand and talk to us just fine, same with the cons. Bulkhead has even responded to me in Japanese when I complain in Japanese.” Miko questions with a hand on her hip.

“He must’ve obtained an injury in the crash preventing his internal translator from working. Ratchet told me all cybertronians have it, it allows them to access the native languages of the planet they're on.” Raf explains looking at his friends. They all sat and discussed how they were going to go about communicating with this bot as he has no way of understanding them, or them him. “Why don’t we just show him some of the pics i have of the bots and use charades to tell him we want to get back to them. I swear if you try touching my hair one more time!” Miko suggests before swatting away the giant finger that has continuously been trying to pet her hair for the last several minutes.

“That’s actually a really good Idea Miko.” Jack says, looking towards her. “Hey, just because I don't like school doesn’t mean I'm stupid.” She sasses him. She then pulls out her phone and starts scrolling through her photos trying to find a good one of Optimus as he was the most well known autobot on earth due to his status as prime. After a minute of scrolling she finally found one that completely showed from his chest up and it wasn’t blurry. She shows it to their new friend and potential ally. “Ok, we,” She gestures to herself and the boys, “are trying to get back to this big guy, Optimus prime.” She talks slowly, hoping that it would help the bot grasp onto what she wanted.

The bot leans forward, his eyes narrowing as he focuses in on the tiny screen. “Hey, he was who I was sent here to find! You guys know him? That's amazing and makes my job a lot easier.” He excitedly exclaims and despite not understanding him the kids knew from his reaction that he was an autobot and that he could be trusted. “Well if you guys know the big OP then you all probably want to get back to him huh? Well let's not waste any more time so hop on!” He holds out his hands and the kids even though very hesitant crawl into his grasp.

Once the children had gotten situated in his palms he slowly and steadily rises to his full height, careful not to jostle his tiny passengers. “You guys are so soft and squishy, do you know that? And so light too. Is that normal for all humans or just you guys?” He gushes over them really wishing his translator would work so he could praise them in their own language. After a while of walking his sensors pick up five Autobot life signals heading straight towards him. Speeding up his walk a bit he shifts the kids all to one servo cupping them gently in it so that they wouldn’t fall out. After turning a corner he is greeted with a blaster to the face. “Hey, hey! Lets turn off the friendly fire huh?” He exclaims raising his free hand above his head.

“Arcee, stand down. I believe our new friend here is an ally.” Optimus commands and Arcee reluctantly lowers her blaster still glaring at the bot holding onto their human friends. “I'll explain who I am later because not only do we have Decepticons inbound i also would like to get my translator fixed so the humans can understand me and you guys don’t have to translate everything.” Optimus nods and they all bridge back to base where Ratchet leads their new ally into the med bay to fix him up.

Two hours later the new bot had been completely fixed up and the first thing he did after getting his translator working was scoop up the kids hugging them to his chassis all while telling them how adorable and squishy they are. “Friend, if you don't mind, would you now tell us who you are?” Optimus politely requests. “Oh yeah right I guess we should get that out of the way but umm, my name is Rodimus Prime.” He says rubbing the back of his neck as a chaotic flurry of denial and questions ensues.

(DUN DUN DUN! Cliffhanger baby! I hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it. I want to thank @callsign-relic and @weirdofox12 for helping me with Ideas and editing!)

[blueaetherr]

always forever

pairing: kylian mbappe x fem!reader [she/her]

warning(s): none

summary: the one where they (separately) reflect(ish) on their relationship at an anniversary party

now playing: everything interlude + everything by kehlani

Everyone and everything should be in the right places now.

Sighing, Y/N diverted her eyes away from her phone and observed the large venue in question. At first glance, her thoughts materialised to be right. 

Everyone seemed to be in their own worlds, amusing and appreciating the company of one another. Tweens and kids playing mini-games and running around to avoid the telling-offs of moms and aunties, older teens chilling by the grand stairs discussing viral internet topics, and adults gossiping, debating and dancing spontaneously in the hall. No one seemed out of place; it was accommodating and open to all. 

So for the first time in a while Y/N leaned her head back and exhaled, allowing her thoughts and mind to fall uncomposed for a moment. As an event planner, it was in her nature to want the best for her clients, to care deeply and honestly about the results. But seeing as her clients this time were her parents who were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary—two adults who loved her unconditionally, indescribably—she wanted to go above and beyond with no room for mistakes. 

Then she frowned. Going to look at her phone, she mentioned, "Maybe I should—"

"I don't know what you're going to say, or what you're thinking but it's fine." A voice lingered from behind her, the owner of it soon finding himself way by her side. When her gaze finally met his, Kylian grinned and assured, "The food is fine, everyone's loving it. No, you don't need to order more, there's enough for everyone. And even if there wasn't, there's already a whole team to deal with it. Now that you know all that stop stressing for a minute please."

"I'm not stressing out, and I won't," Y/N crossed her arms, even shrugging. "I'm calm, fine even."

"Give me your phone if that's the case," Kylian said, holding out his hand. After their few years of dating Kylian soon came to realise that Y/N's (business) phone was her lifeline. She had it everywhere she went, having everything on there. Clients, brands, companies, potential locations for events. For his own amusement he wondered how long she could last without it.

