#i didnt mEAN for the crack reply to get so long but first i was trying to find the like button love story post

[eustasskiddsprosthetic]

Lads, it's been such a long time since I've returned to my roots—Lu/Law/Lu and I'm happy to say I have an idea! I've read a thread discussing dilf Luffy and it reminded me of my own Dilf!Lulaw fic I wrote some time ago. I'm OBSESSED with Dilf Luffy so follow me.

Law and Luffy are childhood friends. Law babysits Luffy when they were 13 and 6 respectively and they get along. Law would teach Luffy about the anatomy of various small animals, showing him how to dissect (or pretty much butcher) any type of animal they could find and Luffy would watch, quietly and thoroughly intrigued.

When Luffy was 10 years old, he thought the 17 year old Law was just the coolest guy ever, apart from Ace and Sabo. Law's tall, super smart and his deep voice (whenever it doesn't crack) is super nice.

Sure, he's stuffy and a nerd but if Luffy throws enough rocks at Law's window, Law's the best guy to prank people with! He has backup plans after backup plans to get them both out of trouble. He one-ups Luffy's ideas in a non-condescending way. He's also super pretty when he laughs...

When Law's 20, he tells Luffy that he's moving overseas on some sort of scholarship to Japan. Luffy had no idea what Japan was but Ace and Sabo tell him it's a pretty country with plenty of food. Luffy made Law promise to take him there some day, and Law agreed to, figuring why not.

Sabo also tells Luffy to get his contact information and Law agreed, giving Luffy his phone number and social media handles in case he wanted to text.

And text, Luffy did!

"HEY TRAFFY!! I MISS YOU!!!!! HOW'S ANIME JAPAN!!"

[insert image] "This is my new dorm."

"looks boring lul :P"

"Not allowed to decorate too much, unfortunately. However, I have a roommate soon."

"ROOMIE!! WHO WHO WHO"

"My partner. I'm seeing someone atm."

"atm? wots that Traffy 0_0"

"It means 'at the moment'."

"Oh."

For some reason Luffy felt kind of sad. Maybe it's one of those emo spurts as he's growing up but Traffy never dated when they hung out. Did Traffy not tell him anything? That's upsetting.

"Who is it!!! They btr be nice to u >:("

"Don't worry about that. They're very kind to me. I'm looking for a nice picture to show you."

And Traffy sent Luffy a picture of the guy. It's a tall, buff guy with reddish-brown hair and a scruffy chin. Luffy felt his chin and realised he had a little stubble.

Luffy said that the guy looked plain when Ace walked past and asked what's up. Deep down though, Luffy was annoyed that he's actually quite good looking and that he's way older.

"Is there something wrong, Luffy?"

"wot"

"I don't know. You're the first person I told this to... Sorry, I didn't know you're not supportive."

"Support what"

"I like men, Luffy. I'm gay."

"0-0" Luffy thought of how to respond. A couple friends told him something similar before but he seriously didn't care. "is fine lol"

"Really?"

"YUP !! NO WORRIES HAHAHAHAHA I DIDNGT KNOW YOU HAD A BOYFIE WHY DIDNT YOU TELL ME!!"

"I didn't know how you'd react." And then Traffy was seen typing for a few minutes. "Thank you for not dismissing me."

"!!!!"

They text on and off more from there. Indeed, it felt like when they were kids where Luffy would share whatever's on his mind with Traffy and Traffy would reply politely. They talked about whatever, sometimes deep things, sometimes lighter things but it's usually always fun.

Sometimes, Traffy would talk about his relationship with Drake, as Luffy learned his name later and for some reason, that's Luffy's least favourite subject.

Traffy was neither happy nor unhappy. He talked about him the same way Traffy talked about the weather in anime, Japan. Heck, Law probably liked Ace and Sabo more and they don't even talk!

Luffy didn't have the words or courage to ask whether Traffy really loved Drake and so he never talked about it. As he got older, he couldn't accept that Law—the coolest, nicest, raddest guy ever—would marry some guy.

Law invited Luffy to the wedding ceremony but Luffy couldn't go, partly because he had exams and mostly because he just refused to. Ace and Sabo were surprised to hear that but they eventually understood why.

Whenever Luffy pulled up Law's wedding pictures on their social medias, he would only pinch his fingers on the screen to zoom in on Law's barely smiling, kind of sad face. He'd pout and ask what made Drake so special...

They talk on and off but life got in the way for them.

Law's busy with his hectic job as a surgeon. Law's trying to take more time off social media to be more offline. Law's going to therapy and journalling more. Of course there's his marriage.

Luffy's life's developing nicely too. Luffy's busy with all his friends and being present for them. He's his brother's biggest cheerleaders in their respective sports teams. He's also trying to study a little bit more to do well enough to make it in college.

And so they stop texting for a day. And then a month. And then a year. And then a decade rolls by easily. It's as if they never met.

...

And now, Luffy's 40 and he settled into a nice suburban area as a single-pringle. His house became less of a home and more of a gathering space.

Ace and Sabo drive over to have wild cookouts with their respective partners and kids. Zoro and Sanji come over to drink alcohol. Nami and Usopp for movie dates. Franky gave Luffy a sexy ice cream machine. Robin and Chopper would come over to bird watch in Luffy's backyard. Brook would host charity concerns in his front yard for the children and Luffy let Jimbe tutor kids in his living room.

Life hadn't felt so full in a while. Luffy smiled at his framed pictures and thought, "Wah... I've made it."

One day, he heard some people move into the vacant house next door. After all, how could he not hear them? They were arguing so fucking loudly.

"Shut up, nerd! I do what I want to do!"

"If you're as smart as you say you are you'd be more careful! Those drums are expensive! Be nice to them!"

"They ain't your drums, shit head!"

"But I'm responsible!"

And then Luffy heard something fall down and it made this horrible noise. Enough! He said. He put on a shirt and walked outside. There, he saw the culprit of all that noise.

It's some big man, a guy as big as Luffy with flaming red hair and a permanent scowl. He turned to Luffy and said, "What's your fucking problem? Can't a guy move into his fucking house?"

Luffy hated his attitude—what's his problem!

"I asked ya a fucking question, dipshit."

"I don't like you, you're a jerk!"

"Oh, is that-"

"Shut up, Eustass!" Both Luffy and the guy turned their heads to face the balcony.

And Luffy gasped.

On the balcony, stood a tall man who moved gracefully like an ice prince. He wore a loose Sora the Warrior tee shirt, tucked into light jeans. He had piercings on his ears. His jawline was sharp.

"You're annoying me, Eustass. Hurry up."

"Shut up!"

The not-Eustass-guy turned to face Luffy when he realised Luffy was staring. It started with an apologetic look and then he looked cold, annoyed. Why was Luffy staring so much and so intensely? The man squinted as if that would help him. He frowned and put his glasses on. The man blinked rapidly, in complete disbelief.

"I-" Luffy broke into a large grin when the other man's coldness morphed to surprise. Slowly, he warmed up and there's this warm look in his eye that took Luffy back to when he asked Traffy a question about the frog he was dissecting in the woods for Luffy's entertainment.

No way. Luffy shook his head. NO FUCKING WAY.

He made a little sign and Luffy knew what it meant even years later. It meant that he promised that he'd be back. He kept his promise. About twenty minutes later, Luffy heard a knock on the door. He never sprinted this fast in his life.

"Hi-" And Luffy enveloped the guy in the biggest bear hug he had ever given. He's just so fucking happy! And then Luffy pulled away to actually see him for himself. He was always handsome but since when was he smoking hot? Tall, thin-hipped and slightly muscular.

He looked up at Luffy and his sharp, annoyed eyes softened with tender affection. OH YES WAY!

"Hello, as I was saying. It's been a while."

"Hell yeah! How've you been, Traffy!" It's nice to even say his name again! He felt like a little kid again! Traffy smiled indulgently when Luffy slapped his back.

"I'm alright, thank you."

Luffy saw that Traffy was fiddling with his ring finger and said so. Traffy noticed it too and apologised for the habit.

"I'm going through a divorce now. Eustass, being nice for once, offered to let me stay with him and his partner while I figure out what I want to do with myself. It'll take time for my dad to get that carpet installed in his new house nearby so here I am now to kill time."

"D-divorce?"

"We fell out of love, let's put it bluntly," Law said, now distant. "I found out he's been cheating on me."

"Oh." Luffy suddenly felt like that dumb thirteen year old who didn't know how to handle Law coming out to him. "That sucks."

"Yes, it indeed 'sucks'. I was so shocked I didn't even cry about it for a week when I found out last year."

There was the awkwardness of feeling like one of them did something terribly wrong. Law smiled tersely.

"Enough about that, I'm keeping my hands full with idiots who claim that they want to 'help me out'." Law laughed gently. "Some classmates from Anime, Japan are coming to visit for a few days next week. I wonder how they're doing."

Luffy smiled. His heart ached.

"What do you want to do, Traffy?"`

"Me?" Law gave it thought. He glanced to the side. "Well, first things first, I have to help Eustass over there move in."

"After that?"

"After?" Law blinked. "I'm not sure. Probably brush up on my Japanese. Why?"

Bright-eyed and a little bit scared, Luffy said, "Let's go out!"

"Huh?"

"It'll be fun!" Luffy was totally winging it. "We can get beef bowl at Sanji's place! Do you like camping, Traffy? Ace and Sabo set up a really cool fire place out back—why don't we fire that up later! How about ice cream? Robin made cheese cake too! It's super yummy!"

Law started laughing so much tears came out. Luffy thought with some sadness that Law wasn't done crying about his divorce.

"You haven't changed at all!" Law said, smiling widely. Luffy felt proud of himself for that much. He didn't realise how much of a hole Traffy left behind in his heart when they stopped contacting each other.

Life doesn't give second chances but maybe, just maybe...

"It's really nice seeing you again, Luffy. I... I've missed you. It's been a bit lonely these few months, so let's catch up, i-if you want."

Maybe Luffy could finally show Traffy just how much he loved him...

[linoalwaysknows]

Shattered Promises

Pair: Reader x chan

Tw: break up, getting stood up lmw if I missed any!!

