#he really is just a gentle little dude you guys :((((((((((( like he’s a gremlin for sure. but under that….. gentle little flower boy :(

[yuwuta]

omg i feel like you never write for toge but would you be willing to? id love to hear any rls headcanons you have about him

i love love loveeeeee toge, fun fact i started jjk because of him 😇😇 i don’t write much for/about him you’re right but i think he’s in a place now where it’s like i love and adore his character so much that i don’t wanna mess him up? or mess up how much time i’ve spent loving him in my head lollllll but i do have headcanons ofc

he has to kiss and tell. it doesn’t matter that he can’t speak, trust that he’s the first to tell. if you want an undercover relationship, he is not your man—actually the second that you two get together, you’re in a group chat with all his friends and he’s quadruple texting about how he loves you

in a canonverse au where he can’t use sign language, he comes up with another way to tell you he loves you. some other sushi ingredient or food ingredient or otherwise neutral word that reminds him of you. he doesn’t tell you beforehand, so it’s a bit of a surprise when he randomly holds you hand and smiles and says something like umeboshi very slowly and deliberately, but it only takes a moment of really looking at his eyes to understand what his saying :((

in a world where he uses sign language, he still uses it mostly to talk shit LOL. ofc it’s helpful to communicate the more nuanced feelings with you, but toge’s favorite use of it is to silently communicate with you in public about someone else—particularly someone else he doesn’t like. true diva behavior, esp because he always sets you up to lie to whoever he’s talking about when they inevitably ask what’s going on

gamer boy :( gets key caps in your favorite color or custom ones with a cute design to replace the keys that have your initials on them on his keyboard. and very proudly shows everyone who asks about it

turns your apartment into a greenhouse accidentally. he’s canonically good at gardening and is the one who takes care of the flowers on campus, and he has a habit of buying and spending extra time tending to plants that you like or that remind him of you. it starts small, a tiny plant on your bathroom counter that he insists is easy to care for and is good for air circulation. then another in your bedroom, a few in your living room, some flowers to sit on your windowsill, a bigger orchid to fill that awkward space between the wall and your couch, a feeder in your kitchen so you can have fresh herbs when you cook. he’s not one to rise early, except on feeding day, toge is the first one up and you can often catch him quietly tending to all of the plants as the sun rises.

[writers-vlogx]

im soooo happy to find people that love rafa as much as i do 😍 i love the way you write, it feels so in character. if you could write more about him... domestic rafa, power couple running the business together, rafa spoiling the living shit out of you... idk man i just love him 😪😪😪

Straight up DOMESTIC RAFA ABSOLUTELY 💯

Domestic Rafael headcanons

Brief suggestive themes

Oh brother do I have to tell you my little gremlin ideas that have been piling up lately.

if he's free and doesn't have some crazy idea that may or may not get both of you killed, he is soft and sweet.

He's very gentle on the days that he can rest. He wakes up late in the morning and doesn't feel like getting out of bed, so he pulls you closer and cuddles you. Taking in how warm your skin is and how soft your hair feels.

Once you decide it's been enough rest, you wiggle your way out of his grasp and get up to start your day. When you come back into the room to check on him, you see him half asleep whinning and extending his arms while telling you to come back to bed.

If you A) successful get him out of bed he's your for the day, whatever you want he will give.

If you B) fail to get him up, he will pull you back in and refuse to let you leave.

Now, if he gets up and manages to make it out of the bedroom door without deciding to be a horn dog, he'll look for you, and if he can't find you he'll head to the kitchen to get breakfast started.

It is my full belief that this man likes to cook better than to be served. He would be so skilled too. Like I can see that being a secret passion he would have.

Just being able to provide for you, not only with his job but also in everyday life. He wants to show you that you made the right choice by giving him a chance. That he's worth all the things you gave up.

Grocery shopping would be another big one, listen the guy likes to cook, and more so if you tell him about a specific dish you've been craving lately. That doesn't mean he wouldn't take you with him though, dude likes doing things together and he also likes making sure to have you by his side just in case he forgets anything or if there's something specific you wanted to pick out yourself.

Another thing I think he would like to do is clean together. Listen I know it may seem boring but just imagine when yall are making the bed suddenly starting a pillow fight, or if yall are clearing the kitchen table and you have the radio on he gets all sentimental and starts dancing with you.

He's a hopeless romantic so of course hugging you and wrapping his arms around your waist if your back is turned to him. Bringing you roses from the garden you planted together. Making dates at home when you don't feel like going out and cuddling on the couch. Taking you softly and kissing every part of you until he has you pulling his hair and begging for more.

Rafael being domestic is so beautiful because it's in those moments when you are alone with him that you can really see the true him. Not a part of the cartel, not a dangerous wanted criminal, not a poor sineloan man. Just Rafael solo tu Rafael. El que no te hará arrepentirte de averlo escogido.

@yoongskook @hausofmamadas

[adrift-in-thyme]

Rank the LU boys 1 to 9 with reasons

Oh gosh okay

*deep breath*

Here we go

Time. This one’s no surprise to anyone I’m sure XD. I loved the Hero of Time before I even got into LU. His tragic tale struck me as so interesting and heart wrenching. Getting into LU pretty much sealed the deal. He’s just such a great character. He’s through so much yet he’s still kind and tries to be the best leader he can be. I mean, this is the guy who stuck around after his death to train his ancestor cause he felt bad about leaving Hyrule without a hero (and also because he regretted being forgotten. HELLO ANGST). Plus, he’s a major gremlin imo. Just a hidden one lol

Warriors. The captain was actually the Link who got me interested in LU. I read @skyward-floored ‘s fic “Up in Arms” and fell in love with him. I’m naturally attracted to snarky, confident characters with a traumatic backstory and secret soft side (Flynn Ryder was my high school crush if that tells you anything XD) so it was kinda a given I’d love this guy lol. I’ll admit my first read through of LU was mainly me fangirling over him and analyzing his every appearance. (Not that that’s changed much).

Legend. He’s tied with Warriors for second tbh. But since I’ve gotta list them all out I’ll just place him in third. I hadn’t played any of Legend’s games when I got into LU but right after getting attached to Warriors, I got attached to him. Largely because to me he’s extremely relatable. He’s also multilayered in the best way. A soft sweetheart beneath all that snark he tries to hide behind.

Sky. I love Sky for pretty much the same reason as Legend. He’s relatable. Very much so XD. And also more complex than I think he often gets credit for. Beneath the calm, sleepy nice guy demeanor he’s got going on is a fierce warrior who’s been to hell and back for the person he loves. And would do it all again. He fought a GOD for goodness sake! He’s freaking awesome!! Also, Skyward Sword is my favorite Loz game so there’s that too. Plus, him and Sun? Chef’s kiss. Couple goals

Twilight. The older sibling thing endears him to me a lot. He carries a large burden and always has. Plus, his love for animals, gentle heart, and the way he brought down Midna’s walls with his kindness just makes me love him. Who can’t like a guy who rambles about Ordon goats and carries kittens like babies??

Wild. He is widely liked so for me that puts him farther down the list just because I kinda get tired of seeing endless content for him lol. But still. I love him very much. I mean, wild child with a traumatic past, memory issues, a mischievous and snarky side no one sees coming and a fierce love for his friends? YES PLEASE. Also he has long hair.

Four. Since I came into the fandom right around the time when that comic was posted I’ve always been a bit hesitant to write him. But he’s grown on me a lot lately. I actually had fun torturing him for whumptober XD He’s got an intriguing personality and I hope to see more of him in future LU updates.

Wind. I love this little dude A LOT. But I’ve never truly been able to get super invested in characters who are canonically much younger than me. Plus he is just SO HARD for me to write. So while I find his personality adorable and his dynamic with the other Links great, I can’t help putting him farther down on the list.

Hyrule. I like him, really I do. But I just can’t get as invested in him and his story as much as the other Links. I’m not sure why tbh

[starrcrossrose]

Okay for the risk of a long post, I’ll put all my answers under the cut but I wanna play!

Here are my answers to these 😗🐢✌🏻

1) First exposure to TMNT was I think the 2003 series?… wait NO it was the movies from the 90’s! But I don’t remember them super well so I’ll just say 03.

2) Watched 03 on weekends or sometimes after school as a kid when I’d visit my Nana’s house (she had cable tv, but my mom did not so tv time was sacred and special to us at Nana’s 😂)

3) I loved them, the theme song was awesome, and I was always always ALWAYS a Leo girlie

4) I was always a casual fan of TMNT and enjoyed almost every new bit of content when they hit big screens. However, Rise of the TMNT did me in. I have been a goner since late 2020, but DEFINITELY since 2022 when the movie released.

5) I’m most familiar with Rise by now, but have definitely done more digging now that I’m IN. Second to that would probably be the Bayverse movies and then 2003 (again, only bc I didn’t have cable or internet so most things I loved as a kid were watched in spurts and all of them incomplete lol)

6) I own SOME official TMNT merch. I have a couple of comics (IDW Collections volumes 1 and 2, the 40th anniversary comic, and the TMNT X MMPR volume 1 comic), as well as a couple of figures and some games. But most of what I own currently is fan made bc Rise got NO good merch. Not a single thing.

~Favorites~

7) Rise is my favorite, hands down. But there are things about the other iterations that I do love. It’s just that Rise has everything someone like me LOVES, so it’s perfect for my silly brain

8) Leo. Always Leo. And Donnie is always fighting for that top spot but I always end up caving into being a Leo girlie. Especially with Rise where Donnie WAS my favorite… until season 2 🤣 sorry lil dude

9) tbh Rise Leo is my favorite of the Leo’s ONLY because I loved the divergence from his typical outward character traits. It was fun to see who he COULD be if the weight of responsibility and leadership were not forced upon his shoulders at a young age. And, at his core, he is STILL such a Leo. He just buries a lot of those things under his cool guy persona. There is nothing I love more than a well written, multi-faceted character

10) Rise Leo 💙✌🏻

11) I have come around to loving lots of the Raph’s, actually. I really like Bayverse Raph, and I like 07 Raph, 03 Raph, and Rose Raph for very different reasons. Rise is special to me tho bc he has such eldest sibling energy and problems that I heavily relate to

12) Oh I ADORE Bayverse Donnie he’s just such a gentle, quietly unhinged dude. But RISE DONNIE. HE IS EVERYTHING IVE BEEN SAYING A DONATELLO COULD BE! Little mad scientist who can make anything out of everything and is so unhinged in his projects and his love for his family. But every Donnie is so good, so cherished. (Except for maybe 2012 Don… sorry buddy your writers failed you just a little)

13) Favorite Mikey is also Rise Mikey and now probably Tales Mikey. Because I think he deserves to be a little more of a gremlin. Channel that youngest energy (even if he’s the same age he just has that “youngest” privilege in a lot of ways I think). I loved how he got to be more blunt and feel an array of emotions instead of always being the party guy in the recent two iterations.

(This is where I add that I wish I knew the IDW boys better. I’ll get there someday)

14) Mmm I actually really liked 03 and 07 Splinter. Wise, tired dads with good character designs. And yes I also like Rise Splinter (again, complex and multi-faceted and you have to actually pay attention to get the payoff of his own character arc. It was refreshing to see the Sensei also experience growth even tho he’s an old man).

15) Favorite April is also absolutely 03 and Rise. Fierce ladies who will absolutely put themselves on the line for their turtle friends in very upfront ways. I did also enjoy 07 April but just didn’t get as much time with her as I would’ve liked. That movie had a lot of sequel or spin-off tv series potential but alas.

16) Casey… is harder for me to answer. But tbh I really like IDW Casey, and I also love Casey from Rise bc it was such a different take on the character. I don’t remember too much about 03 Casey as far as personality so eh. He was there but doesn’t stick out as strongly to me.

17) RISE SHREDDER IS PEAK, YOU CANNOT PRY THAT PLOT AND INCREDIBLE DESIGN FROM MY SILLY LITTLE GRIP

18) Mmmm… favorite Villain… I mean Shredder is the classic but I think I really like the Kraang in Rise bc they’re actually scary in the sense of the power they hold. But I also liked Superfly in Mutant Mayhem, he was interesting. I need to keep reading and watching other series to get to know the other villains better. XD Bishop is a good one too

19) Favorite ally… gosh this one is also hard to answer bc I don’t know many of them well enough yet to give an opinion. For now I will say Casey Jr from the Rise Movie

20) THEME SONGS. I will always love the 03 theme it was MADE for the era is was airing in 🤣 the Rise one also slaps. But tbh I think TMNT has stayed pretty consistent in having good soundtracks and theme songs throughout time ✌🏻

21) Favorite story arc isssss also hard to answer. Again I didn’t have cable to I never got to finish arcs and see them out from start to finish. And Rise was too short to have anything more than “Growing into being heroes and defeating Shredder” arc into “traumatize every single one of them down to their bones and almost kill Leo right in front of me and my salad” arc for the movie. 🪦 and in 03… I also never saw enough of it to fully finish arcs either. I’m sorry I’m a fake fan 🫡😂

22) My favorite pizza is Hawaiian and when I found out Rise Leo liked it too I actually yelled 🤣

Okay I will answer the rest later! 💙💙💙

In honor of TMNT's 40th Anniversary, here are 40 questions for people to send you about TMNT!

~~ Background ~~

1.) What was your first exposure to TMNT?

2.) What was your first exposure to [TMNT iteration]?

3.) What was your first impression of [TMNT iteration]?

4.) When did you become a fan of TMNT?

5.) Which iterations are you familiar with?

6.) Do you own any TMNT merchandise?

~~ Favorites ~~

7.) Which iteration is your favorite?

8.) Which turtle is usually your favorite?

9.) Who is your favorite version-specific turtle?

10.) Which version of Leonardo is your favorite?

11.) Which version of Raphael is your favorite?

12.) Which version of Donatello is your favorite?

13.) Which version of Michelangelo is your favorite?

14.) Which version of Splinter is your favorite?

15.) Which version of April is your favorite?

16.) Which version of Casey is your favorite?

17.) Which version of the Shredder is your favorite?

18.) Who is your favorite villain?

19.) Who is your favorite ally?

20.) Which theme song is your favorite?

21.) What is your favorite story arc?

22.) What is your favorite kind of pizza?

~~ Fandom ~~

23.) What is one of your favorite TMNT fics?

24.) What is one of your favorite TMNT fan comics?

25.) What is one of your favorite TMNT AUs?

26.) What is one of your favorite pieces of TMNT fan art?

27.) What is something you love to see in TMNT art/fics?

28.) What is one thing you would like to see explored more in TMNT art/fics?

29.) What is one headcanon that you have?

30.) What is one common headcanon that you reject?

31.) What is one piece of TMNT canon that you dislike/ignore?

~~ For Artists/Writers ~~

32.) What was the first thing you've made for TMNT?

33.) What is your favorite thing you've made for TMNT?

34.) Which character do you write/draw most often?

35.) Which character relationships are your favorite to write/draw?

36.) Which character do you have the hardest time writing/drawing?

37.) Do you write/draw for one specific iteration, or multiple?

38.) Do you generally stick close to canon, or diverge from it?

39.) Do you have any TMNT OCs?

40.) Do you give the turtles tails?

[indulgenthoax]

Kimetsu No Yaiba/ Demon Slayer

What it feels like to be loved by them pt. 1

Tanjirou Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Inosuke Hashibira, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Kanao Tsuyuri, Genya Shinazugawa

Content - Fluff!!

Warnings - None!

Honeyy’s notes- You guys got this to 100 notes T^T THANK YOU SO MUCH <3

Pt.1 Pt.2 Pt.3 Pt.4

Tanjirou Kamado <3

That gif explains it all.

Tanjirou’s love is so warm.

He has so much love to give now that his family is in heaven and you are most definitely a big receiver of it.

I have a feeling his love language is acts of service. If you need help cooking/ cleaning/ learning/ hunting/ manual labor/ training, he’s gonna be there and he’s going to ask if you would like a hand with it.

His other love language might be quality time too. Oh my god does he just love being with you!

He’ll sit there with you for hours either quietly or you both will talk about what happened today, exciting or not!

Being loved by Tanjirou is like being in the perfect position in bed at the perfect temperature.

His love very much is wavy if it makes any sense.

He will always be super passionate about your relationship but it differs on how aggressively he shows it.

If he’s being super aggressive? He’ll want to spend loads of time together, be it training, walking, or hell he’ll find a way to stay with you for 12 hours maybe even 24 hours of the day.

If he’s less aggressive (possibly busy) hand holding, little smiles.

He would 100% sit with you and just daydream about you and him together. What will your future together be like? Making up random scenarios in his head or, remembering something sweet you did for him that just blew his heart out of his chest.

No matter what or who you are, if Tanjirou fell in love with you he would just love you unconditionally. No if’s, and’s, but’s about it.

Nezuko Kamado <3

Nezuko’s love would be really gentle and sentimental.

Nezuko’s love is like holding hands while on a walk with someone you love.

She gives you sweet smiles, soft hand brushes, and comforting hugs.

Nezuko’s love language seems like gift giving and quality time. (like her brother.)

She doesn’t really express her love verbally as much as she does with small physical things.

You have a favorite flower and you told her about it with excitement? Darn right if she sees that flower randomly, in a store or in the wild, she will pick it and keep it safe until she can present it to you.

She will remember the small things about you. Favorite color. Hot or cold? Favorite food. The way you like things organized.

With quality time for her she likes to go out and do stuff with you. Expect to go into town and look at shops, laugh together, and eat tasty food.

She wants to make a lot of memories with you.

I have to add SHE LOVES HAVING HER HAIR PLAYED WITH/ PLAYING WITH YOURS

Sit there and pat/ stroke her head? She’ll literally melt!!

Inosuke Hashibira <3

Inosuke’s love feels exactly like nailing something you worked hard on.

That sense of just elation, happiness, and mix of adrenaline is exactly whats directed at you 24/7.

No Inosuke will not remember anniversary dates. (Maybe not your birthday either unless its written down.)

This gremlin (Endearingly) will show off for you so hard.

“Look at this sick ass rock pile I made!” “Come watch me lift up that entire fallen dead tree!”

Getting big time words of affirmation/ physical touch love language from this dude.

Tell him his mask is amazing? He will 100% say he knows but then yknow what? Hes gonna say he likes your cool ass outfit.

Feel like he’d yell out aggressive love affirmations. “YOU’RE AMAZING DAMNIT.”

As for physical touch, have you not experienced his amazing senses? He wants to feel your vibrations man.

His hand? Probably around your bicep. Loves hugs. Mostly ones that squeeze the life out of you though.

If he’s feeling really cool and accomplished he’ll be loud about it. And if you’re feeling the same way and he notices you aren’t being loud? He’ll be loud for you.

He wants to share his spot light with you. (Not all the time. But most of it.)

Zenitsu Agatsuma <3

Zenitsu’s love is like being told, by that person, that they love to listen to you talk, and could for hours and hours.

Being loved by Zenitsu is just having someone totally enamored with you.

Zenitsu will tell you cool stories that he’s picked up from his trips.

He wants to make you laugh until you’re crying. He loves the sound of your voice.

He’ll tell stories, yes, but, he will also listen to anything you have to say. Maybe not to take in what you’re saying but just to hear you.

Zenitsu wants you to think he’s just as cool as he thinks you are.

Definitely a words of affirmation/ gift giving boy.

He loves you sooooo much and he wants you to know you’re so attractive and that you’re cool, funny, and just the best person ever.

HE WILL TOTALLY BUY YOU TRINKETS WHEN HE COMES BACK FROM A MISSION!!

Will buy you a charm that made him think of you.

He wants to hold your hand but he gets nervous so he’ll stick with just walking next to you.

(He will accidentally trip over YOUR feet though cause he’ll walk a bit too close.)

Kanao Tsuyuri <3

I would explain Kanao’s love for you, funny enough, like a butterfly. It fits her so well. Very soft and feels like a butterflies wings gently brushing your heart.

Her and Nezuko have similar love vibes tbh.

Kanao is probably a bit awkward when it comes to expressing her love publicly.

With her background she definitely stutters when it comes towards love in general I think.

Love language definitely acts of service and gift giving.

She will probably do something small for you that helps you out so much! And she’ll make it small enough that no one else makes a big fuss out of it.

She wants you to be comfy and happy! (She just might not say it out loud)

As for gift giving? Just like nezuko. She will totally remember all those small things about you.

One time she got you the comfiest shirt ever and now you wear it to bed 24/7.

Will sit there quietly with you as you perform your hobby.

She would probably enjoy it a lot if you told her a story that you thought was entertaining.

She just loves seeing you smile so much, it makes her so warm.

