#gri responds

[peskyfag]

bunny grian, rub his chin against scar's head when it's possible, sniff and bite him (that's how bunnies groom each other, if im not wrong) and it's funny, but biting for bunnies could be both give me attention and stop giving me attention, just adorable, i love bunnies

OH MY GOD???? THIS IS SO CUTE I LOVE IT WHEN PHYSICAL AFFECTION ,,,

this is such a cute hc i MAY draw it!! if i do ill deff tag you ^_^

[memryse]

Ev’ry time I try to Picture bigb in my head it’s that one dababy image

idk

?

[nervoussagittarius]

y/n and matt being the hottest couple for 4 minutes straight

matt sturniolo x influencer!reader

summary: hot moments caught on camera between matt and his girlfriend

warnings: fluff, slightly suggestive, i think that’s it

★ “hey baby will you film a tiktok with me?” you asked, lifting your head off of matt’s chest. it was a simple lip sync video to ‘spin bout u’ by drake. matt replied with a small nod before ushering the two of you over to his desk chair, placing you on his lap. you sent him a smile of gratitude.

matt wrapped his arms around you pulling you deeper into his chest. his head rested on your shoulder from behind. your phone was propped up on a random drink bottle, and you could feel matt’s eyes on you as you set up a good angle. his gaze was set on your face through the screen in front of him. a slight smirk could be found on his lips.

when the sound was heard you both easily remembered the words and began to sing along.

put hands on you in the past

insecure because your body is precious

matt’s hands began to roam from your abdomen to trail down the sides of your thighs. you glanced back at him slightly to see a devious look on his face.

four words when i think about them is crusty, musty, dusty, rusty

both of your focuses were back on your phone screen for only a second before you found each others eyes.

eight words then i think about us is fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, fuck me

you looked up at matt through your lashes before your hand reached around to play with his hair. the playful look in his eyes was replaced with a seductive one, not going unnoticed by your fans.

★ today you decided to get ready and do your makeup while on a live stream. this wasn’t uncommon. you often went live when you were by yourself or bored. it felt like a facetime call with your friends. you spent a majority of the time answering questions or talking about your day thus far.

matt walked into your house and upon hearing your talking he assumed you were on a phone call. he made his way to your room to find you sitting in front of your mirror. he quickly walked to you and placed his hands on your shoulders to greet you.

his mouth found your neck soon after and began placing short pecks on it. “hi baby. i missed you.” he said in between kisses. a blush took over your face in no time. you hoped the live stream viewers didn’t catch on to the needy tone in matt’s voice.

your comments came flying in. all talking about matt’s actions. “matt. i’m live.” you got out as fast as you could.

his head quickly popped up to notice the placement of you phone only to put his head hidden back into your shoulder with a groan of faked annoyance. you laughed at his actions. “i’m sorry. i didn’t know.” he drug out, causing you to laugh even harder.

you spent the next 5 minutes covering up the red mark forming on your neck.

★ you had finally convinced matt to go to one of tara’s parties. he missed out on her one million party and you were destined to make sure he had a fun at this one.

with the help of nick and chris you were able to hype him up enough. you went as far as giving him little incentives if he reached certain time stamps throughout the night. matt wasn’t complaining about this in the slightest. what you both were unaware of though, was that tara had multiple people filming her party that night.

“will you come dance with me?” you asked matt as you slid your hands up his chest. he wasn’t going to deny his girl a dance. any chance to be close to you was enough for him.

matt kept a comforting hand on your lower back as he directed you both through seas of drunk partygoers. his hands found your waist as you both moved to the rhythm of the song playing.

“you look beautiful. i’m so in love with you.” matt had said while leaning into your ear. it was hard to hear what he was saying over the loud music.

“thank you for coming. i’m glad you’re having a good time.” you responded in the same manner. the song changed and you began to slowly grind into matt at the new tempo. matt’s grip tighten on you and you ran your hands through his hair and down his neck.

tara posted her video a week after the party and at this point most occurrences were put to the back of your head. almost instantly you and matt were being tagged in endless videos of you two throughout the night. a fan favorite was you guys dancing together.

comments:

GODDAMN

i don’t know which one i want to be atp

i think they do these things on purpose now

they have to know they’re the hottest couple out there

i must be doing something wrong.

an: a bit shorter but i think they’re cute and i love matt x influencer

taglist: @norr1ssturni0lo @recklessmatt @luvr4miya @hpyjw @unbruisable @watercolorskyy @elliewrites1 @rheaasturn @slxt4matt @mmay4ever @aurizp

[br0kenangel]

𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋: 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥.

The room was dimly lit, with only the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting long shadows against the walls. You sat on the edge of the bed, your hands trembling slightly as you tried to steady yourself. The warmth of the blanket draped over your shoulders did nothing to chase away the cold that gripped your heart.

Malachy knelt in front of you, a gentle smile on his lips as he carefully scooped up a spoonful of soup from the bowl in his hand. He brought it to your lips, his movements slow and deliberate, as though he were feeding a delicate bird.

“Open up, sweetheart,” he murmured softly, his voice a soothing lullaby that contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions raging inside you. “You need to eat something. It’ll make you feel better.”

You hesitated, your throat tightening as fresh tears welled up in your eyes. Everything felt wrong. The way he looked at you, the way he spoke to you—like you were something precious, something to be cherished. But you weren’t. Not anymore. Not after what he’d done.

Malachy’s free hand reached up to brush away a tear that slipped down your cheek, his thumb warm against your cool skin. “Shh, it’s okay,” he whispered, leaning in closer, his breath ghosting against your ear. “I’m here. I’ll take care of you. You don’t have to worry about anything, my sweet girl.”

You parted your lips, allowing him to feed you the spoonful of soup, the taste bland and unremarkable on your tongue. It slid down your throat, but the comfort it was supposed to bring never came. Instead, more tears spilled over, trailing down your cheeks in silent rivers.

“There you go,” Malachy crooned, wiping away your tears with the pad of his thumb before they could fall any further. “Such a good girl. My good girl.”

You wanted to pull away, to recoil from his touch, but your body refused to listen. You felt numb, your emotions a tangled mess that you couldn’t begin to unravel. All you could do was sit there and let him care for you, even though it only made the pain worse.

He set the bowl aside and moved closer, wrapping his arms around you, pulling you into his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was a cruel contrast to your own frantic pulse. His hand stroked your hair, his fingers threading through the strands with practiced ease.

“You’re so beautiful when you cry,” he whispered into your ear, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin. “So fragile, so perfect.”

His words were like poison, sweet and deadly, seeping into your mind and taking root. You hated how your body responded to him, how your tears seemed to fall faster with every gentle word he uttered.

“It’s okay to cry,” Malachy continued, his voice a soft hum. “You’ve been through so much. But I’m here now. I’ll protect you. I’ll keep you safe. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

But you were afraid. You were terrified. Not of him, but of yourself. Of how easy it was to fall into his arms, to let him hold you, to let him whisper those sweet nothings that made your heart ache and your tears flow.

He pressed a kiss to your temple, then another to your cheek, catching a tear with his lips. “I love you,” he whispered against your skin. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you. Not even yourself.”

The sob that tore from your throat was involuntary, your hands clutching at his shirt as you broke down completely. Malachy only held you tighter, his whispers of affection wrapping around you like a suffocating blanket.

“There, there, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice a low, comforting rumble. “I’m here. I’ll always be here. You don’t have to face anything alone.”

But the truth was, you felt more alone than ever.

And as you cried in his arms, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were drowning, slowly sinking into the depths of something dark and inescapable. But Malachy held you fast, anchoring you to him with a grip that felt more like a shackle than a lifeline.

And as much as you wanted to escape, a part of you knew you never would.

Part 1 ♡ Part 3

@ 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒. 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚, 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆𝒃𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔.

[peskyfag]

(reblogged from main)

yoooo i could make you a skin in return for art if you’re interested!! 👀 (however it will only be done next week BC im on a holiday) :33

ART TRADE WITH @saucymam

DAWG this was so fun to make and it was deff a pleasure to trade with ya!! i made a skin + one outfit variation for 2 fullbodies and one icon in return >:3

also i do commissions for stuff like this for the starting price of $9! (apologies for how pricey it is, it takes more time than average art L)

[funkyplantguy]

established relationship scarian where scar finds A Creature of some sort (dealer's choice) and starts in on the whole "Can we keep it?? 🥺🥺" routine to grian

i was originally going to go with a cat, then a baby warden (listen idk) then an ACTUAL baby...then landed on this (and giggled and kicked my feet the entire time as i wrote it). hope you enjoy :D

scar: g scar: grain scar: grian scar: light of my life scar: where are you? scar: i have gift grian: fishing dock scar: shoulda guessed scar: be there soon <3

grian stretched, quietly groaning to himself as his back (and wings) crackled in delight at the movement, tired of the endless hunching they’d endured over the past several hours. a gift from scar (especially an unexpected one) was sure to be…interesting. they’d been together long enough that scar knew what grian liked, of course…but sometimes…the “gifts” his partner would bring him would be more for scar’s own personal amusement than anything else.

not that he really minded, of course. not when that meant getting to see scar light up like a kid on christmas. scar was always so full of life - always giggling over something or other - and it just reminded grian of why he’d fallen in love with him in the first place. and honestly, that was gift enough for him.

despite all of that, he wasn’t quite expecting scar to bring him something...alive.

grian heard the chirping from the small bundle in scar’s arms before the man had even landed, and couldn’t help the inquisitive trill that forced its way out of him in response. and that, of course, set scar off - mimicking the noise with his own (very human) vocal cords (which only served to produce a melody akin to being strangled). he stared at grian with wide eyes as he touched down, and grian felt his cheeks burn under his gaze.

“g! i’ve never heard you make that noise before - that was so cute, do it again!”

“no,” grian chirped back, then pressed his hand against his mouth as scar laughed in delight. “scar - what is that?”

“it’s a baby!” scar responded, moving closer and tilting the bundle in his arms towards the avian. “look - it’s a little you!”

grian uncovered his mouth to retort - he very much doubted that scar had somehow found a baby avian wandering around hermitcraft - but another quiet chirp caught his attention, and he found himself leaning forward to peer over scar’s arms. and there, nestled in a pile of soft, brown blanket, was the ugliest baby parrot grian had ever seen in his life. and yet..and yet…

grian didn’t even realize that he was whistling until the baby returned his birdsong, eager little chirps and gurgles spilling out of its little fleshy beak. it tilted its head up at grian, blinking, and grian offered up a trembling finger into the makeshift nest. the chick nuzzled against it, purring softly, and something in grian’s heart felt like it might burst. he raised his face to his partner, and found scar’s gaze transfixed - but not on the parrot in his arms, but him. their eyes locked, and scar offered him a smile - something soft and warm, something that made grian want to kiss him more than anything in the world.

“can we keep it?” he whispered, and grian let out a short (wet) laugh.

“i…scar, where…where did you even find it? it’s so little…i can’t imagine its mama would have been far; she’s probably worried sick…do you really want to take the little guy from his mama?”

scar’s lower lip wobbled (and grian felt like he might be the worst person in the entire world for it).

“he didn’t have a mama! i sat and watched and waited for hours, gri, and nobody came for him…he was just all alone, on a branch in the jungle, and i got worried that something was going to come along and eat him! and…well…i figured you’d know how to take care of him. given that you’re…y’know.”

he gestured toward grian’s colorful wings with one hand, and grian’s feathers rippled obediently in show for his lover. from scar’s arms, the tiny bird chirped again, raising its little head and struggling to flap its wings in the same way grian had fluttered his. scar looked down to the parrot, then up to grian, eyes wide and sparkling as he jutted out his lower lip.

“see! he agrees! he wants you to be his new mama!”

(and if grian’s heart fluttered in his chest at the suggestion of being a mother, that was no one's business but his own. that was a topic to be discussed later - much later, in the warmth of each other’s arms and the shield the darkness their room offered for grian's vulnerability)

“we could name him…um…jeffrey!”

“scar - we are not naming our son jeffrey.”

“our son???!??” scar parroted back, jerking his head up from where he had dipped it to stare down at the chick in his arms. “our son??? so…we can keep him? really? you mean it?”

“yes, scar. i mean it,” grian responded, smiling softly at the hopeful peep from the newest member of their little family. “we can keep him.”

(and the way scar pulled him into a kiss, then, was the greatest gift of all)

[mmso-notlikethat]

Ode to My Broken Wrench

yay finally finished my EddieChimTommy bonding fic, it's just some fix-it for their friendship that I needed so much. I might had too much fun writing this

Gen Ι WC 3,732

on ao3 or below <3

Tommy hears the knock at his door and opens it to find Chimney standing there, a six-pack of beer in his hand and his signature grin plastered across his face.

Tommy leans against the doorframe with a sigh. "What is it, Howie?"

Chimney lifts the six-pack as if it’s a winning lottery ticket. "Oh, come on, I’ve been calling you. You don’t have plans, right? I brought this, and I wanna watch that movie you’re always raving about."

Tommy crosses his arms, looking unimpressed. "Howie... Look, I’m not in the mood for any lectures or talks. Can we just drop this so I can go back to spending my off day clearing out the garage?"

Chimney widens his eyes in mock offense. "Who said anything about a lecture? Dude, what would I even lecture you about?"

Tommy tilts his head, scoffing. "Really? You want me to believe this is just about beer and a movie?"

Before Chimney can respond, the sound of a truck pulling into the driveway catches their attention. Tommy groans as Eddie steps out, holding a pizza box.