Nodding, Y/N placed her phone in his hand. It was known Kylian had a big ego. She would do anything to prove him wrong, even if she meant she had to lie to do so. "Not that I need it... but when do I get it back?"

"When I feel like giving it back," Kylian chuckled as he slipped her phone into his suit pocket. Offering his arm to his girlfriend, he continued, "Now, c'mon. There's something you gotta see."

Joining hands they walked up the open staircase, passing by the older teens in their heated debates, passing by kids playing their improvised games, and made their way onto the first floor where you could receive an aerial view of the ground level, where you could see everyone and everything. That's when all of Y/N's worries began to fade out.

This was the first time she actually cared to acknowledge the venue she booked. The hall itself was open and vast and spectacular with a historical yet contemporary appearance, something she hadn't been able to experience only from the ground level. Then when you paired the venue with the celebrated couple, the guests, their attires, the music playing, the variations in dancing, everything she had been envisioning for the past few weeks just fell into place.

"When I said everything was fine I wasn't saying that just to say it. I meant it. I mean everything is fine—great—and all thanks to you," Kylian said, squeezing her hand. "I think they seem to think so too."

Following his glance her gaze fell upon the celebrated couple of the evening, her parents. By the front they formed a small circle with some friends, sharing some heavy conversation with their expressive smiles and waves of laughter. It was evident that there was fun and all between each word. 

"They were made for each other, huh?"

"I'm a bit biased with that, but yeah," Y/N laughed a bit "... I think so." From a young age everything about her parents' relationship always appeared romantic and ideal to her. From friends to family, they could never mention the two without mentioning things along the lines of inevitable, in love, strong bond, soulmates and all of the above. And it seemed to be true. 30 years of marriage and three kids later and everything everyone had been saying over the years still held up.

"For the longest time since I was a kid, seeing them interact was always just a breath of fresh air. Even when they argued, disagreed, during their hardest times, they were still... them," she breathed out, leaning on the pillar by her left. "And they still are, of course."

"And it rubbed off onto their kids too," Kylian observed. From his time with his girlfriend, the concept of love ran well deep in the L/N family. Both of Y/N's brothers were in their respective relationships and he could easily see their dad's qualities in them.

She scoffed out of a laugh, her lips curling up. "I want to say more on me than on my brothers."

"If that's what you really think," Kylian hummed, soon consumed with laughter when Y/N decided to flip him off. Calming down, he continued, "I really loved your parents' speeches, especially your dad's."

"Yeah." Watching her parents laughing between themselves, she felt her face ease as she grinned. Part of the reason she went all out for her parents was mainly because she really admired their love and partnership for one another, both pure and long-lasting. Some decades together kinda made them living proof of everything she wanted in her own relationship. Also, they simply deserved some appreciation and celebration. "Wait, why did you like his so much?"

"I never truly loved anyone before you. And I never want to know a world after you, either," Kylian recited. "Reminded me of what I want to be for you. That is, of course, if you'll let me try."

Listening to her parents' speeches—listening to their highs and lows, how they met, highlights of their marriage (so far)—Kylian noticed that neither bothered to utter those three words. Then he understood something; her parents didn't need to. The way they spoke about one another, the way they would look at one another, it was all enough to let him know how they felt. He felt like if he ever did hear them say them then it would feel underwhelming.

There was no replicating their love, Kylian knew that well. It was too unique and personal to try. Still, he wanted something unique and personal and strong with Y/N. Love that couldn't break down permanently. Love that could be built up again when hard times hit. Love that was kind and forgiving and whole. Love that he could offer Y/N anytime and anywhere. That was enough to keep him at ease and secure in their relationship.

Feeling her dimples sink in, she nodded, openly accepting Kylian's care and love. 'Cause just like her dad taught her, you deserve love, and you'll always be deserving of it. "Of course, and me too for you."

"Now, let's dance."

There they were in the sea of guests on the dancefloor, smiling, dancing and singing along to their favourite songs. Smiling at one another in love, awe and wonder, laughing whenever they would misstep on a turn or swirl, leaning on each other for that physical support and closeness with so many bodies around them. In true happiness and enjoyment.

As Kylian and Y/N danced and smiled and clowned each other for reasons beyond dancing, despite being subtle and casual, they became the main event in that moment, stuck in a timeless interlude. To friends, to family, to her parents. Suddenly, they were on public display, their relationship and love, too. And it was all... wondrous, so wondrous, and delicate and endearing and intimate. 

In their dancing, their smiles and jokes galore, unknowingly, they were everything they wanted and needed to be for each other, sharing love that was indeed unique, personal and strong.

[phantoms-lair]

sweet 16

Detective Conan + BnHA

Usually solving a murder took observation, cleverness, and deductive prowess.

Usually It was not a matter of Conan and Heiji walking in on a woman bludgeoning the victim in the head with what looked like a rather large piece of bismuth with two officers of Tokyo Metropolitan in tow. (It couldn't be. Bismuth would shatter when hit against a skull, not deal the obviously lethal damage it had)

"Suda-san, why?" Takagi gasped.