(Currently wheeping cause only angry Genya has been animated T^T. The boy is just sad af guys I promise he’s the best!!)

Genya Shinazugawa <3

Genya’s love would start off shakey cause he’s awkward and super uncertain. Boy has been super neglected of love for a lot of his life ever since he was young.

Just give him time!! Ones he knows for sure you actually love him? He wants to cherish every moment with you.

Being loved by Genya is like someone holding you in a hug, and then they squeeze just a little bit more and then its like the best hug ever.

Genya is very much a quality time love language person with a hint of words of affirmation. (if he can get it out of his mouth.)

The more time you spend with him the more he will just be the sweetest person ever.

I have a big feeling you’ll need to do something when you hangout. Like art maybe weaving. Anything that you can sit quietly and do.

Finally comfortable around you? He will totally tell you he loves you. You mean so much to him.

He will cherish tf out of the time you spend together.

Memories made with you is his favorite thing to do.

GENYA IS BIG BOY SO HE WILL PICK UP HEAVY STUFF FOR YOU IF YOU CAN’T ON YOUR OWN!!

Guys omg. I hope you like it. Kimetsu no Yaiba/ Demon Slayer has such a big spot in my heart. I am super sleepy after writing this though cause it kinda got late 👉👈. Any doodle. Hope yall liked it!

-Honeyy

[demetriandelibinaryboyfriends]

The boys and their gay little road trip are BACK!!! And this time...with t r a u m a d u m p i n g! And Demetri owning up to the handful of times he has, in fact, been a little shit!

Anyways I told myself I was only going to write one (1) Demetri and Eli Take A Homoerotic Road Trip To Find Miguel one-shot because goddamn am I overflowing with WIPs right now but then a sequel to this fic exploded out of me like that scary little gremlin creature from the Alien movie and now here we are D:

I feel like Eli is absolutely the type to play-punch/play-hit Demetri a lot (kind of like Sam does with Miguel), but he wouldn’t really get into the habit of doing it until after he and Dem had been friends again for a while and he’s sure Dem’s actually comfortable with it. Meanwhile Demetri’s like “I should probably have a talk with him about expressing his emotions in a healthier way, but like...this is kind of funny and oddly flattering, so I won’t” XD It doesn’t actually hurt or anything, but alas, poor Eli Moskowitz cannot shake the “instinctually punching shit” habit.

Bitches will be like “everyone wanna talk about how Miguel’s fall traumatized the fuck out of Eli, but is no one gonna talk about how it had to have severely traumatized Demetri too???” and then not wait for an answer

It’s me, I’m bitches

Fic under the cut!!! Be warned, it is an even longer longboi than the last--almost 6k words!!! Once you get started writing angst about two guys dealing with their best friend nearly dying, you can’t stop, I guess?

OH, and uh. Pretty severe TW/CW here for discussing trauma, deep-seated fear, and nightmares in painful detail. The second half of this fic gets extremely heavy and I apologize in advance.

Next part is here!

***

Night Terrors

“Dude. This sucks. There’s barely any fucking room back here.”

Demetri practically shoves Eli onto the comforters sprawled over the backseat as he shuts the car door behind them. “Well, someone here said that we should get a motel room. Unfortunately, no one in this car ever listens to him.”

Eli crawls onto the blankets and sits cross-legged, turning to raise an eyebrow at him. “I’m…the only other one in this car, Demetri.”

“Like I said.” Demetri isn’t about to back down. “No one in this car heeds the suggestions of a very intelligent person who said the passengers should just pay a little extra to sleep in a normal bed.”

“Mmmm.” Eli purses his lips in a pout. “Tough crowd.”

It’s a look that Demetri has come to know well. The same one as when Eli would lose at a board or video game, or not beat out one of Demetri’s lanky arms in getting the last slice of pizza. It was, for lack of a more delicate term, the look that he put on when Eli was being a whiney baby.

He flops down face-first onto the mass of white blankets, letting out a long groan. Eli’s groans have only gotten more and more dramatic since he became bold enough to spike up his hair.

At first, it was strange. Perhaps a little concerning, even. Now it’s just amusing.

It’s probably for the better, Eli feeling like he can be open about his malcontent. Him keeping it to himself as bullies’ taunts cut deeper and deeper holes in his psyche didn’t do him any favors.

Demetri never stops wishing he found out about that sooner.

“The seats won’t even go all the way back,” Eli complains, voice muffled by fabric. “It’s because you filled your suitcase up with so much fucking Dungeon Lord.”

Demetri scoffs. “And what’s your brilliant idea to lure Miguel Diaz away from whatever enticing life of crime his dad’s inevitably pulling him into? Dangle his All-Valley trophy on a string and hope he chases after it?”

He sits down on the blankets, crawling over to Eli and giving him a gentle but firm flick in the back of the head. Eli rolls over to glare at him, but Demetri can tell a laugh is tugging on his lips.

“Give me a break. Miguel’s not dumb enough to get wrapped up in some Mexican mafia shit.”

“I don’t know.” Before Demetri can help it, a shit-eating grin is crawling over his face. “You idiots both gulped down that Cobra Kai Kool-Aid pretty eagerly for a while.”

“Hey! Shut up!” Eli’s fist shoots up, punching him hard in the chest. Demetri bursts out laughing, flopping onto his stomach beside his friend.

“You don’t…actually think he’d buy into that, do you?”

Eli’s voice softens, the nervous quality from earlier that night slipping back in. Demetri turns to face him, laying his head on a folded arm.

“To be totally honest with you, I’m a bit worried it’s going to be a Guardians of the Galaxy 2 type of situation,” he admits. “You know. He meets his dad, he seems cool, he wants to have a relationship with him. Spoil him, even. His dad tells Miguel he’s a special guy. But, you know…there’s something royally fucked up going on behind the scenes.”

Eli turns to him with wide, fearful eyes, and Demetri immediately feels guilt knot in his stomach.

“Sorry. Should not have said that out loud.”

Eli makes a face. “You really think it’s that bad?”

Demetri only shrugs. “I don’t have any more idea than you do. But you know me. Always expect the absolute worst, just in case.”

“You’re such a ray of sunshine, Demetri.”

“A ray of sunshine you betrayed the Valley’s most evil dojo for, I’ll have you recall.” He reaches out and pokes Eli in the side, earning another overdramatic groan.

“Oh, fuck off. I was worried you’d let that get to your head.”

“High time something did. I spent a good ten years or so feeling absolutely garbage about myself.”

“Still can’t figure out if you were more or less insufferable back then.”

“Come on! You know you love me.”

Eli huffs, turning on his side to shoot Demetri another glare. “Well, I bet wherever Miguel is, he has a proper bed, at least.”

Demetri clicks his tongue. “Too late to bitch, Mr. Moskowitz. We spent too long up there fantasizing about space aliens, and now we have to pay the price. Unless you want me dozing off at the wheel tomorrow, we are sleeping right here.”

“It’s only 66 miles to the next town,” Eli says hopefully.

“Eli.” Demetri lets out a long sigh. “It is—and I cannot emphasize this enough—2 a.m.”

“And I’m cursing your name?” Eli breaks into a smirk.

Despite himself, Demetri chuckles. “Oh? What’s this? You’re not too badass for TSwift?”

Eli shrugs, appearing to be trying very hard to look nonchalant. “It’d be a waste not to make the reference.”

“You’re so in love that you act insane, and that’s the way I loved you.”

“Breaking down and coming undone.”

“It’s a roller coaster kind of rush.”

“Never knew that I could feel that much.

“And thaaaaaat’s the way I looooooved youuuuu!”

As Demetri poorly belts out the last lyrics, Eli gags. “Please never sing Taylor Swift again. I’m not any use to Miguel if I die of secondhand embarrassment first.”

“You’re going to have to get used to secondhand embarrassment if you want to keep hanging out with me, Eli.”

“Not much choice, currently. I’m stuck in a car with you in the middle of Mexico.”

“That you are.” He gives his friend a pitying look. “But I’d bet you’d be miserable back in the Valley. I am here to tell you that Mr. LaRusso does not shy away from having us train in 90+ degree weather. The guy he got to substitute for him might be even worse.”

He reaches out and squeezes Eli’s shoulder playfully. The other boy reluctantly smiles.

Eli starts squirming around, trying to get comfortable on the slightly-sloped backseat chairs and evidently not having much luck. “What even are the sleeping arrangements going to be?” he grunts.

Demetri shrugs. “Find the least uncomfortable spot, which will probably be away from the seat crease and anywhere where those seatbelt buckle things aren’t digging into your side.”

After more frustrated adjusting, Eli sprawls out near the edge of the seats. Demetri does a fair bit of fruitless shuffling of his own before settling down behind Eli.

It dawns on him how close his and Eli’s bodies are, touching at several points. It’s only because if he scooted any further back, the seatbelts would be jabbing into his waist, he tells himself.

It would be easy to wrap Eli in his arms, pull him in and encase him like Demetri’s always wanted. Bury his nose in the crook of Eli’s neck.

He won’t, of course. They’re not trying to comfort each other about Miguel at the moment, and thus it would be inappropriate.

He settles for only inching a little closer, lips drawing up to Eli’s ear. “Probably good you’re facing out that way,” he murmurs teasingly.

“Wha—why’s that?”

Eli leans into him, and Demetri tries not to relish it.

He breaks into a smirk. “Because you might piss all over both of us otherwise.”

“Wh—Demetri!” Eli rolls over and elbows him hard in the stomach, and Demetri laughs.

“Sorry, sorry. I can’t help it sometimes. But you know I don’t care about that.”

Eli huffs, eyes narrowed and unimpressed. “Doesn’t matter anyway, asshole. I piss on your floor, and I’m still going to stink up your car.”

Demetri’s smirk widens. “Nah, I took the proper precautions.”

“What—dude!”

Eli rolls over to peek over the edge of the seat. He abruptly jerks back, and Demetri lets out a chortle.

“When did you have time to even do all that?” Eli demands.

“While you were in the bathroom at the last rest stop. I figured you would want to sleep in the car, and the last thing I need is more stains in the floor for my mom to yell at me about. So I made adequate preparations.”

“I did wonder why we were running low on paper towels.”

“They were called to a higher purpose, Eli,” Demetri explains. “I.e. protecting my car floor from your piss showers.”

Eli stiffens next to him, and guilt suddenly squirms in his chest.

“Hey.” His voice softens. “I was kidding. Promise.”

Eli doesn’t respond, and the guilt twists itself around further like a king cobra exploring Demetri’s intestines. He lets out a short breath, heart starting to pound as he remembers something.

“Hey, um…I hate to dig up this grave, but I owe you an apology for that whole stunt I pulled at Moon’s shindig.”

“Oh, what, that?”

Ironically, this seems to be what finally makes Eli relax. He rolls over to face Demetri, scoffing.

“Compared to all the shit I pulled? Dude, that was nothing.”

Demetri frowns. “It was not nothing. It was fucked.”

Eli rolls his eyes. “I was being a fuck.”

“You poured some beer on me, so what? Showers are a thing that exists!”

“You know it wasn’t just that.” Eli sighs, gaze going to the blankets. “I lost my shit over a Yelp review.”

“I mean, I was concerned about you going all alpha male, I won’t lie. But I should’ve tried to talk to you about not getting sucked into a karate cult before I went and blasted said karate cult on the internet.”

“You did try to talk to me.” Eli’s voice comes out in a mumble, eyes flicking around guiltily. “I just brushed you off every time.”

“Yeah, I got brushed off a lot last summer.”

He thinks about how Miguel looked at him after the tournament, and his heart clenches.

Demetri Alexopoulos is no stranger to being brushed aside. His peers did it for years, avoiding eye contact and inching away when it came time to partner up for class assignments. Picking him last for sports teams. He remembers watching the rest of the class get a deskful of valentines each while most of his classmates forgot he was even there to be given anything.

He never cared what they thought. They were all shallow assholes, anyway.

It was different when the people brushing you off were also the only ones who ever seemed to like having you around. It cut deeper.

And then, of course, there was the other incident at Moon’s party that set him off. He remembers the sadness and longing in Eli’s face as he stared at Moon and Piper across the room. He remembers the bitter jealousy and unexpectedly sharp rage that twisted in his gut—the anger that Moon so easily moved on, to another girl no less, but Eli refused to.

He wished Eli would look at him like that. And for a time, it seemed he might.

They talked about Doctor Who. Eli smiled like he used to. He kept inching closer, looking at Demetri’s lips. Perhaps it meant nothing, but perhaps it didn’t.

And then Demetri had the gall to suggest that maybe it was time to let Moon go. Maybe it was time to find someone else. Maybe, just maybe, there were other people out there who were ready and willing to love Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz more than Moon ever could, with her skin-deep picture of shamelessly bright hair and cool tattoos and rippling pectorals.

Eli, it turned out, didn’t care about all that. He cared about losing, and he cared about Demetri suggesting he was anything but strong and invincible. Only pussies went around trying to find inner peace and hoping their estranged best friend would somehow reciprocate their increasingly-doomed romantic feelings.

When Demetri grabbed that microphone with beer-soaked hair, he could still hear the audible snap of his heart breaking in half. Not unlike his arm a few months later, ironically.

He doesn’t say any of this to Eli. Instead, he only shrugs.

“Still wasn’t my place to say all those things about you. I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone about—well, you know.”

“And I promised in the 6th grade that if we suffered, we suffered together.” Eli snorts. “I think both of us are pretty shit at keeping our promises, dude.”

“What, so you weren’t suffering in Cobra Kai?” Demetri clicks his tongue. “You weren’t being mindfucked by an evil war criminal and tormented every minute because you missed me so much? I’d say you held up your end of the bargain just fine.”

Eli groans. “Not everything is about you, Demetri.”

“You’re right, not everything. Only most things.”

“God, shut up.” Eli punches him in the chest again, and Demetri laughs.

“Anyways, um.” Eli’s face grows serious. “About the bedwetting thing. Don’t stress about it. I mean, it was embarrassing, yeah, but I got most of my frustration out when I snapped your arm.”

Demetri makes a face, wincing. “The whole arm was a bit much, you know. I think breaking a finger or two would’ve been more appropriate.”

Eli raises his eyebrows. “Honestly you would have bitched about it more. ‘No, please, not my fingers! I’ll never be able to code again!’”

Eli clutches at his hand, imitating Demetri in what he thinks is an unfairly high-pitched and nasally tone of voice. “All right, very funny, wiseass.”

Eli’s demeanor suddenly changes—more reserved, more hesitant. His eyes flick around again, not meeting Demetri’s gaze.

Demetri wonders if he was glaring a little too hard.

“I, um—you know I’m sorry about all—”

“Hey. Eli.” Demetri quickly reaches out and gives Eli’s shoulder a comforting squeeze. “You already apologized for all that. You don’t need to do it again.”

“I still feel bad, though.”

“Well, so do I.” Demetri starts to rub Eli’s shoulder, hoping the repetitive motion will help to put him at ease. “I don’t think—I don’t know if we can ever really stop feeling bad about all the karate war nonsense. But I said sorry, you said sorry. Let’s just say we’re even-steven and leave it all behind.”

He’s not sure what he anticipated happening next, but he knows he isn’t expecting for Eli to surge forward, wrapping him in a tight embrace. Demetri tenses with surprise, caught off-guard.

After a few moments, he hugs back.

“Thanks,” Eli mumbles into his shoulder. “You made it a lot easier for me than you had to. Switching sides.”

“I just wanted you back,” Demetri whispers, voice suddenly dropping until it’s barely audible. “I don’t think there’s anything you could have done that would’ve…” He trails off.

That would’ve made me stop loving you.

Eli hums into his neck, thankfully not pressing for the rest of the remark.

They hold each other for a long moment, and Demetri lets himself relax. This is the Eli he grew up with—the Eli who was stingy with physical affection with everyone but his best friend. The Eli who had no shame about clinging to him like a stubborn lemur—behind closed doors, anyway.

He feels Eli tremble against him slightly, and he pulls him closer.

“You know what you do owe me an apology for?” Eli mumbles.

“What’s that?”

“You didn’t bring enough blankets on this goddamn trip.”

“Oh? You want an extra blanket?”

Smirking, Demetri flips Eli onto his back and sprawls himself over the other boy. “Why didn’t you say so?”

Eli grunts and tries to shove him off. He’s not expecting how tightly Demetri is holding onto him—his mistake, really, for not accounting for Demetri being an insufferable barnacle.

“Not like that, stupid. You’re way too scrawny to retain any body heat.”

“Oh, come now. What I lack in girth I make up for in height. And we’re both skinny, buddy, I can protect most of you from the cold. It’s basic physics.”

“Fuck your physics, you feel like a floorboard.” Eli gives him another shove. Finally he complies, snickering as he allows himself to be removed from Eli’s stomach.

“Okay, okay, fine. Some of your hoodies are in the front seat if that would help.”

Eli crawls into the front of the car, clambering for one of the many baggy hoodies he brought along. Demetri sits up, eyes abruptly starting to feel heavy. The exhausting day of driving and worrying and fighting down his most recent bout of unwelcome gay desires is finally catching up to him, it seems.

Eli settles for a plain black sports hoodie, tugging it on and lying back down across the back seat. His legs are bent slightly, as if to leave room for Demetri. Not that he needs to, given how little space Eli takes up when compared with Demetri.

It’s also likely because Eli Moskowitz tends to sleep curled up. Demetri has never been sure why—maybe an instinct to protect himself, or maybe he was less likely to…well, relieve himself in the wee hours of the morning if he was in the fetal position. In any case, he hardly has the room to do it properly here.

Demetri wriggles around until he finds a suitable position, grunting apologies to Eli as he continually bumps into him. Even when he’s found a decent spot, they’re still close enough to get Demetri’s heart beating embarrassingly fast again.

“Sorry, buddy,” Demetri says. “No way around it. I think we’re going to have to get pretty cozy in here.”

Eli groans, leaning into him again. “Kill me, Demetri.”

Before he can stop himself, he wraps his arms around Eli’s waist and pulls him in, laughing into his shoulder. “Not a chance. There’s absolutely no way I’d be able to find Miguel on my own.”

Eli grunts disapprovingly, but it seems to be only for show. Demetri doesn’t feel an elbow dig into his stomach, or his captured best friend writhing to escape. Which, though Demetri is loathe to admit it, Eli could easily do with those terrifying biceps of his.

Instead, he presses into Demetri, wiggling around to make himself more comfortable. Demetri wonders if Eli doesn’t think he notices it, the way Eli is melting into him like an ice cream cone on a hot day.

But Demetri notices. And all it can do is make his heart ache.

Eventually they will have to have a talk about all this. Demetri knows how it’ll go. Eli will sag with guilt, tell Demetri he was confused. Tell Demetri he only ever liked girls, and a lonely cuddle now and again didn’t mean anything.

Demetri pulls the comforters over both of them, swaddling them up into the most cozy nest he can muster. He feels Eli’s body start to relax underneath him, breaths slowing as he drifts off to sleep.

Eli and his hoodie smell like gas station nachos and hot Cheetos and Axe, but Demetri can’t stop breathing them in. He buries his face in the black fabric, soaking in the warmth and dreading the moment when he’ll finally have to let it go.

“Night, Eli.”