(This is my first post, so please excuse any mistakes, and if you have any advice, I would be happy to take it!! Also, i didnt do a word count so apologies for that!! Enjoy <33)

:You and Bang Chan have a loving relationship marked by his thoughtful gestures, like flowers and special dates. However, Chan’s demanding work schedule increasingly sidelines your time together. Despite his frequent apologies, he repeatedly stands you up, leaving you feeling neglected and unimportant. After another missed date, you confront Chan about the emotional distance and broken promises. Chan suggests taking a break, and you decide to end the relationship. The story ends with you reflecting on the end of your relationship, surrounded by reminders of happier times, and coming to terms with the fact that his love couldn’t overcome the demands of his career.

Your apartment was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the occasional rustle of the wind outside. The room was adorned with mementos of happier times: photographs of you and Chan at various dates, the dried flowers he had given you, and the soft glow of a candle he had gifted you on your last anniversary. You looked around at these reminders of the love he once showered upon you, and the ache in your chest grew heavier.

Chan had always been attentive and loving. He was the kind of person who surprised you with flowers on ordinary days, who planned elaborate dates to keep the spark alive, and who held you close during quiet evenings. His affection had been a constant source of joy and comfort. But recently, his work had begun to overshadow everything, and the promises he made seemed to dissolve into the busy ether of his life.

Tonight was supposed to be special. It was a night you had planned weeks in advance, but as you checked your phone for the umpteenth time, there was no message from Chan. The time for your date had long passed, and still, there was no word from him.

You tried to distract yourself, but your mind kept replaying past conversations, his apologies becoming more frequent and less convincing. Finally, you couldn’t take it any longer. You dialed his number, and after a few rings, he answered, his voice tinged with fatigue.

“Hey, Chan. Where are you?”

There was a moment of silence before he responded. “I’m really sorry, but I’m still caught up at the studio. I thought I’d be done by now, but things have gone awry.”

You took a deep breath, trying to keep your emotions in check. “This is the third time this month you’ve stood me up, Chan. I understand you’re busy, but you’ve been promising to make time for us, and it’s just not happening.”

His voice softened, but there was a distant quality to it. “I know. I’m really sorry. I just need a bit more time to finish this up.”

“Time,” you said, struggling to keep your voice steady. “That’s all you keep asking for. But every time I wait, it’s like you’re not even trying to be here. I feel like I’m losing you.”

You could hear the guilt in his voice as he spoke. “I don’t want you to feel that way. You mean so much to me, more than anything else.”

“Then why does it feel like you’re always choosing work over me?” Your voice cracked, the frustration and hurt spilling out. “I need to feel like I’m a priority in your life, not just an afterthought.”

Chan was silent for a moment before replying, “I understand if you’re upset. I really do. I just wish I could make it right.”

You felt the tears welling up, your vision blurring. “I don’t want to keep feeling like this, Chan. I need someone who’s present, who makes an effort. I can’t keep waiting for promises that never seem to come through.”

His sigh was heavy with resignation. “If that’s how you feel, then maybe it’s best if we take a break. I don’t want to hold you back from finding someone who can give you what you need.”

The finality in his words was like a cold, heavy weight pressing down on your chest. You had hoped for a solution, some compromise, but it seemed that even his love wasn’t enough to bridge the growing chasm between you.

“Maybe you’re right,” you said quietly, feeling the sting of the truth. “Maybe this is for the best.”

You ended the call and set your phone down, the room feeling colder and more desolate than before. The flowers and memories seemed like cruel reminders of a love that, despite its depth, could not withstand the distance and broken promises.

You sat in silence, the weight of the decision settling over you. It was over now, and all that remained were the echoes of what had once been—a love that had been beautiful but was ultimately overshadowed by the demands of time and circumstances

Tag: @kairoot

[ppnuggie]

　　　　　　MINIBOTS(+minimus) x gn reader

　　　　『　tailgate ,, swerve ,, rewind ,, minimus ambus ,, gender neutral reader 』

　　-> part one

　　— fluff ,, sfw ,, crack ,, many kisses :3

　　— part one of this little series :3 rung will be in the next part ! feel free to reblog or give any comments / feedback ! <3 i enjoy reading them and seeing my work spread !

          pedes clanged against the metal floor of the lost light interior . a certain green bot making his way through the labyrinth of the ship with a datapad in his servo . maybe he didnt triple check it enough ,, but something about the report he got from rodimus just irked him . maybe he was too stressed ,, too frustrated with something . and so he left to head for a certain someone .

          he knows it would be rude to imprude your sleep ,, as its quiet essential to humans . yet he couldnt feign the empty feeling in his spark from missing you . it was all that occupied his processor through the day ,, even if he did see you as magnus . it wasn't enough though ,, realizing how needy he sounded ,, but you did say it was alright to pop in any time he wanted to no matter what . so maybe it was somewhat acceptable .

          he stopped in front of your door ,, punching in the simple code and slipping in the dimly lit room when the door slid open . the first thing he could hear was hushed giggles coming from a corner of your room . it didnt take him long to find the source ,, walking over and seeing the minibots of the lost light all huddled around you with blankets wrapped horribly around them . in tailgate's lap you laid ,, hands on either side of swerve's cheeks as you pressed kisses to his facial plates . minimus shouldve known you wouldnt be sleeping by now . it was foolish of him to think so ,, when he knew deep down these three would keep you up all night with no shame or remorse .

          " i want more too !" tailgate whined ,, visor dimming as you return your attention to swerve's derma . " in a moment tailgate ,, you already had some and swerve hasnt yet ." you replied ,, giving the minibot one last smooch and turning back to tailgate . " youre so needy tonight ,, whats up with that ? did something happen today ?" you frowned ,, moving to place a hand on the side of his face . " you could say that . i mean ,, whirl did land me in medbay earlier ." he pouted ,, yet his visor brightened with you kissed his faceplate .

          rewind and swerve sat on either side of tailgate ,, blankets in their laps and wrapped around their shoulders as best as you could get them to be . it always surprised you how these mechs slept . it reminded you of prison in a way ,, sleeping on a slab with nothing for comfort . not even a single pillow . it was honestly no wonder most these bots were rude and cranky . you would be too if you had to sleep that way ,, thankfully you didn't though .

          green armor caught your eye ,, stopping you midway of pressing a kiss to tailgate's cheek and looking up . minimus stood there ,, arms crossed and a data pad in one servo . " what is the meaning of this ?" he asked ,, squinting his optics at the minibots huddled around you . " um ,, nothing ?" swerve gulped . rewind shrugged before tailgate replied ,," getting kisses . do you want to join in ?" minimus faltered a second . whilst it sounded nice ,, they were disturbing your internal clock and messing with your sleep schedule .

          " no . youre all disturbing (y/n) . shoo off and let them sleep ." he grumbled ,, keeping his stance . swerve's awkward smile dropped to a pout ,, all three minibots looking at you . with a sigh ,, you crawled off tailgate's lap and towards minimus . " its alright mins ,, theyre not doing any harm ." you hands wrapped around his digit ,, smile sweetly beaming up at him . " why dont you join us ? and then we can all go to sleep ?" you offered ,, waiting patiently for him to give in . he always does anyways ,, because this isnt the first time it happened .

          the bot sighed ,, arms dropping to his side as he slowly started to nod . " alright ,, alright ." he gave in ,, reaching down a bit to pick you up and hold you in his arms . " only for a bit ,, and then youre going straight to bed ." he huffed as he walked over to the rest of the minibots ,, settling down beside rewind and turning his head to the side bashfully when you kiss his derma .

[lazarusrisingx]

sylus x disabled reader HC

the first few dates he notices how easily exhausted they are. how by the end of the date your subtly massaging the muscle on one of your legs and it doesnt seem to want to bend fully. how you stumble a bit more walking on your left or right side.

he notices the slight look of pain when you get on your feet, its barely readable for normal people but sylus is so watchful he can see that your in some sort of pain almost instantly.

he finds it odd that you get one particular week off of work a month, and he notices a little bruise on your arm from an IV during that week. he notices how slow you reply and how you dont go anywhere that entire week.

hes definatley curious. but he doesnt want to press on something sensitive so he doesnt ask just yet.

he notices that when you get out of the car or stand up your knuckles go white on your chair or the nearest surface as if your trying to hold yourself up. he sees how you blink a little more rapidly and seem to sway a bit, but you smile and continue on as if its not clear you just got very dizzy.

Sylus notices the amount of timers on your phone, how you seem to know just seconds before they go off and excuse yourself from dinner to go to the bathroom. he can hear the faint click of pill bottles in your purse.

Sylus sees how you take gasping breaths, a hand on your chest as you casually continue to conversate as if you dont seem to be choking for air.

it concerns him. gods does it concern him. he knows something is wrong but cant tell what it is exactly. he sees you in pain and wants desperately to help. if he could breath for you he would.

you start to notice he walks slower with you. pointing out big bumps or cracks in sidewalks. how he quickly adapts to steadying you when you stand up as if its completely natural, offering you his arm when you stand up and if you refuse it, he stands closely beside you, one hand hovering beside your shoulder.

you really didnt want to tell him so early on about your medical conditions. about how numb and painful your leg gets. about how heavy it feels when you walk and thats why you stumble and begin tripping. you didnt want to explain to him why uou gasped for air or fell into fits of coughing and had to excuse yourself to expel whatever came up from your lungs.

until one night, after a few drinks, the two of your were sitting down and you took a gasping breath.

“why do you do that sweetie?” he asked quietly

his words were slightly slurred and his eyes looked down on you with nothing but delicate concern

your stomach twisted in knots as uou thought up an excuse. many times you had explained your disability to someone, and many times you were ghosted the next day.

“i…uh-“

“if your sick you dont have remain here, i can call you a cab.” he said

you let out a quiet sigh shaking your head.

he tilted his head to the side and leaned forward.

“its not… im not sick like that.”

thus began an hour long conversation of your medical problems. detailing from when they first began to now, and everything it entails.

he listens without saying a word. his expression unreadable. inside though, he feels anxious. not because he doesnt think you cant handle this. but because you feel like you need to handle it on your own. the two of you had been having little dates for a while now. if he had been more aware of these things, he wouldve planned other activities.