The woman smiled, the expression all the more horrifying for her blood splattered face. "For this of course. That idiot Kawahara wouldn't give it to me. Not for money, not for me proving it was just 'fake' bismuth, though he had no idea the real value of what he had." She cradled the crystalline metal in her arms like it was an infant.

She was insane. Conan had met several people who were not mentally well, who killed for the dumbest of reasons, but he couldn't remember seeing insanity on this scale.

"Suda-san, put the stone down." Takagi said gently. Sato was uncharacteristically quiet, but Conan had figured out why a little bit ago.

"You're not taking it from me." Suda stood up and the crystal began to glow. "So now you'll all have to go far enough away so you can never come back."

'Sato' lifted her arm, the gun she was bringing to bare heavier and misshapen for a police firearm, but it didn't have the chance to go off. The four of them were swallowed by rainbow light.

The vertigo was overwhelming. There was no up or down, no motion or standing still. And it made the moment it stopped just seemd to make it all the more worse.

"I think I'm going to hurl" Heiji moaned.

"Sato-san? Are you okay? Sato-Kaitou Kid!?" Takagi exclaimed.

"Can't be surprised you got caught, you pulled out your cardgun." Conan snarked, not quite able to sit up yet."

"Kudo-kun?"

Okay, never mind. That startled Conan up. Had he turned back? No, he was still Conan, but Takagi was looking at him in shock. Or rather, right above him, where his head would be if he were his proper size.

"Takagi-keiji, that's Conan-kun." Kid said slowly, but in his own voice. He seemed to accept the jig was up for him.

"No it's not, it's Kudo-kun! I'm not blind."

"Err, it's really not. Like yeah, Sato-san turned out to be Kaitou Kid in disguise, but that's still Conan."

For once Heiji got his name right.

"Not it's not, that Kudo. And Kid's not in disguise, he's wearing his usually white suit. Isn't...he?" It seemed to be dawning on Takagi that no one else in the room was seeing what he was seeing.

"What's going on here?" A man who looked like he belonged in a comic book convention marched in

~

"Tsukauchi I need your help"

Detective Tsukauchi looked at his phone in annoyance. "You know I'm working on a big case right now Vibes."

"Just for a minute? I saw something really weird with my quirk and found two adults, a teen, and a kid. One of the adults is either hallucinating or lost control of his quirk and all of them...claim superpowers don't exist and heroes are only in comic books. I need to know if their pulling my chain to hide something or if they've been attacked by a villain with a mental quirk." The sympathy in his voice made it clear Vibes was leaning towards the latter.

Which was terrifying in the long term. A villain who could make a small group of people forget a main cornerstone of society and modern life...those four may have been a trail run for something bigger.

"Go." Toshinori urged him. "We've been spinning our wheels for hours anyway."

"Is that All Might?" Vibes asked over the phone.

Tsukauchi sighed. "We'll be right there."

"We?" Toshinori sounded surprised.

"You get frustrated when you don't feel you're being useful." Tsukauchi pointed out. "As you've said, we're spinning our wheels, so let's be useful."

~

"Blond skeleton!" Takagi yelped as two more people entered the room.

Conan kept a sharp eye on their reaction and Heiji was doing the same. Yep, a momentary flash of fear on the face of the normal looking man and a guy who looked even more like he stepped out of a comic book. And while comic book guy was blond, he was the opposite of a skeleton.

And yet...whatever was going on with Takagi seemed to be revealing things people wouldn't want known. He saw through Kid's disguise, literally. He saw Conan as Shinichi. And he saw that big guy as a skeleton. What could it mean?

"My name is Tsukauchi Naomasa with the TMPD." Instant alertness from their group, who knew of no such man working there. "I am legally obligated to inform you that my quirk is Lie Detector. I'm going to start with something simple. Can you tell me your names?"

"Takagi Wataru." Takagi answered nervously.

"Hattori Heiji"

"Edogawa Conan."

"Lie." Tsukauchi simply stated.

Conan stiffened and Takagi yelped.

"What wrong?" Heiji asked. "I just saw Ku-Conan-kun look severely injured. But he didn't seem to be reacting to it, so it's probably not real?" Takagi sounded just this side of hysterical,"

"True except for the name."

"Will you give it a rest!" Conan snapped. "There's no such thing as superpowers. And no one's a human lie detector! Even the best detectives are subject to falling for misdirection and tricks."

Tsukauchi sighed. "True."

"Well F-"

"LANGUAGE, YOUNG VIBES," All Might boomed, (albeit pleasantly. The man didn't sound angry, just loud). "WE NEED TO GET THESE FOUR TO A HOSPI-WHERE DID SHE GO?"

She? Oh right, Kid had been disguised as Sato-san. And had managed to escape while they were distracted by Conan. Great.

"We need to find her." The first comic book guy sounded like he wanted to curse, but didn't want to be scolded again. "We don't know who did this to them or if they'll tie up loose ends."

[aishangotome]

Elbert Greetia: Chapter 3

Chapter 2

♡———♡

"The girl who was involved in the incident at the inn has regained consciousness" --

Such good news came in a few days after I went shopping with Elbert and the others.

