#he is standing right there and you know he is going to die

[heretolurkbutalasitstaken]

Actually, you just politely correct reporters and other media people. (and Octavius is a trans ally, fun fact) Maybe tweet it out if it's that Spidey.

My view is depends how bad you need the others to know (although hiding it could be good for secret identity.) Honestly I think it's best to tell the villains first, because they all go to the same pub in the Marvel Universe (Peter Parker is also a former patron there; he won a quiz game with his roommate), so they'll all know after like 2-3 fights.

Also, here is my spin on the exchange.

Doctor Octopus is robbing a bank in a morally conflicted manner or whatever he does between body-swapping into Spider-Man nowadays.

He's threatening a guard or already in, either way, he's doing the same routine. Looking for something.

He's about to get into the vault but then- THWIP, his face is webbed.

Otto: AAGHH! Drat, you insipid wall-crawler! Don't you have better things to do? (He is using his tentacles)

Spider-Girl swings in and kicks Otto in the face (gently, last time she did this on the regular, he did get a terminal illness and take over her body)

Otto attempts to strike her with a tentacle but she dodges easily, barely worth a panel.

Spidey: I might be a girl now, but you still hit like one!

Otto: You- ah. Spider-Girl or Spider-Woman?

Spidey: uh, Spider-Girl, I guess. (she shrugs while perched on the floor in an epic pose)

Otto: Very well. (he privately believes that she should be the real Spider-Woman, something I vaguely remember from a Spider-Verse)

Otto: Spider-Girl! We meet again!

Otto: You may be a woman now, but your threat is still negligible! I will use this diamond to regain my standing and form a new SINISTER SIX from the ashes of the old! THE DIE IS CAST!

Spidey is already half-way to winning, because she's got a date to get to or laundry or something.

Spider-Girl: Didn't you do that last week, Doc? Jeez, be original. Maybe I should reuse material...

(Doc Ock has already opened the vault and is disabling the security with a tentacle. To combat this, Spidey is rapidly webbing money out of the vault)

Spider-Girl: Speaking of recycling... (Otto growls as she has sailed through the air and now right in front of him, face to face.)

Otto's tentacles reach for the diamond.

Spider-Girl: I'm gonna recycle THIS web, (She webs one tentacle) By spending it, giving it to someone else (The web is attached to his hand) And they'll do the same!

Otto falls over, trying to grab the diamond with his hand or something.

Otto: CURSE YOU, SPIDER-GIRL! (he thinks in a feminist way, possibly already coming up with new ploys for their next fight that will be slightly more courteous.)

Spider-Girl: Gotta go, Doc! See ya!

(Spider-Girl's internal narration is already focused on relationship troubles with MJ, maybe a brief aside about how maybe he'll leave her body alone next mind-swap)

What's the process if you're a superhero and you come out as trans

Do you tell your villains?

Do you keep it a secret so no one can connect Spider-Man with your secret identity for a while? Or do you pop a pronouns pin on your costume and the next time you web up Doctor Octopus and he goes "I'LL GET YOU NEXT TIME SPIDER-MAN" you go "Spider-Girl actually! I've been figuring out some shit"

[if-loves]

goodbye, my king 

// Mydei

sum: you knew this day was coming, that your time with him was ticking; but you'll always wish you could've had him for a little longer.

wc: 991

warnings: 3.1 story quest spoilers, ooc mydei, written before mydei release

a/n: ok maybe i did have stay a little longer and die with a smile playing when i wrote this

likes & reblogs are appreciated :)

You had a dream once, a long time ago, around the time you and Mydei had first unofficially gotten together. Most of your memory of it has been eroded by time, but you remembered one part of it quite vividly. Mydei had left, and he was never coming back.

The days following it were plagued with a relentless anxiety that took hold of your fragile state of mind, waiting anxiously for his return from his latest battle. You know death evades him now and forever, but you also knew that if death could not take him away, then he'd be the one to do it himself.

However, even before this dreaded dream, you felt as if you already knew deep down that he was going to leave you one day, even before you would die. You knew the weight of the crown that yearns to rest on his head and the burden he carries for being unable to lead his people home, and that one day he'd finally allow himself to bear its weight atop his head. You just didn't expect it to be today.

On your way back from grocery shopping at Marmoreal Market, you had overhead some gossip that started floating around. 

“I heard Mydei will be leaving Okhema.”

“Leaving? As in, permanently?”

“That's what the rumours say, that he is bidding farewell to all those dear to him.”

It had frozen you in your steps, the crowd fading into nothing but muted sounds. You could see your hands starting to shake, and you suddenly felt as if you were drowning. Your vision had started to blur, the telltale sign of tears blurring your line of sight. With your head down and anxiety clawing up your throat, you make it home and break down into silent sobs the moment the door closes.

~~

Mydei had thought long and hard about this decision of his. He could accept leaving behind most, in the name of reclaiming his home and protecting what remains of his people and the Okhemans, but if he had one regret that truly gnawed at his immortal existence, it would be leaving you behind. You, who loved him sincerely, with every beat of your mortal heart, who always waited for his return regardless of how much time had passed, who always cleaned his wounds gently even if he insisted that it was of no use. You, who did it because you loved and cared for him. And now, he has to leave you too.

The walk to your house is agonising. He finds himself taking his time, taking in the sights of Marmoreal Market, the eternal sunlight and the bustling crowd one last time. He thinks he can take the silence in Castrum Kremnos, but he doesn't know if he can take the lack of you. 

Mydei stands in front of your door, hesitant. He wants to, he has to, knock on the door. He needs to see you one last time, to feel your lips on his again, to say goodbye even as it devastates both you and him. Because you deserve at least that much.

He raises his hand, and finally knocks. You don't answer, but he opens the door anyway. He knows your schedule like the back of his hand, and he knows you're home right now. He's proven right when he sees you standing in your kitchen, your back towards him as your arms rest on the counter. You don't turn to face him, and it hurts. He deserves it.

“(Y/n),” your name leaves his lips in a sound that's all too pleasing to your ears, but you resist the desire to turn around, to see him standing in front of you. 

“Mydei.” His name leaves your lips, and he wishes that he wasn't going to do this. 

Silence settles over, Mydei not daring to push you and you not daring to face him. 

“...It's true, then? That you're leaving forever?” You force yourself to speak, desperately holding back the sobs that threaten to shatter your voice. 

“Yes, that's why I've come to see you, one last time.” He is straightforward with his answer, because he knows that time is not and never on his side. He wants you to turn around, even if your face is stained by tears.

He takes a tentative step forward, unbecoming of a king like him. Gently, he takes you in his arms again, in a silent apology. You finally let your tears go, turning around to bury yourself in his chest, your tears running down your cheeks only to land on him. 

You don't know how long you've stayed there, crying like a child in the arms of your lover. When your sobs finally calm down into hiccups do you speak.

“Stay a little longer, please?” You plead in your broken voice, your watery eyes meeting his. “Please, just until I fall asleep.” 

Mydei has never been one to deny your requests, and he doesn't plan to start. He leads you to your room and settles on your bed, pulling you on top of him and holding you with a tenderness only you have had the privilege of seeing. 

Even as your tears continuously fall, he doesn't say anything. All he does, and all he can do, is to just hold you one last time. 

“Goodbye, my king.” You murmur, before he hears your breathing even. He waits a few moments before he manoeuvres himself out of the bed, taking great care to not wake you. He pulls the blanket over you and looks at you, trying to carve your every feature into his head. You'll always be beautiful to him, your visage forever home in him. He kneels by your side one last time, and lays a gentle kiss on your lips, savouring the feeling.

When Mydei steps out of your house and finally starts his path back home, he allows a tear to fall. 

[chrattho1]

matt sturniolo drabble

10 minutes?

summary: you wear matt’s initial around your neck,and to say that hes turned on by it, is an understatement.

warnings: suggestive comments.

“hey baby” you walk out of the bathroom into matt’s bedroom, all dressed up. you watch matt shuffle in bed and turn around to look at you with half lidded eyes.

“hey” his voice hoarse and cracky,he rubs his eyes to get a good look at you. your hair falling in your face,nails manicured,rings stacked on your tiny fingers,wrist full of bracelets,chains hanging on your neck-and there it is,dangling off your neck as you bend down to pick something up. a gold pendant with “M” on it.

matt thought he’d seen wrong,his eyes were surely deceiving him right? matt also thought he was the only one obsessed with you so this was amusing to say the least. his eyes open wide to get a good look, his stomach does backflips at the thought of you buying and wearing his initial.

“i am going out with some friends,i’ll be back after lunch” you smiled at him briefly before getting back to filling your bag up with essentials.

“whats that?” matt yanked the blanket off of him and sat up straight,his eyebrows furrowed.

“whats what?” you look at him and notice the confusion on his face,and then he points at it—the gold “M” glistening off your skin,sitting right between your collarbones.

“oh” you gaze down at the pendant,fingers touching the letter lightly.

“i saw this website that sold these so i thought—” you were cut off by matt speeding off the bed,still only on his boxers and almost tripping on something on the way.

you giggle when he stands in front you,eyes now fully open as he looked right down at the pendant in utter awe. his fingertip traces the letter on your neck,gently like he’s afraid it’ll break.

“stands for matt?” words coming out of matt’s mouth before his brain could even process them,eyes so focused on the sight in front.

“ofcourse stupid,what else?” you chuckle.

“you’re gonna wear this out?” his eyes fixated on your neck as you nod at his question.

“fuck” he whispers,a smile tugs on your lips.

“everyones gonna know its for me?” hes asking questions like a child,wanting to hear you answer them with the most dumbfounded look on his face.

“i guess so” you shrug still not fully aware of the effect it has on him. you mindlessly place a hand on his bare chest and your palm is immediately met with his fasten heartbeat. you slowly bring your hand up to caress his cheek,smiling at him foolishly.

“do you like it?” you smile wider looking at his eyelashes flutter up to your face.

“do i like it?” he scoffs lightly,eyebrow raising at your question. he lets out a breath admiring the sight in front,he doesn’t know if this reaction is normal,his boxers feeling tight just looking at you wear his initial.

“think you got 10 minutes or less?” he asks,his voice laced with the severity of his situation,like if you don’t give him those 10 minutes he might die.

you tease him by glancing at your watch and pouting at him,knowing him —it wont take long for him to beg.

“please? just-please-” matt’s fumbled words and that desperate look on his face get to you,and you give in rather easily-pulling him in with a small smile.