“so yeah… its a lot i know but you dont have to worry. i have it under control theres nothing you need to do or worry about.”

he gave a quiet chuckle.

“i may not need to do anything sweetie, i may not need to worry. but i will worry, and those appointments, transfusions are difficult to deal with on your own especially if you feel that sick after them. ill go with next month. you can stay here, get some actual rest.” He said

it was as if this was decided for you.

“its not really that serious sylus-“

“its not serious for you. it is your normal life. but that doesnt mean i dont take it very seriously… as for that doctor who isnt taking you seriously..”

a flicker of darkness crosses over his face as he smirks.

“sylus-“

“i have someone else who can help you. who will actually listen. i dont need to come to the appointment but i know that he wouldnt dismiss you like that peice of shit does.”

“my insurance only covers this doctor. i cant see anyone else its not like its primary care this is for a specialized doctor.”

“who said you would need insurance? if you go to my doctor, the visit will be free.” sylus said

you can only stare slack jawed at him for a moment.

“sylus-“

“i assure you, sweetie, you dont deserve to live without an answer for all of this. and i… plan to be around you for a long time. if youll have me that is.”

nearly tearing up, you accept his help. tentatively. and from that day on sylus is even more watchful of you.

he helps you stand up, but always backs off if you ask him to. when your leg begins hurting he finds a space for you to lay down, or he makes one. within a month youve got an inhaler, which he keeps one on his person at all times just for you. he helps organize and get your medication ready so you dont have to lug around a bag of pills. and when you go in for your infusions, instead of being pushed out in a wheelchair by a nurse to wait for a cab, Sylus carries you out himself, kissing your forehead as the meds they gave you keep you asleep, letting you lie down in the backseat, and ordering your favorite meal to be prepared when you get home.

when your pain is bad, he sits next you, rubbing your head and taking careful notes on how many times your legs spasm, calls in a doctor to visit the home to administer special medication, and stays up all night to keep you company.

when you really cant breath, he keeps you propped up and in front of a cold fan, the heat always makes it harder to breath for you. he bought a pulse ox and makes sure you never drop below 92% o2 saturation.

to think you had to do this on your own before was unfathomable for him. it was a true sign of strength that you were able to push through and care for yourself so well when writhing in pain or gasping for air for hours on end.

it was a true sign of strength. but now you didnt need to be that strong. he was there to take on those tasks, and he was happy to do so.

————————-

this is so self indulgent because i have lung problems, massive dizzy spells, an immune defficiency that recquires monthly infusions and tons of meds, and leg pain/ mobility problems. i feel like Sylus would be the ultimate caregiver who never scolds you for missing meds or not keeping up with yourself because he can see how exhausted it makes you and how burnt out you are by all of it. and when you need to be angry and cry because you hate the way your body fails you he is right there to listen, never chiming in that it coild be worse or trying to say your not doing enough to manage your conditions. i feel like zayne would do that ngl.

i love him sm fr

[graciegoeskrazy]

figure my heart out | PART 2

Matty Healy + Queer!Teen!Daughter!reader

warnings: coming out, language

a/n: you didn’t really think i’d leave u on read did you? cmon u know me better than that. in all honesty i didnt mean to split it into 2 parts but i just loved what i had written and wanted to get it out there asap. my bad whoopsies. AT LEAST I DIDNT LEAVE YALL HANGING FOR LONG RIGHT. i’m sorry for all the pain i caused. xoxo. ALSO THANK YOUNFOR ALL THE IIND COMMENTS AND LOVE U GUYS MAKE MY FUCKING DAY LIKE LITTERSLY MY DAD WAS SO SHIT IMAND YOU GUYS TURNED IT AROUND WITH UR REQUESTS AND COMMENTS I LOVENUUUUHU OKAY enjoy 😚

An hour had passed. No one had gone to bed or left including your aunt and uncles because they all were too worried about you. They tried to convince your father to follow you upstairs before things worsened, but he couldn't move. This was a life-changing moment for crying out loud, and he was the one who ruined it. He couldn’t get that out of his head. After a while of going back and forth with each other, Everyone had enough of your father’s bullshit and decided to get involved. George and Ross took it upon themselves to head up to your room. They weren't even sure if you were awake in the first place, but the faint music of Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour album was playing the the background which was a telltale sign you were awake. Awake, and not doing well. It was nearing 3 in the morning but on weekends like this, sleep didn’t exist in the Healy and company household. People were up and awake or blasting music or just doing things you would normally do when the sun is up, so everyone staying up and having an intervention of sorts was a normal thing. (Which makes you wonder why your curfew was 11 pm in the fucking first place) That’s another reason why George and Ross had no problem with knocking on your door. “Bubs? You in there?” George knew the answer. They both did, but they didn’t know how to start the conversation. You had just sent a goodnight text to your girlfriend. As soon as you got upstairs a while ago, you texted her saying that you needed to talk. Not even a full minute later she answered the phone and you told her everything. After getting you to calm down and promising you everything would be alright, she suggested that you get some rest, and that’s what you planned to do. Until your uncles knocked on your door.

“Bubs it's Me and Tallie. We need you to open up.”

You were so tired. You didn't want to deal with them or anyone. You just wanted sleep. So you didn’t answer. After a moment, Ross spoke. “Love, open the door, please. We just want to help you.” He gave a glance towards George when you didn’t reply. “Bubs, we love you. We only want to help. What your dad did was unfair, we know that, and we just want to stop it from getting worse.”

Ross added on, “We love you, y/n. It doesn't change how we feel about you. You’re still our baby and we still love you. Let us in, please.”

After thinking about it and coming to the conclusion of what more could go wrong you reached up from where you were sitting on the ground near the door, and let them in. Still not saying another word.

George found you first. He knelt in front of you and did some of the breathing exercises he taught you. Eventually, he helped you up onto the bed where Ross sat and you just fell into him. You cried into his chest as George closed the door and went around to the other side of the bed.

“You feeling better?” You nodded. Ross pressed a kiss to your head. “Good.” He said.

George scooted closer and smiled. ‘So…June, huh?”

Ross smiled and you cringed, “Oh my god, shut up.”

“What?! I’m not judging. I like vaginas too.”

At this point, Ross was a pool of laughter and as much as you hate to admit it you laughed a bit too.

“Oh my- just get out.” You said, cracking a smile.

“You gonna be okay?” Ross asked.

You solemnly nodded. “Yeah, I’m just gonna go to bed and see what happens tomorrow.”

George smiled, “One day at a time.”

You nodded.

They both pressed kisses to your head like they have done since you were little, and left the room, silently, closing the door.

…

The next morning, after some very much-needed rest, you woke up to the sun coming through your window. You sat there for a while, wishing it was still night and wishing June was right there with you. After a minute of snapping back to reality, there was a silent knock at the door. Matty peaked his head in and his eyes found yours. He was still in last night’s clothes, dress pants and all. “I’m sorry- did I wake you-”

“No. It’s fine I’ve been up.”

He just nodded. He cleared his throat before continuing. “Can I come in?” You didn’t expect this conversation to happen this early but it was clear that he got no sleep and had been preparing himself all night. You nodded. He came in and shut the door and sat on the edge of your bed. You lay back, resting against the headboard. He couldn’t meet your eyes, but finally did when he said, “I’m sorry.”

You showed a slight tight-lip smile.“I know.” You said.

He looked away again and sighed. “I didn’t mean for it to happen like this, I just…”

“For what to happen?”

“You coming out.”

Your head tilted in confusion, “Wait- you knew this would happen?”

He shrugged as if it was nothing. “Well, not this but yeah, love.”

You crawled forward and sat next to him by the edge of your bed. “Are you kidding?” You yelled.

“No. I’ve known you liked boys and girls since you were in primary school.”

This bitch. You stood up with wide eyes and stared at your dad. “You knew I liked both!?!”

He smiled. “Remember the first time you got drunk at a party?”

“No?”

“Exactly. You came home super drunk from June’s house and while I was helping you sober up and get ready for bed you told me you had a crush on June. That you liked her and wanted to marry her.” He smiled at the thought.

You were shocked to say the least. “Wh-why didn’t you say anything? Or yell at me for being drunk!”

“Because you’re a teenager. I wanted you to have fun.”

You rolled your eyes and sat back down, of COURSE he knew I was queer of course. Sometimes I wish he didn’t know me this fucking well. “Oh my gosh.”

“You thought I believed you were going to ‘study sessions’? I’m not dumb, love. I used to make the same excuses. Plus, I didn't think I’d have to worry about teen pregnancy if you were having sex with a girl.”

“Dad!” You said, slapping his arm.

“Sorry.” You covered your eyes in embarrassment and shock.

“I wanted you to live your life. And figure out who you are before you tell me anything. I wanted you to feel comfortable coming to me and trust me.”

You sat up. “I’ve always trusted you. It’s just June isn’t exactly out yet to her family so it’s comp-“

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” He said, smiling, and putting a hand on your knee.

“I’m sorry, I yelled,” he said.

“You don’t have to be sorry. I’m sorry I lied and stayed past curfew.”

“It’s alright.” He said, patting your knee.

He looked at you and took your face in his hands. “I love you. No matter who you love.”

You smiled “I love you most.”

[shurisbathwater]

𝖮𝖭𝖤 𝖭𝖨𝖦𝖧𝖳 𝖮𝖭𝖫𝖸.☼︎

𝖲𝖧𝖴𝖱𝖨 𝖷 𝖡𝖫𝖪 𝖥𝖤𝖬! 𝖱𝖤𝖠𝖣𝖤𝖱

Part IV ( LAST PART )

↳Part III

: slight smut,angst & fluff

:ntm on the smut yall this is my second time. First time went terribly

^pls play the song if you can, it rlly resonates with me and I think it matches the storyline

✧。❀

Two months later

-"IS that the last of your bags, ma'am?" The worker asked you as he finished loading the last box into the truck.You nod slowly and give him a tight lipped smile. He smiles back and closes the trunk to his truck.

