#her dreams of the gods often were nightmares and confusing

[thy-fucks-runneth-dry]

The gods of the werewolf race I made ( race details+ drawings here)

So it's sun/moon based bcs duh werewolf

Lune is a three faced being that looks like a moth/bat/owl mishmash. They refer to themselves as a communal entity but each mask does have a name and conscience that's only partially connected with the others. The mask on the left is called Dusk (blue textbox), the right side is Dawn (tan textbox), middle mask is Lune (orange textbox) (although they all also answer to Lune as a whole)

They are the Goddess of the night, they are infatuated with Sol but they don't make contact often due to the day/night cycle

Werewolves were a gift from Sol to Lune, beings that have a connection to the moon and night but walk during the day.

Sol is the sun God, a four-eyed, four-armed doglike beast comprised of stars and light.

They are somewhat selfish, they create most of the creatures and then dump them on Lune to figure out their roles in the world (some are created under Lunes request)

Lune complains of never seeing Sol so Sol creates a being to worship them that has his face. The werewolves :D

The first werewolf was much more doglike and her name was Wof (in-universe precursor word for wolf)

Lune refers to Wof and all werewolves as either Gift or Love

[karinzany]

SPOILERS: Chapter 1094 of ONE PIECE

We've finally seen St. Jaygarcia Saturn's real form on chapter 1094, and it is absolutely diabolical. It seems to be inspired by a yōkai called Ushi-oni. So I went back to chapter 1085 and tried to connect the rest of the Gorosei with other yōkai. Here are my predictions:

Ushi-oni: In Wakayama Prefecture, ushi-oni are mountain-dwelling beasts. Legend says when a hiker or traveler makes eye contact with the ushi-oni, the person cannot avert his or her gaze. The person's soul or energy is drained and he or she dies. This is called “Kage wo kuu (影を食う)” or sometimes "Kage wo nomu (影を飲む)", which translates to “eating the shadow” or "drinking the soul".

Aosaginohi: Aosaginohi, or Aosagibi (青(あお)鷺(さぎ)火(び), "blue heron fire") is a phenomenon illustrated by Toriyama Sekien in his Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki. It depicts a night heron with a mysteriously illuminated body. Folklore built around the phenomenon tells a story of an old black-crowned night heron transforming into a yokai. The herons' feathers fuse into shining scales that give off an iridescent blue light in the dark of night. The yokai's breath is also said to release golden powder into the air that collects to form a heat-less fiery light, though this light eventually dissipates in the wind. The harmless creature is said to flee from human contact, retaining a normal heron's shyness. Legend also warns to not confuse the glimmering blue-white light with onibi lights.

Baku: Baku (獏 or 貘) are Japanese supernatural beings that are said to devour nightmares. According to legend, they were created by the spare pieces that were left over when the gods finished creating all other animals. They have a long history in Japanese folklore and art, and more recently have appeared in manga and anime. The Japanese term baku has two current meanings, referring to both the traditional dream-devouring creature and to the Malayan tapir. In recent years, there have been changes in how the baku is depicted.

Benzaiten: Benzaiten (shinjitai: 弁才天 or 弁財天; kyūjitai: 辯才天, 辨才天, or 辨財天, lit. "goddess of eloquence"), also simply known as Benten (shinjitai: 弁天; kyūjitai: 辯天 / 辨天), is a Japanese Buddhist goddess who originated mainly from Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of speech, the arts, and learning, with certain traits deriving from the warrior goddess Durga. Due to her status as a water deity, she was also linked with nāgas, dragons, and snakes. Apart from being a patron of music and the arts, she was eventually also worshiped as a bestower of monetary fortune and was reckoned as one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin).

Ōkubi: In Japanese folklore, Ōkubi (大首) are giant heads of either men or women. An Ōkubi appearing in the sky is a sign of impending disaster, which may be a typhoon, earthquake, tsunami, or fire. These disasters are often attributed to the Ōkubi. Ōkubi are otherwise harmless and will disappear soon after the first sighting. They are thought to be sky spirits who protect the sky's or people who died during a natural disaster. They are said to protect people from the natural disasters and protect the sky from demonic sky spirits. It is said if one does not pay respect for the Ōkubi, they will be turned into sky spirits and their face will appear in the sky immediately. Those who do pay respect are said to get good fortune and gifts.

PS.: This silhouette probably belongs to Imu themselves, but I can't figure out what yōkai or supernatural being it represents. What are your theories?

EDIT: Thank you @ozo-blog and @marimo-kyun for your suggestion!

On chapter 1069, Vegapunk said that Devil Fruits earned the ire of Mother Nature, which is the Sea itself. The name Imu can be read as Umi backwards, meaning "Sea" in Japanese. So, maybe Imu has a power that controls the sea? Umibozu would be on theme for them.

Umibōzu: Umibōzu (海坊主, "sea priest") is a paranormal phenomenon or yōkai from Japanese folklore. Other names include Umihōshi (海法師, "sea priest") or Uminyūdō (海入道, "sea priest"). Little is known of the origin of umibōzu but it is a sea-spirit and as such has multiple sightings throughout Japan. Normally, umibōzu appears to sailors on calm seas which quickly turn tumultuous. It either breaks the ship on emergence or demands a bucket or barrel from the sailors and proceeds to drown them. The only safe way to escape an umibōzu is to give it a bottomless barrel and sail away while it is confused.

Alternative: I've also seen another theory that says Imu could be Satan (from the Bible, yes) because he has a Red Dragon form that could relate to the Celestial Dragon's symbol, a red dragon hoof.

Red Dragon (Biblical Satan): The Red Dragon is a form of the Biblical Satan, otherwise known as Lucifer, the former Seraphim that rebelled against the Creator and became evil in Christianity and Hebrew religions. His alias, the Red Dragon, was described in the Bible to have seven heads, ten horns, seven crowns, and a massive tail that knocks one-third of the stars out of the sky. The Red Dragon is mentioned to have other names like the Serpent of Old and the Devil. It is said in the Bible that Satan will take the form of the Red Dragon and will along with the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and the Beast, deceive most of Humanity. After that the Red Dragon will be set free upon the world in which he will rule alongside demons for three long years. After that God will cast the Red Dragon, demons, and other dammed evil souls into Lake of Fire, thus finally destroying the evil of Satan forever.

During the time-skip, we've seen Brook being accidentally summoned by a Satanic cult, which implies the existence of Satan in the One Piece world. Now, on chapter 1094, we've seen again a summoning circle, this time for St. Jaygarcia Saturn. I think it's pretty obvious the connection between real world devils and the Gorosei and Imu.

It's all going to come to the ironic conclusion that the D. clan, the enemies of the Gods, are Gods themselves (like Nika) and the Celestial Dragons, the Gods of the world, are actual Devils.

[a-aexotic]

𝐛𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐦 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡, chapter 4

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 ! 4.9k

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 !

𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 !

➜ missing out on updates? ❪ navigation. series masterlist. taglist. ❫

"Y/N! Wake up right now!"

You stirred in your bed before you heard your mother's voice ring out again, except this time she was closer. She came into your room and she opened the blinds, making you let out a loud groan.

Yesterday was the most eventful day yet. You found your best friend's boyfriend (who you've been in love with since the 9th grade) slept with your other best friend the same night he told you he loved you. It sounds worse than it is, you swear.

You were also very hungover, considering you had... you're actually not sure how many vodka redbulls you had last night, but they were way more than you should've.

As your mother's voice echoed in your ears, you groaned and buried your head deeper into your pillow, the events of the previous night flooding back to your memory. The room spun slightly as you tried to sit up, your head throbbing with each movement.

You rubbed your eyes, the morning sunlight searing into your brain like a hot poker. "Mom, can you please close the blinds? I'm dying here."

Your mother ignored your plea, her expression stern as she crossed her arms over her chest. "We have brunch in two hours. Remember, the Bass' annual brunch?"

You groaned again, rolling over and burying your face in your pillow. "Mom, I can't do this today," you muttered, your voice muffled by the fabric of your pillow.

But your mother was having none of it. She pulled the covers off you, leaving you exposed to the chilly morning air. "I don't care what you can or can't do, Y/N. You need to get up and face the day. Now."

"Mom!"

"Your father wants you there, okay? Get up and take a shower, for the love of god." Your mother's voice cut through your haze, firm and unwavering.

You looked up at your mom, confusion on your expression as you sat up. "Wait, what do you mean?"

"I'm not going, I have a meeting." Your mother replied, her tone softened slightly. "But you need to go. And you need to make an effort, especially after last night."

You blinked, the events of the previous night flooding back to you in a rush. The party, Nate, Serena... It all felt like a bad dream. But the reality of it hit you like a ton of bricks as you groaned inwardly. "Can I come with you, please? I can be a great secretary."

Your mother gave you a pointed look as you rolled your eyes. You let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through your tousled hair. "Fine," you muttered, pushing yourself out of bed with a resigned sigh. "But I'm not wearing heels."

"You are going to wear what I picked, sweetheart." She wiggled her eyebrows playfully as you swung your legs out of the bed.

You grumbled under your breath, knowing it was futile to argue with your mother when she had her mind set. As you heard her footsteps fade down the hallway, you flopped back onto your bed with a defeated groan. Today was shaping up to be even more of a nightmare than yesterday.

"Out of the bed, Y/N!"

With a resigned shrug, you trudged towards the bathroom to start getting ready for the day ahead.

──౨ৎ──

You walked into the Palace, heels clicking as you walked next to your family. You were wearing a deep frown as your father walked hand-in-hand with Josie, Charlene walking next to you.

The elegant decor and the clinking of glasses only served to remind you of the facade of perfection that often overshadowed the reality of life in the Upper East Side. But you plastered on a polite smile, burying your turmoil beneath a facade of composure. After all, in the world of Manhattan's elite, appearances were everything. And you were determined not to let the cracks show.

"Charlene is going to follow in my footsteps, she will be attending Harvard." Your father looked at Charlene, a proud grin plastered on his face as you felt slight resentment building in your stomach.

Harvard, prestigious and exciting, had always been a dream for you. Yet here you were, overshadowed by Charlene, forced to the sidelines of your father's attention.

It irked you that Charlene, who wasn't even his biological daughter, was being showered with praise while you felt overlooked and underappreciated. The unfairness of it all left a bitter taste in your mouth, threatening to sour the already strained atmosphere.

You fought to keep your own smile in place, masking the bitterness that threatened to consume you. It wasn't Charlene's fault, after all. She was just a pawn in your father's game of appearances, a tool to bolster his image of prestige.

You felt a tap on your shoulder, turning to meet Blair's eyes. You couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh as she greeted your parents. "You won't mind if I steal Y/N for a moment?"

"Of course not, dear. She's all yours." Josie spoke with a grin as Blair grabbed your arm, pulling you away from your 'family.'

"Thank you, B." You let out a big exhale, earning a soft chuckle from Blair.

"I heard what your father was saying about your step sister. That was cold, I mean... really cold." Blair gave you a sympathetic nod as you let out a bitter scoff. Harvard has been your dream since you were a kid, basically.

And now he just passes the dream off to Charlene like it meant absolutely nothing. "It's not fair."

Blair's expression softened with understanding as she listened to your frustration. "I can't imagine how mad that must feel, Y/N. Harvard has been your dream for as long as I've known you."

"It doesn't matter anymore." You muttered as you reached the drinks, pouring yourself a glass of scotch.

Blair gave you an amused look. "It's barely noon, Y/N. Scotch?"

You shrugged nonchalantly, taking a sip of the scotch and relishing in the burn as it slid down your throat. "Why not? It's been that kind of morning."

Blair chuckled, shaking her head as she reached for a glass of champagne. "Well, if we're indulging, might as well make it a proper brunch, right?"

You smirked, raising your glass in agreement. "Cheers to that, sister."

One glass of scotch turned into three, and now you were seated next to Chuck Bass laughing at every word that came out of his mouth.

"So, Y/N," Chuck drawled, a glint in his eyes as he leaned closer. "Any scandalous gossip to share with your old pal?"

You raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk playing on your lips. "If I told you, Bass, it wouldn't be scandalous anymore, would it?"

Chuck chuckled, his laughter infectious. "Touché, my dear. But a little birdie told me you're the one with all the juicy secrets."

You feigned innocence, batting your eyelashes in mock surprise. "Oh, I'm just a humble observer of the Upper East Side drama, Chuck. But who knows? Maybe I'll let you in on a secret or two."

Blair, who was sitting across from you, rolled her eyes playfully at Chuck's smooth talk. "Don't encourage him, Y/N. You know what happens when you do."

You let out a very loud laugh, making Blair snort as you shook your head. You heard the chair next to you drag and you looked up to meet Nate's blue eyes. You rolled your eyes, not hiding your annoyance as he took a seat next to Chuck, separating you two.

"Looks like the gang's all here," Chuck remarked, a knowing smirk on his lips before he continued. "Oh, except Serena."

Chuck's mention of Serena brought a sudden stillness to the table, the jovial atmosphere tempered by her absence. You glanced around, noting the subtle shift in mood as everyone exchanged uneasy looks.

Blair rolled her eyes as she took a sip of her mimosa. "You really know how to ruin the mood, Chuck."

Chuck chuckled, unfazed by Blair's remark. "Just keeping things interesting, Blair. Wouldn't want our brunch to be too dull now, would we?"

Nate cleared his throat, breaking the tension with a forced smile. "So, what's on the agenda for today, aside from the gossip and bottomless mimosas?"

Blair shot Nate a pointed look, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, considering you're here, I'd say we have all the ingredients for a classic Upper East Side drama."

You couldn't help but laugh at Blair's dry humor, grateful for the brief respite from the tension. "Ah, the joys of being back in Manhattan."

"Actually we're missing one key ingredient." Chuck smirked as his gaze fell on the previously mentioned blonde with the same guy she was with the night before, on the other side of the venue. "Looks like she decided to come by."

Blair's gaze fell on Serena, a bitter laugh falling out of her lips. "You've gotta be kidding me."

You got up from the table, grabbing your glass as you tried to walk away. Instead, you tripped, causing Nate to hold on your arm to stabilize you. "How many drinks have you had?"

"Why do you care, Nate?" You spoke as you ripped your arm from his grip, excusing yourself to go get yourself another drink.

Nate watched you go with a troubled expression, his eyes following your retreating figure with concern. He knew you were hurting, and seeing you in this state only added to his guilt.

As you made your way to the bar, the room seemed to spin slightly around you, the weight of the previous night's events pressing down on your shoulders. You reached the bar and poured another drink, the cool liquid providing a temporary comfort from the problems in your life right now.

Before you could drink it, you felt someone grip your arm. You looked to meet your father's disappointed gaze. "That's your third glass, Y/N. Put it down."

You narrowed your eyes as you let out a bitter scoff. "Since when do you care? How about you check on your sweet Charlene."

"So this is what this is about? You're jealous I'm giving Charlene some attention. Come on, Y/N, you're acting like a child." Your father whispered as he looked around, making sure no one is watching too hard.

You clenched your jaw, the bitterness of your own words lingering on your tongue as you glared at your father. "I'm not jealous, Dad. I'm just angry that you just threw away me and Mom for a brand new, shiny family. How do you think I feel?"

Your father's eyes widened in surprise at your words, the weight of your accusation hitting him like a blow. He opened his mouth to respond, but the words seemed to catch in his throat as he struggled to reply.

You glared at him, a bitter laugh escaping your lips. "That's what I thought." With that, you shrugged off his grip and stormed away, the weight of your resentment heavy on your shoulders.

As you walked away, you left the room and began walking through the Palace. You were so overwhelmed, you didn't even know what to do anymore. You couldn't run away from it anymore, you had to face it.

You were walking before you ran into Serena and Nate, talking. They both saw you and Serena immediately began walking toward you, Nate following the both of you.

"I need to talk to you." Serena spoke with urgency, her eyes pleading for your attention.

You crossed your arms over your chest, a defensive barrier between you and the two people who had caused you so much turmoil. "I don't think there's anything left to say, Serena."

"You told her too?" Serena sent a glare toward Nate, causing you to scoff.

"I didn't, it was Blair." Nate's gaze was on you as he spoke, guilt in his expression.

Your eyes stayed on Serena. "Why does it matter? I know now."

Serena's expression softened, her voice filled with remorse. "Y/N, I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen."

"Can we all just talk please? Not here, though." Nate spoke as his gaze flickered between you and Serena. "Meet me in Chuck's suite in 10, okay?"

You hesitated for a second as Serena took the key from him as he walked away. You looked up at the taller blonde, your heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "Fine."

You and Serena made your way to Chuck's suite in tense silence before she broke the silence. "Look, I know hurt Blair. And I know you're trying to protect her but... I don't like Nate, you have to believe me. I was drunk and-and hurt, Y/N."

Your steps slowed as Serena's words sank in, the tension in the air thickening with each passing moment. Despite the anger and betrayal swirling inside you, you couldn't deny the honesty in Serena's voice.

"I get that you were hurt, Serena," you began, your tone softer than before. "But that doesn't change the fact that what you did... it hurt Blair. And me too."

Serena's eyes pleaded with you for understanding. "I know, Y/N. And I'm sorry. But I can't have both of my best friends angry at me, I don't know how I'd manage."

You sighed, feeling the weight of Serena's words. "I know. I get it. I'm not mad at you but that doesn't mean I'm taking your side in this whole mess, I'll do my best to get Blair to relax."

Serena's shoulders relaxed slightly at your words, a faint smile touching her lips. "Thank you, Y/N. That means a lot to me."

You returned her smile with a nod, knowing that resolving the tension between Serena and Blair wouldn't be easy, but feeling determined to try. "Let's just take it one step at a time, okay? We'll figure things out."

You got to Chuck's suite and waited inside. And as you heard the door swing open, your eyebrows furrowed as you saw Blair and Nate kissing before he slowly pulls her off. "Wait, this is Chuck's suite."

"Nate." Serena spoke as she watched the scene in front of her.