Eli doesn’t answer.

~~~

For some godforsaken reason, Demetri wakes up in the middle of the night.

Well…the middler middle of the night. It’s now 4:30 instead of 2:30.

It’s pitch dark out, no sign of the theoretical sunrise anywhere in sight. Demetri can still feel his arms wrapped around Eli, though, which brings him some semblance of comfort.

What’s not so comforting is the way Eli is twitching and thrashing around beside him.

From time to time, he makes little noises in his sleep. Pants. A moan. A whimper. A soft cry.

Demetri feels his blood freeze inside him. He knows what this is.

He’s seen Eli jerk around in his sleep plenty of times. When they were growing up, Eli was tormented by all sorts of nightmares. Sometimes they were about fantastical things—the werewolves from Harry Potter, the Sith, the giant spider from Lord of the Rings. As they grew older, they became mostly about being chased around by the bullies that made middle school and high school such a hellhole.

Demetri always hoped the nightmares went away when Eli became Mr. Tough Guy. If Eli Moskowitz wasn’t scared of anything, then no monsters could hunt him down and chase him through his dreams. A terrible Balrog could rear up in front of him, and he’d tell it it was a stupid pussy and that it should fuck off. He may have been strutting through the school acting like the world’s biggest asshole, but at the very least, he didn’t have to feel unsafe anymore.

Apparently, the nightmares had not gone away.

Demetri pulls him in tighter. His hands find Eli’s, and he wraps them in his long fingers and starts to massage them.

He needs Eli to know that he’s here.

On some level, Demetri thinks Eli does. Eli’s hands slowly reach up and clutch onto his. Another twitch, and Eli’s fingers shoot through his like water through a grate.

Eli squeezes his hands so tightly that Demetri wonders if he’s going to lose circulation. He doesn’t care.

Eli jerks again, so hard he nearly falls off the seat. Demetri catches him.

The shorter boy gasps out, for the first time dissolving into audible words. “No, no, no, no, no, no, no…”

Eli turns, eyes wide open. “Demetri? What—”

“Shhhhh. It’s okay.” He pulls Eli into his chest. “You’re okay. You’re safe.”

Eli twists his hands into Demetri’s shirt, burying his face in the fabric. His entire form is shaking like a flimsy paper kite.

Demetri fastens gangly arms around Eli’s back. “Whatever it was, it can’t hurt you now. Not while I’m here.”

Eli says nothing for a time, body trembling and hands clinging to Demetri like a lifeline. Demetri can practically feel the pain and fear and anguish rolling off him, and he wishes more than anything that he could make it all go away.

“It wasn’t me,” Eli says cryptically, after what feels like an eternity.

Demetri opens his mouth and shuts it again, unsure how to respond.

“Do you ever have nightmares?” Eli looks at him for the first time since he woke up, eyes haunted.

Demetri raises his eyebrows. “You mean…about the Karate Wars in general, or something more specific? Because the answer is ‘yes’ on both counts.”

“The balcony,” Eli says. “Miguel.”

Demetri sucks in his breath. “Oh.”

He remembers that day. Better than he’d like to. He remembers the guilt flooding him as he watched Eli crumple to the ground, glass shards spattering his body like shrapnel. He remembers running into an empty hallway and standing, shaking, with his head in his hands, trying to process everything that happened. He remembers his breaths coming in short gasps, thoughts spinning in circles about those glass pieces slicing into something vital and blood staining the tile floor. He remembers how badly he wanted to shatter like that trophy case, scream and cry and wail until nothing hurt anymore.

By the time word got back to him about Miguel, the paramedics had already come and gone. For all Demetri knew, the next time he’d see Miguel Diaz would be at a funeral showing.

“Not the fall,” Demetri says quietly. “I wasn’t there to see it, thank god. But the weeks after…he popped up in my dreams a lot.”

“Really?” For a moment, Eli’s terror fades, replaced with a morbid curiosity.

“Yeah, all the time, actually.” Demetri chuckles darkly. “He’d corner me somewhere. Have the same look on his face that he did when he won the tournament. And he’d just…say all kinds of awful things. That he never gave a shit about me. That he only ever made friends with me because he didn’t have other options. That I was a pathetic pussy who’d always be worthless trash to him. That you were always stronger and braver and tougher, and I didn’t deserve the likes of either of you—why would he want whiney little Demetri when he could have The Hawk?” He scoffs, trying to ignoring the growing pain in his chest.

“He said all I was was weak and annoying and no one could ever love me—just tolerate me, at best,” he goes on. “That I’d die alone with no friends, and both of you could do better. That everyone I was stupid enough to care about would run from me as fast as they could, once they found out who I really was. You know. Uplifting stuff like that.”

Eli gapes at him. “Demetri…that’s…”

Demetri lets out another humorless laugh, shaking his head. “It’s ironic, really. Sometimes I’d have these ones where I’d be hiding in the computer lab, but you never showed up. It was Miguel. But like…” He winces at the memory. “His back would be all…broken and mangled and twisted up. He wouldn’t move quite right. You know, like that lady from The Exorcist or something. He’d crawl after me and back me into some room and I’d expect him to maul me like a mountain lion or what have you, but…he never did. He just told me he hated me. Over and over.” He takes a shaky breath, throat growing heavy. “Sometimes he’d pepper in that you and Sam and Mr. LaRusso and Chris and everyone else I happened to give a damn about couldn’t stand me, either. ‘I hate you, Hawk hates you, everyone hates you. I was never your friend. I hope Kyler breaks your fucking jaw.’ And then I’d say…”

Demetri’s voice breaks, and he wonders how much longer he can hold it together before he crumples—just like he wanted to on the first day of school, all those months ago.

“I’m so—” He chokes back a sob. “I’m so fucking sorry this happened to you, man. I should have been there. I should have helped. I should have stopped Robby, and I’ll never fucking forgive myself for the fact that I didn’t. All I want is for you to be okay again.”

Demetri feels a tear worm its way down his face. He tries to swat it away with the back of his hand, but he knows Eli saw it.

“He says none of that matters,” Demetri says quietly. “He’ll always hate me. Anyone in their right mind would leave me, in the end.”

“Holy shit.”

Eli lets out his breath, staring at him. Demetri looks away, eyes stinging.

“And I thought mine were bad,” Eli mumbles.

A sob finally forces its way out, and Demetri quickly covers it with a shaky laugh. “Why don’t we say they both sucked and call it a draw?”

“You don’t—you don’t believe any of that crock of shit, do you?”

Demetri feels a hand on his cheek—rough, calloused, but the touch incredibly soft. Eli turns Demetri’s face to him, and Demetri is sure it’s blotchy and scrunched-up and utterly pathetic-looking.

“Miguel loves you, man,” Eli says softly. “He basically told me to get the hell out of his life as soon as he found out about Golf N Stuff. Really pissed me off at the time.”

Demetri laughs softly. Despite his better judgment, he leans into Eli’s hand.

Eli sighs. “To be honest, it really hurt that he chose you. I mean…I get why he did. I was a mess back then. But I felt so alone. And I just…”

He lets go of Demetri, burying his face in his hands. “God, I’m so sorry. I was so caught up in my own shit that I didn’t think about how that whole thing with Miguel must’ve fucked you up, too.”

“Damn right, you didn’t.” Demetri snorts mockingly. “I wanted to cry on your shoulder about it, but you were too busy being evil.”

“I had it in my head your entire dojo wanted to hurt Miguel. I thought you did, too.”

Demetri shakes his head, expression hardening.

“I would never,” he says solemnly.

“I think on some level, I knew that.” Eli looks up from his hands, bright blue gaze guilty again. “And you had Sam. I just imagined you two sobbing into each other’s arms, and it made me so livid, but…I don’t know. I think that’s because I was jealous. I mean.” He sighs. “I had Tory, I guess, but it wasn’t the same. She doesn’t want to be seen as anything but strong.”

“Yeah, she’s not really the consoling type, is she?”

“Not at all.” Eli smiles, shaking his head. “I felt like I had to stomach everything alone. But you…”

Without warning Eli surges forward, wrapping his arms around Demetri’s neck and pressing their foreheads together.

“I’m sorry, man. I should’ve been there for you. We should’ve both…”

He trails off. Demetri can feel Eli’s body shaking slightly against him.

“Hey. It’s okay.” He lifts a hand, running it through Eli’s buzzed hair. “It’s over now. And whatever you’re feeling, I’m here this time.”

Eli leans further into him, breaths quick against his face.

“It’s always the railing,” he says after a pause. “Those few seconds where he’s falling, and he’s terrified. It’s like it’s dragging out so it never ends. And then…”

Eli’s voice finally breaks completely, and Demetri feels wetness against his face.

“It’s the crack. It’s the fucking crack when his back hits the stairs. I can never stop hearing it.”

He trembles with sobs. Demetri’s hands slip down, wrapping around Eli’s waist and pulling him the rest of the way in.

“It’s all right,” he murmurs softly into his friend’s ear. “Miguel got better. He’s safe. And you and I…”

He pulls away to meet Eli’s eyes, wide and watery and brimming with fear. “We’re going to make sure he never gets hurt like that again. I promise you.”

And just like that, Eli is kissing him again.

It’s different than before. More tender, more effortless. Not starving and frantic like the one from earlier was.

Demetri leans into it, stomach doing flips. Eli Moskowitz is going to be the death of him.

And he knows it, the smug little bastard.

He lets himself fall back onto the car seat, pulling Eli with him. He feels his hair splay against the blankets, the weight of Eli surprisingly light on top of him.

Even with all that extra added muscle weight, he’s still tiny.

Demetri wonders idly how he’s handling this so calmly. How Eli Moskowitz is going around spontaneously kissing him and he’s not completely disintegrating.

His heart is louder than the marching band at a football game, though—that’s for sure.

Eli kisses him like he’s delicate, like he could shatter if the other boy presses a little too hard or suddenly pulls away. He kisses him much softer than “The Hawk” ever could.

It’s like one of Demetri’s embarrassing middle school fantasies brought to life—Eli pressed up against him, fingers trailing against his skin lighter than felt, kissing him like Eli’s in love with him. The only thing missing is the early promposal—“I know we don’t have a prom for another 5 years, but I just wanted to ask you before anyone else does.”

(Not that anyone else would have asked him, but that was beside the point.)

Demetri thinks he’ll dissolve into dust when Eli finally pulls away, but he doesn’t. Surprisingly, he finds himself smiling against Eli’s still-hovering lips.

“Is this just something we’re doing now?” he murmurs. “Kissing every time we get stressed about Miguel?”

“Is that a problem?” Eli lifts his head and smirks down at him. “Haven’t gotten that impression so far.”

Demetri clicks his tongue. “The only problem is that once we find El Serpiente, we won’t be able to kiss anymore. And that seems like a bummer.”

Eli shrugs, looking unfazed. “It’s up for debate.” His hand slides up Demetri’s neck, coming to cup his cheek.

His thumb brushes across Demetri’s skin, sending shivers rippling through him. It’s a small thing, but it’s enough to push Demetri awfully close to the brink of insanity.

And Demetri can’t help it. He grabs the collar of Eli’s hoodie and pulls him down for another kiss.

They end up in a tangled pile in the blankets—legs, arms, and bodies perfectly intertwined. At some point, Eli slides down to rest his head in the crook of Demetri’s neck.

They cling to each other for what feels like a long time, neither saying a word. Eli is the one to finally break the silence.

“So you want to be El Serpiente’s bodyguard, huh? I’ll be honest, you never struck me as the ‘violently overprotective’ type.”

Demetri snorts. “Uh, where have you been for the last 12 years? You seem to have confused me not wanting to inflict incredible violence on the people harassing you with me begrudgingly accepting that I was not able to.”

Eli laughs softly against him. “Actually, yeah. At the tournament you were kind of terrifying. Wish you’d had more of that for all the years we were being kicked around.”

“Oh, I had plenty. I just didn’t externalize it is all. That’s a good way to get your ass handed to you on a silver platter.”

“Ooooh, classy asskicking! I guess you’re the one doing that now.”

He chuckles. “I try to be. If you have to throw a punch, it should at least be in style.”

“Ah, yes. Demetri Alexopoulos. Master of only the most dignified of throwdowns. Never awkward or uncoordinated at all.” Demetri rolls his eyes, snorting in mock offense at the accusation.

Another silence settles between them.

“We should get some sleep,” Demetri says finally, rubbing Eli’s back. “Weren’t we going to get up at 7?”

“Eh, fuck that.”

“Fine. 9, then. That should give us a good 4 hours of shut-eye.”

Eli groans. “Do we have to? Can’t we leave at 10? We’re going to sleep like shit.”

“You know we need to get out of here before desert cops or cranky ranchers come and tell us to leave, Eli. I don’t want to get some vague ticket written entirely in Spanish.”

“Still don’t think there’s such a thing as ‘desert cops,’ but fine.”

To Demetri’s surprise, Eli nestles even closer, grip tightening.

“Can you hold me?” he murmurs into Demetri’s neck. “Don’t let go. Just…hold me until the morning.”

Demetri looks down at the boy wrapped around him, and his heart gives out for about the 7th time that day alone. “Yeah. Of course. You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Eli, come on.”

“Maybe I don’t want to, idiot.” Eli has his shirt in a death grip, and Demetri isn’t complaining. He tugs what blankets he can over both of them, and quickly changes his alarm on his phone.

Demetri laughs softly. “Like old times, isn’t it?”

There were more than a few times Eli’s bladder gave out on his “waterbed,” and Demetri had to pull his crying best friend into his own bed after he’d showered off. Many a night Demetri had dozed off still hugging him, and the two had woken up with their forms entangled.

Eli hums. “I guess so. I’ll try not to piss on you this time.”

“Thanks. Appreciate it.”

Demetri lets out his breath, finally allowing the numbing exhaustion of the night to catch up with him. The only coherent thought he can form as he drifts off is that when he and Eli are pressed together like this, he’s never felt more whole.

He only hopes it can last.

[astaroth1357]

Demon Brothers Meeting the MC’s Family

I mean, if they have any family at all, what could they even tell them anyway? “Sorry Mom, still in Hell so I won’t make Thanksgiving but I’m doing great though!” This is another long one folks, but I lowkey kind of love it a whole lot. Sooo fun to write. One of my favorite posts so far.

Lucifer

Thinks it's a little weird that they’re so adamant to introduce their family to a literal demon but also kinda gets it. Family is the most important thing to him too.

Is very focused on making a good first impression, from image to attitude. Their approval isn’t going to do jack to stop him from being with the MC but he’d still take pride in being able to charm them for a night. Besides, if the MC cares then so does he.

Has more experience with the human world than the others so he’d know a lot of the do’s and don'ts already. They won’t need to worry about him making some kind of slip up.

Would love the irony if the MC’s family is religious at all. Christian/Jewish especially. May or may not play along with their little rituals but is going to make a lot of thinly veiled, passive-aggressive comments towards his "old man."

Would be most comfortable in a setting where there’s a lot of intellectual discussion or debate. He loves to steer a conversation down towards politics or other controversial things to get a rise out of people. The MC may need to reign him in if that’s a big no-go zone.

Isn’t really going to get along with any younger siblings the MC might have. Either he’s too stiff or too scary. If they’re looking for a playmate, look somewhere else.

Also not going to be particularly fond of any pets they have one way or another. Though he may take a shine to pitbulls or rottweilers because they remind him of Cerberus.

Mammon

You sure about this, MC? Him? Really? Are you really sure? He’s going to think they're crazy but he’s not going to refuse.

Will be so freaking excited if they’re from a well-to-do or, dare say, rich family. So much stuff to steal admire. Yeah, yeah no stealing from the MC’s family, he gets it... He’ll really try his best but it might be good to keep an eye on him.

Surprisingly though, he’s not going to be disgusted if they’re from a poor family either because the dude gets it. Money is hard to come by and things can be tough. He might even… pay... for some stuff while he’s there... You know, if he can. Don’t make a big deal out of it… He's got an image to keep.

He’ll try his best to not come off like a total scumbag and it may actually work. He’s rough around the edges but there’s plenty of chances for his better side to shine through as long as he stays on good behavior. 

They will have to be sure that he doesn’t get to talking too much because his dumbass will let it slip that he’s a demon. 

Mammon may not love kids but kids love him and any younger siblings are going to do the same. Even if he calls them little gremlins, he’ll let himself get roped into whatever game they’re playing and make it a lot of fun in the process.

Bring on the pets! He’s more of a dog person but he’ll play with a cat too. He may not be as animal-obsessed as Satan but he loves a good furry companion every once in a while.

Leviathan 

NOOOOO and you can’t make him!!! A social event involving strangers where he has to make a good impression?? Fuck no, that sounds like actual hell and he doesn’t want anything to do with it!

… But he also can’t just let the MC go back to the human world alone because what if they meet someone better than him and get reminded that they’re with a good-for-nothing otaku…? Okay he's going. But he’s going to pout about it.

His first impression is going to make him come off like a nervous wreck no matter what. There’s really no polishing this bundle of anxiety. The best he can hope for is to ride this thing out until it's done.

Will be pretty quiet and cling to the MC like a life-raft the entire night. Refuses to be left alone with their family in any capacity, he could not handle the awkward silence. If they’re going to the bathroom, then he’s going too damnit.

If they have a pretty nerdy family then he might be a bit more comfortable. Especially if any of their siblings/parents game or are into anime. Steering conversation more towards his comfort zones will help him out a lot...

If they have little siblings who play a lot of video games then he is going to be the coolest person in the world. Period. He knows all the best strategies to practically any game out there, demonic or human. He may even loosen up a little bit and start smiling if he gets to wow an audience with his gaming prowess!

Like Lucifer he’s not going to be all that impressed with pets either way. He’ll think fish are pretty neat and probably even reptiles too but don’t expect him to get too cuddly with a dog or anything.

Satan

Doesn’t hate the idea but agrees that his name is going to have to change if they’re really serious about it. “Hey everybody this is my boyfriend, Satan!” is only going to be appealing to very niche circles...

Like Lucifer, he's going to be mindful of how he comes across. He'd rather the MC's family likes him than didn't, even if it's irrelevant, so expect him to be very polite and sociable. Damn near the perfect gentleman.

… Until something/someone sets off his temper. He may not go full Wrath on the situation but it's probably best to get him out of the room real quick so he can cool down.

Would love if the MC comes from an super educated family but it’s not a must. He's the kind of guy who will ask a lot of questions about any person's profession/skills and how things work regardless of background. He's curious that way.

Either way, he is going to show off his smarts and make sure that their family knows where his intellect is at. He wants them to know that the MC picked someone with a good head on their shoulders, after all.

Best keep him away from small children and bratty teens. He isn't exactly opposed to kids, but it takes one little shit to set him off and NO ONE looks good yelling at someone else's kid. Deserved or not.

Will there be cats? Do you have a cat? Please say you have a cat! He's okay with dogs too but if the MC has a cat this man will be ecstatic. The cat will love him and he will love it right back. Honestly, he's already adopted it. It's his now. Who's MC?

Asmodeus

Baby, you can take him anywhere and he’ll be the life of the party! A little family gathering doesn’t matter to him.

Is going to make sure that the moment he walks through the door the MC's family is in awe of what a catch they've got for themselves. He wants them to be proud of their little MC! To him, that translates to looking good and being fun!

Hope this is a house used to physical affection because he will not (and probably cannot) turn it off. Everyone gets hugs. Everyone.

Extra affectionate the whole night. He'll hold the MC's hand or arm or waist or really any part he can get away with. Kisses on the head and cheek aplenty. He may also lowkey butter up their parents with loads of compliments no matter what situation they're in.

If he's told to cool it on the touching though, he may get offended.

Is going to be better with teenage siblings than little, little ones. The man lives to give dating advice, fashion tips, or makeovers, you name it. Though he has to be careful to mention just human products and not some of the stuff he has back home.

Animal fur on his clothes? After he dressed himself so carefully?? No thanks. You can have your cute puppy or your little kitty. He'll take pictures, but he's probably not going pet much.

Beelzebub

Is honestly kind of honored by the suggestion. The MC is already a part of his family so it only seems natural to make him part of theirs. Though he has some reservations, mostly around his appetite...

He doesn't go up to the human world very much because it's really hard for him to stay fed. He's well-known enough in the Devildom that restaurants know what to expect when he walks in. Not so much up there.

Arrange the meeting around a state fair, festival, or carnival where the food is plentiful and he's golden. Hopefully their family won't be too disturbed by how bottomless his stomach is…

Beel is a sweetheart through and through but his lack of knowledge about how the human world, or humans in general, work might come back to bite him. He may need a little 101 about human manners before going.

Truthfully, their family is in for a real treat! This giant may look intimidating, but he's as gentle as they come. The kind of guy who will carry their grandmother’s bags with a smile on his face just for the sake of being helpful. 10/10 Sweetie, mother will approve.

