#i just got like 5 feet from one of the crows before it took off

[malwarechips]

i am one step closer to befriending the two crows in our garden

[dokifluffs]

Can we get Kageyama x Reader Domestic when he's in charge of taking care of his bb girl while Reader is on business trip 🥺🥺🥺💝

HEHEHEHEHE HEY LEXI HEHE i like this one.

note after writing: this is not a crumb. I repeat, this is not a crumb.

The house was in tatters

The sink was almost starting to overflow

in your and his daughter's room, the floor could barely be seen through all the clothes and toys littered all over the place

Kageyama slept peacefully, sprawled out from a mix of exhaustion but also bliss from getting to sleep in on his day off with no practice or games coming up

but it wasn't an entirely free day off

"dada." The little girl with raven hair like her father crawled onto the bed, pulling at the sheets, his legs, his pants, everything her two-year old little body could muster up to pull herself up

she of course gained success

but that was when kags half asleep, half awake, probably not even knowing what was happening, rose from his sleep and instinctively lifted her up and into his arms

She giggled going up all of a sudden and then was laid beside him as he hugged her in his long arms

she laid there for a bit, playing with the hem of his shirt sleeve, his arms before turning and playing with his face, pressing her little hands to his cheeks and his face

this went on for about 2 minutes before kags couldnt sleep anymore plus it was time to start his little girl's day

He yawned and sat himself up, sitting his little girl up too and grabbing the first thing he saw on the bed and handed it to her to keep her occupied while he quickly got himself ready for the day

"play with mama's volleyball plushie, D/N~" he nuzzled the back of his finger knuckle into her small, plump cheeks, a soft smile spreading on his lips just watching her for a moment

She played with it, grabbing the little limbs with her hands in her little crow pattern pajama, even losing balance sitting and rolling to her back with it, her hands still holding onto your plush

He was quick on his feet and now that he was a dad, knowing the mornings were a rush

he wasted no movements and got himself ready within 5 minutes and now it was time for his little girl's

"D/N~" he called as he went back to the bed, seeing his little girl rise to her feet on the bed, wobbly on the squishy surface. "Upsy daisy," he hoisted her up, her hands still holding onto your plush

He took his time, carefully washing her little face, moisturizing it but of course accidentally using a little too much lotion, which he then put onto his own face

Then took her back to her room to choose an outfit for today

Okay kags as a dad

The morning routine you had to teach him to do it in the correct steps and you made sure to watch him before leaving on your trip

Plus his fashion sense wasn't... the best..

the pictures you had been receiving recently had you worried about what others thought when he took her out on errands or just to play 🧎‍♀️ you didn't want people to think that you guys didn't care for your daughter

But today he chose simple black overalls with a red onesie to wear

At least, he learned from hinata, that the overalls should be put on over the sweater

But he was surprisingly good doing her hair

He put them into two little pigtails at her sides

his cooking skills were okay.. not the best but he was getting there with more experience

He occasionally stirred the miso soup while cooking the salmon and luckily

The rice had finished while everything else was just about done too

He took occasional glances to the living room to check on D/N, still seeing her coloring, somehow holding onto your plush still

He placed the dishes down on the kotatsu she was at on the side away from her coloring book and crayons spread out all over the place

He pulled out her little seat and placed it right beside him

he had a small bowl for her and a bigger bowl for himself

He took a bite, testing the temperature in his mouth before he grabbed the little spoon, puttling a little bite of rice onto it and blowing on it

"careful, it's hot," he continued blowing and leaned close as he pushed the bite into her wide open mouth

she chewed carefully and slowly on her food as kags fed her, occasionally taking 2 bites for himself as he fed her the rice and other dishes

After eating, he finally tackled the dishes swiftly and all the toys and put the laundry into the basket, making a note to wash them sometime later instead

Usually his day's were busy and packed, mostly at the long practices for a couple of hours and then back home, spending time with you two but you were away for a few weeks for work

This wasn't the first time but it definitely reminded kags of how hard you worked for work and also for the family

He thought if this wasn't something he could handle while you were away, how could he deserve to be with you?

on these days with no particular plans or anything, all his attention was devoted to his little girl

he sat beside her, drew and colored with her

read her books

which eventually would lead to maybe a short nap time

if she wanted to watch cartoons, the tv would be turned on, but only in moderation

if she wanted to go out, it would be time to get ready for a trip to the park

He took her on walks through the neighborhood

to Hinata's house to play with his kids

to the park

he loved his daughter so much

but he loved the three of you all together the most

it felt like there was a puzzle piece missing while you were away

you two did talk and call as much as possible, but with the time zone differences, it was hard to stay on call with you as long as he would like

"just one more week," he breathed to himself as he walked, his arms holding D/N who looked happily at him at eye-level, pressing her hands to his face again

"one more week until mama comes home," he leaned close, pressing a kiss to her cheek, making her giggle

[b00ks1ut]

I Got Your Back

Eugene Roe x GN!Reader

Warnings! Alcohol consumption, harassment, blood, mild violence, swearing, mild injury, my attempt at writing lol, I’m really hoping I got all the big stuff

This is based only off the tv series and I intend no offense to the real men of Easy Company or any veterans

Sorry if this is bad! I had such bad block while writing this and for some reason it’s taken me like 4 months to complete this short little thing😭 anyways I’m hoping it’s not horrible!

Also this was written for @executethyself35! Thank you so much for being so amazing and I’m so so sorry this has taken 5 and 1/2 years lol You’re amazing and literally the best <3

The bar was loud and stuffy and crowded, but it was fully of paratroopers, what did you expect? You were sat at a little round table, crowed with too many men; most now at least tipsy and all thourally enjoying the rare weekend pass that Sobel didn't take from them.

"You need another drink?" Eugene barely had to lean over in his chair to reach your ear due to the cramped situation that was your table.

"Oh, yeah. I'll get 'em this time, you got the last ones." You told him turning towards the medic sat next you, your noses nearly touching, and you had to almost lean back to stop yourself from bumping into him.

"No, I ain't gonna make you do that." He began to reach for your now empty glass but you quickly stopped his hand from fully grasping the cup.

"Please, I've gotta spend all this extra paratrooper money," you joked, pushing his hand away and giving it a quick squeeze. You quickly stood and grabbed his mug, not giving him a chance to object.

You had made it hardly 6 feet away from the occupied table, through the impossibility close crowd, when an unknown man had stepped into your path. You had attempted to step around him but it was no use, this man was a wall unwilling to move.

"I'm sorry is there a chance you could move please?" If he wasn't going to read your very obviously uninterested body language then he could hopefully read you as equally uninterested lips.

"Now how about I don't do that and instead take you home?" He was handsome in his own way, he definitely wasn't ugly but was certainly not your type.

"Oh no thank you, I'm just trying to get a couple of drinks for me and friend." You again tried to step around him but he kept moving in a step in front of you. You looked around hoping to catch someone's eye but for how many people were the damn bar you couldn't seem to catch the eye of a single you knew. "I'd really appreciate it if you just let me get my drink."

"How about if I let you get your drink, you'll owe me a drink." He was smirking to himself like this normally worked for him, intimidating people into dancing and sleeping with him. Now that you thought about it, maybe he wasn't just not your type; maybe he just wasn't everybody's type so he had to resort to this sad creepy behavior that definitely was getting him nowhere.

"They don't owe you a damned thing." The familiar Cajun accented voice had reached your ears before you were even aware he was nearby. "How about you get a move on now and we'll all have just a fine and dandy of the night."

"I don't think so no." This man was either the biggest piece of shit or was denser than fuck and you were certain it was the former. Before you could think of a response he had grabbed your arm and began trying to pull you away. As if it were second nature you took the glass in your hand and brought down hard on his hand.

The glass shattered. Pieces flying in all directions but most of the pieces finding their home in the back of the man's hand.

"You fucking whore!" He had quickly ripped his hand away cradled it in his other hand.

"I'm the whore here? I'm not sure what Not want to have sex with you makes me a whore but if it means you'll leave me alone then I'll make it a badge wear it on my uniform." You weren't sure where this attitude was coming from and you had nothing else to blame it on than your last few drinks and the current adrenaline racing through your veins.

The man was still standing there dumbstruck when you turned around to find Gene standing there. His eyes scanned across your face before leaping down the arm the man had just grabbed you by.

His eyebrows furrowed and his eyes became increasingly more concerned when he noticed the cuts on my arm from a few stray pieces of glass. His eyes flicked back to yours.

“I’ll getcha patched up.” He hadn’t left any room for argument but you might as well try.

“I’m alright, it’s nothing I can’t handle on my own.” But by the time the reply had left your lips Eugene already had your hand in his and was walking towards the door.

“You can’t just leave them glass pieces in, it’ll never get better.”

“Fine, I’ll take your word for it.” Why complain when the most attractive man you’ve ever met was asking to take care of you. Only an idiot would pass that up.

Cool dark of outside was a welcome change from the stuffy pub and you relished in it, not having had a break from the heat of George in a while.

“I’m sorry.” His voice was just a low rumble and you weren’t sure if you were imagining it.

“What?”

“I’m sorry,” he had now turned around and faced you, still holding your hand. “I shoulda gone with you to get drinks and I shoulda done more. I just-“ He ran his other hand over his face before rubbing the back of his neck.

“Gene, you have nothing the apologize for. I was the one who insisted I get the drinks, I was the one who couldn’t get myself out of the situation. It’s on me, not you.” You gave his hand a squeeze and his arm a little tug, causing him to finally look at you after staring at this boots this whole time. “But none of that matters anymore, he’s gone and now there’s nothing to worry about.”

“What about your arm? I can’t let you just ignore it.” He was looking at you with such concern and care and all you could do was stare. Yeah staring is rude but how could you not? His short hair was sticking up in different places from him running his hands through it and the light from the bar was casting a beautiful glow that made his eyes sparkle in a way you never saw them before.

He was gorgeous. Not that you’d never noticed this before, but the realization hit you like a truck and it completely stole your breath; he stole your breath.

“Ma joie?” His voice brought you back, a flush spreading across your face.

“Huh? Sorry.” You realized you were still holding his hand, and finally let it drop. The warmth of the rough skin of his was quickly wicked away by the night air.

“Where’d you go?” He was looking at you like you mattered, like you were more than a body. More than a number. More than the shell that Sobel had been working you down to.

“Sorry… um just distracted. What were you saying?”

“I was asking if you need help with your arm.” His eyes left yours to flick down to the still bloody and leaky cut of your arm.

“Oh. I can handle it on my own.” You were kicking yourself the moment the words left your mouth. The best man you’ve ever met wants to take care of you, and you can’t seem to let him.

“I really was just askin’ to be nice but there’s no way I’m letting you take care of this yourself. And I’m especially not letting you make your way back to base when filth like him are around.”

“I can hold my own, I was just wasn’t trying to make a scene in there.” You didn’t know why you kept making these excuses for him to leave you. You didn’t want him to walk away, every bit of yourself wanted to jump on him but a bit of you was too scared of just a little bit of rejection to have him just patch you up.

“I’m not doubting that you could but I am worried you might be a little drunk and that if I don’t help you get that arm cleaned up you’ll be nice and infected in a week.” He had a point, a good point he made a few times now. And what is there to be scared of with him. Eugene Roe is quite possibly one of the kindest most caring people you know what is there to be worried about, if you messed up and made a move he would react completely responsibly.

But for some reason you kept fighting it.

“I just don’t want to be a bother. Go have fun, Gene, I didn’t mean to upturn the night. I’m sure everyone is waiting for you in there.”

“Nope. Not a chance I’m leaving. You’re stuck here with me, and it’s cold and dark so while I’d love to continue this amazing little conversation I really think it might be our best interest to start the trip back to base.”

I was obvious he was done with the back and forth so you let it drop.

—————————

It wasn’t long until you were back where you needed to be. All of the light posts were turned on but no one was out and about save for the few drunk-ish men stumbling from barrack to barrack. Many of the lights to the cabins were on and laughter and conversation could be heard from the people within them.

Gene grabbed your hand and pulled you towards the dark, unlit medic tent. The walk a short and easy trek through the mazes of buildings, as he seemed to know where the tent was and could get you there with his eyes closed walking backwards.

You quietly arrived to the temporary shelter and are met with… nothing. No noise, no startling smell; just more dark. And the awareness that you’re all alone with Eugene.

He continues to tug you over to a table set up in the center of the room. A few crates next to them that he immediately begins to rummage through.

“Can I help with anything?” Your voice cuts through the quiet, just barely above a whisper.

“No, I got it.” He pauses briefly to look at you, never really stopping his hands from sifting through the supplies.

“Eugene, please. I want to help you, how can I help? Even just a little bit, I feel like I’m just in the way.”

“You can help by sitting yourself up on that table there and letting me take care of you. That’s all I ask, that you let someone take care of you; even if it’s just this one time.” His tone was soft, his accent showing through the caring tone. He had grabbed all of the items from the crate and was just staring at you. Looking at you.

Slowly, as if approaching a wild animal, Gene set the supplies on the table and stepped to you. His thighs brushing your knees

Everything about him was stunning. From his heavily disheveled hair all the way down to his spit shined boots, he was perfect.

“I’m sorry.” Your voice had come out uneven and hoarse, barely audible even in the quiet evening.

“What for?”

“You’ve been nothing but kind to me all night and I keep pushing you away. I don’t know why, I think I’m just scared. I mean… we ship off in just a few weeks and then anything could happen. I can’t go getting attached to anyone; especially you.” You averted your gaze to the ground so you wouldn’t have to see his face when he realized what a horrible coward you are.

But, instead of him lashing out and leaving you his hand gently came to your chin, tilting back up, forcing you to look at him again.

“I don’t blame you for that. We’re all terrified, but what’s the point of being here if we’re not going to make the most of it while we can. Why die regrettin’ what’s right in front of you when you all you gotta do is reach a little and grab it. I’m scared that some of the best people I’ve met are not going to come back and I might be included in that but I’m also scared that I’m not gonna take the beautiful opportunity I have right now… with you.” His gaze was soft and gentle. He looked quickly at your lips before taking a small step back. “But I should probably patch you up first.”

“I’m fine.” You grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulling him to yourself until your lips met. Eugene didn’t move, he stayed completely still. You quickly pulled away. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have- I didn’t ask. I just assumed-“

His lips swiftly covered yours. You returning the affection. His lips soft and gentle against yours, still tasting of the ale he left back at the pub.

It was all over before you could completely let yourself get absorbed into him. His soft breaths fanned over your face as his forehead tenderly connected with yours.

“Can I get you fixed up now?” A playful glint in his eye, and a blush so bright you could still see it in the dark, adorned his face.

“I suppose I’ll allow it.” Your smile morphing into a smirk.

He picked up a pair of tweezers, from the pile he had set next to you, pinching them at you jokingly.

“Let me know if I hurt you.” He gently grabbed your arm by the elbow and maneuvered it to where he needed it. The contact from him, although little, had a fresh blush creep up your neck.

“I’m sure that I’ll be fine.”

You soon learned that was not true. Once he had gotten all of the biggest pieces out of your arm, his search for the tinier shards started. You tried to muffle your winces but everyone he’d stop and wait until your face had returned to neutral.

“Ma joie, please let me know when I hurt you. I don’t have much left to get but I hate to be hurting you, so let me know so I can stop it.” Gene had set down the tweezers so he could hold your hands.

“I’m not hurting. I’m completely fine.” Your lie was obvious but he was doing enough for you already that why would you interrupt his process just because you’re not completely comfortable.

“Alright then.” He picked the tweezers up again and got the last few pieces out, still pausing whenever you flinched a little too hard. He then proceeded to do the most gentle cleaning and wrapping ever performed in history. He rinsed out the area, dabbing away all the water like if he pressed too hard your arm would fall off. Then he wrapped it all up in a sterile bandage, asking if it was too tight every two wraps around your bicep. “All done!”

You went to slide off the table but his hands held you in place. “I thought we were done?” He just stared, emotion clear in his eyes.

“Can I kiss you again?” You surprised yourself with the question. You had been thinking the thought since it happened the first time just 30 minutes before.

“Of course you can.” His hands came up to your face, cupping your cheeks and lead you together.

I was the same but different from the first kiss. This one wasn’t hesitant or awkward as you tried to find your placement, you meshed perfectly. Your lips moving over each others in perfect harmony. Little puffs of air from his nose tickling your lashes, and the way he smiled into the kiss had you melting into his hands.

Your arms went up his chest to his shoulders, stopping to loop around his neck; your fingers curling slightly into his hair. All of Eugene was surrounding you, his smell, his taste, his entire presence was all you could comprehend in the moment.

He eventually pulled away, breathing heavy. Eyes slowly opening back up to look into yours.

“Thank you.” You don’t know why you said it. You were saying for the man that left you alone when he arrived. You were saying it for the bandage snuggly tied around your bicep. You were saying it for the breath taking kiss you just had. But most of all you were saying it for the man that was going to be there for you in every moment he could be.

“I got your back; through it all.” He squeezed your hips, his eyes never leaving yours.

“And I yours.”

[zweetpea]

Chapter 5 The prospective (TBRAHE)

(That mean the future^) 

cw: infidelity, swearing, gore?

“How am I going to tell him, Riko?” You asked your little dragon as you laid on your bed. “I have to. I should be the bigger person and tell him. Besides, or marriage was never one of love. He is in love with little miss Pissa. Ugh! This sucks.” You rolled onto your stomach.