Blair's eyes flickered in between you and Serena, anger clear in her expression. "What is she doing here?"

"Meeting Nate," Serena replied honestly as you let out an exhale.

"Me and Y/N just wanted to talk her, I swear." Nate's voice was rushed as he tried to explain, as he glanced between you, Blair, and Serena, his expression caught between guilt and irritation.

"You said you'd never speak to her again." Blair's voice sounded hurt as she glared back at Nate, her voice sharp with accusation.

"You said that?" You muttered as you rolled your eyes. How the hell did you get mixed up in all this? This is what happens when you give people the benefit of the doubt.

"Why would you say that?" Serena's voice was laced with disbelief as she glared back at Blair.

Blair's gaze hardened as she turned to face you. "Why are you even here, Y/N? Are you taking her side now? She can't be trusted, I thought I told you."

"It's not Serena's fault." You and Nate spoke in union, earning a scoff from Blair.

"I asked her to come." Nate continued as his eyes flickered to yours.

"Oh! Oh, so you wanted to talk." Blair's voice boomed as she glared back at Nate, her voice laced with betrayal.

"Yes, to explain why we... aren't talking." Nate continued, his voice faltering slightly under Blair's intense gaze.

"Fine. Maybe I'll leave you guys to finish this fancistaniating conversation." Blair's jaw tensed, her frustration evident as she glanced between you, Nate, and Serena as she began walking away.

"Oh, no, no I'll go. I'll let you two get back to your quickie." Serena's voice dripped with sarcasm as she walked up to Blair, her tone biting with resentment.

Blair shot Serena a scathing look, her eyes flashing with anger. "It wasn't a quickie. Sex is actually kind of a big deal to some of us!"

"Enough, both of you," you said firmly, your voice cutting through the silence. "We're not going to accomplish anything by arguing like this."

Blair's jaw clenched as she shot you a sharp look, her frustration evident. "You don't understand, Y/N. Serena is the reason for all of this mess."

Serena glared back at Blair, scoffing bitterly as she ignored your words. "Losing your v-card in Chuck's bed, real romantic. Classy too."

"Oh, like you?" Blair let out a bitter laugh as she looked in between you two before backing up slowly. "I bet your new friend Dan would love to hear all about how classy you are."

"Blair!" You shouted as Blair ran out of the suite, running after her. You lost her quickly, looking everywhere to go find her. You didn't even know why you cared so much, you didn't want to be involved in this mess anymore.

Blair found Dan quickly, going up to him with a big grin. "Dan! Hi. I'm Blair Waldorf, Serena's friend." She shook his hand, his expression confused.

"Oh, yeah. Hey, do you, uh know where she is?" Dan asked, his brows furrowing in concern as he met Blair's gaze.

"As a matter of fact, I do!" Blair's smile didn't falter as she began to speak before getting interuppted.

"Blair." You spoke as you glared at her. Serena and Nate followed behind you, crowding in the middle as Blair turned back to Dan.

"Serena, there you are. Uh, where were you?" Dan looked uncomfortable as everyone crowded him, the tension palpable.

"She was waiting in a hotel room for my boyfriend. To talk." Blair gave Serena a fake smile as your jaw dropped at her words.

"About why we weren't talking." Nate interjected as Blair glares at him.

"That doesn't sound any smarter the second time." Blair retorted, her tone sharp with frustration.

"I was there too." You spoke, giving Blair a glare. "If that helps." You gave Dan a sympathetic smile.

Dan's expression shifted from confusion to annoyance as he glanced between Serena and Blair, his brow furrowing deeper. "Why weren't you talking?"

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Chuck's smooth voice cut through the tension, his smirk widening as he surveyed the group. "Looks like we've stumbled upon quite the scandal."

"Oh, exactly what this situation needs, Chuck." Dan spoke, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Now what's going on here?"

"We were just getting to that." Blair turned to face Dan, a bitter smile etched on her lips.

"Blair, please. Don't do this." Serena pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation as she glanced between Blair and Dan.

"Sorry. You wanna tell him?" Blair's voice was laced with feign concern as she spoke.

You rolled your eyes, sighing. "This is pathetic. Oh my god." You muttered before Chuck spoke.

"I'll tell him." He spoke proudly as everyone shot him a look.

"You know?" They all (except Dan, of course) spoke with shocked looks.

"I know everything." Chuck's smirk widened as he sauntered forward, reveling in the attention.

Dan sighed, his frustration evident in his tone as he looked around at the group, his brows furrowed in confusion. "And apparently, I know nothing."

"Look, Dan. It-it was a long time ago and I regret it." Serena began to explain before Chuck interrupted.

"Look, Serena, stop trying to pretend you're a good girl. So you slept with your best friend's boyfriend, I kinda admire you for it." Chuck's words hung in the air, a heavy silence descending upon the room as everyone processed his callous remark.

Serena's expression hardened, her jaw clenched with anger as she shot Chuck a scathing glare. Her eyes began to well up as your head fell back in utter irritation.

"Chuck, that's enough," you interjected, your voice firm as you shot him a warning glance. "This isn't helping anyone."

"Is that true?" Dan spoke, hurt evident in his voice.

"Well, then she ran away and lied about it. I just thought you should know before you fall head over heels for your perfect girl and her perfect world, and then get left alone with no one but your cabbage-patch kid." Blair spoke, amusement in her voice as everyone watched her. Dan's expression darkened as he processed her words, the hurt evident in his eyes.

"Cabbage patch?" You and Nate both said in union, your gaze flickering on each other before Blair continued.

"Did you talk to my sister?" Dan's voice was strained as he addressed Blair, his eyes searching hers for answers.

"Ah, yes little Jenny. I do believe me and her have some unfinished business." Chuck's voice interjected, his tone dripping with mischief as he stepped forward, his gaze locked on Dan.

"Chuck, what the hell? Isn't she a freshman?" You looked confused as you looked around the group, looking for answers but no one to give them to you.

"You stay away from her." Dan got close to Chuck as she spoke, anger evident in his expression.

"Poor Daniel. So little time, so many sluts to defend." Chuck smirked, obviously trying to get a rise out of Dan before he shoved him harshly into a table, glasses breaking as he fell to the ground.

Everyone in the room exchanged glances, shocked and amused ones. The room fell into a stunned silence as Dan's shove sent Chuck crashing into the table, the sound of breaking glass echoing in the room. Chuck regained his footing, his expression a mixture of surprise and irritation as he straightened himself.

Dan let out a big exhale as he looked at everyone in the room, regret seeping into his expression. "It's fine, it's fine, everyone can stop looking. He's a jerk. But it's-it's my fault and I'm leaving."

"I'll go with you." Serena spoke up, her voice soft as she turned to face Dan as he walked away.

"Actually, I'd prefer if you didn't." Dan replied, his tone firm and tinged with anger. He glanced at Serena with a mixture of disappointment and hurt before turning to leave the room.

As Dan walked away, leaving the room in a cloud of tension and unresolved emotions, you felt a surge of frustration and anger building up inside you. The chaos and drama that had unfolded before your eyes had reached its breaking point, and you couldn't hold back any longer.

"Seriously?" you exclaimed, your voice cutting through the quiet like a knife. "This is ridiculous! We're all acting like children, pointing fingers and placing blame, but what does that solve? Nothing!"

Blair opened her mouth to retort, but you didn't give her the chance to speak.

"And you," you continued as you glared at Blair, your voice cutting. "You can't keep dragging everyone down with your drama. You're so focused on your own vendettas and insecurities that you're willing to hurt everyone around you, including your own friends!"

Your gaze swept over the group, your frustration evident in your expression. "Nate, you can't just sit by and watch this happen when it all started with you. And Chuck, for once in your life, could you please just keep your mouth shut?"

Chuck's smirk faltered, his expression shifting from amusement to surprise as he regarded you with a raised eyebrow.

"You all need to grow up. You think this is some kind of game, but you're hurting people in the process. That poor guy, what was his name... Dan didn't deserve that. And even though Serena did some bad things, she doesn't deserve this, and I sure as hell don't deserve to be dragged into your mess." You spoke quietly as your words hung in the air, the tension in the room palpable as everyone processed your outburst.

You sighed before shaking your head, walking out of the room and out of the Palace. This was exactly why you didn't want to come to the brunch and why you didn't wanna come back to Manhattan. It was all drama, drama, drama. No logical thinking or empathy, just grudge-holding and gossip. It made you feel suffocated and you hated being dragged along in drama you didn't ask to be in.

But you knew that you didn't have a choice, that was just the life you were born into. Only a brunch in Manhattan can be this dramatic.

──౨ৎ──

You sat on your bedroom floor, going through the tens of albums of photos you have with Serena and Blair. It made you feel nostalgic and bittersweet. Each photograph captured a moment frozen in time, a memory of happier days before the drama and tension had consumed your friendship.

As you traced your fingers over the pictures, memories flooded back, reminding you of the moments you had cherished together. From late-night conversations to adventures, you had experienced so much together, and it was hard to believe how much had changed.

But now, everything felt different. The trust had been broken, and the rift between you seemed impossible to mend. You longed for the simplicity of those days, when your friendship was uncomplicated and unwavering.

As you lingered on each photo, you couldn't help but wonder if things would ever be the same again. Could you repair the damage that had been done? Could you rebuild the trust that had been shattered? Or was this the end of an era, the inevitable conclusion of a friendship that had once meant everything to you and the girls you'd once called your sisters.

As you flipped through the album, you stumbled across a photo of you and Nate. You were transported back in time, when you and Nate would spend every waking moment together. There were no secrets and no hidden feelings, it was pure friendship. But as you stared at the photo, focused on the way Nate stared at you, you wondered if you were naive to think that was all it ever was.

You couldn't help but wonder if you had been blind to the signs, oblivious to the undercurrents of attraction that may have existed beneath the surface of your friendship. Had you missed the subtle hints and longing glances, too caught up in the comfort of familiarity to see what was right in front of you?

As you continued to study the photo, a sense of longing washed over you, mingled with a twinge of regret. Regret for not exploring those feelings when you had the chance, for letting fear hold you back from taking that leap of faith.

You were quickly jolted out of your head as you felt your phone buzz on your bed. You got up from the floor and picked it up, reading the caller ID. The picture of Blair flashed on your phone screen, accompanied by her name. You hesitated for a moment, debating whether or not to answer.

With a resigned sigh, you swiped to answer the call, bringing the phone to your ear. "Hey, Blair," you greeted, your voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Hey." Blair's voice came through the line, a hint of hesitation in her tone. "I, um... I wanted to talk."

You swallowed hard, steeling yourself for whatever conversation was about to unfold. "Okay, go ahead."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Blair spoke again, her voice soft. "Today, at brunch. I should've never got you involved like that and if I wanted to screw Serena over, I should've waited for a better time. I... I'm sorry."

"No, it's alright," you replied, your own voice softening with understanding. "I shouldn't have went up to the suite with Serena, especially knowing that Nate was gonna meet up with us. I just want everyone to get along."

"You're sweet for thinking that and that's why I love you so much." Blair paused as she tried to find the right words. "Serena just isn't... she isn't good for us."

"Blair, I know you think you're trying to help me and I-I appreciate the sentiment but... I don't know. We've all been close for so long, I don't wanna choose a side. Serena messed up really bad but everyone deserves a second chance, right?" You rambled, not really knowing what to say.

Blair paused for a moment. "I don't think she deserves a second chance." Her voice was bitter and you could sense the hurt even from the phone. "But I can't expect you to choose a side. The one thing I ask is that we have to stay close, I can't lose two of my best friends."

That's exactly what Serena had said earlier and you wanted to tell Blair but it just didn't seem right. You wanted to tell Blair that shouldn't be so stubborn and cold, especially to her best friend but you couldn't find it in you.

You didn't blame Blair, either. You couldn't even imagine how betrayed you'd feel if Serena had done that to you - or anyone, for that matter. But at the same time, Blair shouldn't be acting like a child and making it her life mission to ruin Serena's life.

But it's not that simple, it never is.

"It's okay, B. I love you." You spoke, your voice exhausted.

Blair's silence hung heavy on the line for a moment before she spoke again, her voice softer this time. "I love you too, Y/N."

[ben-pincus]

my love is a life taker (ben pincus x darius bowman)

(pre chaos theory season 1)

tags : ben in denial of being a boy kisser, nightmares, trauma from isla nublar, mention of being eaten alive by pteranodons, fluff, a pinch of angst??? maybe ?????, idk i love benrius sobs, theyre so cute

the time was 3:06AM. ben was awoken by his usual nightmares of pteranodons in a cold sweat, disorientated and convinced those winged creatures were coming for him. again.

his breaths were heavy, eyes wide as he sat upright in his bed, the college dorms quiet. he felt light, weak, like he was falling from the monorail again.

he clutched at his chest, willing himself to calm down. his dreams, or nightmares for a better word always end with him dying, either from hitting the ground too hard, or being painfully torn apart by the pteranodons, and the only thoughts going through his head then are;

i wont be able to see darius again.

he doesnt know why darius is the first person to come to mind when he thinks about dying. everytime he thinks about darius, he gets nervous, and giddy.

but hes not gay. or, at least he thinks so. hes been with girls before but.. darius is different. more special.

ben sighs, running his hands down his face as he inhales shakily. he picks up his phone, checking through his messages, unaware that darius was also doing the same.

darius, distracted from late night work from the dpw, texts ben,

"you up?"

bens heart almost explodes out of his chest. but there it is, that feeling again. like his heart is going to explode.

ben texts back in an instant, his fingers fumbling over the screen,

"yeah"

darius takes a minute to respond,

"nightmares again?"

ben mentally curses himself. the fact that darius knew how often his nightmares were made him feel embarrassed.

"yeah, and just thinking about stuff"

that stuff being you, ben thought. but what was he meant to say? hey! you're my best friend and i think im gay for you! hope this doesnt make things awkward!

of course its gonna make things awkward, he tells himself. hes cool with gay people, hell, he even helped yaz and sammy. but why is it so hard to accept that he might like guys too?

he almost forgets hes texting darius. almost.

"what stuff?"

darius responds. ben lowers his phone, resisting the urge to just smash it into pieces, but he also wants to tell darius whats going on.

so he lies.

"college :/"

he doesnt give a shit about college right now. hes been so preoccupied with trying to figure himself out.

he even went to sammy.

they met up for a 'coffee', but ben just wanted to get her advice.

"ben? what's eatin' ya? you're never this quiet.." sammy notices, her eyebrows furrow as she slightly leans over the small table.

ben sighs, running his hand through his hair, "i... its about darius." he says quietly.

"what? he not pickin' up again? because i swear to god i told him!-"

"no! no.. its.. god.." he groans, leaning back in the chair and covering his face with his hands.

"ben.." sammy drags out, wanting to know whats going on. ben suddenly leans forward, looking down at the coffee cup in his hands before looking up at sammy,

"how.. how did you know you were lesbian?" he whispers.

a flash of confusion appears on sammys face, before her eyes widen, the pieces fitting together.

"you.. like darius..?" she asks quietly, to which ben nods.

"i- i know you can like both guys and girls but i.. why cant i accept it as easily as you did?" he whispers, the frustration evident in his voice.

sammy puts her hand over bens,

"i didnt accept it right away." she admits quietly, "nearly no one does."

ben looks at her, his eyes slightly widened.

"you didnt?" he whispers, to which sammy shakes her head.

"it took a while.." she shrugs, "but.. y'know. i got there! and i got the best girlfriend in the world!" she smiles.

ben wants to smile, but he cant.

"sammy, i- i dont know if darius swings that way. what if i tell him and it ruins everything?" he whispers, all these thoughts swirling in his head.

"you wont know unless ya tell him." she says, squeezing bens hand reassuringly.

"how?" ben asks, his voice strained.

"just tell him." sammy nods, "you dont gotta know what ya are right away... jus' know what you're feelin'."

he doesnt know the amount of times hes typed out a paragraph to darius, and then deleted it out of fear of being shunned.

bens fingers hover over the call button. he doesnt wanna do it over text, its too.. sleazy..

bens finger accidentally presses the call button, and before he can cancel it, darius picks up.

"hey, ben. you okay? you dont usually call." darius' voice rings out from the phone.

"yeah- yeah, i'm uh, fine-" ben mentally slaps himself for sounding like he just ran a marathon and back.

"you dont sound it." darius hums.

"i gotta tell you something, d." the words slip out of bens mouth before he can even catch the letters from falling out.

theres a beat before darius responds,

"...what is it?" darius says quietly.

ben doesnt know how to respond, so he rambles. says whatever his heart is telling him.

"d. i love you. and not in like, a-a friend way. i wanna hold your hand, and kiss you, and be seen with you as your boyfriend. i wanna hold you and sleep next to you and take you out on dates and treat you how you deserve to be treated-" he stops himself with a shaky breath.

darius is quiet. too quiet.

fuck. ben thinks.

"really?" darius muses, ben cant read his tone.

"yeah.. really." ben swallows nervously.

ben really is hoping darius swings that way right now, to save him from the embarrassment.

"well.. uh.. yeah, yeah.. so do i." darius says quietly, tripping over his words. bens heart almost stops.

"what?" he asks.

darius laughs, "i feel the same, ben."

"well, uh.. thats um.. great." ben says, unsure on how to react now.

he can hear darius moving around,

"can i drop by tomorrow? figure things out between us?" darius asks.

bens voice catches in his throat, "yes-" he clears his throat,

"yeah. you can. you- you need directions?" ben asks.

"already know where you are. and uh... sammy told me already." darius chuckles,

"sam- oh my god.." bens face burns up, and he hears darius laughing again.

and by god, is it the most beautiful sound ben has ever heard.

[fatuismooches]

With the release of Scara's drip marketing, I cant help but imagine him just wandering Teyvat and keeping his lover's letter with him. When he found it, the ending implied that he wanted to ascend to godhood so he can forsake his mortal emotions. However, after it didnt work out as he hoped and he gains an anemo vision, I wonder how he would feel about it all now? You also implied reincarnation au so what if after decades of wandering, the star-crossed lovers finally meet again??