Ooooh little kids are going to love Beel. He'll let their siblings hang off of him like a jungle gym. Will also play games with them if they want him to. Doesn't matter to him, their family is his family too and he wants to see them all happy.

Man wants dogs. Preferably big ones that he can rough-house with but little dogs he can cuddle work too. Do remind him that he can't just rip a whole-ass branch off a tree to play fetch like you could with Cerberus.

Belphegor

Really? You want that? Lol, okay but no promises. This is pretty much the equivalent of sticking two unlabeled chemicals together in a beaker and leaning in to see what happens. Who knows, but now you're stuck in the middle of it.

He's not going to try especially hard to make a good impression or change himself in any way. If their family is into people who are kind of chill and sarcastic then he'll get along swimmingly. If they were expecting more of a Satan type, yeah. No. He's not holding open any doors.

Won't be taking the whole thing all that seriously to be honest, like, what are a bunch of humans going to do if they don’t like him? Tell MC? They're certainly not going to be able to make him leave. He's humoring them at best, even if he's nice, so why bother fussing about it?

Might be a disrespectful little troll at times like pretending to fall asleep or making casual jokes like "Oh no, ma'am. I'm not all that comfortable with that cross over there because I'm a demon. …. Got ya, didn’t I? That'd be silly." *shit-eating grin*

Would appreciate a quiet, slightly introverted family the most. He's going to start getting annoyed if people in the house are too loud and may speed the whole thing along as a result.

Kids are things he'd rather avoid than have to interact with, but if pressed he will humor the little ones too. Don't expect him to do a whole lot of moving, though. If they're happy to just show him things that he can semi-pay attention to, that works for him.

MC has a pet? Is it fluffy? Is it lazy? Bring'em here. Like Beel, he likes big dogs but would rather just bury his face in fluff than try to wrestle it. He may actually fall asleep with them if they lay still enough for it.

[imo-chan-imagines]

『 As your boyfriend | BNHA Headcanons 』

From the good, to the bad, to the downright adorable.

Characters: female!reader, Aizawa Shouta

Tags/warnings: Boku No Hero Academia (anime), 18+, explicit descriptions of sex, smut, fluff, soft dom Aizawa, relationship, headcanons

⚠️ 18+ CONTENT! MINORS: PLEASE DO NOT INTERACT ⚠️

A/N: Right, so I'm simping for this man biG TIME, but I'm only on season 3, so no spoilers or anything, please. This is my first BNHA post (and it turned out way longer than I was intending 😅) Please let me know if you want more in the future!

Also, I have a repetitive strain injury, so typing stuff is taking a while at the moment. Sorry about that. Thanks for reading! Please enjoy ♡ ~Imo

☆ Aizawa Shouta ☆

I'm not going to lie. Shouta can be a big ol' grouchy pants sometimes, and it's basically impossible to win an argument against him makes you want to tear your hair out, sometimes

But most of the time, he's just tired and in pain, and he doesn't mean to be so crotchety

He's not the type to make excuses, though. That's childish. He means his apologies, even if they're simple

He'll normally initiate an apology by gently wrapping his arms around you from behind and resting his forehead on your shoulder 🥺

Physical contact is incredibly personal and intimate for him. He doesn't just touch anyone, or allow them to touch him

You're special 💞💫

Soft, gentle touches, like his fingers interlacing with yours, or his leg brushing up against you, are basically his way of saying 'I love you'

Catch me crying in the corner, a'ight? 😔

He rarely ever raises his voice. Like, ever he doesn't need to, and is aware that it can be scary

He's definitely the kind of guy to forget to tell people that you're dating, simply because he doesn't see how it's relevant or anyone else's business 🤦‍♀️

I mean, he ain't wrong, but–

And his mood switches between 'antisocial' and 'clingy' like a mechanical metronome did someone say 'cat'?

Sometimes, you'll be lucky if he speaks more than three words to you together in a whole day nothing personal 🤷‍♀️

But on other days, he literally won't let you out of his arms for the world he's complicated, okay?

You have missed many a parcel delivery because he wouldn't let you get up from his lap to answer the door 🙄😂

Boundaries and responsibilities are key and highly respected by Shouta, and he would NEVER erase your quirk without your permission, unless he literally had no other choice like someone's going to get hurt, or something

Is generally quite serious so what's new? but you're one of the few people he can relax around when he feels like it

9/10 of his jokes are dad jokes 😎 hell yeah

Takes a hard stance in financial debates, but is constantly broke af 😶 says he'll buy you dinner and presents you with some instant noodles with a 'Reduced To Clear' sticker on them

Will take a bite of your food/steal some off your plate without asking, and literally say nothing to defend himself #gremlin

Is incredibly shy and uncomfortable about being ~le horny~ until you've been together for literally forever

Even then, he's still shy about it when he has to bring it up and it's pretty cute, let me tell ya

It took him forever to admit to you that he gets turned on when you eat ice lollies

Guess what you do whenever you want to mess with him like a little brat 😛

But if he's in the mood, he will 100% whisper something dirty in your ear, even if you're completely alone and probably well past third base

He does it because he knows your pussy will clamp around him at the sound of his voice 😳🥵

*fans self profusely*

Genuine, unadulterated smiles are rare with Aizawa, but when he does 🙌 Heaven hath opened its gates and allowed an angel walk amongst mere mortals 🥺🤧

If he lays his head on your chest, he will fall asleep like that *snaps fingers*

Surprise nose and forehead kisses to show he loves you ❤

Calls you 'Kitten' this is basically already canon at this point

And he's all about those deep talks with you at 3 am when he can't sleep

Speaking of insomnia!

It's cheesy, but you're like a soothing balm. The warmth of your body makes him feel safe, your touch helps him relax, and your voice soothes him to sleep

He's never slept as well as when you're beside him 😭🤧

When cuddling, he likes to be the big spoon but will accept being the little spoon if you if you press your boobs against his back and ask really nicely 🤭

And he loves you stroking his hair and running your fingers through it 🥺

Netlix nights and pillow/blanket forts!!

Rainy days are a godsend. Staying inside all day under the blankets, with the soft sound of the rain falling outside and no-one to interrupt you – literal paradise

He makes mean hot cocoas and Irish coffees 😋 I feel like this man lives off Irish coffees 😂🤣

Wears a lot of black and grey sweatpants at home 😗 which highlight the outline of his dick just right, if ya know what I'm sayin' 👀

Doesn't like going out for dates and prefers staying inside and doing stuff together same, honeyy

But if you really like going out, he will somewhat begrudgingly agree to it and get all dressed up for you, just so long as he gets his fair share of home-dates, too 🤗

But if you also don't like going out... the two of you will basically never leave the house, except to get groceries in your pyjamas from the 24-hour convenience store down the road at one in the morning oddly specific, I know, but you get me

And sorry, but I don't make the rules

Well, actually, I do. But shush

We all know that Shouta cleans up *chef's kiss* So when you go somewhere ~fancy~ he always looks so damn fine 😩

But he has very little idea that he's hot he sees himself as a tired, walking dumpster fire🚶‍♂️🔥

Shouta will 100% turn into a crazy cat dude with 15+ cats if you don't stop him I never said you should, though 🙃

And is a 'minimalist texter' – basically, if he can't answer a text with 'yes', 'no,' 'maybe', or 'OK', then he probably won't answer it at all 😭😂

Especially if you try and sext him or send him your nudes while he's at work. He'll probably lecture you when he gets home and depending on just how much you turned him on, he might proceed to teach you a lesson...

But wear his shirt, and just his shirt or his hoodie and he's yours

Heart eyes, motherfucker 😍

And, depending on how you two are feeling that day, you may or may not end up getting dicked down on the nearest semi-flat surface right then and there 👀

But don't misunderstand. This is an incredibly tired man you have here, and his libido actually isn't through the roof sorry, ladies so this kind of thing isn't an everyday occurrence

But when he dicks you down, he dicks you down goooood

Shouta's not big on PDA, but makes up for it in private. We're talking hands and kisses all over your body he leaves nothing unloved 😏

And while he's not big on PDA, he is big on sneaky displays of affection or 'SDA', as I like to call it

Like subtly grabbing your butt for a second, or his hand on your thigh under the table at a dinner etc. especially around other people

But what really gets him going is slowly removing your clothes and taking you fully naked, spreading your legs wide and holding them open he likes the view 😍

He lowkey highkey worships your body 🙏 and will literally not shut up about how fucking pretty you are, and how fucking good it feels inside you his words, not mine 😳

Groans and growls a little when he's getting close/cumming especially when he's being a little rough and likes to cum together, but knows it's not always practical

He tends to be a gentle dom, but can get just a teensy bit 🤏 rough if he's too into it – but nothing outrageous

We're talking rough thrusts and a brutal pace, maybe holding onto you a little too hard and, waaahh, he gets so embarrassed if he leaves bruises

Is also into a little bondage, but again, only light stuff – restraining your wrists with his hands or his tie or his Capturing Weapon 👀 maybe blinding-folding you if you're okay with it

If you're not blindfolded, then I'm afraid he's all about that eye contact

Eating out your pussy? Eye contact. Pounding you into the mattress? Blazing eye contact. Rearranging your guts in front of the mirror? Fucking eye contact

And CONSENT, BABY. THAT'S WHAT HE'S FUCKING INTO 😌🙌💞

But all jokes aside – he's too used to taking without consent with his quirk, that he's kind of paranoid about it comes to sex but it's adorable and sweet, and honestly, still kind of hot

And speaking of eating pussy – goddamn does he like to please you. Like cream to a kitty 😛

Oh, and he just loves it when you suck on his fingers as he's pounding into you 🤤

And he likes to leave love bites in personal, inconspicuous places and sometimes on your neck

He's marking his woman 😌

When he gets suuuper horny, he likes to fuck you from behind, standing upright in front of the mirror. It's a specific kink he has of watching himself stretch you out as the length of his cock disappears inside you...

I can get behind that, lemme tell yaaa

I said he tends to be dominant, but female doms – fear not!

Shouta is quite flexible when it comes down to it and is kind of lazy, lmfao so he definitely has time for laying back, having the control taken away, and having his dick ridden

For him, it's really all about communication and what you're both comfortable with

I will say this, though: sometimes, his cat watches you while you're banging 😅😂

The first time it happened, you freaked out and refused to continue because – how could you??? But eventually, you just kind of got used to it 🤷‍♀️

The same way you've got used to it following you to the bathroom every time you go to take a shit 😭

So now, you just kind of laugh about it, which helps keep things a little lighter 🤗

After sex, he does like to snuggle, but you'll be lucky if he stays awake for more than 30 seconds it's one of the few times he actually can sleep well

If you're ever out and about, or even inside, and cold, he'll wrap you up in his clothes/scarf/blanket like a sushi roll like Eren wrapping up Mikasa in his scarf, all deadpan and everything 😐

It's not that often, but when he gets drunk, he gets all soft and emotional, and starts babbling about how he can't believe he got so lucky to be dating you, and that he's sure he hasn't done anything to deserve it mah heart

He's pretty sure he wants kids, but he doesn't feel like now is the right time, and is lowkey afraid that it's never going to feel like the right time

He also constantly doubts himself, wondering if he'd actually able to look after them and protect them the way a father should class 1-A got him second-guessing himself 🥺

Besides, it's not all about him. You clearly have a say in it too, and he doesn't want to force you into anything

Again: communication and comfort zones

Dating Aizawa definitely has its ups and downs, and it's not smooth sailing, but he's prepared to work for a life with you because he's found a connection with you that he hasn't feel with anyone else

He knows that you're both far from perfect, but hopes that, for once, you might just make something good, and make it last 🥰😇

© imo-chan-imagines 2020

[actuallyilya]

Black-Ops Characters I believe would have cats and/or dogs. Also, these are just the Campaign characters + some Warsaw pack characters!!

Dog Only

Lazar, Lazar gives off big cuddly dude vibes™ meaning he would want a pet he could bond with better. Dogs are (usually) very playful and loving. He also CONSTANTLY attracts dogs. I also think he would adopt a Golden Retriever. Idk. Vibes™

Sims, Sims seems like the type of guy who likes being outdoors. Parks, hiking, jogging, etc. So he would 100% rather have a buddy to do those hobbies with, rather than go alone. A bit into his childhood, he had another dog he grew up with from the age of 12 and up, but once he left for school/the CIA, he felt bad, and eventually, the dog died of old age :(. But I do think that he loved that dog very much and no dog would ever come close to the memories he had with him. I think he would adopt a Border Collie.

Woods, Look this mother fucker DISPISES cats. He thinks they're gremlins and refuses to ever pet one he hasn't had a bad experience, just doesn't like them, claims that 'they're satan's little bitches'. He also would rather have a pet that you can call do cuddle, rather than hope not to get scratched. He either would have a German Shepherd or Great Dane. He wants a dog that will make him seem cool 🥶😈 but everyone knows that man is a sweetheart.

Hudson, He is most definitely a dog person, He does not care about the dogs are better than cats argument. 'It's an idiotic argument, Besides, we all know dogs are better'. His dog is a family dog, she's very friendly to anyone who comes by Woods, Mason, etc and she loves his kids. At first, Hudson hated the idea of having a dog, it would be a liability, but he was the first person who genuinely fell in love with the dog. He would have a German Shepard, who is military trained because he wants to protect his family.

Knight, Look, with the very little of the information we know about him, I GENUINELY think this man would have a dog. We know he's a little on the bad side, but still, he needs some friends. Even if the friend is a dog. He would probably adopt a Kangel Shepard. Also, he loves to play with his dog very often and is super protective of the dog.

Okay, now to the people who would have cats!

Park, Look, Park is like those people who sit in front of a window with a computer/notes in front of her while her cat calmly sits in front of her sleeping or sunbathing. Okay? I love her to pieces and I know damn well she would get along better with cats than dogs. She has actually argued with Woods about it a lot. She would also have a Chartreux

"Suck it Park! Dogs are the best pets, they won't kill ya in your sleep!"

"Woods, Cats' cleanliness makes up for more than a few scratches here and there, unlike dogs who like to sit in their own filth."

Mason enjoys silence, dogs do not give silence, they are loud and he prefers cats overall, He has had his cat for a while, a few years before David joined the military, his home felt empty, He knew he had always been rough on Mason but the cat gave them a small bonding experience, Although he loved the cat, it caused an argument between him and woods (It wasn't an end-the-friendship argument but when they're drunk they definitely argue) He would have a Birman, he also heavily enjoys cuddling with a cat.

Wraith, She strikes me as those people who genuinely love working with cats or at shelters, maybe she had a cat growing up, maybe she worked at a shelter before she went all Warsaw pact. But regardless, knowing she can't stay in one place forever, she still tries to still somewhat work at shelters, she isn't open about it because it caused an agreement between her and Knight. However, he always had a friend tag along with her while going to the shelters. She wouldn't own any pets, but her favorite breed would be Burmese cats "their fur is a black as my soul"

Stitch, This guy just loves cats, As a young kid, he didn't really have many friends, he usually kept to himself, as a result, he would wander areas a lot, during one of his walks, he found an injured cat, He nursed the cat back to health and kind-of kept this side of himself a secret as his father was very 'men do the work while women stay at home' luckily it never rubbed off on him. However, Just like Wraith, he tagged along to the shelters, he didn't wear the gas mask, but a lot of his scars showed, but he found out the cats/kittens were less scared of him if he just showed his face. Although he has an edgy feel, he loves Maine coons, they are very gentle, friendly, and very intelligent (As you can see, you can tell who is my favorite Warsaw pact operator)

Who would have BOTH cats and dogs.

Adler, look this motherfucker does not want to admit that he loves both cats or dogs. He easily gets attached to animals, cats, dogs, the whole sha-bang. So either/or, He loves dogs because he enjoys working with them, such as training, jogging, etc. (Sims stopped going running with him after Sims adopted his dog, but Adler knew he couldn't be responsible for a dog knowing he's always out on missions). But he also loves cats, he loves how majestic they are, when they purr, kneed, etc. He loves it. He occasionally invites himself to Park's house to spend time with her cat, not even with her. Park doesn't mind as she knows she now has a free cat-sitter. If Adler could, He would have a Great Dane and for a cat, he would have a Bengal Cat

Naga, Over the course of his life, Naga has worked with tons of dogs. He had always appreciated them helping him in his line of work. Whether they helped him weed out a rat amongst his men, or helped make sure no one was stealing profit, I think he heavily enjoys their company. Naga has always been a little intimidating, But with a cat by his side, even more, on his lap, on his desk, such a tiny animal had so much subtle power. If the cat had a problem with you, he had a problem with you, He even decided he enjoyed having a dog so much, he adopted a dog, luckily, after a few months of trying, they both got along and peacefully sit in his office. He would defiantly adopt a Donskoy Sphynx, and for a dog, he would adopt a Cane Corso, mostly for weather reasons.

Perseus, owns both a cat and a dog, rarely going out for rough missions, he can have two pets in his life and properly take care of them, His current dog, a Siberian Huskey (perfect for the current climate) he's had for five years, his cat, a Korat, he's had for three years. He occasionally takes them both into his office as to not have lonely days, on the days he has to either a) leave fast such as for safety, Stitch, Wraith, and Knight were made responsible as they are his trustable people.

Finally, Bell. Bell loves both of them and never really owned any animals, while working for the CIA, they had a knack for attracting animals while going for walks, they usually arrived with one or two animals, even birds! Mostly kittens and puppies, but even the impossible is possible for them. Woods and Mason found this hilarious and tried not to fall in love with the animals (even if they were there for a short amount of time) Adler or Park always had to be the one to take the animal out of their hands because he knew no work would get done and a rule had to be implemented so it wouldn't happen again (news flash, it did happen, very often)

Solovetsky Ending: let's just say Adler didn't shoot Bell, Adler would take Bell to shelters and would even go with them to save stray (injured) animals. The two actually grew very close and it sort of became a hobby. Adler got his taste of animals and Bell go to feel happy for a few hours, they both learned a lot. After one night of dinner, they found a stray kitten with no family around, they waited an hour to try and see if the mom would come back since It didn't, They took in the kitten, it was an off-day for the workers, so they nursed the kitten for like four days before having to give it up to the shelter.

Duga Ending: After Perseus took Bell in, let's just say the same thing happened, they weren't allowed to be on the field because they weren't mentally able to handle war and risk of being kidnapped so they kind of stuck around the area, although it was rare, abandoned animals did sometimes appear. The first time it happened. Bell was wearing a large coat and returned freezing with only a t-shirt on. Perseus was at the front gate, waiting for some of the operators to come back, but instead, they returned, freezing, a small fluff ball was in their hands while they were slowly developing hypothermia.

"Bell?! What the hell are you doing without a coat?!"

"I-I know, B-But I-I saved a dog."

[honeytea8]

✨✨La Squadra Boyfriend Headcanons✨✨

[Alexa, play Boyfriend by Big Time Rush]

Guys, I spend an ungodly amount of time thinking about La Squadra, so here are some bf headcanons for the sexiest group of assassins in Naples. No one asked but I am bringing it straight to your dash anyway! (under the cut for length lmao)

I’m going to start with Prosciutto, who has recently fallen on my radar pretty heavy! 

He’s a good and decent boyfriend, if not a busy one. Not that he doesn’t care about the relationship, but most of his energy was going to Passione things before you waltzed in and so he’ll struggle a bit between his work responsibilities and maintaining his relationship with you, but only in the beginning. 

If you are also a part of Passione, it’s a hell of a lot easier to manage. 

I see Prosciutto as the gift-giving type: lingerie, sweets, perfume, designers, etc. His salary isn’t the best, but he manages it as well as he can just to accommodate you! 

I just can’t get the idea out of my head that Pro was raised by a strict mama, that’s why he can be a bit of a stickler sometimes. He’ll catch you still lounging in bed at nine am, and be like “Why are you still in bed? Get dressed, we’re going out.” Dude!

I’m sorry to say, but Prosciutto is absolutely the ‘lecturing’ type. (He lectured someone in nearly every scene in the anime, Formaggio once and Pesci numerously and Bucci too) 

He will lecture you when you make mistakes, especially because as his s/o, he has high expectations for you and believes you’re capable of so much more. It’s never, ever out of hate. He loves you, and that’s why he chides you a bit lol. 

This does not negate the fact that he doesn't mind when you lean on him for support. He likes when you count on him, because he always comes through especially for you!