Tommy throws up his hands. "Great. You invited Eddie, too?"

Chimney grins even wider. "I did not. But hey, the more, the merrier." He nudges Tommy aside and steps into the house like he owns the place.

Tommy spins around, incredulous. "Really, Howie?!"

Chimney waves a hand dismissively, already making himself comfortable in the living room. "Relax, dude. You’ve got comfy couches, a big TV, and beer. What’s there to complain about?"

Eddie, reaching the door, takes in the scene with an amused look. "Trouble in paradise?"

Tommy glares at him. "You just happened to swing by? With pizza?"

Eddie shrugs, holding up the box. "Finished some errands and figured you’d be home. Thought you might want company—or at least wouldn’t turn down free food."

Chimney’s voice floats over from the living room. "See? It’s fate. Now shut the door, grab some plates, and let’s get this party started."

Tommy sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "You two are annoying."

Eddie smirks, stepping past him and into the house. "And yet, here we are."

Tommy shuts the door, but his hesitation lingers as he watches them settle in like this is their space. He doesn’t sit, standing stiffly by the arm of the couch instead.

"Seriously, what are you guys doing here?" His tone isn’t angry, but it’s far from relaxed.

Chimney, already popping the tab on a beer, looks up with an easy smile. "Having a beer, watching a movie, and hanging out with our buddy. What else would we be doing?"

Eddie glances over, his expression more measured. "Yeah, Tommy. What else?"

Tommy doesn’t answer right away, the weight of their presence pulling at him in ways he’s not ready to confront. He nods toward the pizza box instead. "You’d better clean up after yourselves."

The movie flickered across the screen, its dramatic soundtrack filling the living room. Chimney was sprawled on the couch, one hand holding a beer and the other occasionally pointing at the screen to punctuate his running commentary.

“Okay, but why would they go in there? Like, have they not seen a single horror movie in their lives?!” Chimney exclaimed, shaking his head in mock disappointment. “Classic rookie mistake.”

Eddie sighed heavily from the armchair, his legs stretched out, pizza box balanced on one knee. “This is why I don’t watch movies. People doing dumb stuff for no reason. Can we do something else? Spar? Shoot some hoops? Literally anything?”

Tommy, sitting on the edge of the couch, barely registered Eddie’s complaint. He was leaning forward slightly, elbows on his knees, his hands loosely clasped. His eyes were on the TV, but he wasn’t really watching. His fingers tapped absently against each other, and he shifted in his seat every so often, like he couldn’t quite get comfortable.

Chimney turned to Eddie with a grin. “What’s wrong, Ed? Can’t handle sitting still for two hours? That explains why you always lose at poker. No patience.”

“Poker has strategy,” Eddie countered, his voice flat. “This is just...waiting for the inevitable.”

Chimney rolled his eyes. “It’s called suspense. Builds character.”

Eddie snorted. “You should’ve told me we were watching a character-building exercise.”

Chimney was about to retort when his gaze flicked to Tommy, who hadn’t said a word since they’d pressed play. His expression softened for a brief moment before he leaned back into his usual tone.

“Hey, Tommy, back me up here. Tell Mr. No Fun that this is a cinematic masterpiece.”

Tommy blinked, pulled from his thoughts. “Huh?”

“The movie!” Chimney said, gesturing dramatically at the screen. “Defend its honor!”

Tommy glanced at the TV, the scene a blur in his mind. “Uh...yeah. Sure.”

Chimney frowned slightly but didn’t push. Instead, he nudged Eddie’s arm with his foot. “See? Tommy gets it. Unlike you, traitor.”

Eddie smirked faintly but didn’t respond, his eyes drifting to Tommy for a beat. “Hey, you okay over there? You’ve been awfully quiet.”

Tommy straightened slightly, his fingers curling into fists briefly before he forced them to relax. “I’m fine. Just...watching.”

Eddie didn’t look convinced, but Chimney cut in before the silence could stretch. “That’s the spirit. Focus on the brilliance of this movie instead of complaining, Eddie.”

Eddie rolled his eyes but didn’t push further, settling back into his seat. Tommy shifted again, his gaze flicking between the screen and his friends. He knew they were trying, in their own ways, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were here for a reason they weren’t saying out loud.

And maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t ready to hear it.

Tommy suddenly grabbed the remote and hit pause, freezing the movie mid-scene.

Chimney groaned dramatically, tossing his head back. “Tommy, whyyy? We were just getting to the best part! This is where the hero pulls off the impossible stunt. Come on, man!”

Eddie didn’t react as loudly. He just glanced at Tommy with a raised eyebrow, already sensing something was coming.

Tommy stood, letting the remote drop onto the coffee table as he began pacing. His hands went to his hips, then ran through his hair, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. “Okay, I can’t do this. I can’t just sit here and pretend like everything’s normal.”

Eddie and Chimney exchanged glances but stayed quiet as Tommy continued, his voice rising slightly with frustration.

“I broke up with Ev—Buck. You both are his family, and what? Now we’re just buddies? Really? You don’t think that��s...weird?”

Eddie opened his mouth, but Chimney beat him to it, throwing his hands up. “Really? This is why you stopped the movie? To drop some existential crisis bomb? I knew you were stupid, Kinard, but come on! This is amateur-level stupid. And I’ve known you for, what, 20 years? You think I’m hanging out here for the popcorn?”

Tommy stopped pacing, turning toward Chimney with an incredulous look. And with a scoff “Please, Howie. How many times did we actually hang out this much before I started dating Buck? Don’t you see what I’m saying?”

Chimney opened his mouth to retort, but Eddie leaned forward, cutting in with a sharp tone. “First, stop calling him Buck.” He made a face as if the name itself tasted bad. “It feels weird. Stick to Evan, for God’s sake.”

Tommy blinked at him. “What does that have to do with—”

“And we’re going back to this because what the hell, you idiot,” Eddie interrupted, his voice hard. “Breaking up with him? Really? What were you even thinking?” He continued with a glare “You think cutting us off for the past two months was the smart move? Ignoring calls, dodging texts, what was that? Some genius post-breakup plan?”

Tommy shifted uncomfortably, looking at the floor. “It wasn’t like that…”

Eddie wasn’t letting up. “Oh no? Then what was it like? Because from where I’m sitting, it sure seems like you were ready to throw this—us—out along with the relationship. And for what?”

Tommy hesitated, his jaw tightening. “You’re Buck’s family—”

“Evan,” Eddie corrected with a glare.

Tommy huffed. “Fine. Evan’s family. It felt...weird.” He hesitated before adding, his tone sharper, “And it wasn’t just me. You didn’t exactly come banging on my door either. I wasn’t the only one who stayed quiet.”

Eddie opened his mouth to reply but faltered, glancing at Chimney, who scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

“Fair,” Chimney admitted, raising a hand. “We kind of dropped the ball there. But we’re here now, aren’t we?”

Tommy stopped pacing and crossed his arms, his gaze hardening as he looked at both of them. “Yeah, now. After two months. You think it’s that easy to just...trust that? You’re here now, sure, but for a while, it felt like you didn’t care either.”

Eddie opened his mouth to respond, but Tommy held up a hand, his voice sharper now. “I’m not saying you don’t care. I know you do. But when you go quiet for that long...it’s hard not to feel like maybe I was right to cut you off.”

He paused, running a hand through his hair as his voice cracked slightly. “I didn’t just lose Evan. I also lost my friends that day, and that—” His tone grew more frustrated and angry as he struggled to get the words out. “That... that actually hurt, okay? It hurt more than I want to admit.”

“Tommy—” Chimney started, his tone softer, but Tommy cut him off, shaking his head.

“You probably should’ve come earlier. I’ve been having full-blown conversations with my tools in the garage. The wrench? Total pessimist. Hammer? Thinks I’m beyond saving.” He let out a humorless laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing just a fraction. “Guess I’m on my own repair list now.”

Eddie leaned back, smirking, his tone shifting to something lighter. “Careful, Tommy. Keep this up, and we might actually start thinking you have feelings.”

Chimney, still holding his beer, gave Tommy a softer look. “We’re sorry, Tommy. For not calling sooner. That was on us.”

Eddie nodded, his smirk fading briefly. “Yeah. You didn’t deserve that.”

The silence lingered for a beat, heavy but not uncomfortable.

Tommy shrugged, forcing a faint smile. “Guess you’re making up for it now with free therapy.”

Chimney grinned, the teasing slipping back into his tone. “Next thing you know, you’ll be writing poetry in the garage. ‘Ode to My Broken Wrench.’”

Tommy rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Yeah, well, don’t hold your breath waiting for an invite to the recital.”

Chimney leaned back with a grin. “Speaking of tools, for someone who loves fixing things, you sure suck at fixing friendships.”

Tommy glared at him. “Wow, thanks, Howie. That’s super helpful.”

Chimney shrugged, his grin cheeky. “Hey, I call it like I see it. You’ve been rebuilding this house piece by piece for what? Two years? And don’t even get me started on your garage. You’ll spend hours under a car, but then, when it’s about picking up the phone? Crickets. What, were you afraid we’d say, ‘Hey, we still like you’?”

Eddie snorted, folding his arms. “He’s not wrong. You can rebuild a carburetor but can’t handle a text?”

Chimney leaned back with a smirk. “See? I’m just saying, maybe your emotional toolbox is missing a wrench or two. And apparently, relationships are above your pay grade.”

Tommy’s lips twitched as if he wanted to be annoyed but couldn’t quite pull it off. “Maybe I just don’t like interruptions while I’m trying to work.”

“Please,” Chimney scoffed, waving a hand. “I know you’ve been talking to the water heater like it’s your new best friend.”

Chimney sighed, sitting up straighter. “Look, I get it. We didn’t call you those first couple of weeks, and yeah, that’s on us.”

Eddie nodded, his expression serious. “We messed up, okay? We thought you might need space or...hell, we didn’t know what to do. It’s not like there’s a manual for this.”

Chimney gestured between himself and Eddie. “We’re idiots. But even idiots figure things out eventually, and that’s why we’re here now. To make sure you don’t do something even dumber, like cut us out of your life.”

Tommy scoffed, his tone dipping into something darker. “Oh, right, because abandoning me for weeks while I was spiraling was definitely the smart move. Guess it’s my fault for thinking I rated higher than a missed call.”

Chimney winced. “Ouch. Fat head, you’re gonna guilt us to death before this movie ends.”

Tommy ignored him, back to pacing. “You’re Buck’s—Evan’s—family. I’m the guy who...” He paused, glancing at the floor before adding with a bitter chuckle, “Well, let’s just say I wasn’t exactly the best decision maker here.”

“Tommy,” Eddie said, leaning forward, his tone softening but still firm. “I introduced you to Christopher. You met him before you started dating Buck. You think I just do that for anyone?”

Tommy stopped mid-step, his head snapping up to look at Eddie.

“And you know we hung out before, too,” Eddie added, crossing his arms. “Like that should even matter. But apparently, it does to you. You think a breakup changes who we are to you? Because it doesn’t.”

Chimney jumped back in, pointing a finger at Tommy. “Yeah, what he said. And another thing—this is not because of Evan, Buck, or whatever the hell we’re calling him right now. We’re here because of you, idiot. You think I’ve been dragging my butt to your house all this time for romance updates? Please. I don’t care about your disastrous love life; I care about you. Always have. Always will.”

Tommy’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. He looked between them, his defenses crumbling under their combined words.

Eddie leaned back with a smirk. “And don’t forget—I still need you to check my car. And that Muay Thai setup in your garage? You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

Chimney raised a hand. “Also, I’m not going to let you disappear because I’m gonna need you to be my backup when I inevitably prank Eddie and he tries to kill me. I’ve got long-term plans, Kinard.”

Tommy let out a small, reluctant laugh despite himself, shaking his head.

Eddie softened his tone further, leaning forward. “Look, man, I get it. You’re hurt, and you’re trying to figure out what happens next. But don’t throw away the people who’ve been here for you just because you’re afraid things will change. You’re not just Buck’s ex. You’re Tommy. And we’ve got your back, whether you want it or not.”

Chimney nodded, raising his beer. “What he said. But also, don’t stop the movie next time. This heartfelt stuff? Cool. But I was really invested in that explosion scene.” He grinned, adding, “And you’re paying for pizza next time. Emotional outbursts aren’t free.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, but Tommy let out a breathy laugh despite himself, shaking his head. He sank back onto the couch, finally meeting their gazes.

“I’m not good at this,” Tommy admitted quietly.

“No kidding,” Eddie deadpanned, but his expression softened. “Good thing you’ve got us to help you figure it out.”

Chimney clinked his beer against Eddie’s. He looked at Tommy with a mock-serious expression. “But for real, you still owe me for that time I saved your life.”

Tommy groaned, covering his face with his hands. “You’re never letting this go, are you?”

“Not a chance,” Chimney said cheerfully.

The three of them settled back into a more comfortable silence. The movie resumed, but Tommy found himself less focused on the screen and more on the feeling that, maybe, he wasn’t as alone as he thought.

The movie ended with a loud explosion, followed by the dramatic swell of music as the credits rolled. Chimney stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. “That was good. Totally worth staying up for.”

Tommy raised an eyebrow. “You stayed up? You’ve been snoring through the last fifteen minutes.”

Chimney shrugged, unapologetic. “Yeah, but I woke up in time for the big finish. Anyway, I should get going. Maddie’s going to kill me if I’m late picking up Jee.”

Eddie smirked. “If Maddie hasn’t killed you yet, you’re probably fine.”