Kate: It's really, really wonderful...!

Elbert: ...Yes, it is.

We wait in front of the patient's room for the preparations for our meeting with her to be completed.

Today, we are officially "police."

Our goal is to get information about "Bernal Trading Company" from her, the survivor of the inn attack.

(I have to keep my distance so she won't be suspicious of me.)

(But, I'm so happy... it's hard to switch gears.)

As I was struggling to control my emotions, a sudden gust of wind blew through the gap and ruffled my hair.

Elbert: ..............

The small wind also gently ruffles Elbert's golden hair.

His beauty, which was as captivating as ever, seems to be tinged with a deeper sadness than usual.

(Come to think of it, he was talking to the doctor for a little longer than usual earlier...)

(I wonder if he was told something then.)

Elbert: Do you... remember what kind of girl she was?

Kate: I think she was a redhead... with a few freckles, and still a young girl.

Elbert: ...It was nighttime, but you saw her well.

Kate: ...It was an intense scene. Besides...

Kate: ...I regret not being able to save her from that place, and it's burned into my memory.

Elbert: I see...

Elbert: I wonder why sad things are so hard to forget.

For a few seconds, a gentle silence descends, as if sharing the pain in our chests.

Kate: ...That's why I'm so happy today. To know that she's safe.

Elbert: ...........

Elbert: ...........Kate.

Kate: Yes...?

Elbert: You, in the patient's room--

Just as Elbert was about to say something, the door to the patient's room opened.

Nurse: Thank you for waiting. We are ready for your visit.

Kate: Oh, yes! Let's go, Lord Elbert.

Elbert: ......

Elbert: ...Ah.

-

Perhaps out of consideration for us being "police," the nurse showed us to the patient's room and quietly excused herself.

Girl: ...You guys are the police?

Elbert: Yes, we are. ...I'm sorry to come so suddenly.

Girl: Hmm, it's fine.

Lying in the bed was a girl who looked to be in her early teens, with a somewhat feisty air about her.

Daisy, as she called herself, calmly responded to our questioning, as if she had never been hovering between life and death.

Daisy: I knew the owner was dealing with some shady people. He was in debt and started brokering stolen goods.

Daisy: But the owner liked this "painting of the sea" that some famous painter from Russia or somewhere painted.

Daisy: He tried to make it his own, but the shady guys who caught on came to crush him, that's what happened that night.

The owner's body has not been found, apparently.

They seemed to have failed to get the painting out, but... Daisy told us that he probably went into hiding somewhere.

Elbert: May I ask why you were also hurt?

Daisy: I guess we were supposed to be silenced or something. ...Even though there were kids there who didn't know about the painting.

Elbert: ...I see.

My heart aches for Daisy, who answers us logically even though we are making her talk about painful things.

Kate: Thank you for talking to us.

Daisy: It's fine, you don't have to thank me. Is that all? Goodbye.

Daisy lies down on the bed, as if to force an end to the conversation.

--And, with a creak of the springs, something that was by her pillow fluttered down to my feet.

(Oh...!)

Elbert: ...This, handkerchief...?

Elbert picks up the familiar-looking handkerchief.

Daisy: Oh, that. They said it might be mine.

Daisy: It's not, but I couldn't throw it away for some reason. It's kind of like a good luck charm, in a weird way?

Daisy: It seems like they noticed me because this was next to me.

Kate: ...! Is that so...?

(Thank goodness... I'm so glad.)

I want to hug Daisy right now and tell her how happy I am that she's alive.

But I can't, so I just give her a gentle smile.

(It might be a burden on her body... Maybe we should take our leave soon.)

I glance at Elbert next to me--

(...?)

Elbert: .........

His porcelain-like profile looked as if he was crying, for some reason.

Come to think of it, Elbert had been drifting in a melancholy mood like this outside the patient's room as well.

(He was about to say something before we entered the patient's room earlier, too...)

I have a strange feeling of uneasiness.

Elbert: ...How are you feeling?

Daisy: Huh...?

Elbert's voice was cautious and gentle, as if touching a scar.

Daisy: Oh... Oh, haha. What, did you ask the doctor or something?

Daisy: Something about an infection? They said I could die at any moment.

Kate: Huh...!

I can't help but let out a gasp at Daisy's confession.

Daisy: But I don't have any family, and all my colleagues are dead... There's no one to visit me in sorrow.

Kate: ...!

I almost said, "I'll come visit you," but I hurriedly shut my mouth.

(I'm under surveillance. I can't just do as I please.)

(I never knew it would be so frustrating.)

It was as painful as witnessing a horrific scene.

Elbert: ...........

Elbert: ..."You were in poor health and unable to answer our questions properly," so...

Daisy: Huh...?

Elbert: ...Would you mind talking to us again tomorrow?

Kate: ...!

I can't help but look up at Elbert at the unexpected proposal.

(We've heard what we need to hear. I don't think Daisy knows anything more about Bernal Trading Company.)

(Elbert must know that too... and yet...)

Elbert: ...Is that okay?

Daisy: Y-yes, of course...!

Daisy gave us a bright smile for the first time today.

-

Kate: Lord Elbert, is it okay...?