Related to this piece and this piece…

Scaramouche fidgets with his Anemo vision more often than not, placed over his heart, a reminder of something that was finally his. More importantly, your final letter is kept carefully tucked underneath the vision as well. Sometimes, during the night he carefully reopens the letter to read it, the fold marks deeply imprinted at this point, yet there is no other damage to it. It seems that the letter has been painstakingly taken care of. 

He thinks back to how he tried to erase his past, to erase you. He was foolish to do so (something the God of Dendro reaffirmed) but the pain of your early departure threw all reason out the window.  You deserve an apology, he thinks. But you were no longer here for him to do so, something that he is all too aware of, as the nightmares still cut him open some days.

(But, while Scaramouche was under Nahida's care, she blessed him with sweet dreams whenever he had nightmares. She did not know who or what he dreamed of, but she assumed it must be someone he holds very dear, from the fact his face became peaceful in an instant.)

Often times he also wonders how you’d react to his Anemo vision. It would be so much easier for you to travel - he would just hold you and control the wind to levitate. Scaramouche imagines the wind blowing your hair all crazily as you gasp down at how high the two of you were up. He would summon a gust of air to throw all of your wet clothes into the air to dry and then make you beg for him to release them. He would-

He quickly sat up and began to get ready for the day again. Going down that path of longing again wasn’t going to be any good for him. He had been wandering Teyvat for decades, experiencing what every nation had to offer, indulging in his freedom. The traveler had been long gone from this world, so he did not have many close connections anymore.

Though, as much as he hated to admit it, the Dendro Archon had become… somewhat of a familial figure to him. So when she sent him a letter, beckoning him to come back to Sumeru for a visit, he was inclined to listen. What’s more, he was intrigued by the last sentence - ‘There’s someone here I think you’d want to meet.’

Port Ormos was still lively, the hustle and bustle had become somewhat comforting to him. He walked through the city, drinking in the familiar scent of delicious cuisine, and the rhythmic footsteps of dancers and singers. Scaramouche made his way to where Nahida was, more interested than ever to see what she wanted.

“Oh, I see you made it, Wanderer!” Her soft and welcoming voice did not change even after all the years. “How has your travel been? Eye-opening, I hope?”

The two chatted for a bit before Nahida smiled at him. “The person I told you about is about to come. But, you have to promise me you won’t do anything rash, okay?”

Scaramouche looked at her with a mixture of confusion and suspicion but agreed nonetheless. A soft knock on the door drew his attention. But what made him become still was the familiar voice that resonated from beyond the door.

No. No. It couldn’t be. Nahida glanced at him. “Come in!”

And there you were. The same curl of your lips when you were smiling nervously, the habit of yours to flip your eyes to his face and then the floor.

“Um… hello there. Lesser Lord Kusanali has informed me that you’ll be my partner for the daycare that’s recently been built. I hope we can get to know each other better!”

For the first time in archons knows when the surprise he felt was hard to shake. His chest started to pulse as emotion twisted up inside of him.

“Hello…?”

“Ah, sorry about that. He’s just a little out of it today. Could you wait outside for a bit? He’ll come to meet you there.”

“O-oh. Of course, Lesser Lord Kusanali,” you nodded your head and quickly scurried out of the room.

“That… that was, they’re really… back. They’re here,” the miracle had the puppet choked up. Tears began to well up and he stubbornly rubbed them away. He had somewhat grown to accept this feeling. After all, you were the only person who could invoke it now.

Nahida rubbed his back and comforted him. “I know. As soon as I heard of them, I knew it was the one you loved from so long ago. Please, spend as much time as you want here and with them. You deserve it.”

He quietly thanked her and got up to find you. The feeling that he had once forsaken, the one that made his face warm and chest stir, began to rise within him again…

[ackrmvvn-levi]

Take me home || E.S.

Word count: 1.4k

Warnings: I don’t think there are any??

Look, let’s just all pretend he’s still alive, because god damn it I miss him 😭😭

It’d been 4 years since Erwin had seen you last. He’d barely managed to survive the battle of Shinganshina, but it felt like a part of him had died when you never returned. They never even found your body among the wreckage, they’d searched for days, coming up empty handed each time.

There was nothing left for him to do but assume the worst had happened.

He’d dealt with loss before, being in the scouts, that much was a given. But grief had never taken such a hold on him, leaving him feeling hollow and broken down, unable to think about anything other than you. Every day was hard, every minute felt like an endless abyss waiting to swallow him whole. His dreams were nightmares more often than not, waking from them in fits of shivering cold sweat. It was only by sheer luck he didn’t lose his mind entirely.

He couldn’t have known that across the large body of water, you were alive.

They’d held you captive, only allowing you a semblance of freedom when you agreed to listen to their side of the violence.

But you’d done what you could to make your situation less dire, the Marleyans were surprised when you didn’t try to flee after that.

You learned the secrets of the titans, you’d learned why the Marleyans thought of your people as devils. You’d done everything you could to convince them you believed in their cause, just to stay alive.

You hoped to be able to return home, begging to whatever higher power there was that Erwin was still alive, waiting for you to return to him.

——————

Your eyes grazed over the various fruits the merchant was selling, picking out different ones before moving to start your way to your so-called home.

The familiar voice almost slipped your attention at first, but as the yelling became more prominent, you froze.

You slowly looked towards where the voice had come from, eyes wide in disbelief at the scene in front of you.

Sasha, Connie, and Jean were each holding an ice cream cone, yelling praises for the sweet treat at each other.

You would’ve laughed at how ridiculous the whole situation seemed had your heart not began pounding within your chest. Your breath had caught somewhere in your throat, and you stared dumbfounded at your three old friends who hadn’t noticed you.

You began urgently looking throughout the crowd, desperately looking for anymore familiar faces. Anybody you could call a friend. Anyone who knew you.

You noticed Levi and Hange next, their gazes locked on the three overgrown children, still yelling at each other. Hange had a smile on her lips, chatting to a bored-looking Levi quietly.

You wanted nothing more than to run over to them, to you comrades, but they weren’t supposed to be here. Drawing unnecessary attention to the outsiders would only cause all of you trouble.

You couldn’t tear your eyes away from the pair, only when a third figure stepped up next to Hange did your focus change.

Your heart felt like it nearly stopped, a pair of blue eyes already locked on your figure when you looked at the man.

Erwin stood with his hands casually tucked into his pockets as his eyes bored into your own. The two of you didn’t move for what fell like forever, staring at one another in silence.

You wondered if he realized it was you he was looking at.

You snapped out of your daze when he took a step in your direction, quickly freezing when you shook your head frantically. He paused, eyebrows furrowing slightly as confusion swirled around in his eyes.

You quickly looked around, noticing no guards, no warriors, no one who would be able to recognize the group of scouts, but you couldn’t be too careful.

Your eyes met the familiar pair again, slightly jerking your head to the alley you knew was a few feet behind you, praying he got the message to follow you into the corridor.

The second you saw Erwin nod to you, you turned and began quickly making your way there, brushing through groups of people unapologetically. You could practically feel your hair standing on end, goosebumps rising across your flesh as you hurried along the dark corridor, only turning around at the sound of footsteps behind you.

You opened your mouth to speak, but the words died in your throat. He was still as handsome as you remembered, the same blue eyes still shone with intelligence and kindness. He was out of his scout uniform, a suit hugging his body, a welcome change from his usual wardrobe.

His steps were slow, as though wary of startling you. When he stopped in front of you, his hand reached up, landing on your cheek gently. You nearly sobbed on the spot, not realizing how much you still craved his touch until that moment.

“Tell me you being here doesn’t mean what I think it does.” His voice was quiet, pleading. You could tell he wasn’t sure what to think or feel, and you understood that this would be difficult for him to accept.

“No, no, of course not. They took me, Erwin. I did what I had to do to survive,” You assured, taking a step closer towards him, wrapping your arms around him tightly.

He leaned into your embrace, squeezing his eyes closed as he breathed deeply and steadily against your shoulder. “God, I thought I lost you for good,” he spoke, holding you against him like you’d disappear if he loosened his grip any.

“Never,” you replied fiercely, pulling back to look him straight in the eye. You smiled sadly when you saw tears gathering on his face. You cupped his cheeks delicately, wiping them away. He pressed his lips against yours softly, letting out a deep sigh as you kissed him back.

He was the first to pull away, your hands still gripping his face as his landed on your hips. His eyes bored into yours, blue irises filled with adoration.

“You’re still so beautiful,” he whispered, warm breath fanning over your red-tinted cheeks. “I’ve missed you so much, darling. Everyday of the last 4 years.”

You felt tears stinging in your eyes, but they were happy tears this time, relief washing through you to see him finally in front of you. The weight of four years was beginning to fade away. You could breathe normally now, knowing he’d made it out alive.

“You can come back with us, right? We’ll sneak you onto the ship,” he suggested, pressing his forehead against yours. “I don’t know if I can go back to living without you knowing that you’re alive.”

Your smile grew at his words, pulling his lips back down into a kiss, pouring all your love for the tall blonde into it. He wrapped his free arm around your waist, cradling you close as you melted into the warmth radiating off his body.

“Yes, please. Get me out of here,” you spoke after pulling away, leaning your foreheads back together lightly. “Take me home.”

“You have to do something for me though,” he replied, a small chuckle leaving his lips at the confusion that flashed across your features.

“Of course, what is it?”

“Marry me. The second we get home.”

A small gasp left your lips, your heart swelling with joy and happiness at those words.

“You want to marry me?” You asked incredulously, unable to help the broad grin spreading across your features as you threw yourself into his arms once again, giggling into his shoulder.

He wrapped his arms around you tightly, peppering gentle kisses across your forehead.

“I’ve been waiting 4 years to ask you that. Of course I want to,” he answered happily, tightening his grip on you, burying his face into your hair and breathing deeply.

You nodded your head quickly, feeling completely overwhelmed by the emotions running rampant in your chest.

“Yes, Erwin. Please, take me home and make me your wife,” you spoke, feeling tears threatening to fall from your eyes. He chuckled lowly, bringing a finger under your chin to tilt your head up towards him as he connected our lips for yet another kiss.

He was kissing you with everything that he held inside, everything that you had missed over the past years. He wanted to show you how much he loved you, how much he was always going to love you.

You felt safe, secure, loved, and cherished. And in that moment, the world could crumble around you and you wouldn’t care, not while Erwin had you wrapped in his arms and was the reason for every emotion coursing through your veins.

[em-0110]

ermmmm dropping this incase others like it ^^

Riddler fic of him being a stalker and following you :3

made it college au (i haven't read riddler year one)

(its fem sorry 😰 i wrote it abt me so...) also i use y/i (your initial/initals) for like one part i dont think i use names here

word count: 2.8k (I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS THAG LONG)

It had been a few weeks already. He fidgeted with his pencil as he looked down into the desk, every so often slightly raising his head to look across the room. She stood out immediately. The bland white walls, beige furniture, white florescent lights all of it blending in with one another. His eyes lingered. Her bright hair making her an immediate stand out, the center of attention. Well-- For him at least.

He dozed off, staring more and more intently. He couldn't get enough. Drinking in her every feature. The noise of the professor talking slowly being drowned out. It was only him and her in this room. God how he wished that were true. All she could do was focus on him, it would send him over the moon. The more he though about it the more he realized this dream scenario was also a nightmare. Imagining the silence. His flaws magnified with her full attention, maybe this was better a fantasy. He flinched when she turned her head, quickly attempting to look inconspicuous. His chest quickly rose and collapsed at the fear of being caught. His skin tingled, the embarrassment sending an itch to his neck, slowly spreading as he worried. He stared down into his notebook unsure if he wanted to face the slim possibility at being caught.

As quickly as he turned away he *needed* to peak once more. Edward was too nervous to do so. His paranoia taking control and forcing him to keep his head down. Sitting there planning out what to do next, being put off only by others getting up and getting ready to leave. Oh. The lecture had ended.

"shit"

Edward looked over to the girl, she had put her laptop away and slung her bag over her shoulder. Edward panicked a bit. He wasn't ready. He wasn't sure if he was able to bring himself to commit to his plan. Deep down he knew he was being weird. His interest growing to an unnatural and slightly unhealthy one. His desire to learn more about her manifested into him wanting to follow her around. he always assured himself he wasn't weird about it, knowing where someone lived wasn't *wrong*. Right?

He had eventually admitted it. He slowly found himself growing more and more obsessed by the day, her simple act of kindness enough to put a target on her back and leave Edward needing to know more. To have her. Every night he replayed it in his head, the best bedtime story he had. Slowly relaxing him, the excitement that he even had the *possibility* to relive it in his dreams.

It all started when he had sat down for a class, he was curled into a corner hiding himself from others. It had been a few lectures in, he still found himself alone and reclused. Wanting to be hidden from others. All of a sudden he felt something bump into him.

Before he could apologize and hide again. Maybe curse them in his head. A soft voice cut him off.

"omg I'm sorry--" she spoke in a meek and embarassed tone.

Edward looked up confused, but nodded. She ended up giving a soft smile, sitting a few seats to his left. A few seconds later she had gotten up once more, slowly maneuvering past him and leaning over the table and its clip board. She winced a little, scanning the desk around her for something. She shuffled over and asked him if she could borrow his pen to sign in. Edward blushed a bit at her and her sudden attention. He felt special, being asked for help, her kindness. Even if she wasn't going out of her way to be kind and doing more than basic manners Edward had already started reading into her body language and words. He scrambled for a pen and handed it to her.

"Oh uh- here you go."

"Thanks"

She quickly scribbled her initials. Handing the pen back and softly scooching past him attempting to not bump into him once more. He had peaked over. "y/i" He didn't know her name other than it began with "y/i" but he quickly swirled his mind thinking of every name he could to put into this kind girl. This short interaction sealed her fate. Edward formed his own idea of her, everything she was. She became everything he wanted.

He snapped back to reality, watching her walk out of the room. He quickly threw his things into his bag and hurried after her.

He insured there was a distance. He didn't want her to notice him behind her. He needed to know more than what the lecture room provided. What was she like with others? What does she eat? Does she meet up with friends after? is she a loner like him? No of course not why would he even consider that.

He was almost mindlessly wandering behind her. Until he reached the sliding doors. He focused again, shaking away his thoughts for now and creating more distance. She didn't notice a thing, it almost fed Edwards ego. She was more mindless than he anticipated. This seemed like it would be easier than he thought. She crossed the street and sat down on the bus stop. He had seen this routine for the last week. It all happened the same. As soon as she sat down Edward grew too anxious to go further, suddenly changing directions and watching her get on and leaving. Shuffling over to his bus stop and going home to sulk.

But this time was different. He crossed the street and waited a few feet from the stop. She sat there on her phone, fidgeting with her cutesy wallet. He grinned to himself as he imagined talking to her, painting a false picture of him being suave and charming. Pretending he wasn't a socially anxious loser, afraid of rejection, of new experiences. A *total coward*. He snapped out of his swirling thoughts. The loud engine growing louder as it approached, slowly turning closer, making him reach into his pockets for his card. He hurried on, quickly boarding in order to sit in the back. Securing himself into a corner and waiting for her, she had sat a few seats ahead. It was clear she had absent mindedly done this, her mundane routine at the end of class, the repetitiveness only challenged with small changes in seating.

His heart raced, he could watch her unafraid. No consequences. She would never turn around, to see him focused on her every movement. The soft comfort of not being caught also slightly stinging, she *would* never turn around. The bus began to move, he held onto his bag nervously. He used public transportation often, and he didn't enjoy it. He always became acutely aware of his surroundings; how close everyone was, how slow it was to get to his destination. Half of these thoughts flooded in as they hit the next stop, a few kids flooding in and planting themselves around the bus. Edward was then reminded of why he was there, another student sitting near the girl. He was jealous, *he* should be sitting there. Its not like they were sitting next to her, but the proximity was enough to make him brew slightly.

He knew better than to stare, to make it obvious he was upset. Even if he had let his emotions take over, causing this following to even happen. He took a deep breath, drooping his head and looking at his feet. He felt movement again, watching his laces sway as the tires moved.

He wasn't sure what his next move was. He had made a plan, an intricate and calculated one. He would take the same bus and find out the stop, her streets, possibly up to her door. But he knew the last part was too real for him to do, it will always remain a fantasy.

Each stop he had looked at the surroundings in order to figure out his way back home, waiting for her to step out. Any time he grew worried he looked over to her, picturing her comforting him. Her soft voice guiding his breath. If it were to happen in reality he wasn't sure if it would ground him or send him into cardiac arrest. Her head resting against the window, she was so unaware of how she made him feel. The overwhelming heat that filled his chest and face. It all made him grin in excitement.

Dozing off filling his mind with different scenarios involving her he suddenly saw her arm lift up. Her fingers pressing against the crimson red plastic. A beep ringing throughout the bus.

She was getting off at the next stop.

He clenched his fists, both excitement and fear struck him at once. He was ecstatic he was finally going to see her house; the place filled with every fiber of her. But the other more rational part feared his next move. Was he really going to keep going? keep being a creep and following an unnoticing girl from his class. He was honestly being helpful, this would make her realize she needed to be more aware of her surroundings. She *was* asking to be followed. Edward knew he was trying to make his actions sound reasonable, convincing nobody but himself. He couldn't deny it was failing miserably. Feeling himself freeze in place. he had a minute to make his decision, and his body decided much earlier than his mind.