“Don’t tempt fate, Diaz,” Chimney shot back, pulling on his jacket. He turned to Tommy and gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Don’t think too much, fat head. It’s bad for you. And Eddie, don’t let him overanalyze everything once I’m gone.”

“Not making any promises,” Eddie replied, smirking.

Chimney waved as he headed to the door. “Alright, have fun with the heart-to-heart. Don’t cry too much, boys.”

Tommy rolled his eyes as the door clicked shut behind Chimney. “He never changes.”

“You’ve been friends for two decades. You must’ve figured that out by now,” Eddie said, leaning back in the couch.

Tommy disappeared into the kitchen. He returned a moment later with two beers, handing one to Eddie before settling into his seat. “Figured it out? I gave up years ago.”

They drank in companionable silence for a while, the quiet punctuated only by the occasional sound of Tommy fidgeting with his bottle cap. Finally, Eddie broke the stillness.

“I’m moving to Texas.”

Tommy froze mid-sip, lowering his bottle slowly. “Texas? You’re leaving?”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah.”

Tommy stared at him, his brow furrowing. “Chris isn’t coming back, is he?”

Eddie sighed, his expression becoming unreadable as he stared into his beer. “I don’t know. I don’t want to push him. But I’m so done with missing his life. I can’t do it anymore.”

Tommy leaned back, letting out a breath as he processed Eddie’s words. “So much for those long-term plans you were just talking about earlier.”

Eddie shot him a mock glare, his lips twitching into a faint smile. “Hey, I can still have long-term plans. They’re just...geographically flexible.”

Tommy chuckled, lifting his beer. “Fair enough.”

For a while, they sat in silence again, the weight of the conversation hanging between them. Eddie tapped his fingers lightly against the neck of his bottle, a habit Tommy recognized as him thinking something over.

Eventually, Tommy broke the quiet. “Did you talk to him before deciding to move?”

Eddie blinked, his head tilting slightly. “Chris?”

Tommy nodded, his voice even. “Dude, talk to your boy.”

Eddie let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know. I mean, I’ve asked him how he feels about Texas. He doesn’t hate it, but…” Eddie trailed off again, this time with more hesitation.

“The last time I talked to him, I told him I’d get him an autograph from that actor he likes. Said he could hang it in his room, and he goes, ‘Oh cool, you’ll send it to me.’” Eddie’s voice softened as he repeated the words, a flicker of pain crossing his face. “He meant his room in Texas. At my parents house. And it just...it hit me. He doesn’t think of here as home anymore. I’m not his home anymore.”

Tommy tilted his head. “But you haven’t actually asked him if he wants to stay, have you?”

Eddie looked away, his silence answering the question.

Tommy nodded knowingly, taking a slow sip from his beer. “Dude, talk to your boy. He’s old enough to know what he wants—or at least to tell you what he’s feeling. Don’t make it harder than it needs to be.”

Eddie stared at the floor for a moment, swirling his beer absentmindedly. Then, after a long pause, he lifted his gaze to Tommy. “Maybe you should take that advice and talk to your boy.”

Tommy frowned, his brows knitting together. “What are you talking about?”

Eddie raised an eyebrow, giving him a pointed look. “I mean Buck.”

Tommy sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. “He’s not my boy, Eddie.”

Eddie’s voice was calm but firm. “You sure about that?”

Tommy opened his mouth to respond but stopped, his words catching in his throat. Finally, he snorted softly, trying to shift the mood. “Last time I talked to him, we didn’t exactly leave it on a ‘let’s grab coffee’ note. Pretty sure he’d rather punch me than talk to me.”

Tommy glanced at Eddie, expecting a smirk or maybe a chuckle, but Eddie’s gaze was steady, unwavering. It wasn’t judgmental, just...patient.

The corner of Tommy’s mouth twitched, but the humor faded quickly under Eddie’s silent persistence.

Eddie finally spoke, his tone calm. “Maybe. But you won’t know unless you try.”

Tommy sighed heavily, his smirk faltering. He stared at the label on his beer bottle, peeling at the edge with his thumb as if it would give him an answer.

Eddie leaned back slightly, still watching him. “You don’t get it, do you? Buck’s not over you, Tommy. He’s trying to be, but he’s not.”

Tommy finally looked up, his expression conflicted. “And what if I’m not over him either? What’s that supposed to change?”

Eddie’s gaze softened. “It means you stop being scared of messing up and actually try. You’re not perfect—none of us are—but Buck doesn’t want perfect. He wants you.”

Tommy blinked, visibly caught off guard. “You sound so sure.”

Eddie gave a small shrug, offering a faint, self-deprecating laugh. “Alright, maybe I’m not. I don’t know every detail of what happened between you two, and honestly, I don’t need to. That’s between you guys. But from where I’m sitting...yeah, that’s what it looks like to me.”

Tommy’s jaw tensed, his thumb still picking at the label on his bottle, but there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes.

Eddie continued, his tone certain now. “Look, man, I get it. This stuff’s messy. But you’re not going to figure it out by sitting here and pretending like it’s over when it’s not. Talk to him. That’s all I’m saying.”

Tommy exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable. “Yeah, maybe.”

Eddie leaned back, taking a long drink from his beer. The silence stretched again, but it wasn’t uncomfortable this time.

“Texas, huh?” Tommy said finally, his tone lighter, almost teasing.

Eddie smirked, catching the shift. “Yeah. You want to help me pack?”

Tommy chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re lucky I actually like you, Diaz.”

[newjeansislife]

HUH?

A Haerin x reader story

Disclaimer : THIS IS A FICTIONAL STORY.

Warnings : Nothing, just fluffy fluff

A/n : first story :) tell me what you think!

Word count : around 700 words

Y/n was sitting in a classroom, folding papers and waiting for the printer to finish it's job: printing the posters for the new student council recruitment. Frankly, she was quite bored, stuco duty was not any fun right now... As we wait for the printer to finish let me tell you about y/n. Y/n is a very attentive student, with excellent grades. She is quite extroverted, although she usually stays with her small group of friends, composed of Minji, Yuna and Hanni.

The printer had finally finished and y/n was about to get up but suddenly, she heard a loud thud coming from outside the classroom. She started waking towards the open door of the class, confused by the strange noise. Before she could reach the door, Haerin, a friend of y/n (more like a pal) stumbled inside the classroom and quickly closed the door behind her, and sat on the nearest chair, unaware of y/n's presence. As y/n approached her quietly, she realized the cat-like girl was injured, she had a badly bruised knee. Haerin was in the volleyball team, and she would definitely not be able to play tomorrow's game... Y/n was deep in her thoughts and hadn't realized that Haerin was now staring at her, eyes wide open. Y/n looked up, only to see the girl looking straight at her, her face arboring a plain expression. "Please don't tell anyone I've injured myself!" Haerin quickly said. Y/n ignored her plea and reached for her bag, pulling out a few pink minnie mouse band-aids. "It's my little sister's" y/n mumbled as she made her way to Haerin's knee. Haerin knew the other girl wouldn't let her take care of her own injury, so she just sat there, watching as y/n sprayed some disinfectant on her bruises. "There, all done!" Y/n exclaimed happily, y/n exclaimed happily after lousily wrapping the knee in pink band-aids. "Thanks, you didn't have to..." Haerin responded her eyes looking right into y/n's. "It's fine, I wanted to!" Y/n responded, blushing quite a bit from the intense stare the raven haired girl was giving her. Y/n didn't know Haerin very well, in fact, they had only hung out a few times (with other friends there too, of course) but she had always felt quite giddy about the slightly older girl, blushing and stuttering while speaking to her. "Are you okay? You're all red!" Haerin said raising an eyebrow and getting dangerously closer to y/n's face. "Yeah..." Y/n muttered jolting back as Haerin slightly brushed her hand on the blushing girl's arm. They talked a bit, about school and how bad teachers were here, laughing and cracking jokes together. The awkwardness was now miles away, and a confortable silence set in, the two of them staring at each other with a gentle smile. The school bell rang, breaking the eye contact and making y/n laugh awkwardly. "WELL- you should go! You have practice, right?You should tell your coach you can't play right now, it-" y/n's rambling got cut off by Haerin planting her lips right onto hers. Y/n was shocked, of course, but she kissed back, melting in the sweetness of haerin's lips. Y/n pulled her lips away looking confusedly at Haerin. "What?" Y/n said with a confused look on her face. "I like you and I know you like me too." Haerin responded calmly, although she was now blushing quite hard, just like y/n. During the whole interaction, haerin had been brushing her hand against y/n's arms and blushing lightly when y/n made her laugh. Haerin knew about y/n's crush on her, (the other girl isn't exactly very discreet) and she tried to show the other that she, in fact, felt the same way for y/n as y/n felt for her. "OMG EWWWWW" said a voice coming from behind the two lovebirds. Y/n and Haerin jolted their heads towards the door, where the voice was coming from. Hanni and Minji were standing at the entrance. Hanni had a "ew" look on her face while Minji was grinning widely. "First of all, we saw the whole thing and- get a room!" Hanni exclaimed she than turned to Minji not even finishing her "second of all" as Minji cut her off: "You owe me 20 bucks" Minji said her hand opening towards Hanni. "Huh?" was the last thing y/n said before the two girls started bickering even more, y/n and Haerin laughing at their antics.

Maybe stuco wasn't that bad... :)

[peskyfag]

You asked for hermitshipping headcanons, I come running!

SwedishBeans: Joel is the confident one. This is kind of funny, because Iskall is the better people reader. Iskall is fully aware its mutual, but is too nervous to make a move. Joel is just crazy enough to make a shot on the dark.

SmallEtho: whenever Joel says something stupid, Etho will look at him with the most "dead inside" expression ever. Meanwhile, internally, he's giggling like a 12 year old school girl with a crush. This still happens even when they've been dating for YEARS. Joel can tell tho, and thus continues

Mumscarian: Scar has the best puppy dog eyes known to man. Grian will groan, while Mumbo will try to ignore it, but at the end of the day, Scar will get his way.

Ethubs: despite not dating, they've been obviously pining for so long that it's become normal for other to refer to them as boyfriend's or husbands. They got so used to it that they stopped correcting people. Sometimes they refer to each other as boyfriend or husband just because they're so used to it

xBeans: Joel makes xB blush SO HARD, but xB would never ever ever admit it, and does his best to always cover it up. He regularly makes people laugh at him because of it.

ZITS: People around them genuinely do not know wether or not these four are dating. Sure, they flirt, they kiss each other on the cheek, they make dirty jokes. But at the same time, they call each other dude and bro exclusively, noones ever seen them so much as kiss or even hold hands. ZITS discovered this, and have started abusing this and just confusing the rest even more. Whenever someone asks them, they give confusing non-answers like "I don't know, are we?" Or "It sure looks like it, huh?" Or just say it with such a tone of voice that noone knows weather its sarcasm or not. The only person who knows is Gem, because she walked in on them on accident. She has decided to join in on the fun and will pretend she also doesn't know.

Mumskall: the last person to know they are dating was Mumbo.

YAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR HCS!!! i loved them so so much i love receiving asks :3

apologising for the late response bc i had too much notifs ;;

[acute-crashout-jeyuso]

Between the Ropes.. a Jey Uso x Rhea Ripley fanfic.

Chapter 31: in a million years..

Rhea stared at herself in the reflection of the hospital's dim hallway window. Her eyes, wide and vacant, looked nothing like her own. Her body was bare beneath the blood-soaked robe that clung to her, every fiber stained with a red that no amount of scrubbing would ever remove. Her jewelry even stained as well.- Her hands— trembling, uncontrollable-were smeared with blood. His blood. Jey's.

The sounds replayed over and over in her mind. The deafening bang of the weapon, the sickening thud of his body hitting the ground. She blinked, but the images wouldn't fade. Her hands twitched, still feeling the warmth of his life slipping away through her fingers as she tried to stop the bleeding, but it had been too fast. Too much.

A nurse, concerned and gentle, approached with a set of clean scrubs. "Ma'am," she said softly, holding out the clothes. But Rhea didn't respond. She couldn't. The world was muffled, her mind drowning in the echoes of that gunshot. She stood frozen, trapped in the nightmare that had unfolded before her. The nurse set the scrubs next to her and walked back to the desk.

The double doors swung open, and Jon and Trinity hurried in, their faces lined with panic.

The moment Trinity saw Rhea, she ran to her, tugging Jon behind her. They skidded to a stop in front of her, the reality of what they were seeing crashing down on them. Rhea stood like a statue, drenched in Jey's blood, her skin as pale as the hospital's cold white walls.

"Rhea!" Trinity cried, dropping the bag she was carrying and kneeling at her side. She grabbed Rhea's hands, shaking them gently, trying to break through the shock. "Rhea, talk to me. Tell me what happened." Her voice was steady, but her eyes were full of fear.

Rhea's lips trembled, but all she could say was, "It was so loud..." Her voice was barely above a whisper, the words hollow. Her mind was stuck in that moment, in the piercing sound that marked the end of everything.

Jon's breath hitched as he took in the scene.

He could tell Rhea wasn't fully there, lost in the shock. "Rhea, listen to me," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "You need to put on the clothes, okay? There are people here and we don’t want them to see you like this."

But Rhea didn't move. She couldn't. It was like her body no longer belonged to her, every muscle locked in place by the horror of what had just happened.

Trinity took charge, pulling Rhea to her feet and guiding her towards the bathroom.

"Come on, honey. We need to clean you up." Rhea stumbled along with her, her limbs moving only because Trinity moved them for her.