"These will be shipped back to the US as soon as possible." He tells you. "Thank you." You reply. It's true; you were moving back to the US. You felt as if you didnt have a purpose here in Wakanda ever since..you and Shuri broke up. You wanted to go back to school and resume your studies in marine biology.

You took your phone out to look at the time your plane was coming to get you. You only had two hours left until you left this beautiful place with beautiful people forever. But what mattered is that you're doing this for yourself-you weren't running away. Though the only thing was you didnt tell Shuri.

You sigh as you reach out to touch your necklace anxiously, only to realise its not on your neck. Your eyes widen as you look on the ground and all around the place, its not there. Someone very special gave that to you - Shuri. But yet it had meaning to it. It was something she made for your late sister, but was gifted to you instead.

"She would've wanted you to have this."

Your eyes started to well with tears. You missed her, though you wouldn't admit it to anyone- you longed for her touch and missed her presence. Whatever, it isn't that deep its just a necklace..You blink back the tears and look in your suitcase beside you; maybe you didnt put it on after all?

You looked up at your apartment complex and sighed. You had to go up there again, after packing all of your stuff. You went over to your car and loaded all of your stuff in for a minute and went up.

You took the elevator up and looked at the empty spaces. Where your couch and TV used to be in the living room, your kitchen..whenever you looked around you saw Shuri. Everything reminded you of her, even when you were trying to forget.

You remembered the time you guys tried to make cookies.

"Shuri, you're supposed to watch them, they're burning!"

"What? Oh shi-"

You laughed at her as she opened the oven and suddenly a puff of smoke came out of the place.

"Ahh!!" She screamed as she grabbed a cloth and started waving it around. You laughed hysterically at her.

You sighed and looked away. You made your way to your empty bedroom. You went on all fours and started looking for it. Nothing, of course.

You searched and searched for it and after all that time you couldn't find it. You muttered curse words under your breath and realised it could only be in one place.

Shuri's damned apartment.

You shut your eyes and put your head in your hands. "Ughh, oh my gosh" you mumbled as you got up once again.

ᘛ ᘚ

You stood at Shuri's doorstep as you tapped your foot anxiously. Its fine, you can just replace it. Its just a stupid necklace.

That had meaning to it.

You checked the time on your apple watch, you have one hour to get it, so you might as well just get this over with. You knocked softly on the door as your hands slightly trembled. You heard footsteps coming towards the door, she looked through the peephole and then opened the door with a click.

"Y/n..I.." her voice trails off. "Wasn't expecting you." She sighs shakily as she takes a good look at you. You wore a grey sweatsuit, the zip-up showing a bit of your cleavage.

"Yeahh..I can't stay long. I'm leaving today, soo.." you gave her a tight lipped smile. "I think I left something of mine here." You gulp as you look into her eyes to see hurt, loneliness and despair.

"Leaving? Why didn't you tell me?" Her voice cracks. She really didn't look in good shape. She wore a hoodie of yours and some boxer shorts. The eyes that were once full of love and life, were now empty black pools.

"Yeah..Im gonna be continuing my studies again." You add. Shuri nods slowly as she gives you room to come in. You walk straight into her bedroom and look in her jewlery box. You sigh as you realise its not there. "I..it's not here." You mumble as you close her jewlery box and put it back where you found it.

"Its fine. I can always get it replaced." You say to her. You fiddle with your fingers nervously. "Y/n, we'll find it, okay?" She says reassuringly, reaching out to touch your cheek. You shut your eyes and give into the comfort. She comes in to hug you and you give her the tightest hug. You wrap your arms around her neck and she rubs your back.

You missed this comfort and love. You breathe into her neck and let the tears fall on her shoulder. It was not because of necklace, its because you missed this. Though you broke up with her - that doesn't mean you can't miss her.

"I missed you so much." Her voice cracks once again. You pull away from the hug and look into her eyes, your hands still around her neck. She looks into your eyes for a minute and before you knew it your lips crashed onto hers. It was a loving and passionate kiss. She picks you up and puts you on the bed as you get deeper into the kiss.

She continues to kiss you softly as you both smile throughout the kiss.

Gosh,you're 100% gonna miss your flight.

ᘛ ᘚ

YOU woke Shuri up by planting kisses all over her face. She scrunched her nose softly and opened her eyes, smiling when she realised its you. She grabbed your waist and pulled your naked bodies closer together. You kissed her lips, but then realised you forgot about your flight. "Oh no." You say as you turn around and grab your phone. "Whats wrong?" Shuri asks you as she looks over at your phone.

You jump out of bed and grab your outfit, throwing it on. "I am..going to miss my flight." You mumble as you grab your clothes off of the ground.

"I'll call when I land." You grumble as you attempt to grab your glasses from the nightstand, only for her to put your hand on top of yours.

She instantly notices your nerves calm as you look into her cocoa brown eyes. "I can't stay. Nope, I'm sorry." You whisper. She removes her hand from yours and her eyes soften.

She gets up from her bed and throws on a cropped tank top and her shorts from before, and walks over to you. You get up on your tippy toes and kiss her on the lips, for the last time.

"I'll come to visit, promise."

She smiles softly at you.

ᘛ ᘚ

-𝖳𝖧𝖤 sunset in Wakanda was always so beautiful, too bad you were leaving it. You were in the mood for some music so you grabbed your duffel bag that was sitting beside you - and also had your airpods in it. You shuffled through the bag to find the case, in which you did, and so you put on your Spotify playlist.

As you were zipping up your bag, you noticed something was stuck between the zipper.

The necklace.

You chuckle lightly and grin as you close your duffel bag up again. Your phone suddenly vibrates, interrupting your music.

Shuri

I love you, safe journey.

𝖤𝖭𝖣.

[gtlurker]

Chapter eight of inhuman, finally out. This chapter is a bit angsty and mentions isabelles time at the lab a bit, so fair warning for that, otherwise, enjoy!

Chapter eight.

Isabelle

When I lock eyes with my brother for the first time in ten years, all I can do is cry. Damien stares at me in shock for a few moments, no doubt trying to process my height.

It doesn't seem to take him long to process though as he runs over and immediately takes me from atlas’ hands, ignoring Ronan's protests and telling him to sit back down.

He holds me against his collarbone as he falls to his knees, muttering repeated apologies and having explanations that fade back into apologies. I can't say I'm doing much better, tears pouring from my eyes like rain clouds and failed sentences I can't even string together to tell that it wasn't his fault and my own apologies.

For what feels like hours but was probably only minutes, sitting on the floor like this, sobbing and apologizing, his hold on me is too tight, almost painful, but I can't find it in me to care. When he finally does pull away and his eyes start to frantically scan over my face, he stops breathing for a few moments.

No words escape his throat, no tears leave his eyes. Nothing but pure sorrow can be found on his face.

“Your eyes aren't supposed to be blue, your hairs isnt supposed to be black.”

his voice cracks when he says these things, as if he's trying to change my appearance back to the blond hair brown eyed girl i was the last time we saw each other. He still has his blond hair and his brown eyes, but he's clearly not the same person I knew all those years ago.

He has no hope left in his eyes. And it kills me to see him just as broken as me. I can't bring myself to reply and just stare up at him in disbelief that he's actually here.

“Um, I hate to ruin this moment, but I haven't finished your stitches yet.” Ronan's voice breaks through the overwhelming mix of emotions, and my eyes travel down the length of Damien's arm to the fact that he still has a surgical needle sticking out of his arm inside a half stitched bullet wound. “Oh, right.” he says, as he stands and sits back down infront of Ronan, holding out his arm again.

It takes me a moment before I'm able to climb out of his hand and sit on the floor next to him. I look over at Atlas who's staring at his hand like it was kissed by george washington himself, i don't understand why he's staring at his hand like that, and it's kinda freaking me out. However it's not freaking me out near as much as how good Ronan is at giving stitches, or at how damien's not show any signs of pain even though his bullet wound is being repeatedly stabbed with a needle.

All of us sit in a tense silence while Damien is stitched up. Atlas goes between cleaning up the mess that was made, and staring at me. He's always staring. always Making me feel insignificant and like I'm just something to be gawked at because of my size.

It's not like I want to be this way. I shake off my depressive thoughts and instead focus my attention back onto my brother, who has worry etched onto his expression. “Isa, Have these idiots hurt you at all?” he asks, looking at me like I'll break if he gets too close.

Ronan's face drops and he looks offended, as if Damien even considering the possibility that they would have hurt me is the greatest offense known to mankind.

Atlas however, winces at the question. While he didnt hurt me, he did hit me with his car, sending me flying at least twenty feet. That would hurt any normal person, especially someone of my unique stature.

After a few moments of careful consideration, I shake my head no. “No, only hit Me with a car.” Damien immediately shoots up, glaring at Atlas and ronan. “He WHAT?! What do you mean only!? They hit you with a car!” regret washes over me as i realize how that i might have sounded to him. “She's obviously not hurt is she? Sit down and let me finish your stitches or I will shoot you again.” Ronan threatens, and Damien reluctantly sits back down.

Ronan brings the needle back to damiens arm and keeps stitching him up. I turn my head away from the sight of my brother being sewn back together like a stuffed animal a child ripped.

I hate sewing needles.

Seeing one, even if it's being used to help someone, brings me back to when needles were stuck through my wrists and ankles, holding me in place as a scalpel was dragged across my skin. Tearing me open and ripping out my non vital organs. Both my uterus and gallbladder have been removed to my knowledge. I hate to imagine what else I lost without anyone telling me. Just at the mere memory of it i begin to tremble, the skin on my stomach beginning to ache as if there's a blade pressed against me at this very moment. When my eyes drift upward instead of seeing masked faces and gloved hands awaiting to cut me open and torture my mind alongside my body, i see ronans, atlas, and damiens concerned faces all looking down on me, making me feel smaller than i truly am.

The pity on their faces do nothing to calm my racing heart. The scientist looked at me with pity, and they still continued to hurt me. “Isabelle, what's wrong? Did something happen?” damiens voice is muffled to my ears, sounding like he's trying to speak to me through a wall, yet at the same time it's overwhelmingly loud. “I-i need a drink…” I croak out, my voice shakes around the syllables as I try to not look up at the three of them.