She grabbed onto the steel pole, hosting herself up from the seat. She walked towards the doors, fighting against the still moving vehicle. She made it look so effortless. He attempted to look away, to make his observation unnoticeable. He wasn't sure if it was working. As quickly as she hit stop she got off the bus. He soaked in the surroundings, seeing the shops all around. He wasn't sure where she was headed. Was she far from home? Does she take another bus? What if she was going to work...maybe this was a one off stop. He began to think of every possibility, some giving him more anxiety than he needed. He looked around, people starting to fill the sidewalks and make the area look livelier. He imagined walking down all these shops, her hand in his. It would be a nice date filled with window shopping, lunch, and lots of romantic gestures. That's what they always did in the movies, he always watched them to pretend he could have a happy ending like them. He almost had a deep hatred for them. A cold reminder that these romances were really just words on paper. Directions meant for the camera, Edward would never truly experience a love like the ones on the silver screens. He didn't fit the ideal man exactly, and it was hard to change himself to get anywhere close to it.

Now was for the part he was dreading. How would he get home? He opened his phone, scrolling a bit as he looked for the next stop in order to reroute back to his apartment. This was the opposite direction of his place, he was a bit disappointed. He wanted to be surprised at how close they were. That it was basically fate, they were *destined* to meet. Imagining there was no distance and he would see her at the grocery store he went to, that would definetly be where their relationship started.

After 2 different bus rides he had finally made it back to his complex. Shuffling to the front; he was always worried he would see other ten dents, he HATED the small talk it would bring on. Opening the door he saw a few other people, a few hello's directed to him. He attempted to be friendly with a tiny nod and smile even if is head remained down the entire time. Making his way up to the 3rd floor he fumbled with his keys until it slid in and made a small click. He never felt these locks were all that sturdy, maybe it was just used as a false sense of security so people could sleep better at night.

As he shuffled around, tossing his bag and hoodie as he moved through his clustered living room. Does he really want to keep doing this? Looking around he took in the depressing surroundings. Edward began imagining her laying in his couch. Lounging mindlessly, she would love to be here. Begging to stay the night and fighting him when he says she needs to go back home. Who was he kidding he would never turn her away, the idea of her moving in with him brought a small grin to his face. He moved over to his bed, lost in a daydream where she jumped for joy when hearing the door knob rattle. Greeting him every day after class. Throwing himself down on his messy disheveled bed. He slowly broke out of his fantasy as he looked around the room. He lived in filth, he didn't even bother to take care of himself. His delusions began to differ from him being the ideal guy for her, i mean, if shes kind to him she would understand his issues...Maybe she would, help him? yeah. She would understand. She would have open arms when she got to know him he just had to make her realize it.

He continued her routine. Eventually he got comfortable, she always got off at the same stop. He still had to figure out whether she lived around there or took another bus like him. Another issue raised, What was her schedule? He just couldn't deal with *just* seeing her twice a week. He needed more. It was a miracle he was able to sustain seeing her for 4 hours a week. His obsessed thoughts filling the blanks when she wasn't around, but it just wasn't cutting it any more. After getting so close to her he needed more of her life. Edward had still barely spoken to her, they actually sat pretty far from one another. But that distance was irrelevant, he was getting closer to her. Too close.

Today he sat in the back, waiting. All he needed was to watch her reach towards her hair, pulling out one of her headphones. That was the queue she was getting off. This is it, Edward was gonna get off and follow her. God his heart was racing. He wasn't sure what outcome he wanted more. Did he want to learn she had more till she made it home? That she made it to work? or the most nerve wracking he was taking the route to her beloved and sacred home. He actually didn't have to wonder anymore. He was about to find out.

Waiting a few second after she got off he hurried to the exit. She was still blissfully unaware, god she was easy. She was basically asking to be his prey. Edward felt like he almost had it *too* easy. Shouldn't he be more sneaky with how clearly he was following her around?

No. She *needed* to be taught a lesson. Focus more on your surroundings. Pay attention who's on the bus. It was almost like he was finding excuses for when she did find him out. Edward almost laughed aloud to himself. Hes giving her too much credit. He would never be caught.

As she turned the corner he stopped for a moment. Obviously he peaked, he needed to make sure he didn't lose sight of her. She crossed the street, digging through her bag.

"No...It couldn't be?..."

She pulled out her brightly colored lanyard, filled with a few charms dangling, crashing into gather to make the sound of metal obvious.

oh yes it was.

He felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Oh my god. it was right here. Right in front of him. The place she returned to every day. Slept in every night. Every trace of her, who she was, what she liked, her comfort. All into this one place. The tall brick walls, old and worn down. It was clear it was an older home. He shuffled closer, even though she was oblivious up until now and he was allowed to be reckless, he wouldn't DARE to make his presence known. She had to have been more cautious from creeps following her to her home. he watched with a held breath her push the door open.

It was unlocked? was she an idiot? god. he couldn't help feeling more and more comfortable. or- wait...

was she inviting him? did she know all along? Of course! she wasn't that stupid. He felt frustrated he even thought that about her. She *had* to have been waiting for him to finally get the courage

[duck-at-midnight]

Inner Turmoil

Summary: Tara has dreams often, and occasionally, her dreams turn to nightmares.

Tags: Little Tara, Gale comforting Tara, Gale adopted Sam and Tara

Sunlight cut through the curtains of Tara’s bedroom and shined on the two figures in the bed. The smaller of the two laid on her stomach with a thumb securely in her mouth, remaining as close as possible to her bedmate. The two had stayed up until the early hours of the morning watching scary movies and passing a tequila bottle back and forth. 

The older of the two with eyes still closed began to hear giggling followed by the sound of a picture being taken. Brown eyes snapped open to see Amber’s phone in front of her. 

Ripping her thumb out of her mouth, she moved to rub her eyes. “What are you doing?”

”Do you always suck your thumb like a baby?” Amber teased with a laugh.

”What?” Tara attempted to play off confusion. 

“You had your thumb in your mouth.” Amber continues in a higher voice. “Just like a little baby.” 

Tara shrugged. “It must’ve just been something that happened in my sleep.” 

“Yeah, sure, just happen to suck your thumb like you’re two.” 

“Can you shut up about it?” Tara begged.

Amber smirked. “Or what? Are you going to tell your mommy?” 

“Fuck off.” 

“That’s no way for a little baby to talk.”

”Seriously, stop.” Tara said frustrated before getting out of bed. “I don’t know why I was sucking my thumb, ok?”

Amber raised her eyebrows. “I know why.” She paused. “It’s because Tara just wants her mommy and daddy like a little baby would. Are you a little baby, Tara?” 

Tara felt her eyes watering as she clenched her jaw. “No, I’m not!”

“Aw, is the poor little baby going to cry?” Amber continued her teasing ignoring the tears in her girlfriend’s eyes. “You want your mommy?” Amber’s eyes suddenly widened. “Are you pissing yourself? Oh my god, you are! I thought you were potty trained!”

Brown eyes widened in fear as she looked down, noticing the dark spot on her shorts. “I-I-” Tara started stuttering looking frantically around the room. 

Another sound of a camera came from Amber’s phone. “Can’t wait to show Mindy how much of a crying baby you are.” 

“Amber, stop!” Tara begged.

“Why don’t you cry to your mommy about it?” 

“Stop, please.” The smaller girl’s voice broke as the tears streamed down her face. She lowered to her knees in defeat, sobbing. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, Tara.” The voice morphed into the terrorizing one that sent shivers up the girl’s spine. Looking up to see the mask of Ghostface staring down at her. The world around her turning dark as the windows no longer showed shining sunlight, but the darkness of the night. 

She let out a scream as she started backing away from the killer. 

“Let me put you out of your misery.” 

“Get away from me!” Ghostface grabbed her foot and pulled her back. She remembered her first encounter playing out very similarly. “Let me go!”

With Amber’s and Ghostface’s voice both coming out together, “Let me tuck you in.” The knife raising up high above making fear rise further in Tara.

She screamed as she shot up in her bed at the New York apartment. Not even a minute later, Sam rushed in and pulled her into a hug. 

“It’s ok, I got you. Are you ok?” Her older sister asked, checking everywhere on her. 

The familiar feeling was present but Tara pushed it back remembering Amber’s words from her dream. She felt like she couldn't speak but refused to let her little side take over. 

“Am-Amber.” 

“Ghostface related?”

“Ki-Kind of.” 

Sam held her closer. “I got you, kid.” She kissed the top of her sister's head. “We can wash your sheets and you can sleep in my bed.” 

The words rushed over Tara again before she pushed Sam away. “It's fine. I can take care of it.” 

Sam was taken aback. “You ok? You want to talk about it?” 

“I'm fine. You can go back to bed. I'm not a baby, Sam.” 

Still in shock. “It’s ok, Tara. We’re a team, we got this.” She made a move to pick up Tara to strip the bed. 

Pulling away angrily before snapping. “Go back to bed!” She felt eyes starting to get wet, begging silently for Sam to leave her alone. 

“Ok.” Sam backed away slowly, giving in. Before leaving, she paused at the door. “If you need anything, I’m in my room.” 

Finally alone, Tara fought off the remnants of her foggy mind before pulling her wet sheets off. She carried them to the other dirty clothes, noticing her spare set was still waiting to be washed. Dropping the dirty bedding before stripping her night clothes letting them fall next to the soiled bedding with a sigh. 

Taking a quick shower to wash the urine off, then putting on some fresh clothes. She went to the living room. The couch became inviting as she grabbed a blanket. 

Before she knew it, she was asleep once again. 

Hours later, the sun was bleeding through the windows. If she had to guess, Sam was long gone to work. Tara sat up and stretched in the assumed empty apartment.

Then a crash of coffee mugs followed by a fuck came from the kitchen. 

The air in the girl’s lungs left suddenly. She looked at the door. She could run to Danny’s. Hopefully he was home and could come take care of an intruder. Or, she could call Kirby, but her phone was still in her room from last night. 

“Oh shit, did I wake you?” Gale called from the kitchen walkway. 

Tara felt herself deflate slightly, Amber would have ridiculed her. An intruder would have gotten her by now. ”No, I woke up on my own.” 

“Good, good.” She said before coming to sit on the couch with Tara, sipping on her fresh coffee. “How you doing, kid?” 

“Did Sam ask you to watch me?”

”She was worried about you.” Gale paused. “But between me and you, how are you?”

”I’m fine.” 

The older woman gave her a look. “You look haunted. Not that Sam doesn’t, but you’re looking a bit more today.” 

“It’s nothing.”

“I’m not going to force you to open up, but you know Sam is going to be all over you when you get back.” Gale stated. It was true, Sam was at work trying to figure out how to get Tara to talk to her.

After a brief silence. “I’m having dreams about Amber.”

”What about Amber?”

Another long pause. “Before she, you know, I fell asleep at her house and when I woke up, she noticed that I was sucking my thumb.” Another pause. “But in my dream her teasing goes further than a few comments to call me a baby. Then she starts turning into… him, and just taunts me. Finally, she tells me that she’ll end my suffering but I wake up.”

”How long have you been having these dreams?” Gale asked, keeping her focus on the smaller girl.

“Not often, just last night ended up being one of those dreams.” Tara said before leaning over to cuddle with Gale. 

She accepted the girl cuddling, throwing one arm around the girl protectively. Turned on the TV to provide some background noise for the two. “It’s ok, kid.” Noticing the thumb starting to rise to her mouth. “There’s plenty of people around you who love you for who you are. I got you.”

After a few minutes of silence, Gale raised her head up to look at the girl. “Can we put a pull up on you before you drop?”

Narrowing eyes made Gale’s stomach drop. It was too late. Tara was already in her little space. 

“Damn it.”

[badsansandstarsansticklestuff]

Aaaaalright tickle fic again

Requested by: @alex1010155

Characters: Dream & Nightmare (not a ship)

Context: Dream wanders in their old AU, reminiscing the past once again, Nightmare joins him short after that and sees his brother being sad, he decides to do something about it using a method from when they were kids

□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□■□

The sun was high in the blue sky, Dreamtale had regained its beauty without the overflowing negativity. The tree was still cut down, of course, it wasn't a regular tree after all, but flowers were blooming again and the grass was green for the first time in years.

Dream was walking by the forest, heading to what was left of his mother, if he could even call her that, for she had never been present for him or his brother. She brought them to life and left them figure out the rest by themselves. But still he felt nostalgic looking at the stump.

Him and Nightmare have made great progress in their relationship since the truce had been established, they still had a lot of work ahead of them but they could now appreciate each other's presence and joke together.

Dream sat on the remains of the tree, it felt weird to be back in here, where everything started, where his life took a tragic and drastic turn. As he was absorbed in his thoughts he didn't notice Nightmare's magic entering the universe.

They were supposed to meet in Ccino's AU, they regularly met in different universes in order to talk, but today Dream was really late, which was strange since he usually was the first to arrive, so Nightmare decided to follow his magic signature and found himself in their birth place, not surprised.

It didn't take long for him to find his brother looking at the abandoned village ahead of the hill. He went to sit next to him on the stump, making Dream flinch.

- Oh, I didn't see you arrive, sorry..

Dream apologized.

- It's okay, you didn't come to Ccino's so I wanted to make sure you were doing okay.

- It was today ? I'm sorry, I didn't see the date..

Nightmare simply raised his hand, showing his brother he wasn't mad at him for forgetting. He could see he wasn't in the bestest of moods, even without checking his feelings. Dream lowered his gaze to the ground, he felt bad for forgetting their meeting, they were so important for him, for both of them, and he forgot it, he felt horrible...

Nightmare looked at him, it wasn't in his intention to make him feel bad.

- Come on, it's not that big of a deal, we can always organize something another day..

He tried.

- Yeah...

A short answer, Dream was playing with his fingers, he often did that, even when he was a kid, when he felt guilty about something. Nightmare knew that.

- Come on, am I going to have to force a smile out of you ?

Dream looked up at him, quite confused, not because Nightmare was being nice to him but because he didn't see how he planned on doing so. It was only when he felt something poking at his side that he realized what his brother intended by "forcing a smile out of him". He quickly got up.

- Oh no you f#cking won't !

Nightmare chuckled, he always found it amusing to hear the positive guardian swear.

- Of course I will, I'm not gonna let my dear brother be so sad !

And before Dream could say anything he used a tentacle to grad his brother by the waist and force him to sit on the grass, using one more tentacle to hold his wrists together as Dream was struggling to free himself.

- Let me go !

- I don't think I will, no.

Nightmare laid down on the tree stump, on his stomach, his head resting on his crossed arms as he looked down at Dream, a mischievous look in his eye and his two remaining tentacles wagging in the air.

- Nightmare I swear to God if you- AH !

He was cut in his sentence by a third tentacle poking at his side again.

- Stop pretending to be mad, I know you like it ~

Nightmare teased watching his brother kicking the air to no avail, trying not to laugh from the scratching on his side, his cheeks blushing a bright golden color. Soon the fourth tentacle joined and digged between the guardian's ribs, this time making him burst into a laughing mess. It seemed that even after all these centuries Nightmare still remembered his worst spots.

- FUHUHUHUCK OHOHOHOFF !!

He yelled into deaf ears. He felt so vulnerable like that, pinned to the ground with his arms above his head, Nightmare looking down at him, clearly amused... he would be so mad if he wasn't having so damn much fun right now. He knew he liked it, deep down he had always liked being tickled to pieces, but he would never admit it, especially to Nightmare.

- That's not an appropriate language for a guardian of positivity you know.

- I DOHOHOHN'T CAHAHAHRE !!!

He was almost hysterical as the two tentacles digged and scribbled all over his ribs, his very ticklish ribs. What was worse was that Nightmare could feel the positivity radiating from him, he knew he was having fun right now, even if Dream was saying otherwise.

- Didn't expect you to still be as ticklish as when you were a kid ~

The teasing was very cruel tho, and the tentacles were so skilled, Nightmare moved them with such ease and precision, it made the whole thing even worse because no matter how much Dream was moving the tentacles always followed his movements, almost as if they were glued to him.

It was when he felt the tip of the tentacle that was holding his waist start to brush and circle against his tummy that he began to really curse his brother. Two tentacles on his ribs was already torture, but now he added the tummy as well ? His second worst spot ? He really wanted Dream to die of laughter.

- GOHO TO HEHEHEHEHELL !!

- Naah I don't want to.

Tears were forming in Dream's eye sockets, he had already given up in fighting back and trying to escape, his was now praying for his brother to have mercy. And thankfully, he did, after five long minutes but he did. He let him go, retracting his tentacles behind his back and letting his poor brother catch his breath.

Dream curled up, waiting for the phantom tickles to dissappear. It took a little time for him to breath normally again and when it was done he sat up.

- Feel better now ?

Nightmare asked. He earned a very pissed look from his brother, because even if he did have fun it was still a bit embarrassing.

- I'm gonna f#cking get you.

- Yeah I know, that's why I'm gonna leave now.

He answered as he got up from the tree stump.

- Oh no you won't !

And before Nightmare could even take a step away he got body slammed to the ground by his very thirsty for vengeance brother, and he too remembered where his worst spots were...

Needless to say, they didn't go to Ccino's this day, but they still had a good laugh !

[angel-of-the-moons]

Nothing Is Lost

Khonshu x Fem!Reader

TW/CW: Blood, nightmares, night terrors, attempted sexual assault (nothing happens), mugging, stalking, religious stuff, mentions some gross af Egyptian lore (reading about that in my textbook was... whew. A lot)

MINORS DNI I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT YOU CONSUME

A/N: Obviously inspired by this version of Day 'N' Night from the Moon Knight soundtrack/trailer.

🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑

Chapter 2:

Stressing My Mind (Mind)

After that day, the bag sat on your tiny table. You would spend at least two hours out of the day or night just... staring at it.

And when you fell asleep?

Your previous dreams, confusing, and nonsensical seemed a vacation compared to the ones that haunted you know.

You would hear screams, piercing your ears and causing pain. It wasn't until your senses returned that you realized the screams were coming from you. You would look down at yourself to find blood pouring out of you from your abdomen.

No matter how much pressure you applied, your blood would flow from you like a broken damn, pooling at your feet and running outwards like a river, the end promising a light in the twinkling darkness your dreams often had you in.