Jon stood back, his stomach churning. His eyes followed the bloodstains that had smeared onto the white plastic seat Rhea had been sitting on. It was everywhere.

Without thinking, he shouted down the hall,

"Can we get a damn janitor in here?!"

The hospital's sterile air smelled like disinfectant and fear, and it was closing in on him. He needed to see Jey. He needed to know if his brother was still alive.

Rhea stood as if paralyzed, staring at the floor, her body refusing to move. The weight of everything that had just happened pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe. Trinity worked with quiet precision, her heart breaking with each step as she witnessed Rhea’s pain. She pulled out a paper towel from the dispenser and dampened it under the cold faucet. When she reached for Rhea’s trembling hands, Rhea jerked back, her eyes wide with fear and disbelief.

“No…” Rhea’s voice was raw, her throat tight, her tears pooling in her eyes, threatening to spill over. “It could be all I have left of him…”

Trinity’s chest tightened at Rhea’s words, feeling a deep ache for her practically sister-in-law. In that moment, it felt as if the entire world was collapsing around them. Rhea’s anguish was just… heartbreaking, a heavy fog that filled the small bathroom, making it suffocating. Trinity wanted to cry for her, to grieve for everything that had been lost, everything that had gone wrong. But she knew she couldn’t. Not now. Right now, Rhea needed her to be strong.

“Don’t think like that, Rhea,” Trinity said softly, her voice steady despite the tempest of emotions raging within her. “He’s still here. Jey is still fighting.”

But Rhea could only see the blood, the chaos, the horror of that moment. She could feel the warmth of Jey’s blood seeping through her fingers, vivid and bright against her skin, an unknown image to the life they had built together. The sound of the gunshots echoed in her mind, relentless and haunting, drowning out Trinity’s words.

Rhea broke at that, her body collapsing like a marionette with its strings cut. Her legs gave out, and she crumbled to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, a sound filled with despair and desperation. The tears streamed down her face, each droplet a reminder of the agony that enveloped her heart. Trinity moved with her, wrapping her arms around Rhea, rocking her gently, not caring about the stains that bled into her dark clothes. All that mattered now was Rhea.

“It’s okay,” Trinity whispered, her hand gently stroking Rhea’s hair, trying to ground her in the present. The comforting gesture was a lifeline, something to hold onto in the storm. Rhea pressed her face into Trinity’s shoulder, seeking refuge from the turmoil swirling inside her. But even in that embrace, Rhea felt so utterly lost, a shattered piece of glass that couldn’t seem to find its way back together.

Minutes passed, each one stretching into an eternity. As Rhea’s sobs began to quiet into soft whimpers, Trinity gently slipped off the blood-soaked robe, handling it like a fragile relic of a past that felt so far away. The sight of Rhea’s skin marked with remnants of chaos felt like a punch to the gut, an undeniable reminder of how close she had come to losing everything. Trinity folded the robe and stuffed it into her bag.

“Let’s get you dressed,” Trinity murmured, her voice soothing yet firm. She reached for the sports bra, her fingers trembling slightly as she slipped it over Rhea’s shoulders, moving with tenderness and care. Rhea remained passive, her gaze distant, lost in the memories of the night. Each article of clothing Trinity put on her felt like a shield against the world, yet it did little to protect her from the pain of what she had experienced.

As Trinity pulled on the oversized black t-shirt, Rhea could barely register the warmth of the fabric against her skin. It felt foreign, as if she was wearing someone else’s life. She felt stripped bare—not just of her clothes, but of her identity, her strength, everything that made her who she was. The enormity of her vulnerability wrapped around her like a thick fog, suffocating and disorienting.

When Trinity reached for the underwear and basketball shorts, Rhea felt a rush of emotions overwhelm her. Each touch from Trinity, each whisper of reassurance, was a reminder of the harsh and unfair reality: she had been thrust into a nightmare. She couldn’t shake the image of Jey’s blood, his body falling, the weight of his life hanging in the balance.

Finally, Trinity pulled out the black socks and the slides, gently placing them on Rhea’s feet. The act felt almost ritualistic, a way to bring her back to a semblance of normalcy, but it couldn’t erase the chaos that had consumed her life. Once Rhea was dressed, Trinity cupped her face, her hands warm and steady, grounding Rhea in the moment.

“We need to get you cleaned up before we go back out there, okay?” she said, her voice soft yet resolute. Rhea didn’t respond, her silence heavy with a mix of fear and shame. She felt like a ghost in her own body, detached from the reality of the situation.

Trinity took the damp paper towel and began to gently wipe away the blood from Rhea’s face. Each pass of the cloth was slow and careful, removing the crimson stains bit by bit. Rhea remained silent, her heart aching, the reality of her world crashing down around her. The blood felt like an indelible mark, something that would forever tie her to this moment, to this loss.

“It’s going to be okay..” Trinity whispered, though even she wasn’t sure of that anymore. Rhea’s breath hitched as she allowed Trinity to wipe away the remnants of the night, but the heaviness in her chest only grew. The blood was a reminder that everything had changed—nothing would ever be the same again.

When Trinity finished, Rhea felt a flicker of relief mixed with despair. There was no escaping what had happened, no denying the horror that had unfolded. Trinity let out a slow breath and gently kissed Rhea’s forehead, offering her silent strength, a promise that they would face whatever came next together.

“Are you ready?” Trinity asked, though her own heart raced at the thought of stepping back into that reality. Rhea nodded slowly, though the uncertainty in her eyes spoke volumes. Together, they prepared to face what lay beyond the bathroom door, knowing that the world outside was still waiting, still spinning, while their lives hung in the balance.

Rhea and Trinity stepped into the waiting room, the fluorescent lights buzzing above them, casting an eerie glow on the white walls. Rhea hesitated in the middle of the room, her heart pounding in her chest. The chaos of the past hours still felt surreal, and the sterile atmosphere only heightened her sense of disorientation.

“Rhea, come here..” Jon called softly, his voice steady but laced with concern. He stood with an air of quiet strength, but even he could feel the weight of the moment. The connection between Rhea and Jey, their shared history and deep bond, loomed large in the air, pressing down on them both.

Trinity gently nudged Rhea forward, and Rhea’s legs felt like lead, each step heavier than the last. It was as if she were moving through a dream, the sounds of the waiting room fading away, leaving only the distant echo of Jey’s laughter and the warmth of his smile in her mind. She reached out to touch Jon’s hand, the gesture instinctual yet profound, as if by connecting with him, she could bridge the gap between the two brothers.

For a brief moment, Rhea could almost see Jey standing there beside Jon, a comforting presence that made her heart ache. It was a cruel trick of her mind, reminding her of what was at stake, what they were fighting to hold onto.

Jon’s eyes began to well with tears, reflecting Rhea’s pain as if they were two sides of the same coin. In that instant, it felt like they were sharing an unspoken understanding, an acknowledgment of the love they both had for Jey and the helplessness that clawed at their insides.

“Demi..” Jon said, his voice thick with emotion, and before she could respond, he pulled her into a fierce hug. The warmth of his embrace enveloped her, but it was tinged with an unsettling familiarity. Rhea felt the gritty remnants of Jey’s dried blood in her hair, a chilling reminder of the violence.

“I couldn’t protect him,” she whispered, the words escaping her lips like a confession, a haunting echo of guilt that would linger long after this moment.

Jon held her tighter, drawing strength from her fragility. “It was not your job to protect him,” he said firmly, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within him. “It was mine.”

His words hung in the air between them, a heavy promise laced with pain and responsibility. Rhea leaned into him, her breath hitching as the weight of grief pressed down on her. She felt Jon’s heart pounding against her, and in that heartbeat, she could sense his resolve.

“But I was there,” she choked out, her voice breaking as she fought against the tide of sorrow threatening to overwhelm her. “I was supposed to be there for him.”

“None of this was your fault,” Jon replied, his voice unwavering. He gently pulled back to look into her eyes, wanting her to see the truth in his gaze. “You did everything you could. You fought for him. You still are.”

Rhea searched Jon’s face for some semblance of hope, some glimmer that everything would be okay. But as she looked into his eyes, all she saw was the same fear that resided in her heart. They were both trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up, unable to escape the reality that loomed ahead.

In that moment, they stood united in their grief, siblings bound by love and loss, the chaos of the outside world fading into a mere backdrop against the storm raging within them. Rhea closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath, letting the moment wash over her, grounding herself in Jon’s presence.

After two long hours, the waiting room felt like a time capsule, suspended in a haunting stillness. Jon, Trinity, Rhea, and their family sat in tense silence, each lost in their thoughts as they processed the chaos of the night. Solofa and Talisua, Jey and Jon’s parents, were huddled together, seeking solace in each other’s presence as they tried to navigate the incomprehensible reality unfolding around them.

Rhea could barely register their quiet murmurs of comfort; she felt as if she were trapped in her own world, cut off from the emotions swirling around her. Earlier, she had been approached by the police, who asked her for her blood-soaked robe as evidence. It felt like a cruel mockery that they cared more about her clothing than the life hanging in the balance just behind those hospital doors. Trinity and Jon had fought back fiercely, voices raised in a protective fury, refusing to let the officers treat Rhea like a mere piece of evidence when Jey was fighting for his life.

But Rhea had remained silent through it all, her mind numb to the world outside. The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, each second stretching into eternity. She glanced at the time: 12:21 AM.

Her gaze drifted down to her hands. Though the blood was gone, the light red residue left behind was a haunting reminder of the horror she had experienced. Rhea felt as if the stains would never truly fade, like a part of her would always be marked by what had happened. She clenched her fists, trying to shake off the sense of despair that threatened to swallow her whole.

“Rhea,” Trinity said softly, her voice breaking through Rhea’s haze. “Jey is a fighter. He’s strong, just like you.”

Rhea didn’t respond, merely staring blankly at her hands, replaying the events of the night in her mind. Every flash of Jey’s face, the laughter they had shared, and the warmth of his embrace collided with the horrific moment she’d seen him fall. The juxtaposition left her feeling hollow, her heart aching with an unbearable heaviness.

Jon watched Rhea from across the room, worry etched across his features. He could see the pain in her eyes, the way she withdrew deeper into herself with each passing moment. “Rhea,” he ventured gently, hoping to reach her. “You need to believe he’s going to be okay.”

But she didn’t want to believe anymore. Believing had led her to this moment, and she couldn’t fathom facing that possibility again, especially when the reality felt so dark and heavy.

Trinity, sensing Rhea’s retreat, moved closer, sitting beside her and placing a hand on her knee. “We’re all here for you, okay? You’re not alone in this,” she said, her voice soothing yet firm. “You’ve got to hold onto hope.”

The words hung in the air, a fragile lifeline thrown in the midst of a raging storm. Rhea finally lifted her gaze to meet Trinity’s, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “What if hope isn’t enough?” she whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her fear.

“It has to be,” Jon interjected, his voice steady despite his own turmoil. “It has to be enough. Jey needs us to be strong for him. He needs you.”

Rhea felt the truth in Jon’s words, a flicker of warmth amidst the coldness that surrounded her. Yet the fear of losing Jey clung to her heart, making it hard to embrace any sense of optimism.

Suddenly, the double doors swung open, and a doctor stepped into the waiting room, his expression grave yet composed. The atmosphere shifted, and all eyes turned toward him, a collective breath held in anticipation.

Rhea’s heart raced, and she found herself grasping Trinity’s hand tightly. “Please,” she whispered, a silent plea to whatever fate lay ahead.

The doctor cleared his throat, and the silence in the room was deafening. Rhea braced herself, knowing that whatever came next would shape the course of their lives forever.

The doctor took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room filled with anxious faces. “I’m Dr. Patel,” he began, his voice steady but carrying a weight that felt unbearable in the silence. “I’ve just come from the operating room, and I need to update you on Mr. Fatu’s condition.”

Rhea’s heart raced as she clutched Trinity’s hand tighter, a lifeline she desperately needed. She could feel the tension in the room, a collective holding of breath as everyone leaned in, eager yet terrified to hear what he had to say.

“Joshua suffered two gunshot wounds, both located in his right upper shoulder area,” Dr. Patel explained. “The first bullet entered near the clavicle and caused significant damage to the surrounding soft tissue and blood vessels. The second wound penetrated deeper, grazing the humerus and causing some fracture to the bone.”

Rhea felt her breath hitch, a sickening wave of panic washing over her. The medical terminology blurred in her mind, but the reality was stark and unforgiving. Jey was hurt—hurt in a way that could change everything.

“During surgery, we had to repair the damaged blood vessels and clean the wounds to prevent infection. There was some internal bleeding we had to manage, and I want to be clear: Mr. Fatu is stable now, but he lost a significant amount of blood. He will need time to heal, and there are risks we need to discuss.”

Each word felt heavy as Rhea absorbed the gravity of the situation. The thought of Jey struggling to regain his strength, to fight back against the limitations this injury could impose on him, felt unbearable.

“The main concern right now is that the gunshot wounds could lead to complications such as nerve damage, reduced mobility in his arm, or even something manageable like chronic pain. We’ll need to monitor him closely for any signs of infection or other issues. His recovery will take time, and he’ll likely face physical therapy to regain full function of his arm.”

A heavy silence settled over the group, punctuated only by the soft sounds of Rhea’s breathing. She felt a mix of fear and determination coursing through her. The thought of Jey enduring the challenges ahead, of fighting to reclaim his life, sent a chill through her.