I hear rustling followed by the sound of running water as Ronan grabs a glass of hopefully just water for me. Damien reaches a hand out towards me, however he almost immediately pulls it back when I flinch away.

I can't help but notice the hurt that flashes across his face. It's not like I want to be scared of my brother, but after everything that's happened since I saw him last, i dont think it'sm possible for me to feel anything but fear towards anybody.

[chouchen]

Hey there! You're a very inspirational person to me and one of the reasons why I realized that art is my true passion unlike all of the other professions i convinced myself to like because they're more "profitable". So I'm now seeking to enter an art college once I finish high school, but in my country it's a little hard for me to find anything "eye-catching".

I'm going to apply for a visual arts course next year in a very popular public school here in my country for preparation (the applications are only at the end of the year and i didn't apply for anything last year), but I'm still a little worried about finding a good art college, specially since art is very undervalued in my country (maybe it will change bc of the new president, hopefully), but i was very interested in the weekly schedule you posted of your art school last year, since it's pretty much everything I wanna learn in my art journey, so I'd like to know if you have any tips on finding a good college? There are quite a lot of art colleges here but I find it hard to find something that fits what I want,,,

very long reply

hi ! first of all i'm super glad that i can be such an inspiration to you aa ^_^

second of all, i don't really know how colleges work for you but for me i made sure of 3 things to choose mine.

first is the teaching, art colleges are very different from each other because art is a very vast and each college has a speciality so choose wisely depending on what you want to do.

second is the diploma, idk how it works for you but here some diplomas are certified by the state (means they recognize you has a student etc) here certified diplomas can help you find a job and its easier to change job all that. Honestly in the art industry the school you did isn't that important (ofc it's always better to have a prestigious school on your resume but) your portfolio is really what's gonna show your work and this is what employers are gonna look at !

third is the cost, here we have free or paid colleges, either free or not art studies cost A LOT, all artistic material is expensive traditional or digital (especially digital) if you can't afford everything they are some solutions (second hand material, adobe cracks etc) just please make sure you don't put yourself in too much debt because art is still a job that doesn't pay much at first (especially if you go on freelance)

and lastly, ask your college it's employment rates, in my college for example, big studios directly come to recruit some people, they're the judges for our final exams etc, make sure your college has connections with the working world because as fun as it sounds at the end of the day you're looking for a job !!

bonus, ask old students from the college and ask about their experiences, here we have special conventions where college show what they do and you can meet people (YOU DONT WANT A COLLEGE WITH WEIRD PEOPLE!!! especially if you're a girl and you want to go in video games like me, i got asked my number and to go get a drink by some dumbass and let me tell you i did not choose to go to this college, students reflects what the reputation of their school and you don't want to go to a place full of dumbasses)

i also really recommend you visit the colleges you're interested in !

bonus bonus, art studies takes a lot on your mental health, there's a real difference between drawing as a hobby and doing art for a living, but i think you already thought about that so all i have to say is good luck !

that was long aaa i hope i didnt discouraged you too much, it took me a while to find my college too but once you're in you're good !!

[voidwritesstuff]

Dionysus and Charon.

Cw: suggestive themes,mentions of anger issues,depression,anxiety, abusive family, May be missing a few.

Summary: an elaborate fic for desmonds gay arc.

Wordcount: 10k ish.

The car stopped with a Rumble, its lights turn off,as the night Sky is lit up by a full moon and thr stars,Lucas turns to see desmond-- Ya really never been to this bar before?

--I mean yes but I havent been here in a good while-- desmond replied, undoing his seatbelt and opening the door,his friend copying him.-- Last time I was here I think...I think I graduated

--jesus!--Exclaimed Lucas,Closing the door of the car, to then lean on the hood of it-- you never go out to places like this? --His Friend looks at him like "do I look like someone who goes out to places like this?"-- right...Alright! 'M 'bout to change that,cmon.

"Dionysus Bar"  the purple neon bar read, it was decorated with images of grapes And wines, it flickered a little. The outside of the building looked like a crossover between modern 90s architecture and old rustic decor. Its beautiful and cozy,they can hear the buzz of the inside.

--Good thing we came early, this place gets so jampacked sometimes-- Lucas walks to the entrance, hearing his therapist close the door of the car and catching up.

As they enter, the first thing they feel is cold,then they see is a few round tables, the wood they're made out of is pretty dark. The walls are a light cream color, some of the parts are decorated with paintings and a few TVs have the latest football game playing.

--Huh,slow night-- the ex soldier thinks out loud-- Lets go to the actual bar,cmon-- desmond follows along,compliant and just admiring the place-- did it change much since the last time you were here?

--no,not really. Its pretty much the same

They reach the bar and sit, waiting for someone to take their order. The room has music and chatter as background noise, theres a few other people in the bar but neither of the two pay attention to them.

--Good evening,Gentlemen! What can i do for you?--A Man said behind the counter,both men turn to see the bartender. He was around 6'1, plump muscles and alert greyish green eyes, his beautiful brown hair with Orange highlights And royal blue underdye tied in a tight bun,yet a few of his baby hairs fall and frame his face perfectly.

He smiles, and his cheeks seem to fill up as he does so, his sideburns frame the Lower part of his face.

--Lazaro?--Asked Lucas with wide eyes and a smile.

--Lucas! How are you buddy?--Lazaro replied.

Desmond looks at his friend and the bartender, trying to not get lost in his green eyes-- wait,you two know eachother?

--Yeah Man! Hes jericos older brother, dont you recognize him?

He takes a second look, he sees the few holes in the Mans face where their piercings usually sit, then the Many tattoos on his exposed forearms. And then it clicks-- yes,apologies. I didnt recognize him without the piercings

Lazaro laughs and oh its the sweetest sound hes ever heard, joyfull and genuine, yet behind his eyes the therapist sees a sad glint he knows a little too well from Jerico ,his patient and sister of the Man before him.

--So youre my sisters therapist? Goddamn,the world is small,huh?--He replied leaning on the counter with a smile. Des wants to pull away and move closer at the same time.

--yes it is, I uh did not expect you to look so much like her,though-- the doctor replied.

--Oh right-- laz replied with a chuckle-- Well, yeah im her biological brother but we do look extremely alike. Its a little inside joke. Anyway,whats your Poison?

--Just two beers for now-- Lucas answered-- whatever line you have as long as its good

--Ten-four lieutenant-- He leaves for a quick second and grabs two beers, he makes sure its the coldest ones they have and returns. His muscles flex as he cracks the Open and desmond finds himself staring.

--your tattoos dont get you in trouble with your boss? -- Lucas asked.

--My boss says chicks dig the tatts,men too--,Apparently-- The bartender said, winking at desmond and flicking the two bottle caps to Lucas before leaving.

--Jerico likes them-- The soldier explained,putting the two caps on his pocket. He realizes his friend is too stuck on watching Laz serve the other costumers-- doc?

Desmond turns to see his friend with a grin, oh hes fucked up-- What?

--Why are you looking at Laz?

--Drop it, Lucas-- He replied with Pink cheeks.

--you should totaly talk to him, Ive spent time with him before, hes the sweetest!

--Absolutely not!

--Cmon doc! Live a little! Youve been checking him out,at least buy him a drink!

--Can bartenders drink during their shift?

--Well they do switch in a few minutes-- the soldier trails off.

--How Many times did you come here? Youre not even from milton-haven!--Desmond protested, a little flustered.

--I came a few times-- Lucas shrugged-- 'sides y'know me,doc. 'M quite perceptive

A few minutes pass by and Lazaro returns to the two men, mostly to clean up after himself. Thats when Lucas says-- Hey Laz! Can you drink during break?

--Yeah, why?

Desmond feels Lucas kick him in the shin and he flinches. His eyes refuse to meet the bartenders and instead settle on his drink-- W-Well we were uh- wondering if youd like to have a drink wi-with us...?

He doesnt see the bright smile Lazaro has on his lips--Fine then, oh I could so use a drink.

The therapist forces himself to make eye contact-- Wh-what do you drink?

His smile,oh god his smile, its sun incarnate just like his sister. Desmonds heart does a flip-- necromancer Martini. Though I feel kinda bad just making one for me

The therapist doesnt even hesitate-- Ill pay, I mean I invited you to drink with us, its only fair

--Desmond you dont gotta-- the younger Man said.

--I insist

--Let me at least half the price?

--No. Im paying

In that moment,lazaro's chest warms up and takes the money-- You are too sweet,Desmond. My sister's right

Desmonds face heats up and he sees Lazaro put the money in the register and gets to make his drink. Its hypnotizing to watch, how he moves around the bar like its second nature,his hips sway to the latin beat playing.

《Havana, ooh na-na

Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh na-na

He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na, ah

Oh, but my heart is in Havana

There's somethin' 'bout his manners.

Havana, ooh-na-na.》

Lazaro is absolutely stunning to watch,at least in desmonds eyes, hes so full of energy and larger than life. If it wasnt for how enamored he was with him, Des mightve felt jealous.

He sits with the two men after he grabs his dinner, Argentine empanadas and a little note in spanish "para el mejor hermano mayor del mundo. No te atragantes -Jerico" -- for the best brother in the world, dont choke while you eat them, Jerico-- Laz translated.

Lucas chuckles-- damn, what a meal you have going on

--Martini and empanadas? Dude im in HEAVEN-- the younger Man exclaimed,taking a bite out of his food-- and good company too-- he looks at desmond and smiles a little.

Desmond looks like a deer in headlights, Lucas tries not to laugh as his friend doesnt reply and takes a sip from his drink. For the rest of his break the three of them talk (its mostly Lucas and laz talking,though).

"God, hes pretty" the therapist thinks "Jesus! How Many times a week does he work out? And why does his shirt look so good on--"

--He didn't walk up with that "how you doin'?"

When he came in the room

He said there's a lot of girls I can do with

But I can't without you

I knew him forever in a minute

That summer night in June

And papa says he got malo in him

He got me feelin' like...-- Lazaro sang, snapping Des out of his thoughts. His singing voice sweet as a nightjars,and as smooth as the way he moved behind the bar.