“(Y/n)? May I come in?” Addison asked.

“Sure.” You responded. She gently creaked the door open and peered in. “Hi.” You waved not really moving from your position.

“Your husband was wondering where you had gone. There was a bit of a fight in the garden.”

“What?! Is everyone okay?”

“That new guard of yours had challenged the Duke and the King to a duel for your honor. The three of them are currently being treated by Shoko in the hospital.”

“Ugh, great! Another thing I have to worry about.”

“It was quite amusing actually. I’d never seen your husband so wound up about you before.”

“What do you mean?” You were slightly apprehensive to ask.

“Well…”

——

“I think these are the documents.” I’d told this new guy who was with (Y/n). We headed back to the boys.

“I never actually caught your name, I’m Chisa.”

“You can call me Addie. So, and I mean this respectfully, why are you here?”

“Her majesty’s father has hired me to protect her after news of the Kings affair got out.”

“That’s probably a good idea. I’m worried about what Parliament will do if the Royals split. I believe a majority actually favor our queen but the minority that supports the king is powerful, and influential. We may not make it if a war breaks out and our government is split.”

“You’re quite knowledgeable for a maid. Quite skilled too.”

“Thank you. (Y/n)- my lady has funded my education from her own pocket money.”

“She’s terrifying.”

“Only if you piss her off.”

“Speaking of pissing people off, we’re back with these jerks.”

I hadn’t even noticed that we’d returned. “Your majesty, Duke Geto, we have the paperwork.” I set down the papers and the king signed, however Geto insisted on reading the stupid thing first.

“Just sign.” Chisa growled.

“Excuse me?” It was less of a question and more of a ‘how dare you speak to me like that’.

“…please just do ask the queen request of you and sign. The stupid. Paper!” Geto begrudgingly signed. I took the paper back afterward and Chisa glared at the two men. 

“What?” The King asked. Chisa took my hand and removed my riding glove; then he proceeded to smack Geto and tried to hit the king but it went around him due to his cursed technique. He then threw down my glove.

“I challenge you both to a duel for my lady’s honor!”

“ Your lady?” The king snarled.

“Yes! Her father picked me out for her!”

“Fine. If you want to be obliterated that badly Suguru and I’d be happy to do so for you.”

The three men stood to face each other. Chisa gripped the hilt of his sword. Blue light emitted from the Kings fingers as Chisa was sucked towards him.

Once he was five feet away from the king he unsheathed his sword and uttered a phrase. “Cursed technique, dream stasis.” As Chisa said those words a red circle appeared on the ground beneath him. Gojo stood inside it bewildered before he passed out and dropped Chisa.

“SATORU!” The Duke cried as he sent out a chimerical mess of curses with a crows body and wings, an eagles gold talons, and a small goat head, with a second head of a cat.

Chisa quickly sliced through them. Then he turned his attention back to the king. “Domaine expansion, sleep paralysis. This allows my prey to be conscious but unable to move or use cursed techniques. I want you to suffer.” He said as he kicked gojo in the head and stabbed him in the shoulder.

“STOP!!” Geto called. The domain was clear enough so everyone could see what was happening. “Baku go!” Another chimera was summoned. One with an elephant head, tiger body and an ox tail. That thing sucked up the domain as Gojo still laid on the ground. Chisa then ran towards Geto and cut apart the Baku.

Chisa swung at Geto but he dodged. Chisa kept swinging and even managed to cut him a bit. “Dream stasis!” He called out and Geto passed out. Chisa fell backwards and coughed up blood. “I think… I’m dying.”

——

“And that’s when Shoko came running out with her subordinates and brought the three back to the infirmary.” Addison had informed you on your way down to med bay.

“Ugh, those idiots.”

“You don’t want to meet Shoko’s new assistant. His name is Landon and he’s a total pervert!“

You sternly stopped and looked over at Addison. “What. Did. He. Do. I command the truth!”

“He asked me if he could watch you “rail me” then when I told him that I don’t see you in that way he asked if I’d rather have him rail me, because he thinks I have a “thing” for sorcerers.”

“I’m gonna kill him!”

“No! If you do, Shoko will be mad at you. Then your relationship with your husband will be ruined!”

“You let me worry about Satoru.” You sigh. “If you don’t want me to go to med bay then please just get Chisa and bring him back to my suite. I’m going to the park to think.”

“Be careful. Teleporting drains your cursed energy.”

“I’ll be fine.” You grab her hand and squeeze it reassuringly.

You teleport down to the middle of the park and walk through the trees. As you walk closer to a bench you see a little bird fall out of a tree and you rush to save it. You catch it and put it back up there.

“Poor Aya. She’s always been a bit… slow.” A man on the bench shook his head. He was bald and rounder in size. “Thanks for saving her.”

“You’ve named her?”

“I’ve named all the birds in that family. Naka is the small one that likes to puff out his chest. Howie is the one who the white spots. No matter how far they fly they’ll come back to find me. Just like their father Alucard, and their mom Koyo. Very similar to my own son.”

“What’s he like?”

“Passionate about work. Not the strongest or the brightest, always getting beat in the fights he’d pick, but loyal to a tee. And always so very good to me. He became a knight for a rich family and ever since he’s been stuffing me with delicious meals. Enough about me. Why are you here, for something on your mind?”

“Got it in one sir. My husband and I are going through a bit of a rough patch.” He doesn’t seem to know that I’m the queen, I’ll just leave him be without that knowledge then. “We’re in a bit of an open relationship. Married for our parents best interests. I recently found out that his girlfriend is cheating on him. He’s so happy with her, so… should I tell him? Would he believe me? We’ve never been happy together but he surely doesn’t deserve this. But he’d be crushed.”

“Tell him. Even if he’s upset, you shouldn’t lie to him. You don’t want to hurt him right?”

“No, even if he deserves it.”

“Then tell him.”

“Okay. Thanks sir, may I come back to talk to you again?”

“Anytime.” He smiled at you. Once you teleported back home the old man muttered. “Your highness.”

Back at home you decided to tell him over breakfast tomorrow.

You got bathed and dressed in a pink dress and walked down to the dining hall. You took your seat across from miss Pissa (dressed in magenta) and looked right to see Satoru.

“How was the park yesterday?” He asked.

“Stalking me?”

“Addison told us. Is there a particular reason why you’re eating with us today?”

“Gojo.” You said in a serious tone. You looked into his visible eyes, then looked away.

“Yes Gojo?” He responded back teasingly.

“There’s a cheating whore to your right.” Marissa dropped her fork and it clanked on the ground.

“That’s outrageous! Ruru tell her!”

“Is that why that bastards cursed energy was on you? Landon was it?” He doesn’t look up to meet her eyes. That’s right, the six eyes can see cursed energy more in depth.

“Huh?” She peeped as he rose from his chair and grabbed her by her blond hair.

“DO YOU THINK THAT IM STUPID?! I CAN SEE IT! HOW THAT BASTARDS KISSED YOU JUST THIS MORNING!!” He throws her on the ground. “Guards! Take her, that Bastard and her maid away!” He commanded as tears weld in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks.

“Wait! Ruru! No! I’m sorry!”

His face lit up for a second. “Halt!” He walked over to her. She smiled at him like she knew that he’d forgiven her. Until he ripped your ring off her finger and her face fell in horror.

He then walked over to you grabbed your hand and slid the ring back on you. “Right we’re it belongs.” He voice was shaking as he sobbed.

“Don’t cry. It’s unbecoming of a king.” You snatch your hand away. “A weak king means a weak country.” You start to walk away. “Go to the guest suite and take a nap. I’ll auction off anything that whore’s touched.”

“I want it burned.”

“Suck it up. We need money to go to war. If you want to survive and be king, then you need to trust me.” You grab him by his chin. “You will play the role of the bloodthirsty king. I will play the role of the gentle queen. You scare off our enemies. I keep relationships between our allies and our citizens. Got it?” He nods.

“Good. As of today I’m taking executive control of the treasury.”

“I’m so sorry!” He sobbed.

“I may forgive you in time, if you play your role well.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes!” He promised, tears gushing from his eyes.

[crookedcrowclub]

Review for A Conjuring of Light by V .E. Schwab

5/5 ⭐️

WOW.

reading this felt like reading a crossover novel of all my favourite characters from the previous two books because each of them were so incredibly fleshed out that this could’ve been anyone’s story. it feels as if i’ve met these characters and had conversations with them because they seemed so tangible.

Plot & Pacing

what book 2 lacked in terms of plot and pacing, book 3 more than made up for it. the story picks up right where book 2 left off and the momentum doesn’t slow down one bit. it only kept getting better with surprises and twists at every turn. if you know me, you know that books are my sole sustenance when it comes to escaping the horrors of reality and ACOL swept me off my feet from the very first chapter!

Characters

the character dynamics were much more nuanced and their interactions were TO DIE FOR (!!!) not to mention, they all had insane chemistry with each other and some wholesome moments thrown in as well. kell, lila, and holland have cemented themselves as my ultimate disaster trio and i just couldn’t get enough of them.

the flashback scenes gave a deeper insight into each of the characters’ backstory and i ended up caring more about them than i imagined. holland’s especially packed a punch. his chapters were agonizing to read, emotionally charged and tugged at my heartstrings. i saw him as the villain at the beginning of this trilogy but it turns out, he’s an anti-hero who deserves to be happy after everything he’s been through. his chapters alone were a solid 5/5 stars for me, and he has earned a top ten spot in my Most Favourite Fucked Up Characters of All Time 😌.

as for lila, she had it all: beauty, brains and brawn! but besides that, we also see her come to terms with her attachment and abandonment issues that she’s struggled with since book 1. her arc was moving yet powerful. most of it strongly resonated with me because it hit too close to home. delilah bard is basically me but in different font and i adore my knife wife so much 🫶🏼.

kell’s daring persona that i sorely missed in book 2 made a sweeping comeback and his character was even more striking than before! unlike in the previous book, he was very level-headed in this one and took on the fitting role of a natural leader who guided his team in their quest to defeat evil. he kinda reminded me of kaz with the easy way he almost always got the final word. his chapters were poignant with direction and focus, which was refreshing to read.

i was thrilled that we finally got alucard’s POV (!!!!) i like his character but sadly, he didn’t really stand out in the book for me. it felt as if he was merely a plot piece to keep the story going. things were happening and he was just kinda there. either way, i enjoyed being in his head and learning more about his past.

rhy was less annoying and bratty (thank goodness) which i think had a lot to do with alucard’s presence at the beginning. he also had lesser chapters in this book but he started growing on me around the 70% mark. i liked how resilient he was in never giving up or cowering in face of adversity and how much he cared for his people. towards the end, he proved to be a well rounded character with a satisfying arc.

side mention: the minor characters (hastra, lenos, tieren, maris, ned, maxim, emira, even cora!) were amazingly well developed and despite their limited page time, they stole the show all the same! i would deadass be down to read each of their spinoff stories if the author ever decided to write them.

Conclusion

overall, ACOL struck a perfect balance between character-driven and plot-driven storyline to the point where the characters ceased to be fictional and started seeming like actual people in my head. not only that, this trilogy felt like getting a warm hug from an old friend because it reminded me of six of crows and a couple other YA novels which i loved during that time. it was nostalgic reading it even though i’d never read it before.

as for the ending, it was satisfying but the suspense was over quick. i wanted to see more action in the final fight scene after all that buildup but either way, it was fulfilling to see my beloved characters find closure after everything that happened. i can see where the continuation trilogy is headed and im beyond excited to read it!

ANOSHE✨

[maribatz-2k]

Day 5: Shot(s)

Note:

Welp. This was longer than expected but there was soo much detail and ideas behind this that I wasn't sure where this would go. Wasn't too sure if this was a Mature Rating or Teen and Up so for safety I put Mature.

----------------------

At 18, Marinette was finally able to go to bars and drink with her friends without parental advisement. Now at 21 and living in America with her said boyfriend. He was a musician and he reminded her a lot of Luka, but he wasn't. He was an American guitarist, named Mickey, she met at a bar that her college friends dragged her to. He was playing cover songs on a single stage, siting comfortably on a stool in his white Tshirt and ripped blue jeans and black and white converse. They had locked eyes during one of his many songs. Marinette couldn't look away and her friends elbowed and teased her all evening. Eventually he had walked over and they got to talking. Exchanged numbers and a date and more later they were a couple.

He had convinced Marinette to go with him to his gig at a bar in the semi high-end side of town. She reluctantly agreed despite it being her birthday and her boyfriend said thag he had a surprise set up for her just wouldn't say when or what. She dressed up in bed nice comfortable clothing, grabbed her purse, locked her apartment extra right, then met him down at the main door of her apartment complex. He pulls up in his black Toyota Camry, window rolled down and looks at her.

"Mmm hey sweet thing. Need a ride?" He tried to sound sexy and cool. Marinette raised a brow then shook her head before leaning down pressing her elbows on the door.

"Sorry sir, but I don't think my boyfriend would be so keen to me taking rides with strangers." She winked twirling her raven hair around her finger.

"Ah lucky guy. Then I guess I'll have to ask this boyfriend of yours for permission." He smirks before pulling the visor down and look at himself in the mirror. "Alright sir. So I want to take this pretty lady here at my window out for a good time. You got a problem with that? No? Well good." He closed the visor and turns his attention back to Mari.

"He said yes?" She asked teasingly shifting her feet to not hurt herself in the stupid heels she put on.

"Indeed he did. Let's go." He unlocked the door and waited as she opens it and climbs in. Once buckled they drove off into town for 30 minutes. No one spoke on the way, but they enjoyed the wind blowing through the car. When they arrived, Mickey got out opened the back seat and removed his guitar case. Marinette waited a minute or two before deciding to just get out of the vehicle herself. She examined the area, finding motorcycles and cars all around this place. The building was almost the side of two bedroom house that had good bones but lots of wear and tear. It wasn't dark like all of Gotham but it had a more of a homey feel to it. Mickey took her hand and pulls her inside, where she meets with the smell of sweat, alcohol, cigarettes, and food.

Marinette felt out of place. There were men and women everywhere. Tables were full, the center of floor was filled with dancing women and a few men who decided to take a chance, and a stage sitting out in the back to allow space. The bar was tucked over where the one would assume was a dining room at one point that elad into the kitchen. Taking a better look around, the inside of the building was more modern and luxurious feel. Men and women were dressed almost formal and yet casual. Some women were even too underdressed in Mari's opinion. She moved around to find a seat at to watch her boyfriend on the stage. He finds a position he was comfortable in and began to play.

A few songs in excited screaming and shouts from the crowed of women near the front later, Marinette decided to go up to the bar to order a drink for herself and Mickey. The bartender, a very handsome brawny type asked for her ID. She handed it to him and watched as he examined the card to see if it was fake. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't mentally drooling over this man. He was kind of tall, dark, and handsome. His blue eyes moved across her card and back to her face if they stayed on her, she'd probably melt right then and there. God I'm such a Hoe I have a boyfriend. I have a boyfriend. She mentally thought to herself. But the man was built. Like could probably lift her up like she was just a sheet of paper built. Her mind let loose images of naughty things she would like to do with him, but then stopped as he handed her back the card.

"Happy birthday little lady." He says giving her a charming smile.

"Oh thank you!" Marinette says blushing red as she remembers her thoughts and now mixing them with his strong honey like voice. "What can you recommend for a good first birthday drink?" She asked.

"Mmm.. shots. And I know just the ones." He smiled and turning around to pick up his mixture of flavors. The music stopped catching Mari's attention back to the stage. Seeing her boyfriend taking a drink of a beer. He looked up and waved it at her then begins to sing another song. It was one of their songs they sing in the car she listened to him but then began to sing along. A two shot glasses clink to the surface next to her arm but she refuse to stop singing until it was over.

-

Jason had been managing this bar for a long time now. He has seen too many dip shits and whores to even give a damn anymore here. As long as there was respect he didn't care what anyone did. So when Tim suggested doing open mic there, to bring in some actual people outside of street urchins, he gave it a shot. A year from today and it has been a success. Many people of different sides of Gotham has visited and he was making enough to revamp the place now exteriorly.

Tonight a loner guitarist had signed up for two nights with a couple other bands. Keeping it timed to allow them to rotate. It was around 1900 when the guy walked in holding his guitar case, behind him was a small woman no more than 5"2' maybe? It was hard to tell with her blood red, can those toothpicks even be considered heels, like heels. She wore a tight pair of blue skinny jeans that emphasizes her muscular toned legs and round ass. She had patches of ripped fabric randomly placed along her legs. Before he could completely eye rape her further, a customer came over requesting for more drinks.

Tim had decided then to show up sitting there on on his barstool sipping on a cup of coffee.

"Come on. You're in a bar. Drink something other than caffeine." Jason remarked.

"Hey, leave me alone. I'm a paying customer." Tim scowls.

"Paying customer my ass." Jason retorts and shifts his attention only to the crowd. His eyes scanned the room looking for the female from earlier to no avail. He gave up for now listening to the musician singing a couple cover songs. After his fourth song, someone stepped up to the bar to order two drinks. Jason looks up seeing the small woman from the door and blinks. He looked over at Tim who was still focused on his cup not once looking over yet and smiles. Perfect!