“yeah i got 10 minutes” you wrap your arms around his neck pushing your body onto his,his breath hitches.

taglist: @espressqe @ginswife @sturnsburna @carolina454 @hope2244 @hotgirlbl0gger @violetstxrniolo777 @riggysworld @verycoolmiyah @fadedstvrn @purpledreamertyphoon @mattsplaything @whore4chris @annsx03 @mattsdemi @chrislittleslut @poolover123 @luvvnai @chrissturniolossidehoe @pompomprrin @harmonysturniolo @sofia-is-a-sturniolo-triplet-fan @soph-loren @ccsturns @lovesturni0l0s @chriss-slutt @wysmols @sturniolosluttt @mattsdillion @alyssa-sturn @bilssturns @sturnobessed @izzylovesmatt @sturniolosymphony @chrissturnioloswife88 @sxphiee3 @purpledreamertyphoon @whoreforchrissturnniolo @slutformatt17 @realuvrrr @sweetxcheeryx @sturnl0ve @estellesdoll @glitterybtch @courta13 @mattsbitchh @slvtf0rchr1s @trevorsgodmother

[uki01]

Hi I was wondering if you could do yandere (if your comfortable) sonic, shadow, and silver with a gn reader who almost dies

”Living was the Easy Part.”

Sonic The Hedgehog, Shadow The Hedgehog and Silver The Hedgehog x Gender Neutral! Reader (Separately).

Author’s Note: Ooh first Yandere request! Thanks for the request! Time to put my angst and Yandere writing skills to the test! Also remember! It’s not healthy to stay with someone who’s possessive, obsessive with you and doesn’t let you have your own rights, space, freedom or peace. You control yourself, no body does, female? male? any gender? No, you control you, you are you, no body else’s. I don’t support Yandere at all, it’s not okay to do this in real life, if you know anyone like this, tell a close loved one or emergencies immediately. Stay safe y’all 🫶🏽

Warning: Death mentioned, Possessive, Obsessive, Overprotective, Yanderes! Heavy angst, blood, near death experience.

Sonic The Hedgehog

The battle was intense, Dr Eggman wasn’t playing anymore, he got all his robots sending down on Sonic and them.

You try to fend off as much as you can, seeing that all your friends, Tails, Knuckles, Amy and the rest are getting tired.

You looked over at Sonic who was fighting off so much robots as well with Dr Eggman, even if he was tired he still kept fighting through with a cocky grin on his face.

You hated seeing this, as Dr Eggman was about to launch his missile towards Sonic, you panicked and immediately grabbed a nearby weapon you found laying on the battle field.

Running towards Sonic, desperate to save him while Tails and the rest try to stop you from getting hurt, “Y/N! Don’t! It’s way to dangerous you’ll get killed out there!”

But you ignored all that, too focused on saving Sonic.

Even if he was already handling it, the thought of him being hurt made you feel useless, so you pushed Sonic aside as soon as Dr Eggman launched his missile and you whacked the missile away to a different direction but caused an explosion resulting you getting hurt in the process.

After gaining your vision, you were hurt very badly, your arm is burnt, you have scars everywhere and your face is covered in blood, you feel like collapsing but was determined to stay alive.

You can hear someone shouting out your name, you recognised that Blue Blur’s voice, except you didn’t hear the confident tone behind it, only a terrified but desperate one.

Once you found you lying in the middle of the battle field, he was already at your side, basically screaming at you. Carefully treading his arm, making sure he doesn’t hurt you anymore due to your state right now.

”Y/N! Oh my god thank god you’re safe, why the hell would you do that!? I had that handled! You could’ve died from Dr Eggman’s missiles!”

You told him you couldn’t let him die, but Sonic was bubbling with frustration when you said that and shouted back at you.

”But YOU COULD’VE DIED Y/N! Do you think I could go on if you were gone?! What would happen if that missile killed you huh?!… I knew I shouldn’t have let you on the battle field, I’m so sorry Y/N… I should’ve been faster…”

He carefully swoops you up and takes off with you in his arms out of the battle field. Taking you to Tails to aid you in your state right now.

After recovering from that, Sonic hasn’t let you out of his sight ever since, always standing close to you and making sure you are safe and sound.

As much as you we’re grateful for his concern he’s been in your space like almost every time, constantly always just being there with you, every where you go.

You told Sonic that you are fine now but Sonic just shakes his head and says this.

”What if Dr Eggman comes up again huh? What if he has a bigger and more threatening weapon that can kill you in one go? What if I’m not there, fast enough to save you? I cant let that happen, not again, I promise you that.”

As time moved one, the more overprotective Sonic gets, basically just your body guard. Going anywhere you go.

Going to the mall? Oh Sonic will go with you! He can help you carry your shopping bags! Going to the gym? He’ll come and train with you! Doesn’t want anyone looking at you while you workout, going for a jog? Oh he’ll tag along! Sonic loves exercise, it in his name and legs.

This kind of scares you more, as you try to tell Sonic that you need space and alone time, that’s when Sonic’s cocky and carefree demeanour falters and he starts looking like a wild animal or more… crazed.

”Are you serious? Space? After what just happened? No, no no no I can’t let you walk around free knowing that Dr Eggman can strike any time and I am not there to save you in time, you need me to protect you, I won’t let anything hurt you ever.”

Ever since, he has never let you out of his sight, he won’t trap you anywhere at the house you and Sonic are staying at since he hates oppression, but I’ll tell you one thing, if you try to run away from him, don’t even do it again, he’ll always be faster than you.

”Please don’t run away babe, you’re breaking my heart, I’m just protecting you, can’t you see that? I won’t let anyone dare to lay a finger on you, ever. Plus you can’t run away from me babe, so don’t run away, you’ll know I’ll always catch you.”

So no matter what you do. You cannot outrun him, Sonic will always be faster than you.

Shadow The Hedgehog

This battle was tough. Dr Eggman was not giving up, his robots fighting against Team Dark and you.

You can see across the battle field that Rouge is visibly tired but still fighting and so is Omega, who can’t get visibly tired but is getting bombarded with Dr Eggman’s robots. You look across to see Shadow who is fine but has a ton of robots on him too, hate to see him like this, so you grabbed a weapon that can shoot blasters.

You start running towards Shadow to save him, Rouge seeing you run over, confused but figured out what you are doing “Y/N! Stop! You’ll get killed!” She gets bombarded with other Dr Eggman’s robots.

You didn’t care though, what matters now is saving Shadow, as soon as the robots were launched onto him and so was Dr Eggman, he slide in just in time and hold Shadow close to your chest as protecting and aim the blaster towards the robots and Dr Eggman, blasting them far away but resulted an explosions blowing you and Shadow away from each other.

After you woke up, your vision finally starts to clear, you see Shadow watching over you.

Soon as he sees you finally awake, to your surprise, he hugs you tight, so close, afraid that he’ll let you go and basically scolding you.

”You idiot! Why would you do that! I had it handled! You know I can survive these kind of situations, you cannot throw yourself in like that you’ll get hurt! Or worse! Dead!”

You sighed at this, there wasn’t any malice in those words, he was just upset at what you did, telling him you didn’t want to see him get hurt in the process which makes him more angry with you.

”So you think it was a good idea to throw yourself, against Dr Eggman’s robots? You could’ve died Y/N, I am suppose to protect you, from now on, I am not letting you into any battles, ever.”

Ever since, Shadow started looming over you, watching your every move.

You feel like it’s just you whenever you go somewhere but Shadow’s always there, watching in the shadows like a hawk.

You’ve been feeling uneasy over these past few months, one day you confronted Shadow, you try to tell him in the most politest and nicest way possible that you need your own space, you are fine and you can handle yourself. But Shadow doesn’t take it lightly, he takes it like you said something offensive, so he narrows his eyes and scowls at you.

”You think you are better off without me? What just happened the last time we battled Dr Eggman huh? You almost died and you say you can handle yourself when we both know you are very selfless when it comes to saving people, so I am not going anywhere, there’s no one strong enough to protect you, you have me, only me.”

After you said that, he will always be with you if you need to go somewhere, you aren’t going out of his sights ever and if Dr Eggman is nearby, he forces you to stay inside the house. If you are ver tried to run off, Shadow will immediately chaos control to you, he’ll find you like a snap of a finger.

”You know this is all worth nothing right?, I can get to you just quickly as that, so stop trying to run damnit, can’t you see I’m trying to protect you? And your making it harder for me, especially when Dr Eggman is on the loose and I can’t check in to see if your okay, so please my love, stop running away.”

Shadow will always remind you if you try to run that he, is The Ultimate Lifeform.

Silver The Hedgehog

This battle felt like it went on for ages. Dr Eggman felt persistent today and it for sure was working.

Silver was using his telekinetic powers aganist Dr Eggman’s robots while Blaze was doing the same with her pyrotechnics powers.

You can see both of them visibly struggling, you grabbed a nearby rocket launcher lying around and run towards Silver who was trying to catch his breath while still fighting.

Blaze sees you running and tries to yell out to you “Y/N stop! Don’t go in there! It’s too dangerous!”

It didn’t matter though, what mattered is helping Silver.

As soon as Dr Eggman showed up and one of his robots were launched towards Silver, you stepped in front of him just in time and blasted the rocket launcher, aiming towards the robot and Dr Eggman.

But it caused an explosion which knocked you out unconscious.

Soon as you start stirring, you say up and see Silver by your side, soon as he sees you awake, he’s immediately hugging you, tightly while his voice cracks slightly.

”Why would you do that?! You almost died out there Y/N! Don’t you ever! Ever do that again! I should’ve have let you out there, I am so sorry sweetheart…”

You hugged him back reassuringly but this is just the start of your torture.

Ever since, Silver has been at your side, constantly sticking close to you, like a koala clinging onto a tree.

Always helping you to get something, find, lift or anything really, barely letting you do anything yourself or give some time to yourself as well, basically like your personal bubble wasn’t even a thing.

This was becoming overwhelming when the time passes by ever day, so you told Silver that as much as you appreciated his concern, it was just becoming too much now and ask for personal space and alone time, unfortunately Silver doesn’t take it very well.

”B-But I have protected you all these times! Does this not mean anything to you?! I swore that I would protect you with all my life, strength and what I’ve got left in me! Please please don’t let me go sweetheart!”

After that, it just became worse, you always saw Silver, every time, every day, never letting you go, never letting you have your own air or anything.

If you try to run off, Silver will use his telekinetic powers to find you.

”Sweetheart don’t you see what I’m trying to do for you? I don’t understand why you insist on leaving me when I’ve been the one by your side unlike anyone else, so please… I beg of you sweetheart… please don’t run, it’s no use.”

Silver will always be there, reminding you that it’s no use to run away from him, so please, just stay with him.

Author’s Note: This was fun to make, hope you enjoyed this!

REMEMBER! NONE OF THIS IS HEALTHY AND I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS. PLEASE CONTACT A CLOSE LOVED ONE OR EMERGENCIES IF YOU SEE ANY OF THIS BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS YOU OR ANYONE. No one deserves to be treated like a prize, you are human.