A few more minutes go by before Laz goes back to work, he pats desmond on the back and says-- Thanks for the drink, Doc -- he flirted.

The therapist looks up at him and, oh god, hes towering over him easily. His cheeks go bright red as jerico's brother smiles and leaves to get back to work.

--You need another drink-- Lucas chuckled.

--yes I do-- the other Man sgreed.

Desmond thanked the gods that another bartender took their order. He now swirls the double whiskey on the rocks looking at the dark wood counter.

--Theres nothin' wrong with likin' a Man,you know?--The radioman said.

--I dont-! I dont like him! Hes very...charming

--Dont like him? Dude! You were giving bartender boy over there them "Marry me" eyes.-- to emphasize his point he gestures at Lazaro whose currently making a Group of girls swoon for him with his charm and quips.

--Hell no!--Desmond shrieked with his face beet red,then he turns to look at Laz and he grips his glass.

Lucas raises a brow and chuckles. "Jealous much?" He thinks.

By the end of the night they pay their tab and desmond leaves for the car, then Lucas leaves a little more money for Laz alongside the one desmond left. He calls lazaro over and says-- Hey laz,this is from the doc, and heres a bit of mine

--Oh damn,thats a lot of money-- Laz murmurs-- thanks yo

--Dont mention it

The drive back home is spent with Lucas teasing the hell out of Desmond, who only sulks and looks out the Window. Once he drops him off at his appartment, the therapist goes to sink into his bed and pray to god he doesnt get hangover. He was a lightweight.

In the realm of the collective unconcious things were always changing, it had to make space to the New shadows that kept popping out of literally nowhere. Most of their little territorios werent much of a sight or even fun.

But oh, that wasnt always the case

When desmond had Fallen asleep, Agent Rainbow," 'Gent" as he preffered to be called, got to walk around that ever shifting realm, Freed from being tied up to his counterpart.

That night he came across something most peculiar, A bar. It was a mix of medieval and gothic architecture with its greyish yellow walls and black iron support beams decorated with those gothic motives. The neon sign read "Hades bar" with neon blue tubing and red spider lillies that shone crimson. Its overgrown with red spider lillies and other funerary flowers.

He fixes up his hat, he sees other shadows come in and out,shifting and morphing into different forms. For the Curiosity, and because he nothing better to do that night, he steps in.

《Early this morning

When you knocked upon my door

Early this morning

When you knocked upon my door》

The first he feels is a deathly chill, he does see a fireplace but the wood seems...frozen. the singer on the floor above sings, the strings and the piano give the bar a most ghastly appereance.

His eyes look for the bartenders and thats when he saw him.

《And I said hello Satan, ah

I believe it is time to go》

A skeleton, tall and lanky,adorned with a long robe blackish desaturated blue ,it glimmers like fresh snow. Hes adorned with jewelry of crosses,skulls and harnesses, even just seeing the metal Gent figured it was deathly Cool. The crown adorned with red spider lillies and skull,the spikes that the skulls where impaled on looked more like sharp Pointy month antenna.

And this shadow,whoever he was, was alluring.

He moved with such poise, such elegance, he twirls and moves around the bar counter making drinks, its impossible not to look at him.

With a smirk,Rainbow goes to sit at the bar,in the same spot his counterpart had sat earlier this evening. He leans in and raises his hand.

--Evening, gentleman-- the skeleton said, voice raspy and utterly ghastly, as if he was speaking with his last breath every time. But its somewhat deep, and easy on the ear-- what can I get for you

--Double whiskey on the rocks,please handsome-- desmonds shadow flirted.

Amused, the skeleton grabs the whiskey,some jack daniels that is impossibly old, sets it on the counter and then grabs a round short stout glass. Their gazes meet, defiant but curious.

The skeleton opens his mouth and frost breath that gleamed like diamonds comes from deep within his mouth, his hand raises and grasps the breath, an uniform cube forms and without breaking eye contact he uses that same hand to break the Ice in two like one would do an egg.

Ice clinks as it falls on the glass, then he pours the whiskey and corks the bottle, pushing it to rainbow.-- Here you go, beautiful

'Gent chuckles and takes a sip from it, the whiskey is so cold it stings his tongue. But he doesnt flinch-- What May your name be?

The skeletal figure leans in,using his forearms for support-- People around here call me Decay or Charon.

--Call me 'gent-- the other shadow replied,taking decay's hand and kissing his knuckles,without breaking eye contact. Their energy together is almost electric like two impossibly strong forces colliding with eachother.

《Me and the devil walkin' side by side

Me and the devil walking side by side》

--Very well 'gent-- Decay says his name with defiance,he leans in,pushing his cold necromantic aura towards him,trying to show the Man before him that he wasnt in controll there-- I belive I havent seen you around here before

--Well..--Agent rainbow started,taking a sip from his drink-- I just happen to come across this fine stablishment. Which,no doubt,youre the owner of-- he shakes the glass a little, the liquid almost spills but only one single drop does slide down the surface of the glass. In that moment, as he sets down the glass, a coaster appears.

Decay feels for a silver of a moment, that the power is striped away from him, pulled away by the Man before him, the coaster is shaped like a cassete tape. The glass sits there anf agent looks smugly at him-- and it piqued my interest..

The other shadow looks at him impressed,a second of fear flashes through the skeletons gaze before returning to that aloof but defiant feel-- well, arent you something else? -- he gestures at one of his emplooyes,a smaller skeleton.-- lets go have a chat...

--Very well

Decay makes himself a drink, and both go up the stairs to the second floor. Its only then Rainbow realized that his companion easily towered over him.

《And I'm gonna see my man

Until I get satisfied》

They sit at a round table, dark wood and a beautiful greyish blue tablecloth, in the centre there is a skull with a red spider lily growing from it. The flower shines a faint red. The whole bar could be seen from here.

--Its the first time I see a shadow as powerfull as you-- Decay compliments.

-- Same could be said about you..-- he leans in with a smirk-- what is the ferry of the dead doing here?

Finally, the shadow before him chuckles,breaking the figurative ice-- my counterpart is a bartender,made sense that my realm was a bar, I felt like the world around needed some life

--The embodiment of death wanting to give life? Color me impressed

--Thats cheesy-- teased decay,also leaning in.

--You seem to be into it

--Never said I wasnt

Both make eye contact and they both chuckle, and then they Keep talking. The whole night goes like that, relentless flirting and conversation, its fun and a good time.

At some Point in the middle of the evening, theres a brief silence as Agent drinks from his glass, he notices that Decay suddenly zeros in on his drink,a necromancer Martini, and if eye sockets could go wide his would. His skeleton hand tugs at the ring hanging from his spike choker and a soft sharp gasp escapes Him.

--Are you okay?--Agent asked.

--Oh god, oh no. The tree-- decay stands up and bolts down the stairs, desmonds shadow follows Him. He tries to call out to him but he doesnt answer.

Outside of the bar agent watches as two giant moth wings sprout from the skeletons cloak,held together by a Giant skull. He kicks up in flight.

There were few things that could scare a shadow like that, rainbow follows him as fast as he can past the different territories of other shadows and finally reaches the cementary.

《You may bury my body

Down by the highway side

You may bury my body

Down by the highway side》

Agent finds Decay freezing the trunk of a Giant willow tree, the Bark is rotting away and the Ice from his fellow shadow seems to stop it.

--Okay...its okay-- he hears him whisper with a string of a voice. The skeleton kneels and hunches over the grave framed by the roots of the tree.

He approaches silently, putting a hand on Decays shoulder and kneeling with him-- Are you okay?

Decay's eyes fill with eyes that falls like tears from his eye sockets-- Oh im s-sorry I didnt mean to-- he sniffs and covers his face, hes shaking. Agent is quick to realize the symptoms of an anxiety attack, he figured its because desmond is a therapist.

--its okay. Youre okay, youre safe, breathe . --At this Point he didnt know if he was talking to decay or directly to the shadows counterpart. His arms hug him and holds him tight, hes freezing cold but he doesnt mind-- center on my voice, its okay.

Decay slowly stops shaking, his breath eventually evens out. When his gaze meets his oncemore hes calmer.

--What happened-- agent asked, letting his companion pull back a little.

--This tree- im tied to it somehow-- decay explains-- when my counterpart experiences the feelings that he represses, this tree rots a little, the Ice stops it but tonight...something changed. -- Agent reads the tombstone both are kneeling infront of. "L.Castro" it says.-- with every bit of anger swallowed, with every part of grief he doesnt process this tree rots, most of the times I can absorb it but when I cant then...

Rainbow coos,trying to calm him down-- its okay,you fixed it. Its fine now. Can I ask what happens once the tree rots away?

--Well..when it rots away,my counterpart,Lazaro, he'll release all those emotions thats eating him on the inside. Its going to be violent, either that or...or- well.. theres a reason im a skeleton

It clicks for agent in an instant. He nodds and rubbs soothint circles on his companions back-- thats not going to happen. I promise-- his hands wipe away the icy tears-- do you have anywhere to rest?

Even if shadows didnt need sleep, all had a place to rest-- I udually sleep in the boughs of the willow tree. Why?

Gent purses his lips-- Stay at my place tonight,I dont think its good that you sleep here after what just happened

Decay looks at him surprised--You just met me though?

Agent stands up and offers his hand-- no ulterior motives, cross my heart--- he does an X on his chest with his free hand.

The other shadow takes it and he pulls them up gently-- lets go,then

The walk to his appartment is silent,but desmonds shadow never lets go of his companions hand. Once they reach his appartment agent shared his bed with the skeleton.

Decay buries his head on rainbows chest,who hugs him tight against his frame. Sure, most of the time he was an asshole, but seeing a shadow so powerfull as him being scared shook Him. And because he had a crush on him too, he knows the tell tale signs and doesnt fight them. He just hopes that at least tonight,Decay And his counterpart relax.

The Next day for desmond was absolutely normal, no hangover thankfully just a weird feeling of worry. But worry about what? He doesnt know. With that hanging feeling he goes about his day,has a few sessions with his patients and by midday he goes back home for lunchbreak.