"Can I see your ID?" Jason asks. She pulls her purse up and pulls out her ID from her wallet. Looking it over purposely delaying giving it back, he takes this chance to look at the woman more. Her hair was in a messy bun and with strands of hair falling all around her face and some caressing her bare skin around her neck and shoulders. Marinette was wearing a dark red top that rested off her shoulders exposing a small amount of cleavage unless she leans over. Which is what she did. She was adjusting herself on the stool and as she waited. He handed her the ID back leaning over be heard.

"Happy birthday little lady." The raven haired woman was blushing. He had caught her eye raping him too. He could imagine the thoughts she was probably having. He'd be lying too if he said he wasn't.

"Oh thank you!" Her voice let out a squeak in her excited tone. "What can you recommend for a good first birthday drink?" This excited Jason.

"Mmm...shots. I know just the ones." He turns around to begin getting his mixtures of flavored alcohol, juice, and garnishes. He preps the different flavors into a shaker then pour into two different shot glasses. He can see Tim's eyes look up from the cup to see the glasses then to the female who is now singing. Her voice was very sweet and smooth, nearing the end with a hum. Tim was watching her with a soft smile then leaned over to whisper into her ear. The woman straighten up and blushed more earning a chuckle from Jason's little brother. She turned around looking down at the drinks Infront of her.

"Ooo these looks colorful." She smiled then reached for one. Jason went to grab for the other one but Tim grasped it earning himself a scowl of displeasure from Jason. Tim just smiles and Salute to Marinette and downs the shot with her. Jason's mouth just dropped watching the scene. Marinette did the same and downed hers with ease and tipped the small glass upside down on the bar.

"Oh my God I want another." Her smile was radiant.

-

Tim was glad he decided tonight he'd finally go back to Jason's bar. Sitting there drinking a decent cup of coffee. Yes, I know coffee in a bar. He thought. He sat at the bar with his brother behind it serving out drinks and food. Tim doesn't really care of the people around him, though it doesn't help that he was tired too. He didn't expect to find a little French woman sitting next to him and celebrating her birthday here of all places. He knew full well that his brother only did the two shots for himself and her. But Tim just said fuck it and took it. Surprisingly, it was smooth. What was smoother was the woman's radiant smile.

God she looked like a freaking Angel. Her skin was smooth and barely tanned. It was hard to tell if this woman was even real until her skin across her cheeks were flush. Jason put down another set of three shot glasses and filled them up with different set of mixtures. Neither moved to grab a glass as they watched the other to see who grabs first.

"Birthday girl first." Jason said.

"I went first last round." She whined with a giggle.

"Then I'll grab first." Tim went to say only for Jason to swipe the glass away from Tim's reach. Tim scowls and reaches for the one in front of the ravenette. She blinked then grabbed the one in front of Jason. With a group Salute, the three of them took the drink as one and gasped out. They slammed the glasses down on the bar. Tim didn't like the flavor of what turned out to be whiskey and cranberry juice. The little woman gave a sour face sticking her tongue out on the side as she decided on what to say.

"So missy, what's your name?" Tim asked curiously. Jason did another set of shots listening. She must be a light weight because she began to fall into a flushed giggle fit.

"Marinette. But my friends call me Mari." She reached up and touched her cheeks. Tim reached over and moved her hair from her face then gently placed his hand on her knee. Mari had turned her attention away looking back at his brother but not acknowledging his hand on her leg. Tim took this chance to look over this woman Infront of him. She was gorgeous, something about her just seemed different than the women that he had once been with. He wanted to pull her into his lap as they continued to take shots. Wanting to cover her exposed skin in kisses and marks from his lips. Tim took a glance over to his brother, watching Jason give the same expression as his own. Desire.

-

Marinette watched the two men who continued to share shots with her. God how did she get this lucky to have two hot men serve and drink with her. They shared another set of shots filled to the brim. Mari continues enjoying herself which hasn't been this good in a long time. She watched the two men around her, taking in their desired sexiness that she underestimated until the third shot set in. The last drink with whiskey and cranberry juice did not taste so good but refused to spit it out. Luckily the man next to her didn't like it either.

"So, do I get to know your names?" She leans forward pressing her chin on the back of the hands accidentally causing her shirt to open around her chest area.

"I'm Tim, your bartender here is Jason. My brother." The man next to her said with a wide smile. Mari turned her head to look up at the bulky handsome man in front of her.

"Mmm... seems almost fitting." She smirks watching the man accidently drop the cup he was fixing. She let out a chuckle. "excuse me gentlemen, but Ill be back for some more celebratory drinks." Mari slides down and walks through the crowd disappearing near the back right corner. She found the sign that says restrooms and slips in. Marinettes mind was wheeling over Tim and Jason. Picturing them wearing her newest designs, measuring them, and just even leaving them there practically naked. She got a glance at her reflection in the large wall of mirrors behind the row of sinks. Her face was flushed and she had a smile present on her lips. She had a feeling she forgot something, something important. With a shrug she went to handle her business and return to wash her hands. It wasn't until she was drying her hands with the paper towel and fixing her hair that she remembered. She completely forgot about her boyfriend.

Marinette quickly runs out of the bathroom bumping into a couple making out near the restroom. She apologized then walked toward the stage trying to find her boyfriend. He wasn't anywhere near the front. She looked around through the crowd until she finally spotted him, wrapped around another woman near the bathroom. Without another thought Marinette goes back to the bar next to Tim and ordered four more shots. Jason applied with only two and waited until she was done to ask.

"What happened little lady?" Tim leaned over again running her thigh out of comfort. She leaned into him but then laid her head on the bar almost defeated.

"I just need to drink. My (now ex)boyfriend was just making it with some woman by the restroom." She huffed out fighting the tears. Tim gives her thigh a squeeze when Jason rubs her hand with his.

"Well, you know how to fix a bad situation. With a good one. And it's still your birthday until midnight. So let's continue to celebrate." Jason says. "Hey Michelle, you'll take over for me? I gotta go home." A woman that was sitting at the other end of the bar glares at him then climbs over the bar and gets behind it to prepare the now asked for drinks. Marinette watched confused as Jason moves out from around and lifts her off the chair like a princess. Tim leaves a tip for the drinks and follows them out. All Marinette could do was blush and cover her face into the man's stern warm chest.

-

Jason put Mari on his motorcycle then climbed on In front of her. Tim placed his helmet on the girls head and button it up before he left to get onto his. Marinette squeaked and hugged onto Jason's waist as he started it up. She let out a fit of giggles as they drove out the parking lot and speeding through the empty roads of Gotham. The two raced to their destination with Mari just laughing and squealing with excitement. There was even a time she let go of Jason and held her arms up in the air trying to catch the air between her fingers. They parked their bikes in the parking garage and dismounted them. Tim helped Mari off after removing her helmet. He didn't want to let go of her waist when he set her down but reluctantly he did letting her follow Jason to the elevator. Tim stayed behind them though, he wasn't complaining, he had a hell of a view.

Arriving to their floor and into the apartment, Jason kicked off his shoes by the door, Mari and Tim following suit, then offered the couch. Jason went to a liquor cabinet he had pulling out three whiskey glasses and a full unopened bottle of bourbon. He filled up the three glasses a shot full as he offered a game.

"A shot for every loss."

"Alright, what are we playing." She asks.

"Mm....what would you like to play?" He asked her.

"Mmm cards." She says. Jason grins and looks to Tim who gets up and grabs a deck of playing cards and began to shuffle them. They were lost in the games and drinking that eventually the whole bottle of bourbon was gone, clothes were all over the living room leading toward a giant king bed and three bodies laying in it passed out. Mari in the middle and held by two strong arms on either side of her.

-

Mari woke up to an empty bed the next morning completely naked and rubbing her very sore and pounding head. She looks over to find a bottle of water and a couple pills of Tylenol sitting on a end table. She reached over and took them then leans over grabbing a random shirt and put it on. Mari makes her way to the kitchen almost tripping over her own feet as she runs her hand through her bed head of hair, pulling it into a over the shoulder ponytail and yawns.

"Wow, so that's what a sexy woman looks like in my shirt." An almost unfamiliar voice speaks from her kitchen making her freeze in place. She looks up and takes in the sight. Two men stood in her kitchen both drinking coffee as one was cooking breakfast. Then it clicked. Her night of events and remembering that two most sexiest men alive bringing her home. Her face grew redder than ever.

"She does look ravishing Tim. But I think we should hold off at least until after breakfast." The man, Jason said as he placed a plate down with eggs and bacon in the empty seat next to Tim.

"Just no more shots. Please my head is still pounding." Marinette says with a huff, forcing herself to get over her embarrassment and goes sit down only for Tim to pull her into his lap and press his face into her neck making her squeak.

"I'm okay with that. Though, you're about wild when you drink." He says wth a soft chuckle and a kiss to her skin making her blush once more.

@maribatserver

[bluemooncove]

Sassafras stood near the center of the square. Seeker had been accepted without question and, from what she told her, Spruce was likely to be accepted to. Now it was her turn. Being chosen to battle a guild member was a good sign but she still needed to put on a good display.

The announcement had said her opponent would be Necromancer. It was strange, outside of one particular hopeful there had hardly been any magic involved in these demonstrations. Even from the guild matches that happened prior. Perhaps magic posed too great a risk of injury for training. It was similar to how she wasn't making use of her bow.

Just as she was pondering what someone that'd choose to go by Necromancer would be like, someone entered the square. Her eyes widened slightly in shock. The woman taking up position on the opposite side of the square was that friendly stranger from before.

"Miss Crow?"

"Not quite. I am Necromancer of Beauty & Beast, The Haunt of Bresk. In this match I will be your opponent. As a handicap I will not make use of any of my familiars, nor any minions."

It almost looked like Miss Cr- ... Necromancer was uncomfortable. The concerned expression on her face and the way she awkwardly fiddled with her staff. It reminded Sassafras of when her sister would get in trouble back at home.

"Also, given the advantages of magic, I will allow you to make the first move."

If that was to be the case, she would be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. This was a powerful opponent, no need to rush into things. She took a series of sidesteps, slowly circling Necromancer. As she did so, her opponent turned to face her. Seemed getting the first strike didn't mean I'm going to hold still. A damn shame, she really had been hoping to get behind her. With each circle the distance between them closed. 5 meters. 4 meters. 3. 2. Just a little closer know and she in spear range!

With her last steps she ceased to circle, only stepping forward. Necromancer had continued to turn. This was her chance, the woman had exposed her side to her. She shoved the training spear forward only for it to meet with Necromancer's staff knocking it aside.

"Damn! I wanted to think I had you!"

Necromancer swung her staff out. Sassafras dodged back sweeping up a small cloud of sand as she barely got out of the way. That thing's length was almost as long as her spear. She hadn't even cast any spells yet and Sassafras was already on the back foot.

"I wanted you to think you had me too."

With the tip of the staff still facing toward Sassafras, Necromancer began gesturing with her other hand. She muttered something under her breath

"hnyty"

As a black bolt of energy shot from its tip. It flew towards her spear but Sassafras managed to lunge out of the way. The sand that it struck dissolved into what seemed to be dust. Necromancer spun after her, keeping her staff trained upon the spear. More gesturing as two more blasts followed after the first! Sassafras stayed on her feet, weaving between the two as she began to charge her opponent.

Necromancer did not let up in her spell slinging. The shorter the distance between them, the more difficult it became to avoid the blasts. Finally one struck the neck of the spear. Sassafras watched as the wood withered away before the first foot snapped off beneath its own weight. Now she had nothing more than a particularly long stick.

"Eh, the tip was already wood anyways. Doesn't change that much, now does it?"

Rather than stop to mourn the spear, she kept with the momentum of her charge. Her spear shaft managed to catch Necromancer's shoulder as the pair slammed into one another. They both toppled over into the sand and dust of the spell. It was then that something odd happened. Necromancer began to cough and rather intensely at that. A bit of concern sparked in Sassafras's mind but they had the medical wizards on standby if this would be a real problem. So, thinking fast, she ceased this moment of weakness to grab Necromancer's staff while they were still down and hurl it as far away as she could.

"Damn thi-"

Her words were interrupted by a flurry of coughing.

"Cursed dust allergy. The sand is too much for me! I yield!"

Sassafras was still partially on top of her but that sounded like a victory to the girl. With as much grace as she could muster, Sassafras rolled herself off and climbed to her feet. She turned around to face the other guild members, trying to gauge the reaction on their faces. As she did the incredibly tall Necromancer rose to her feet behind her. Suddenly she found herself grabbed from behind and twirling around.

"Adventurer girl! You did it! You won! I'm so proud of you!"

It took Sassafras a moment to realize why she was off the ground and what was happening. By the time the other's words sunk in she had already been pulled into as tight of a hug as the beanpole of a woman could muster.

"Huh? I did!? You're right, I guess I did! I won my match! Now they've gotta let me in!"

[nevada-wrytes]

Chapter 5 - A Black Heart Laced with Neon Green Ribbons

Content Warnings: mentions of violence, cemeteries, and death

Link to the previous chapter and link to the next chapter

Part Two: Curses

There was only so long one could ignore a growing pile of “jobs” and “responsibilities” and “duties” before someone came in and pushed the stack over.

Raven was met with such a situation as he powered on the obsidian tablet that most citizens of the Underneath used to communicate (because cell phones, as they say, were for losers). Immediately, message upon message began popping up, most from annoyed clients who demanded a discount for late services. He ignored them all, even some warbled garbage sent by an unknown sender, but stopped when he got to one name in bold.

Boss (derogatory): Come see me.

A time and place were not specified, yet Raven knew exactly what it meant. He had no desire to go back to the Underworld, much less the City of the Dead, and he definitely did not want to meet with him.

With an weary sigh, Raven took a sip of his drink, finding comfort in the puffs of steam that curled out of the teacup.

Usually, cafés were uncomfortable places filled with too much noise and movement, but this one was nice. It was owned by an old friend, although she wouldn’t like to be called that, who took pride in preserving the ancient space as it had been a hundred years ago in the midst of the Roaring Twenties.

Raven liked the effect that the dark furniture and dim lighting cast, it felt both mysterious, edgy, and easy to disappear in. Among the swamping leather sofas and bursting bookshelves, he was just an ordinary guy enjoying a cup of tea. Maybe he’d pick up a book or put on a record. Life was simple, it didn't matter that Dahlia was dead. It didn’t matter that she was the fourth girl (along with two other guys) who’d met an untimely demise all because they decided to fall in love with the wrong person. Him.

Maybe it is a curse. Maybe he accidentally pissed off some deity and is unknowingly passing the misfortune on to some poor mortals. The fortune teller from before did seem especially ire with him...

Whatever. Now was not the time to genuflect. The glowing red text on the obsidian tablet in his lap provided an excellent distraction.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” he muttered to the air as he stood up and dusted himself off. He stuck a wad of cash under his used saucer and turned to leave.

And was met with a very dirty, very prickly, broom to the face.

"Heyyyyyyyyy Margie," he casually said, emphasizing the nine Y’s at the end of ‘hey’ to prove his casualness.

The woman behind the broom, an older lady that looked like she was straight out of a boxing match, stared him down. She was taller than him, larger than him, and had biceps that looked like they bench pressed willowy teenage boys just like him.

If it wasn’t for the affectionate tilt of her mouth and the crow’s feet around her eyes she would have given even him a scare.

“Get the hell out of my café you rat." Although there was no real anger behind her words, Raven put his hands up, and backed away slowly.

“I mean no harm, Margi— I’m just stopping by— love what you’ve done with the place by the way.”

“Hmp.” Margi folded her huge biceps over her chest. “Am I s’posed to assume all of that’s true?”

“Ughhhhhh..”

Raven needed a way out of this conversation that contained the least amount of fists to his face. Luckily, Margi saved him the trouble of formulating some brain dead reply.

“What do you want.” A statement, not a question. “You know I don’t serve any criminals no more.”

Raven tried a laugh fit for a guilty man. “Criminal? Who— me? Pfftt..”

Margi gave him a Look.

“WELL ANYWAYS,” he began, as if being louder would erase the awkwardness of the subject, “ignore the details— do you, by any chance, still exchange demonic currency?”

៴

Like every other heartbroken teen, Raven had spent the past few days wallowing into tubs of lemon sorbet and Tinkerbell reruns. He didn’t actually cry, but just the thought of it was enough to make even the most waterproof mascara run.

However, just like any coming of age film, there has to be a point where enough is enough, where maybe the best friend comes in to pull the protagonist out of their moping by the hair and gets them to snap out of it. Unfortunately, Raven has to be his own best friend in this case, and pulling yourself together was much more difficult alone.

Regardless of if he enjoyed it or not, there was work that needed to be done, so he slapped on some kick-ass eyeliner and put on some kick-ass boots to go thlunking through the cemetery— because that was a normal thing to do.

Raven had a complicated relationship with cemeteries. He appreciated the lengths people would go to honor their loved ones, maintaining graves even generations later when there was no one left alive to remember the kind of person the body in the ground used to be, but grave sites also brought about a sort of stillness within him that he absolutely hated.

Even the air was calm, despite it being night and definitely much creepier when the corroded angel statues looked at you with weeping eyes. He felt like he could breathe again, for the first time since— Mother knows how long.