Depending on whether you’re in the mafia or not, I totally see him sparring with you, or working out with you in an effort to make you tough. Prosciutto wants you to be able to defend yourself, just in case. If you complain, he’ll tell you, “Better safe than sorry, tesoro”.

Prosciutto will respect you, period.

A good listener, goddamn! He’s up there with Risotto when it comes to who listens to their s/o more! If you have an issue, he’ll hear you out and offer advice if you want it. If you give him advice, he’ll take it into serious consideration. He’s honestly a good partner, can’t stress that enough.

Finally, sex with Pro is an entire event. Romantic dinner, candles lit, wine, the whole nine yards before he gives you nine inches of something else :) (I’m kidding!! Lmao, kinda). 

But as I said, Prosciutto is quite deliberate, and a bit of a perfectionist. He knows what to do and how to do it, you can trust him.

Ghiaccio is next only because he’s my favorite. 

The ice gremlin is probably the most interesting (and hilarious) boyfriend out of the bunch (I say this with only a tidbit of bias). He isn’t funny himself, but funny shit just happens to him. 

Because of this, he will use you as a soundboard when everyone else refuses to listen to him. He’s got a lot to say, so be prepared for his TEDtalks. LMAO!

It will take some perception on your part to notice when he actually expects a response from you, and other times he’s just ranting to get his point out. 

He will correct your grammar when you text, but barely notices when he makes a similar mistake (his brain moves in mph). Please use the proper names like Venezia, Italia, Roma and Napoli when talking to this man; save yourself from the headache.

When it comes to dates, please have mercy on him, he’s a textbook over-thinker! You’ll just have to plan something simple at home for you both to enjoy. 

He isn’t incapable of planning dates, but he’ll want everything to be so absolutely perfect for his s/o and will throw a fit when it ultimately isn’t. 

Contrary to popular belief, I think that Ghiaccio is a pretty attentive partner. He’s super intelligent and I think a part of it stems from his innate ability to read people (I’m referencing the part in the anime where he deduced what Giorno and Mista had come to look for, while going off very little information). 

The more time he spends with you, the better he gets at it. 

His form of affection will be shown through the amount of time you both spend together. When it comes to sex or anything related to that, be gentle and slow as Ghiaccio will likely be a flustered mess. 

As he becomes more comfortable and confident, he will be bolder and just ask out right if you’ll suck him off tonight or not. The man appreciates directness, so don’t bother being coy. “You want me to give you head? Cool, lay down a towel or something.” is what he’ll probably say.

Very practical 👌🏾👌🏾

Melone, good lord, he’s kind of perfect. 

A bit of a doting boyfriend here and there—very much concerned about your health. Expect him to ask if you’ve eaten, or taken your multivitamin. How are your bowel movements?  LMAO

It can become a bit much, but he really genuinely cares. He’s not asking to be intrusive or nasty! If he was, you’d know. 🤣

But I seriously consider Melone to be the one (at least among La Squadra) who is way, way invested in his relationships. He will know every little detail about you; will ask you lots of questions and expects you to ask him just as many. 

This may be annoying to some, but this dude will definitely bring up your horoscope in an argument. He’ll be like “I honestly can’t fathom why you’re being this way, though it’s to be expected from a libra.” 

Peg this bitch so he can shut up.  

Melone is also touchy as hell, but not in a clingy way. He loves touching, and just to tag onto the headcanon about his partial blindness, I want to say that he’s so touchy because that’s how he ‘sees’ you best.

Just know that half the time, he isn’t touching you to be lecherous, even if he genuinely does like the feel of your skin under his fingertips. Melone will even encourage you to touch him back. 

Rub his thigh or back and he’ll be simping.

He is obsessed with your legs, and will paint your toes if you let him. 

LOVES PDA! Melone will also tongue-kiss you in public if you let him!

Notice how I keep saying ‘if you let him’. Give him an inch and he’ll press you for a mile, so if there are boundaries you would like to establish, please do, cuz he sure as hell won’t, just saying!

When it comes to sex, Melone is a dick and coochie sensei. Oral is his favorite thing to do, probably enjoys giving more than receiving to be honest. I’d say he’s pretty much mastered sex for what it is. 

That being said, if he’s ever talking out of his neck, just invite him to put his mouth to better use. He’ll even thank you for your gracious request.

Formaggio is next 💀 

According to my JoJo compatriots from discord, he’s like the Optimus Prime of fuckboi’s so let’s ride that wave for a bit! LMAO

I hope it doesn’t come as a surprise that Formaggio is pretty shameless. He will send you a dick pic on Sunday morning before church and have the audacity to say “Just wanted to bless you real quick”. 

@autumn-kouhai mentioned him giving his s/o sickly sweet pet names and I just have to agree. 

Expect to be hit upside the head with: baby-boo, sugar plum, honey bunches, sweetums. I can imagine them becoming really ridiculous too like “the last piece of red velvet cake” or “cheddar bae biscuits from Red Lobster”

His catch phrase is “Got nudes?”

Send them, and he won’t be afraid to reply with something equally sexy. 

Be warned though, he will stockpile whatever you send him and then be careless with his phone. If you don’t mind Illuso’s snoopy ass seeing your nudes then by all means, have at it. Otherwise, send them through snapchat, so they disappear later. 

As far as La Squadra boyfriends go, he’s the most fun! Y’all don’t even go anywhere because man’s is broke. BUT, Formaggio knows how to have a good time without any need to spend money (my kind of dude tbh) you guys just crank up the tunes, dance, and get lit until the neighbors complain. 

Formi is also the CEO of jokes/memes, and will have you in absolute tears almost always! I literally tell my friends that funny guys are so dangerous, don’t sleep on them! They will make you laugh until your panties drop, it’s magic, I swear. Formaggio has that same energy. 

No matter how bad of a day his s/o is having, rest assured, he will draw the biggest laugh out of you.

Besides his fuckboi tendencies, his most redeeming quality is the fact that he’s super cool and fun to hang with. You’ll literally have a good time, always, because his energy is right! Very good vibes around this man, I swear! It’ll be exactly like dating your best friend, because essentially, he will be your bestie.

Formi has many moments of tenderness that aren’t sexually charged too—moments where the jokes stop and he’ll just rub your back or feet, this is usually when you aren’t feeling well and need some quiet. 

However, Formaggio won’t let you mope all day, he’ll pull out the big guns and call you his “sweetie baby” and when you try to resist he’ll say “What, I’m just tryna show you some love.”

He’s a good dude lmao I’d date a guy like him irl 😭

Pesci stans wya??! Let’s get into this baby boy. 

Pesci is boyfriend material, idgaf what anyone says. 

He is pretty much the least problematic to be with among all of La Squadra, even more so than Risotto (don’t argue with me). 

Pesci is hyper aware of your likes and dislikes and will literally go out of his way to make sure that you’re well and okay. 

Arguments are basically nonexistent and if they occur it ain’t coming from his side. 

I also think that Pesci has a lot of empathy, so when you’re going through something, he’s right there in the thick of it with you. If you’ve seen that meme that goes ‘when my gf is on her period it’s UterUS’ lmao that’s Pesci’s energy 100%. 

Sometimes, he’s more of a lover and not a fight, that is perfectly okay!

However, if someone tries up his s/o, say farewell to Mr. Niceguy. He will defend your honor to his dying breath. And with you in his corner, trust me, he’s not going down. 

A romantic at heart, Pesci will plan little date trips like picnics in the park or boat trips to Capri, actually, I’d like to point out that he excels in the art of date planning. If you’re the adventurous type, he’ll plan outings where you both will be more active, like biking through the city or renting a mop-ed and going sight-seeing. 

Because Pesci has a sensitive stomach, he’s very much considerate of what you both put in your bodies. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, this guy knows all about it and will cater to you perfectly. 

A true gentleman through and through, he will never force himself on you, ever. In fact, he really doesn’t like engaging in anything sexual when you’re drunk or high, sorry if you’re into that! 

Pesci is the kind of guy who keeps up with your favorite shows.

If ya’ll have similar taste in media or literature, he will immerse himself in it so that he can relate to you all the more.

If there’s anyone who will entertain anime-related discourse, no matter how nonsensical, it’s Pesci. And he isn’t just putting up with it, he’s actively engaging in the conversation so you are always heard and validated. 

He’s an A+ boyfriend, that’s all I gotta say! Haters can stay mad :)

Goddamn Illuso... idk man.

I really feel like you have to have thick/tough skin to handle this guy, for various reasons. 

The first being that Illuso can be a bit mean at first. He’ll push your buttons on purpose just to see what’ll make you tick. Will tease the living heck out of you, always, kind of a bully lmao but not to the extreme, it’s just his brand of humor—and the thing is, he won’t be mad when you dish it right back, so it’s cool. 

Secondly, Illuso has big dick energy!! 

I mean rightfully so, because he is indeed packing! But my word, he ain’t humble about it at all! 

He is not above making jokes about ‘splitting you in half’. In fact all of his jokes have hidden, dirty undertones! 

His affection is shown through speech mostly. Illuso will drop subtle innuendos and provocations, half to see you flustered and half because he wants you to know how much he wants you. 

Illuso isn’t incredibly vocal about his feelings outside of ‘I’m tryna hit that thang’ but you won’t doubt that he loves you because Illuso doesn’t waste his own time. 

If he’s spending his time with you, you can rest assured that it’s because he wants to. 

Illuso is a voyeur and you’ll just have to understand/accept that and move on. 

He loves watching you and will even creep over to your place through the mirror world just to hang or watch you do chores. Loves to surprise you and give you jump scares lmao it’ll make you a tad paranoid but it’s also fun. 

Illuso is prone to random bouts of sweetness; it’s very sporadic, very touch-and-go. 

One day, you’ll wake up to chocolates on your dresser or new shoes, lingerie, or makeup if you wear it. I imagine that if you’re low on funds, he will even help you buy your groceries that week. 

It’ll surprise the hell out of you, but that’s just how Illuso is. He enjoys keeping you on your toes! 

He’s prideful and smug as hell, so he will definitely expect a thank you, because even if he does it out of the kindness in his heart, he also wants to hear that you appreciate him

Same goes for the bedroom scene. Illuso loves making you vocal, it’s his favorite thing in the world, so he’ll make a game out of doing the things that get the biggest reaction out of you. Like I said, it's that big dick energy at work here, smh.

Sorbet and Gelato in a polyamorous relationship with you? Let’s get it! 

We don’t get anything substantial about these two except that Sorbet follows the money, so these are all personal headcanons for how I see and write them. 

Here’s the juice: when it comes to you as their s/o, these two are possessive as hell. You are theirs and that’s that on that! 😭 Don’t ask questions, just go with it.

Sorbet is the chill one of the duo. He can be a bit smug at times, but he’s mostly a laid back dude who doesn’t get bothered by much.

When it comes to you, Sorbet likes to spend quality time with you more than anything, and will ask you to cook for him at your place so he ain’t gotta spend money. Oh? Did I not mention that I kinda think of him as a cheapskate? Lmao cuz I do.

Sorbet will come by your place just to steal your coupons from the mail then head out; you’re not using ‘em so why should he let them go to waste?

Gelato is the complete opposite; personality wise, I headcanon him as a mix between Melone and Formaggio lmao

But it’s not as crazy as it sounds, he’s cute and outspoken like Melone, while maintaining a free-spirit like Formaggio. One quality that I like is that he’s quite devoted to you and Sorbet. If anyone crosses either of you, goodluck to them!

I like to think Gelato’s also just really boujee and high maintenance. He loves to pamper and be pampered. You and him tag-team Sorbet’s wallet and go on spa dates together at his expense (not that he ever really stood a chance)

While Sorbet is cool with just being in the same room as you, Gelato loves hugging/cuddling with you and Sorbet—will definitely fight for the middle spot between the two of you on the couch during movie nights.

He baby, so let him have it lol

In the bedroom, I would salute anyone with the guts to take the two of them on. They both lay down that work, period. 

Sorbet gets his kicks from teasing and edging you (his sadistic side comes out a bit), while Gelato loves when you give him extra TLC. To put it short, they know how to take care of you, so there are no issues there. 

Last but not least, Mr. Risotto Nero himself.

Man, idc on the lowest of keys, he seems a little bit like a grandpa to me

The type to sit at home and do crosswords, has a bird feeder in his yard and plays old Italian hits while washing the dishes. It’s very domestic 💀 (I find it cute, whatever!)

As a boyfriend, I can’t imagine him suddenly being spontaneous or outgoing unless you drag him out of his home/comfort zone.

Be patient with Mr. Nero, and he can come to surprise you

After a while, it won’t be just you dragging him out and about; one day he’ll ask you to come over and you’ll be greeted with a nice, traditional, homemade meal

Pay attention and you will notice him watching your face to see if you like his cooking 🥺

After seeing his fight with Doppio, I must admit that Risotto is very, very observant, almost scarily so.

I can totally picture him pointing out random things about his s/o that even they don’t know

One night, Risotto may come up to you and say “I talked to your neighbor about the dog, they’ll keep it inside now.” And you’re just staring like 😳 how did he know the barking was keeping you up at night????

He’s sweet, and will take good care of you as a boyfriend should.

Very good listener, won’t talk as much but will hang on to your every word, I promise. He could even recite it to you verbatim.

He’s a big dude, that ain’t news, so expect to be swallowed up in hugs and sometimes even picked up (as a tall girl myself, I simp!!!)

Gives A1 piggyback rides, lol

ALSO RISOTTO IS HUMBLE ASF!

Big dick energy, but on low volume 👏🏾 after all, he doesn’t need to do much talking, because a night with him is more than enough!

Listen babe, you better stretch, do some squats, and prep in whatever way you can before Mr. Nero gives you that work. 🤐

Lowkey a freak, but it’s well hidden behind his ‘quiet giant’ exterior

So, who are y'all dating? Personally, I’m going for Formaggio and Pesci hehe

[daincrediblegg]

ALPHABET HEADCANONS: JACK O’NEILL

A/N: This is it!!!! I’ve caved!!!! I need more content for this man and I’ve gotta create it myself, so enjoy these unprompted lil nuggets of fluff! And don’t forget my ask box is always open for more!!

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Jack is super fuckin affectionate, but he’s more of a… show don’t tell kinda guy. He’s got a bit of a hard time necessarily talking about how he feels- usually deflects things with humor. But he shows it in other ways. In warm touches, in playful side-eyes. Unrestrained by being professional he will hug you all the fuckin time. No shortage of funny little pet names either oh my god it’s like he comes up with a new one every fuckin dAY. 

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Jack O’Neill is a really good best friend ok. You’ve seen how he is with the rest of SG1. The dude has so much chill (unless it’s a life-or-death situation obviously), is always inviting you to go fishing. He’s REALLY good in tough situations simply because of his sense of humor and general chill attitude. GREAT at reducing anxiety like guy is a human valium- always knows how to distract anyone before their brain goes into some sort of head-spiral about anything. Loyal as SHIT when you’re in with him he’s pretty much ride or die for you even if you don’t agree with him on everything he would still probably take a bullet for his best friends. Also the biggest hype man- whatever you’re good at he has 100% faith in you to do it right and will always shut down negative thoughts about your abilities. 10/10 on the bestie scale tbh the man is a LIFER.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

He’s actually, perhaps surprisingly, a really snuggly guy when you’re in a relationship with him. He may be… a little touch-starved since the divorce, and kinda misses it, so expect an arm draped over your shoulder or around your waist whenever you’re in a room together, and to be damned near joined at the hip when you’re not in public. The man is an actual living cuddle bug and he’s so sweet jesus. 

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

At one point in time he’d have liked nothing more than to settle down, get a dog, just enjoy being retired, but honestly he doesn’t mind that that ideal is a little further away than he thought now that he’s in the Stargate Program. He likes what he does- as stressful as it is sometimes, but there’s never a dull moment. That’s for sure. He’s very good about cleaning and keeping things tidy generally (it’s that military training hard at work), but cooking??? Eh??? He’s passable, can make some basic stuff and ofc he loves to grill (expect very charred meat) but… just don’t ask him to cook anything too elaborate (like… this is a dude who thinks beer is a good omelette ingredient jfc do not let him near a stove for anything more elaborate than a fried egg he’s a fucking gremlin man). 

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Quickly. And probably succinctly. The only time he’d really get blunt about something is if he had to end it with his partner for some reason. Just to spare himself and his partner the pain. It’s not without emotion though. Oh no. He may move on from things with relative ease- more likely than not without malice for the other person, but he’d never leave anyone without saying a proper goodbye if he’s the one who has to end it. 

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Probably not too quick. He’s not even sure he really wants to get married again after how everything with Sarah went down. He’d have to be pretty crazy about someone to want to try all that again, but if that happens… then maybe he won’t be thinking about it like that. 

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

H-… have you seen this man??? How tender he is with his partners??? It’s unbelievable that a guy like him has the capacity to be as gentle as he is but it’s breathtaking, and it’s only a glimpse of what he’s capable of. He may be a military man- but doing what he does requires much more care and dexterity than people think, and his touch only serves to show as much. This is the guy who holds your face or tugs you closer when you kiss him. This is the same guy who can diffuse bombs and wield a firearm like an extension of himself and handles you with the same amount of reverence and care if not more. 

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Oh he loves hugs. Loves them. May not do hugs quite as often as he might like actually. Hugs his close friends plenty and especially when they need it, but hugs you even more. He’s a really good hugger too. They’re just encompassing and strong and warm and if you’re not careful you could get addicted. 

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

He waits on this one. For like… a long while. He probably knows it deep down long before he says it, probably won’t really admit it to himself for a long while even when he realizes that’s what he feels. But one day it probably just… slips out. Unprompted. And it’ll shock you both, but one thing’s for sure; he means it with his whole chest and nothing less. 

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Oh you have no jealousy troubles with this man. He’s an adult, and he recognizes that he’s not the center of everyone’s universe and that people can have just friendly relationships with other people of the gender they’re attracted to. He wouldn’t be in any kind of serious relationship with someone he didn’t trust them implicitly from the start. The man is truly a champ at being chill as hell. If he ever does feel it you’d probably never fuckin know it either. Guy can keep that shit close to his chest if he wants. 

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Warm, enveloping, grounding. The kind that make you feel like you’re sinking into something solid, that nothing could hurt you. If he’s kissing you he’s taking his time. Holding you close. Meaning it. 

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

ARE YOU KIDDING??? HE’S FANTASTIC AROUND KIDS!!!! EARTH KIDS?? ALIEN KIDS??? THEY ALL LOVE HIM!!! HE IS JUST DAD SHAPED!!!!!! TO EVERYONE!!!! He’s… not sure if he’d ever want to try to have another kid of his own, maybe, but he has SERIOUSLY considered adopting some alien kids in the past at MINIMUM and probably would if he wasn’t always going off-world.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

A lot of groaning, at least when he wakes up at first, probably some sleepy kisses while resisting the temptation to uh… get frisky before work. But he’ll get up, clean up, shave and do his silly little crossword (and he DELIBERATELY puts in wrong answers for funsies I know this in my heart). Most days he probably eats breakfast at the base, but on his days off he would probably take turns with you making breakfast- makes egg and bacon smiley faces when it’s his turn (and the occasional beer omelet if he’s feeling lazy). PROBABLY would pick up donuts for the weekend too. 

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Usually with a couple of beers, snuggling up under a nice flannel blanket and watching The Simpsons, or whatever else is on TV. Maybe some take-out from one of the usual places (I’m convinced he’s got like 5 or 6 places in town he’s a regular at that he goes to on rotation) . Probably gets a fire going if things are getting chilly up in Colorado. Just likes to settle in and maybe pass out on the couch a lil. 

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

He’s a low and slow kind of guy. Both for his own emotional well-being and for his partner’s. He’s got some pretty nasty demons in his past, and they overwhelm even him sometimes.  He knows that it’s important to talk about it, and while if he really loves someone he won’t mind sharing these things with them… it just takes time for him to work up the courage to face them again himself and put it all into words. 

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