--Oh f--he stops himself from cursing, he purses his lips and closes the fridge. He had ran out of veggies for his salad.--How didnt I notice?-- he murmured, grabbing his appartment keys and his car keys. Usually Magdalena would get the groceries or at least remind him to get them.

Without her around well...hes re-learning how to live life.

The drive to homa mart is death silent, hes a little too annoyed for music right now. He parks the car and goes into the store, didnt Virginias boyfriend Dave work here?.

Desmond is currently picking out lettuce and a few tomatos and a few other things For his lunch,Thats when his eyes catch a flash of blue hair and he turns to see.

Lazaro is jamming out to some music, he has one earbud in while he grabs a few veggies. Seeing him with all his piercings was a trip for the therapist, he forgot just how Many he had,he stays a little too stuck staring at the snakebites piercings on the other Mans lips that look very soft.

--Oh Desmond!--Lazaro says with a smile, snapping the Man out of his thoughts. Hes wearing a tanktop with ripped holes, ripped up jeans and normal sneakers. All black. His tattoed arm pats the Mans back.

Des notices the beautiful sunflowers and red spider lillies on his bicep, and a Lion with its skull exposed and covered in its mane-- oh- laz-lazaro, good afternoon

--Man, what are the odds! We saw eachother yesterday night and now here?--He giggled,amused.

--Yes- uhm. Youre right-- his eyes look up at him and notices the heavy eyebags on his companion, for a moment laz's smile falters and though extremely built he seems...weak-- this May be too forward but..are you okay.

Lazaro looks away and scratches the back of his neck-- Ah well, family problems you know? Dont want to bother you with it

--no no, please do tell me. I mean its good to let stuff out...-- he trailed off, his eyes deviating to the Mans other arm, where it was covered from shoulder to wrist in a beautiful asian dragon tattoo, the tail of the dragon coils on laz's pectoral.

--Ah well,Our bio mo-- he stutters, he coughs out the Word with the same hatred and disdain jerico did--mother called last night, she was with our biological father, the call started fine, asking us how we were doing...but then she started to recall our childhood and well...she had it all wrong, what she put Us through. It ended up in a screaming match, And well-- he sighs-- every time it gets like this,I get in a really bad headspace, I didnt get much sleep last night..

Desmond pats his back and says-- thank you for telling me,and im sorry. You two deserve so much better

--Thank you,Des. I think I need some rest--laz replied-- Come by the bar tonight?

--I uh- 'm kinda busy with paperw-- he starts,but then he meets his tired gaze and he sighs-- Sure, just one drink.

--Cool, its gonna be a slow night anyway, sunday night? Nobody is coming for a drink on a sunday-- laz shrugged-- I like your vest,by the way.

Desmonds cheeks go bright red and he tugs at his tie-- uh-uhm thanks. Your tattos look pretty good t-too

--Oh,theyre my pride and joy!--laz exclaimed, going back to his cheerful persona-- you should see the one on my back, I love that one.-- his eyes catches the clock above the stand that had the veggies-- oh,i gotta get going. See you tonight

--good-goodbye-- Desmond replied,laz walks away and the therapist cant help himself but stare at his back, muscular and toned but still soft and a little pudgy. From what little skin he can see that isnt covered by the tanktop, the tattoo on his back have moth wings.

Night arrived faster than he wouldve liked, he grabbed a few of the documents and a few pens and left for Dyonisus Bar.

《Seein' you tonight, it's a bad idea, right?

Seein' you tonight, it's a bad idea, right?

Seein' you tonight, it's a bad idea, right?

Seein' you tonight, fuck it, it's fine》

He caught the song midway through, but the lyrics speak to him more than he wouldve liked. He shouldnt be going out tonight. No,he shouldve stayed at home, he has paperwork to do and--

Lazaro waits for him behind the counter, des sits where he did last time.

--Thanks for the tip last time. It was too much money but i so appreciate it.

Desmond Recalled how much money he left last time and then it dawns on him. Lucas that sneaky bastard-- Its uh...nothing-- he replied with a shy,polite smile.

--what can I get you to make that-- the younger Man points at the documents-- less of a pain in the ass.

--Just a beer,thanks.

There was almost no-one in the bar that night, only a few costumers. Desmond scribbles down on his papers even when he gets his beer--Thank you-- he murmurs.

Lazaro makes himself another Martini necromancer, and sits beside desmond,looking how dilligently he works. It warms up his chest and finds it endearing-- hey,your face is a little too close to the paper.

Desmond's cheeks go bright red, he pulls back a little-- Ah sorry- uhm..force of habit

The other Man laughs and shakes his head-- No prob. Take a rest in a bit yeah?

《"I only see him as a friend, " the biggest lie I ever said

I only see him as a friend, I just tripped and fell into his bed》

The therapist nodds-- uh,thank you for reminding me. I can get stuck in work a lot.

--Hey, thats what im here for-- he drinks from his Martini and stares at him a little longer before looking at the football match.

A solid 40 minutes go by,until desmond drops the towel on the paperwork-- im done with this. I dont think I can handle one more file

Laz didnt move from his spot, he looks at his companion and smiles-- I was wondering when you'd put your feet on the ground

--Apologies- I guess waiting for someone to be done with paperwork can be annoying...-- desmond applogized meekly.

--I figured you'd be working-- "but I wish you talked to me instead" laz thought-- I dont mind. 'Sides, I couldnt help but watch you,youre so passionate about it, I can tell you like helping people. Im glad my sister is getting helped by you, thank you

With that,desmond short circuits-- youre- youre too kind laz, I uhm. Try my best

--yeah, s'no Biggie-- he replied-- so, whats after this? Someone to return home to?

--oh uh...-- the Man clears his throat-- 'M divorced. So -no

--Oh god,im sorry I didnt want to Open a wound-- he apologized.

--No no,you didnt. Hey uh why dont you pour me a whiskey? I think i can uh- stay for another drink.

Lazaro smiled-- coming right up, doc.

Thats how for the rest of the night, both drink a little. Desmond,being the lightweight he was he gets super drunk, slurring his words.

In that moment, Agent takes the reigns of his conciousness, deciding to finally put an end to this fruitless pinning-- are you booze? Because im getting dizzy just looking at you!-- he flirted leaning in.

The younger Man finds it amusing, he giggles-- thats so cheesy

--Alright-alright then, another one...I think all the bottles in this bar must be jealous, cause your beauty is the most intoxicating thing in this place.?

Lazaro laughs loudly and lean in-- that ones good!

--If- if you think that ones good..--Desmond also Leans in, eyes locked on his--What do you say we get out of here? I bet you’re way better to wake up next to than a hangover~

Agent is impressed to see Lazaro actually consider the proposition. But he shakes his head-- Des,youre drunk. Ask me when youre sober

"Thats the only thing keeping you from being together" desmonds shadow thinks before letting go of Desmonds conciousness.

That night, Lucas picked up Desmond from the bar since he was in no condition to drive. He apologized to Laz for his friend and left.

But lazaro sighs and watches them leave, he looks at the half empty glass of whiskey and finishes it himself. The closes thing To kissing Des as he had for now.

In the land of the collective unconcious, Agent Is laughing his ass off and coughing his ass off with Decay. The skeleton is incredibly funny and charming, and Agent cant help but stare at him with love in his eyes.

--Are you alright? That coughing fit sounded...intense--decay cooed, taking The Mans hand.

--Nothing you gotta worry about,handsome-- the other shadow replied,kissing his cold knuckles. -- come walk with me?

--Alright

Both leave the bar,hand in hand, walking around the town in quiet conversation -- You truly are something else-- 'gent replied, his voice is raspy but so soft.

--Youre too kind

--No i mean it, you and your counterpart are something else-- he shyly stands up on his toes and kisses his cheek.-- so sweet and so funny..

Decay's face frosts up and he leans a little on his companion. The skeleton squeezes the hand hes holding and replies--You too,I never met someone like you either.

--Hey, let me accompany you to your tree? Lets go check up on it,...together -- Its almost amusing to watch someone like rainbow get flustered. His cheeks glow with the chemicals under his skin, his hands get a little sweaty but his companion doesnt mind.

At the tree,Decay traces the outline of the rotting bark-- Hold on...'gent look, the holes not as big as it used to be!

Gent looks and indeed, the rotting Bark seemed to heal somewhat, now the rotting hole looks like a heart.

--Oh my-- oh dear! -- he squealed-- did you do this?

Desmonds shadow thinks back to earlier this night, the flirting, it must have helped-- yes,I made desmond flirt with lazaro

--well- it worked! Oh I love you!--decay's face frosts over,looking Like a more gaunt version of laz's face. His boney hands grips the collar of his trenchcoat and kisses him, he kisses back and hugs him.

--Damn,didnt you you were so fond of me hmph!-- Decay kisses him again and tugs at his clothes.

--You are amazing,rainbow. I owe you

--How about dinner at my place huh? To repay your debt,of course. I guess a Man so powerfull as you doesnt like owin people...-- his finger playfully tugs at the ring of the skeleton's spiky choker.

--Youre right,Sir. I dont~

--Its a date,then-- he winks and both stay there just looking at eachother, enjoying just a little more time together.

For the Next few weeks,Desmond doesnt visit the bar, busy witt work. Jerico is kind enough to relay that fact to his older brother,who was fretting over if desmond was upset because of what had happened last time they saw eachother.

--Hey jer! Before you go to desmonds-- Lazaro called out one afternoon-- can you ask him if he wants to come over to my band's practice?

--Sure dude. Youll owe me though!-- jeri replied with a smile.

He shrugged-- I dont mind if its you,and thank you-- his sister pats his bicep reassuringly.

--Oh dont worry Man, he likes you im sure of it! Hes just really shy

--I hope so...-- He trailed off, before his sister hugs him tight.

--Cheer up, emo ass

Laz chuckles-- Punkass -- he teased,ruffling her hair.

--Asshole!--Jer yells as she runs to the door to leave.

--idiot!-- the Man yells back.

--salame!(dumbass!-- she Shouts,closing the door.

--Boluda!-- he exclaimed a final time once the door is closed. Then he goes to his room to finish his university assigments.