And if he could stay and recharge for hours, Raven felt, with no doubt, he would have enough will to charge into Hell itself and bring back Dahlia, and Rose, and Martin, and River…

Maybe he hated cemeteries because they reminded him of the people he lost. If he looked around, how many of the graves were there because of him?

His chunky boots slammed into the hard packed earth as he walked, a comforting thump in the silence. It had stopped raining ages ago, but the grass was still wet and now that the coolness of the night set in, condensation seemed to hang in the air like wet laundry strung out to dry.

The place was silent, not a rustle of wind or chirp from a cricket to break it up. That was why the voice boomed across the mossy gravestones like an uppercut.

"Oh my my! Don't we have a special guest here tonight!"

A young girl appeared out of the fog as if xe was a hallucination. She sat on top of a giant mausoleum in the center of the cemetery, swinging xer stockinged legs freely. They made hollow thumps when they hit the stone, giving the impression she was moreso a wooden doll come to life rather than a person.

And she did look like a doll, with a tiny figure and ruffled dress consisting of only the colors black and neon green. However, what xe lacked in intimidation factor, xe made up for by carrying a huge metal club that was also swinging at her feet.

Raven stepped closer, near enough to see her delicately painted face.

"Hello, Arcane. Still on gate duty I see."

The girl opened her mouth in what could have been a grin, if someone learned how to smile by listening to instructions of how to move your face muscles rather than seeing the real thing happen in person. Xer teeth were black as coal, and so was her tongue.

"Oh you would like that, wouldn’t you~” She started in a sing-songy voice, but then, after Raven raised a brow, xe cleared her throat, cheeks flushing.

“Nah, I'm just filling in for this Jack kid. Heard you were coming back and just couldn't wait to see ya."

She pushed off the building and dropped down next to him. Or.. not quite right next to him, because she was floating in the air a short, safe distance off, something that requires way too much energy just to remain on eye level with him.

Raven snorted, spirits and their vanities, and tossed her a sack of newly acquired gold.

Arcane snatched the gold out of the air before he had so much of a chance to blink, and began counting the coins. The next few moments were silent, other than the sharp click of metal being dropped back into the bag.

Although Raven really hated his job, one of the few benefits was learning how to read people— and finding a way to use that to his advantage.

Arcane was a wrathful entity— a spirit given flesh with the promises of cold revenge— or something else along those lines. What that meant was she had a passion, but unfortunately xe also had a big, big contract with some Guardian of Death in the way of that passion. So, the sooner she paid off xer debt, the faster she would be freed into the world to wreck as much havoc or despair as she so pleased.

And that, friends, is a very good bargaining chip.

“How many do you have patrolling the perimeter?” In less than a moment Raven had reclaimed her spot on top of a mausoleum as if it were his throne, forcing Arcane to turn quickly if xe didn’t want xer back to him. She looked stricken.

“What? How did you- how did you know that?” The wobble in her voice betrayed her as she clutched the sack of money to her chest like a shield.

Raven tilted his head. “You think I wouldn’t know? Come out, come out, wherever you are, demons.”

A shadow condensed in the corner, spitting out a humanoid beanpole who began frantically signing to Raven, some stuff about begging for mercy which was complete overkill since it’s not like he would actually kill any of them.

“Ah, just Neroli? I was expecting a bigger army for my visit.” He began signing too, now that he needed them both present in the conversation.

Raven didn’t know much about Neroli other than the fact he was some sort of low-tier entity like Arcane, but he did know that the two of them together had a special affinity that he so desperately needed.

"I want a quiet entrance into the Underneath, one that doesn’t appear on any radars, and I know you two can do it. I’m willing to pay handsomely, by the way.”

Arcane sniffed at the ‘handsomely’ part. Xe’d already counted the money and knew it was jack shit compared to what others would pay. That's why Raven was very much counting on his fear factor to get him what he wanted.

"Can't you already portal directly into the City-" Arcane began the accusation with an irritating huff, but was cut off by a warning nudge from Neroli.

The boy looked ready to lay his life on the line for Raven, probably as a thank you for not ending it so soon. (Again, Raven wasn’t going to, he needed them both alive, or, in whatever in-between state they were in currently.)

"Will you open the gate or not?" He forced his voice to sound terribly bored with this conversation, regardless if his entire body was screaming for them to say yes. If he wanted things to go smoothly in the City of the Dead he needed to get in (and hopefully out) quick.

Luckily, neither of them sensed the urgency, and after a private conversation, Arcane begrudgingly agreed.

"Fine, we will. But don’t spread the word that we can be bought for cheap, ya hear?"

Raven agreed with a polite smile, and once the deal was brokered, they all eased back into comfortable familiarity. Arcane switched back to her haughty personality and Neroli poked fun at xer whenever he got the chance. Raven, too, joined them as if they were old friends, enough to keep everyone laughing and chipper until he was through the gateway and in the bleak gray lands of the Underneath.

Tag list: @thebonecarver @victorfrankingstein @confused-as-all-hell @iambecomeyourvillain @brekkercookie @fallen-from-olympus @purpl-cryptid @reyyya @thecurlychameleon @naz-yalensky @thesexypanda-boo @kazoo-the-demjin @twelve-kinds-of-trouble @crime-mastergogo

[theskythatwritesofthisplace]

Waypoint: Domain come to play

Nyx made towards Arlo and the Sparrows bring captured by crows, understanding this was the first time she'd be seen in her grounds. Creeping up trying hard the give bait. Herself. Just as she wanted she was caught by a soldier keeping watch. "Move!" He screamed putting her in view. "What did you find?" Another soldier asked. "Tiny little thing. You think she's be able to do a thing?!" He replied laughing yanking Nyx toward the group. "We couldn't find the others! Or they hid!" Two more said hoping the group.

"Creeter has been looking for this sparrow... said her and her bird can possess things. We hold here." He said gesturing one of the Sparrows they caught. Nyx looked around taking numbers of everything, closing her eyes slowly so that she may hear more than she sees. Signal woman I need signal. I need cadence." She murmured mentally. "What's this one's story?" Asked the one of the soldier of Nyx. "Dunno. Found hiding. Got a creature girl?" He asked Nyx. "Define got a creature?" She answered. "Oh we've got a funny one." He said giving a solid punch to Nyx's gutt.

Rains began to pelt for night landscape, almost abnormally. Nyx began to laugh as she was taken to the ground after getting hit and said "Hilarious to some... but nothing you will miss." She answered as the rain came down harder. The soldiers around were dumbfounded by her wit with one yelling "You're mighty bold with a mouth like that amongst crows." "And you too bald to be saying bold. You sound like you're projecting." She said before being smacked to the ground. Lightning lit the skies as Nyx laid motionless for a moment.

The moment was all and need, lightning kept striking but now in threes. "Creeter should be coming wasn't he?" Said a soldier holding on t to a skinny man. "Supposed to." Replied another. "Maybe he didn't want to watch failure...?" Nyx said. "Quiet you! Where's your animal.... or are you that pathetic." The soldier said striking Nyx again. Howls filled the air, with Nyx matching in laughter. "Define CREATURE?!" She screamed becoming one with Rogue.

All that surrounded panicked hid or ran to attack. But the closer the soldiers and their crows came, they notice the sparrow dissappearing. "Get them back! NO! It's her... Creeter wants THE CRIMSON WOLF" they said ready to slay the beast before them. As the first pair ran toward Nyx and Rogue, rocks, spears and anything heavy and sharp were being thrown. "Knuckheads!!!! We stand with the fires!!!!" Screamed a refuge pelting the lot. "THE FLAME WILL STAND!" others screamed in agreeing.

Refugees jumped out of trees, from hiding in the trees and popping up from the ground. Birds of domain began to flood the space in between, Ani and Kristina included, plucking men of the ground to only to thrash the top three ground. But more crows were coming. "Alright... out for blood. Now get it" Nyx yelled running to meet them. The wolf took off running, gaining speed. They as one began to murmur too themselves changing the signal. With a thunderous hoot she heard Quinn's signal reflecting change.

Within second the duality fly and run together. "Elemental shot gun kid!!" Nyx and Rogue yelled as one. "Got it!" Quinn and Melinoe responded. As they keep going clusters of crows tried to stop them to no avail. After long the emitted their elements... lightning and flames on the very land. "Alright charged! Ready? Yep! K.. 5.. 4.. 3 2 1.! Push!" They said before pushing out a large gust of lightning and fire on the opposing army. A majority had fallen but not all. "That'snotjust some elite yo..." Nyx said "Oh dear..." Quinn whispered.

"Knuckheads! Leave none!! NOONE!!" Quinn screamed on her feet. "What's the plan...???" Nyx asked. "I'm already tracking did that fucker say Crimson Wolf? Why did he seem scared off that??" Quinn inquired. "Don't know... but he might." Nyx answered. They looked down further in to domain to see the queen herself slaughtering soldiers and crows alike. "Creeter huh?" Nyx quipped "Look they want you. I think they believe you're fake.... give me Rogue." She advised. "No, I got a better idea... but I need everyone... everyone with flight... where's is" Nyx said before watching a man fly over them and dropped motionless before them. "You guys ok?!" She asked the queen hugging them both.

"I gave Arlo and the others time to get out. She came storming in beautifly I might add. The people are now beating the shit out of these guys and uh one more thing.." Nyx quickly blurted out. "Well what??" She yelled amongst the sounds of battle. "HIM" Quinn screamed spinning the queen to find a large murder of crows approaching. "I got a plan but she's surfaced and use both Melinoe and Rogue to our advantage." Nyx advised. "Why on earth Nyx?" The queen stopped entirely. "If he knows what happened to his son, that means he who wants Quinn. But they need proof that we are dead. Give them both!" She commanded. "I'll help everyone retreat and secure the girls... I have to make sure they're good." She added.

"You're not wrong. But are you sure beloved?" Quinn asked Nyx with concern. "I wouldn't be comfortable sending Mesh into anything I knew she wouldn't get out of. Come back to me." Nyx answered kissing Quinn's forehead. They all nodded to one another going to separate battles.

[cicimunson]

Sweet Child of Mine Part 3

Series Summary: You’re Eddie’s former best best friend. The two of you drifted apart freshman year of high school and now you’re more enemies than anything else. Despite the hostility between the two of you, you still come around to help out with his eleven-month-old sister, Emma, who he and Wayne keep most of the time due to his father being in jail and his mother being an addict.

Pairings/Characters: Eddie Munson x Female Reader, Wayne Munson, OC characters Emma Munson, Wendy Munson and Greg Thompson.

Chapter Summary: Eddie panics when he wakes up and Emma isn't there, not knowing that you took her while he was sleeping. You two fight again, as usual. Eddie slips up and reveals more to Wayne than he means to about his feelings for you.

Warnings: Eddie injures himself accidentally, Eddie is upset, I don't think there's anything else.

Word Count: 2.2k+

Part 1 |Part 2|Part 4|Part 5|Part 6

Eddie stirs in his sleep, rolling over to check the clock. It's almost noon and Emma hasn't started fussing yet. Usually she'd be wide awake by now, screeching for a bottle and cuddles. Something must be wrong.

Eddie slings the covers off and hurries over to her crib. Other than her blanket and a stuffed doll, it's empty.

He panics. Has she figured out how to climb out?

"Emma? Emma! Where are you, sissy?" He calls out, searching the room trying to keep the fear from his voice so he doesn't scare her. "Are you hiding from your big brother?"

He sprints down the hallway, checking the bathroom. Oh God, what if she got into some cleaning chemicals or something?!

He trips over a pile of clothes as he charges into the kitchen. "Emma? Emma?!"

What if Wendy took off with her? What if she got outside?

She's not in the house anywhere. He flings open the front door. "Emma! Emma, come here, baby!" He calls frantically, jogging through the trailer park. He's barefoot and the gravel cuts into his feet, but he doesn't register the pain.

One of his nosy neighbors, Mrs. Birch comes down from her porch. "Edward Munson, why are you screeching like a crow and disturbing the whole park? Have you no respect for your neighbors?"

"Have you seen Emma? Have you seen my sister?"

Her mouth drops open. "You've lost your sister? Oh, good gracious. That's what happens when you make a teenager play parent. Do I need to call the police?"

Eddie ignores her, sprinting back to the trailer. She has to be hiding here somewhere, she has to be!

He checks under his bed, in the bathtub, flings open all the cabinets.

She's gone. She's gone.

He chokes back a panicked sob and snatches the phone off the receiver. He's halfway through dialing the sheriff's office when you come through the front door, holding Emma on your hip.

"And then we'll wake your Bubba up and get some lunch-"

You stop in your tracks when you see Eddie standing by the kitchen counter, shirtless and sobbing.

He snatches Emma from your arms and buries his face into her hair, hugging her so tightly she squeals in protest and tugs on his curls.

"What happened? What's wrong?" You ask, bewildered.

He glares at you over her head. The rage on his face is unmistakable.

Oh shit. You take a step backwards and he cocks his head, looking even angrier.

You wait nervously while he settles Emma on a blanket in the floor with her cartoons and a sippy cup of juice. He grips your elbow forcefully and tugs you down the hall into his room.

"Eddie, that hurts a little." You protest, trying to snatch your arm from his grasp.

He yanks you closer to him, his eyes dark as he glares down at you.

"You bitch. I should have you arrested. You think you can just take off with my sister whenever you want? It's fucking kidnapping!"

You push at his chest but he doesn't release your arm.

"I told Wayne I was going to take her to the park today! When I got here she was starting to fuss and you were sleeping so I didn't want to wake you! I left a note on the counter, did you not see it?"

"You should have woken me up before taking my sister anywhere! A fucking note, seriously? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Under the anger and fury, you can see the panic. The fear. There's tears in his eyes and he's sweating.

Fuck. He was so scared.

Your own temper immediately dissipates. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, Eddie. I shouldn't have taken her without making sure you knew first."

He blinks. Normally you'd be screaming at him by now, telling him to stop being such an ass.

You lay your hand over his hand that's still clenched around your elbow. "She's fine, Eddie. She's safe. I would never let anything happen to her."

His bottom lip trembles. "I thought she'd gotten out of the house and got hurt. Or Wendy had snatched her again. I thought-”

He takes a deep breath to choke off a sob.

Fuck, I am so insensitive. I'm so stupid. It was nothing for you to take off with your nieces and nephews when you wanted to, nobody batted an eye. But Eddie and Emma didn't come from the same background as you. Of course Eddie panicked and assumed the worst.

"I swear, I will never take her anywhere without making sure you know first, okay?"

You wait for him to tell you that you aren't taking her anywhere anymore. You hold your breath, knowing at any second he's gonna tell you to get out and stay gone.

To your surprise, Eddie sighs and nods, tilting his head back to look up at the ceiling.

Your gaze drifts down to his neck and you become all too aware that you're practically smashed into his bare chest from where he had jerked you against him. Eddie didn't like being touched, but when he was angry with you he always pulled you against him so he could glare down at you, to be more intimidating, most likely.

You step back and he releases his grip on your arm. He's still staring upward, his hands coming up to rest on top of his head.

"Eddie, she's fine." You say softly. "She's safe."

He looks down at you then, his expression unreadable. You have to fight the urge to smooth his hair out of his face, to cup his cheek and reassure him.

Instead you glance down and gasp when you see the state of his feet.

"Eddie, you're bleeding!"

"Huh? What- oh." His eyes follow your gaze. "I'm fine. It doesn't hurt."

"What did you do?"

"I was looking for Emma outside without my shoes. I said it's fine."

"Oh Eddie, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"You never do." He replies dryly, but there's no malice in his tone.

"Can I help? I'll get some water and we can clean your-"

"I got it." He waves a hand dismissively at you.

You hear Emma let out a shriek.

"She's probably getting hungry. I'll feed her before I go."

"I got her, too." He limps toward the bathroom.

You roll your eyes at his back.

"Don't roll your fucking eyes at me." He throws over his shoulder. "I know you too well."

You head back into the living room and scoop Emma off the floor, changing her diaper. You fasten her in her high chair and spoon-feed her some yogurt, cooing words of encouragement to get her to eat more.

Emma sneezes and yogurt splatters all over your shirt. You dab at it with a paper towel, hearing Eddie snicker as he comes into the room, having cleaned his feet and gotten dressed.

"I have plans in half an hour, I don't have time to run home and change." You groan.

"She didn't do it on purpose." Eddie grumbles.

You smile down at Emma and kiss the top of her head. "Of course she didn't. She's too sweet for that, aren't you Emmy?"

"You can borrow one of my shirts. Just bring it back." He offers, surprising you.

"You sure you don't mind?"

He shrugs. "It's just a shirt."

"True. Um, thanks."

"The clothes on my dresser are clean."

"I know, who do you think washed them?" You retort.

"I didn't ask you to."

You sigh. Well he was nice for all of twenty seconds. "Never said you did, and you're welcome by the way." You snap.

"You act like you're my girlfriend or something. It's weird. You don't have to do my laundry or cook for me or anything else."

He really has no idea how much I do for him. He takes me for granted.

"Fine." You kiss Emma's cheek and head for the door.

"I thought you wanted to borrow a shirt?"

"Wearing your clothes? That's a little girlfriend of me, don't you think?"

He rolls his eyes. "Whatever. I couldn't care less if you go to your plans smelling like sour milk."

You know you shouldn't. You know you're asking for trouble. But you stroll back into the kitchen, dip your fingers in Emma's yogurt, and smear it on his shirt.