With a partner, he’s just about as far away from easily angered as a guy can get. He’s actually very chill with the people he loves. There’s sincerely so very little that you could do that could piss him off to the point of losing his temper- and even then he’d never shout at you or anything- that’s the kind of shit he has to do and see enough at work, and he pretty explicitly never wants to cross that line with someone he’s in a romantic relationship with. And even if he is angry for some reason he’s never really angry at his partner- at least in affairs of the heart he pretty much always remembers the love he has for you comes first and foremost. 

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Believe it or not he actually is *very* good at remembering things about people. He may be one whole dumbass, and can’t do math, but that’s because most of his brain capacity is taken up with things about the people he cares about. Probably knows you down to your favorite food- enough to know to bring it to you to cheer you up, or suggest watching your favorite movie when you get home after a long day. 

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

He probably remembers the moment you met the most clearly- the moment when you were suddenly in his life even though he didn’t know what you would end up meaning to him down the line. 

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Jack is honestly the kind of guy who would rather die himself than stand idly by and watch someone he cares about die. This man would take a staff blast and so much worse for you and that’s a guarantee. But when he’s down that means he’s a little more vulnerable. He really appreciates it when he knows someone is gunning to keep him alive too. To know that despite his bravado and despite his own hero complex someone’s just as concerned with his livelihood. 

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

He’d put a little effort in. He’s more on the low-key side, not as big of a fan of grand gestures, and of course sometimes the job gets in the way of putting plans into motion (and he’d need a partner who’d understand that), but if that does happen he inevitably finds a way to make it up- sometimes even ahead of time if he has even a shred of warning about some kind of impending earthly peril. But when he plans something it’s usually very sweet, and far from an unfun cliché (but at least one time for valentine's day you *will* come home to rosepettals on the floor leading to the bedroom to find him in some silk boxers on the bed because of course he’s the gift). But usually things with him are… I don’t wanna say spontaneous because he does usually have at least a little bit of a game plan, but he’s all for improvisation and just loves getting swept up in doing whatever with you.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

I wanna take some time to call him out thoroughly on the fuckin beer omelets thing my guy do you???? Have taste buds???? Listen. With other shit in there I might understand. Beer and cheese is a good combo. But???? JUST BEER IN YOUR EGGS AVAJSFHR!!!!!! Of all the stuff you’ve done in this whole series this is probably your greatest war crime and I’m gonna fucking invoke the 3rd amendment for it. Oh also his fridge is nasty and full of “science experiments” (which like... same) but guy I get why you always be getting take out now jesus fucking christ.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Not overly. You’ve seen how this man dresses. He has his little inexplicably fashionable moments, but by *far* he’s more concerned with practicality at least where his attire and physical appearance are concerned. That being said, if you compliment him on like literally anything he will get a major confidence boost about it and will try to do it/wear it more. 

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

No… and yes. With all he’s seen and been through, he knows not everything is certain, not everything is meant to be and nothing is forever. But at the same time… he feels just a little better off with you around. He feels this kind of thing with everyone he’s really close with in their own unique way. He really doesn’t know where he’d be without the people he cares about who care about him back and can’t imagine a scenario in which he’d feel whole as a person without them coming into his life at the time they did. And you’re absolutely no different. 

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

So we know Jack has like the biggest fuckin sweet tooth. Pie, Cake, Donuts, ice cream, all of it. There’s always sweets in the house. And if you *make* some for him??? He will automatically love you forever. Also would probably be ok with you feeding him sweets. Warning tho: He’d probably do it back and get it all over your face and whoops now you’re making out covered in frosting and bits of cake and the only way to clean up is to lick it off each other’s faces oh no oh dear. 

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Petty, pushy people. Just doesn’t have the time. Jack can honestly vibe with just about everyone, even people who are wildly different than him, but the only thing that’s really an outright nope for him is people who are so wrapped up in petty problems they can’t see any kind of bigger picture. Or people who are just generally *too* pushy or overly dramatic about every little thing for little to no reason to the point of being just plain childish. He can handle just about everything else but that??? Nope.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Kinda sprawls out a lil in his sleep. Typically a stomach sleeper but shifts to his back sometimes (especially to cuddle). He’s always at least touching you in his sleep because no matter how much or little he just likes knowing you’re there.

[purrincess-chat]

Cat’s Not-All-Encompassing Character Ranking

Okay, so I have to admit that I omitted a lot of characters I don't have strong opinions on. Most of them were one-off akumas, so don't get your panties in a twist, your faves are probably still on here (and ranked lower than you think).

As a preface again, these are just my personal opinions. They can't hurt you. You can still like characters more or less than me. And I don't care how you feel about them. This list is for me. And the person that asked for it. So shut up. Go make your own rank list if you’re so butthurt. 

We're going in reverse order this time, starting from the bottom:

84. Gabriel Agreste- I mean, is anyone surprised? I am not private about how I think Gabriel should go to jail. Or fall off a cliff. Or be erased from existence. Rip to those that like him, but I’m different.

83. Thomas Astruc- Honestly, he’s down here on principle. Self-inserts are generally a no-no, and I just laugh every time I see him on screen because he really put himself in this show and said boohoo no one appreciates me XD

82. Bob Roth- I feel like this one should also be obvious. He’s just a dick. Terrible human. I give him 0 stars.

81. Tomoe Tsurugi- We all collectively hate her, right? It’s not just me?

80. Su Han- This mans has small peepee energy. And he bad mouthed Fu, so get FUCKED, my dude.

79. Rolland Dupain- Listen, I get it, he liked Marinette in the end, but I could do without the racism.

78. Nathalie Sancoeur- My opinion of Nathalie took a nosedive after the s2 finale. I just do not care that she is in love with her boss. Don’t care that she’s dying. Just do not have it in me.

77. XY- Justin Bieber ass wannabe.

76. Nora Cesiare- I didn’t care for Nora. I know Thomas loves her, but the overbearing sibling trope is tired.

75. Anarka Couffaine- I underestimated how much I don’t really like her. Like, it’s not full-on hate, but I just do not care for her.

74. Otis Cesaire- Got akumatized because a kid said he could outrun a panther. I’m still not over it, Otis.

73. Andre Bourgeois- No love for the crooked mayor. I hope your wife divorces you. 

72. Alec Cataldi- The real villain of Stormy Weather. Like fr why is he such an asshole?

71. Roger Raincomprix- Is Officer Roger just doing his best? Sometimes. But like sometimes this mans just needs to take a chill pill.

70. M. D'Argencourt- Please get out of the 1600s

69. Ella/Etta- These two are basically the same character, and I am indifferent to both of them.

68. KnightOwl/Barbara- Listen, I would have liked you more if you were less controlling.

67. Majestia- Same as above, but like I guess I like you more

66. Theo- *Mean Girls principal voice* Stay away from underaged girls!

65. Andre the ice cream man- I just want a scoop of chocolate, Andre. Is that too much to ask??

64. Amelie Graham de Vanily- We haven’t seen much of her, but she seems like a snake bitch.

63. M. Kubdel- I mean, if my son wanted to resurrect an ancient mummy and believed in aliens, I’d give the family heirloom to my daughter too.

62. Jalil Kubdel- Lolol, buddy, pal, dude, my guy. Chill.

61. Vincent (Adrien's photographer)- Head empty. Mom’s spaghetti. Idk he’s alright.

60. Manon- I don’t hate Manon. She just gets on my nerves every time she talks.

59. M. Ramier- This mans got akumatized a billion times because he gets emotional about pigeons. I mean, honestly mood.

58. Mme. Mendeleiev- She doesn’t put up with Chloe’s shit, and we respect her for this.

57. Baby August- Someone just give this mans some food. He’s a growing boy.

56. Santa Claus- If I were Santa, I too would list Ladybug as the best kid in the world.

55. Art Teacher- He doesn’t even have a name, but I vibe with him. He seems like he likes to paint scenes of nature with his pet squirrels.

54. Prince Ali- Lil mans just wanted to have a good time. I can respect that.

53. Duusu- Duusu, I get that your Miraculous was broken, but get with the program, girl. You is a hostage.

52. Other Kwamis- Idk, all the ones we haven’t seen as much. I don’t have real opinions on them yet. Just neutral.

51. Sass- He gives me dad vibes.

50. M. Damocles- You go, you funky owl man

49. Jean (Chloe's Butler)- He deserves a raise. What is your name, sir? We may never know.

48. Mireille Caquet- She’s pretty cute. No complaints.

47. Aurore Beaureal- Baby’s first akuma. I love her design. She’s a cutie.

46. Claudie Kante (Max’s mom)- This womans just wanted to go to space and live her dream. We stan a hardworking queen.

45. Hot Dog Dan- I like him more than Andre the ice cream fraud. Sure, my hotdog might turn me purple, but if I ask for chili on it, I bet he’d oblige.

44. Nadja Chamack- I mean, she’s doing her best.

43. Audrey Bourgeois- So, as I said in the episode ranking, I have a love-hate relationship with Audrey. She’s the worst, but that’s why I love her. I love her ironically. Like, yeah she’s atrocious, but I just want to watch her burn the world.

42. Luka Couffaine- Directly in the middle, like he’s always been.

41. Nathaniel Kurtzberg- My opinion of Nath improved after Reverser surprisingly. I ship it.

40. Chris Lahiffe- I like Chris better than Ella/Etta. He’s just a little mans out here living life wanting to grow up. Don’t believe it, Chris. Stay little forever. Being an adult suuuuucks.

39. Fang the Crocodile- The goodest boy.

38. Nooroo- I just want to give him a hug.

37. Mlle. Bustier- She’s doing her best, but I mean, when ya whole class keeps getting turned into supervillains, I’m surprised she’s not an alcoholic.

36. Penny Rolling- I just like her. I think she’s neat.

35. Ondine- Mermaid queen! She’s so sweet, and I love her with Kim. I hope we see more of her in the future.

34. Marc Anciel- Marc is a little cutie bean. Idc if he’s based off one of Thomas’s irl friends. He can stay.

33. Wayzz- He loves Master Fu so much I cry.

32. Felix Graham de Vanily- I know everyone hates canon Felix, but tbh he exudes massive chaotic neutral gremlin energy, and I actually kinda vibe with that. And he pisses with his uncle which is a whole ass mood.

31. Tikki- Tikki is very cute, but bby please work on the preaching. You don’t always know what’s right, babe.

30. Sabrina Raincomprix- Sabrina deserves better. I hope we see good things happen for her.

29. Lila Rossi- Surprised? I actually like Lila. The first fic I ever wrote for this fandom was a Lila redemption. I think she is a good antagonist and foil to Marinette. I absolutely want to see her get dunked on in canon, but that doesn’t mean I hate her.

28. Wayhem- I don’t know why, but Wayhem makes me laugh. I love him XD

27. Uncle Cheng- He’s just a good mans with a birb who wants to make you tasty food. What’s not to like?

26. Trixx- Trixx shot up after GoS. Chaotic bean make Eiffel Tower go bendy

25. Jess- She’s pretty cool. She’s a vibe.

24. Aeon- The cutest bean!!! She saw Adrien and Marinette and said yep. Those two are meant to be together. Jess, we gotta make it happen.

23. Ivan Bruel- Ivan is such a gentle bean. We love him.

22. Mylene Haprele- Smol

21. Fei Wu- I still have not watched the Shanghai special with subs, but I liked her.

20. Gina Dupain- The grandma I aspire to be.

19. Marianne Lenoir- I love her. She is good. She and Fu are so cute. And she seems like she would have kicked le ass back in the day. (and even now)

18. Rose Lavillant- I am so excited for Pigella!! Rose is too cute. We love her. 

17. Gorilla- aka Adrien’s real dad. If the series doesn’t end with Gabriel getting yeeted into the stratosphere and Gorilla adopting Adrien, I don’t want it.

16. Clara Nightingale- She’s in love with Marinette. You can’t change my mind. 16 is also how old I hc her to be, so don’t nobody come for me.

15. Tom Dupain- Most. Supportive. Dad. Soft bean. Just wants to make you fresh bread.

14. Sabine Cheng- Good mom vibes. We love to see her.

13. Juleka Couffaine- Shy goth bean. Just wants to have her picture taken. Definitely a lesbian. We stan.

12. Nino Lahiffe- The goodest boy. He’s just out here doing his best, loving his friends.

11. Chloe Bourgeois- Chloe is another one I have a love-hate relationship with. Her brattiness is funny to me. We had high hopes for her. Honestly, she ranks this high because I like to play with her in fic.

10. Max Kante- He smol and smort. And I adore his friendship with Kim and the fact that he made an AI himself at 14. What a legend.

9. Alya Cesaire- Rip to Alya salters, but I’m different. Outside of Chameleon, Alya is fine. She’s a supportive bff. All yall people that are mad she doesn’t kiss Marinette’s ass all the time need to go out and make real friends. I said what I said.

8. Alix Kubdel- I love Alix. I love how she is always so done with all the lovey-dovey bullshit. She is tiny queen, and Bunnix, while OP af, is still super cool. We love to see her.

7. Kagami Tsurugi- I will fight anyone who shits on Kagami. She has done nothing wrong, you guys are just haters. All she did was exist, and yall said, wow what a toxic bitch?? Disgraceful.

6. Jagged Stone- We are going to ignore the deadbeat dad trope that canon thrust upon him. He is a Marinette stan, and we love that.

5. Kim Le Chien- I really love Kim, you guys. Does that surprise you? Listen, my favorite male character types are sweet beans and himbos. Kim is both of these.

4. Master Fu- If you didn’t pick up on how much I love Fu from the episodes ranking, then idk what to tell you. I want him to be my grandpa. I would trust this mans with my life. He did his best. You paint those pictures, you funky little man. I love you.

3. Plagg- My galaxy trash man. Love him. 10/10 chefs kisses all around.

2. Adrien Agreste- The biggest Marinette stan there is. I just want him to kiss her on the face. And marry her. Idk, I just think that would be neat if he could do that. I just want good things for them.

1. Marinette Dupain-Cheng- Honestly, are you surprised? I have always been and always will be a Marinette stan. If you expected anyone else to be in this spot, then clown suit rentals are off to the left.

[lunap95]

Chapters: 2/7 Fandom: Super Sons (Comics), Batman - All Media Types, Superman - All Media Types Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jonathan Kent/Damian Wayne, Jonathan Samuel Kent/Damian Wayne Characters: Damian Wayne, Jonathan Samuel Kent, Maya Ducard, Collin Wilkes, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, Cassandra Cain, Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Kara Zor-El Additional Tags: Roommates, Domestic Fluff, adopting a pet, High School, Jealousy, Running Away, Partners in Crime, Fake/Pretend Relationship, getting caught, Heartbeats, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Alternate Universe - Royalty, Masquerade, Family Vacation, Marriage Proposal, JonDami Week 2021 Summary:

Hey hey hey!  I'm here pushing my "Jon is a horny teenager" agenda with the next @jondami-week!

Chapter 2: High School | truth or dare | jealous

You can also read it under the cut

When the bell finally rang, Damian left a heavy sigh, stretching his limbs after the nap his last class had been. Not too far, Maya teased him when the first thing he did was pulling his phone out. He ignored her comments and the knowing look Collin was throwing at him in order to open the first conversation lined on the chat thread.

Hey, alien freak, what time do you finish your practice?

Hey, angry gremlin

Coach wants us to practice our strategy for the next match, but probably around 5.

Fine, I will wait for you at the bleachers.

What? No! I will search for you after practice.

Don’t come!

Damian frowned at the message. Usually, after Jon finished playing around with the absurd football team, they would meet on the bleachers where Damian had probably spent the last hour sketching and then they would go to the helicopter waiting for them on the field. Depending on the day, they would either crash at the Kent flat in Metropolis, train on the Wayne mansion or go to the Fortress of Attitude to work on a case. So Damian did not understand why suddenly Jon did not want him to wait for him.

“Do you think he knows?” he asked Maya later while they were waiting on the bleacher, because Damian was not exactly good at following orders. Not too far, Jon and the rest of the team were running around, his blue eyes staring at Damian from the distance.

“About your crush on him?” questioned Collin with a smirk. “Dude, don’t worry, Jon isn’t exactly the brightest guy around, he probably thinks is super normal your best friend has a whole notebook full of sketches of you.”

“I wasn’t asking you,” a wrapped sketch of Superboy hit Collin on the head.

“Wilkes have a point, you aren’t exactly subtle,” shrugged Maya. “But no, probably he didn’t want you to get close to the football team.”

Her words kept floating on his head even after they left and Damian found himself staring at the white paper wondering why Jon would be against him befriending the members of this team. Almost as if summoned by thought, he saw Jon approaching him with one of his teammates next to him. Strangely enough, the kid seemed to be saying something to Jon with a smile that the half-kryptonian was not returning. He almost looked mad. Weird.

“Woah, look at the time, we need to leave superfast, don’t we, D?” Jon said when they reached Damian.

“Not really,” he answered. “Pennyworth had to take Richard to Bludhaven so we have to wait a bit for him.”

“Great!” suddenly intervened the other kid. “Hi, I’m David, one of Jon’s teammates.”

“Yes, I clearly see that,” he raised an eyebrow at Jon who only shrugged.

“Well, let me tell you is an absolute pleasure to meet you, Damian,” to his surprise, David took his hand to place a gentle kiss on it while throwing a wink in his direction.

It took all his willpower to not cringe at the action, but watching how Jon was frowning in a clear bad mood he tried to behave. After all, this David boy must be a good friend for Jon if he wanted to introduce him to Damian. Was this the reason Jon did not want him to come today? Because he was scared Damian was going to be rude with this kid? That could not do, he was going to show Jon that he could be perfectly polite.

-----

Their routine changed a little bit from there. David ate lunch with them and always joined them on the bleachers after practice. He had to admit the kid was not that bad if it were not for the constant innuendos he had to suffer in his presence (Anyone told you your eyes shine like emeralds; They say painters need to know a lot of anatomy so I’ll be here if you want to practice; The tone of your skin is made of dreams baby, wet dreams). And the worst is that Damian could not tell him to please throw acid on his face if he ever dared to repeat those sentences in his presence, because David was Jon’s friend, and he was trying to be supportive.

Which was one of the reasons why he said yes to that stupid party and why he was suddenly in a circle playing truth or dare with David and the rest of the football team. Jon was there too, but he seemed to be in other of his weird bad moods. He had been having a lot lately and Damian did not know why.

“So, Dami,” he was this close to throwing his drink on David if he ever repeated that stupid nickname. “Truth or dare?”

“Your dares are dull as a doorknob so I will choose truth,” he was also expecting this game to finish soon so he could talk to Jon.

“Do you like someone?”

The whole room seemed to quiet at the question and suddenly Damian felt a thousand eyes on him. He could lie but having Jon in the room meant he would probably notice and ask him later.

“Yes.”

“From this team?”

“I believe the rules of this game forced me to answer only one question,” the other players started to complain and even Collin shouted at him to answer. “Fine, yes, it is from the team.”

His reply seemed to be enough for the next player to continue with the game, but it also made Jon frown harder and leave the room. Damian excused himself in order to follow him, but the boy must have used a bit of his super speed and he lost track of him in the sea of people. So he tried looking outside thinking that maybe the young kryptonian wanted a quick flight but to his surprise, David was following him.

“Do you need something?” he questioned when it was obvious that David was there for him as there was no one around them.

“Actually, yes,” he smiled approaching him. “And I think you know what it is.”

Before Damian could tell he had no idea what he was talking about, David crashed his lips against his, pushing him against the outside wall of the house. It took him a few minutes to finally react to what was happening, but before he could push David away a sudden current hit him sending him over the bushes.

“What the-?” questioned the boy confused for what had happened.

“Don’t you dare to touch a single hair from his head!” Jon was practically hissing at David, his heat vision almost visible.

“Cut the crap, dude!” David got up. “Damian said he liked me, why don’t you let us make out in peace and go sulk about it somewhere else?”

“I have never in my life stated such a thing,” interrupted Damian completely scandalized.

“Yes you did, on the game just a few minutes ago.”

“That was not you, you absolute brainless idiot! I can barely stand you!” he exploded. “The only reason I was doing it was because you were Jon’s friend.”

“He is not my friend!” Jon shouted then. “He had been pestering me about introducing you for months, that’s why I didn’t want you anywhere close to the team!”

“Then why didn’t you say it sooner?”

“Because you seemed to actually like it and I was scared if I said something you would know I was jealous!”

“Why the absolute hell would you be jealous of someone like him?”

“Because I like you!”

“Well, I like you too!”

“Fine!”

“Good!”

“Perf- wait, when did David leave?”