Elbert: ...Hmm, what is...?

Kate: Well, considering Lord Elbert's position... is it okay?

Victor told us that the questioning was only scheduled for today.

If we stay too long, there is a risk that our true identities will be exposed.

(And yet...)

Kate: Why did you say we would go again tomorrow...?

Elbert: ......

Elbert: ...Because being alone when you're sad... is not good.

Kate: ...Lord Elbert...

(I've been thinking this since that night when we couldn't save Daisy.)

(Elbert... is very sensitive to people's sadness and pain.)

And he doesn't soothe them or deny them, he just gently stays by their side.

My heart warmed at the feeling of having touched Elbert's warm side.

Kate: ...Thank you.

Elbert: There is nothing for you to thank me for.

Kate: I feel the same way as Lord Elbert.

Kate: I didn't want to leave Daisy alone.

Elbert: ...I could tell you felt that way in the patient's room as well.

Elbert: You... don't seem to be very good at acting.

A fleeting smile, like a thin cloud, appeared on Elbert's lips.

The depths of my warmed heart ached faintly sweetly.

-

The next day, and the day after that, we lied to Victor and went to visit Daisy.

Daisy: I'm so lucky to have such a pretty boy like you visiting me every day.

Daisy: Well, with a bonus, though.

Elbert: ...A "bonus"?

Kate: I brought some delicious sweets today, but maybe you don't want them from the "bonus"...

Daisy: Whoa, just kidding!

Kate: Hehe, I'm just kidding.

Daisy: Oh, Kate!

We spend time in Daisy's hospital room, exchanging lighthearted banter as usual.

The questioning was only done once, on the first day we met, and from the next day on, we ended up just chatting.

(We're getting off track from the mission, but... as long as it's allowed, I want to fill Daisy's loneliness even a little.)

Daisy: Hey, these biscuits are so good!

Elbert: ...Good. She chose them.

Daisy: Hehe... Thanks, really.

However, Daisy's complexion worsened in inverse proportion to how friendly we became.

Every time I noticed it, my wish for her to live another day grew stronger.

(I want her to smile more. I don't want her to look sad...)

(I'm so frustrated that all I can do is visit her...)

Daisy: ...This might be the first time I've ever had someone care so much about me.

Daisy: Hey, you two, can you listen to my selfish request while you're at it?

Kate: Wh-what? Anything!

Daisy: Next time you visit, bring me a blue poppy. I love them.

(Next time...)

Kate: Yeah, okay. I'll definitely bring you one!

Happy that she has something to look forward to, I nod strongly.

(Poppies are a common flower, I should be able to find one at a florist.)

Daisy: Hehe, "definitely"...

Elbert: .........

-

The evening corridor, usually tinged with the loneliness of not knowing if we'll see each other again tomorrow, seems calmer than usual.

Kate: Lord Elbert, if possible, I'd like to stop by a flower shop somewhere... Is that okay?

Elbert: That's fine, but...

Elbert stops, looking somewhat solemn.

Kate: Is something wrong?

Elbert: Blue poppies... I believe they're a rare variety that blooms in the Himalayas.

Kate: Huh?

(The Himalayas...!? )

-

Alfons: My, my... What a rash promise you've made.

Alfons, who returned to the castle in the early morning and apparently just woke up, leans his cheek on his hand languidly, listening to our story with an amused smile.

Kate: Lord Elbert told me that since you spend all night out in the town in London, Alfons,

Kate: You might know of a shop that sells rare flowers...

Alfons: You shouldn't speak of people as if they're playboys, Elbert.

Elbert: ...? Was I wrong?

Alfons: You were absolutely right. However, even this playboy, who fills his days with the thrill of gossip...

Alfons: ...has never heard of a shop that sells flowers from the Himalayas.

Kate: I see...

(Should I just have her settle for a different color poppy?... But)

(I want to do everything I can so Daisy can keep hoping for tomorrow.)

(Is there another good idea... )

Elbert: Al, can we borrow your ability?

Kate: ...Alfons' ability?

Elbert: If Al touches the nape of your neck and whispers, he can distort the other person's perception for a short time.

(Distort perception...)

Kate: ...So, you mean he could make a different colored poppy look blue?

Alfons: Yes, blue or shocking pink. Think of it like a convenient hallucinogen.

(That would certainly fulfill Daisy's wish.)

(But... I wish I could find her a real one.)

Alfons: While it is tempting to deceive an innocent girl with my abilities and create a temporary salvation...

Alfons: Might there be a blue poppy in Elbert's room?

Kate: Huh?

Alfons: I seem to recall seeing a framed pressed flower before. If my memory serves me correctly.

Alfons: Why don't you search that junk room tomorrow?

(Elbert's room...?)

.

.

.

.

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Chapter 4

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[alyswritings]

Favoritism

Request: hii! would you be able to write a john b x twinsister!reader story where they both have different perspectives of their dad (like, john b and his dad idolized each other while the dad always left the reader "behind"), maybe moments when their dad disappeared and when he was back? i don't have a lot of ideas but maybe fighting between the reader and john b, or reader and big john and john b taking their dad's side. just something that ends in some kind of comfort lol thank you sm, i love your blog💗

John B Routledge x sister!reader

Summary: Y/N feels like the odd one out.