Love y’all , stay safe 🫶🏽💕

[judesmoonbeauty]

Lover's Contract: Jude Jazza - Premium END

This is a fan translation only. Please expect grammatical errors and translation inaccuracies. This is a full translation. Creative liberties are taken for characterization and smoother translation process. Cybird owns everything. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not post my translation elsewhere. Thank you for your support! ☾.

The steamboat’s whistle vibrates into the late night air.

Carrying the target couple, the boat leaves the harbor.

Eventually, the outline of the ship, illuminated by the lights, disappears into the foggy darkness.

Kate: The boat’s gone.

Jude: Let’s head back.

As soon as we observed the elopement, Jude flipped his coat and turned his back to the sea.

Kate: …..Was this a punishment?

I muttered as I gazed out at the sea, only for amethyst eyes to look back at me.

Jude: Dunno.

Jude: Kinda people d’ya think they are?

After observing them I noticed —  How they held their glasses with sophistication, and the way they spoke and laughed with elegance.

(Even observing their confident demeanor, poise and mannerisms…..)

Kate: Those two….are likely nobles of very high social standing.

Kate: They didn't seem servile at all, and looked like people who grew up loved by their families.

Kate: I hate to say this, but there was such a sublime air about them that it’s hard to believe that they’d commit infidelity…..

Jude: Seems like yer eyes ain’t so rotten that they’re blind.

Jude: Right then, let’s suppose yer assumption’s spot-on.

Jude: Whatsit mean fer ‘em to abandon their homeland?

(If those two are who I imagine them to be —)

Abandoning their beloved families and hometowns would be an extremely heavy, and painful punishment for the two of them.

(In return for hurting their families and choosing love, they must abandon their hometowns.)

That’s the crime and punishment they committed.

Kate:….Those two only have each other now.

When I think about how they tossed away everything, and boarded the boat with only the clothes on their backs, my heart swells.

Jude: Plus, it’s easier bumpin’ people off from such respectable families abroad.

Jude: Don’t matter how they die, s’gonna be ruled an accident.

Kate: WHAT, isn’t giving up their homes the punishment?! Don’t say something so dreadful….

Jude: Huh? Weren’t ya wonderin’ if it was a punishment?

Jude: So, I just came up with the plausible endin’.

Jude: But even after I toldja, ya still complained. Yer bein’ too selfish, Princess.

Jude grumbles and starts walking.

Kate: Ah, please don’t leave me behind.

He glanced at me as I quickly stand next to him.

Jude: Ya can stay the night ‘n ponder alone.

T/l note at the bottom due to length.

Kate: I’ll go back with you.

Jude: With me, ya wanna be with me that bad?

Kate: Um, well…I like being with you.

I feel flustered hearing something like that out of the blue.

Jude: Speakin’ of, ya said “We’re together because we can’t completely fill the emptiness”.

(That’s what I said when I was consoling the woman target…!)

Kate: H-How do you know that, Jude?!

Jude: Yer so loud. Obviously, I was listenin’.

Kate: You were listening?! S-Since when?

Jude: That guy still had feelin’s fer her, so I went t’go get ‘er, he bawled ‘n begged.

Jude: Then ya were havin’ some drawn out chit chat on the balcony.

Jude: So, whose line’s that? I read all the scripts when I was investigatin’ the theater troupe fer the mission the other day.

Jude: That line, “Love is something you can’t get enough of, it’s also something you can’t give enough of.”

Jude: Don’t remember seein’ it.

(Yeahhh….that look, this means he knows everything.)

Kate: Just like you said Jude, those lines being from a play is a lie.

(If he knows, there’s no point in hiding it anymore.)

Love is something you can’t get enough of, it’s also something you can’t give enough of.

Those words -

Kate: I was just ad-libbing…..or rather, my feelings were spilling out for you, Jude.

Jude and I gaze into each other’s eyes, we touch each other, and repeatedly share our body’s heat.

Each time we do, I feel my heart filling with love.

But at the same time, my feelings for Jude grow more intense with each passing day —

(I could no longer say that loving you or receiving your love was "enough".)

Kate: I became greedy, after experiencing your love.

Kate: I want to love you even more. Jude, I lov—

The unfinished words melted between overlapping lips.

Jude: What’s this switchin’ back to bein’ a girlfriend without permission. Yer my lover ‘til the mission’s done.

Kate: But the targets are sailing on the ship, so the mission’s basically over…..

Jude: Ya don’t get it.

Jude’s eyes flicker alluringly as he gets closer.

Jude: Ain’t no way I can letcha go back lookin’ like that.

Kate: Looking like what….?

Jude: Like a woman in heat. Yer lil heads filled with unspeakable thin’s, ‘n what’s with all the questions?

Jude: If yer tryin’ to cover up yer perverseness, yer wastin’ yer time.

Jude: I know better than anyone, just how much ya want it.

The instant the whisper falls into the soft spot of my heart, it gets excited and pounds loudly…..

Kate: …..Mmn, haa.

His hand reaches the back of my head and firmly pulls me in.

— Only Jude and I are aware of the echoing sounds that lost in crashing waves.

[Event Master List] [Epilogue]

Translation Note: Jude uses "tasogare," meaning 'Twilight'. In archaic Japanese, it literally means "Who's there," and it was used back then because it was hard to tell who was who in the dusk. So, they'd say "tasogare" or "who's there". I thought the etiology was pretty cool. However, it's also a colloquial term used for those who spend the twilight/nighttime to think in depth. So, I decided to translate it this way.

It's so cute how Kate is learning to read people like Jude does, I love that so much!

Tag List: @sh0jun @theimaginativelyreticent @sapphire-323 @velisle @nateko @greatwitchsongsinger @injudescoat @aeyumicore @complexivelovely @yuoi-the-magnificent @husbandosandladders @cosmowgyral @lunaaka @rosalyne08 @8the-perfect-lie8 @voydsoul @goustmilk @kraiyne @midnightsrunaway @nawlink

If you wish to be added (and 18+ YO), or removed from my translations tag list, please let me know!

[i-dared-myself]

Name on My Skin

Jisung x reader

In which you meet the perfect soulmate for you.

In a world of soulmates, it is chaos. Oftentimes, meeting your soulmate is love at first sight. Other times, they meet their best friend. Occasionally people die before meeting theirs.

Or there are the times that people’s soulmates weren’t nice people. You would meet someone who you had positive ideas about for your entire life, only for them to be an asshole.

Your greatest fear is for your soulmate to be a jerk. For them to be some kind of psychopath or someone who should be in prison.

That is why you always avoid any chances of meeting your soulmate. You don’t go on blind dates. You refrain from physical touch, not wanting a mark to linger on your skin.

Your mother is not pleased. 

“Who’s going to take care of you?” she yells, hands on her hips. 

“I have friends,” you tiredly remind her. “And why are you here?”

She huffs and turns around, looking at all the shirts. “I don’t know why you even bother buying it. It’s not like the love of your life is going to appreciate it.”

“I have a job interview.” You rub at your forehead, fighting off a headache. “This is very important to me, okay?”

Your mother breathes out through her nose, barely hiding her disdain. “I don’t know how you expect to make any money there. Makeup? For men?”

“Men can wear makeup.” You peruse the options carefully. You don’t want anything too flashy, but you do want to stand out from all the other candidates. “And it’s their job, too.”

“What are they, models?” Your mother shakes her head and scoffs. “I don’t think this is a good fit for you, dear.”

“It’s just an interview.” You select a shirt off the rack and hold it up. You smile as you bring it out to checkout with your mother trailing after you. “It’s no guarantee of a job.”

Your mother sighs. “You’re right. You probably won’t even get it.”

But you do.

You get the job.

Now you’re a makeup artist for Stray Kids, finally making use of your degree. You had always been told it was a mistake to go into the field, but here you are.

When you walk in on your first day, you’re given the run down. Where the styling room is, who your coworkers are, and everything important.

You’re slightly ashamed to admit to your coworkers that you’d never listened to Stray Kids.

You had heard of them, just never gotten into it. You had never listened to them, nor watched anything with them.

You weren’t against them; it just had never peaked your interest enough to risk your mother’s wrath. She deeply disapproved of most things; boy bands being one of them.

So when they walk in, you might possibly be confused.

A man sits at your station, settling onto the raised stool. He smiles at you, eyes crinkling at the corners. “You’re new.”

“Uh, yes.” You bob your head, reaching past him for your tools.

“So who’s your bias?” he asks, making you pause. 

You hesitate because you don’t know any of their names. “Uh, you?”

He grins, poking the one next to him. “Do you hear that, Hyunjin? I’m the favourite!”

Hyunjin scowls and closes his eyes as his makeup artist moves to his eyes. “And?”

You try to swipe the brush over this man’s face, but he’s bouncing around wildly. You’re attempting to wrangle him back into his seat when a man walking by frowns.

“Stop it!” he scolds. “Can’t you see they’re trying to work?”

You smile softly. “It’s okay. We have time.”

“Sorry,” the man mutters. He slumps back and looks up at you, smiling sweetly. “I’ll be good, I promise.”

“Jeongin gave him too much coffee. I swear, I have to limit their caffeine intake.” The man shakes his head with a heavy sigh. “Anyways, you are…?”

You tell him your name before hesitating. “Right. Um, it’s nice to meet you…”

“Bang Chan.” Dimples form at the corners of his mouth. 

“Wait.” The man sitting in your chair frowns. He straightens and looks at you in horror. “Do you not know who I am, either?”

Hyunjin laughs, shoulders shaking. “This took a turn.”

“Sorry, no.” You wring your hands nervously. “I promise I’m not trying to disrespect you and- and-“

“I’m Jisung,” he declares. He crosses his arms over his chest and lifts his chin. “You lied to me.”

Your face burns with embarrassment. “Sorry. I just- You-“

“So I was your favourite without you even knowing who I was!” Jisung exclaims. He begins to slap Hyunjin’s arm excitedly. “Did you hear that! Did you hear that?”

Hyunjin wordlessly slides out of his seat and pads towards the door.

Jisung winces at you. “He’s not a morning person.”

“Jisung!” Bang Chan calls from the other side of the room. “Hurry up!”

Jisung grimaces. “Right. Sorry, let’s do this.”

You finish the rest of his face, smiling gently at him as he bounces away. He tries to take you with him, but you dodge his hand. 

“I’ll be here if you need a touch-up,” you tell him, feeling bad when he pouts. 

“I’ll try my best to not smudge it!” Jisung vows solemnly, as if the weight of the world is on his shoulders. “I don’t want you working so hard on your first day.”

“Aw, that’s sweet.” You laugh lightly. It’s nice that he cares so much. “But that’s why I’m here. Don’t worry about it.”

Jisung just giggles as he runs off, going the way Bang Chan had gone. You shake your head, hiding a smile as you clean up your station. You have no idea how it got so messy already.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You hoist your bag over your shoulder, checking your phone. You don’t have any notifications so you open the weather app so it looks like you’re still busy. You love your new job, but you’re tired after training and training and smalltalk galore.