You heard the whispers, louder, still indiscernible. It was a man's voice.

You figured it was coming from the light at the end of the bloody river, so you screamed again. Only this time, you made ghastly gurgles, before you would cough violently, blood flowing up and out from your lungs to join the river beneath you.

And that was when you woke up.

🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑

It was after days of consecutive restlessness that you decided to say fuck it.

You unwrapped the "gifts" Jezebel had given you, along with her handwritten notes on what to do, and what kind of offerings to leave once you'd set up your altar. It even included a basic prayer for protection from this god, Khonshu.

You weren't sure how to go about it... so you did some extra research into this "Khonshu".

God of the Moon, indeed he protected those who traveled at night. He was also associated with justice, healing, and even fertility. An odd combination, you mused. But from what you knew of Egyptian gods, they were associated with some weird shit sometimes.

You even unfortunately spent so long clicking on Wikipedia links that you wound up reading about the Contendings of Set and Horus. The stuff Isis did on behalf of her son made you want to rinse your mouth out with the strongest, mintiest mouthwash you had in your cabinet and swear off salads forever.

Well... at least Isis going to the ends of creation for her husband Osiris was romantic... ish.

Once you were done, you decided... hey, what's the harm in offering up a little prayer before you go in for work? You'd be working a later shift tonight, the worst time to walk home was... okay, well any time after the sun went down, really.

You lit the incense, consisting of cinnamon and myrrh, at the base of the statue, along with the fresh fruit your measley budget could afford until you got paid; then you kneeled down and bowed your head.

"Here goes nothing..."

You feel a chill rush through you when you complete the prayer, goosebumps forming on your skin.

A wind blows on the fire escape outside, knocking over your potted plant.

Surely, your apartment is drafty. That's it...

You clear your throat and stand, putting the incense out as you shove your metro card in your empty "work" wallet. It had your name on it, but not your address. So if somebody snatched it they wouldn't be able to track you down.

It wasn't paranoia if it was a very real possibility, after all...

You didn't realize you forgot your mace and taser.

You were so buried in the thoughts of your night that you didn't notice the shadow looming in the dim light of your apartment.

🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑

"Hey, kid, you all right?" Your elderly co-worker, Alec, asked you from his hunched posture. He had told you he was in some sort of accident, and as a result of a botched surgery he had a permanent hunch. He'd been dealing with it for a little over twenty years. In some places he was listed as "disabled" but Alec having his hard-set personality, he wanted to work, earn his keep, not languish in bed somewhere.

He'd taken a shine to you because you were the only one there who didn't treat him like... well. The awful things your coworkers whispered and giggled about behind his back. Sometimes in front of him, too. But never you. Alec felt like family, in the past two years you worked this job. He was like the kindly uncle you wished you always had.

But apparently he'd taken note of the dark bags under your eyes lately, worse than usual and hanging like shadowy curtains over your cheekbones.

"Oh, uh... yeah. I just... haven't been sleeping well, 's all." You mumble, focusing on the particularly dirty spot on the floor from where some idiot made the previous printer that had been there explode.

You would have paid serious money to see the poor sod it exploded on.

"You're working too hard, kiddo." Alec said with a click of his tongue, as he wiped down a nearby table. "Gonna work yaself to death."

You smiled when his accent slipped in. Born and raised New Yorker, you knew. Unlike you. His accent was one of his endearing qualities.

"I'll keep that in mind, Alec." You chuckle, leaning over to scrub roughly with your mop at the ink stain in the linoleum.

"If ya keep hunching like that kiddo," He winked at you. "You're gonna wind up like me, sans the accident!"

"Oh I should be so lucky, Alec! You're resilient as hell."

"Ha, thanks kid. But seriously. You gotta take it easy. If you don't let yourself rest, something else will." He warned you.

And yeah. You knew that much already.

But... money is money.

And money made the world go 'round.

🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑

You hated it.

Hate, hate, hated it.

You felt someone following you, your "feeling" kicking into overdrive. This particular feeling you got well acquainted with. It happened just before every time you got mugged.

Your fears were compounded when you looked in the blacked out windows of the shops you passed in front of, and saw the silhouette of a man marching several paces behind you, this hands in the pockets of his leather jacket, jaw set tight as his pace kept adjusting to match yours.

You didn't have any money. And you were afraid at what he'd do if he attacked you. Would he rough you up and let you go because of a poor mark?

Or would he want to do something... worse?

You up your pace again, the soles of your shoes tapping the pavement.

The chill you felt earlier slipped into your bones, your hair standing on end not from the cold, but from your "feeling".

You all but skid and burn the rubber on the bottom of your shoes when you dart into an alley you had well-mapped by memory, the sound of heavy footfall close behind.

But then it hit you.

If the guy kept following me you, and you ran to where you felt safe...

He could find out where you lived.

Which was worse.

You turned to try and backpedal; fumbling your pockets for your protection, only to realize you left it on your dresser earlier... but the moment you try to turn and escape the other direction, you're clotheslined; splitting your lip and sending you stumbling onto the concrete below.

A taste of copper flooded your mouth and you realized you bit too hard on your tongue when he hit you.

You barely had a moment to recover from your discombobulation before you were hoisted up by your collar, shoved hard against a wall... and felt something cold press into your belly through your shirt.

"L-look... I don't have any money on me. You can search me, and I won't tell anyone..." You say, trying to stay as calm as possible, holding your hands up on either side of your head trying to make the man feel like you weren't worth the effort.

You knew nobody would hear you if you screamed. You knew nobody would come save you if they did. You knew that some people just wouldn't care.

"Well it's a good thing I'm not after cash..." His disgusting breath spewed in your face.

Fuck.

The barrel of his gun slowly rose, catching one of the buttons on your blouse as his knee forcibly parted your thighs.

He used the barrel to undo the buttons one by one.

He tries to force his mouth onto yours, but you turn your head and he raises the gun, pistol whipping you and knocking you down again.

He fists your open shirt again and pulls you back to your feet and throws you against the wall again.

You squeezed your eyes shut as you feel his stinking breath on your neck, the barrel of his gun digging painfully into your ribs.

You choke back a sob as his free hand reaches for your jeans, ready to rip the fly down.

Goddamn that stupid prayer. It was fucking pointless. So much for praying to some god to protect you when you walked alone at night.

Some god of justice--

All of a sudden, the weight of the man was lifted off of you. You whip your head around to see if someone had saved you, but you saw nothing.

Your would be-rapist stumbled to his feet and raised his gun at you.

"I don't know how you did that, you little bitch--"

"Please! I didn't--"

You threw your hands out towards him, the moment you did, he hit the ground like something violently slammed into his gut; crumbling to his knees, gasping and retching for air.

He fumbled for his gun again, but it skittered away across the pavement.

"What the fuck." You breathed.

His head jerked back and you heard the crunching of bone, and he fell back, limp.

You breathe ragged breaths, watching and waiting to see if he indeed tries to get up again.

He doesn't.

Your adrenaline takes over and you clutch your shirt against yourself, running through the alleys until you make it home, safe and tucked away into your apartment, shaky hands sliding all the locks into place and snatching your window curtains closed.

You collapse against the wall, breathing hard, lungs and leg muscles burning.

You stare at the statue sitting on the pitiful altar you DIY'd yourself earlier.

It sat, offerings still there and incense half burned, the statue so... serene, it unnerved you.

"...What..."

You took a deep breath to try and ease your nerves.

"...God... what happened?"

🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑

Chapter 3: Link

[gh0stsp1d3r]

Ooo Omg imagine Morpheus with a reader who is the daughter of a Dream and a Nightmare, but was raised by humans, not knowing she wasn’t human, and the reader has powers, but can’t control them- Like she’ll abruptly appear in the Dreaming, and then disappear back into the Waking World, and then suddenly back to the Dreaming. And she accidentally keeps messing with humans dreams (she really isn’t meaning to hurt anyone). Morpheus taking her under his wing (as she is technically one of his Dreams) and teaching her how to control/use her powers. Her moving into the Dreaming permanently as her powers are more controlled in the Dreaming

𝒟𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔

a/n- stoppp this is such a good idea hello??

It was often this happened. One moment you were in your world, and the next moment, you were in a bleak dark land, with puddles on the ground next to you and a giant castle like building.

You thought you were losing your mind, or simply imagining it all. This time, however, it happened twice.

You were back on your land, and just when you began walked you were back in the barren land. You looked around, confused.

You turned around, jumping when you saw a man standing, his arms behind his back. He stood like he had expected you.

You stared at the man, his hair black and his jaw sharp. He walked towards you slowly, gazing as if he was examining you.

“W-who are you?” You asked him, voice quiet as you stood there, you backed up from the man.

“I am Morpheus, or the the king of dreams. I’m guessing you’re the one who’s been messing with everyone’s dreams.” He said, looking at you closely, he didn’t expect you to look like how you did, for some reason.

You just stared at the man, lost. What was he even talking about?

“Well, Morpheus… it’s been great, how the hell do I-“

You were gone, again. Now you were back where you were originally, on your world. Thank God.

Morpheus stood there, sighing and creating a portal to your world. You were left shocked, confused, and dumbfounded when he walked through.

“If you would please stop doing that, and just… come with me?” He motioned to the open portal. You blinked at him, eyes wide.

“You want me, to go back with you, to that place again?”

“Yes. What’s happening to you is very explainable.”

“Am I dreaming?”

“No.”

“Am I high?”

“…No. Please, just, go in the portal.” He said, you hesitated before going into the portal. Now, you were inside the castle, it was large, the windows had light pouring in from them.

It was also very empty, you noticed as you looked around.

“Try to relax. It could be why you keep teleporting.” He said, walking ahead of you. You caught up and started to walk next to him.

“Okay…”

“You’re the child of a dream and a nightmare. You’re different.” He said, mostly to himself. His voice had a curious tone to it.

“What?”

“In this world, the dreaming, there are beings created to help me, those are the dreams and nightmares. They populate the realm. You managed to become the daughter of both, but even more interesting you ended up on earth.”

You listened to him closely.

“I can help you control the teleporting here. I can help you use your powers.”

You thought for a moment, the offer didn’t sound terrible. Free living?

“I can’t-“

“Then just stay for a little. A month or so. You can learn more about where you really came from, and learn how to control your powers with my help. Your powers are much more controlled here than they are in the living world.”

“Okay… and I won’t teleport anymore?”

“If you can learn how to control it. We can start tomorrow. In the meantime, I’ll show you to your room.”

[itsaleiah]

ROMANCING MR. HALF-DEVIL | Vergil x Original Character

Chapter One: Before The Nightmare, Vergil

SUMMARY: On the brink of losing himself, Vergil reminisces the summer days of his childhood.

“ Earth to Vergil...!” A voice called out to him, waking him up from his dreams.

The summer days of his childhood were the best memories he had whenever he’d choose to think to reminisce of a time when he was happy. When he was free.

He remembers his mother’s delicious food, and how often he and Dante would fight for either the first or last taste of their mother’s cooking, the bantering escalating until Eva finally steps in to prevent a war from happening in the house. God, he could recall the time when their fighting went too far and accidentally destroyed their mother’s favorite carpet! A fate worse than death was his mother being mad at him as the tears would start forming even when she hadn’t even started yet - when she was just looking at him sternly. He had no choice but to look down. Why? Well - the moment Eva opens his mouth, the tears that he tried holding back falls like a waterfall, accompanied by his brother’s obnoxious laughter and pointing - until their father makes him cry too.

The half-demon laughed, albeit a little too weakly. Being stuck in Hell and hours of torment and humiliation from all the demons in the realm made him into something he tried not be, something he despised, weak.

Had he taken his brother’s hand, would things be different?

Would he and Dante be able to heal the wounds that were inflicted on them the night everything fell to pieces? Would he finally feel safe in the company of his brother? Would he pay for the sins that he committed just to achieve the very power he chased his entire life for?

….

Would Alessa forgive him?

“Are you dead?” The voice asked him, a worried tone slowly lacing through her voice. He could feel her fingers poking at his side making him flinch. He was sensitive in that part, which made him an easy target for Dante whenever a tickle war to happen.

He opens his eyes to see Alessa Vera looking at him, worried. Little Vergil’s heart fluttered once he realized how close they were to one another, Alessa just hovering over him.

“Alessa?” He called out.

“Hmm?”

“Where am I?” He asked, to which Alessa furrowed her brows and looked at him as if he was crazy.

“You’re in your garden, silly! Are you okay? Did your head get hit or something? You were asleep on the floor - well, the flowers but still!” She questioned, her voice being soft like velvet and like a bee buzzing on his ears at the same time.

The flowers.. He turned to look at the ruined orchids. Mother’s going to kill me for this!

The poor boy dreaded his mother’s reaction that he forgot about the worried little girl standing right in front of him. “Uhh.. Verge?” She titled her head while her arms were behind her back.

“Oh, right. I’m well, no need to worry.” He turned around, feeling a bit breathless.

“You sure? You look a little bit pale. Come here.” Alessa motioned for him to come closer to which he did, his heart beating faster when he did. What was it that his mother told him and his brother about meeting your loved one? Butterflies in your stomach? Well - Vergil was sure he was experiencing that now, no matter how ridiculous he thought the term was when their mother was telling them of the story.

He was surprised when she suddenly grabbed his hand and held it firmly.

“What are you doing?”

“Shh, its our little secret.” She winked, placing her finger on her mouth.

“Oh Divine Mother, Guardian Of Light

Grant me the power of your.. boundless strength,

The.. the knowledge? that flows from your eternal grace,

And the courage that shines in your unwavering place?” She started chanting, though she was a bit confused and forgetting some words but Vergil didn’t mind. So this was the Vera’s powers huh?

The two stood there for a few minutes when nothing happened - at least to Vergil.

Alessa opened her eyes, looking confused, as if she was expecting something. She then lifted her head up to look at Vergil. “Do you feel better?” She asked. He nodded. “Mhm.”

He didn’t.

But she looked happy, and that was enough. “Weird... Hector told me that some glowy thing was gonna show up when we chant it, but I guess it’s just one of those things that he sees in his movies. And you’re feeling better, so that meant it work!” She smiled, clapping her hands at her unfulfilled work. Vergil smiled, nodding his head. He didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth.

She turned around to admire the flowers that his mother and father planted - as his mother would say, “These flowers are another proof of mine and your father’s love. You and your brother, Dante being the first.” She bent down to match his son’s height and pinched his cheek. Vergil smiled and looked at his mother softly. “So they’re .. seeds of love?” He asked and Eva nodded. “You could call it that, yes. The importance of these flowers aren’t their beauty - but rather the love that was given to them, and that love will continue to tend to them in order for them to survive.” .

She looked at her son once again and caressed his cheek. “My sweet boy.” She smiled and Vergil felt his heart warm up. His mother was truly beautiful, not only by the looks, but also the heart. How lucky he was to be the son of such a kindhearted, perfect person. Moments like this with his mother, he cherished it.

Alessa's hair is braided differently today, he noticed. She'd usually have her hair braided in a complicated yet beautiful way. It was a tradition within their family through the Solari religion, his father told him.

“The flowers are really pretty. Did Auntie Eva plant them?” She asked, turning to the young boy.

The blue devil looked a bit distracted, as he was too busy staring at her. She looks very pretty, he thinks. Her blonde hair looks golden in the light and her violet eyes reflect whatever she’s feeling in the moment. And right now, she seemed confused.

“Vergil?” She called out again to which this time, Vergil finally responded. “Huh?”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I am!” He said, sounding a little bit too much like Dante.

“Uh huh.” She pouted, already feeling suspicious. She looked down and asked, “The flowers. Did Auntie Eva plant them?” She asked, once again.

Vergil nodded, the young girl finally getting a response to what seemed like years - how dramatic of her.

“They’re very pretty.” She smiled and Vergil nodded again, agreeing.

A silence came between the two of them. Alessa looked down on the floor and placed her hands behind her back once again, seemingly lost in thought. “Uhmm.. Vergil?”

“Hm?”

She looked up, staring at him while fiddling with her fingers. “How come… you rarely play with me and Dante?” She questioned, her voice falling low as if she was scared of what his reaction might be.

When he didn’t respond, she continued: “Its just that.. whenever I ask you to come play with us, you’d shake your head or just walk away. I.. I know that i’m not as much of a bookworm as my brother is - and that sometimes i’m a little bit too.. much.”

She clasped her hands together and smiled sweetly, but there was a bit of uneasiness in her eyes. “But I really wish for you to spend more time with us.” She started, “And I want us to be close friends.”

“But.. aren’t we already close friends?” He asked, confused. Was there something wrong? Did he do something wrong for her to think that they weren’t close? Was his nose really stuck on a book like his brother said?

Alessa frowned. “Well yeah, but-“ Her words were cut off when they hear a loud crash.

The two of them turned around to see both of their brothers together. It seemed that Hector accidentally bumped into a vase due to Dante accidentally pushing him, caused.

Dante walked towards Alessa, ruining their moment for Vergil. “Found ya!” He said cheerfully and Alessa laughed. So they were playing hide and seek, that’s why she found me.

“Looks like we have a winner!” She raised two of her hands up to which Dante responded with: “Jackpot!” and clapping her raised hands. It was a common thing between them. Something Vergil grew to be envious of.

Ever since The Vera’s began visiting his family, it was Alessa and Dante that were close. They would often play around the mansion, have jokes that only they would understand, and they understood each other very clearly, given that both of them are cheerful and energetic. Eva even joked one time that they were attached by the hip and are the same person.

He wished for a bond like that with her, but sometime she just felt.. unreachable to him.. Nevertheless, Vergil grew close to Alessa’s older brother, Hector. He was older than them by 4 years but he got along very well with the three kids, especially with him - given their shared love for books. He was calmer compared to Alessa but he did know how to match his younger sister’s energy and when to maintain or control it - and for Vergil, that was the hardest thing to do.