“And as for his chances of survival…” Dr. Patel paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. “Right now, I would say they’re good. We managed to stabilize him, and he’s responding well to treatment. But we are not out of the woods yet. His body has been through a lot, and he will be in and out of consciousness for the next few hours.”

Rhea swallowed hard, fighting against the wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She could see Jon’s brow furrowed, the tension in his jaw as he processed the information. Talisua and Solofa sat together, their expressions a mixture of heartbreak and resolve, all of them grappling with the reality of the situation.

Before leaving, Dr. Patel glanced back at them, a serious expression crossing his face. “One more thing—while he was coming out of anesthesia, he kept saying ‘Demi.’ I don’t know who that is, but it might be someone significant to him.”

Rhea felt a sharp pang in her chest at the mention of her name. Demi. The word echoed in her mind, an unexpected reminder of the bond they shared. As much as it thrilled her to hear it, it also cut deep, a reminder of how vulnerable they were in this moment. Rhea stepped forward and said, “I’m Demi.”

Dr. Patel continued, “I think it might be best if you go in first by yourself. We want to minimize any stress on Joshua right now.”

Rhea nodded, understanding the reasoning behind his suggestion but feeling the weight of the moment settle heavily on her. She wanted to be there for Jey, to offer him comfort and support, but the thought of facing him alone, knowing he was vulnerable and possibly scared, sent a wave of trepidation through her.

As the doctor left, Rhea steeled herself for what was to come. She inhaled deeply, willing herself to be strong. Jey needed her, and she wouldn’t falter. She wouldn’t allow fear to overtake her. They were in this together, and she would fight for him just as fiercely as he would fight for his own recovery.

Jon wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and Rhea leaned into him, drawing strength from his presence. “He’s going to fight this,” Jon said softly, his voice steady. “We’ll be right here with him.”

As Rhea prepared to see him, her mind was flooded with memories of Jey—his laughter, his strength, and his unwavering support for her. She was determined to be his strength now, to remind him that he wasn’t alone. She wasn’t just going to be a spectator in his recovery; she would be an active participant.

Rhea took a breath, focusing on the name he had whispered, on the love they shared that connected them even in this moment of chaos. She would be there for him, not just as Rhea but as Demi—the woman who loved him fiercely and would fight for their future together.

She would face whatever lay ahead, and when Jey opened his eyes, she would be there—ready to remind him that he was loved and that together, they would navigate the uncertainty of this moment.

Rhea stood frozen in front of Jey’s hospital room door, her hand hovering over the handle as if touching it would break her already fragile composure. Her body felt heavy, drained of all strength, her legs weak beneath her. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her breathing shallow and uneven. The faint beeping of the machines on the other side of the door made her stomach twist in knots.

Jey was in there—alive but wounded. Vulnerable.

Rhea closed her eyes, summoning the last bit of resolve she had left. Her hand trembled as she grasped the handle, slowly turning it until the door clicked open.

The sterile scent of antiseptic and the noises of the machinery hit her senses as she stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow from the monitors casting shadows over the bed. Jey lay there, his upper body partially elevated to ease his breathing. Bandages covered his right shoulder, the edges stained slightly red from the surgery. Tubes were connected to an IV line in his arm, and the heart monitor beeped steadily in the background. His face, though peaceful, bore the marks of pain and exhaustion. His lips were dry, and his chest rose and fell in a steady but labored rhythm.

Her breath caught in her throat. Seeing him like this, so vulnerable and still, was a shock she wasn’t prepared for. Rhea felt the tears burn at the back of her eyes, but she forced herself to hold them back. Jey didn’t need her tears right now—he needed her strength.

Slowly, Rhea approached the bed, her feet barely making a sound on the cold hospital floor. She reached out, hesitating for a moment before her fingers finally touched his hand. It was warm but limp beneath her touch, and she had to fight the overwhelming urge to break down.

“Jey…” she whispered softly, her voice barely registering.

As if sensing her presence, Jey stirred slightly. His eyelids fluttered open, his brown eyes dull with pain and fatigue. He blinked several times, struggling to focus on her face.

“Jey,” Rhea said again, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m right here.”

Jey’s eyes moved toward her, recognition flickering in them as he tried to lift his head. His lips parted, and he struggled to form words, his voice hoarse and broken. “B-baby…”

Rhea’s heart clenched at the sound of his voice, so weak and strained. She leaned in closer, brushing a stray hair from his forehead. “Yes, baby, I’m right here,” she said softly, her thumb gently caressing the back of his hand. “Don’t speak, okay? You don’t have to say anything.”

Jey shook his head weakly, as if disagreeing. He swallowed hard, his chest rising and falling unevenly. “I… love… you…” he managed to whisper, his words slurred and filled with effort. Each breath seemed harder than the last, his body straining to keep up.

Before Rhea could respond, the heart monitor began beeping erratically, the rhythm changing from steady to frantic. Jey’s body suddenly tensed, his muscles seizing up as his eyes rolled back slightly. His breathing became shallow, gasping, as the alarms from the machines grew louder. His heart rate plummeted on the screen, the numbers dropping rapidly.

“Jey!” Rhea gasped, panic flooding her as she reached for him. “Jey, no!”

Before she could even yell for help, the door burst open, and several nurses and a doctor rushed inside, all of them moving with practiced urgency. One of them gently but firmly pulled Rhea back from the bed as others gathered around Jey, assessing the situation.

“Get her out of here,” someone said in a calm but authoritative voice.

Rhea resisted, her feet planted firmly on the ground, refusing to leave. “No! I need to stay! Please!”

But before she could fight further, she felt strong hands on her shoulders. It was Jon. He was pulling her back, his grip steady but not harsh. “Rhea, come on,” he said, his voice tight with emotion. “You have to let them work.”

She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “I can’t leave him, Jon! I can’t!”

Jon held her tighter, pulling her out of the room as the nurses and doctors worked frantically to stabilize Jey. “Rhea, please,” he whispered, his own voice breaking. “You have to trust them. They’ll save him.”

The last thing Rhea saw before the door closed was Jey’s still body surrounded by medical staff, the beeping of the machines growing more chaotic. The door clicked shut, separating her from him, and the weight of it crushed her chest. Her legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed against Jon, sobbing uncontrollably into his chest as he held her.

It felt like hours before the door to the trauma unit finally opened. Dr. Patel stepped out, removing his gloves and adjusting his surgical cap, his face a mixture of exhaustion and concern. Jon, Trinity, and Jey’s parents immediately stood up, bracing themselves for the news.

Dr. Patel looked at the family, his expression serious but gentle. “We were able to stabilize Joshua. His heart went into shock due to the blood loss and trauma from the gunshot wounds. We administered medications to get his heart rhythm back to normal and performed an emergency intervention to control some internal bleeding that we hadn’t anticipated during the initial surgery. The good news is that we’ve stopped the bleeding and his vital signs have stabilized for now.”

Rhea, who had been staring at the floor, barely registered the words. All she could think about was that moment—Jey’s body seizing up, the heart monitor’s rapid beeping, and the nurses rushing in. She felt numb, empty.

Dr. Patel continued, addressing the family, “Joshua will be closely monitored for the next 24 to 72 hours. We’ve inserted a central line to administer fluids and medications more effectively, and he’s on a ventilator to help with his breathing until his body can recover from the shock. There’s still a risk of infection, and we’ll be watching for any signs of complications.”

Jon’s voice was steady, but tight with emotion. “What are his chances, Doc?”

Dr. Patel hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing his words carefully. “At this point, it’s hard to say with certainty. His body is weak, and he’s been through a lot of trauma. The next few days are critical, but I can say he’s a fighter. He made it through the hardest part, and that’s a good sign.”

A collective breath of relief passed through the room, though the tension was far from gone.

The doctor glanced around the family. “I want to stress that he’s still very weak..”

The fatigue, the weight of everything, was overwhelming. She felt the hollowness deepening in her chest.

She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her eyes met Solofa and Talisua’s, and in that moment, she nodded quietly, a small, barely perceptible gesture. “You go,” she whispered, her voice fragile. “You should be with him.”

Solofa nodded back, his face worn with worry but grateful. Talisua, tears in her eyes, reached out to touch Rhea’s arm gently before she and Solofa made their way toward Jey’s room.

Rhea watched them go, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt disconnected from everything, like her body wasn’t her own anymore. She couldn’t even process the pain or the fear—it was all too much. She just wanted to disappear, to escape it all.

Without a word, she stood up from her chair, her movements mechanical. Jon and Trinity noticed immediately, both rising to their feet.

“Rhea?” Jon’s voice was concerned, searching her face. “Where are you going?”

Trinity stepped forward, her eyes full of sympathy. “Do you want us to come with you?”

Rhea didn’t answer. She couldn’t. She just shook her head slightly, her gaze unfocused, and before they could say anything else, she turned and walked out of the waiting room.

Her feet carried her through the sterile white hallways, past people she didn’t recognize, past nurses and doctors who didn’t even notice her. She had no idea where she was going—she just kept walking, as if the movement itself would make the weight in her chest disappear.

Before she knew it, she had stopped in front of a vending machine in an unfamiliar hallway. The soft hum of the machine filled the silence around her, the bright neon glow casting a harsh light on her pale face. She stared at the rows of snacks, but her mind was far away, detached from the world around her.

Rhea’s hands were trembling again, but this time she didn’t try to stop them. She just let herself feel the shaking, the emptiness, the overwhelming grief. The enormity of everything was too much to process—Jey’s injuries, the trauma of the attack, the guilt that sat heavy on her chest. The worst part was how powerless she felt. She couldn’t protect him. She couldn’t save him. All she could do was watch as his life hung in the balance.

As Rhea stood in front of the vending machine, her eyes landed on the row of Snickers bars. Something about them pulled her out of the fog of her own grief, yanking her back to a memory—a simple, almost ridiculous moment, yet one that now felt like a lifeline.

Her mind drifted back to that day, back when things were normal, and Jey had walked through the door to his hotel suite with a Walgreens bag in hand, his grin wide as he dumped a massive fun-sized bag of Snickers onto the coffee table. She’d raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk.

“I asked for KitKats,” Rhea had reminded him, slightly annoyed but amused by how unapologetic he looked.

Without missing a beat, Jey reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a single KitKat, holding it up like a peace offering.

“There you go, babe. One KitKat. Special delivery.”

Rhea had rolled her eyes at him, playfully snatching the KitKat from his hand. “You bring home a million Snickers and only one KitKat? I see how it is.”

Jey had shrugged, popping a Snickers into his mouth with a mischievous grin. “Snickers were on sale. You know how it is. Gotta stock up.”

She’d huffed in mock frustration, but deep down, it was those little quirks of his that she loved. That moment, so small and ordinary, had become something she cherished—something she never knew would come to mean so much now, when she stood on the edge of losing him forever.

In the cold light of the hospital, staring at the Snickers bars behind the glass, Rhea felt her chest tighten. She would give anything to hear his voice again, to tease him about buying too many Snickers, to just be with him in that ridiculous, comforting normalcy.

Her hand reached up, brushing at the tears that slid down her cheeks. That memory was so vivid, it hurt. It was the kind of hurt that wrapped itself around her heart, suffocating her, but at the same time, it reminded her of what she was fighting for—why she couldn’t give up, not yet.

Jey had to pull through. He just had to.

“He brought the KitKat bar in the hotel lobby because he forgot to buy it for you at the store,” a soft, familiar voice said from behind her.

Rhea’s breath hitched, and her body froze. Slowly, she turned around, eyes wide with disbelief. Standing before her was Julie—her miscarried daughter. Julie looked ethereal, almost translucent, her presence so gentle yet so powerful that it filled the space around them with an otherworldly calm. She seemed to glow, a soft light surrounding her, making it clear that she wasn’t entirely of this world.

She couldn’t speak. Words felt too heavy, too impossible. Her throat closed up, and all she could do was stare.

“I’m sorry I haven’t visited since your coma,” Julie said, her voice like a whisper on the wind, tender and kind.

Rhea swallowed hard, still unable to respond. Her hands shook slightly as she clenched them at her sides. She had so many things to say, so many questions to ask, but nothing came out. She just stood there, overwhelmed by the sight of her daughter, who should have been alive, here, with her.

Julie, noticing her silence, looked up at the ceiling, as though she were listening to something far away, something beyond their realm. Her expression softened, and she fixed her gaze back on Rhea.

“The big man said it was not his intention to bring more pain,” Julie explained gently, her eyes filled with a deep understanding, a kind of wisdom that no child could possess in life.

Rhea’s heart ached, her mind whirling. Was Julie talking about God? Fate? The universe? Everything about the moment felt surreal, like a dream she wasn’t quite sure how to wake from.

Still, Rhea remained silent, her emotions too raw, too jagged to untangle. She wanted to reach out, to hold Julie, but she knew she couldn’t. Not really. It was like touching air—her daughter wasn’t truly there, and yet, her presence was undeniable.

Julie’s expression softened further, and she tilted her head slightly, watching her mother with a kind of sorrowful compassion. “You don’t have to carry all of this alone, Mom,” she whispered. “It’s okay to let go of the guilt. It wasn’t your fault.”

Rhea’s knees felt weak, her hands trembling as she clenched her fists harder. Guilt. It had been her constant companion since that day—since she lost Julie, since everything spiraled into chaos.

“Why couldn’t God just take me instead?” Rhea’s voice trembled, each word heavy with grief and despair. Her heart ached with the weight of her losses, and she felt as if the ground beneath her was crumbling away.

Julie looked at her, sorrow etched across her young features. “Dad said the same thing,” she replied softly, her voice gentle yet full of understanding. Rhea furrowed her brow, confusion swirling in her mind.