Your nose is so buried in your screen that you don’t even notice the man sprinting in your path, head turned in the other direction. He knocks into you and your phone clatters tk the ground. You collapse as well, and his hands grip your forearms to help you up.

“Jisung?” You frown as he bends down to pick your phone up. “Are you okay?”

“I should be asking you that.” He scratches the back of his neck, eyes flicking up from where they had been focused on the ground. They widen a fraction and his lips part in surprise.

“Jisung?” You wave a palm in front of his face. “You good?”

“You- I-“ He gasps and points frantically to your arm, where there’s a tattoo of his name.

You blink at it. “That’s new.”

“Oh my gosh.” Jisung stumbles away from you. “You’re a crazy stalker!”

You shake your head desperately. “No! I have no idea how that got there!”

He wets his lips with his tongue. “Then that means…”

You both stare at each other for a minute. Neither of you seems to want to say it, but the words seem to hang in the air.

You found your soulmate, and he’s Jisung. Jisung is your soulmate. What you had been avoiding for years finally arrived.

“Um.” Jisung’s throat flexed as he swallows. “This is a thing.”

“Yes,” you agree. “This is a thing.”

Jisung watches as his name fades from your skin, never to be seen again. Now that you know who the other is, the only thing left to do is discuss where this leads.

“Are you gay?” Jisung blurts out. He winces. “I mean- I’m totally okay if you are. I support! I love, um, lesbians? Okay that came out wrong. I just mean that like-“

“I like men,” you assure him, heart melting. This… Jisung is the type that you wouldn’t be scared of. “And I would be willing to explore a relationship.”

His shoulder slump as he blows out a heavy breath of relief. “Okay, I’d like that. Can I buy you dinner?”

“Sure.” You nod and tuck your phone in your bag. “How was your day?”

Jisung seems taken aback by your question, but walks by your side as the two of you go out the door. “It was really good. I bet you can guess why.”

You smile, feeling all gooey inside. “I bet I can. Uh, I know it’s not great if we’re seen in public together, so is there anywhere specific you want to eat? Somewhere you go often?”

Jisung considers it for a moment before brightening. “Oh! There’s a really small shop near here. Good food, and no one is ever there.”

“Lead the way,” you say. You’re so glad your soulmate is someone like him. 

Taglist:

@velvetmoonlght @jinnie-ret @hansmic @imeverycliche @strawberryscentedd @iwuberic @lezleeferguson-120

[crypcific]

You've been stuck on this planet you could not pronounce. Its residents mysterious and elusive as ever; their forms unconforming and strange. They reminded you of brittle stars or siphonophores who drifted into the air as if it were the ocean waves instead.

The air was thin and hard to breathe, you were forced to having to take deep breaths and careful steps amongst the terrain that was unbelievably moist and smooth as if was drenched from an ancient flood eons ago...

You could easily slip and die.

Suffocate from the sparkling blue mud that twinkled underneath your every step like a velvet carpet. You only found solace in some rocks that shielded you from the winds that sliced your skin, almost literally, when you see small cuts of blood daring to pool out of the small crevices.

That's how life here went for you.

You watched, waited, and hoped.

You watched those aliens float through the air like fish as if you were stuck at the bottom of the sea. Or perhaps they were birds instead. And as you stared up at the atmosphere where you could see the neighbor planet's magnificent colors and rings; you waited. For help to come to you, waiting for your fellow human comrades to come rescue your predicament.

But hope.

Hope was something you kept close to your chest like a deck of cards. It was the only thing keeping you awake at night and alive every day; it was the thing that convinced to keep eating those weird algae clumps found in those shallow tide pools and drink the crystal clear water that you hoped was safe. It was the thing that told you everything is okay, wait it out, this will be a story you will laugh off after a few years.

But it waned every day.

Day by day, you began to grow hopeless, almost succumbing to the whims of your dying sanity and the constant, repetitive colors of this planet that was permanently made of dark algae greens and neon oceanic blues. You felt like you were going blind when you stared at the cool colors, you felt like your vision was going red and pink, you were seeing things you shouldn't be seeing. And feelings things you shouldn't be–

You saw "him."

At least, you thought it was a "he."

He who you funnily called "Cthulhu" to save your sanity. (The nickname didn't last long)

Every day, when the half sun rose from the dark horizon like a broken toy being taken out of its play box to be toyed again by its celestial child, you see him hovering over the pond of muddy water like an angel. He who observed you with his eight eyes that spiraled into the center of his face. You were sure he was hiding more eyes.

But it went on like this for most days, he never moved, only followed your form when you moved across the treeless swamps for the edible algae next to the sea. And then, when you returned, you could count on him to just stand there.

It was normal, you didn't know how to feel about this strange routine, but you rationalized that as long as you both never bothered each other then everything is alright.

But that morning, when the sun emerged out of its horizon, you noticed he was a lot closer this time. In fact, he was standing right in front of your rocky entrance. You panicked, but you didn't scream, you didn't know what will happened if you did. All you could do was stay still like a snowshoe hare waiting for the lynx to scamper off, only running when necessary.

But to delicate surprise, you only saw clumps of algae neatly fitted into an "orb" of sorts? You shyly peaked out of your rocky hideout to match your eyes with his red eyes. A stare contest that lasted only for a few seconds before he began to slowly hover away with his limbs flying along with him like ribbons gently caressed by wind. You would hesitantly take the orb and indulge in a morning of...algae.

It went like this every morning for a while.

You didn't hate it, but you bith weren't exactly friends yet. You couldn't trust someone like him. It would be dumb to just accept free offers like that left and right. But despite fear, you watched him watch you. Sometimes you would see him dance across and around the pond as if he was a bird of paradise performing a ritualistic dance to entice his female counterparts. Sometimes you would see him float up high in the sky, eyes moving across his body as if he was surveying for something, or someone. Sometimes you would find some pretty jewels laid out in the entrance of your rock home like offerings.

Then, the incident came that day.

The wind was particularly harsh that day and it cut against your skin so deeply you had large gashs across your skin like tiger stripes. You stumbled across the lands to try and hide away back to rocky solace. But you felt the air lighter and your vision brighter, flashes of life and memories passing by you like a sped up movie titled "You."

And maybe you found relief that you could die. Dying in a painful and agonizingly way was not the way to go, but dying nonetheless, allowing for a greater force to take you when you hesitated... It was almost like hope gave up on you yet weirdly decided to save you too.

But as you finally slipped and laid out across the glowing blue mud to accept the cruel winds, you felt your body caressed and gently curled up like you were a burrito wrap. The nodes and texture similar to that of soften leather and rubber. His limbs took you up and close to his form, shielding you from the winds as you were wrapped protectively. So much so that you felt yourself getting warmer and hotter in his grips when the cool air was refused entry.

Wrapped and succumbed to his needle appendages that dug into your flesh, like you could pop like a balloon in a box of needles. He was incredibly strong despite his "flimsy" looking tentacles as they curled and carried you around. You were lifted off of the ground, losing your worn out shoes in the process. The air up in skirs got thinner and harder to breathe in, your chest began to hurt a little like something was pressing against your chest. You almost felt your eyes go out, your head getting lighter but pressed against him.

He begun to "climb" through the air, his appendages acting like there were invisible climbing walls you couldn't see. It wasn't like the times he could just literally float.

As you both ascended the heights of the thin and light atmosphere your eyes began to close in on themselves and perhaps this was the end of it. The end to your hope and fears. And maybe, it was for the better. But when you feel the limbs of his needles gently poke into you, you felt like you wouldn't die, he wouldn't allow you to.

To be continued...

[letmedixonyou]

i’m not yours - part 13

summary: Daryl and you are friends. He used to date Leah. You told him you loved him and things fell apart, but after awhile, you returned to being friends... right?

Daryl and you spend a comfortable evening at your porch, drinking whisky and contemplating life. Until...

words: 2k

warnings: none

A/N: we're almost there! One more part and this story is finished! I am working on a sequel, of course, but I am not sure how long it will be or when it is going to come out! Enjoy, muffins!

Daryl looks up at you, his blue eyes filled with something you've seen before. Something you're almost too familiar with.

Pain.

You knew it too well. Even when you aren't close to the people you bury, it stings just as much, knowing you've lost another person. Another precious life in this cruel and unforgiving world. Another son, daughter, partner, sister, brother, mum or dad… Sometimes, it felt like there was no reason to put a value on life anymore, because sooner or later, death will catch up and take what it wants.

You think about Deanna and how sad it was that she's now the only one standing from her entire family. It has to hurt. It must. She's a good person, and yet she has lost everything. It made you think about her holding a rosary and praying, while standing by Spencer's grave, and you asked yourself if God even existed. Because why would he want all of this to happen if he was out there somewhere? Why was He not helping or preventing the whole zombie outbreak thing? How come he let people turn into undead that roam this Earth? He was supposed to be an almighty. Why is there so much chaos in the world then?

As soon as you take a seat next to Daryl, he shoves a bottle right into your hand. It would be futile to argue, so you just nod politely and you take a swig. The alcohol burned its way down your throat, but it didn't matter. It was nothing compared to the feeling of heaviness in your heart, feeling like the world just keeps closing in; like soon enough, it will be your time to die. Or Daryl's. Or yet another person you know. Maybe this time it would be Rick or Michonne, or even Carl or Judith. Your heart clenched at your thought. It wasn't fair that this was all everyone was thinking about these days. Death, destruction, losing people or resources.

You think back to the day where you had Internet and phones, and food every single day of the week that was cooked in the oven or on the hob. The days were so much easier back then. The idea of going out of your house and making your way down the street without having to worry about your life seemed so distant and so unbelievably unreachable now. The way you could just stroll into a shop and buy a basket full of candy and snacks, or go to a restaurant and have your food delivered to you on a silver platter. How people never had to worry about lack of food, or money to buy the essentials.

The heavy grasp of uncertainty and pain of this world was almost too much to handle, but Rick's words were echoing in your head.

We're the ones who live.

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the desolate landscape. Daryl's body leaned against the railing as he sat on the porch of your house, nursing his drink after you gave it back to him. The amber liquid reflected the fading light, shimmering slightly inside the glass, as if it were begging to be drank. Daryl took yet another swig, this one the biggest of them all, causing his cheeks to puff out before he swallowed. The burn was a welcome distraction from the gnawing pain of the day. Beside him, you crossed your legs and leaned your head on the railing as well. Both of you focused on the horizon.

The evening air was cool, carrying with it the scent of pine and earth, mingling with the distant hum of cicadas. The porch creaked softly under the weight of your silence, a comfortable stillness settling between you. The sky above was a canvas of fiery hues, oranges and purples blending seamlessly into the encroaching darkness.