Hector placed a hand on his hip as he turned his look on the blue devil. “So.. Verge, what are you doing here? You playin’ hide ‘n’ seek with these demons?” He asked, pointing to his younger sister - who reacted, very very maturely - by sticking her tongue out and her partner-in-crime, who grinned while placing both his hands on his hips, proudly taking the name - as he is one, literally.

“Nope.” Was all he said.

“Don’t expect him to join us, he’s too busy being mister smarty-pants to have fun!” His younger brother retorted, a smug smirk on his face. Vergil’s icy gaze then turned to him, Dante’s hands raising as if he was being held on gunpoint. “I mean come on, Verge! Why can’t you just let go of that book of yours and have fun with us? Its not like you’re going to die spending time with us.”

“You stab and kill me everytime we play a game of Knight.”

“You play the evil one all the time!”

“I don’t! I’m the silent hero.”

“Silent heroes aren’t popular in movies, ya know - and you’re scary when you try to save Aly from me! Not heroic like!”

“And you’re proving my point as to why I don’t spend my time with you.”

“- Okay! Why don’t we head back to the house? Auntie Eva made some cookies while the two of you were playing hide and seek. Hector pushed himself between the brothers, already sensing another fight that would break in if he didn’t try to stop it. He didn’t want to risk another Auntie Eva outburst - her stare is scary enough.

“Yeah! Auntie Eva’s probably waiting for us inside! Let’s go!” Alessa stepped near his brother, and Dante sighed before linking their arms together. The other two, their older siblings just right behind them.

The four left the beautiful garden to see the sun shining on them, the gold in the Veras’ hair glistening. Vergil couldn’t help but admire the young girl, remembering their conversation before. Was he really that distant? What if..

“I was able to heal Vergil earlier!” He heard Alessa say to Dante who gasped, amazed. He could already see the sparkle in his younger brother’s eyes. “No way! Really?” To which Alessa responded: “Yeah! I wrote the prayers that Dad would often chant and it worked on him! Guess i’m a natural, huh?” She grinned, happily stomping.

“Well, well, well. Looks like somebody’s been listening to Father’s lectures.” Hector teased to which Alessa turned around and stuck her tongue out to her older brother. The older brother chuckled in response and made a weird face to tease her even further. The other Vera just rolled her eyes before her eyes turned to the blue devil. Vergil, who wasn’t paying attention - too busy on looking at the grass, probably lost in thought - didn’t notice the longing gaze in her eyes.

The younger Vera frowned before turning away just when Vergil's attention finally went to her, her focus back on his energetic bomb of a brother, talking about a new movie that had just come out.

“You know, you can just talk to her right? Aly doesn’t bite.” Hector suddenly spoke up, whispering so the younger ones wouldn't hear.

It seems that communicating is not something Vergil is well-versed at so just like his younger sister, he continued his sentence, “Don’t think I don’t see you staring, young man. You’re practically yearning to be there with them!”

“I...” Vergil trailed, unable to place the words in his mouth.

“You know - instead of longingly staring at them like you’re being left out, you can try talking to her - or Dante if you don't feel comfortable with her. And beside she's already asked you a million times to join them.” He tried to reason but it seems that Vergil had other plans.

“No, you don't understand. Me and Dante - we rarely get along. We’re not like you and Alessa who easily get along. Its.. different.” Vergil tried explaining to the older boy, who was quiet but listening and waiting for him to go on.

And with how close they are, and how different me and Dante are - I’m sure that I’ll just ruin the fun for Alessa.” Vergil said, slowly - as if he were hesitating if whether or not he was going to open up his emotions.

Hector looked at him intently. A silence occurred. And then suddenly.. He started laughing!

This sudden action of the older Vera surprised Vergil - offended him even. Little Vergil's eyes furrowed and his eyes dilated, pouting like an angry cat. “Now why are you laughing? I just told you what I feel and you’re laughing?”

“I’m- I’m sorry but I just-“ The older brother tried forming a sentence but couldn’t do so. This irritated the young boy even further, with the other two noticing the girl's brother's maniacal laughter.

“What’s with him?” Dante asked, pointing to Hector while furrowing his brow.

Vergil grumbled before turning his step and walking ahead of them, ignoring Alessa’s protests for him to stay with them.

“Now why did you do that?” He could hear Alessa’s voice start to scold her older brother, and right after that...

“Son Of Sparda.” It was him again.

‘In the shadows deep, where the dark winds sing,

Rises the dread of the Devil King.

Eyes like fire, heart of ice,

In his realm, no soul thinks twice.’

Ah, he still remembers that. The Vera chant for Demon Kings like Mundus. A shame that he, himself wouldn’t be able to use it to save his skin.

“Reminiscing your memories? How… human. How.. disgusting.” The demon king’s eyes stared at him from above, the seed of Sparda, the traitor’s blood, the human’s heart. He had everything the demon king hated - and unfortunately for the Son Of Sparda, Mundus would stop at nothing to make him suffer. To make him pay for his father’s sins.

“I won’t succumb to you.” Vergil declared, pointing the Yamato at the eyes of the devil. His body was screaming at him to stay down, to rest and stop the torture he’s (and the demons) inflicting on himself. But alas, his pride does not let him and now he stands confidently despite his voice telling another story.

His hair was down, his white hair stained with blood, not having the luxury to fix it his way. His face was filled with bruises and dirt and the blue coat that his wife had sewn for him now lay on the ground charred and torn, leaving him with only his vest, exposing his bruised arms that were stabbed, whipped and broken for many times that he couldn’t count now. (Having demonic regeneration both felt like a blessing and a curse, for he would be able to heal easily from the injuries but then would be forced to manage the pain once again until Mundus was satisfied.)

“Ah, I see you still need to be taught a lesson. No less, there’s quite a few people that are willing to educate you, Son Of Sparda.” The demon king mocked the young man that bravely stood in front of him. He had to admit, he admired his stubborness and unwillingness to back down. But a shame. Those who stand against him, will fall below him. There is no other way.

Two figures appeared and the blue devil tried looking at them, his vision growing blurry with the lack of rest and amount of blood that he had loss.

“Its been a long time, Sparda.” The other one on the left spoke up, a malicious grin forming in his face as he licked his bloody sword. Vergil sneered in response. How unhygienic. Meanwhile the one the right was much more reserved, looking at him like prey, and he supposed he was. How cruel, a reflection of him and Dante.

Dante..

The young man sighed in pain. My body.. can’t take anymore.. No longer..

What day is it? How many years has it been? Why..

How…

He couldn’t.. he couldn’t give up now.. He musn’t. He had to honor his father.. He has to prove that he’s better than his foolish brother, for the vengeance for his mother, her life depends on his survivability, for the vengeance for his son..

This was what he wanted.. this was what he willed for himself.

This is what he deserves.

He recognized the two demons to be one of the few that his father defeated during his time. He smirked, “If my father did it… I should be able to do it too!” The half-devil lunged, transforming to his devil side - the side that he had always been proud of, one he acknowledged to be stronger. And yet, as he lunged towards his enemies with no plans but to attack, his thoughts were filled by his human heart, the memories that hid him and helped him continue to live further, the demon that resembled his brother’s attitude being the first to follow him in their dance.

“Come on now, Vergil! Stop being such a party pooper!”

“Vergil, play with us!”

“Please Verge, spend time with your brother for once. He misses you dearly..”

“Mom.”

“Vergil..”

“Protect… her… for me..”

“Mom..”

“I never wanted for this to happen!”

“Mom..”

“You’re nothing like him. You’re everything I need.”

“Mom.”

“I love you.”

“They killed him.. They killed..”

“Mom..”

“Mom..”

“Dante..”

“Mom..”

“Forgive me, Alessa.”

“Mom!”

“Dante, Mom!” Little Vergil cried out in despair, limping as the blood that was leaving his body lay scattered in the ground for other demons to track him.

It all had happened so fast.. far too fast.. It wasn’t fair.. not fair! Not fair! Their father wasn’t there!

It hurts.. it hurt so much.

My body feels like it’s burning.

Somebody.. help.. me..

He could already hear the demons behind him - waiting to strike the little boy, laughing loudly to make him fear them even more.

He closed his eyes, waiting for them to strike. Everyone was gone, nobody was there to help him, to save him, to protect him..

Dante… Mom..

He closed his eyes, waiting for the demons to take their final hit.. only to hear a blade slash. And when he opened his eyes, the demon’s head bounced like the ball Hector and Dante would use whenever they’d play.

He immediately turned his head to see Haytham Vera, Alessa and Hector’s father, and the current head of the Vera family. Finally, someone strong enough to protect me! To save my family! He smiled, standing up but immediately wincing due to the injuries he withstood. “Uncle!” He cried out, someone I know, someone who wouldn’t kill me, someone that would protect me, someone.

“Vergil.” His eyes widened, tears filled with guilt, and pain. Why was that?

“Uncle.. Dante and Mom.. They’re- They’re-“

“They’re gone, Verge.”

Haytham lowered his head, unable to face the hopeful young boy in front of him, too guilty that he was the one to break his hope. “I’m so sorry.. I couldn’t- I couldn’t.. I couldn’t let them-“ The man’s words choked up but Vergil couldn’t hear anything, only the cries of fire and swelling rage from within, his eyes staring dead at the burning house that he called home.

They’re gone. They’re both dead. Mom.. Dante..

Dante..

His heart grew heavy and rage overpowered grief and before he knew it -

“They will know this devil’s power.”

-

A/N: the first chapter is here! I’m very proud of this since this is the first ever chapter of all the books that I have finished, and for me I think it turned out really well! Please expect very slow updates since I’m a procrastinator and a very busy student, senior high is hell huhu. but anyways, i hope u enjoyed this chapter, thank you!

[mamiya-a]

Playing dangerous - Mother Miranda/reader

Warning for explicit content.

Chapter 8: Puppet

Summary:

Wrong person - right affection.

You no longer dream. 

The lucid images and scenes that appear in your mind every night cannot be described as such things. Dreams are meant to be a fantasy, fiction, something so unreal - it's only possible to happen inside someone's imagination. 

Dreams do have meanings , however they are not a life changing matter. They shouldn't be. 

You've gone through a lot of different scenarios, masked as at first sight insignificant looking events, during your stay in the mansion. You quickly got used to nightmares, to weird points of views that changed along with the inexplicable cases in your head , featuring memories and people you have long forgotten about.

 You even adapted to your imaginary Miranda panting under you right before her strong, clawled hands decide they are too bored to just hold onto you, a little cut here and there merging with the smell of your crimson blood excited them. Whenever she appears in your dreams - she always kills you , switching the enjoyable experience to a nightmare. 

The realness of those 'dreams' is way too great to be called fiction. All those faces , places , animals , gestures , bodies , sounds ,everything feels like a completely different universe. One that it's only yours to command, as it happens within your head. 

Manipulation it for your benefits might break this strange world. That's why you gave up the first time you tried to control it. 

Slowly you got used to everything - from pain to pleasure, from blood to tears , from fear to tranquility. There's one thing that started to appear more often recently, and it confuses you, but you can't say you're triggered by its presence. It's bizarre, yet amiable. 

The deer. 

Everytime it shows up, even during your current dream, it's always the same scenario - you stare at it , and the animal does not move , its eyes remaining fixed on you. Those dark, blue eyes with the little hint of golden yellow and furious red shining in them. 

They say universes can change when eyes meet up, worlds can break. Mind , sanity and soul can disappear, leaving only a fragile body on the empty road. 

You know the deer is harmless, but you fear it. Yet still you take a step closer , feeling its attraction fall upon you. You admire it , you desire it. 

You chase after it , in search for desperate comfort. Especially now that you're left with a heart, broken and wounded , crying with bloody tears of jealousy. 

You curl up in front of the animal that kindly welcomes you. It doesn't take you long to completely lay down on the pavement , feeling its shadow hoovering over you. 

Deers are a symbol of gentleness, safety, wisdom , innocence and protection. You can't help but seek all of that at such vulnerable moment for you. And your desires are fulfilled, for a while. 

But then comes the loud screeching of tires and the car that kills all of your peace.

***** 

Philip is a long lost cause. Your breakup was expected. Maybe the only surprising part about what happened is that you dumped him , and not the opposite way around. 

He has always been more controlling, mean and unbothered. From time to time you felt like a puppet in his hands. But fooled by old , happy memories from when you were young and in love, you never actually dared to leave him. Until now. 

For you, him cheating again was the last straw. 

However you don't feel sadness. In fact, this new kind of feeling fills your soul with heavenly comfort. Freedom, of him , of this awful relationship. 

You can't say you're happy neither. Relieved for sure but not entirely pleased. You're neutral, for now. Yet, as days go on and on more thoughts about him begin to wander in your head and you start to wonder if you have made a mistake. 

You truly need a distraction.

.

.

.

You don't know which god exactly heard your silent prayers for something different from the boring mansion, but you're happy your needs have been answered. 

You can't even hide your smile as Miranda walks down the stairs, fully dressed in her formal clothing. A fine , tight , black dress , aesthetically decorated with feathers around the shoulders, golden jewelry illuminating her tender skin around the neck , wrists, fingers and ears. 

Her heels drag along the floor , making light tapping noises with every step , with such shoes she stans even taller than she already is. She runs her fingers through her hair , which is carefully swiped back , leaving only a few golden strings to wander in front of her face , as she takes her place right next to you. 

Miranda going out for work always means a bit calmer house to work with as the kids tend to listen to you more when their mother isn't around and they don't have someone to complain to. 

But tonight is different. Even her daughters won't be home. Which means you'll have the whole mansion for yourself. Finally a break , alone with yourself yet again. 

"Where exactly am i supposed to take them to again?" - you ask , a smile still very visible on your face, while you extend a hand for Miranda to hold onto as she bends down to fix her heel. The action happens fast and surprisingly casual. 

"To their aunt's house" - she explains , huffing annoyingly when a big portion of her hair falls around her shoulder, limiting a part of her vision in the process. Looking closely you notice how long and beautiful her hair looks, you even start to wonder if it will be as soft to the touch as you Imagen it to be. 

In the distance, the two girls giggle together, too exited they are going to the said place. You find yourself eager to go as well. 

"You have a sister?" - Miranda has never mentioned any family members before. It's always she and her daughters.

"No. We're not related" - she's finally done with her heels , the grip on your hand disappears as she straightenes her back , fixing her hair in the process - "i just call her that , she's more of a... friend" 

"Like a best friend, perhaps?" - it's kind of weird imagining Miranda being social, but hey everybody can find their platonic soulmate out there. She laughs in return. 

"She's a mother herself , that's why i trust her enough to send my daughters to her" - she fixes the bracelets around her wrists - "however our kids can be portrayed as good friends, indeed" 

"I'm assuming you often allow them to have sleepovers ,then?" - it's nice knowing those poor kinds still manage to get out of the mansion at least for a while. 

"When I'm busy, yes" - Miranda isn't very talkative before going out for her work duties, as if the whole world is forcing her to do so , so you don't get as offended as you once did over her slightly colder tone. 

"Is her house far or...?" - the realisation that you have no idea where exactly you're supposed to take the kids to hits your hard just as the girls enter the room , already dressed to go , with theirs needed stuff carefully put in their little backpacks.

Miranda also acknowledges that you're not a mage and you can't read minds, plus she never actually told you where you need to drive the kids to. She silence her inner voices who try to snap at you for asking her this ridiculous question. Instead she turns to you with a forced smile. 

"I'll make sure to send you a location" - she tugs on her sleeve , unsurely looking around, as if she's trying to think of something to say, finally she returns her attention back to you- "remember to lock the doors when you return."

"I know what to do , I'm not-"

"Bye bye, mommy!" - Eva interrupts you, impatient to finally leave. Miranda has to physically pull the back of her collar just to bring the girl back to her. She only manages to blink before finding herself in her mother's embrace. 

"Send greetings from me to Alcina, will you?" - Eva quickly nods , moving fast to escape Miranda's grip. She laughs, then turns to her other daughter, gently caressing her soft, black hair. 

"Take care of your sister, Evie" - the older girl assures her she will, winning a truthful smile from her mother. Then they both run outside, eagerly waiting in front of your car , leaving you alone with Miranda. 

"I'll be back late , don't wait for me" - you don't have time to wish her a good evening or say anything at all in return as the blonde woman leaves the mansion with rapid steps , waves goodbye to her children and gets in her own car, before driving far away. 

***** 

The car trip isn't long , though you can't exactly say you didn't get tired of driving. The old roads always exhausted you. But the location Miranda sent you is even worse because judging by the online map - the place you needed to be is high in the mountains. So naturally the path to it is more than shitty. 

The girls adore music, that's a thing you discovered while driving with them on the backseat. And strange enough they very much liked almost each one of your favourite songs. 

A little bonding session with them is something you'd never want to miss , especially with Eva. So you enjoyed the time you spent together in poorly singing lyrics along with the tempo of the music. 

Now that you've had entered a thich forest at the base of the mountains the day changes to mid afternoon, the weather is naturally colder while the sky is a bit darker. You try your best to follow the narrow roads up fast enough before any of the girls with you decide to take a little nap in your car. Your plan is to drop them off and return back to the mansion as fast as possible.

"Are we there yet?" - Eveline asks , maybe for the hundredth time. 

"Almost there, sweetie, be patient."

"I can't wait to see the sisters!" - Eva exclaims , visibly excited - "you know that Dani promised me tons of chocolate last time?" 

"Will her mother allow it?" - the black haired girl raises an eyebrow. 

"She doesn't have to know, silly!" 

You smile while listening to their conversations, deciding it's not the time or place to join into them. Currently your job required you to safely deliver them into this Alcina's person hands. 

"Is this the place?" - you ask them unsurely, after a right turn that reveals an enormous looking estate, that is just ...wow. 

You know Miranda is filthy rich but her so called friend is on a whole other level. In front of you stays not an ordinary house, or a mansion close to Miranda's, no. This woman's home is a whole, medieval looking castle. 