Before she could ask for clarity, Julie reached out and touched Rhea’s heart, the warmth of herl hand sending a jolt through Rhea’s body. In an instant, Rhea felt herself being lifted, transported somewhere new. The fluorescent lights of the hospital hallway faded away, replaced by the soft glow of candlelight.

Rhea found herself in a chapel. The air was thick with a sense of reverence, each flicker of the candles casting dancing shadows on the walls. It was quiet, yet a heavy tension hung in the atmosphere, as if the very space was holding its breath.

Rhea’s gaze swept across the room until it landed on Jey, kneeling before the statue of God at the altar. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, so vulnerable, so lost in his grief.

“Is this my punishment for loving Rhea?” Jey’s voice was strained, filled with anguish. He was speaking to the heavens, his hands shooting up in frustration, palms open as if surrendering to the weight of his pain.

Rhea’s breath caught in her throat. “Why didn’t I see this?” she asked Julie, her voice barely a whisper.

“Because you were in your coma,” Julie replied, her voice heavy with sorrow.

Jey’s frustration turned to desperation as he cried out, “What did I do to deserve this? You already took Julie away! Now you’re going to take Rhea?” The torment of his daughter’s loss twisted like a knife in his heart, the grief feeling fresh, as if the memories of that devastating day were replaying in real-time.

With each anguished word, Jey’s voice grew louder, a storm of anger and sorrow. “What do you want from me? Why put her in my path if you don’t want me with her? Why give me a glimpse of happiness only to snatch it away? Why?” The raw emotion in his voice echoed through the chapel, each word laced with a mixture of defiance and hopelessness.

Suddenly, he crumbled, collapsing onto the cold stone floor, the weight of his pain pulling him down. Rhea felt her heart shatter as she watched him, his body shaking as he let the tears flow freely, the sobs erupting from him like a dam bursting under pressure. The sound reverberated in the stillness of the chapel, a raw and heart-wrenching symphony of heartbreak and defeat.

“Take me instead!” he pleaded, his voice hoarse and cracked, eyes glistening with tears as he looked up at the statue, hands still raised in supplication. “Don’t take her! Take me! I can’t bear this pain anymore!” Each word spilled from him, a desperate cry into the void, challenging the very forces that had shaped his life.

Rhea’s heart ached for him, tears streaming down her face as she absorbed the weight of his despair. She longed to comfort him, to tell him it was okay, to share the burden of grief that had threatened to consume them both. But she remained frozen, helpless to reach him.

Suddenly, Julie touched Rhea’s heart once more, and in an instant, they were back in the hallway again, standing before the vending machine. The stark contrast of the mundane moment compared to the spiritual weight of what they had just witnessed left Rhea reeling.

“Is he going to be okay?” Rhea asked.

“I have to go…” Julie said softly, her voice filled with love and reassurance. “I love you, Mom.”

With that, Julie vanished, leaving Rhea standing alone in the hallway, her heart aching with the weight of everything that had transpired. She clutched at her chest, feeling the emptiness of her daughter’s absence while holding onto the hope that perhaps, just perhaps, there was still time for both her and Jey.

The vending machine hummed quietly, a reminder of the reality she had returned to. But Rhea knew now that they weren’t alone in this fight. They were still connected, bound by love and shared pain, and somehow, they would find their way back to each other.

As Rhea stood in the hallway, grappling with the overwhelming emotions swirling within her, the world outside continued to spin with urgency and fear. The frantic calls from Jon had set off a chain reaction, each connection woven into a tapestry of worry, love, and hope.

In San Francisco, Takecia paced her living room, the phone pressed to her ear as she listened to Jon’s shaky voice. “He got out of surgery, but he went into shock, Takecia. They said he’s stable now, but you need to get to Pensacola as fast as you can.”

“I’m on it,” she replied, her heart racing. She turned to her sons, Jeyce and Jaciyah, who were sitting on the couch, confusion etched on their faces. “Boys, we need to get to your dad. He’s hurt, but he’s going to be okay. We’re catching the next flight.”

“Is he gonna be alright, Mom?” Jeyce asked, his young voice tinged with fear.

Takecia knelt beside them, forcing a reassuring smile. “He’s strong, just like you. He needs us right now.”

As she pulled up the American Airlines website, she felt a pang in her heart. She hated that her children had to go through this. They deserved better. In that moment, she resolved to be the strong anchor they needed.

Meanwhile, across the country in Las Vegas, Joseph and his wife Almia rushed to pack their bags, urgency fueling their movements. The news had hit Joseph like a freight train, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “We have to get there, Almia. Jey needs us.”

“I know,” Almia replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She grabbed a few essentials and stuffed them into their suitcase. “I’ll check for the next available flight.”

As Joseph paced the room, he couldn’t shake the feeling of helplessness. “What if something happens while we’re on the way? What if we’re too late?”

“We won’t be,” Almia insisted, her voice firm. “We’ll get there. He’s going to pull through. Just focus on getting us on that flight.”

On the other side of Pensacola, Joe and Galina were already on the road, the tires of their car screeching against the pavement as they made their way to the hospital. “What did Jon say?” Galina asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.

“He said Jey got out of surgery but then went into shock,” Joe replied, trying to keep his tone calm. “I can’t believe this is happening. He’s practically my brother; I should’ve been there.”

Galina reached over and squeezed his hand. “You’re here now, and that’s what matters. We’ll get through this together.”

As they approached the hospital, Joe couldn’t shake the dread settling in his stomach. He knew the wrestling community would be there, and he couldn’t help but feel the weight of their collective worry.

Outside the hospital, the media had descended like vultures, eager for any detail they could get. Cameras flashed, and reporters stood poised, ready to relay the latest updates on the wrestling star’s condition. The news reporter for the local station began her broadcast, her tone serious as she spoke directly to the camera.

“Breaking news from HCA Florida West Hospital, where WWE Superstar Jey Uso, also known as Joshua Fatu, is currently recovering after being shot earlier tonight. We have confirmed that there was a home invasion at the home where Mr. Fatu shared with his current fiancé Demi Bennett, also known as WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley. The police have not named the assailant but we can confirm here that assailant was taken to another nearby hospital where he is being treated. Sources confirm Fatu is stable but has experienced shock. Family members are gathering as we speak.”

In that hospital hallway, the lives of so many were about to converge, bringing with them the strength and support that Jey needed to fight for his life. As Rhea’s heart ached for Jey, the universe was quietly aligning to remind her that she was never truly alone.

—

November 6th, 2024 1:45 PM

It had been two days since Jon, Trinity, and Rhea left the hospital to make arrangements. Rhea and Jey’s house had become a crime scene, leaving Rhea to stay at Jon and Trinity’s home. Solofa, Talisua, Joseph, and Almia all decided to stay there too, while Joe and Galina took Takecia, Jeyce and Jaciyah to stay with them. Each family member had spent time with Jey throughout the day, but Rhea had chosen the night shift, opting to sit with him when the room grew quiet and still. Damian, Kayden, Finn, Liv and Dominik had reached out to Rhea but she asked for privacy at the time being, she didn’t have the social battery to say ‘thank you’ and ‘he will pull through’ comments to them. Nevertheless, the group sent flowers to Jey’s room, often Rhea looking at them and watering them.

Rhea remained seated under the awning, her eyes lost in the heavy rainfall that drenched the world around her. The rhythmic drumming on the patio roof was the only sound, offering her a fleeting sense of peace amidst the chaos swirling in her mind. Each day Jey didn’t wake up, was another day Rhea stayed in the patio. Not to mention, the rain hadn’t stopped.

Inside, Trinity silently prepared the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner machine. She filled it with the cleaning solution, the liquid bubbling softly as it settled. After making sure everything was ready, she pulled on her gloves, her heart heavy with the weight of the task ahead. The small machine sat on the kitchen counter, humming faintly, waiting for the jewelry that held so much history and pain.

Trinity stepped outside, the cool air mixing with the warmth of her own nervous breath as she approached Rhea on the patio.

“It’s time,” she said softly, crouching beside Rhea’s chair, her voice full of compassion.

Rhea turned to her, eyes dull, weighed down by exhaustion. “Can you undo it?” Rhea whispered, her voice barely audible. “I don’t have the strength.”

Trinity nodded, her movements steady yet gentle. She reached for Jey’s Cuban chain first, unclasping it from around Rhea’s neck. Next came the chain Jey had gifted Rhea and the necklace that seemed so intertwined with their relationship. Rhea clenched her hand for a moment, reluctant to let go of the last two pieces of him, but with a shaky breath, she allowed Trinity to slip off the matching permanent bracelet that bore Jey’s full name engraved on the bar. Rhea looked at her engagement ring, the last and hardest piece to remove.

“It’ll take no more than 10 minutes,” Trinity said gently, though her voice wavered.

Rhea just nodded, her gaze fixed on the ring, the sound drowning out the emotions she was too exhausted to express. She felt Trinity’s hand and felt the ring be removed from Rhea.

Trinity stood, clutching the jewelry in her gloved hands, and returned inside. She carefully placed each piece into the ultrasonic cleaner, watching them sink into the clear solution. As the machine hummed to life, she stared at the liquid, hoping this ritual would somehow cleanse the horrors of the past days.

But then, slowly, the solution began to turn red.

The sight of the clear liquid darkening made Trinity’s throat tighten. She hadn’t expected this—hadn’t realized how symbolic it would feel, like seeing Jey’s blood all over again. It wasn’t about getting rid of Jey; it was about trying to cleanse the pain, the trauma, and the violence that had led to this point. And yet, the red hue in the solution seemed to remind her that the damage was already done.

Meanwhile, Takecia pulled up to Jon and Trinity’s house, her heart heavy as she realized she had to face Rhea. The woman who had been there when Jey was shot. The woman who had been with him during what should have been their marriage. The thought sent a sharp pain through her, but she knew she had to push through it for her sons. She couldn’t keep putting this off, today was the day.

Taking a deep breath, she got out of the rental car, her feet dragging as if they were made of lead. She hesitated for a moment, her hand trembling as she knocked on the door. Trinity answered, and despite the bad blood between them, the tension of their last interaction melted away as Trinity stepped forward and pulled Takecia into a hug. Neither of them spoke, but they both understood the weight of the situation. Words weren’t necessary.

Takecia glanced toward the patio and saw Rhea sitting alone under the awning. She could feel her throat tighten, her stomach twisting as she set her keys and wallet on the hallway table. Slowly, she made her way to the door and stepped outside.

Rhea looked up, her eyes locking with Takecia’s. The woman who had shattered her marriage, the woman who had caused her so much pain. And yet, here they were, face to face, united by the same man they both loved.

Takecia took a seat across from Rhea. Neither woman spoke, the rain continuing to fall, filling the silence between them.

Rhea and Takecia sat under the awning, their gaze lost in the downpour. They didn’t even flinch when she heard the thunder. Both women didn’t say anything for what felt like forever. The rain beat a steady rhythm, filling the silence with its own soft melody.

Finally, it was Takecia who broke the quiet, her voice soft, almost hesitant. “You know… I never blamed you.”

Rhea blinked, frowning as if she hadn’t heard correctly. “What?”

“I never blamed you,” Takecia repeated, this time with more certainty. Her eyes remained fixed on the falling rain. “Not for the affair. Not for Jey leaving. Not even for what happened with Matt.” She shook her head slightly, her voice carrying a weight of someone who had long come to terms with the past. “I spent a long time trying to figure out where things went wrong between Jey and me. And… I realized it wasn’t about you.”

Rhea’s brow furrowed deeper, confusion spreading across her face. “I don’t understand.” Her voice was rough, raw.

Takecia sighed, leaning back in the chair, her body heavy with the weight of everything unsaid. “Jey and I… we were broken long before you. Maybe I saw it, maybe I didn’t. But you weren’t the reason for our end, Rhea. You just happened to come into his life when he was already ready to leave. I did try… but something deep in me told me it was done. Sure, I acted like it caught me off guard.. but I knew.”

Rhea’s lips parted, her eyes softening in disbelief. “But I… I thought I ruined everything.”

Takecia met her gaze for the first time, her expression surprisingly calm. “It was more complicated than that. If it wasn’t you, it would have been something else. Jey was looking for something I couldn’t give him anymore.” There was no venom in her voice, only quiet acceptance.

Rhea lowered her head, her fingers gripping the fabric of her jeans. “I never thought you’d say that. I didn’t think you’d ever…”

“Hate you?” Takecia gave a small, sad smile. “I did. For a long time. But it wasn’t fair to blame you for everything. People drift apart, and Jey and I did. It took me a while to accept it.”

Rhea’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears, a weight lifting from her chest that she didn’t even know she had been carrying. “I’m sorry for everything that happened,” she whispered. “I never meant to come between you.”

“I know.” Takecia’s voice was quiet but firm. “And, in a strange way, I’m glad Jey had someone who could make him feel alive again. Even if it wasn’t me.”

Rhea’s breath caught in her throat, tears spilling over. “You’re stronger than I could ever be,” she whispered, overwhelmed by Takecia’s unexpected grace.

Takecia shook her head gently, her own eyes shimmering with emotion. “No. I’m just tired. Tired of hating. Tired of being angry. I just want him to wake up and be okay, whether it’s with me or… you.”

The silence returned, but this time it wasn’t heavy with resentment or guilt. It was filled with an understanding neither of them had expected to find. The rain continued to fall, steady and relentless, but somehow, in that moment, the storm felt a little less fierce.