Daryl's eyes, normally sharp and guarded, softened as he stared out at the vast expanse before him. His rugged features were etched with a weariness that spoke of countless battles fought and scars earned. The lines around his eyes deepened, betraying the weight of unspoken thoughts and buried emotions.

You reached out, your fingers brushing against his arm in a silent gesture of support. The contact was brief, but it carried a world of meaning, an unspoken promise that you were there for him. He glanced at you, a flicker of gratitude passing through his gaze before he returned to his vigil.

As the first stars began to emerge, their faint glimmers dotting the darkening sky, you found solace in the shared moment. The world outside might be harsh and unforgiving, but here, on this porch, with Daryl by your side, there was a semblance of peace. The silence spoke volumes, a testament to the bond you shared, forged in the crucible of adversity. Together, you watched as the last remnants of daylight faded away, giving way to the quiet embrace of night.

“I can’t believe we buried another one today,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper, as if you didn't want to break the silence between you. The wind carries your words away, leaving silence in its wake.

Daryl nods, staring at the ground, kicking a small stone around. “Yeah, it don’t take much, does it? One bite... one second, and it’s all over.”

You finally turn to him, your expression a mix of sorrow and determination. “It’s just... it’s so unfair. Spencer wasn't really liked around here, but he was young. He didn't deserve to die like this.”

“Life don’t care,” he replies, his tone gruff but gentle. “It don’t give a damn who you are or what you’ve got ahead of you. One moment you’re here, and the next... you’re gone.”

You both fall into a contemplative silence, each lost in your own thoughts. His words resounding in your head, making you uneasy. Life don't care. He was right.

Daryl took another swig, passing the bottle to you. You take it gratefully. You take a long drink, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand. The only sounds you could hear were your breathing. Alexandria went completely silent, like all the people were giving Deanna space to grief. There were almost no people outside, except from people on patrols and watchtower duty.

“Remember that time we almost got caught by a herd?” you ask, a faint smile breaking through your sadness. “You threw that rock to distract them, and we just... ran.”

“Yeah, I remember,” he chuckles, the sound foreign yet comforting. “Thought we were dead for sure.”

“But we weren’t,” you reply, your smile widening. “We made it. Just like we always do.”

Daryl’s gaze flickers to you, the warmth of your presence a stark contrast to the cold reality surrounding you. “We’re lucky,” he says, almost to himself. “But luck don’t last forever.”

“True,” you agree, your voice growing serious again. “But what’s the point of worrying about it? We can’t control when our time is up. Maybe we should just... live while we can.”

“Easier said than done,” he mutters, but the hint of a smile tugs at his lips.

You continue to drink, the whisky loosening your tongues and dulling the edges of your grief. Stories flow freely—moments of laughter and terror, of survival and loss. Daryl finds himself sharing more than he usually would, drawn in by the camaraderie you share, the bond forged in the fires of your struggles. Even though you thought you knew him pretty well, the stories he shared tonight were different. New. You weren't complaining. Hell, you love hearing about his past. It wasn't the best past, thanks to his dickhead father and absent mother, but some of them were hilarious.

Just like this one, when Merle tripped and fell in deer poo. They were out hunting and were tracking a huge deer. Getting deeper and deeper into the forest, it was thicker and darker. What comes with it, there were more bushes and broken branches of the trees. And, of course, some logs, hidden by the thickness of flora. Just when they were getting closer to catch that deer, Merle tripped over some bunched up branches and vines and landed head first in deer poo. Mind you, he was probably a bit high, but it doesn't change the fact that it was funny. And Daryl spent weeks after that reminding him of it.

“You know,” you say, your voice slightly slurred, “I used to think about what it would be like... if we made it through all this. What we’d do, where we’d go. How would the world even look like.”

“Yeah?” Daryl asks.

His heart racing at the idea of a future, something he rarely lets himself ponder. He never thinks about the future, he lives in the present, because you never know what is going to happen and how your life is going to turn out. For all he knew, he could be eaten by a zombie tomorrow. Or get shot. Or maybe even ran over by a random truck. Everything was possible in this type of world. People can be as cruel as zombies.

“I imagined us finding a place. Somewhere peaceful,” you continue, your eyes shining with a dream long buried. “Maybe a cabin in the woods. Just you and me. Away from all this... chaos.”

Daryl’s breath hitches in his throat. The thought of a normal life feels foreign, almost unattainable. “You really think that’s possible?”

“Why not?” You reply, your confidence unwavering. “If we can survive this long, we can survive anything.”

For a moment, the world seems to fade away. It’s just the two of you, wrapped in the warmth of your shared dreams, the weight of loss lightened by the promise of hope. Daryl looked at you, his eyes flicking around your face features. It didn't go unnoticed how he stopped at your lips for longer than other parts, and your heart did a somersault.

What the actual fuck?!

You stayed like that, staring at each other for a while. Neither of you was moving. Your whole body tensed up, and your fingers gripped the bottle tighter.

With an impulsive, almost clumsy motion, he moved forward, and his lips brushed against yours, soft and unsure. The kiss was a gentle surprise, leaving your heart racing and your mind spinning. He pulled back, his gaze hazy and unreadable, and you could only stare at him, utterly bewildered. The world around you seemed to blur as you tried to process what had just happened. Your thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and unspoken emotions, a mix of disbelief and a glimmer of something you couldn't quite name.

You audibly let out all the air out of your lungs, your eyes widened. Your mouth open to say something, anything, but nothing happened. As you look at him, you could see the reality of what he has done crashing over him. Panic surged through him, and without a word, he stood up and walked away, leaving you stunned on the porch, the taste of whisky and his kiss lingering in the night air.

“Daryl!” You called after him, but he didn't turn back. As he disappeared into the darkness, the stars above twinkled like distant memories, and you sat alone, grappling with the unexpected turn of your friendship.

The feelings you've been so desperately trying to push away and promised will never see the light of day again surged up once more. Your heart felt like it was going to fall out from your chest and your throat went dry.

I would never see you as something more than a friend.

Those words. Those exact words came out of his mouth the moment you told him you loved him all these months ago. You could picture his face even now when the three words fallen out of your lips. He was so fucking pissed off. He hated the fact you had feelings for him, and now? Now you're not so sure any more. It just makes no sense…

[pixiecactus]

himbo!gendry/dumb!gendry? i don't know him...

Look with your eyes, Arya wanted to shout at the men below. "Can't they see we're no lords or knights?" she whispered. "I don't think they care, Arry," Gendry whispered back. And she looked at Ser Amory's face, the way Syrio had taught her to look, and she saw that he was right.

.

The air was full of birds, crows mostly. From afar, they were no larger than flies as they wheeled and flapped above the thatched roofs. To the east, Gods Eye was a sheet of sun-hammered blue that filled half the world. Some days, as they made their slow way up the muddy shore (Gendry wanted no part of any roads, and even Hot Pie and Lommy saw the sense in that), Arya felt as though the lake were calling her. She wanted to leap into those placid blue waters, to feel clean again, to swim and splash and bask in the sun. But she dare not take off her clothes where the others could see, not even to wash them.

.

"If there's people, there's food," Hot Pie said, too loudly. Gendry was always telling him to be more quiet, but it never did any good. "Might be they'd give us some." "Might be they'd kill us too," Gendry said. "Not if we yielded," Hot Pie said hopefully.

.

Hot Pie agreed. "They told Yoren to open the gates, they told him in the king's name. You have to do what they tell you in the king's name. It was that stinky old man's fault. If he'd of yielded, they would have left us be." Gendry frowned. "Knights and lordlings, they take each other captive and pay ransoms, but they don't care if the likes of you yield or not." He turned to Arya. "What else did you see?"

.

Gendry squinted up at the sun. "Evenfall will be the best time to sneak in. I'll go scout come dark.""No, I'll go," Arya said. "You're too noisy."Gendry got that look on his face. "We'll both go." "Arry should go," said Lommy. "He's sneakier than you are."

.

"He's going to die, and the sooner he does it, the better for the rest of us. We should just leave him, like he says. If it was you or me hurt, you know he'd leave us." They scrambled down a steep cut and up the other side, using roots for handholds. "I'm sick of carrying him, and I'm sick of all his talk about yielding too. If he could stand up, I'd knock his teeth in. Lommy's no use to anyone. That crying girl's no use either." "You leave Weasel alone, she's just scared and hungry is all." Arya glanced back, but the girl was not following for once. Hot Pie must have grabbed her, like Gendry had told him. "She's no use," Gendry repeated stubbornly. "Her and Hot Pie and Lommy, they're slowing us down, and they're going to get us killed. You're the only one of the bunch who's good for anything. Even if you are a girl."

.

But Jaqen H'ghar still smiled. His garb was still ragged and filthy, but he had found time to wash and brush his hair. It streamed down across his shoulders, red and white and shiny, and Arya heard the girls giggling to each other in admiration. I should have let the fire have them. Gendry said to, I should have listened. If she hadn't thrown them that axe they'd all be dead. For a moment she was afraid, but they rode past her without a flicker of interest. Only Jaqen H'ghar so much as glanced in her direction, and his eyes passed right over her. He does not know me, she thought. Arry was a fierce little boy with a sword, and I'm just a grey mouse girl with a pail.

.

"Never mind about Ser Lyonel." He drew her aside by the arm. "Last night Hot Pie asked me if I heard you yell Winterfell back at the holdfast, when we were all fighting on the wall." "Everyone was yelling stuff," Arya said defensively. "Hot Pie yelled hot pie. He must have yelled it a hundred times." "It's what you yelled that matters. I told Hot Pie he should clean the wax out of his ears, that all you yelled was Go to hell! If he asks you, you better say the same."

.

"Maybe there won't be a lot of them.""If there's two, that's too many for you and me. You never learned nothing in that village, did you? You try this and Vargo Hoat will cut off your hands and feet, the way he does." Gendry took up the tongs again. "You're afraid."

.

She heard them coming long before she saw them. Hot Pie was breathing heavily, and once he stumbled in the dark, barked his shin, and cursed loud enough to wake half of Harrenhal. Gendry was quieter, but the swords he was carrying rang together as he moved. "Here I am." She stood. "Be quiet or they'll hear you." The boys picked their way toward her over tumbled stones. Gendry was wearing oiled chainmail under his cloak, she saw, and he had his blacksmith's hammer slung across his back. Hot Pie's red round face peered out from under a hood. He had a sack of bread dangling from his right hand and a big wheel of cheese under his left arm. "There's a guard on that postern," said Gendry quietly. "I told you there would be."

.

By midday Hot Pie had begun to complain. His arse was sore, he told them, and the saddle was rubbing him raw inside his legs, and besides he had to get some sleep. "I'm so tired I'm going to fall off the horse." Arya looked at Gendry. "If he falls off, who do you think will find him first, the wolves or the Mummers?" "The wolves," said Gendry. "Better noses."