It’s large ,devine , even a little ominous, but the main word you would use to described is is definitely powerful. Its walls stand tall, grey, covered in limestones. Roof black as the night, illuminated by the silver moon and topped with a set of towering chimneys and spires.

There are many vines and thorn bushes growing in and around the foundation of the castle, making it look uninhabitable. The land that surrounds the castle is covered in a dense forest, mostly conifers and dark trees , on the ground around it you can still spot petite stacks of snow, as the castle is standing on a top of a mountain after all. 

"Yes!" - one of the girls answers your long forgotten question - "we're finally here , let's go!" 

The backdoors of the car open before you can realise the girls are already running to the castle and you're forced to quickly follow after them, not forgetting to grad their luggage in the process, though it makes it harder for you to catch up with them. 

The entrance doors are from heavy wrought iron, covered in various rust designs and symbols. Tall ,old and heavy they look like they’ve been there through centuries, the cold from outside seeping into the front hall when they’re opened, as a few visible damage defects are sure to catch the eye. Overall the doors surely add to the castle aesthetic. 

Especially when they open on their own. Creepy. The scratchy sound makes your ears itch and your body immediately tenses. The girls , on the other hand, seem unbothered. They've been here countless of times, of course. 

They run inside, easily making their way in the labyrinth of rooms while you nervously chase after them. For a moment you loose them and you begin to spin , wondering in which direction they exactly went. And then you spot them in the room right in from of you. 

You dash forward, past the doorframe, urging to get to them. Without realising you bump into something hard , not something but someone. Not an ordinary person on top of that. 

"I'm so sorry, i-" - the words die in your throat as you look up , finding it difficult to keep your mouth from opening, from both suprise and excitement. 

And you thought Miranda is tall. The woman in front of you stands one ot two head taller than the her , a ridiculous height. The black dress she's wearing fits her body perfectly while at the same time it matches with her raven hair , carefully styled in large curls , hidden beneath a fashionable hat. A few strings of white shine between her dark hair , adding to her middle aged looking face. She might be old but by all means she's eternally beautiful. 

"Already feeling intimidated, aren't you?" - her voice is deep , strong and demanding. You can't help but clench your jaw. 

"You're just a little" - you clear your throat, your hand resting on top of your chest - "...a little tall, that's it" 

"I've been taller, I've been scarier, I've been more powerful..." - she whispers the last bit while her eyebrows furrow , her expression of anger is rather unsettling , especially when part of her sharp teeth shime beneath her forced smile - "who might you be , girl?" 

"Miranda's new babysitter" - you present yourself, offering your hand for her to shake. You are surprised when she actually does it , as you're used to that gesture of yours to be ignored. 

"The name's Alcina Dimitrescu" - everything about her screams 'power' , starting with her large , strong arms that could completely devour yours and ending with the volume of her voice as she pronounces her name out loud - "I'm The Lady of this castle." 

.

.

.

Three daughters. Bela , Cassandra and Daniela. At first sight they look very similar, like twins. But a closer observation in their features , bodies and mostly different hair colours hints that they are probably sisters , not related by blood. 

That's not a thing that bothers you though. As long as they keep Miranda's daughters entertained and safe in their shared games. You find it amusing how despite the difference in their age, the ground of girls still manage to find a common way of interacting with each other. 

As by doing so , they left you alone with their mother. Alcina is a calm woman , yet something in the way she measures you up and down with her burning gaze makes your body tense. 

"I find it interesting how and why Miranda decided to hire you" - she begins to rant , bringing one of the two cups , filled with warm tea , she played on the table in front of you not so long ago - "she's not the type of woman to willingly search for help" 

"Well i-"

"Especially when it comes to her children" - she lifts a finger to show you she's not finished, silencing you completely - "so why now?" 

"Her job keeps her busy" - you quickly answer, pulling on the fabric of your jeans. 

"She's always busy" - she scoffs - "however I'm certain that wasn't much of a problem for her , until now , of course. Why?" 

"I have no idea" - you tend to talk rapidly when you're nervous, it's a normal thing for you but for the formal lady it's something ill mannered. 

Alcina hums , then lifts a hand to fix her hair. 

"Miranda has grown to be more tolerant with people around her" - she speaks as if the blonde woman is someone she knows by heart, judging by what you know about their relationship - you trust her - "but i haven't. Dare you harm her or her daughters in any way , I'm make sure you deeply regret it" 

Your tea has gone cold because you refuse to drink it, afraid to accept something offered by the woman who so openly threatens you. 

"Are you close with her?" - your curiosity makes her tilt her head to a side with a lifted eyebrow - "if you defend her so intensely?" 

"I owe her a lot" - simple said , but not enough to unravel the truth you seek. 

"How come?" 

"Mother Miranda has done countless of helpful things for me and my daughters , I can't help but...admire her , strongly." 

You nod your head , hearing a somehow decent answer. Then your eyebrows furrow , at the exact moment as the woman's mouth opens wide , shock trembling in both your eyes. 

"Excuse me?" - you succeed to talk first - "did you say 'mother'?"

Miranda said they aren't related and you're sure their ages can't be placed in a timeline where Alcina is another daughter of hers. It's impossible. 

"I do apologise" - the older woman stands up and pats the fabric of her dress - "it's an old habit of mine to call her that" 

In what way is this normal? You know very well Miranda is not a saint, especially after going through her chats with Mia but her relationship with the lady of the castle can't be another one of her playful roleplays now , can't it? 

If anything it's awfully weird and fucked up. 

"I don't seem to get your point here" - you choke out a laugh - "what do you mean by old habit?" 

"Curious, little thing" - Alcina whispers before slowly walking to a close by cabinet, with its doors opened the inside reveals to be filled with large bottles of wine - "it's not my right to tell you" 

"Tell me what?" - you try your best to be respectful but she makes it hard to do so - "Explain!" 

She blinks once after your shouting over her , then again, as her lips form a smile. 

"I really have no idea how she deals with that attitude" - Alcina shoves a heavy bottle of wine in your hands , while gently grabbing your shoulder, which allows her to guide or more like force you out of the room - "however i know it has no place in my home" 

"What?" - cold air hits your face and you realise you're currently standing at the main entrance of the castle. 

"Leave , now" - she's finally done pushing you out of the door , and you turn to her , awfully confused, yet still holding the bottle in your hands like a baby - "make sure to deliver the wine to Miranda in perfect condition, she loves that sort" 

With that the doors shuts closed right in front of your face. The fast clicking sounds behind it confirm that it now locked , which means you have no way in going into the castle again. 

With nothing left to do anymore, you turn around and start walking to your car. 

You've felt rage before, but not as strongly as you're currently experiencing it. It builds within your body with every step. And it stays as you start driving or even after you find yourself in Miranda's mansion again , alone. 

***** 

Two whole cups from the wine Alcina gave you are enough to make you lay down on the comfortable sofa in the living room. Your back presses to the soft pillows behind you and you allow yourself to relax. 

To sleep. You desire to sleep forever. 

You groan as you push yourself up again, heading to pour another glass of the delicious red wine. Like hell you're giving it to Miranda. 

You're so sick of the unhinged bullshit going on around you. No wonder Alcina is Miranda's friends. Both of these women are not sane in the head. And it seems like they are trying to drag you down into their madness as well. You will not allow such thing. 

Maybe a third cup is a bit much for you. Dizziness begins to travel through your veins, making its way up to your already foggy mind. Left alone with your thoughts you have no choice but to loose yourself into them. 

And just like that your now ex boyfriend hops into your head. He's not there not be missed, though. 

You were never very keen on kissing with Philip. He was always too rough when you needed him to be gentle and always too soft when you needed him badly. He was never enough. 

In your imagination he is a good kisser. And he knows exactly how you like to be touched, where you like his hands to be and in what kind of way he should talk. In your head he's perfect. 

You think of him guiding your hands down your body with his own , past your stomach, beneath your jeans and later on underwear. 

Real or made up , Philip was never able to make your heart beat as fast as it's currently going. That's because you're not imagining Philip at all. 

You don't feel embarrassed when Miranda's face appears in front of you. It's not the first time she's to show up in your head anyway. She's a local guest in your dreams after all. 

Emotionless and casual, there's no shame in you imagining her. If she can get you off , she's more than welcome. You decide to start the scenario like usual. 

As your hand starts to pull the strings of pleasure from between your legs ,you close your eyes and get comfortable on the sofa. 

Your imaginary Miranda is suddenly flipped on her bare back under you. She has that playful smile glued on her face like always. You claim her lips like they belong to you. 

It's fun to position her like that because in reality you know she's a very dominant woman so you'll never actually get the chance to be on top of her like that. 

Your hips rolls against hers and she lets out the same low pitched volume moan as you heard her do in that dark video from her shared chat with the mysterious woman. You're enchanted by that sound. You want to hear more. So you grind even harder against her , too mad to admit you'd love to hear her scream. 

The wine is showing it's effect as your real hands begin to move faster, busy rubbing circles on your clit , while your imaginary ones wrap around the base of Miranda's neck , following her own suggestion - for you to choke her with your bare hands. To death.

Even though you can't stand her awful staring her eyes stay fixed on you. That kind of behaviour has no place in your scenario. 

The familiar rage from earlier overfills your veins, mainly triggered by the alcohol, and you squeeze her neck impossible tight , making her gag. 

"You vile woman" - you groan, leaning closer and dragging your tongue on her sensitive skin , starting from between her breasts and ending somewhere in the middle of her exposed throat.

Her head tilts backwards at the same time as yours, as you both hiss from the build up pleasure. 

"Forsaken, little deer" - you clench your jaw in annoyance. This is definitely not the type of response you'd like to get from her. Doesn't matter, as long as you can change what she says and do. 

"You - I'm going to ruin you" - the red marks from the angry fingers you drag along her stomach confirm your words - "i hate you" 

"You've grown horns, sharp teeth and claws" - her voice is close to a whisper, you try to silence her with forced kisses, but she manages to speak again - "poor girl, you can't handle yourself like that" - a pause - "let alone handle me." 

Having death under you is fun, playing with it even funnier. But you cannot kill death , her cunning nature is too great. You squeeze Miranda's neck tightly, threatening to do serious damage. She laughs, her body begins to break , turning into dark liquid, staining your skin in the process. She's out of your reach in the blink of an eye. She disappeared from your own imagination, leaving you more than confused. 

One dark chuckle is enough to send shivers down your spine. 

"Fascinating" - the stirring sound of heels dragging on the floor echoes close to your ears - "the things we do when we think nobody is watching us" 

You didn't acknowledge embarrassed before but now not only that , but full of shame mask find its please on your visage. 

"I'm ugh-" - your words tangle together with the excuses you try to form in your head , in the end making an unclear sentence. 

"What if one of my daughters were to find you like this" - Miranda tries to contain her bullying smile as she watches you struggle to pull out your hand from beneath your jeans - "you're not giving them a good example at all." 

"Your children are not at home" - you hiss at her. 

"But i am." 

She's capable of silence you with only a few words and she's damn good at it. You follow her with your eyes while she moves past and ignores the sofa , instead taking a sit on the wooden table in front of you. 

She picks up the cup and the bottle of wine. She knows the sort, she knows it's from Alcina, for her. She's unbothered that there's only one cup on the table, and she doesn't care that it's yours. The only problem she finds is an empty glass. The wine pours lile a thick, crimson blood from the bottle into the cup. 

"Show me" - she says , dipping her full lips into the red wine , tasting it. 

"What?" - you hate how the fabric of her dress is slightly pulled up as she sits down, exposing parts of her bare thighs , not a good sight for your already full of lewd thoughts head. 

"Show me" - she repeats herself, allowing yet another cunning smile to occupy her lips - "spreads those pretty legs for me and show me. Give me a reason not to throw you out of here immediately."

Oh, she wants to watch. Or to humiliate you. Maybe both. Your cheeks burn in red flames as you try your best to ignore her gaze. 

"You can't be serious" 

"Don't make me repeat myself" - a fare warning. 

"You can't just-"- you scoff - "this is not-"

"Quit your barking already" - her voice changes as she decides to use a slightly harsher tone on you - "and show me what i wish to see." 

"I won't." 

"Now" - she commands , awaking goosebumps from beneath your skin. She lifts a hand to point at your jeans , her intension is clear yet you decide to play it stupid, in one last attempt to force her to change her mind - "and i said i want to see , take these off."

As if pulled by invisible strings, like a puppet, your hands obey her. Your body moves on its own, stripping  your lower part naked until you find yourself on the sofa again, with your jeans and underwear on a pile of clothes next to your now spread legs. 

One of your hands slips down between your thighs , fingers ready to bring you pleasure again. But this time it's different. Real Miranda is much more scarier than your imaginary one. And more thrilling. 

"Tell me , darling" - she starts quietly, eyes locked on your working hand , as she crosses her own legs , taking her usual body pose - "what do you think about while you touch yourself?" - she lifts a finger , nail strictly pointed to your crouch - "faster." 

The circle you've been rubbing around your clit immediately pick up a more swift tempo and you find it difficult not to hiss in response. Though you wish to save your pride for as long as you can. 

"I think of..." - Of her? Like hell you're telling her that - "...women.." 

"Women, really?" - she exclaims while straightening her back , a giant, mocking grin on her lips. She leans forward, placing her chin into a soft palm in the process - "how... unexpected" - she makes a circle motion with her wrist, making the bracelets on it let out a ringing sound - "think you can put your fingers to a better use , darling?" 

You nod your head nervously the same time as one of your fingers burry itself deep inside of you. You groan at the feeling, wishing the sound wasn't too loud , and that it didn't end up close to Miranda's ears. 

"What type of women?" - she questions, tapping the floor a few times with her heel - "describe one for me"

Your hips buckle up instead of you giving her a response. And you bite your lips , looking up from beneath your eyelashes you spot Miranda's bottom lip also locked between her teeth. Perhaps she's enjoying the show you're putting for her a little bit too much. 

"Let's start with her hair." - she gently speaks - "what colour is her hair?"

"Golden" - your swift response surprises both of you, in a good way. 

"And her eyes?" - she continues to question. 

"Blue..." - you hiss out - "so blue..." 

"Can you add another?" - she doesn't have to clarify what she demands of you. A second finger is already on it's way to your opening. Giving the fact that you're awfully wet it slips in easily, staring its pumping motion immediately in the same tempo as the other one. This makes you moan out loudly.  

"Her skin..." - you continue to describe your dream woman without Miranda encouraging you, which makes her awfully pleased - "So pale , flawless..."

"Soft?"

"Incredibly soft, yes" - you moan again, as you circle your fingers inside of you together, managing to find a good spot to drive the knot in your abdomen to a higher level - "every time i see her showing it , even just the slightest, i have the desire to-"

"To touch?" - she guesses for you, correctly on top of that , and you have no choice but to nod your head for confirmation - "i bet she would love that" 

"Miranda..." - you weakly groan out , feeling your toes curling on the floor. 

"No , don't moan my name" - she corrects you - "moan hers" 

"Miranda." - the smile that appears on her face is way too great. You wish to kiss it away. The cup , still half full of wine, is long forgetting on the the wooden surface of the table. The sofa shifts and creaks under the newly placed weight on it. Miranda takes a seat next you. With her being so close the stimulation in your lower belly grows stronger. 

"I'm... going to..." - you're completely out of breath while you try to warn her how close to the edge you are. The only thing stopping you from completely throwing yourself in the depths of pleasure is actually her. 

"Not yet." - her first command of the night that genuinely makes you weak , even gathering tears in the corners of your eyes - "patience, darling, patience."

"But i- ,i can't-" - there's no mercy in her eyes , not even when your hips rock against the sofa violently , desperately. 

"Then stop." - she has a solution for everything. You're not a big fan of this one , though. And still your fingers slowly decrease their tempo until they are no longer moving inside of you, leaving you needy and ruining your build up orgasm. 

"It's you who needs to stop" - you find energy to snap at her - "you're the reason I'm in such a condition." 

"I'm not even touching you" - she defends herself while you purse your lips. She chuckles and soon enough the sudden force she uses on your chin in order to guide your attention back to her works perfectly and you find yourself dangerously close to her. It takes a lot of self control not to claim the lips that begin to ghost over yours as she whispers - "would you like me to touch you, darling?" 

There's no need for you to confirm it with words as the answer of that question is visible as day for both of you. You've never seen the blonde woman this happy. 

Miranda leans closer to you, shoving her head at the side of your neck. While she slips one of her careful hands down your body until her palm takes a place on top of your own hand , which is still pretty much buried between your legs. Her slender fingers push on yours , urging them to start their movements again. And exactly that they do. The euphoria from the moment is much greater like that , especially when her hand makes the heel of your palm firmly press onto your clit. 

You hiss out of both pleasure and pain while her tongue begins to trail along your neck. Saliva drips from her mouth onto your heated skin , as if she has been purposely gathering it inside. Her lips move smoothly around the more pointy areas around your neck , like your collerbone for example, where her teeth specifically stop to scratch. 

"Look at you" - she whispers just below your ear, her hot breath forces your back to arch. You don't know where she has been till know, or what she has been doing but Miranda also smells of alcohol, and it's not only because of the wine from earlier. The strong hint of nicotine also dances around your nose , mixing with the sweet aroma of her perfume - "dripping on my couch like a needy slut." 

Your hate towards her , in reality, might be an obsession. Because you absolutely detest how correct she is. You are ,in fact dripping, on her couch, around her fingers. And all of that is because of her. 

You notice that Miranda is keen on the idea of her name being moaned out loud. Her body practically vibrates in excitement next to you. So you continue to roll the sound of her name on your tongue, as if it's the only word you know. 

"What a fool that boy is , to abandon such a treasure" - she murmurs, chin placed comfortably on your shoulder as she observes up close the clenching of your jaw, you can feel her free hand moving behind your arched back , in order to wrap itself around your waist - "He does not deserve you." - her lips place a tender kiss on your temple - "repeat it." 