Emma squeals and claps her hands gleefully, then dumps the rest of the yogurt over her head.

"Now we can both smell like sour milk, you ass." You hiss at him.

Eddie jumps up and you shriek, running for the door. He scoops a handful of yogurt off Emma's highchair and slings it across the room, pelting you in the back.

"I'm gonna kill you!" You rush back to him, grabbing a soda off the counter. You give it a quick shake and open it, dousing him in Coke.

Eddie snatches the can from your head and turns it towards you, spraying you in the face.

"Oh, you dick!" You squeal, knocking it out of his hand.

Emma laughs, shaking her head and sending yogurt in all directions.

Eddie is laughing, too. For a few seconds it's almost like you're friends again.

There's a honk from outside and Eddie stiffens, glancing out the window with a frown.

"It's your little boyfriend. Must have got tired of waiting for you at your place."

"I'm not…he isn't."

"I couldn't care less who you date. Just keep them out of my fucking driveway."

"Eddie-"

"I need to bathe Emma." He lifts her from her highchair and heads down the hall without another word.

You wipe soda off you with a dishcloth, ignoring the horn beeping outside again.

There's no saving your shirt at this point, so you take Eddie up on his offer and go into his room, snatching a t-shirt off his dresser and changing into it quickly before leaving.

Eddie emerges from the bathroom shortly after with a clean Emma, tucking her into her crib for a nap. He turns and notices your dirty shirt crumpled up on the floor.

Scooping it up, he catches a whiff of your perfume and scowls when his heart speeds up. You always smell so damn good.

He wonders which shirt of his you borrowed, wondering if it's one that's obviously his, like a band tee. He can imagine the look on your boyfriend's face when you climb into his car, sporting one of his shirts.

Emma whimpers and he makes her a bottle, patting her bottom until she falls asleep.

He cleans the mess from the kitchen and checks on Emma once more, content that she's sleeping peacefully.

Wayne comes home with his arms full of groceries. Eddie helps him get them inside, putting them away while Wayne sits at the table.

"I hear you put on quite a show for the neighbors this morning."

"Yeah, well, you can thank Y/N for that. I didn't know she took Emma so I freaked out when I woke up and she was gone."

"Please tell me you didn't give that girl a hard time when she got back."

Eddie busies himself with putting cans in a cabinet, but Wayne catches the guilty expression on his face.

"Son, how many times have I asked you to be nice to Y/N? She does so much for us, for Emma."

"You pay her to do that stuff."

"Twenty bucks a week isn't nearly enough for all she does. She goes above and beyond."

"No one asked her to."

"You're right. She does it out of the goodness of her heart. She's a good person. I know you've had your differences-"

"Differences? She got hot over the summer before ninth grade and completely ditched me freshman year to wave pom-poms and drool over the jocks that she used to mock and defend me from."

"Yet she's still here every other day, helping out. Helping you out."

"Hey, I'm your blood. Who's side are you on?" Eddie protests.

"Emma's. She loves Y/N and Y/N is good to her. She needs a female figure in her life."

"You could always marry Mrs. Birch." Eddie quips and Wayne can't help but laugh.

Eddie finishes putting the groceries away and flops down at the table in front of Wayne.

"I can't help it, you know. She knows exactly what to do and say to make me absolutely crazy. She gets a kick out of pissing me off."

"You make it too easy for her."

"Yeah, well, she infuriates me."

Wayne hides his smile. "Gets in your head, does she?"

"Yes! Ugh, I hate thinking about her. I hate that she's always on my mind."

Wayne cocks an eyebrow and Eddie instantly backtracks. "I mean, she's so annoying, you know? I can't stand her."

"I see."

"I mean it. She's the worst."

"I'm sure she thinks the same of you."

"Well, good."

Emma starts to fuss and Eddie hurries down the hall to her. "Hey, sweet girl."

He brings her into the kitchen and Wayne reaches for her, bouncing her on his knee.

"I gotta get to band practice, shouldn't be more than an hour or two. If you need me-"

"I can handle my niece just fine, thank you. I'll remind you who took care of you most of the time when you were this age. You have fun with your friends. Me and Emmy are gonna watch cartoons and eat all the junk food, aren't we sweet girl?"

Eddie leaves.

Wayne nuzzles his nose against Emma's.

"What do you think, Em? Are Eddie and Y/N madly in love or what?"

Tag List: @aedicn @sidthedollface2 @saramelaniemoon @zahra10999 @natasha84 @harrys-tittie @urallidjits @neewtmas @harrystylesandthegoobs @cancankiki

[mammonsturtle]

All We Do (Prologue)

Angst. Just Mammon angst. I’m not sure if this had/will have a plot. Inspired by this song.

CW : Mentions of physical abuse/slight bodily harm, self deprecating thoughts, suicidal thoughts, verbal abuse

A/N: As of 1/25/22, I found this in my drafts and decided to finish this up. So sorry if it’s short!

(Prologue) (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5)

Mammon was just tired. He was just so tired.

It was a miracle he could even move after punishment from Lucifer, a failed attempt to make off with a cursed record and selling it. As per usual, Lucifer had to dish out punishment. Aside from being hung from the ceiling by the heels, he got his whippings and a lecture from Lucifer as his little brothers laughed at him.

“You never learn, do you Mammon?” “Oh please Satan, this is Mammon we’re talking about.” “Give me my money back and die, will you Mammon?” “He’s the idiot of the family remember? He’s just playing his part.” “I expected more from you Mammon. Perhaps I should keep my expectations low.”

All Mammon could do was block out their words and hopefully Lucifer would just hurry up and finish his tirade. Once it was over, all Mammon could do was weakly nod to whatever Lucifer said and crawled back to his room. It took all his strength to get the door open and shut behind him as he rested for now on the floor. It was back like you never stepped into their lives, if you were here, none of this would happened. You would never let them get away with something as severe as this.

He needed to patch up his wounds, as his old ones that were reopened once more from the impact. He takes a breath as he struggles to get to his feet before dropping back to the floor. He truly was useless, wasn't he? An awful feeling bubbles in his guts as he let out a small but sharp cry. Yelping in pain, he knew none of his brothers would come to his aid even if they heard him. He was just a burden to his brothers, wasn't he? 

A failure, an embarrassment and a stain on the family. Even if he was one of the seven lords, the second strongest avatar, it didn’t mean jack if his own family looked down on him. Maybe if he wasn’t around, they’d be better off? Everyone only seemed to see the negative side of him and used it as ammunition against him. When was the last time they ever did or say anything nice to him? He can’t remember, it’s been far too long and the insults and berating heavily outweighed the genuine complements.

Mammon could feel his head getting heavy with thoughts. Maybe he should have died instead of Lilith? All the brothers, minus Satan loved and adored their beloved sister. But they also equally despised him too, didn’t they? Maybe he could do them one more favor, the only good thing he did for the family. Mammon groaned as his body ached from the punishments of late, maybe he could crawl out and hope to find a spell book Satan had left out. Or find poison to consume-

But he couldn’t. He couldn’t do it. Not to you.

The only person to see any good in him was his most treasured human. MC. The fact you weren’t here to help him made him feel even more hopeless. But you were back home in the human world, yeah you kept touch with him but it wasn’t the same. He needed you here with him. He wanted your touch, every tight hug, every head pat, every absent minded fingers running through his hair. He missed the movie nights, the casino trips on the school nights, when it was just the two of you in the aviary just hanging out with his crow familiars. 

But you had a life there in the human world, you were so close to finishing your degree but being summoned to the Devildom threw a wrench into the works. As greedy as he was for you, he wasn’t going to be selfish and he decided to let you go and finish until you were ready to come back to him. 

His eyes couldn't stay open anymore as Mammon drifted off to a much needed rest. He would wait for you, for you to make everything okay and make him feel whole again.

┈┈・୨ ✦ ୧・┈┈

Royal boots gently but silently grace the House of Lamentation’s hallways late into as the first born had finally succumbed to slumber. Ah, the door he was looking for. He turns the doorknob, and the smell of blood hits him like a truck. He frowns as he gingerly lifts Mammon up into his arms. “Ah..MC. You were right.” His frown turns into a silent face of rage as he closes the door, locking it behind him before opening the window out and carefully closing it on his way out. Great wings emerged from their skin casing as he silently takes off back to the Demon Lord’s Castle.

┈┈・୨ ✦ ୧・┈┈

To be continued. I think I’m planning to make this a Diavolo x Mammon fic. ;) 

[sergeantsporks]

Gilded Family

Rating: Teen and Up, Gen

Ch 18/?: Reminisce

Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 6 , Ch 7, Ch 8, Ch 9, Ch 10, Ch 11, Ch 12, Ch 13, Ch 14, Ch 15, Ch 16, Ch 17

In which none of the previous golden guards or wittebro died, actually, they're all fine and living happily together as one big dysfunctional family

Ao3

Jason heard the car rumble above him, and he rolled out from under it, popping to his feet. “Augh! Don’t run over anything!”

Camila screamed in the driver’s seat, putting a hand to her chest and rolling down the window. “Were you under there?!”

“Sorry, sorry, sorry—” Jason gathered up his library book and flashlight from under the car. “I lost track of time, I didn’t realize you were going to pick up Luz!”

Camila let out a sigh. “Put a sign in the windshield next time? You could have really gotten hurt!”

“Sorry,” Jason repeated.

“What are you doing, anyway? Not scavenging my car for door parts, I hope.”

“No, no. Not…” Jason twisted his thumbs around each other. “I was thinking I could help out? Financially, I mean. If I could get a job as a mechanic, or—”

“Oh—Jason, you don’t have…” Camila took a deep breath. “That’s very sweet of you. But most places are going to ask a… lot of questions. About where you were born, who your parents are, your ID… I don’t know if you can feasibly…”

“Well, we have to figure that out, don’t we? If…” Jason’s lip wobbled, and he bit it. “It’s just… we’ve been here a while, and we haven’t made any headway on getting back, so—so—I’m an adult, and I figure I should find a way to help you, because if we’re going to keep staying here…” Jason twisted the bottom of his T-shirt in his hands. “I… I don’t know if we can get back from this side, which means we might have to wait for someone on the other side to reach over, and they’d have to know we were here, which… Phoenix knows where we are, so if he escaped, he could—but he’d have to have escaped, and… I want to help out is the bottom line. You’ve done so much for us, taken care of us for months—”

“And I’ll keep taking care of you as long as you need. Until you can figure something out from this side, or until someone on the other side reaches out.”

“But how long can you keep doing that?” Jason shook his head. “Feeding us, the clothing, the pieces for the door—”

“Hey. Hey! Your parents took care of twenty-five kids. I think I can handle seven.” She put a hand on his cheek. “Okay?”

“Okay. But if I can help—”

“I’ll let you know.” Her thumb brushed just under his eye. “Ay. Were you up all night again? Your eyes look like you got punched.”

Jason shrugged.

“Jason. You can’t help anyone if you’re not taking care of yourself. I swear, you and Luz are two peas in a pod, sometimes. Speaking of which, I’ve got to go pick her up. Take a nap, Jason. Car’s going somewhere.”

“Okay,” he grumbled.

Camila backed out of the driveway, and Jason went back inside, locking the door behind him. The kids were at the portal door house again, so the Noceda household was near silent.

It made Jason’s skin crawl. He hadn’t been somewhere this quiet since his golden guard days.

Still, the background hum of the refrigerator provided enough noise in the silence that when he sat down on the couch and opened his book again, his head started to nod, and the book tumbled from his hands.

Jason!

“Jason!”

Something shook Jason violently, and he started awake, rolling off of the couch and tripping over his own feet before finally stabilizing. “I’m up!” he yelped, “I’m awake, what’s wrong, I’ve got it!”

“Nothing’s wrong!” Hunter assured him quickly, “Well—Amity might have twisted her ankle falling in a hole Flapjack made, but nothing’s wrong wrong.”

Jason rubbed his eyes. “What’s happening?”

Amity held out a little red box. “Look! It was in the floorboards of the h—”

Jason snatched the box out of her hands. “This is Mom’s!” he blurted out, heart pounding in his chest, “This is Mom’s box!”

“I knew it had to do something with the demon realm!” Amity crowed.

“What do you mean, it’s your mom’s box?” Gus asked, taking it out of Jason’s hand and turning it over.

“There’s—” Jason ran a hand through his hair. “We have boxes like these in the house, Mom uses them to hold potion ingredients or seeds mostly. This is… what is it doing here?!”

“Not to freak you out even more,” Amity said slowly, “but there was something inside.”

“WHAT?!”

Amity held out a scroll. “It’s some kind of… we don’t know. There’s pictures and writing, but we can’t make heads or tails of it. Any ideas?”

Jason took the scroll, shaking his head as he turned it around and around in his hands. “I… Uh…” He rubbed his eyes again. “Sorry, doesn’t look familiar. I mean, give me longer with it, maybe I can figure something out, but… have you shown it to Luz yet? Is she home from school?”

Amity shook her head. “We want to make sure it’s not a dead end before we get her hopes up.”

“Do you know how to convince the car to take us to town yet?” Gus piped up, “We’re going to check in town for clues tomorrow.”

“Do I… I can’t drive. No.” Jason moved to the kitchen, holding the scroll up to the light. “Mmmmmmm…

Amity and Hunter glanced at each other, and the kids all went outside. Their voices were muffled, but Jason could still hear them through the door.

“I told you we shouldn’t tell him, either,” Hunter’s voice said, “He’s going to obsess over it.”

“And he’ll stay up all night studying it,” Gus agreed, “We didn’t want to tell Luz because we didn’t want to get her hopes up for another dead end, but he might be just as disappointed.”

“We woke him up for it, too.”

“Sorry,” Amity sighed, “I just…” Her voice dropped even further, and Jason had to strain to hear. “You saw how he reacted to the box. It’s starting to get kind of obvious that you two’s… dad? Was neck deep in all of this portal business. If anyone has some kind of subconscious clue or hint, it’ll be him.”

Jason rolled up the scroll.

Great. Instead of taking care of them, I’ve just made them all worry. Good going, Jason.

When they came back in, Jason handed the scroll back to Amity. “We’ll work on it tomorrow?”

“Yeah. We’ll work on it tomorrow.”

Xxx

Jason circled the house, but it was more routine than an actual patrol at this point. There was nothing in peaceful suburbia that would hurt them, there hadn’t been anything (except for a swarm of bees) that had even tried.

Jason rubbed his eyes, and took one last look out into the darkness.

Blue eyes blinked back.

Jason ran towards them, scooping up a big stick as his feet thumped across the ground. The blue eyes were gone, but he could hear rustling in the bushes, and he charged towards the sound, following it into the forest.

Jason kicked at a bush as the rustling stopped.

A raccoon lunged out, hissing, and bit his foot, its eyes shining a reflective blue in the light of Jason’s flashlight. Jason yelped, hopping up and down and shaking his foot to dislodge the creature before it could bite through his shoe. It let go, skittering off into the trees.

Jason shook his foot. Didn’t seem like the raccoon had managed to break skin, at least. He sighed, making his way back towards the house.

There’s nothing out there.

If he were still alive, he’d have done something by now.

Every time you look, there’s nothing there.

You’re just swinging at shadows.

Jason followed Gus down the basement stairs, opting to walk all the way down the stairs rather than swing off of the beam like Gus did. Hunter was sitting on the side, a machine humming as he fed cloth through it.

“Whoo!” Gus cheered as he landed perfectly on the couch, “We’ve got a big day ahead of us, so I’m going to buenas this noches!”

Jason’s nose crinkled. I don’t think that’s how that phrase works.

Hunter nodded, focused on the cloth in the machine. “Mhm. Ow!” He shook his hand.

Gus sat up. “You okay? That sounded… painful.”

Hunter waved a hand. “I’ve been training in the emperor’s coven for as long as I can remember. I think I can handle a little—”

Jason opened his mouth to warn him that his hand was heading right for the needle, but too late. Hunter squeaked.

“pain!” he yipped, biting his lip.

Gus hissed. “Oooo, that went clean through.” He wrapped Hunter’s finger up in a bandage. “Awwwwwwww, what was it you said, Jason? Healing is feeling?”

“Give his finger a kiss,” Jason suggested with a grin, “It’ll heal faster.”

Hunter snatched his hand away as Gus made an exaggerated kissy face. “Don’t you dare, that is so unsanitary!” He scuttled back towards the machine. “Camila taught me how to use this sewing contraption! Even Darius’ stitches have never been this neat!”

Jason’s grin faded at the mention.

Did Darius make it out okay?

Titan, I hope so, or Phoenix will be crushed.

“Oh, and look at what I made!” Hunter continued. He held up a shirt that was absolutely COVERED in images of the same creature. It looked almost like the balls of fluff and slobber Jason had seen on the end of leashes around Camila’s neighborhood, but bigger and more dangerous. “These are mystical beasts called wolves! And I love them.”

“Oh, I’ve read about wolves in some of the books dad got from the human realm!” Jason piped up, “They were usually villains that eat grandmas, though.”

Hunter gasped, holding his shirt closer to his chest. “Wolves are amazing and they are misunderstood creatures unfairly villainized by small-minded humans! They would never eat your grandma! Unless she deserved it!”

“Alright, alright, I believe you. They were just stories.”

“The shirt looks great,” Gus soothed Hunter. The younger boy tilted his head. “You know, you’ve been smiling a lot more since we’ve been here.”