.

Dusk was settling as they stopped to rest the horses once more and share another meal of bread and cheese. "I'm cold and wet," Hot Pie complained. "We're a long way from Harrenhal now, for sure. We could have us a fire—" "NO!" Arya and Gendry both said, at the exact same instant. Hot Pie quailed a little. Arya gave Gendry a sideways look. He said it with me, like Jon used to do, back in Winterfell. She missed Jon Snow the most of all her brothers.

.

"What about Hot Pie?" Gendry pointed. Hot Pie was already on the ground, curled up beneath his cloak on a bed of damp leaves and snoring softly. He had a big wedge of cheese in one fist, but it looked as though he had fallen asleep between bites. It was no good arguing, Arya realized; Gendry had the right of it. The Mummers will need to sleep too, she told herself, hoping it was true. She was so weary it was a struggle even to get down from the saddle, but she remembered to hobble her horse before finding a place beneath a beech tree. The ground was hard and damp. She wondered how long it would be before she slept in a bed again, with hot food and a fire to warm her.

.

"Aye, and good for you." The man smiled. "It's not every day I meet a lad with such a tasty name. And what would your friends be called, Mutton Chop and Squab?" Gendry scowled down from his saddle. "Why should I tell you my name? I haven't heard yours."

.

"Gendry," she called, her voice low and urgent. "They have a boat. We could sail the rest of the way up to Riverrun. It would be faster than riding, I think." He looked dubious. "Did you ever sail a boat?" "You put up the sail," she said, "and the wind pushes it." "What if the wind is blowing the wrong way?" "Then there's oars to row." "Against the current?" Gendry frowned. "Wouldn't that be slow? And what if the boat tips over and we fall into the water? It's not our boat anyway, it's the inn's."

.

honestly the fact that gendry is street smart and also happens to be very intelligent on his own, is hardworking and very loyal, has a quick wit, and has a good set of survival skills is why he really works well as arya's partner and most trusted friend. also he's not a pushover and i think that's very important as well.

(i'll be willing to argue that since he was an apprentice under tobho mott, he must know how to read and write some words, or at least know his numbers... not saying that he received the same level of education that arya did; that would be ridiculous, but i believe that he must have at least a little grasp of it)

[theallianceofcelestials]

May we have some Possesive Mirror Moon with Solar? Possessive Moon for the poor?

Welp, your wish is my command. Be prepared for a truly awful couple hundred words

Trigger warning for everything

Solar gasps for air, desperately clawing at navy forearms.

He objectively knows he doesn't need to breath. He knows this isn't doing anything too serious to him. But still

His body is desperately telling him he needs air right now, or he's going to die, but with Moon kneeling above him, pressing him onto the cold, unforgiving kitchen floor, hellish eyes burning in a deep, twisted red, manic grin shrouded by the shadows of midnight, he knows he stands no chance of getting out of here. Not until the SCP releases him.

He kicks out with his legs, desperately hoping to somehow dislodge his attacker, but the lunar bot only shifts his weight a bit, leaning more forward. Like this, he can clearly see his expression.

He looks absolutely joyous, the sick, twisted fuck. He looks like he's having the time of his life.

And then suddenly, those hands let up, and he coughs and heaves as air finally makes it in

"There Solar, shhh"

He flinches away as fingers begin caressing his rays, but the navy hands follow him anyway.

"It wasn't so bad now, was it?"

Those hands have turned feather soft, running over his face in a way he'd consider loving if he didn't know better.

"You handled your punishment so nicely. I wouldn't have to do this if you didn't touch that filth today."

He barely brushes against that random human today while the family was out shopping. But Moon was insufferable after, always leaning on him, grabbing him out of the blue, pulling him against the cold metal chassis. He knew something was wrong that moment, but he never expected for this.

Perhaps midnight snacks are truly diabolical

"But that's fiiiiiine. They've hurt you for so long, you don't know how to handle yourself, you have to be taught"

Those hands slide down now, stopping on his stomach, and his optics widen in fear as Moon's own happiness spreads more across his face until he looks as insane as he is.

"Lucky for you, uncle's here"

His fingers begin to dig into his stomach, and Solar screams. He screams so much his voicebox cuts out as Moon continues to do something, cutting him apart in more than one way.

He's panting heavily by the time the pain stops, clawing at the ground and wheezing when fingers softly run over his middle section, spreading his oil around, and why hasn't anyone else appeared yet why did they leave him alone with this-

"There! Now people will know who you belong to-!"

"Moon what the fuck did you do!?"

Solar sobs in relief at the voice of his father, feeling pathetically grateful.

He looks towards Killcode, going limp at those familiar, deeply loved icy optics, and they really must be a sight from the way they widen, they probably look awful. But with Moon crouching above him, elbow deep in Solar's oil, probably having carved his name into him, it's understandable.

The silence that's descended on them is dangerous. You could cut through the anger.

"You put down a spell in my home, so that you can torture my son without being interrupted, and now you dare look at me like that?!"

Each word is louder than the one before, and he just wants to curl up and cry.

Of course Moon put down a privacy spell. Of course he'd try to hide this.

"What, little brother? Jealous you didn't get the chance?"

That ice in those optics boils over until the temperature in the room becomes freezing. He recognises that position everyday, and if he wasn't already a relieved half-corpse on the floor, he'd have relaxed even more.

Without a further word, Killcode roars, shaking the very foundations of the house. He surely woke everyone with it, but none of them care as he throws himself forward.

Moon meets him in the middle, ready to fight whoever he has to for what he deemed his

Solar just wants to cry

[camillomea]

Red robin and rouges gallery 3

Tim didn't expect to open his eyes again. He was pretty sure he was going to die. But when he did, someone was screaming his name in panic. His vision was blurry, his ears were ringing, he was in terrible pain. His head wasn't on the ground anymore. It was on something softer. He couldn't quite make out his surroundings. He could feel a hand on his neck. Probably the person who was calling him, checking his pulse. The ringing in his ears was really bad, but he could still hear the half-intelligible voice of the person holding him, he could still hear the panic in the voice. He finally came to his senses enough to realize that the person holding him was a hater. He stuttered, "Uncle eddie." Riddler looked relieved to see him awake. "Hey Red. I'm here like I promised you, I'm here to get you," he said. Tim said, "It s-s-hurts. Uncle Eddie hurts so much. I-I-I was so scared," he said and started to cry. Eddie said, "shhhh. It's okay, you're safe now. You're going to be okay. You're going to be safe. Red, I need you to stay awake for me. okay? I'm going to take you to the doctor. He'll take care of the pain, but you have to stay awake." Tim could see the panic in his voice and on his face, despite the ringing in his ears and his blurry vision. Tim said, "I'm really tired." Eddie said, his voice low. Eddie said, "I know. I know. Just a little. Hang in there for a while, okay? Afterwards, you can sleep as much as you want, I promise." Tim whimpered quietly. It was obvious that he was in a lot of pain. Eddie said, "Red, honey, can you tell me who did this to you?" Tim said, "j-j-joker o-o-o. He wanted to do that Robin thing again, but in a more entertaining way. I-i-i-I stopped the bomb, just like you taught me." Eddie stiffened, taking a deep breath to calm himself, then he said, "It's okay, Red. Good job. You did a great job. I'm proud of you." Tim felt relieved to hear this despite the pain in his body. He started coughing up blood. Eddie picked him up. Mother Tim started screaming in pain. Eddie said "shhhh you'll be fine you'll be fine. I'll take you to doctor B. I promise you you'll be fine" and quickly took him to the car. Tim's eyes were blackened from the pain. His brain was pounding. Eddie laid him down on the back seat of the car. Tim could barely keep his eyes open. After making sure he wouldn't fall, Eddie got into the front seat and started the car. He stepped on the gas. His hands were covered in blood but he didn't care a bit, his only priority right now was to get the kid to the doctor. He picked up his phone and called someone. When the call was answered, he immediately said "I'm bringing Bradford Red to you. His condition is very urgent" his voice was full of panic and anger. His voice was dripping with murderous intent. A voice came from the other end of the line and was shouting "WHAT! WHAT HAPPENED". Eddie growled "he's the joker".

***

The Riddler had come to my doctor's house at full speed. Bradford was standing at the door. When he opened the back door and saw Red, he froze and was very angry, he growled "son of a bitch". They immediately carried Tim inside with the help of the Riddler. They put him inside. Bradford immediately started to take care of Tim. Eddie went to the bathroom. He tried to clean the blood off himself. His hands were shaking with anger. He cleaned himself up and changed his clothes. He took his phone. He called Oswald.

O- Hey Eddie hello.

E- Oswald hello

O- What's wrong? Your voice sounds bad

E- Red o o

O- Hey hey. Calm down calm down. What's wrong? Where are you? Is Red back? Is he hurt

E- Joker. That son of a bitch hurt little Red. He's in bad shape. I took him to the doctor. He had pressed the emergency button. I found him right away

O- Where's the joker

E- I don't know. When I got there, he was already gone

O- I'm coming there. It's okay. It's okay he'll be fine soon

E-....

O- are you okay

E- I'm physically fine. There was a lot of blood

O- it's okay it's okay he'll be fine. I promise you.

He said. Then he hung up after talking for a while. Then he sent a group message to Ivy and Harley.

E- I need water from the emergency pond Ivy you can set the fee. I'll accept anything

I-????? WHO HAPPENED WHAT

H- Was Oswald injured or?

E- Red

I- WHAT????

H- WHO HARASSED MY BABY

E- Your ex

[aedollie]

´ཀ`  bloody huzz ::  17 .. 

 ♰  or  it was karina’s turn to hunt for animal blood late at night, she gets hit by a car and swore the person who did it would pay.

evb wants to see me (half written: 0.8k)

masterlist   ♰   next

MANON WALKS INTO YOUR ROOM, snacks in hand, as her face etched with concern. you haven’t seen manon this dispirited since her first breakup so you could tell this was serious.

sitting down on the edge of your bed, her gaze fixed straight ahead, watching your tv as you both sat in silence. the silence felt heavy, like a weight being dropped from fifty feet above—heavy. you were not liking the vibes right now.

after the moment of silence, you gathered the courage to speak, your voice coming out a bit hesitant—nervous to hear what was going to come next. “manon?”

“mm?” the girl replies, her tone distant, as if she was on another planet right now. she was really zoning out.

you gently move up closer to her, rubbing a hand on her back to encourage her to speak, “whats wrong? i’ve never seen you like this before?” then you thought about the last time you’d seen her, which was at the party—talking to jaemin.

“was it jaemin? did he turn you down?” you ask, your tone remained soft but your voice was laced with concern, the question slipping out accidentally after the thought, worrying you even more.