"He doesn't-" - oh her teeth are sharp. The piercing feeling of them breaking the skin barrier of your right shoulder stimulates your eyes to roll backwards. 

"His affection is not equal to love" - she continues to enchant you with her words, forcing you to believe in everything she says - "say it louder, darling, come on" 

"He doesn't deserve me!" - you half scream at her, she slips her own thin fingers under your palm to stimulated your swollen clit , filthy moans caused by that friction mix with your heavy breathing and you squeeze your eyes shut, so close to release - "nor does he love me." 

You finally reach your final peak of euphoria. Your orgasm rips through your whole body , threatening to break you in half. Miranda holds you tight as you ride off the what seems like endless waves of pleasure. 

"Good girl" - she praises you, her gentle palm petting the side of your face - "such a good girl" 

"Kiss me... please..." - even with your mouth dry as a dessert you still follow your primal needs , which just happen to be the desire for her lips on yours - "please Miranda, please..." 

She leans closer , that look of unsurenes appears on her face. And she hesitates. You feel a pressure on your bottom lip, following the demand of her thumb resting there - you open your mouth. And her nose wrinkles. 

"You're drunk." - a statement. The smell of the wine must have gotten to her nose. You refuse to let that ruin your chances. 

"I'm not!" - you exclaim, placing your hand on top of her shoulders as any area bellow them is too risky to touch right now - "please Miranda, let me have this , just.... One kiss." 

Her eyes darken , yet the unfamiliar expression on her face stays. She's considering it. You know you look absolutely pathetic right now - begging the woman that just made you see starts for kisses , as if that's your only desire in the world. The blonde woman shifts in her place and you turn to her , ready to unravel her taken decision. 

Miranda is perfect in every aspect Philip couldn't be. Her lips brush against yours, just to test the waters , then she claims you in a tender kiss. To think this is everything she's going to give you is a joke. Aiming to keep you entertained, she pushes her tongue roughly into your mouth, ready to explore the inside of it. You mimic her movements right after she does it. 

A moan urges to escape from your throat, however it comes out murmured between your shared , heated kiss. You tremble as Miranda lets out a similar sound, meanwhile her hands start to wander around your neck and neck, only to finally cup your cheeks with loving palms 

She pulls away, a string of saliva connecting both of you. Heavy breathing fills the air , which is not definitely not enough, judging by how yours and the chest of the woman in front of you lifts rapidly up and down. She glares at you from beneath her eyelashes for just a second before making up her mind and leaning back to your sweet lips. As if she can't get enough. 

Unfortunately you make the mistake to shift your hands down, fingers shaking in desire to touch her, and you gently caress the exposed skin of her thighs. That forces her to stop , for real this time. 

"No, please.." - you're quick to beg her for more , arms tangling at the back of her neck in a weak attempt to keep her this close for as long as possible. 

"One kiss" - she reminds you. Miranda easily slips out of your grasp. She stands up, while fixing her dress , which one hand she gesture to your shaking legs , while with the other she begins to fidget with her necklace - "i expect you to get rid of the mess you've done before i force you to lick it clean." 

You might actually do it , if it's for her. But no , that isn't important right now. You need her , it's a tragedy she's standing so far from you. Yes, because currently, two steps to the side seem like an endless journey for you.

"Don't leave me like this" - you feel boneless, arms unable to lift and drag her on top of you yet again - "you can't." 

She laughs, the sound like silk on your skin , it makes you shiver. 

"I do whatever i desire to" - she assures you - "perhaps you should consider this a punishment, for going through my personal matters." - she stops to think for a moment - "without my permission." 

She knows. Of course she knows. It's enough to guess she's not talking about documents and useless paperwork by the way her tongue roll the word 'personal'. She's talking about what you saw in the chat with that mysterious woman. 

"How?" - your confusion is genuine. 

"It's not important" - her chuckle follows her body while it turns in the opposite direction, her back now facing you - "what you should know and remember is that you can't hide anything from me , no matter how hard you try." 

With that Miranda leaves alone, half naked and still incredibly turned on in the middle of the living room. With more mixed feelings than you're in condition to deal with. 

Death was right. You truly cannot handle her. 

[dreamoonverse]

“Laugh through it sometimes…”

Bucky x Reader

Summary: Bucky has had to cope alone with his nightmares until you arrived in his life. Little did he think laughter would do the trick.

Mentions: fluff, nightmares, laughter

(I’m exposing a bad dream i used to have 😂 thank you childhood nightmares 😂😘 hope this makes you laugh some)

Bucky never gets sleep, always waking up to no one there. The heavy breathing, shaking. He thought they would go away eventually but until then, he just had to endure. At least this time around, he isn’t alone.

It’s only been a month maybe since you two started seeing each other. You both like to explore, be curious about things. Found common interests like when he told you he likes forties music and you took him to an old antique shop you used to work showing him all records. He was like a kid in a candy factory seeing albums that he thought wouldn’t even exist still. You liked that he had this hidden part of him. He might look brooding and definitely can be. With you, he turned into a cinnamon roll and you loved every minute of it.

You would invite him over to watch movies or hang out he loved that he could fill up his days with you then be wondering around the city. A nice change. Although you two never really spent the night together, you knew he had a past, you didn’t know everything but no matter you couldn’t see yourself giving up someone as amazing as him in your eyes especially when he didn’t see it. This time you were at his place made a big fort in his living room which actually made him less embarrassed that he didn’t have a lot of furniture. You guys spent the whole day watching movies, talking, curled in his arms most of it. He just worried that if you spent the night you would see what happens and he felt like you shouldn’t.

You tried to keep yourself awake as long as possible but with the smell of his fresh balsam cologne and the warmth of his chest as it rises and falls when he breathes it just started to pull you under. You said you would let him take you home but by then Bucky was half asleep himself and you both just knocked out.

As the night carried on to the bewitching hour, Bucky once again found himself jolting awake sitting up, breathing heavy, sweating, shaking. He bunched part of the blanket in his hands zoning out. He heard stirring which made him jump but remembering you were next to him oh god you were next to him and the fears of not knowing if he hurt you in sleep made him panic more.

“Mm Bucky…you okay?” You say half asleep finding his arm rubbing it. “Yeah…i…Mm it’s nothing,” he sounds out of breath you sit up wrapping your arm around his neck rubbing his shoulder. “Hey it’s okay…you can tell me,” you say softly to him running a hand through his hair it was wet some from him sweating so much it made you pout seeing him get like this.

“I..hydra, the usual…” he sighs. You nod listening to him then eventually get up giving him some water to help. “Wanna hear a bad dream I had before…well I have a few but this one,” you sigh out.

“What was it?” Bucky rubs your shoulder. “When I was a kid i used to like watching the muppets like with Kermit and all of them sometimes with my parents.”

Bucky looks at you so confused “uh huh…”

“Listen it get worse okay, ya know miss piggy. Well I would have recurring nightmares of her tying me up and then standing in the corner of my room watching me I couldn’t scream she ducked tape my mouth and then I would wake up breathing hard crying,”

“What?!” He bursts out in laughter he can’t help it he hasn’t heard something so quirky before.

You laugh with him hard holding your stomach “Hey this is traumatizing okay,” you say in between giggles

“Yeah I bet it was…do you need to come with me to the next therapy session hm tell them about this incident,” he laughs tickling you hard. It did make him feel a lot better actually.

You both eventually calm down after a bit laying down again your head on his chest “I think I can spend the night more often now okay buck…you don’t need to be alone when these happen,” you say lifting your head up some facing him.

He was hesitant at first but nodded “okay…if I ever hurt you…you gotta tell me okay,” he says making a compromise. “Okay,” you say meeting his lips kissing him softly.

“And if you ever ya know get these dreams about miss piggy you let me know…” he says biting his lip laughing again.

“Screw you barnes,” you roll your eyes laughing a little kissing him more.

“Mm I love to screw you…” he smirks getting on top of you. “Bucky…” you groan laughing a little there was no way you two were gonna sleep now.

[ejzah]

A/N: For @anonkp, who thought the head canon below would make a good story.

Deeks didn’t tell Kensi for years, but the events of “Silo” were the main trigger for his frequent nightmares and hyper vigilance. He knows all the events leading up to it, the many traumatic cases, near misses, and Kensi’s coma likely played a role. Knowing she was going into the tunnels though, that phone call with her, it was the straw that broke him.

Takes place post “A Land of Wolves”.

***

I’ll Shoulder Your Pain any Day

Kensi woke up alone in bed for the third night in a row. The previous two times, she’d stayed there, waiting for Deeks to come back. Tonight though, when she found her arms empty, and the mattress beside her cold, she slipped a t-shirt on, and padded out into the living room.

Deeks was easy enough to find, his tall frame silhouetted by moonlight as he faced one of the windows. He didn’t seem to be in immediate distress, but Kensi couldn’t think of any other reason he’d be up now.

“Hey, everything ok?” she asked, keeping her voice soft so she wouldn’t startle him. He didn’t show any physical response to her voice, which meant he’d known she was there.

He lifted one shoulder without turning. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Was it another dream?” She crept closer since he didn’t seem inclined to close the distance, and laid her hand over his shoulder. She could feel the tension in his muscles and the stiff way he held himself, and started rubbing in small circles, applying almost no pressure. After a few minutes, some of the tension eased, and she tried again.

“What was it about this time? Sidorov? Mexico?”

“No,” he murmured. She thought that was all she would get, but then to her surprise he added, “You were in that silo again.”

“What? That happened years ago and you weren’t even there,” she said, confused that he would dream about that of all things. His shoulders tensed again, and she frowned, gently nudging him until he turned to face her. “Deeks, how often do you dream about that day?”

“All the time,” he revealed, eyes lowered to the floor. Between the less than ideal lighting and his bangs, she couldn’t get a good read on his expression. “Well, not as much recently.”

“But something triggered it again.”

He glanced up slowly, unexpected guilt in his eyes. She couldn’t imagine what brought it on.

“You going missing,” he inhaled shakily, pressing his lips together as he looked to the ceiling now. “Not knowing where you were, if you were alive or—just all of it. Brings me right back to that day when you called me and I didn’t think I’d ever hear your voice again.”

“Oh my god, baby,” Kensi whispered, cupping his cheek in her palm. He shivered at the contact. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I tried, in my own way.” There was a sadness to his voice; he worked so hard to be positive most of the time, which made the contract that much more jarring. “I started talking about leaving more. Certainly brought it up before then, but that day, and case…it changed something. It made me realize how much danger we, you, were in every single day, and the thought of losing you like that terrified me more than anything that has or could ever happen to me.”

He exhaled slowly, looking as though he’d revealed a huge secret. Kensi supposed he had.

“And that’s when you started being more vigilante about being with me during dangerous cases,” Kensi realized. “Especially outside of LA.” She felt so stupid for not making the connection.

“Yeah. In my mind, if I could be by your side, then I could keep you safe, if we couldn’t leave yet. And then, I know it doesn’t excuse some of the things I said, but, um, when we started talking about going to Mexico to get Derrick Mosley back, I just lost it. All I could see was the most important person in my life never coming back home.”

“Well, you were pretty close with that one,” Kensi whispered. She’d always known Deeks struggled more with the dangerous side of their jobs after a point, but she hadn’t put the triggering even into place. It put everything into perfectly awful perspective.

The desperation she’d seen in Deeks’ eyes, in his voice when he’d asked her to leave with him instead of going to Mexico.

Deeks stared down at her with a mixture of apprehension and pleading. She silently cursed herself for making him feel he couldn’t be completely truthful about this topic with her. Even with their improved communication, the tendency to push it down seemed ingrained.

Sliding her hands down his arms, she stopped at his hands, and grasped them in hers, bringing them between their chests.

“Baby, I need you to tell me these things. Even if you think I won’t want to hear it, or it might upset me. I know I’ve reacted…poorly in the past, but I promise I won’t shut you out like that again. Your well-being, your happiness is important too, and I am so sorry that I made you think it wasn’t.”

He nodded once, not resisting when Kensi wrapped her arms around his back. His body melted into her, and she could only imagine how tired he was. She dragged her fingers through the curls at the nape of his neck, keeping it up until he was completely relaxed against her.

“Do you want to go back to bed?” she asked softly. He lifted one shoulder.

“If I fall asleep, I’ll probably just have another nightmare,” he muttered.

“Then I’ll hold you through them. And talk you through it.” She kissed the side of his head. “I just don’t want you to go through this alone anymore.”

He didn’t answer, but eased back, letting her take his hand, and lead him back to their bedroom.

***

A/N: I hope this is ok. I feel like I wanted it to be more impactful then it turned out.

[mischievouslittlecreature]

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x Succubus!OC

Summary: The nightmare persists.

Word Count: 1,106

Notes: Warnings for depictions of sexual content.

Previous Chapter • Fic • Next Chapter

Chapter 2: Four Nights Before the Party

There were things in the house that her husband refused to explain.

First there were the books. Arrow House was positively brimming with bookshelves stuffed to the gills on just about any subject imaginable. She had been perusing for something to keep her occupied for an afternoon, running her hands along the spines of the books nestled on the shelves in Tommy’s office, when she came to a section that made her brows pull together in confusion. One after the other, bound with black covers and containing hair-raising images: books on necromancy, witchcraft, and demonology.

She’d chalked it up to his heritage, not wanting to think about what other things he could potentially be using those books for. Besides, Tommy didn’t strike her as the kind to pay worship to anything; God or Satan alike. But the sheer amount of books on the topics of demons and black magic alarmed her, and she avoided that side of the shelf when pursuing books to read from that day forward.

But after her nightmare last night, the things in the house that most disturbed her were the portraits.

Because she recognized the thing…woman…whatever it was that had been sitting at the edge of the bed in her nightmare. At the time she didn’t realize it, but later, the next night in fact, while laying in bed waiting for sleep to come take her, she did.

The thing in her nightmare had the same face as the woman featured in many of the portraits Tommy kept around the house. All of them showcasing a beautiful redhead with a mischievous smile, often depicted standing with horses or in an expensive, lavish dress.

At first, Mrs. Shelby just assumed she was some model Tommy must have liked. But when she’d briefly suggested they take down a few of the portraits and replace them with something else, he’d nearly torn her head off.

It was clear that those portraits weren’t going anywhere.

Not that he ever explained why. He refused to speak about the mystery woman at all. Mrs. Shelby didn’t even know her name.

Maybe she could ask some of his family about her when they came to the housewarming party they were throwing in a few days.

She sighed, and turned over onto her side, pulling the expensive sheets more tightly around herself.

She kept trying to remind herself that it had been nothing but a nightmare. Probably spurred on from her stress over the upcoming party with his family and insecurity over him being away for so long right after their honeymoon. The redhead had just been internalized from looking at her face in those portraits several times a day. Nothing more.

It was just a nightmare. 

But it had not felt like an ordinary nightmare. Everything about it had felt completely and utterly real, and unlike normal dreams, the memory of it had not faded in the slightest since waking. She could still hear the sound Tommy had made when the thing sitting on the bed gripped his cock, and the way the monster had grinned at her in silent triumph was seared into her skull; there to taunt her every time she closed her eyelids.

She spent the rest of the day anxious, jumping at shadows and jittery in her hands. By the time night fell and it was time to go to bed, she was actually relieved, hopeful that with a good rest she could put the whole thing behind her and move forward.  

It wasn’t until she was almost asleep that she heard the door open, the familiar sound of Tommy’s footfalls against the rug thumping softly throughout the room as he moved about, getting changed before sliding into the space in the bed beside her.

She breathed a little easier at his presence, taking comfort in it, and drifted off to sleep slowly, falling into it without even realizing. When she opened her eyes, she could smell roses.

Her heart stuttered, a cold sweat instantly breaking out at the back of her neck.

From behind her, on the side of the bed where her husband slept, she heard a giggle.

Slowly, very slowly, Mrs. Shelby rolled over onto her back, head turning to stare at the space next to her where her husband lay.

Except he wasn’t alone.  

The red haired thing was stretched out on top of him, head resting on his chest, and despite the blankets being pulled over them, Mrs. Shelby could tell that they were both naked. Tommy’s arms were wrapped around the monster, both of them staring at her with all the lazy sleepiness of a couple who had just finished a passionate round of fucking. Except Tommy never held her like that when they were finished. Almost always he simply rolled onto his back, arm pressed to his forehead, staring at the ceiling, clearly lost deep in thought. Often she would stare at him from her side of the bed, wanting to reach out to him but somehow sensing that her touch wouldn’t be welcome. Staying like that until eventually she fell asleep.

The thing laying on Tommy’s chest giggled again, head tilting up to nuzzle against his throat. Tommy’s eyes fluttered closed, leaning into her touch like it was all he craved, the thumb of one of his hands rubbing back and forth along her shoulder.

The redhead’s green eyes met hers, lips pulling up, parting with a grin that exposed sharp, fang-like incisors. A stark white against the bright red of her lips. One of her palms rubbed up and down Tommy’s chest, and Mrs. Shelby could see that her nails, just regular, clipped, and painted the last time she’d appeared, had elongated into sharp claws, though they still retained their red hue. She trailed them lightly enough along Tommy’s chest to make him groan, but not with enough pressure to actually break the skin. Stretching up from her spot laying against him, she leaned in to whisper into his ear, loud enough that Mrs. Shelby could still hear.

“I don’t trust her,” she had an accent that was distinctly Yorkshire, but there was an echo to her voice, like it had been layered several times over itself.

Tommy’s fingers circled lazily against her back, tracing over a few of the faded scars there. He followed her gaze to Mrs. Shelby, brow raising.

“I know, love,” he said softly to the redhead.

Mrs. Shelby parted her lips to speak, but before she could utter a single syllable, she was jumping awake, chest heaving and the flimsy material of her nightgown sticking to her skin with sweat.  

Previous Chapter • Fic • Next Chapter

Thank you for reading! Please consider leaving a comment, reblog, or like. I always appreciate feedback and love getting the opportunity to interact with you and hear your thoughts!