Jason settled down into his sleeping bag while Hunter shook his head. “It’s not like I don’t want to return! I just… need a way to pass the time! That’s all.”

“No. It’s good to see you happy.” Gus pulled the blankets over himself. “One of us might as well be,” he followed up gloomily.

Jason turned over, facing the opposite wall.

Is he happier here?

Well, of course he was. He’d only been a way from Belos for a few days in the demon realm, he’d hardly gotten time to breathe and enjoy his freedom.

But what if he was happier here? What if he didn’t want to go back? What if, even if they made a working door, Hunter stayed in the human realm?

You said you’d support him, no matter what he chose.

So do that.

Still.

“What was it like in the Emperor’s coven?” Gus asked softly.

Jason heard a sigh from Hunter. “I trained a lot. I studied a lot. I wasn’t really allowed to be around the other scouts. But weekends were nice! I got to leave the castle for missions.”

There hadn’t really been a “coven” or “scouts” when Jason had been the golden guard. The Empire hadn’t been anything more than a concept. But he remembered long nights keeping watch, with nothing but the stars and rampant paranoia about every sound to keep him company. He remembered staying close to Uncle Belos’ side on the few trips into town, he remembered being told not to talk to any witches on those outings. Not even stall vendors.

When they’d camped closer to a town, Jason would watch it in the night. He’d see flickering fires, and occasionally hear shouts or music. He’d never doubted that Uncle Belos was keeping him safe by keeping him separate, but sometimes, he wished he could go down where the fires and music were. Sometimes, he even invent a whole story about a threat he’d chased from the camp to the town. In case he actually went, and needed an excuse.

“Do you miss it?” Gus asked.

“I miss knowing who I’m supposed to be.”

Jason’s heart clenched in his chest.

It had almost been nice to have a destiny, for as long as it had lasted.

“I miss my dad,” Gus said softly.

Yeah. Me too.

Jason started to roll over to face them again, when Hunter spoke again.

“We’ll make it back. We have to.”

Gus gasped. “Oh my titan! That’s a line from this book I found. Cosmic Frontier! It’s a story that takes place in the stars!”

Hunter snorted. “Why would anyone wanna go up there?”

“I don’t know. Humans love spreading their junk everywhere. But it’s a story of people trying to get back home, just like us!”

“Uh-huh.”

Jason rolled over the rest of the way to face them, head propped up on his hand. “Yeah?”

“We got Captain Avery, Security Officer Quando, and a Chief Engineer O’Bailey who’s hiding as a clone from an enemy planet!”

Jason poked Hunter. “Sounds familiar.”

“Ha, ha. What, uh. What happens to him?”

Gus grinned, wiggling his eyebrows theatrically and opening a closet door. “I guess you’ll have to find out.”

Hunter shrugged, wriggling under his sleeping bag with the flashlight and the book. Jason turned off the light, and Gus’ breathing slowly evened out, inhaling and exhaling in little puffs. The flashlight clicked off, and Hunter wiggled around in his sleeping bag until Jason could see his outline facing him.

“Jason?” Hunter whispered.

“Mmm?”

“Do you ever miss it? Miss… him… I mean.”

Of course not, Jason wanted to say immediately, How could I ever miss someone who hurt me and everyone I love?

He sighed.

“Sometimes,” he admitted, “Do you?”

“Is that bad?”

“Kind of feels bad. Inside, I mean.” Jason twisted his shirt in his hands. “I don’t know. He hurt us.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“But… he wasn’t always hurting us? And maybe I was always having to manage his moods, and change who I was to whatever he needed at the moment, but… sometimes it wasn’t so bad. He gave us magic.”

Hunter grunted in agreement.

“I guess I kind of miss the good parts, even though they came with the bad. I wouldn’t want to go back, though. If he showed up again.”

“No,” Hunter agreed. He didn’t say anything else for a while, and Jason thought he might have fallen asleep. “I didn’t want to hurt him. I couldn’t hurt him. Even after everything, I… I didn’t fight back.”

Jason hummed thoughtfully.

“Is that bad?”

“I don’t think so. I couldn’t hurt him, either.”

“But you did. You fought him.”

“Yeah, because Phoenix was in danger. I don’t know. I guess in that moment, I just had to protect Phoenix, and that was the only thing that mattered. You didn’t get put in a situation where someone you loved was about to die. And that’s a good thing, I think.”

“I guess.”

Another long silence.

“Jason?”

“Mhm?”

“What would you do? If he showed up again.”

“He’s dead, Hunter.” The words felt heavy in Jason’s throat, and he blinked back tears. “He’s dead, and he’s not coming back.”

Hunter sniffled. “Yeah. I know. But if he did come back?”

“I’d do whatever I had to. I’d keep you—and Gus, and Willow, and Amity, and Vee, and Luz, all of you—safe. Whatever it took.”

“Not whatever. You can’t die. People are waiting for you.”

A smile tugged at Jason’s lips. “Alright, alright. I’d do anything short of dying. That sounds fair.”

The flashlight clicked back on. “Go to sleep, Jason? I’ll stay up tonight. I want to read this book, anyway.”

Jason laughed softly, rolling over in his sleeping bag and snuggling into his pillow. “Alright, deal. Don’t kill your eyes, okay?”

“No promises.”

[le-poor-writer]

Serve at First Sight (Kageyama Tobio x F!Reader)

"I bet I can..." Hinata mumbled and narrowed his eyes at him.

"Hah?" Kageyama glared back. "What did you just say?"

"I'm not good at setting. BUT I BET I CAN HIT THE LONGEST AND FASTEST SERVE!"

"IS THAT A CHALLENGE?"

"YOU WANNA GO NOW?"

"Uh... Kageyama, Hinata, Stop messing around or else you'll get an earful from Daichi-san." Yamaguchi tries to mediate the situation. The last time the idiotic duo did something stupid, all the first years had to run extra laps. And he was not up for that today.

"No use talking to idiots Yamaguchi." Tsukki sneered. "They have an IQ capacity of a teaspoon."

Hinata stood at the line of the court, deciding to go first. Throwing the ball into the air, he jumped as high as he could. As if he were a crow that leaped into the sky. His ball managed to land a good one meter away from line of the opposite side. A loud bang resonating the court and he beamed smugly at his tall opponent. Kageyama had a ball ready in hands as he took Hinata's place. Itching to outperformed the record set by the orange-head. Closing his eyes, he briefly replayed Oikawa's diabolical jump serve from their previous practice match. He knew he was a hundred years too early to be able to do that. Doesn't mean he won't try his luck though.

With a deep exhale, he took flight. Blocking out all sounds surrounding him, save that of his squeaking shoes and the volleyball as he slapped it forward. The stinging sensation felt on his hand causing him to grin. Not quite like Oikawa's, but still powerful. This is it, it will definitely plunge further than Hinata's. And it did. The ball flew pass that one meter mark. And hit a person. Kageyama's eyes blinked twice before the situation finally seeped through his thick skull. He had hit someone's head! Suddenly he could hear his surroundings again. Hinata panicked scream. Yamaguchi running towards the unfortunate human being who fell to the ground. Tsukki trying not to laugh at this slapstick comedy.

Kageyama sprinted towards the person. A hundred thoughts running through his mind. Is the person alright? Is he going to get in trouble with Daichi for this? Where are the third years anyway? Most importantly, when was that person there? How is it he did not notice them? What were they doing there in the first place? Surely no one would actually collapsed from that hit, right? He stood behind Yamaguchi who was trying to communicate with the seemingly unconscious person. And that was when Kageyama noticed, the person was a girl. A petite girl. He kneeled beside Yamaguchi. She seemed to be a little pale.

"Hello?" Yamaguchi tapping her shoulder. "Excuse me, can you hear me?"

No reply.

"KAGEYAMA KILLED SOMEONE!" Hinata hollered.

"What are you going to do now Kageyama?" Despite knowing that she only passed out, Tsukki decided to humour Hinata.

"I'll take her to the nurse's office." Immediately he carried her and jogged out of the court. Hoping not to run into anyone. Especially Daichi.

He couldn't help but glance at her face every three seconds. Wondering if she will wake up midway. But she didn't and that worried him more. If it weren't for her soft faint breaths he would have thought that he actually committed manslaughter with his jump serve. Besides, she has such a small frame. He was afraid if he really did break her. Kageyama held her closer to his body. Noticing how she fit snugly in his arms. And when looked closely, she's actually really cute. A blush spread quickly all over his face. What was he thinking? He doesn't even know her.

~~~~~~~~~~

(Y/n) blinked slowly. Feeling slightly dazed.

She woke up late today, all because of that stupid extra Japanese literature homework that had to be submitted during first period. And because she woke up late, she skipped breakfast. She wanted to get something during lunch, but had to drop by the school library to return some books that were due today. Well what do you know, apparently everyone needed to return their books today. If she had known she would've asked her friends to at least get her melon bread. She had about 10 minutes left before lunch ended, but she ran into her senior and was reminded to submit the club activities report today.

It was so hard to focus on classes for the rest of the afternoon. She drank lots of water in hopes to delay the impending dizziness. It was somewhat working. She only needed to wait until clubs and activities time. She'll get a sugary drink from the vending machine, then tell the club leader that she's going to head home early. But karma really had to be a bitch today. Her wallet was not in her bag. (Y/n) dreaded the fact that she might have dropped it somewhere. Searching for her wallet with this now nasty migraine is really going to be such a pain. That is until she suddenly remembered she left it in her drawer at home. She had forgotten about it amidst the rush.

(Y/n) crouched in front of the vending machine. What are the gods playing at exactly. Is it really so hard to get a single bite? Is this karma for denying Mr. Snuggles his treat last week? Well it was not her fault that he knocked over her pudding off the table! She was on the verge of tears when she heard the sound of volleyballs. Oh right, the vending machine was sort of close to the volleyball court... Didn't Yachi say she was recently the co-manager for Karasuno's volleyball club along with that beautiful senior Kiyoko. There is hope. She only needed a little money to get that small carton of drink.

She stood up quickly and regretted it. God, this migraine is killing her. With every ounce of determination she had left, she dragged her feet towards the court. Swaying a little every now and then. The sounds were getting louder, The ball hitting the court, shoes squeaking and people yelling? This is a good thing, it meant that she was getting closer. This is also a bad thing, because it's splitting her skull. Everything around her blurred as she entered the hall. Shit, where is Yachi? She took a few more steps before she felt a hard impact on her head. Dear lord that hurts like hell. And she lost all control of her body before everything went black.

"Oi." a gruff voice distracted her thoughts.

She sat up immediately. Hitting her head on the bed post in the process. She has realized by now that she must have passed out and someone from the volleyball club took her to the nurses office. It must have been this boy sitting beside her. But that still didn't mean she wouldn't be caught off guard. She has always been somewhat intimidated by the male species. Especially those tall towering ones that had to bend a little to talk to her. It's one of the unfortunate things one has to endure being 4'10 and having a small frame. People often joked that she could fit in a suitcase. Though seeing her other shorter friends did brought her pleasure, it still doesn't change the fact that a lot of people around her were giants.

"Idiot."

"Excuse me?" she glared. What's the big idea calling her an idiot out of nowhere. He was the one who surprised her. Sitting on a stool at her bedside, ain't that too close for a stranger, sir?  Who is he again? The volleyball club is pretty popular here in Karasuno after they managed to get into the finals of Inter high recently. It was unfortunate that they lost to Aoba Johsai, but everyone acknowledged what a monster the school was. Yachi said everyone felt down but it didn't dampened their spirit, for their next chance will be the Spring Tournament.

"S-sorry." the guy replied.

Dark eyes darting away from her face. She could make out an intimidating look on his face. Eyebrows furrowing sternly. Lips set on a grim line. Yet his cheeks flushed. Or was it because of the orange hue from the setting sun (she couldn't really tell), which also made his black hair glow. It dawned upon (y/n) that if he could just smooth away his frown, he would be handsome (she thinks). And if only he weren't being gruffy. Wait a minute. Tall volleyball player, black hair, intimidating frowning face but yet somehow still good looking?

"I'm Kageyama Tobio-"

"I know."

Silence... Well that was awkward.

She cleared her throat. "I'm (L/n) (Y/n). From Class 5. Um, Yachi's friend."

"Oh." Shoot. He didn't know she was Yachi's friend. What will the manager say about this. "I'm sorry. That my jump serve knocked you out."

"No no no! I was actually a little hypoglycemic. So your uh, jump serve was just the final nail in the coffin." Damn, she knew that getting hit by any ball was going to hurt. But the ball just now, it felt like it could tear her head off. Or maybe that's just an exaggeration of being starved the whole day. She realized his expression went from frowning to horrifying. "N-not that it will literally be the final nail to my coffin! It was just an expression. Maybe not a good one. Sorry I'm just bad with words when it comes to strangers. I mean not that you're an absolute stranger. It's just that- I'm sorry, I'm blabbering too much."

"Not at all!" he yelled. Ah, he got too animated. He didn't understand why. But he just thought everything about this girl is cute. From her petite stature that makes him want to shield her from the wind. To her way of talking that showed just how shy and awkward she was as how it is with him. Trying to reassure him that it was fine. He couldn't understand this sudden grip in his heart and the tingling sensation at his fingertips. Though maybe it was because he hasn't touch the volleyball for a few hours now.

Another awkward silence ensues.

"Anyways," (Y/n) was still a bit shy. She was after all talking to one of the most popular boys at school. But seeing as how he is now, she thought she could loosen up her guard a bit. "Have you seen my glasses?"

"You wear glasses?"

They rushed back together to the volleyball court. Yachi attacked her with a hug as she lamented about the news she heard from her fellow peers. Daichi scolding him to be careful next time whilst Tanaka giving him his infamous gangster glare. Hinata coming forward with his head down as he presented (Y/n)'s broken glasses. He accidently stepped on them when he was panicking, though he only realised it when she was sent to the nurse's office. Her glasses must have fallen off her head when she got hit. That hard huh. Really God, you want to test her that much today. Fine, she'll apologize to Mr. Snuggles when she gets home.

Unbeknownst to her, Kageyama felt even worse than earlier. His ball caused her to knocked out, and now it even knocked off the glasses from her head and broke it. Stuttering on his words, he apologized again. Hands balled into a tight fist. He just felt so bad. Suga noticed how dejected he sounded. But he also noticed how pink his ears were. Oh? Well even if it wasn't what he thought, there was no harm in... light teasing. Besides, they'd looked adorable together, no?

"If you really feel guilty. Then you should walk her home today." slinging his arm over Kageyama's shoulder, Suga tried to keep a neutral expression. Well there was a slight smirk, but he tried. "What if she falls down on her way home? Or run into a pole?"

"I am short-sighted Sugawara-senpai. Not blind." (Y/n) said through gritted teeth. Really these eyesight jokes should be old by now. "Besides, I will need to stop by the optic shop to have new ones made."

"All the more for him to accompany you. It will get dark soon. Might be dangerous to be walking alone with such bad eyesight."

"Oh no, I wouldn't want to burden-"

"Let's go." Kageyama interrupted. And when she declined again, he argued back. "Stop being a stubborn idiot. You still haven't eaten, you can't see well and you're so light that people can just easily carry you away."

Did he just called her an idiot for the second time in the short the period they have known each other. How rude! Not that his points were invalid. He was right. But boy does this person lack delicacy. In the end, she agreed to let him accompany her. He bought two cartons of milk from the vending machine. One for each of them, and they set off on their merry way.

~~~~~~~~~~

"No- Okay. Once again. Osmosis only works with solvents. Simple diffusion, both solvents and solutes. So in osmosis, solvents will move from low solute concentration-" (Y/n) stopped explaining when she noticed how Kageyama's brows were almost touching. His lips formed a small pout. "You know what, we have been revising for more than an hour. Let's take 5. Then continue for another hour. It's getting late and although my mum likes you, my dad wouldn't like you being in my room for too long."

Ever since that day where he sent her home, she began hanging out more with Yachi and the volleyball club. Not that she never hung out with her close friend, it's just that (y/n) felt out of place when she mingles with unfamiliar crowds. But now that every member knew her as the girl who got hit by Kageyama's jump serve, that became the basis of her acquaintanceship with the club and she got to hang out with Yachi more. And before she realized it, Kageyama has just been around her circle. Always there. Heck he has been walking her home more often now that even her mother likes him. Then they became just friends. Or she hoped it stayed that way, because she noticed her emotions began crossing unknown territories.

(Y/n) has come to learn a few things about Kageyama Tobio over the course of their friendship. One, he is an obsessed volleyball freak. A prodigy people say. But what (Y/n) sees is a person consumed by passion for the things he loves. And that isn't necessarily bad. Two, he can be quite childish. He fails to control his frustration which later comes off the wrong way whenever he expresses them. But really he means no harm, because when he is happy, he expresses them genuinely. And three, he is quite sensitive. He may want to show that he didn't care, but he actually takes things to heart. He may feel down about a comment, but he will learn to improve from it.

"Sorry."

"What for?"

"For having to teach an idiot like me."

"Oh stop it. Everyone is good and bad at something. We can't all be the perfect prodigy. That's just how things are. You may be bad at studying, but with your volleyball skills I bet you can represent Japan one day." noticing his eyes lit up, she continued. "So in order for you to attend your camp. Let's just try our best okay?"