“more like tried to take me down.” manon jokes, letting out a small chuckle. this wasn’t humorous at all, your eyes widened.

“he did what?!? oh so i DO need to get the police involved!” you shout letting go of her, you haven’t seen her or stella for days, who knows what happened to stella and she won’t even let anyone know, well except renjun.

manon stops you from dialing the three numbers and began speaking again, “you dont need to do that yn, just listen to me please.”

two weeks earlier….

after settling in at the party, manon, yn, and stella were just chilling, having a good time. until manon saw the man of her dreams, the light of her life, the future father of her kids—

anyway, she left stella and yn to talk, walking up to jaemin who was just standing, holding his drink. “hey handsome, looking for anyone?” manon spoke as she walked up on jaemin, a little tipsy but its whatever.

letting out a airy chuckle, looking over his shoulder. jaemin smiled at manon, glancing down at her exposed collarbone, then back to her eyes. “i am now, and you are..?”

“im manon, i study nursing at HYBEU.” she replies, returning his smile, as she happily held conversation with the boy.

a few minutes passed before jaemin was tired and hungry from the party, asking manon if she wanted to get food, which she complied.

once they were outside the party, manon could remember moving at lightning speed, not even feeling a gust of wind. one moment her eyes were closed the next she immediately ended up in the woods, she was confused.

she opened her eyes to see jaemin, smiling at her, and his eyes, his eyes were mich different from before. “whats going on?” manon questions looking around at her surroundings just incase she’s been kidnapped.

“dont worry, im just getting my snack. this will all be over soon..” jaemin answers. manon watches as his teeth grew 2 inches longer and they appeared more sharp, like fangs.

she was absolutely mortified. was she about to die? how the hell did not notice? oh fuck.

making an attempt to push him off, she thrashed around yelling, begging for her life. he didn’t budge but he was getting slightly irritated.

holdning manon still, jaemin looked into her eyes, about to speak, but couldnt because of the piercing headace he recieved, immediately dropping to his knees, covering his ears.

he let out agonizing screams, but it didnt stop there. manon raises her hand, in an attempt to do something—which she did, after watching jaemin being pushed backwards into a tree.

she looks at her trembling hand in shock, heart pounding nonstop, and then back at the screaming jaemin. halting her train of thought, she made a run for it without looking back. jaemins screaming becoming more and more distant.

´ཀ`

yn looked at her bestfriend in utter shock, she couldn’t believe what she was hearing right now? jaemin trying to eat a human? manon pushing someone without physical force? sick.

“wait but then.. are they real? like—vampires and witches? its true isn’t it.” you ask, laying back in your bed, eyes focused on the ceiling.

manon mimicked your actions, letting out a sigh. “yeah, its real. and im scared, i dont know what to do.. do i tell my grandma? do i tell our friends? the police? everything is a mess right now.” she rants, closing her eyes.

you turn over and lay ontop of her, hugging her as a action of reassurance. “im scared for you, you should talk to your grandma about it though. thanks for sharing with me.”

manon hums in response, the both of you falling into another silence, this time a comforting one. and she eventually falls asleep from your embrace.

okay now evb lore out the way.. lets continue with the main plot…

huzzlist open! ♰ @eun-luv @saysirhc @ihugsnoopy @llotvkmj @wintersgff @lascvitae @pxnklover @stvrriki @kristalag @yeetaberry127 @kyakpack @bugcattie

[aedearly]

✎ㅤ. . .ㅤ𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑯 𝑹𝑬𝑫 𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑺.

₊˚⊹ ㅤa collection of loose verses taken from songs by precious pepala. writing/roleplaying prompts. some contain religious imagery and/or topics. most of these are angst, but some can be fluffy! feel free to edit these as you see fit.

❝ fill my lungs with holy water. ❞ ❝ memories... memories. i'm not sure. were they ever real or were they forged? ❞ ❝ have i been deceived by the light? ❞ ❝ should i even grieve? ❞ ❝ what if it was all a lie? ❞ ❝ give me a reason to say it's not me, it's you. ❞ ❝ give me a reason to leave. ❞ ❝ i promise i won't be sad if i catch you with red hands. ❞ ❝ i'm on my knees praying, you're the devil in disguise. ❞ ❝ if i get to those golden gates and he turns me away... oh, then you can say i told you so. ❞ ❝ i’ll burn forevermore like the sun that will rise even after i die. ❞ ❝ please, can't you see you're killing me? ❞ ❝ smother me with loving hands. ❞ ❝ secrets that i keep? oh, they’d keep you from sleep. ❞ ❝ i'm just a black sheep. ❞ ❝ so cover me in wool and pray, maybe i'll change. ❞ ❝ throw me to the wolves and say you're not to blame. ❞ ❝ i feel like i'm falling from heaven to hell. ❞ ❝ found the apple of my eye in you, and i want to take a bite. ❞ ❝ maybe you can call me eve; standing here under the forbidden tree. ❞ ❝ this love isn't holy. ❞ ❝ father, forgive me, for i don't know if i can change. ❞ ❝ i feel like the angel who fell. ❞ ❝ maybe i want to bring the devil to dinner one day. ❞ ❝ once in a blue moon, i let my guard down for someone like you. ❞ ❝ too many times, i've been left with scars. ❞ ❝ i will keep my cards close to my chest. ❞ ❝ heart ain't on my sleeve, you will never gonna see how i really feel. ❞ ❝ these tears are for my eyes only. ❞ ❝ my heart is made of glass—half empty and smashed. ❞ ❝ don't leave me alone with my head when i'm hanging on by a thread. ❞ ❝ this silence is heavy and it might be the death of me. ❞ ❝ the monsters from under my bed now live in my mind, and they're not very kind with me. ❞ ❝ don't leave me, don't leave me alone. ❞ ❝ oh shucks—i think i've gone and said way too much. ❞ ❝ i think i should've kept my mouth shut. ❞ ❝ i will hold out my hands, i'm ready for the cuffs. ❞ ❝ what are you laughing at? ❞ ❝ prepare yourself to live it again, and again and again. ❞ ❝ speak the truth you know they want to hear. ❞ ❝ tell a lie enough until it feels real. ❞ ❝ pray and everything will be alright... what a lie! ❞ ❝ hide the wounds and never let them heal. ❞ ❝ i'm getting butterflies, but they're not the good kind. ❞ ❝ the knot in my chest is getting too tight. ❞ ❝ this must be what it feels like to have a good time. ❞ ❝ mmmm, i want a bottle of wine… ❞ ❝ having fun yet? ❞ ❝ take a deep breath… ❞ ❝ i declare a thumb war (just so i can hold your hand). ❞ ❝ wrap me around your finger. ❞ ❝ 'guess i like when we play rough. ❞ ❝ break down my walls, and i'll sit right in the palm of your hand, darling. ❞ ❝ i need you to stay, need you to stay. ❞ ❝ i feel like you can't feel the way i feel. ❞ ❝ i'll be messed up if you can't be right here. ❞ ❝ when i'm away from you, i miss your touch. ❞ ❝ you're the reason i believe in love. ❞ ❝ you know that i know that i can't live without you. ❞ ❝ i'm a moth in a room of butterflies. ❞ ❝ don't say you miss me. ❞ ❝ i'm the death of the party. ❞ ❝ i know you all too well, but can't call you a friend, because friends don't make you feel this way. ❞ ❝ the devils i'm afraid to face resemble you more day by day. ❞ ❝ all i ask of you, let go. ❞

[xdjville]

p1harmony and their favorite types of dates

pairing: p1harmony x gn!reader

cw: none

#keeho

keeho loves the type of dates where the main focus is on the two of you, and the activity itself is only a nice addition. i'm talking going to a restaurant, a walk, ice skating, anywhere he can keep looking at and talking to you. if the place is nice enough to take cute photos as well, it's basically a perfect date - hence he always dresses up (totally not to impress you) and coaxes you to do the same, maybe even doing couple outfits if he's feeling cheesy enough.

#theo

as much as theo likes taking you out, his absolute favorite moments are the ones where you stay in, doing nothing at all and just being in each other's presence. laying down, his face nuzzled into your chest while you thread your fingers through his hair, the soft tunes of his playlist (made specifically for this occasion) playing in the background, and he has to physically hold himself back from falling asleep because he doesn't want this moment to end. alternatively, you could be splayed on the couch, the movie you spent way too much time choosing serving you as background noise as you get lost in the taste of each other's lips, the kiss unhurried and full of adoration.

#jiung

jiung's a sucker for the cutest, pinterest worthy dates - pottery painting, animal cafes, museums, exhibitions, you name it. he plans everything beginning to end, wanting everything to be just perfect, and will not give you enough time to even take your wallet out before he's already paid. the first time a date he planned went wrong because the place closed early, he was so upset and kept apologising to you, and you had to convince him to just go to your place and order take out to stop him from sulking (to mixed results).

#intak

intak's favorite dates are the spontaneous, fun ones, where you just kind of do whatever feels right at the moment. he'll call you to ask to take you out while already standing at your porch, dressed in whatever he was wearing before going out (more often than not, sweatpants), and literally drag you out of your place. he loves going to the arcade (he'll both let you win purposefully and sulk after losing), the cinema, or the small restaurant run by an older lady that always gives him free side dishes because oh my, he's such a handsome young man.

#soul

boba dates!! i don't know what it is, but something about soul just screams boba date to me and i'm planning to die on this hill. you two are connoisseurs at this point, visiting every boba place in town and rating them imaginary points for taste, service, and vibe. it's always either of you that pays for both drinks, and you play silly games on your way to the store to determine who it will be. he'll always remember which one is currently your favorite and will get an order from there when you're feeling down (i'm crying).

#jongseob

seobie prefers to stay in as well, but that doesn't mean he doesn't like to have fun. he'll arrange game tournaments where the loser has to pay for take out - full of yelling, laughing, and, well... methods of distraction. rap battles (doesn't matter if you're actually good or not, he'll look at you with literal hearts in his eyes), blind karaoke, and tiktok challenges are some of his favorites too. after all that, it's not unusual for him to suddenly get the urge to go out in the middle of the night, taking a quiet stroll with you through the neighbourhood, each of you taking one of his earbuds and taking turns adding songs to the queue.

#taglist ➼♡ @0-hoony @suzayaaa

©xdjville

[elf1998]

On That Prego Sauce [James Sunderland X Reader]

synopsis: Ever since you got pregnant, your husband's simply caring and attentive behavior gradually shifted to a stressed, bordering on paranoid, bundle of nerves. In today's program, he's trying to banish you from the kitchen as you attempt to cook dinner.

status: oneshot

content warning: female reader, pregnant reader, talks about pregnancy [obviously], slight anxiety problems, fluff, romance, kissing, gen in general, James goes to therapy™

author's note: This is kind of a funny/endearing bit, as you can say from the name. It's relatively short, but I thought I'd share it anyway since I got inspired by some art of James with a baby on Pinterest ;)

You catch James lurking anxiously behind you out of the corner of your eye as you stir the bubbling pot of pasta sauce. His eyes dart between the stove's temperature knob and the rounded belly under your maternity dress for the umpteenth time, twitching nervously. You hum to yourself, already knowing what he's going to say, and roll your eyes, pretending not to see his uneasy posture.