After a long silence, Takecia stood up, her movements deliberate. Rhea watched, unsure of what to expect next. Then, in an act that shocked Rhea to her core, Takecia stepped forward and enveloped her in a hug. The embrace was unexpected, warm, and genuine. Rhea stood frozen for a moment, her heart racing as she registered the significance of this gesture. They didn’t say anything; words felt insufficient in that moment. They simply stood there, wrapped in the weight of their shared grief and newfound understanding, as the rain continued to pour softly around them, the rhythmic sound echoing their silent exchange.

When they finally pulled apart, Rhea saw a mix of sadness and determination in Takecia’s eyes. “When all this mess is over,” she said, her voice steady despite the downpour, “I’ll be selling our house in San Francisco. I want to move to Pensacola to be closer.” The admission hung in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the future they were both navigating, albeit from different paths.

Rhea nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over her. “That sounds good,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. It felt like a promise of sorts—a promise that they could coexist in this new reality.

Takecia continued, “Jaciyah wants to speak with you when he gets back from seeing Jey. I think it’s important for him.” Rhea felt a lump form in her throat at the mention of Jey’s son, knowing how hard this must be for him too. “I’d like that,” Rhea managed to say, grateful for the chance to connect.

With a final nod of understanding, Takecia turned to leave the patio, pausing at the door to look back at Rhea one last time. “We’ll get through this,” she said quietly, her voice nearly drowned out by the sound of the rain before disappearing into the house.

Rhea watched her go, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within her. The weight of the moment lingered, but there was a flicker of hope too—a sign that perhaps they could navigate this journey together, no matter how rocky it might still be.

Taking a deep breath, Rhea returned her gaze to the rain-soaked garden, the familiar ache in her heart still present but somehow less suffocating. The steady rainfall mirrored her thoughts, yet it also felt cleansing, washing away some of the tension that had built up inside her. She felt more grounded now, ready to face whatever came next for her, Jey, and even Takecia.

As the clouds hung heavy above, she knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to heal together.

Rhea stayed out on the patio, watching the rain as it poured steadily, lost in her thoughts. Memories of Jey flashed through her mind—his laughter, the way he looked at her when he thought she wasn’t paying attention, the warmth of his embrace. The steady rhythm of the rain seemed to echo the turmoil inside her, a backdrop to the whirlwind of emotions she couldn’t quite sort through.

The patio door opened once more, breaking her reverie. Jon stepped outside, holding a plate of food that caught Rhea’s eye. It was her favorite—ham and pineapple pizza, two steaming hot brownies, and a bottle of cherry coke. The aroma wafted toward her, stirring her stomach, reminding her just how long it had been since she had eaten.

“Hey,” Jon said softly, placing the plate in front of her before sitting down opposite her. He turned his gaze toward the rain, the weight of the moment settling between them.

“Jaciyah and Jeyce are with Jey right now,” Jon added, his voice steady but tinged with concern. Rhea nodded, grateful that the boys could be with their father, even if it was under such dire circumstances.

She stared down at the food, her appetite conflicting with the heaviness in her heart. Finally, she pushed the plate aside, her guilt washing over her like the relentless rain. “I should’ve had Jey check the peephole,” she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. “Maybe if I had—”

“Rhea, don’t do this to yourself,” Jon interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. “You can’t blame yourself for what happened. You did everything you could.”

“But if I had just been more careful—” Rhea’s voice broke, the guilt threatening to drown her. “I should’ve known he would come after me. I put Jey in danger!”

“Stop,” Jon said, leaning forward. “You can’t think like that. Jey chose to protect you. That’s on him, not you.” He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. “I know it’s hard, but Jey wouldn’t want you to carry this weight.”

Rhea drew in a shaky breath, looking out at the rain once more. “What happened to Jey when I went into my coma?” she asked, the question hanging heavy in the air. Jon’s expression shifted, the hurt evident in his eyes. He seemed to hesitate, the memories clearly painful for him to recount.

“I don’t want to talk about that,” he said quietly, avoiding her gaze.

“Please, Jon,” Rhea pressed, desperation creeping into her voice. “I need to know. Was he… did he…?”

Jon clenched his jaw, clearly torn. “He was in shock, Rhea. It wasn’t just the physical injuries; it was everything that led up to it. You should have seen him. He was a wreck,” he finally admitted, his voice strained. “He stayed by your side, even when it looked like you might not wake up. He refused to leave the hospital.”

Rhea felt her heart constrict at Jon’s words. “I didn’t know… I didn’t know he was hurting so much.”

Jon looked at her, his eyes softening. “He was, Rhea. He still is. But right now, he needs you to be strong. He needs you to fight for him like he fought for you.”

A moment of silence passed between them, filled only by the sound of rain drumming against the roof. Rhea finally picked up her plate and took a small bite of the pizza, the flavors flooding her senses. It was comforting, a small reminder of home in the midst of chaos.

“Thank you for this, Jon,” she said, swallowing hard. “For everything.”

“Just be hopeful..” Jon replied, giving her a reassuring smile. “That’s all that matters right now.”

[anemptypuddingcup]

Sticky and Messy.

Luffy x Female Reader.

Period smut short.

Luffy pushes your legs up a bit, shoving his cock further into your pussy and making you moan out shakily. His cock kissed your cervix and stretched your pussy out to fit the shape of his cock.

He wanted to make sure you felt every inch of his dick.

Your arms wrapped around his body and your nails marked his back a bit deep while he moans out. He presses his lips against yours lovingly, sloppily kissing you while he fucks your pussy. Pulling back, a string of saliva tears from your lips and his while he groans out heavily.

The bed rocked with every thrust he gave you, the sound of his hips slapping stickily against yours made you blush and mewl out in arousal. Blood coated your pussy and his lower abdomen as he grinds his cock deep into your pussy, making you gasp out. You wrap your legs tight around his hips while your walls tightens around his thick length.

“S’sticky an’ bloody~ Ya pussy feels s’good like this~” Luffy groans out, his eyes half-lidded and looking deep into yours. His hands gripped the sheet tight beneath you and he scoots his body up more against yours before huffing out suddenly. You could feel his cock twitch inside of your cunt and you huff out shakily.

“Close!~ M-M’close!” Luffy huffs out, biting his bottom lip a bit tight while he wraps his arms around you. You whine out and let out a heavy gasp, your nails clawing at his back while you kept your legs tight around his hips. Your toes curled and spreads a bit from the wonderful pleasure, his cock hitting all of those good spots and making you huff out with delight.

“Fuck! F-Faster Luffy! Faster!” You moan out, begging for him to just fuck you faster and harder. Luffy smiles and groans out heavily, sliding his hot tongue along the skin of your neck. “Hah~ Don’ worry~ Was jus’ bouta go fast f’ya dumplin’~” He huffs out, shoving you down deeper into the mattress and wrapping his rubbery arms tighter around your body.

You bite your bottom lip and moan out loudly, your breasts bouncing a bit from the recoil of Luffy’s thrusts. “Fuck Luffy!~ F-Feels so good!~” You gasp out to him, a soft whine spilling after as your body begins to tremble. “Fuck baby!~ Ya pussy s’fucking good~ M-M’gonna cum~” Luffy moans out, pressing sloppy smooches to your cheek while a shaky exhale followed after.

“Yes Luffy~ C-Cum inside of me~ F-Fill me up please~” You whine out, begging him to cum inside of your needy and breedable pussy. Luffy growls in responds, trailing his tongue along the softness of your skin while his thrusts grew more irregular and sloppy in rhythm. “Ya wan’ me t’fill ya up? M’lil dumplin’ wanna be filled up?~” He teases, gripping your chin softly to look at him. “Y-Yeah Luffyyy~ P-Please~” You whine out shakily, your hands growing shaky against his back as your body and pussy grew more sensitive and vulnerable.

Luffy snickers before humming out, biting his lip while thrusts his hips a bit deeper into your blood-soaked cunt. You moan out shakily and you threw your head back as you struggled to hold on your orgasm, your mouth hanging open while you shut your eyes. “L-Luffy! O-Ooh!~ Oh god I-I’m cumming!~” You gasp out, your lips quivering as your hands begin to slip from his back.

“Cmon baby~ I wan’cha t’cum~ Cum on my fuckin’ dick dumplin~” He groans out, his cock twitching deep within’ your insides and making you arch your back. “Oh! Oh Luffy!~ F-Fuck!~” You gasp out and kept him close, your pussy tightening around his length before you finally release on his cock. Your cream on his cock, your essence coating his length while he hissed out at how tight you’ve gotten.

“Hah fuck~ Fuck baby gal! Imma cum in this tight fuckin’ pussy s’hard~” Luffy groans out, continuously pressing sloppy sticky smooches against your body. “Please d-do~ Fill up your little dumplin’ Luffyy~” You whisper shakily. Luffy’s eyes widens at your words and he smiles before unwrapping his arms from your body.

His rough hands grips your thighs and pushes them up far against your chest, shoving himself far inside of your pussy. You cry and gasp out shakily, his cock practically knocking against your womb and giving you a loving bulge in your lower abdomen. You gasp out as he fucks your pussy with aggression, a few groans and grunts leaving past his lips while he shut his eyes tight.

You close your eyes and moan out, taking his cock deep inside of your sensitive pussy like his good girl. A few groans leaves him and he huffs out before opening his mouth. You could feel that he was struggling to reach his orgasm, desperately chasing after his high.

“Fuck baby!~ Hah~ I-I’m gonna cum~” He whines out shakily, a bit of slobber spilling past his lips as he felt himself growing close. You gripped his shoulders tight and moan out shakily, growing a bit overstimulated by his cock. “Cum baby!~ Cum inside of my pussy p-please!~” You exhaled sharply, your face twisting up from the pleasure.

Luffy nods and fucks you a bit harder, the bed rocking loudly and your moans growing louder and needy. “Fuck! Fuck yeah, I feel it comin’!” He groans out, his lips quivering as he hissed out in pleasure. You smiled softly to him and give him and give him a smooch. Luffy gives you a deep and needy kiss before trailing his lips down to your shoulder.

He bites your shoulder and moans out, finally close to his orgasm that he’s been chasing desperately after. He groans out heavily and his thrusts grew more fast and irregular as he shuts his eyes tight. You hugged your rubber boyfriend, moaning out as he fucks you forcefully yet wonderfully.

“Mmgh!~ Mmmmh!~” He groans out shakily as his eyes rolls up, wrapping his arms tight around you and pulling you close. You wrap your arms tight around him, holding on to him while a shaky moan leaves past your lips. He releases with a loud groan, his cum coating your walls and going deep inside of your sticky pussy with shaky hips. He groans out shakily and his body trembles against yours, his hips slowly fucking the cum into you to make sure most of it was inside.

“Mmmgh~ F-Fuck baby~” Luffy mewls out, his breaths heavy as he lies his head down against your breasts. You were on the verge of falling asleep as you rub your hand along his back.

“Oh Luffy~” You mewl out sleepily, pressing a smooch to his temple while he looks up at you with half-lidded eyes. “Mmh~ Dumplin~” He hums out, a little yawn leaving his lips.

“Thank you baby…I needed that so much…” You sigh out sleepily, your hand reaching up to his raven curls. Your hand play in his hair slowly and you slowly began to hear Luffy’s snores fill your ears. You’re giggled and relaxed against him, his cock still warm and pulsating inside of your cunt.

“Thank you Luffy…”

[deepinsideyourbeing]

PERDON HERMANA POR LO QUE VAS A LEER ESTO TIENE QUE SER ANÓNIMO SI O SI

Ves a Enzo con un lacation kink? Tipo ella produce mucha leche e incluso cuando el bebe ya esta lleno ella sigue teniendo un montón, lo ves teniendo un momento intimo con su novia diciendole que se relaje mientras le chupa los pezones y bueno... Bebe la leche?

(dato: se dice por ahí que la leche materna es dulce)

+18!

La extracción de leche materna debería ser catalogada como una forma de tortura medieval, es algo que pensás a diario, pero de momento es la única solución a tu problema. Mientras tu cabello todavía gotea luego de un relajante baño caliente, te recostás para continuar la incómoda tarea a la que ya te acostumbraste.

-¿Se durmió?- preguntás cuando Enzo entra en la habitación-. ¿La tapaste bien?

-Sí, tranqui- se arroja a tu lado-. ¿Todavía te duelen? ¿Necesitás algo...?

-Ahora es sólo molestia...- negás-. Odio tener que usar esto.

Frunce los labios en ese gesto que tanto lo caracteriza al pensar, delineando con sus uñas tu pecho en extremo sensible.

-¿Puedo?

La pregunta no te extraña porque desde tu embarazo Enzo hace todo lo posible y más para garantizarte comodidad, lo que sí te sorprende es verlo retirar el aparato con cuidado y dejarlo sobre la mesita de luz. Estás a punto de explicar que no hace falta un masaje, pero la yema de su dedo rozándote te hace temblar.

-¿Qué hacés?- preguntás con una sonrisa, curiosa.

Responde tomando tu pezón entre sus dedos y presiona de manera delicada para no causarte dolor. Tan sólo eso basta para que un par de gotas hagan aparición y se deslicen por tu piel, dejando un rastro que Enzo limpia con su índice para luego llevárselo a la boca.

Te observa con atención mientras acerca su rostro a tu cuerpo, sus párpados cayendo hasta cerrarse una vez que sus labios entran en contacto con tu pezón. Suspirás cuando sentís que comienza a succionar y Enzo imita el sonido, pero no precisamente por compartir tu alivio.