Warnings: none really

a/n: sorry it took a while for me to get to this! hope y'all enjoy!

(gif not mine)

When Big John went missing, Y/N was effected, of course. But she never took it as hard as her twin brother had. John B was dead set on his father coming back alive some day. Y/N on the other hand wasn't too shocked that they possibly lost their father to his ridiculous gold hunt. It's all he ever really cared about, spending all of his time in it.

Big John always included John B in everything, often leaving Y/N out. The two would spend hours in Big John's office, the man usually brushing Y/N aside whenever she asked to join. It was obvious from a young age that the man favored his son.

Y/N picked up most of the slack when Big John went missing -- making sure the house stayed clean, that John B didn't go off the rails, etc.

"Don't you care that dad's gone? I mean, do you even give a shit?!" John B questions, following his sister into the chateau.

"Why should I? It's not like he would care if I ever went missing." Y/N remarks.

"So you just don't fucking care? What the hell, Y/N?" John B asks.

"John B, why would I be deeply hurt by a man who barely gives me five minutes? Yeah, I was initially concerned, but it's been months! He is gone!"

"No, he isn't!"

"Nobody survives that long, you idiot! Just accept it! Dad is dead!"

Y/N storms into her room and slams the door shut.

- - -

The pogues dropped Sarah and Y/N off at the chateau, the two finding John B asleep on the couch on the porch. While Sarah and John B reunited, John B claiming that he found his dad in Barbados, the three teens are now in the yard.

"Dude, did you get some drugs or something? Are you high right now?" Y/N asks as John B insists that Big John is here.

"Y/N, I'm serious. I found dad." John B insists.

"Okay." Y/N rolls her eyes.

"I wouldn't believe him either." The three look over at the man as he walks over. Y/N freezes, her eyes widening. Sarah lets out a noise of shock while John B immediately questions where his father was.

While Sarah greets her father-in-law, John B continues to question his dad where he was, not receiving an answer.

"Hey, there, sweetheart." Big John greets his dad. "What? No hug for your old man?"

"How in the hell are you alive?" Y/N questions.

"Well, that's a long story." Big John chuckles, pulling her into a hug. "Good to see you again, kid."

- - -

"No. I'm not going with you guys." Y/N denies.

"Why not?" John B asks.

"Because dad gets all obsessive and he gets super annoying and I'm not dealing with it." Y/N says.

"Y/N--"

"Come on, boy." Big John calls to his son. "She don't wanna go, it's her loss, not ours. Probably just slow us down anyway." Y/N rolls her eyes.

"Just go." She tells her brother, going into her room.

- - -

"I'm sorry. You-- you found this and you didn't tell the others?" Y/N asks.

"Yeah." John B mutters.

"Why the hell not?" Y/N questions.

"Dad said it's gotta stay between us." John B says.

"And you're gonna listen to him? John B, what the fuck?"

"Y/N--"

"No! No, they are a huge part in this treasure hunt, and you're not gonna tell them shit? What the fuck is wrong with you? Hell, you won't even tell Sarah?"

"Dad says it's best to keep it small for right now."

"Oh, my God." Y/N rolls her eyes.

"Y/N, we aren't telling anybody about this damn thing! We can't trust anyone!" Big John exclaims.

"I think we can trust our friends who have been there for us through everything!" Y/N yells back.

"No! Now, it's between the three of us! And if you're not happy with that, then get out!" Big John shouts.

Y/N rolls her eyes and turns to her brother.

"John B?" She asks.

John B glances between the two before eventually stepping closer to his dad. Y/N scoffs, ignoring the sting of tears in her eyes that she does her best to hold back.

"Whatever." She mutters, rolling her eyes, and storming out.

- - -

John B and Y/N sit on the dock of the chateau. They got back from finding the city of gold yesterday but haven't talked much since their father died.

"Hey." Y/N mumbles, crossing her legs, slouching.

"Hey." John B whispers.

"You okay?" Y/N asks after a few minutes.

"No." John B answers.

"Yeah." Y/N mumbles.

"I assume you're okay." John B mutters.

"Mm... no. No, not really." Y/N denies.

"I thought you hated him." John B says.

"No. Dislike, sure, but... I loved him. I just... wanted him to love me back." Y/N says. "He never really cared about me that much. Least it didn't seem like it. Always fighting, always getting brushed aside, you getting picked over me. His favoritism was definitely obvious. But him dying... watching him die... it still hurts."

"Yeah." John B mumbles, the two sitting in silence for a little bit.

"Least we're not left wondering this time." Y/N says.

"Mm-hmm." John B nods. "I'm sorry." He tells her. "For taking his side all the time. You were right a lot of the time, but I just... I took his side, anyway. Not that I love him more than you or anything, I just... it was just instinct or something. I didn't want him to get pissed at me or anything either."

"Well, you two are more alike than you think. At least when it comes to the gold sometimes. Granted, if somebody had a gun pointed at your kid, I'm sure you would give up whatever information you had a lot sooner than he did." Y/N says.