They turned to see that the spot where David was just a few minutes ago was now empty. After having clear he had no chance with Damian he must have decided to leave them to his argument. The interruption made them realise what they have just said and they stared at each other for a second, before Jon erased the distance between them and pushed Damian against the wall in a heated kiss. The smaller boy melted at the gesture and let his hands run through his waist.

“You cannot,” Jon kissed him on the neck. “imagine how much,” he sucked making Damian moan. “I’ve wanted,” he let his tongue lick the spot his lips had touched just mere seconds ago. “to do this.”

“Did you really thought I liked him?” mocked Damian tangling his fingers on his hair.

“And I hated every minute,” Jon kissed him again, resting his head on his front. “I want you all for myself, D.”

“You dumb corn cob,” he kissed his nose. “You always had me.”

[fandomscenariosforyou]

Hey! I'm sorry if you've already written something about this, but what about how the Easy Co. men would react to someone flirting with their significant other/crush? Thanks in advance! Hope you have a lovely day 😊❤

Richard Winters:

Richard is probably the most mature out of this entire situation. He knows at the end of the day you and his and you won’t be looking at anyone else. However, if the person flirting with you refuses to stop then he might just stop them one day by the arm, whispering in a sharp tone as they walk past each other, “If you like your position here, I suggest you start to keep yourself more in line.”

Lewis Nixon:

Nixon finds the situation absolutely hilarious. Please, you think she would want you? Take a hike pal. He doesn’t do anything cause honestly he doesn’t feel threatened. That is, until they start pointing out all the things wrong with Nix. Now you’ve rubbed him the wrong way. He would this person into a room alone and just put it simply, “Alright listen. Y/N loves me and I love them and you are not gonna be the person who ruins it no matter how much you try. So next I hear you running your mouth, I sock you in it.”

Carwood Lipton:

Sweet, sweet man. He says nothing. Partly because he’s a little nervous about it but also because he knows you’re not interested in anyone else. Lip does do little things though, like slip his hand into yours when their around, make sure he always keeps an eye on you when they try to slip in and talk to you, all little stuff. If you ask him about it, he’s a little embarrassed to admit he feels kinda threatened but once you reassure him he gets over it...doesn’t mean he stops his little warnings though.

Ronald Speirs:

WHO would even try this? We all know Speirs know of his rumors and he knows most of them aren’t true. But...if this person thought they were? That was fine with him. He puts on his toughest face when they are around, tries to be or look threatening and man does it work. When this person comes around, Speirs stands up real tall and wraps an arm around your shoulder. “Oh, who are you? I don’t believe I know your name.” If you call him out on it, he’ll totally deny it but he’s blushing.

Harry Welsh:

What a hoot!! Don’t they know you guys are practically married already? Like a minuscule little problem like them would ever cause a problem. He is not worried a single bit, in fact he teases you about it. “Oh look your admirer is coming over.” “Your boyfriend wants to say hi, I’ll go over here and let him believe he has a chance.” He thinks it’s so funny and you try not to laugh and punch his arm playfully. If you ever actually began to feel uncomfortable about this person then he confronts them, but super friendly, like a dad would honestly.

Denver 'Bull' Randleman:

Gets the giggles. In a way, think Ron Swanson. It’s cute, they think they can get in the way of you too. Anytime this person comes around and Bull is with you, he just cocks his head and smiles. Oooooh he can’t wait to see what they come up with. But how can someone not be intimidated by him? That’s because he really is a giant teddy bear. When this person refuses to give up though, the smile drops and he stands up straight. Ah, now he’s a grizzly bear. “Ya know, I’m getting a little tired of you.”

Joe Toye:

Won’t let it go on, not even for a second. The second a flirt happens, that eyebrow gets cocked and he confronts them before they can even THINK about trying it again. He is not someone who let’s things go. pull out the brass knuckles pls. They try one thing and suddenly a hand is curled around the collar of their shirt. “Back off or I knock you so hard you lose the ability to speak.”

George Luz:

He just bullies him honestly. Teases this person to no end. They will not get away with trying to flirt with you. He makes fun of them, calls them out on everything, all in playful manner....maybe. Honestly he doesn’t ever stop until you tell him to. He whines about it but takes what you say to heart. He pulls the person aside and puts it plain and simple, “Alright bud, this has been fun and everything but seriously. Lay off my girl, she’s not interested, and frankly neither am I.”

Eugene Roe:

Pouty boy, he notice it immediately and becomes very quiet. He will never mention it to this person but he does bring it up to you. You reassure him constantly and honestly it takes him a bit to believe you. He had a small thought in the back of his head that you would meet someone more suave and leave him behind. this is getting too sad moving on. You most likely are gonna have to be the one to tell this person off. Now if they don’t get the hint, Eugene is bound to snap. “Alright alright maN BACK OFF.”

Joseph Liebgott:

Not to be cliche....but he’s going in swinging. He’s not even gonna let him get the chance. Anyone even gives you e y e s and he is not letting it happen. “You watch yourself man, I’m not gonna take any shit especially from someone like you.” Easy to say, they will not be trying it again, unless they want another black eye and busted lip. Liebgott doesn’t mind dishing it out once more.

Lynn 'Buck' Compton:

Calls them out on it. They probably do it when he’s not around because man is Buck a firecracker. That also means he has ears, everywhere. He is well liked among the men so when they hear what this person is trying to do, of course it gets back to him. He doesn’t ever talk to them until they approach you yet again. This is his time. He strides up to you, wraps his arm around your waist and pulls you right against his side. “Well I heard you’ve been flirting with my darling but I just had to see it with my own eyes. And now that I have, I can assume it won’t happen again, am I right?”

Donald Malarkey:

Get’s with his boys Skip and Alex about it. They scope out the area. Honestly they seem like twelve year old boys playing ninjas. This person probably gets annoyed enough to stop to be honest. Anytime they try to talk to you, Skip is hiding behind a tree. Alex is peeping from his foxhole. Malarkey is eyeing him from across the way. It’s enough to get this person to back off and also not create a huge deal.

Warren 'Skip' Muck:

Pouty! He is the narrow eyes, pouty lips, glare at this person kinda man. He instantly feels threatened. You wouldn’t leave him of course but the fact that this person is even TRYING? Unacceptable. Period. He marches right up to him, “Hey man, that’s my girlfriend and you’re gonna back off alright? I don’t wanna deal with you and neither does she so just leave her alone...or else.” he baby

Alex Penkala:

Will not leave your side. He might seem like a little puppy but honestly, he doesn’t care. Whatever it takes to make this person get the hint. PDA is usually toned down between you two but when this person comes around? Guess what!! I wanna give you a thousand cheek kisses! Aww, I should hug you from behind and lean my chin on your shoulder the e n t i r e time you talk to this person. Easy to say, they get the picture.

Bill Guarnere:

Scoffs a bit, Hm. This is funny. Their trying to be funny right? They aren’t seriously trying this right? He literally laughs in their face. Now if they try it a g a in then it’s threatening time. Slams them into a wall, no real concern with how loud it is, whose in the room, if they get hurt. “I should break your face right this second but I’m feeling nice so take this as your warning and stay the hell back.”

Darrell 'Shifty' Powers:

He takes a gentle approach. He does confront them but in a friendly sort of way? He honestly doesn’t notice this person flirting with you, he only notices you. Shifty thinks that the guys are just friendly, you would have to be the one to bring it up. Once you do he’s like ‘Aw. Well I’ll take care of it for you.’ He talks them in the sense of like “Hey man, my girlfriend is a little uncomfortable around you and I love her alot so could you leave her alone?” If the dude is sensible, he’ll back off. If not, the boys who are protective over Shifty will take over.

Frank Perconte:

FIGHT HIM FIGHT HIM! He’s an angry little gremlin and he will not stop until he is in their face and spitting and yelling! It’s honestly kinda funny. don’t tell him that though. He would most likely hear about this person from you and storms off, he is gonna tell them off and he’s gonna do it now! This person would back off most likely because of how weirdly uncomfortable he is having this person poke him in the chest and jump up and down like a crazy person. But hey, whatever get’s the point across right?

Edward 'Babe' Heffron:

Babe catches wind of this from Bill and then takes time to watch this guy. He is calculated with it. If this person usually bothers you around a certain time or certain place, he cuts them off one day. “Oh hey guy, where ya headed? Off to meet my girlfriend?” It’s funny to see them freeze up. “Yeah I would quit now if I were you, or I could continue to bother you everywhere you go. Your choice.” And off he goes to meet with you and tell him all about his meeting.

Chuck Grant:

Takes it like a order or mission. Ah just something that has to be done and get out of the way. He pulls them into his office and just lays it all out, “Y/N is a very sweet woman and any man would be foolish to not find her beautiful however I don’t appreciate you vying for her attention. She won;t give it to you so, I think it best you just drop it now. Have a nice day.” It was quick and painless well for him at least, probably the most mature out of everyone.

Floyd Talbert:

So beyond cocky. He calls this person out in the mess hall, probably in front of all of his friends. “So I heard you are interested in my girl. News flash bud, she is smoking. Everyone is interested in her, but the funny thing is..” Then he leans in with a smirk on his face. “She’s only interested in me. She wouldn’t even glance your way. Run along.”

Johnny Martin:

That famous glare? Because 10x more evident. He watches from across the room and always makes sure this person knows he is watching. Now when they acknowledge that he is doing that and they STILL flirt with you? Well now he has to say something and man is it like spitting venom. He doesn’t yell or fight or anything he is just sharp toned and dead serious. “Drop it. I’m not gonna have this conversation again. Knock it off.”

David Webster:

Kinda shrugs it off? He doesn’t see it as a huge problem and probably won’t. If you know you’re not interested in this person and he knows that then just ignore it until this man gets the hint. That’s the way David primarily handles this decision.

Wayne 'Skinny' Sisk:

Smacks your butt everytime this person is in the room. Periodt. Done.

Donald Hoobler:

Confused puppy. This person is flirting with you?? But you’re dating him?? Do they know this?? Why do they not stop?? Kinda just walks over and goes, “Hey man, you’re flirting with my girl, well she’s dating me, if you didn’t know. I would really appreciate if you back off, thanks!” He’s just sweet. He’s too sweet, you c a n �� t stop him??

[newtafterdark]

Taste of Metal - Chapter 10: Sweet Beans AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26157634/chapters/66411679 What if the overwhelming VR experience Gordon went through, had a deeper purpose than just being a simple simulation & a freelance debug job for him?But most importantly- what if Gordon Freeman listens to Metal & used to be in a band? aka. the “Metalhead Gordon AU”

- - The digital clock on the wall said 4:36 PM. 

 Gordon was laying on the futons in the living room, limbs lazily stretched out and staring at the ceiling. Most members of the Science Team were currently preparing dinner in the kitchen, supervised by Joshua.

 The past few days had been... certainly something. It felt like he had attempted speedrunning several different things at the same time because there was an unsettling feeling of time running out fast for something if he didn't. 

 He knew that was his anxiety. The feeling of too little time for anything, his thoughts running 88 miles per hour, sending him down rabbit holes of thoughts and worries. Especially, since his last job for Black Mesa had him mess up his medication schedule during his time in the simulation. He was slowly getting back to what he considered his personal normal state... and it was honestly a relief. 

 Gordon turned his head to the side, acknowledging Benrey, who was sitting beside him on a pillow, Gordon's injured arm gently laying on his open palms as he was applying a new layer of healing sweetvoice to it. 

His arm was significantly better now. Still sensitive to touch, but all in all healing. Though he had to admit that the scars that had been forming in the process were... unique. 

 The edge of where the mess started was more akin to what he had expected - lighter coloured slightly bumpy lines & patches where the skin had been damaged. 

 But the area where it had been an open wound? That's where it looked... unusual. It looked like a protective layer of flesh & skin had formed where it shouldn't have without a proper surgery. The skin there was just as light as the scarring on the edge... but it felt new. Sensitive. And a certain amount of weird because... well, this simply wasn't what a human body would do on its own during a healing process.

 Then again... his body had been getting help with the whole thing-

 Gordon closed his eyes and let out a soft hum, almost harmonizing with Benrey holding a steady note beside him, as the cool sweetvoice hit his arm. 

 He hadn't really had the time to ponder over the fact that he was sharing his apartment with several non-humans... but laying on a comfy futon, having to hold still and wait for Benrey to be done sweetvoicing at him - yeah, that sounded like a good time as any.

 Well, until he noticed that Benrey stopped singing. He opened one eye, seeing Benrey looking at him with a questioning look on his face, his head slightly tilted to the left.

 "Yo, you gonna space out on me with 'em big thoughts?", Benrey asked.

 Gordon chuckled at that. 

 "I told you once and I'll tell you again - your sweetvoice is good. Helpful and... just really relaxing. Helps my brain shut up about the painful shit and lets me focus on things I actually want to think about. Can't help it, my dude.", he said with a shrug and a soft smile.

 "Huh.", was all Benrey said, keeping eye contact with Gordon.

 The human in question blinked up at the guard.

 "If you want... I can tell you my thoughts while you do... uh... the healing thing? No need to reply to me, just... I don't know, me rambling for a bit?"

 Now it was Benrey's turn to blink - and to Gordon's surprise similarly to a lizard, an eye-lid-like part of eyes closing over them sideways.

 "... that's so fucking cool...", Gordon whispered in awe, staring at Benrey with wide eyes.

 "Whu- What?"

 "The thing your eyes do when you blink! I... I guess I was never close enough to actually notice it. It just looks cool, is all I'm saying."

 "W-Wow, Gordon Flirtman here trying to butter me up with the compliments?"

 Despite his quick retort, Benrey visibly turned a shade darker and averted his eyes, letting out a few pink orbs of sweetvoice before returning to the healing teal.

 Gordon let out an amused huff, resting his free arm behind his head and looking back at the ceiling.

 "Look, I just appreciate all the cool non-human things you and the others can do. I... I don't know how much of it was just part of the simulation and what you can do now that you're free again... but it's simply exciting to me!"

 He heard a slightly deeper-pitched tone coming from Benrey, somehow making him feel like it was okay to continue talking.

 "So many terrifying things crawled out of the Breach over the past years... all with the goal to destroy and to conquer. The Kaiju and every other creature related to them were all I had for reference for non-human beings for a long time. Aside from Joshua, of course, but you get what I mean."

 Benrey let out a few notes that sounded similar to a soft "Uh-huh". 

Gordon continued. 

 "But as scary as you guys think you are... and as you can be-"

 Gordon turned his head towards Benrey once more.

 "- Thank you for being you. Silly, obnoxious, chaotic and kind. And for showing me that not everything you can find beyond portals and in shady labs is something I should fear forever. That I needed to learn to listen and learn, again. To understand. To actually be the kind of scientist I always wanted to be."

 They sat there for a while, Benrey laser-focused on Gordon's arm, a few stray orbs of sweetvoice remaining in the air between them as he eventually closed his mouth.

 "I did a good... thing? By being- uh, me?", Benrey eventually stuttered out, still gently holding Gordon's arm in his hands. 

 Gordon nodded.

 "No one told you to apologize to me after everything - even when I told you not to worry- but you did so anyway and on your own accord. Not to mention you are actively helping me heal physically since the moment you guys found me."

 He reached over, resting his hand on Benrey's knee.

 "You may not be human, Benrey... but you are a person who tries to make up for the things they fucked up. And that's a good thing, in my book."

 Benrey's brows were furrowed as he slowly nodded.

 "I'm.... n-not a bad guy? All the time?"

 "You're a menace with Gremlin energy at worst, at this point."

 That made Benrey snort, Gordon laughing softly in return. 

 "Uh, feed me snacks 24/7 and I'll be the greatest cool!", Benrey added with a grin.

 "That's not how Gremlins work!", Gordon wheezed, moving his hand and pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to keep himself from breaking out into loud laughter.

 "Only got the energy, bro. Am not small or fuzzy... right now."

 Gordon slowly sat up, intrigued by the implications of those last two words. He opted to sit cross-legged, radiating curiosity and excitement as his hand was drumming away on his thigh.

 "Shapeshifting... Shapeshifting!! Okay, okay! Tell me when I get too personal with my questions but... uh... you can change your appearance not just in size? Holy shit man, that's... that's WILD!"

 Benrey stared at Gordon with wide eyes for a second, taken off-guard by the man's excitement for his more out-there powers. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously - something he had observed Gordon doing sometimes and added to his own mannerisms. 

 "Yeah, uh, character creation ain't perma-locked. Can access that anytime I want. Makes me tired when I do it too much... but it's cool.", he said, then looking somewhat unsure- "Would you... be a big cool with me doing that? Around here? SMALL WAYS! N-No big Benny. Just... feel comfy here. To do that, I mean."

 Gordon smiled at that, reaching over to place a hand on Benrey's shoulder. 

 "Dude, as long as you don't go full horror and accidentally scare the shit out of any of us, go ahead. I don't know... what you have in mind with "small ways"... but I am curious, so... go ham."

 "You sure? Is right now okay?"

 "Uh... if you want, yeah!"

 Gordon was about to remove his hand to give Benrey some space, but within the blink of an eye Benrey's hands looked... almost paw-like. His fingertips ended in dull claws, while the skin on his hands had a slight gradient to them, reminding Gordon of the ever-present shadow on Benrey's face. He let out a soft gasp-

 "Holy SHIT?!- Let me see?? Can I touch them?"

 "Huh? Ain't nothing fancy, but sure."

 Gordon mirrored Benrey's previous gentleness with his arm as he now carefully took one of Benrey's hands (paws?) in his own.

 "Wow...", Gordon breathed, slowly turning it over-

"HOLY FUCK YOU HAVE BEANS????? PAW BEANS?"

 Benrey let out a crackle at that but nodded. 

 "Sometimes, 'cause it makes stuff easier. Climbing and holding shit and all that. Got that perfect gamer grip."

 "..."

 Benrey tilted his head at Gordon's sudden silence. 

 "Uh... ?"

 Gordon looked up from staring at Benrey's hand, the biggest smirk on his face. 

 "So... you got paw beans."

 "Y-Yeah?"

 "Which means you also have toe beans-"

 "What you talking about Feetm-"

 "Beanrey."

 "Wha-"

 "BEANREY!"

 "NO!", Benrey exclaimed through already starting to laugh, as Gordon fell back on the futon wheezing, barely managing out a "YES!" in reply.

[bluezey]

Inside Onward - Bold Fail

Second chapter of the Onward/Inside Out mashup.  It’s a little longer, but that’s because I wanted to end it on a cliffhanger rather than a bummer.  Speaking of bummers, I’m really starting to feel bad for Ian’s Fear right about now.

The morning just got started and the shelves of short term memory were filling up with colorful glowing orbs, each playing a short vision of the memory Ian experienced.  Yellow, blue, red, green and purple.  Arguably, a little more purple than the other colors. Fear was finishing jotting down some notes in his notebook before he looked up, checking on the other emotions.

Joy was nearby the console, sitting on the couch with his arms and legs stretched out, watching the screen as Ian was in line at Burger Shire.  Sadness, Disgust and Anger were by the console discussing what Ian should order for breakfast.  Anger wore his red flannel shirt unbuttoned and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Disgust was the only emotion that tucked in his flannel shirt, and he had a comb and compact mirror in the chest pocket of his shirt.  Sadness’s clothes had creases and wrinkles from the many times he lie around moping, and one extra button undone at the top of his flannel shirt.

“We can’t order a HuzzahMlet,” Disgust argued to Anger.  “It’s too messy, and Ian would have to eat it with a knife and fork.  He needs something quick to eat, like one of those breakfast sandwiches.”

Anger mumbled, “Fine. But whatever we get better have dragon bacon on it.”

Joy jumped up from his seat with glee as he added, “Ooh, get hash bites!  Those are so good.  And coffee!”

“Not too hot, though,” Fear warned as he approached the console, feeling needed.  “We don’t want Ian to burn his lips.  And he likes it-“

“Black with three or four packets of sugar,” the other emotions echoed Fear, knowing Ian just as much as he does.

Fear squeezed in at the center of the group, looking up at the screen as Ian took his receipt from the coworker behind the register.  Fear took the controls, Ian turned and sat down on a bench across from the counter. Smartphone Island lit up as Ian began to reach into his pocket for his smart phone, when Ian’s ear caught someone speaking to him from the next seat over, causing the island to go quiet.

“Hey.  Go griffins.”

Ian looked up.  “What?”

“You go to Willowdale College?” the friendly stranger asked, motioning to Ian’s sweatshirt.

Ian looked down and gave a slight laugh.  “Oh, no. This was my dad’s.”

Fear blinked, he didn’t touch the console.  He took a double take when he caught Joy at the controls.  “Joy!  We can’t talk to strangers!”

“Fear, Ian’s sixteen, not six,” she commented, believing Fear’s over protectiveness was genuinely a joke.  The other emotions didn’t think so, with Anger quietly shaking his head and Disgust rubbing his temples.