Kageyama nodded. It was a little embarrassing to have her comforting him like this. But at the same time it brings him immense joy. When he first met her, he would get flutters looking at her cute appearance. Now, he just feels all warm and fuzzy whenever she talks to him. He liked that she didn't judge him or anyone she's ever met. She would scold him sometimes, but at the same time explained her reasoning. And he really appreciated that, how patient she was with him. It does make him guilty, but at the same time he wants to start behaving better. Is this what Suga meant when he said he has a crush on (Y/n)? Kageyama doesn't really know. He will need time to analyze everything.

"(L/n), do you have time during our Spring Tournament?" he tried looking anywhere else but her face.

"You want me to cheer on the club? Sure thing."

"Yes." Hearing her reply made him smile. With a steady gaze he stared straight into her eyes. "Watch me play, (y/n). I'll show you a really strong serve."

(Y/n) could only smile back as she felt butterflies in her stomach. "Then we better get back to studying."

[biggest-stupidhead]

Bad Timing (Levi x reader) Part 7

Summary: How do you tell your friends that you’re falling for your big brother’s best friend? 

Word Count: 4.1K

__

Due to the small size of your town, you had to drive three full hours to a larger airport with flights that were going to New York, where Levi would board a plane that would take him across the ocean. To say that the car ride was awkward would be an understatement, at the last moment Kenny had decided that he wanted to see his nephew off, so you had to leave earlier than planned to pick him up. Luckily there was plenty of room in Erwin's old mini van for all of you. Your mom drove, Kenny sat in the passenger seat, Erwin and Levi sat in the middle row, leaving Hange and you crammed in the back with Levi's luggage.

Your mom and Kenny were getting along well as far as you could tell, talking about their jobs and holiday plans.

"Hey, why don't you join us on Christmas?" you couldn't help but gape in surprise at your mother's words. Kenny scoffed and shook his head, amused at her suggestion.

"That's kind of you but I wouldn't want to impose." the man said, shaking his head as he chuckled at your mother's words.

"No seriously, we have plenty of room and besides my brother is bringing one of his good friends." your mother shrugged, her eyes still trained on the road. You noticed that Levi and Erwin both had tensed in front of you, trying to seem uninterested in the conversation happening in the front of the car. Hange had both her ear buds in so she was completely oblivious to the conversation.

"Well, it would be rude of me to say no now wouldn't it?" Kenny smirked at your mom who only smirked and nodded in agreement.

"It would be pretty rude." she teased, Kenny smiled impishly at her before turning to look out at the passing scenery.

__

As expected the airport was bustling, families rushing into the building and cars lined bumper to bumper picking up people and dropping them off just the same. Business men in suits were everywhere, as were recreational travelers dressed in sweats and casual wear. Your mom parked the car and all of you helped Levi gather his bags. You watched as Levi tugged at the neckline of his black hoodie before slinging his carry on bag across his back. Erwin sat his large suit case down in front of Levi, who was dusting himself off. Once Levi was pleased with his appearance you all made your way into the airport, it wasn't long before you had weighed his luggage and were heading towards security. You came to a halt outside of security, stepping aside so you could say goodbyes without hindering other travelers. Your mom was first, she pulled out an envelope and handed it to Levi, a soft smile on her lips. Levi furrowed his brows and took the envelope to examine the contents.

"Think of it as an early birthday present from all of us." Your mom explained as he pulled the flap back his eyes widened and he quickly shoved the envelope back towards your mom.

"I can't accept this." he said as his face turned dark.

"Please, you don't have to spend it." your mom urged, pushing the envelope back to his chest. He rolled his eyes and slung the backpack off his back to push the money into the bag.

"Fine, thank you very much." he murmured as he heaved the bag back over his shoulder. Your mom smiled sweetly and pulled Levi into a hug, he wrapped his arm around her and allowed her to hold him. After your mom let go of him she patted his shoulder affectionately. Erwin was next, he shamelessly hugged Levi who awkwardly patted his broad shoulder, the hug wasn't long which wasn't surprising. As soon as the pair separated Hange jumped Levi and rocked him as she held him tightly. Finally it was your turn, just like all the other hugs Levi only wrapped one arm around you, and the embrace was brief. He didn't hug his uncle, only nodded tersely in his direction, Kenny returned the sentiment and then Levi grabbed his bag and stalked towards the long winding line to get through security.

"Have a safe trip Levi!" Hange yelled, waving enthusiastically after him.

"Don't forget to call!" your mom called, an affectionate smile on her face. Levi simply lifted his hand lazily to acknowledge the two as he got in line. As soon as you were sure that he was well on his way to reaching his flight in time your little group made your way back out to the parking lot to start the long drive home.

__

Traffic had been horrendous on the way back home, making the drive about an hour longer than it would have been. Your mom invited Kenny over for tea, and to your surprise he agreed. Erwin and Hange already had reservations at a local Italian restaurant, and you would rather be caught dead than spending the rest of your day with your mom and Levi's eccentric uncle. So you texted Jean.

"Want to do homework tonight?"

"Of course, name a time and place and I'll be there ;)"

You smiled at your phone as you typed out a quick reply.

"How about the Cover Cove around 5:00?"

"Great, I think that they have a live band playing tonight."

"Really? That sounds fun, is that going to bother you if we're trying to study?"

"No, I don't expect to do much studying anyway...I'll be too distracted by your beauty."

You rolled your eyes, he's always so cheesy. You chuckled and replied with a laughing emoji and a heart emoji. Not long after you sent Jean your reply your mom pulled into your driveway and parked the car. You all piled out of the car and into the house, your mom and Kenny settled into the kitchen while Erwin and Hange slunk off into Erwin's room to get ready for their date. You retreated into your own room to prepare your things for your outing this evening. You changed into a pair of mom jeans and a white chunky knit sweater. You packed your bag and checked the time, you had about thirty minutes before Jean would come pick you up. You wandered down the stairs to grab a snack, your mom and Kenny were still in the kitchen drinking tea, you'd only seen Kenny a handful of times. Whenever you had seen him he wore a scowl or a smug smirk, but this time he looked thoughtful, and intrigued.

"-so in order to stop the bleeding I had to stick my fingers in the wound." your mom was waving her hands with enthusiasm as she recalled the events of one of her favorite ER patients. A story that you knew well, a man came in with a gun wound, he'd been shot by his buddy on accident while they were out hunting. To stop the bleeding she had stuck her index finger and her middle fingers into the wound. At the time she had only been working at the hospital for about a week, she swears that this event paved the way to her becoming head ER nurse years later. You fixed yourself a simple sandwich and slowly began to eat it, only half listening to your mother and Kennys' conversation.

"Wait wait wait, so you're telling me that you stuck two fingers in that man's thigh?"

"Well yeah of course!" your mother scoffed into her tea cup, clearly pleased that she had captured Kenny's attention. You wondered what Kenny did for a living. Your eyes flickered to his hands, they were slender like Levi's, but they were rough with callouses. He was thin, but muscular, sharp features, cheekbones that could probably cut diamonds. If you were to see him from behind one might think that he was no older than thirty five. But the lines on his face gave away his true age, his eyes were outlined by crows feet and dark puffy bags. His beard was scraggly and reminded you of the way that the Amish men wore their beards. You were startled when your mother stood and disappeared down the hall, leaving you alone with Kenny.

"Take a picture it will last longer." Kenny drawled as he dunked his tea bag in and out of his cup.

"I'm good." you squeaked, a wave of embarrassment crashed over you, a bit ashamed at being caught. He made no move to continue the conversation but you were still to curious about why Levi despised him so much.

"Your mom makes a mean earl grey." Kenny's deep baritone filled the silence once again taking you by surprise.

"She does." you agreed, you glanced at the clock, only ten more minutes. Kenny watched you disappear up the stairs, an amused smirk spreading across his lips. He was no fool, he knew that you were apprehensive of him, most likely due to what your big brother and Levi had told you about him. And you would be right to be weary around the older man. When you returned down the stairs, your mother had already returned, she was showing Kenny a small container of screws. The screws were once in Erwin's knee, from when he had injured himself playing lacrosse back in middle school, that was a good story. You didn't want to interrupt them so you didn't say goodbye as you passed. Jean was just pulling up your driveway as you walked out the front door, loud music blaring out of his speakers. You jogged up to the passenger side and hopped in, he had turned down the music and twisted in his seat to face you. You tossed your bag into the back seat and turned to face him. Jean reached across the center counsel and cupped your cheek a fond smile on his lips.

"Hey." you giggled, a swarm of butterflies fluttering in your stomach when you noticed that he was staring at your lips.

"Hi." he whispered as he leaned in and pressed his lips to yours. You smiled into the kiss and he rubbed his thumb over your jawline. You brought your own hand up to run over the back of his neck, twisting in the seat to get a better angle in the kiss as you dipped your tongue into his mouth. Jean brushed his tongue along yours, you groaned into his mouth, another dopey smile passing over your features. Suddenly there was a loud thump on your window and you jumped away from Jean with a loud smack as you broke the kiss. You weren't surprised to see Hange with her face pressed against the window and her hands splayed out over the cool glass. The window was now fogged as she breathed heavily onto the glass and you slumped back into your seat, covering your face with a hand. Jean turned to face forward and placed both hands on his wheel in an attempt at innocence. Erwin hovered behind Hange, a frown on his face as he tugged on her shoulder to rip her away from the car. He brought two fingers to his eyes and then pointed them at you in an 'I'm watching you' gesture as he tugged Hange towards his mini van.

"Where are they going?" Jean asked as they walked off.

"Antonio's I think." you answered as you pulled your seat belt on.

"They're really dressed up." Jean noted as he watched Erwin adjust his tie as he held the car door open for Hange. Erwin wore a classy black suit with a black tie, Hange wore a deep purple silk dress that clung to her curves and ended around her mid thigh. You nodded as you watched Erwin shut the door and walk around the car to the drivers side.

"Sure are." you responded as you turned to smile at him. Jean hummed as he shifted the gear to drive and turned around after Erwin pulled out. Jean held his hand out for you which you gladly accepted. Luckily the ride wasn't too long, the town was dark except for the bright light emitting from the Cover Cove. The modest store was a secondhand book shop that doubled as a cafe. The small establishment happened to have a stage in the corner, which they used on the weekends, Fridays was slam poetry night, Saturdays was rock, and Sundays were usually jazz. Jean parked on the street and the two of you quickly gathered your things and hustled into the shop. You had to admit that you didn't come here often, so you were surprised to find out that the shop had managed to purchase the building next to them and knock out the wall to obtain more space. The book shelves that had previously occupied the majority of the space, were now all pushed to one side of the shop to your left. This opened the front of the shop up for seating, an assortment of antique tables and mismatch chairs gave the room a certain flair. The back of the shop was where you ordered drinks or food, a lone barista was manning the counter. You smiled when you recognized Marco, Jean squeezed your bicep as you weaved through the tables to reach the back to order.

"Hey guys how's it going?" Marco chirped as he pumped a syrup into someone's drink.

"Oh not too bad." Jean shrugged as he leaned against the counter, you copied him as you watched Marco finish the order he was working on.

"I didn't know you worked here." you stated with a smile as you watched Marco place the drink on the counter for the customer to retrieve.

"Yeah, it's nothing special I just work weekends." Marco gushed, a blush spreading up his neck and onto his freckled cheeks. Jean scoffed and shook his head at Marco's words.

"Oh come on nobody is crazy enough to only work weekends at a freakin book store." Jean smirked at Marco who rolled his eyes and turned to make another drink.

"At least I'll have some extra cash to spend over the summer." Marco jabbed, a playful smile on his face.

"He's right about that." you agreed with Marco and covered your mouth to hide the smile that was spreading over your face.

"Can't argue with that." Jean smiled at you and gently grabbed your wrist to pull your hand off your face. You looked down sheepishly as Jean rubbed his thumb over your pulse point on your wrist.

"Oh get a room you two." Marco scolded and made shooing motions towards you.

"Can it freckles." Jean chuckled, slipping his hand into your own. The two of you wandered to one the back tables, you draped your coat over the back of the seat and dropped your bag onto the ground. The sound of soft jazz music drifted through the air as the band of older gentlemen played on, the shop was mostly empty except for a few older people who had come to support the small band. Jean watched you pull out your laptop and begin to scroll through emails, he pretended to read his book for English. His eyes were trained on you as you chewed on your lip as you opened an assignment, he noticed how nice your hands looked as you typed, and how your jaw clenched and unclenched as you worked. You paused, lifting your gaze from your laptop and pursing your lips when you caught Jean staring.

"Getting anything done over there?" you mused as he looked down at his book, he shook his head and chuckled.

"No I can't say that I am." he smiled sheepishly as he drummed his fingers on the book.

"Shame." you shrugged and turned your attention back to your work with a smug smile, Jean gasped in mock hurt.

"You could at least give me a hand." Jean huffed as he waved his book in the air. You tilted your head in an attempt to read the cover. Their Eyes Were Watching God a great read, one of your favorites.

"Hm I dunno, if I do it's going to cost ya." you teased as you turned to work on your own homework once more.

"I'll do anything." Jean groaned, he stretched his leg out to brush against your own underneath the table. You kicked his leg in response as you continued to type, Jean sighed and slumped back in his seat. The two of you lingered in the shop until Marco began wiping down tables, sometime around nine o'clock in the evening. You left the shop, promising to come by more as you ducked out into the dark street. Jean and you playfully bumped your shoulders as you walked down the quiet street towards his car, snow crunching underfoot. He opened the door for you and you thanked him. He drove you back to your house, which was already dark, you assumed that your brother was still out with Hange and your mom was probably in bed. Jean parked his car and sighed as he turned to face you.

"Want to come in?" you asked, more out of courtesy than anything. Jean shook his head and tapped his hand against the steering wheel.

"I would but my mom is expecting me.." he blushed as he confessed, you smiled appreciating his honesty. You knew that he was usually embarrassed about his relationship with his mom.

"No that's totally fine, maybe some other time." you smiled as you leaned over to give him a peck on the lips. He smiled and slid his hand up the column of your throat as he kissed you deeper. You pulled back before it could get too spicy, a playful glint in your eye as Jean pouted.

"Another time." Jean agreed, shooting you a dazzling grin. You reached into the back seat for your bag before you opened the door and walked briskly to the house. Once you had entered safely Jean began to pull out, he honked his horn as he disappeared down the drive. You smiled after him and kicked off your shoes. You tiptoed through the house, the dated wood floors creaking under your weight as you crept up the stairs, pausing halfway up. You looked down at the dark living room, the moonlight seeping through the large windows and casting the room in a pale glow. As your eyes scanned over the space you remembered all of the memories that you had in this house, the people that you shared those memories with. But at the end of the day that was all they would be, memories. People change, they grow, that's what life is all about. Every person you meet will eventually slip away and before you know it they are a stranger.

Your stomach flipped when you imagined all the ways that Paris could change Levi. You had seen it before, one of your best friends spent two full months in Switzerland and Italy with her extended family. The girl that you knew, the girl pre Europe, had never tainted her body with alcohol or any other substance. Not that doing so was bad, it just wasn't the kind of person she was, never one to give into such temptations. When she returned at first glance you wouldn't notice the difference. She told stories of the people she had met and the fun day trips she had taken. While over seas she had pierced her bellybutton, it looked good. She had also gone to some parties with her cousins.

When she mentioned the parties it almost seemed as if she had slipped up, her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed. Your friends begged for details, only being freshmen in high school you were all fresh to the party scene. She always came up with a way of changing the subject. You noticed that after the parties were mentioned she would slip into the background of your conversations, folding inward on herself. You hated it, she never did that before. You never found out why she avoided the topic, because only a few months after she returned you and the rest of your friends fully immersed yourselves in the party scene, and she did not follow.

You lost track of her after that year, she went off the grid and moved away, your friends joked that she went back to Italy. You clenched your fist around the banister, bringing you back to the present. That wouldn't happen to Levi, you wouldn't let it. Besides, you were probably just being overdramatic, it was only a month. You let out a shaky breath and continued your climb up the stairs, you felt like a ghost as you wandered down the hall to your door. Once you had reached your room, you slowly closed the door and dropped your bag. You curled your fingers around the hem of your sweater and pulled it over your head. Next you unbuttoned your jeans and shimmied out of them, you fell onto your bed and moaned into your pillow. You glanced at the alarm clock on your nightstand and frowned, it was nearing ten and there was still no sign of Erwin or Hange. Just as soon as the thought had crossed your mind you head the front door open followed by the sound of the couple kicking their shoes off and hanging up their coats. The floorboards creaked as they climbed the stairs, you waited for the sound of Erwin's squeaky door opening, but it didn't come.

"Have you heard from Levi yet?" Hange's voice was soft, almost concerned.

"Yeah actually, just as we were paying he texted me." Erwin's voice sounded heavy with exhaustion.

"That's good." Hange mumbled, you sat up in an attempt to hear more.

"Yeah, I hope that he is able to make a decision after this month." Erwin sighed, the floorboards creaked followed by a dull thump. You knew that Erwin was leaning against the wall, and Hange was probably shifting her weight like she does when she's nervous.

"Me too, I think that this trip will be really good for him." Hange affirmed, the rickety floors creaking loudly as she began to pace. You drug yourself to the edge of the bed, ready to get up and poke your head out the door to ask them what they were talking about. Just as your feet touched the cold ground Hange's pacing stopped.