"You know I love you, right?" John B asks.

"I know." Y/N gives him a small smile. "I love you, too."

John B wraps his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side, and he kisses her on the head.

Taglist: @glxwingrxse @venomsvl @wildieflower @aliciacat20 @allyson15 @gabbylovesreading @mrvlxgrl @star-wars-lover @champomiel @myissuesworld @ironmaiden1313

[i-willstealyourtoes]

Huh can I get uhhhh

Get uhh

Bain legally adopts a teenage reader for tax reasons and drops them off at the safehouse and Dallas essentially becomes their dad?

Also a side of them hanging out with the younger heisters (Joy Sydney Sokol) and I guess I'll be having it platonic family fluff style. Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask though.

You got it right! Hope you enjoy :) I decided not to use the colours, because I'm not sure if people actually like them haha- If you guys want them back lmk!

Adopted!Teen!Reader + the PDG

- Now, Bain did adopt you for tax reasons (I don't know how that works but we roll)

- But that doesn't mean he doesn't care about you or anything, he'll make sure you're alright

- But he's not exactly in the position to look after a kid, considering he's always busy and needs to be as private as possible

- So he usually leaves you at the safehouse, where there's always someone there

- Dallas interacts with you first, as well as some of the younger heisters

- He's always been the one to greet new members of the team, as he is kind of the leader

- So it isn't much different with you, although of course you're much younger than the people he's interacted with recently

- Forgive him if he's a little awkward

- With the younger heisters, at least he could talk about their occupation and skills, but with you? Nothing

- But he's friendly enough, letting you know he's there if you have any problems

- Every heister has a different first opinion of you

- For example, Joy and Sydney are quite nice to you immediantly

- They're closest to you in age, and therefore a bit more relatable

- Sydney will get you to do some pranks or something

- Joy will record it, occasionally helping out

- They're definitely one of the quickest to warm up to you

- If you like art or gaming, they're more than happy to talk about it with you!

- You can all play Mario Kart or something :)

- Joy will beat you guys for sure, but it's okay (you and Sydney will get her back later)

- I think at the start, Sokol would be kind of dismissive of you

- I mean, why do they have to deal with Bain's kid? The safe-house is a place for skilled heisters to plan out their next move, not some daycare

- Or at least, that's how it starts for him

- But when you ask for some pointers on how to shoot, play hockey, or maybe ask for some lessons in Russian, he'll start to warm up

- After that? He treats you like his beloved little sibling :)

- 'If anything happens to them I will kill everyone in this room and then myself' type beat

- May occasionally try to get you into the heisting career at some point. Maybe.

- Once you learn how to shoot and so on, Dallas might help you out too, but he probably won't let you do anything further

- You're still a kid, he doesn't like the idea of putting you in danger

- Although the younger heisters seem to think it as a potentially good idea

- As for the other heisters?

- Wolf would probably not talk to you in general, but the more time you spend in his presence, the more discreetly protective of you he is

- Chains is probably more like a mix of Dallas and Sokol in that he'd like having you train, but is unsure about you starting off a career in heisting

- Hoxton is originally a bit stand-offish for the same reason as Sokol, but eventually matches a bit with Sydney in that he'd encourage you to bring a little chaos in the safe-house

- Houston would be like Wolf; he wouldn't really speak to you or interact since he thinks it's weird for Bain to adopt you in the first place. Will encourage some pranks though-

- John Wick would also be in disagreement with you being adopted by Bain in the first place, but will warm up and help with training (he's definitely quite strict tho beware!!)

- Clover for sure acts as an older sister, teasing you but overall being kind and protective over you (will cheer you on during training)

- Dragan would try not interact with you really..but he might give some tips if you're training/working out. Eventually, like Wolf, he will become secretly protective of you :)

- Jacket would probably not interact very often with you, but eventually, he'll let you listen to his music or play games (kinda like Houston, he will low-key enjoy the pranks too)

- Bonnie would treat you like a little sibling and maybe try to teach you poker to scam the others with false innocence (high-fives if you do so) + if you have (romantic) relationship issues, she will encourage you to end/ruin their lives

- Jiro would definitely judge Bain for adopting you for tax reasons, and for a little bit he might be a quite distant, but as time progress, he sort of views you as a kid to look after too, maybe not like his child, but still a child for him to protect and look after

- Bodhi would for sure try get you into surfing or just sports, the others will pull you away (unless you actually enjoy it then they'll just roll their eyes or something)

- Jimmy is maybe not the greatest role model, but he's actually quite fun around you, just be aware he might pass out in the middle of a conversation with you

- Rust would probably keep his distance from you at first, thinking that it's better not to interact since he's, well, old and a criminal. But after a little while, especially once you start training and so on, he'll warm up to you! You might find yourself a new (o l d) uncle :)

- Sangres for sure will try to teach you some blade skills or Spanish words (a lot of them might be profanity). He's a lot of fun, just not the most responsible-

- Duke might not come up to talk to you much, but he doesn't mind talking to you if you come up to him, especially if it's about history and so on :)

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

This one is so long I'm putting most of it under a readmore to save your dash

Anonymous asked:

AITA for stabbing a kid?