El pantalón deportivo gris que lleva puesto no oculta su erección y mucho menos la mancha húmeda que oscurece la tela. Intentás estirarte para tocarlo pero él toma tu muñeca y niega sin dejar de beber de tu cuerpo.

Se separa sólo unos milímetros de tu pecho y se recuesta allí con delicadeza, atento a cualquier expresión en tu rostro.

-Dejame cuidarte un ratito, ¿sí?

Tengo un par más de pedidos de este estilo y déjenme decirles... Cada día me dan más ganas de tener un bebé con este hombre, es más fuerte que yo 😔

[sleepy0s]

who doesnt like pockets?

Prompt!

grian: Hoodie pockets are so great. I can fit like three sandwiches and a grenade in there and my hands are still warm

Rewrite of chapter 3, new quote be out later

300 words

~~~

The hermits had been in a meeting for the past couple hours, and, fortunately it was ending soon. They had all said what was necessary and everyone knew what was going on.

“Alright then,” Xisuma spoke up, making everyone quiet down, “I’d say if no one has anything to add then this meeting is over-”

THUMP.

Everyone looked around for a minute. “Ah, Grian? Are you doing okay over there.?” Xisuma called out from across the table. The avian himself was crouched on the floor, desperately trying to shovel items back into his pockets before anyone took notice, “Grian, what have you got there?”. Unfortunately, many people had noticed. 

He popped his head up nervously, looking around at everyone before locking eyes with Xisuma. Yeah, he wasn’t getting out of this one. Slowly he placed his belongings on the table. Three Sandwiches, A couple TNT’s and a bag of redstone. 

No one spoke for the first couple minutes, all slightly shocked. Not because he had TNT, that was a future issue. But where did he pull all this from? “Ah… Okay. Lovely collection Gri, want to share why you brought this to the  meeting?”

“No, not really.” He responded, perched on the back of his chair, wings spread for balance, although he spoke after a glare from X. “Alright. So, today I learned that hoodie pockets are really good– especially if your inventory is full– I could fit three sandwiches, TNT and redstone in there!.” 

“Okay, but why.?”

“The sandwiches were for if I got hungry and wanted options, I always have gunpowder on me– in case Mumbo needs it or something, I don’t use it– Oh! And Scar gave me TNT before the meeting started!”

Scar, who was guiltily looking at the floor, trying not to make eye contact.

[arkanis-englishupdates]

SUMMARY OF ALL ARKANIS POVS

DAY 37 — 09/10/2024

The morning in Valigma begins calmly, but not entirely peacefully.

Pac starts to hear some lightning coming from outside his house, until in one of these lightning Pac receives a book ("Sorry but I don't have much time

Want to find out more about your true destiny?"). The text within the book is followed by coordinates of a location.

Arriving at the coordinates, Pac battles some monsters called "Diluted Thieves" and gets another book.

The book appears to be written by a famous thief from the Valigma's City who wore a balaclava and had managed to rob the city's central bank. The author of the book knew that his luck was running out more and more, ending up thinking about just running away from Valigma with his robbery so this doesn't happen.

Upon returning home, Pac is greeted by writing in Arkanya on his wall. Milo and Auau helps him translate and they find out what the phrases was "Thief" and "Little Thief".

As soon as they discover the translation, Pac's vision darkens and the phrases written in Arkanya disappear. Just as Pac's vision returns, lightning strikes outside his house again.

After what happened, Pac meets with Quel, Gris and Guhzera at their house and tells them what happened (Gris remembers that Bia had commented about the anagram of Araldo's name: Araldo = Ladrão [Thief in Portuguese]). Milo then wears a balaclava and Quel talks about Valigma's symbol of peace, a balaclava, and explains what Jota had told her yesterday (Balaclava is a treasure for the city of Valigma because it represents the day that the city's thief had been arrested)

After the conversation, everyone says goodbye and goes their separate ways.

At his home, Guhzera receives an unusual visit from Araldo, who says he wants to train him like JVNQ. Araldo said he would take him to be an "apprentice" for a day and said that Guhzera would only need to sabotage a few things and, in return, he would give him power. If he broke the agreement, Milo would suffer for it.

After the conversation, Araldo disappears and Guzhera returns to focusing on his tasks. Hours later, after saying goodbye to Milo, Guhzera receives a visit from a deep-voiced being who looked exactly like Milo, saying the following phrase over and over again before disappearing as well:

"And if I die, daddy?"

In fear, Guhzera returns to his tasks again.

While at home, Quel receives a visit from Bia. The two talk about the dome (Quel wants to know how the dome managed to be done, and Bia explains that she felt Arkanya's flow stronger, which helped her activate it) and how Gris is doing.

Bia reveals to Quel that Choke is doing very well in training and thinks she will be able to help the specialists when she finishes.

Bia confesses that she would like it to be Quel in training, but that it's okay. Quel thanks her and Bia says that Choke has people by her side like Quel, Maethe and this will help her, because Arkanya is instable. Bia adds that Choke is bipolar and gets stressed easily, which could be linked to Guhzera.

Quel asks when Choke should return, and Bia believes she should be able to finish her last training session on Monday.

Bia then shares with Quel that she had some strange dreams about one of the specialists being able to use Arkanya (without Lankyas' help) in a way never seen before. She couldn't see the person's face but she's sure it's not the Mayor.

While they're on the subject, Que tells Bia about JVNQ being under Araldo's care now, and Bia is shocked by the information. Bia expresses her concern about a possible attack that Araldo could make and says she is weak and without enough Lankyas to protect everybody.

Quel asks if they could get Lankya from Araldo, planning an attack on the factory. Bia responds that Araldo must know some Coder who writes the Lankyas, because his Lankyas are bespoke (Bia mentions that she hasn't seen a Coder in 20 years, she says that the last one she met was a great friend of hers who disappeared from the map, but who hadn't died). The conversation goes on more about the hierarchy of Arkanya handlers, in short:

Coder: writes Lankyas.

Decoder: Reads and uses Lankyas.

Manipulator: Manipulates Arkanya.

Obstinate: does not manipulate Arkanya, but has an artifact imbued with Arkanya.

(The training that Quel failed was to become a Coder, and currently Choke's training was to become one.)

Changing the subject, Que tells Bia that Jota wants to see her, and Bia is surprised by the news but says she doesn't want to see him at all. Bia points out that she won't meet Jota, as she thinks he's up to something. Quel says that Jota has blood in his eyes and Bia decides to investigate him.

As the conversation continued, Quel tells Bia that Jota found out about her involvement in the death of his parents and Bia laughs indignantly, saying that it was absurd. Quel says that there is a tape at Araldo's factory that proves this but Bia denies it, saying that this is impossible. Quel says that a specialist got this information from someone, and Araldo confirmed it.

Quel says that Araldo never showed the tape to Jota.

Bia, nervous, quickly says that she needs to think about it and disappears.

[pinkaditty]

X READER smut imagines (mostly written to Cater Diamond or Asmodeus)

*tiptoes into my blog with an obviously guilty look on my face* hiiiiiii....

yea. I haven't finished the other three Side Characters for the Obey Me! Shall We Date Pervert drabbles. i knowwwww i said it'd be done in a week... and it's been a week... yeaaaaa... im sorry</3 I PROMISE!! IT WILL BE DONE SOON AWA!!!

anyways.

cw: NSFW (minors DNI please, you make me really uncomfortable), choking, penetration, pictures during sex, creampie, gn!mc (your genitalia are never mentioned, only that you're "taking" and he's "giving"), not much d/s but mc does sorta lean dom here (couldn't help myself! <;3)

a/n: im hoping this will tide you all over until i can provide more content. i wrote this a few months ago, but never got around to sharing, so i hope you all enjoy! i promise, Part 3 of the Obey Me Pervert drabbles is on it's way! in the meantime, enjoy this! consider it a sneak peek of my smut writing. (can u tell im nervous)

MINORS DNI. PLEASE.

His hips roll and snap forwards into yours, burying himself deeper with each thrust. He holds one of your legs over his shoulder, the other one holding his phone. You see the flash before you hear the shutter click of a camera. He absentmindedly muttered small praises of how much he enjoyed this and how pretty you were, and how lucky he was you were letting him do this. He sounded like he was falling apart just from being inside. You were taking it well, your fingers curling into the sheets and your eyes bleary, watching his movements, his phone's camera, and his blissed out, dazzling, drunken smile. But, while it felt good, you were admittedly getting tired of him just taking pictures, staring at you from behind a lens, not really taking in the moment. He whimpers as he continues, his arm giving out as he collapses onto his elbows, barely holding himself up, still keeping his phone in his hand. You feel the bright flash and hear yet another shutter click. You want to knock his phone out of his hand.

You watch as he gulps, panting, whining about how good it feels. His adam's apple bobs in his throat as he continues to murmur unintelligible praises. You suddenly have an idea.You uncurl your fingers from the sheets and reach upwards for his shoulders, pressing your hands into them, clenching them. He smiles as smugly as he can, as he continues falling apart, assuming you are close. Suddenly, you move your hands to his neck, wrapping your fingers around him. Before he can respond, you begin to squeeze, tightening his airway just slightly.

It sends a shockwave through his body and he drops his phone in surprise, it bounces off your shoulder onto the bed sheets. You feel as he shivers and abruptly stops his pace, his hips stilling against you, before he suddenly starts up again, his eyes rolling back, his pace more rough than before. You hear him struggling to breathe, heaving breaths as he slides forward into your grasp, gripping the sheets on either side of your head with his fingers.He struggles to speak, the whimpers coming out slow and broken.

"T-Tighter." You tighten your fingers around his neck as he asks, and he lets out a strangled moan, barely able to get any breaths in as he keeps up the pace. You watch as his eyes prick with tears and drool leaks from the corner of his mouth. He's dizzy and falling apart more than he even was before.

You release him to allow him some air, and he heaves in a deep inhale, a few short coughs interrupting his thrusts before he catches up again, faster and tougher than before. You fist your fingers in his hair to signify approval, to which he whines. He leans down to you and mumbles "Please, again. Please do it again." You oblige, releasing your grip on his roots and instead wrapping your hands around his neck again, applying just enough pressure.

"Hrk!" He clenches his jaw and his eyes roll back again, but he manages to keep the pace this time. He hits a good spot and you tighten your grip in response, moaning. He chokes and pops his lips open, his tongue lolling out. Saliva drips from his tongue onto your collarbone. "Fuck!" He coughs out, his pace going from constant to erratic. He continues to hit the sweet spot from before and you shiver, releasing your grip in favor of clawing at his shoulders. He pants, his eyes rolling back again as he continues his pace.

"C'mon, one more time…! I'm so close!" He begs, looking down at you with pleading eyes, fisting and unfisting his hands, his legs shaking. You reach up, all the pleasure going straight to your head. You clench your hands around his neck one final time.

"Gh…!" He keens, clenching his jaw again but keeping his gaze focused on you. Tears rolls down his face and he attempts to heave in a breath, only getting so much oxygen. You clench tighter and his tongue lolls out again. Whimpers barely come out from him as you keep him quiet, the occasional choking sound coming from his throat. Unable to say anything, he frantically taps on your shoulder to signify his release, his eyes rolling again. You release him as he releases into you, long, deep inhale and strangled groan leaving his lips immediately after.

His thrusts slow down, snapping against your hips at a slower pace. Your legs shake from your own peak, your whole body shivering from aftershock. Gently, he pulls out and immediately collapses next to you, panting into the pillow, his mouth wide open and tongue still lolling out as he caught his breath. His legs were shaking from aftershock and his voice was broken with little, high pitched whimpers. "Fuck…" He mumbles, blinking away his tears and waking up from his haze. "That… was amazing."

a/n: yippee! it's definitely a little unrefined, but i think it's alright! please let me know what you all think! if you have requests, send an ask! or just send one to say you like my writing, I don't mind! I'll respond to all of them!

**shameless bit that I really appreciate likes, comments, reblogs, and asks! please don't be shy to tell me what you think! im catering to you, after all!**

[caostalgia]

Se me nubla la mirada, puedo sentir las lágrimas deseosas por salir, la garganta se me cierra y siento que el silencio que me envuelve es demasiado doloroso.

Cuando las noches llegan, el calor del día y mis distracciones se esfuman, es allí cuando todos los sentimientos que he guardado muy dentro comienzan a escaparse entre los huesos y todo, literalmente todo deja de tener sentido.

Me siento perdida, extraña y triste. Una criatura vulnerable, un pájaro con alas rotas.

Puedo mirarme al espejo pero todo se siente erróneo, como si no fuese yo quien me observa en el reflejo.

Y me derrito en el sofá o en mi cama, lo que mas cerca encuentre, y es como si pudiera quedarme allí por siempre.

No sé que se sentirá morir pero llamarlo de esta manera parece correcto, es como si simplemente me volviera nada y fuese inexistente.

Aquellos sentimientos me rodean y me envuelven, me tragan y ahogan. Todo lo que veo es confuso, no me entiendo ni a otros, no sé qué hacer o cómo pararlo, es como si me congelara la tristeza.

Estoy allí, todo parece ser gris y cuando alguien se acerca el piloto automático se enciende y la sonrisa que me crece en el rostro toma protagonismo cuando en realidad todo adentro esta hecho trizas.

A veces incluso llega a asustarme la naturalidad de mi voz, la forma en que mis labios se curvan y la calma que hay detrás de cada mentira.

¿Por qué es tan difícil responder con la verdad?

"Estoy hecha mierda."

-Jota.