"Look at me Hange. He will be fine." your brother's voice was firm.

"I know, I just..." Hange sniffled and your own eyes filled with tears.

"I just want to be there for him." she choked out, a tear rolled down your cheek, Hange never cried, especially not over Levi.

"So do I but this is the best way that we can be there for him at this time."Erwin reasoned, Hange sniffled and hiccuped a few times before you heard their footsteps retreat towards Erwin's room and you heard the sound of his door swinging open and then closed. Okay, maybe you weren't being dramatic. You stood up and staggered to your bag where your phone was, you pulled it out and unlocked it with shaky fingers. You tapped on your messages, ignoring Jean's good night text and Armin's asking for your weekly schedule for studying. Mikasa had sent you a recipe, Sasha and Connie had been sending you stupid tik toks all weekend. You typed in Levi's name, his contact popping up immediately. You hesitated, your thumb hovering over the picture of his grumpy face before you opened the message and stared at the blinking cursor. Great now what were you supposed to say.

I miss you

Don't change

How was the flight?

Forget me already?

Has it been a month yet?

You scrunched your nose in disgust as you ran through your options. All of them made you sound like a crazy bitch. You pinched the bridge of your nose and stared at the blank conversation. You usually deleted your messages, not that you had accumulated many messages with Levi anyway. How could you show Levi that you were thinking about him without it sounding too deep? A crude joke? Yes that would do, something to do with shit.

"Hope all this traveling doesn't throw off your bowel movements."

You cringed but still pressed send before you could overthink the message. You shut your phone off and slammed it onto the nightstand, your cheeks flaring with hot embarrassment. You made yourself busy by changing into an old hoodie and sliding underneath the covers. You heard your phone ding but made no move to see who texted you. Tomorrow was Monday and you needed to wake up early, he would have to wait until tomorrow, it was only fair. After all, he was making you wait a whole month. He could wait one night. With that you rolled over and snuggled into your covers, your eyes heavy with sleep which you welcomed gladly.

[sakusasmolesryn]

KNY - Demon Slayer  Kyojuro Rengoku x gn!reader fluff one shot

• Welcome Home •

Summary: Kyojurou comes home from a mission, after being deprived of him, feelings start unfolding and relations go forward

Warnings: none

Word count: 1.4k

Pairing: Kyojurou Rengoku x gn!reader

It’s been 4 days ever since Kyojuro left for a mission. He mentioned it was quite a bit away, but you didn’t expect him to be gone for this long. You’ve been training under his wing for over a year now and you’ve made a lot of progress since then. You’ve been a demon slayer ever since you were 14, but it wasn’t till recently you started working with a hashira in hopes of becoming one. Rengoku saw a lot of potential in you, even if you two were close in age. “You still have plenty of time to become a hashira,” he tells you over and over. “Stay focused, concentrate on your breathing, and set your heart ablaze.”

You spend a lot of time during the day with Kyo. Whenever you’re not training, you, Kyojuro, and Senjuro will have fun together and hang out. You were very close to the Rengoku family, even Shinjuro somewhat enjoyed having you around. Senjuro likes to spy on your training, he likes to tease you about liking his brother.

Even though it’s only been 4 days, you missed him a lot. You couldn’t wait to see him come back home and spend every minute with him. He wasn’t battling an upper or lower moon demon, but 5 amateur demons in a small village north. Perhaps he got held up with another mission? Or maybe he was in a clinic residence? Surely his crow would’ve come and updated you by now. You started getting anxious about his whereabouts when suddenly Senjuro came running towards you screaming.

“[Reader]!! Kyo is home! He just got here!” upon those words, you jumped to your feet faster than lightning, sprinting to the front of the Rengoku manor. “Kyojuro!” You ran to him at full speed tackling him into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re home, big bro! [reader], and I was so worried!” Senjuro joined the tackle as you both laid on top of Kyojuro on the ground. “Well, you both must be happy to see me considering you tackled me to the ground,” Kyojuro stated.

“I’m so glad you’re safe,” you looked up at him into his eyes. He looked uninjured but he didn’t look as joyful as always. “How was your mission? And how are you feeling?” You helped both Kyo and Senjuro up and walked alongside them both inside. “My mission was successful. Unfortunately the demons I had to slaughter had pretty bad reasoning forever becoming a demon, I may have even been a little touched by their stories. But I assure you they died peacefully and free from the pain that has been thrown to them. As for me, I feel great. Left without any severe injuries.”

“What took you so long?” Senjuro looked up at his brother with concern. “Ah. After my mission, I was called to join Shinazugawa on his task. He ended up getting another slash so I stayed with him for two days while he was recovering at the Butterfly Mansion. I’m sorry I didn’t send a message. You both must’ve been so worried.”

You took his hand in yours, “Don’t worry about it, Kyo. We’re just glad you’re safe. Now come inside, I’m making dinner. And it’s your favorite! Sweet Potato salad.” You’ve never seen that man run faster into the house, him and his sweet potatoes.

--------------------------------------------------------

“Tasty!” You sat next to him as Kyojuro finished off his 5th plate. You chuckled, “I’m so glad you enjoy it. I’ve missed you so much I made sure to make it extra special.” Senjuro finished his plate quite a bit ago and went out to do some garden work before sunset.

“Tasty! Thank you so much, [reader]. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The best meal I’ve had in a hot minute.” His smile was always so bright, and it never failed to make you smile in return. You stood up adjusting your attire and took your and Kyojuro’s bowls to be washed. “It’s starting to get late. The sun will be down soon. I should probably get going,” you said. “I’m really glad you’re home Kyo. Are we training tomorrow?”

“Actually, do you think you could stay here tonight?” he asked. “I want to stay up and have a conversation with you.” He sounded pretty serious, but who were you to decline. “Oh- alright. That shouldn’t be a problem then. Should I tell Shinjuro?” Kyo shook his head, implying his father probably wouldn’t even notice you spent the night, considering he spends most of his time in his room.

--------------------------------------------------------

You and Kyojuro sat together in the garden looking up into the stars. “I missed you a lot, [reader] while I was on my mission.” His voice was softer than it normally is, also keeping a low tone since Senjuro and Shinjuro are sleeping. “When I listened to Sanemi talk about how much he missed his girlfriend back home, it made me think about how lucky I am to come home to you, my brother, and my father.” he cleared his throat turning his face towards yours. “Thank you so much, [reader]. For always being there for me and my family.”

You couldn’t help but get a little flush from his words. He always knew what to say to pull your heartstrings. His love and praise always sent butterflies to your stomach, and he cared about you more than anyone else. “I’m hoping that you feel the same,” he breaks the small silence. “I’m hoping that you feel the same way I do about you, [reader]. I realized I want to be with you more than just a friend.” His eyes were filled with love as he stared at you.

“Kyo, where is this coming from? I’m not complaining. But I’m curious.”

“While staying with Sanemi, and hearing about how much he loves his girlfriend, and why. It made me realize that everything he said was the same reason why I love you,” he grabs your hand and places a soft kiss on top of your knuckles. “Please tell me you love me too,”

“I do.”

--------------------------------------------------------

You spent that night cuddling with Kyojuro and falling asleep in his arms. The next day, you planned to have a day with just him. You wanted to go to the city and visit shops together, and meet up with Tengen and Obanai for lunch. “Two bowls of udon please.” The four of you sat together enjoying the food and time together. You and Obanai have always been close too. When you first started training under Rengoku, he would visit to join the training as well. But after a while, he stopped coming. Kyojuro believes it’s because he spends his time with Mitsuri.

“We should get going,” Tengen said. “My wives are gonna pester me about not spending enough time with them. “Yeah. I should get going too. Mitsuri and I have plans,” Obanai left behind Tengen leaving you and Kyojuro alone. It was hard to believe that this was the first day of being Kyojuro’s significant other. You were both so open to each other, and nothing felt odd. He was even starting to look more handsome than before, but that may just be because you fall in love with him all over again every time you see him.

“What do you say, [reader]? Shall we head back? We can either go to my residence or yours.” It wasn’t often that he came home with you. He did once but you never invited him back over because your family was kind of loud. As if Rengoku wasn’t loud either. “Let’s go back to your place. My family might be home and I don’t want to deal with them right now.” as the two of you headed back, Kyojuro paused and picked up flowers from the ground, handing multiple to you. “They’re radiant, like you.” Again, his words never fail to swoon.

--------------------------------------------------------

For the next two weeks, you and Rengoku spent every moment together. But of course, you had to include Senjuro here and there. You started growing closer and closer, thinking it was impossible since you were already so close. Being with Rengoku felt like time stopped. And that you two were the only ones alive. He showered you in love and appreciation, and he never once allowed you to feel incompetent. He never wants to let you go, and he couldn’t feel more blessed to be with you. “I love you, [reader].”

[thinking1bee]

Absorbed Final Part

Requested by Anonymous

Pairings: Kara Danvers x Reader

Tags: Angst, Violence, Graphic Depictions of Injuries, Mentions of Transphobic Rhetoric, Hate Crimes, Xenophobia, Powers, Healer!Reader

Everything Taglist: @sammy90682 @nobody13 @owloftheshadows @captain-josslett @camslightstories @worldovart @finleyfray @acertainredhead

You knew that Kara going out on patrol was a bad idea! The atmosphere was swimming in kryptonite, another plan implemented by the Children of Liberty to kill Supergirl. Luckily, Lena came through with an anti-kryptonite suit, but even the smallest breach was enough to expose Kara and harm her severely. You should have said something! You should have reassured her that everyone would have been fine if she sat this one out! But she was adamant, saying that she couldn’t just sit around and do nothing while people were being attacked.

“We’re surrounded!” came Alex’s voice again, and you could hear the strain. You could here her struggling as she fought off their assailants.

“Please if anyone is around, help us!”

You listened as all the other Superfriends as chimed in.

“I can leave now, but it’ll be 20 minutes until I get there,” Nia said.

“Likewise,” Brainy chimed in. “Even if I fly, I put my estimated time of arrival at 22 minutes and 6 seconds.”

“I’m leaving the DEO now,” came J’onn’s gruff voice.

That meant…that meant that no one would get there in time for Kara. It was only a matter of time before she would start seizing. After that, the toxicity would be too great even for her to fight. Kara would die.

“Alex, I’m up the street,” you said. “I’ll be there in 5 minutes.

Your ribs would just have to deal, and you took off at a sprint, running as fast as your legs could take you.

When you got there, you gasped at the scene in front of you. There had to be at least 10 of them, and they were overpowering Alex. You could see Kara on the ground, some few feet away. She was still moving, which was a good sign. At least she hadn’t lost consciousness yet. You took your gun from its holster and fired a warning shot into the air.

They all turned to face you and you smiled, beckoning them to come closer if they dared. Of course, they took the bait and they swarmed you. The thing about angry mobs was that it seemed like once a group of people all got together, the IQ level plummeted drastically, and between all of them, maybe there was one brain cell, acting as a hive a hate for them. Your assumption was true because it was likely that they forgot that you had a gun, and here they were, getting closer and closer as they gripped their bats and crow bars.

One thing that Alex taught you how to do was to shoot to incapacitate instead of to kill, and her rule of thumb was to shoot anything below the knees. You aimed, firing shot after shot, hitting shins and feet and one by one, the Agents of Liberty fell to the ground all while screaming and groaning in pain.  

You took at least 7 of them out before you ran out of bullets, and from there, it was hand to hand combat. You punched one in the nose. The sounds of cartilage crunching sounded off in the space between you before a gush of blood spurted from their nostrils. They fell to the ground as they held what was left of their face. You turned your attention to another, dodging their punch before taking their arm and snapping it at the elbow. The adrenaline overtook you, and you twisted on your feet to face the next person behind them. You were about to engage them when a surprise punch to your cheek made you stumble back. Before you knew it, more of them were showing up, filling in the spaces where their comrades had fallen. It didn’t take too long before you were overpowered as well, and you fell to the ground as they all beat you. You felt feet kick the wind form your lungs, and bats split open skin. You covered your face as best as you could, but it was no use. Soon you were spitting up blood, the world swaying as you struggled to breathe.

You thought that you were going to pass out until you heard boots running towards you. You looked through squinted eyes and blurry vision to see Brainy, Nia, and J’onn sprinting into the crowd, taking on the growing number of the Liberty army. You watched as even your friends became overpowered. Even J’onn, with his multitude of powers, was struggling to keep up with the hoard. They needed Supergirl and you looked over to see her. She was only a few feet away and she still lie writhing on the ground. You crawled there, wincing and crying out at the way your body screamed for you to stop moving, but you pushed through it, willing yourself to keep moving, to make it to the woman that had done so much for you already. When you got there, you peaked inside the helmet to see her eyes squeezed closed in pain. The displays in her helmet flashed wildly and you could see the warnings, the suit repeating over and over that there was a breach in the suit.

“Kara, can you hear me?” you asked her. She nodded weakly, groaning as her body throbbed in pain. You could see the way her veins glowed an ominous, neon green beneath her skin. They almost seemed to raise under her skin, forcing themselves out her body.

“It hurts,” she whimpered.

“I know.”

You knew what you had to do. You would have to heal her, and you told her that. She forced her eyes open, shaking her head weakly.

“Y/n, this could kill you. It’s too dangerous.”

You shook your head. Kara was who everyone needed. She was hope and light. She never gave up, even when the odds looked grim, even when there was every reason to just give up. Kara changed so many lives, including yours. She made life worth living. She reminded you that sometimes it wasn’t just about living for what you wanted, but it was enjoying the small things. She helped you remember that it was the summer nights and the winter mornings. It was the game nights and the savory potstickers. It was being alive for the next hug or looking forward to the movies. It was the small stuff, the things that we all took for granted because we’re programmed into thinking that we’re alive for some grand cosmic purpose. Sometimes being alive is just that: to live. The world needed more people like her, to fill it with warmth and love. Kara needed to stay alive, and you made up your mind to heal her, raising your hand above her body and watching it as it glowed white.

“Please don’t,” she begged, but you shushed her gently.

“Stay still.”

Your power blasted her, a jet stream of pure white energy healing her from the inside. Slowly you could feel her agony transfer to you, and you watched as the green in her veins started to dissipate while it simultaneously started to assault your body. You watched as the kryptonite started at your fingertips, and spread throughout your arm, searing through muscle and bone. The moment it hit your chest, you cried out, the pain more intense than you could ever imagine. When Kara said it felt like needles in her veins, she wasn’t lying. It was like being ripped apart from the inside, and you had to concentrate hard to keep going. It felt like days as this happened. You were forcing your eyes to stay open, forcing yourself to stay conscious just long enough to heal her, and when it did happen, Kara gasped, sitting up abruptly and looking at you. You cried out, your body buckling and if it wasn’t Kara who caught you, you would have hit the street. She was crying, her blue eyes twinkling as panicked tears left tracks down her cheeks.

“Why did you do that?!” she demanded.

You couldn’t answer. Every heartbeat was like broken glass in your veins, and you groaned as they throbbed under your skin. Kara sniffled, her expression turning from panic to determination as she lay you down, and she got up to face the Children of Liberty. She would end this, and she will do it for you. The gust of wind you felt signified her powered disappearance into the fight, and you’re left staring at the night sky, fighting for every breath you took.

They were beautiful, like tiny little Christmas lights in the sky, and as everything went numb you smiled as you gasped once more, relishing in the fact that you did get a chance to enjoy the twilight heavens above you.

*** You woke up slowly to still lying on your back. Was the fight over? Were you dead? Your senses were slow to come to you, and when you cracked open your eyes, a bright light blinded you. You groaned and squeezed your eyes closed again as tears escaped your eyes.

“Hold on,” a soft voice came. The lights dimmed and you opened your eyes again to see Kara sitting beside you.

You were in the DEO med bay, with an oxygen mask, IV, and a heart monitor all hooked up to you. You took a deep breath, wincing slightly at the dull throb in your chest that it illicit, and remembered how it was you got here. You watched, groggily, as Kara looked at you with an eyebrow raised.

“What you did was incredibly scary,” she whispered. She reached over to hold your hand and you held it back. Her touch was infinitely soft and strong, and you let it ground you. With your other hand, you reached up and pulled down the oxygen mask.

“I know.”

“And you shouldn’t have done it.”

“But I did,” you replied. Kara nodded.

“Thank you.”

Kara was so selfless, and she wouldn’t understand why you did what you did. To her, she would die a thousand times over before she let anyone put themselves in danger for her. That was the true beauty of Kara, her nobleness and her sacrifice. At times it was admirable, and at other times it was annoying, but at the end of the day it all worked out. So, you accepted her gratitude knowing that if it happened all over again, you wouldn’t change a thing.

The comfortable silence that settled between you and Kara was interrupted by the rest of the superfriends coming into your room. With them they brought, smiles and laughter, flowers and food, and you watched them, silently thanking whatever was listening that they were in your life. Alex came to your side and sighed.

“Thank you,” she said. “For saving my sister. For saving all of us.”

She had a split lip and a dark, purple bruise marring the smooth complexion of her cheek, but otherwise she was fine and in one piece.

“You’re welcome.”

After that, there were no more words. Just joyful laughter and the sounds of everyone stuffing their faces. After all this time, you found something worth dying for, and it was your friends. It was all the people that surrounded you and loved you with everything that they had.