(this is less Am I The Asshole and more Was I The Asshole, bc it's really just a story from high school that I - as an adult in my mid-20s - was remembering recently and thought could be fun to toss to The People in as objective of a form as I can. anyways, all names are 100% made up to replace actual names, and everybody involved ends the story safe and alive)

I (16ish F then, 20s NB now) was trying to prep for an upcoming speech and debate tournament (yes, I was insufferable as a teen) with a group of other students in our debate coach's classroom. specifically, I was working with a younger student, Tammy (14ish F then), on understanding this specific type of debate (LD for my fellow insufferable teens out there) and brainstorming with her on some of the main components of her own case. as we were trying to work, another student, Tony (15ish M then), kept butting in to pester Tammy, making it impossible for Tammy or me to focus. in hindsight, I'm like 74% sure Tony had a bit of a crush on Tammy in that moment and expressed that feeling by being an annoying little shit towards her (as teens often do). that was at least how I would characterize the general vibe of Tony's actions and how he seemed to really need Tammy to be paying total attention to him. from my perspective and based on my basically decade-long memory at this point, Tammy (maybe?) asked him to leave her alone. she at least seemed frustrated and annoyed with him, or just generally flustered in a way I read uncomfortable. (take all this with a grain of salt here bc, regardless of how Tammy really felt, I was for sure super annoyed and that fact would almost certainly impact my interpretation and memory of the situation.)

idk if any teen girls out there (former, current, or future) have tried to teach or learn while a teen boy is flirt-bugging you or the person you're with, but it got old real fast for me. so, almost immediately, I asked Tony to knock it off so me and Tammy could work. he refused and kept bugging her. I continued to tell him to quit and he continued to ignore me, and this went on for a while. so, as one does, I figured it was time to threaten him with physical violence. I told him that if he didn't back off and let Tammy work, that I would stab him.

now, to give a bit of context for what the fuck I was thinking in that moment, I had learned a particular lesson earlier in my time as a supposed teenage girl dealing with supposed teenage boys in the 2000s-2010s: don't make threats you aren't willing to follow through on. so when I threatened to stab him, I 100% meant it. to provide a tad more context, I did also have a bit of a casually violent streak in high school for this reason (but maybe those stories are for a different AITA submission at another time, but they were all in a similar vein as this one in terms of cause and severity). also, does it help or hurt to add this was in a rural public high school in Texas? either way. to be fair to Tony, that's still undoubtedly a deeply unhinged and disproportionate thing to actually do, but would be a semi-common hyperbolic empty threat to make as a teen to another teen.

as you can assume based on the title here, Tony did not quit despite these threats. so, true to my word, after us arguing back and forth for a bit more, I stabbed him in the arm with the pen I was holding. he was obviously upset (to be clear, it did hurt him but did not injure him to the best of my knowledge beyond leaving a light mark for a bit of time that afternoon*) and he complained about having been stabbed. I said I warned him repeatedly that I would stab him before I actually did, to which he replied that that was an insane thing to actually do (fair enough, ya know?). the teacher was in the room, but if she saw any of this she ignored it. tbh, I don't see how she could have not noticed a kid loudly complaining about having been stabbed by another kid. so, I assume she chose to ignore it, possibly bc I was a bit of a teacher's pet (ie. president of the speech and debate team she was the coach of (I told you I was insufferable)). actually, now that I think about it, that was not the only time I stabbed another kid in her classroom in almost identical circumstances... maybe we are both TA....

anyways, in conclusion:

reasons I think I'm NTA: he was being an annoying dick to the friend I was mentoring at the time, and I did warn him that I'd stab him if he didn't quit being an annoying dick several times before actually following through (and it was only with pen and did no serious harm, but I think it does still count as assault regardless (?) and also I love the classic AITA storytelling technique of Being Dramatic, so feel free to ignore this point and *any other times I brought up that he was ultimately okay when considering how you wanna vote).

reasons I think I'm TA: I mean... I fuckin' stabbed a kid just bc he was being annoying and I fully got away with it bc the teacher liked me, plus I was a repeat offender of doing lowkey violence like this in response to other kids being Kinda Annoying and Shitty™. pestering other people on purpose bc you possibly have a crush on them is a very normal thing for a teen to do. stabbing another teen with a writing utensil just bc they did so though?... perhaps not.

(also, as an endnote: just to be clear, I do not stab teens at all in any context whatsoever since growing up. out of AITA-writing-character here, I think I was a kid who was just sick of guys around me crossing boundaries and dealt with that in a myriad of very unhealthy ways that were also informed by my general redneck upbringing that - understandably or not - sometimes saw some violence as a valid way to assert personal boundaries if it seemed they weren't being respected. that doesn't make it okay and is not at all a defense against being TA in this story, just trying to assure folks that regardless of whether you think I was TA I am now also a somewhat well adjusted adult who at least channels their overwhelming fury into organizing/activism stuff and mutual aid rather than stabbing annoying teenagers. while this isn't some stressful conflict that I feel torn up about or anything even close to that, I am interested to see what folks think, so thanks for reading if the mod(s) found all this worthy of posting for y'all!)

What are these acronyms?