— Honey, are you sure you should be standing so long in this heat? Why don't you have a seat and let me take over? — James suggests, already reaching for the spoon in your hand, his calloused fingers brushing slightly against yours.

He's been hovering over you the whole evening, trying to gently shoo you away from the kitchen counter as you casually chopped tomatoes. His hands would idly paw at your sides as he followed your every move around the room, wheezing whenever your pregnant tummy brushed the cabinets.

— James, I am perfectly capable of cooking dinner. It's not like I'm about to go into labor over a hot stove, — you answer patiently as you hold the spoon away from his grasp, giving him a slightly exasperated look mixed with concern. He looks more tired than you, even though it's you who's carrying his child.

James sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly as he takes a small step back, hands raised in a placating gesture. He knows he needs to rein in his overprotectiveness, to let you breathe, but it's hard, especially now with you so... vulnerable. Precious. Fragile.

His eyes flick down to your rounded belly, now more prominent than ever, before meeting your gaze again.

— Sorry, you're right. I know you can handle this; it's just... I worry, — James admits gruffly, rubbing the back of his neck, — It's my job to take care of you, and... Well, I'm still getting used to the idea of us being... Of you being...

He trails off, unable to find the right words. Of you being a mother, he wants to say. Of us being a family. A family with a child of his own. The thought sends a confusing mix of emotions surging through him — joy, trepidation, and a deep, gnawing anxiety he can't quite shake.

James can't help but feel the overwhelming urge to take control, even though he knows cooking dinner is no Olympic sport. He's been this way ever since you got pregnant, a caring husband slowly morphing into an utterly obsessive caregiver running on autopilot; diligently flipping through countless pregnancy and paternity books into the late hours of the night. Of course he knew pregnancy was no illness; the doctor said so, but old habits die hard.

— Here, let me get that for you, — James murmurs, reaching around you to take the spoon anyway, his chest pressing lightly against your back. He gives the sauce a few quick stirs, his anxious side-eye relaxing as you finally give up the handle with a sigh.

— Just relax, sweetheart. You shouldn't be exerting yourself like this, — his usually surly hazel-green gaze softens upon meeting yours as you reach to plant a gentle kiss on his lips. Your touch sends goosebumps to swarm all over his body as he breathes you in, reveling in your natural smell mixed with subtle perfume.

— Alright, alright, Mr. Worrywart. I will rest even though it's the only thing I do these days, — you glance up at him, a playful smirk tugging at your lips as you lean back against the hard planes of his chest, surrendering. Gosh, it's not like you're lifting a car or running a marathon.

James can't help but grin at your playful nagging, feeling relief spread through his chest as soon as you lean into him. He wraps his arms around your plump frame, pulling you gently back against him as he continues to stir the contents of the ceramic pot, his stubbled chin resting lightly atop your head.

His hands roam slowly over your belly, moving the fabric while feeling the gentle curve of it, marveling at the life you've created together. He knows he's been hovering more than usual lately, but he can't seem to help himself. It's hard for him to not be a worrywart. Not when it's you.

— I can't help it, — he murmurs, his voice low and filled with a tenderness that's almost aching, — Just... Bear with me, alright? It's hard for me to let go sometimes, — James swallows hard, his grip tightening slightly around you as he feels you melt back against him.

— Bear with you? — you murmur softly, tilting your head to the side so you can press another kiss to his jaw, feeling the rough stubble scrape deliciously against your lips.

You turn in his arms, your belly brushing against his stomach as you wind your arms around his neck, looking up at him with a soft, loving gaze. Your fingers play with the short baby hairs at the nape of his neck, toying with them gently, causing James to close his eyes in bliss at your ministrations.

— I'm not going anywhere, James. I'm right here, and I'm not made of glass. You don't have to be so worried, — you whisper, your thumb brushing gently over his cheekbone, — I... We feel so loved and cared for already, so you don't need to stress so much. You already are the husband I need you to be. Just a little... overbearing sometimes.

— A hovering helicopter husband, — he jokes as he nuzzles into your palm, a smile stretching over his face.

— My favorite helicopter husband, yes, — you muse.

James feels a shudder run through him at your gentle touch and soothing words, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment as he leans into your caress. Just as he gives another reassuring rub to your full belly, he feels it respond to his loving touch. A kick.

James's eyes widen in surprise as he feels the sharp jab against his palm, a jolt of adrenaline and awe surging through him at the sudden movement.

— Ow, that hurt, — you whine, leaning your head into James's chest as you heave, — I guess this small bean agrees with you. I'll take your advice and sit...

— Hey, hey... easy there, little one, — James murmurs, his hand gently rubbing soothing circles over the spot where he felt the kick, as if trying to calm them.

He sinks to his knees before you, his eyes never leaving your belly, as he helps you ease yourself down onto the chair. James leans in close, resting his cheek against your belly, his arms wrapping around your thighs. His eyes trail up from the smooth golden band on your finger to your face, his green eyes filled with such concern and tender love that it makes your heart skip a beat.

— Thank you, baby, I'm feeling better already, — you smile down at him, hoping to put him at ease, even though you still feel your stomach throb.

— Are you sure? You don't look so good; maybe we should call the doctor just in case? — he retorts almost immediately, but you stop him before he starts overreacting.

— James, honey, we've talked about this. I'll tell you if I feel unwell, I promise, — you reach down to gently squeeze his hands, his fingers interlocking with yours like on instinct. He takes in your expression, searching for any signs of pain or discomfort and seemingly relaxes after detecting none.

— Sorry. Sometimes I can't believe this is really happening, — he murmurs against the fabric of your pastel dress after a while, his breath fanning over your baby bump, — Sometimes this all just feels... like a dream.

— But it is happening. It's real, and you're going to be a dad, — you beam down at him, eyes crinkling in the corners as you comb through his blonde hair.

James blushes slightly at your words, a shy but proud smile spreading across his face. He leans into your touch, savoring the feeling of your fingers tugging gently at his scalp.

— Yeah... I guess I am, — he murmurs, a note of wonder in his voice.

Suddenly a sizzling sound makes you jump slightly in your seat, with James still on his knees in front of you.

— James, the sauce! — you exhale, voice shrill with defeat as the sauce spills over the pot and onto the stove, forgotten in the midst of your affectionate exchange.

James curses under his breath, leaping to his feet and rushing to the stove. He quickly turns down the heat and grabs a spoon, stirring the liquid vigorously, trying to salvage it. He glances over his shoulder at you, a rueful, slightly embarrassed grin on his face.

— Sorry about that. Guess I got a little distracted, — he says, scraping the burnt bits from the bottom of the pot, — I think that's what happens when you've got the most beautiful woman in the world sitting right in front of you?

— Yeah, excuses, excuses,— you laugh softly as you watch him, amused, — I guess I'll have to put up with your thoughts being so utterly consumed by me for a few more months.

James chuckles softly as he continues to stir the sauce, the burnt smell slowly dissipating. He pushes off from the counter and walks back over to you, sinking to his knees once more. He rests his hands on your knees, squeezing them gently as he gazes up at you with a soft, peaceful expression.

— A few more months? No, I don't think so, — he retorts with a grin, bringing your hand up to press a soft kiss to your knuckles. — Try that for the rest of my life.

— Ew, what's that smell? Did you guys burn something? — Laura complains as you hear the gentle patter of her feet on the carpeted floor of the living room.

— James is cooking dinner! — you call out to her, a hint of irony in your tone, only to be met with the girl's face scrunched up with disgust appearing in the door frame.

— A-ha! I bet he was being all kissy with you again and ruined it, — she teases as James gives her a look, still situated at your feet, but smiles at the mischievous girl eventually.

— Well... You're not exactly wrong, Laura, — he says, giving your hand a squeeze as he does, puckering his lips at the girl comically, — Want me to kiss you too, little whiny princess?

— Ugh, no way! And that dinner smells like some spaghetti factory explosion!

[the-haunted-office]

Oleander rolls back over and scowls at him. "What? Do you have memory issues on top of everything else now? Did you forget that we were taking your dog outside to do his business? Oh my god, you're impossible!"

They're about to get up themself to drag Ed down the hallway if they have to. They've had enough as well and they're ready to haul his dead weight around if that's what it takes for them to hunt down a paperclip on their own and end this nightmare. If they have to wrestle Ed to get his phone away from him before he can call Doom as well, then so be it. He already considers them a piece of shit - may as well cause as much damage as possible at this point.

But then Ed mentions a window. Insinuates jumping out of it. And that sets off an even more primal fear inside of Oleander.

They've already technically died once. Being code now, falling out of a window, they don't know if they can die again... and respawn like the others can. They have no idea what would happen to them if they were to die like that.

What they do know is they don't want to find out.

"What the- What the fuck are you doing?! Are you fucking serious?! You'd rather jump out of a window than get up and look for a stupid paperclip?! How crazy are you?!" they practically shriek at Ed, standing up and tugging back on the handcuffs with both hands grabbing onto their end of the short chain between them.

"We are not JUMPING OUT OF A WINDOW! Get your ass up off the floor! We are GOING to find a paperclip and get out of these handcuffs right now. I will drag you down the hallway if I have to!"

Ed does not notice Oleander's code flicker. He would have, but he was too busy feeling like he was dying, his entire body in some form of pain, and his body feeling like it was undergoing a system failure.

"If only I'd had gone to get a paperclip? What were we just doing then, about to go to the lounge for a cuppa tea? Or are you pissed I don't have any at my desk? I don't see how this is my fault. If you're going to go handcuffing yourself to random people, you'd think you'd keep some way to get out of them with you, but no. You didn't think that far ahead, did you?"

He scowls. Their reaction to the mention of Doom makes him want to call her even more, though at this point, Ed doesn't know if he can stand just laying there with Oleander for a second longer. He wants them gone. He certainly isn't going to recover at all as long as Oleander keeps bitching at him, and the only way he'll actually recover any energy is if he takes a nap, which. No thank you. Absolutely not with Oleander anywhere near him.

"But you know what? Fine. We don't have to call Doom. Window it is." Very slowly, he sat up and turned toward his window. His face paled again, a wave of vertigo nearly knocking him over again, but he managed to remain sitting.

The window wasn't very far. Half a dozen steps, at most, but from where Ed was sitting, unable to get up, it might as well have been a mile away. Even still, if he had to crawl to the window to get away from Oleander, he would.