The friendly stranger noticed the name stitched onto Ian’s sweatshirt.  “Lightfoot?  Wilden Lightfoot?”

“Uh, yeah,” Ian replied.

The friendly stranger’s face lit up.  “I went to college with him.”

“No way.”  Ian smiled.  The emotions caught sight of Dad Island whirring to life.

Joy looked at Fear with an encouraging smile.  “See? It all worked out.”

“Yeah.”  The college friend’s face turned to sorrow.  “Boy, I was so sorry to hear that he passed away.”

Ian’s face fell into a grief filled frown as well.  “Yeah… thanks,” he said softly.

Fear looked to Sadness, then back at Joy.  “Nice going,” he couldn’t help but comment.

“Yeah, your dad,” the college friend continued, “he was a great guy, so confident.  When he entered a room, everyone noticed.”  He chuckled before adding, “You know, he wore the ugliest pair of purple socks every single day.”

Ian laughed to himself from learning such a thing.  “What? Why?”

“We asked him the same thing,” the college friend explained.  “But your dad, he was just bold.  I wish I had that kind of confidence in me.”

“Yeah.” Ian grew a little excited from learning something new about his dad.  “Wow, I’ve never heard anything about this before.  Do you know any-?”

The college friend interrupted.  “Oh, looks like it’s time to take this kid to school.”

Ian turned, catching sight of a young boy holding up a carry out bag.  The emotions excitement instantly fell, realizing their conversation about Ian’s dad was over.  Fear looked over his shoulder as Dad Island dimmed and grew silent again.

“It was nice meeting you,” the college friend said, holding out his hand.

Ian took it and gave it a gentle, friendly handshake.  “Yeah, you too.”  As the college friend left with his son, Ian looked down at the Lightfoot name on his sweatshirt.  “Bold,” he thought under his breath, feeling inspired.

Fear turned back, nodding to himself in agreement.  “Bold…”

----

Disgust pointed to a green bench in front of the school.  “That one.  Check it before he sits down, I don’t want Ian sitting in unicorn poop again.”

“That only happened twice,” Joy tried to wave off.

“Guys,” Fear announced as he took out his notepad and pen, “I got a great idea to change Ian’s sixteenth birthday around.  Let’s make a list of things we can do to make Ian the new Ian.”

“You got that idea from mom,” Anger argued.

“Doesn’t matter,” Fear commented.  “School starts in ten minutes, so let’s get thinking.”

Ian took a sip of his coffee before pulling out a small notebook from his back pocket.  He flipped it open to an empty page and wrote down in black ink ‘The New Me’

“How about we have Ian speak up more,” Sadness softly suggested.

“Excellent idea, Sadness,” Fear commented, writing the note down under his own list titled ‘The New Iandore.’

Joy pressed a button, Ian wrote down on his list ‘Speak up more.’

“Ian can’t be sixteen and not have his driving permit,” Anger said bluntly.  “That’s not fair.”

“Learn to drive,” Fear said, writing it down, his hand shaking a bit.  Ian wrote down ‘Learn to drive’ on his list as well.

“He needs friends,” Disgust pointed out.  “We need people for his party.”

Ian wrote down ‘Invite people to party,’ and so did Fear.

“Oh!  Oh!  I got one!” Joy jumped up and down, bursting with excitement over a brilliant idea.  Instead of explaining it, Joy flicked a few switches and levers on the console.  Fear watched the screen cautiously, wondering what Joy just did.

Ian added to the list in bold words ‘Be like dad.’

The other emotions gently praised Joy for the idea.  A small smile gradually spread on Fear’s face before he added it onto his list as well.

The school bell rang through the air outside.  Ian put his notebook away, placed his backpack over his shoulders and tossed his breakfast trash and leftovers into the garbage by the bench.

“Okay gang, that’s first bell,” Fear told the other emotions as he took the lead.  “Let’s get in there before the tardy bell rings and show the world the new Iandore Lightfoot!”

Ian looked up at the two story school building, the concrete structure looking dominating and intimidating as it casted it’s darkened shadow over the teenage elf standing at the foot of the stairs leading inside.

Fear tried desperately to swallow that ball of anxieties tensing up in his throat.

----

Ian made his way down the hall to the doorway of his classroom, but stopped as he looked inside. There was the usual sight of the teacher prepping her notes and kids doing random things at their desks besides school work.  At the front was Ian’s empty seat, and behind him was that usual troll, resting his thick sweaty feet on the back of his chair.

“Him again?”  Disgust gagged.  “Ugh, I’m gonna be sick.”

“This is good,” Joy said, trying to spin things into a positive.  “We can use this experience to have Ian speak up for himself.”

“I got this,” Anger declared, cracking his knuckles.

“No no no no!” Fear immediately placed a hand between Anger and the console.  Anger glared up at Fear.

“Fear’s right, we don’t need to be mean.  Let’s try just asking him.”  Joy pressed a button on the console.

Ian approached his desk and cleared his throat quietly.  “Hey, do you mind not putting your feet up on my chair today?”

“Sorry dude, the troll replied, lazily keeping his attention on his smart phone.  “Got to keep my feet elevated.  Helps get blood flow to the brain.”

Joy shrugged and pressed two more buttons.  Fear looked back up at the screen, anxiety beginning to creep up his spine and tightly curl his purple nerve into his blue hair.

“Yeah, but it’s hard for me to get into my seat with your feet up like that,” Ian tried again.

“Well, if I can’t think, I’m gonna do poor in school,” the troll replied, more argumentative.  He glanced up from his phone and eyed Ian. “You don’t want me to do bad at school, do you?”

That shift in tone and stare was enough for Fear to step in.  “It’s not working.  It’s not working!”  He pushed Joy aside as he slammed his hand down on the console.

“Uh, well… okay,” Ian mumbled off as he tried to squeeze in, giving a defeated sigh.

Disgust covered his mouth as he ran off to throw up.  Anger and Sadness eyed Fear, while Joy looked at him shocked and confused.  All Fear could do is stand there, tucking his hands under his arms.

----

It was afternoon, and Ian was in the back of a small group of students at a driving school near the high school.

“Okay, let’s not screw this up guys,” Disgust told the other emotions.

“Ian’s logged in plenty of hours with mom and her car,” Joy said optimistically, “he’s got this.” Joy glanced over at Fear, his arms beginning to tremble as he stared blankly up at the screen.  “Right, Fear?”

“Huh?” Fear snapped out of it and fumbled with his sweatshirt.  “Oh, right, right.”

“Driving test,” the driving instructor announced in her gravely gremlin tone.  “Any volunteers?”

Anger slammed his fist down on a button.  Ian’s hand shot up defiantly.

Before long, Ian was behind the wheel of one of the vehicles on loan from the driving school.  He took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure, and it was working so far.  Until he looked up at the highway before turning onto the onramp.

Sadness glanced over as he saw Fear walking up next to Anger.  While Anger was at the controls, helping Ian stay focused, Fear kept his eyes on the screen, placing one hand on the edge of the console.

At the top of the onramp, Ian glanced over his shoulder.  The cars sped by at a speed much too fast for Fear to comprehend, causing him to shiver.

“Just merge into traffic,” the driving teacher instructed.

“Yeah, in a minute,” Ian nearly sputtered, trying to focus on the road.

Anger growled, trying to find a gap in the traffic for Ian to merge into.  He was defiant to get this done, but was struggling as Ian seemed to veer out faster than Anger could let him veer in.  “What’s wrong with this kid?” Anger spat, not knowing Fear now has both hands on the console, gripping the edge tightly.

“Just merge into traffic!” the instructor now shouted.

Fear’s instincts kicked in. “ABORT!!” he ordered as he grabbed the controls, causing Anger to back away.

“I’m not ready!” Ian shouted.

“Pull over,” the instructor told Ian.

“Oh come on!” Anger snapped, storming off.

“Fear, what was that?” Disgust snapped at him.

Joy stepped between them. “That- that- that- that, was, uhmm… yeah, we’ll try again next time,” he said, running out of excuses.

Fear couldn’t hear them as he saw the driving instructor write something down on her notepad. Seeing the failure get written down in Ian’s files just made Fear hang his head.

----

The final bell rang, the students filtered out to the front of the school.  While many began to leave either by ride, by bus, or by walking, some stayed behind.  A few students were some members of the science club, chatting away at the entrance of the school.  Ian just tried to casually stand on the sidewalk nearby, alone.

“Okay gang, third time’s the charm,” Joy cheered, trying to boost everyone’s downbeat spirits.  “We can still turn this day around if we get some guests for Ian’s party.  Disgust?”

“I got this.  Follow my lead.”  Disgust took the lead at the controls, with Joy assisting.  Outside, Ian was thinking out loud what to say, jotting down key words for his prepared invitation on his hand.  Figuring out what Disgust was planning, Fear stood up from his seat on the couch, took out his notebook and made some notes of his own.

“No Joy, no one says dudes anymore,” Disgust corrected.  “Try gang.”

“Got it.” Joy flipped a switch or two on the console, a yellow memory orb rolled out into short term memory with a vision of the notes on Ian’s hand.  “Okay, let’s do this!”

“And you,” Disgust snapped her attention to Fear, “stay back.”

“Disgust!” Joy exclaimed in shock.

“Whatever.”  Disgust took over at the console.

Ian walked up to the students, trying to remain calm and friendly.  “Hey, what’s up gang?” he greeted them, getting their attention.

“Oh, uh, Ian, right?” one asked.

Ian was a little surprised by that.  “Oh, I didn’t know you knew my… anyway…”  Ian looked down at his hand.  He froze when he realized it was glossy from sweating nervously, causing the notes on his hand to smear into an incoherent mess of ink.

“Wait, what happened?” Joy asked aloud.

Disgust glared at Fear, he stepped back.  “I-it wasn’t me!” Fear replied, scared of the outcome without himself at the controls.

“It’s that stupid social anxiety thing again!” Disgust snapped, racing to the short term memory shelves.

“I thought the mind workers fixed that glitch!” Anger shouted in frustration.

“You can’t fix anxiety,” Sadness commented as Disgust loaded the yellow memory orb into the recall playback. The memory of Ian’s notes on his hands appeared onscreen, but the image was blurred to the point that it was illegible.

“Ugh, focus, Ian, focus,” Disgust thought aloud as she tried adjusting the memory orb.

“Anger, don’t smack it!” Joy shouted as she and Sadness ran over to help Disgust.

The console was unmanned, or unemotioned.  This was Fear’s chance!  He took out his notepad as he took his spot at the controls.

Ian immediately wrapped his sweaty hands to his side, not only to hide them, but to remain calm. It wasn’t working, however, as words seemed to fail him at the moment.  “Uh, if you like parties… I was going to do a party- I mean, if you’re not doing anything tonight, and it’s okay if you are, and if you like cake, like I like cake, I have a cake… over, at my house?”

“Are you inviting us to a party?” the classmate asked.

“That’s the one,” Ian replied.

“Fear, get away from that console!!” Disgust shouted.  Fear shrieked as he pulled his arms away and wrapped them around his sides.  The emotions raced up to the console, Disgust watching in horror, then rage, when a few purple memories rolled into short term. “Ugh, Fear, you ruined everything!”

“Sure, we don’t have any plans,” the classmate told Ian with a polite smile.

The emotions watched as the other classmates nodded and agreed to the awkward invitation.  Fear gave a sigh of relief, his hands falling to his sides.  Joy couldn’t help but give a told you so smirk to Disgust.  “See, Fear’s got this.  And he got people to Ian’s party.  What could happen?”

The oncoming sound of loud rock music and roaring engine coming in fast was enough to make Joy freeze up.  Realizing that familiar sound, Fear went back into panic mode.  “No no no no no no no…”

“No no no no no,” Ian whispered, watching Barley’s van careen across the road.

“Ha ha!  Is that the birthday boy I see?”  The van came to a screeching halt by the sidewalk, right by Ian and the classmates.  Barley leaped out of the driver’s side, clad in that usual ridiculous Viking cosplay outfit he’s known to wear on some of his role playing game nights.  “Behold, your chariot awaits!” he bellowed.

“Just ignore him,” Disgust told the other emotions.  “Maybe he’ll go away.”

“That doesn’t work,” Sadness said.

“It better work this time,” Disgust snapped back.

“Sir Iandore of Lightfoot,” Barley called out, followed by blaring the van’s horn.

Anger roared furiously. “Ugh!  Just take the hint!” Disgust snarled.

“It’s okay!  I can handle this!”  Joy took control.

“Barley, hey,” Ian finally replied.  “We were just about to take the bus.”

“The bus?  Nae!” Barley triumphantly continued.  “I will give you and your companions transport upon Guinevere.”

“Uh, who’s Guinevere?” a student asked.

“My mighty steed.” Barley proudly placed his hand on his van.  The small vibration was enough for the front bumper to fall right off.  “Oh, that’s embarrassing,” he laughed off.

“No kidding,” Disgust replied sourly.

Joy glanced over at Fear, who was now squeezing his sides so tight he was creating creases in his sweatshirt.  He whimpered softly, worry causing him to begin buckling under the pressure.  “Now now, Joy tried to smooth things over. “It’s just Barley.  We can handle this.”

“You got something on your face,” a classmate pointed out, with a smile that was trying to hold back a chuckle or two.

Ian placed a hand on his face, trying to wipe off what it could be.  He pulled it back, only to realize it was the ink from his hand, and now it’s smeared all over his face.

Fear couldn’t take it anymore!  He pushed Joy out and he stepped in.

“You know, I just remembered, my birthday is, uh, cancelled,” Ian said quickly.  “Complete misunderstanding.  Gotta go. Bye.”  Ian quickened his pace towards the van, trying to get out of there as soon as possible.

Fear’s quickened breaths finally slowed.  He gradually looked to his left then his right, catching the gaze and glares of the other emotions.  He swallowed harshly before stepping back from the console.

“That’s it!” Anger began to march right up to Fear.

“No no no no no no!” Joy grabbed Anger and Disgust by their arms and ran off shouting out.  “Let’s have a meeting!  Emergency meeting!  Right now! Sadness, Fear, watch Ian please!” The three disappeared from sight as they ran into a short hallway into the break room.

Fear couldn’t help it as he ran that direction, slowing his steps until he stopped by the entrance to the hallway.  The break room had no door, so the three emotions were keeping their voices to a dull whisper.  But soon Fear could make out an angry and a disgusted voice commenting things like “he’s falling apart… he can’t take it anymore, I can’t take it anymore… he’s worthless… Ian’s better off without him…”  Sighing in defeat, Fear placed his back against the wall and slid down to a sitting position on the floor.

After Ian was seated in the van, Sadness looked over at Fear.  With Ian fine for a while, Sadness approached the purple emotion sprawled out on the floor.  “Hey… are you okay?”

“Yes… no…” Fear closed his eyes and rubbed them with his hands.  “I don’t know…”

“It’s okay to be sad,” Sadness told him.

“For you it is,” Fear almost snapped back, before recoiling back into a worried depression.  “Sorry, it’s just… a very bad day…”

Sadness nodded, he sat down next to Fear.  A moment or two of silence passed, Sadness sitting with his hands held at his sides, and Fear looking away from Sadness, keeping to his own pity.  Eventually, Sadness lowered his hands, placing one on Fear’s hand.  A soft sniffle caused Fear’s slender nose to scrunch up a tad, before a tear dropped from his eye.

“I’m not doing a good job lately,” Fear finally admitted to Sadness.  “Or… maybe I am… maybe I’m doing too good a job… I mean… I-I’m trying to do my part too, I’m trying to help Ian…”  Sadness nodded.  “I don’t know what’s gotten over me… things have gotten way too stressful for Ian, and now Joy told me you guys were talking about me behind my back…”

“Joy told you?” Sadness asked.

Fear immediately looked over at Sadness with shocked eyes.  “What did you say?”

Sadness confirmed, “You said Joy told you?”

“I said that?”  Fear took a double take as he heard the other emotions approaching.  He shifted so he was kneeling in front of Sadness.  “Don’t tell the others about this.”

“I-“

“Please please please.” Fear placed his hands together, begging.

Sadness nodded.  “Okay.”

“Thank you.”  Fear stood up, giving Sadness a hand up as well. “Let’s get back to the console before they see us.”

“See us doing what?”

“Shh!”

----

Ian dragged his feet across his bedroom floor, dropping his dad’s sweatshirt onto a hope chest next to his desk.  He flopped himself down at his desk, he took the small notebook out of his pocket. One by one, Ian crossed out the things on his list.  Speak up more.  Crossed out. Learn to drive.  Crossed out.  Invite people to party.  Crossed out. Be like dad…

Ian hesitated, but admitted defeat.  Crossed out.

Fear crossed out ‘be like dad’ on his list as well before sadly putting his notebook away.

The air in Headquarters was thick with silence and tension.  Joy, Sadness and Disgust watched the screen, while Fear hung his head, and Anger eyed Fear with a scowl.

“That’s it,” Anger finally spoke up.

“Anger,” Joy told him, “you promised we wouldn’t talk about this.”

“Well I am talking about it!” Anger spat.  He forcefully pointed a finger at Fear’s direction.  “This guy is nothing but trouble!”

“Finally,” Disgust rolled his eyes.

“He’s not trouble,” Joy said, trying to crack a joke.  “He’s a Fear.”

“He’s a menace!” Anger barked.  “We’re trying to do our jobs, and he keeps taking over!”

“Exactly!” Disgust snapped. “Ian can’t be Ian when he’s scared all the time!”

Fear backed away as they emotions stepped forward.  They were all in their argument, but appeared to be gaining up on him.  Anger and Disgust kept yelling, Joy kept trying to diffuse the fighting, Sadness could only get one word in once in a while before getting cut off.  It was building and building, piling on Fear, becoming too much.  He placed his hands under his arms and squeezed tightly, his nerve curled up until it was hidden in his blue hair.  He closed his eyes shut, trying not to listen, trying not to be there. But it just kept growing.

“STOOOOOOOP!!”

Fear finally opened his eyes to see the emotions staring at him in shock.  Did he… was he the one who said that?

A ping sounded.  Fear turned to see Dad Island lit up and active. The emotions turned to the screen. They watched as Ian pulled a small audio cassette out of his desk drawer labeled “Dad”

“Ian’s doing the thing again,” Sadness said.  The emotions approached the console, stood and watched.  They knew this ritual all too well.

Ian placed the cassette in the tape player and pressed play.  He rested his head onto his arms folded on his desk.  He listened.  Two voices on the tape.  One was muffled, but the familiar voice of his mom.  The other was clear as day, a voice that became familiar with each replay:

“… I think I got it… Hello? Hello?... Is that right?... Well, I’m trying to… ha ha ha, I know… Well, let’s find out… Okay, bye…”

The tape stopped. After a brief melancholy pause, Ian pressed rewind.

Joy smiled, looking like he was going to burst.  “I love this part.  This is my favorite part.”  The other emotions gave a little chuckle as they continued to watch.

Ian pressed play.  He lifted his head, looking up at the cork board on the wall in front of him, tacked on were a couple of old, random pictures of his dad that he found in storage around the house over the years. He looked at one with soft eyes, and a softer smile.  “Hi, dad.”

The tape replied.  “Hello?  Hello?”

“It’s me, Ian.”

“Is that right?”

“Yeah, right.  Did you have a good day?”

“Well, I’m trying to.”

“Yeah, me too.  Though I could clearly use some help.  Sure do wish I could spend a day with you sometime. There’s so much we could do.  It’ll be a lot of fun.”

“Well, let’s find out.”

“Yeah, I’d love to. We could-“

“Okay, bye.”  Click.

Ian’s face fell.  “Yeah… bye.”

The emotions smiled their usual melancholy smiles, with Sadness wiping away his usual tears.  They watched as Ian sat alone in his room, feeling alone.  But the emotions were reminded from Ian’s ritual their purpose.  Ian is never alone.  He has them, they are Ian.  Ian may not have a dad, and the emotions wished as hard as he did that he did. But the emotions will always be there to make Ian’s life as complete as possible.

Except, Fear was feeling something a little different today.  He glanced back at Dad Island, at the small display of pictures, replicas of the same pictures Ian had tacked to his cork board.  Dad was confident, dad was bold.  And Fear… he’s a Fear.  Fear gave an exhale as he shrugged his shoulders, feeling as lonely as Ian was in that very bedroom.

----

An hour passed.  Ian was in the living room, sewing up the popped seam on dad’s old sweatshirt.  Disgust was at the controls, Joy on one side of the console, Fear on the other, with Anger and Sadness sitting nearby on a couch.  Disgust was doing just fine, and Fear knew that.  But with each stitch, and that sewing needle, it looked so sharp, and Ian could prick his finger at any moment.

“I think-“ Fear began, but stopped when Disgust glared at him.  Fear hugged himself for a minute, before stepping forward towards the console. “But what if-“ Disgust held his hand out to stop him, and Anger growled.  Fear went back to placing his hands under his arms.

As Family Island lit up, Joy once again tried to cut the tension with a nice distraction.  “Oh look, it’s mom.”

Laurel sat down on the couch next to Ian.  “You must have learned from a sewing master,” she joked.

“Yeah, a very humble sewing master,” Ian replied, finishing the last stitch on the seam.  He put the needle and thread away.  Ian brushed a finger across the name Lightfoot, the emotions saw Dad Island light up.  “What was dad like, when he was my age?” Ian asked Laurel.  “Was he always super confident?”

“Oh, no,” Laurel replied. “It took him a while to figure out who he was.”

Ian looked down at nothing in particular.  “I wish I met him.”

“Me too.  But you know what?”  Laurel placed a comforting hand on Ian’s shoulder to get him to look back up. “When your dad got sick, he fought as hard as he could to see you more than anything.”

Ian just looked away, no response.  The emotions watched as his island of personality went dormant.  They looked at each other, just as speechless as Ian was, not knowing what to say, what to do.  Even Fear was at a loss.

“You know,” Laurel finally replied.  “I have something for you.  I was going to wait until after your cake, but I think you’ve waited long enough.”

Ian looked up curiously. “What is it?”

Laurel smiled, revealing her excitement after all these years.  “It’s a gift… from your dad.”

The emotions were in as big of a daze of wonder as Ian was.  Even Fear couldn’t believe his ears.  The purple emotion finally pushed that one word question out of his quivering lips. “… dad?”