Next afternoon, Desmond reaches the small warehouse the band practiced. Jerico was with him, she opens the door and both step in, he sees Lucas also there.

--Desmond! Glad you could make it!--Lazaro said with a smile, he was in the same clothes he saw him in at the supermaket, but in Des' eyes hes absolutely stunning.

--Jerico spoke so highly of your band I had to come over...--Desmomd doesnt know where that came from but hes not complaining

--Oh youre too sweet-- for the first time the therapist sees his crush blush, it takes him a moment to realize hes the reason the cute guy before him blushes.

As the band settles in, he sees the logo of the band on the drums, "The Decayed" and the logo is a rotting willow tree with the letters above the boughs of said tree. And for some reason the image of that rotten willow tree sends a shiver down his spine. Hes seen it before and he knows its an omen,but an omen for what? Where has he seen that image before?

Soon,the music starts, Lazaro is the main singer and desmond knows from the first few words if the song that hes fucked. Hes fucked because this time he cant deny his feelings for the young Man anymore.

--This is it!

Now we've found it, I'm astounded

Every town will be surrounded

By a throng of marchin' death

Delicious the riches, they glisten ahead-- his voice is deep and easy on the ears,he playa the electric guitar with such ease, with the same poise that he had when working at the bar.

--It's a craze!

They'll devour every hour

Of these endless, non-progressive inundations of their kind

And lucky for you, you're the next one in line--the singer points at desmond and smiles, winking at him.

--When I'm necromancin', everyone's dancin'

No one can stop me, I dare you to try

The dead are infused with sensational groove

And they're comin' for you now

There's nowhere to hide-- laz moves his hips,its fluid and hypnotizing to watch

--Yeah! (Waltzin' forth, here they come)

I'm raisin' the dead (everyone, turn and run)

I'm lovin' the dread (killer moves that will stun)

Let's make some evil!-- hes so calm and collected, so stone cold cool and non-chalant. Hes feeling the song and hes enjoying every bit of it,  desmond is frozen in place, he cant move.

The rest of the song is a haze for the therapist,oh hes absolutely gone. He was so deep in love for him.

When the song ends, the three audience members cheer and holler at them. -- Oh, did you know each member has a god  of death associated with him? -- Jerico said while the band tuned up the instruments-- Lazaro is Charon,the ferry of the dead!

--Yeah! And jer here is designing our outfits for our concert-- Lazaro jumped in-- show 'em!

Jerico shows Lucas and Desmond the designs for the members, but when he gets to Lazaro's something inside of Des stirrs. Agent freaks the hell out because he recognizes the elements of design, he knows the Point of the crown with spider lillies, he knows the sway of the cape and the clinking of the metal jewelry.

Agent understands why Decay looks the way that he looks. And for a moment he tries to push into Desmonds concience but to no avail,he hasnt had any communication with his counterpart in a while. As powerful as he was in the collective unconcious, Desmond  was stronger, for now.

--Thats so cool honey!--Lucas exclaims,kissing jerico, she kisses back.

--Thank you!

Desmond tries not to scowl, hes so jealous. He wants that with Lazaro,but he knows he cant because hes a coward.

As hes about to leave, Lazaro stops him. He looks nervous but excited.

--Desmond wait!--His voice is a little raspy because of the singing-- I uh..got these two tickets for an emo music concert. I uh was s'pposed to go with jer but shes got plans...do you want to go with me? I know its not your kinda music but--

--As a date?--its what his grown dumbass asks. He tries to back track once he realizes how much hes just exposed himself.

--Oh -- Laz hesitates, taken aback as his heart seems to beat out of his chest-- si- yes. As uhm a date, ive been meaning to ask you out..

Oh wait. Hes serious-- Its uhm no problem, id love to go-- and he smiles just a little,to make sure laz stays calm and doesnt think hes fucked up.

--oh hell yeah! We're gonna have so much fun! You dont gotta dress up like me, plenty people go with their Every day clothes...!

"Cool! Cause he doesnt have any black clothes to wear!" Agent thinks,breathing a sigh of relief now that desmond said Yes.

Desmond says his goodbyes and leaves for his house. A smile on his lips and a Pep in his step.

That night,Agent found himself having dinner with Decay, its a splendid time as Decay seems less worried about his tree. Agent is glad to see him anyway,spending time with that skeleton is the hightlight of his days/night.

Music pours from the vynil player he has nearby. Agent offers his hand and says--May I have this dance,Lord of the dead?

--You may-- Decay flirted, taking his hand and standing up. Decay nos looked like a skeletal rendition of Lazaro,his body made of Ice. The other shadow simply hugs his waist with his free arm and both dance along to Ellas Fritzgerald's "The Man I Love".

The pace is slow and sweet, they had all the time in the world. Only the song can be heard as both sway, 'Gent feels the parts of his skin that make contact with the icy body of his companion freeze for a moment, even the liquid within his skin, and then return to normal.

Its not an unpleseant feeling, just one of the things that made Decay who he was, and gent loved every bit. --Im so happy Desmond accepted Lazaros date, the hole in the tree is so much smaller now! Its shaped like a heart too!

--Yes,im happy too, its about time he does something-- gent agrees-- I was tired of suggesting pickup lines and him having none of it. 

--Can he hear you?

The other shadow shrugs-- he thinks im intrusive thoughts, so no.

--Lazaro cant hear me either. But when you calmed me down from that anxiety attack, I think he heard you somehow... you calmed him down so it calmed me down! He thought he was hearing desmonds voice coaching him-- Decay explained-- im so happy,thank you

--Seeing you happy makes me happy-- he replied, pressing a kiss to his icy lips. He kisses back and both stop dancing. Instead,they make out for a few solid minutes.

--Next date is on me.-- the skeleton declared.

--What do you have in mind?

--Picnic under the moonlight, good booze and you know...-- His skeletal hand goes under the Mans trenchcoat.

'Gent chuckles-- can you even-

--Well, youre going to have to find out, wont you?

He smirks-- Hmm, youre right.

Both go to cuddle on the bed just like they did that first night. And just like last time,its comfortable and reassuring. Rainbow knows he would do anything to make sure he can Keep holding Decay like that.

Few days pass by, the concert day goes swimmingly, desmond even found brotherhood Among other "golden retriever" people that came to support their emo partners. But when asked if Him and lazaro were a thing,he'd become flustered and deny it.

After that, Desmond was sure he was in love,but he wouldnt admit it. Not even to himself, but he couldnt say no when Lazaro asked him if they could go on a second date, he cant say no to the idea of going to a café,anything relating to Lazaro he couldnt say no.

One day, Desmond and Lazaro are hanging out on the park with Lucas and Jerico. Its the few last days of summer, and the day is beautiful.

-- Laz! The ball got stuck on a tree again!--Jerico called out. She sees her brother looks away from desmond and his eyes spot the ball.

--I got it!--He called out, taking off his shirt because he was cooking himself. Black clothes on a sunny day? Nope.

Desmonds air leaves his lungs as he finally sees Lazaros Back. Still muscly, still soft. The tattoo on his back, a Giant Death's Head moth,black And white that expands down to his middle back.

Then, his eyes Lower to his hips and he realizes he also has a tramp stamp tattoo, it looks like a grave with bones,crows And of course, red spider lillies.

Lazaro climbs up the tre,His strong back muscles flexed with every move of his arms, the wings of his Giant skull moth tattoo look like its about to take off as his shoulderblades move, Des cant look away and he knows hes staring.

He gets the ball down and trots Back to the therapist. He sits and lets out a sigh-- Damn,what a day.

But oh no desmonds not there, hes staring at the minimalist sun tattoo under his collarbone, the underboost tattoo that accentuates his top surgery scars...

His eyes catch the view of the anarchy symbol on his throat and,staring right at him on the side of the neck that was facing him, a tattoo with spray paint typography that says "Bite Me".

Desmond feels like his soul leaves his body for a split second, oh he was not prepared for that.

--Im so hot-- Complained lazaro, fanning himself with a book.

"No arguing there" the therapist thinks,amused.-- I need fall to happen right about now

Des chuckles-- I feel you, do you uhm want water?

--Please -- Laz gets the coldest water bottle in the portable fridge, he drinks and lets out a sigh--What would I do without you,Doc?

--Its uhm..Nothing

--Pass by the bar later?-- laz asked.

--uhm...sure-- he replied shyly.

--Cool,ill save you your spot-- he winks and lays down on  the ground as a breeze cools his body.

Desmond likes that Laz considers he had a "designated" spot on the bar.

But little did he know that neither would see eachother that night. Desmond would get a package from Mayer pharmaceuticals that would knock him out for a few good days, he doesnt answer his calls or messages.

He spends days battlinga living hell, shadow forms of his patients, and of course,himself.

--and Poor lazaro!--teased agent rainbow during their fight-- you were such a coward! If it wasnt because of me you wouldnt have accepted his dates!

--So it was you!--Yelled desmond.

--Please! Do you think you could pull someone like that? If it wasnt for me your ignorance wouldve caused his death, and his shadowforms! Your rejection rotted away at what little strength that Man had! I saved him so you owe me!

--Like hell i do!-- the therapist replies with anger-- ill kick your ass and show you I dont need you!

And that he does, he beats his shadowself, and then hes plunged into darkness once he says goodbye to tonia, his dead cat.

Desmond Woke up incredibly cold, his extremeties feeling like two icecubes. He looks around at the cementary hes in, his breath materializes infront of him.

--What the-- his breath hitches as he sees a tall skeletal figure walk past him, they seem to almost float with a thin mist trailing behind him like the train of a dress.

The figure stops at a grave, sat Nestled between the roots of a large willow tree. Upon further inspection the trunk of the tree seeme to be rotting away. They kneel and place a red spider lily on it, and then they stand up and float silently out of the cementery.

Curious,Desmond walks up to the graves and cleans the few bits of Ice that stuck to the stone. His eyes go wide as he reads "L. Castro, beloved son,brother and great artist".

The world around him is so deathly cool, the wind blows and theres a certain sweet smell of Decay . Its a night of deep winter, nothing grows, the epitome of death, but its not depressing but rather comforting. The moonlight peeks through the heavy dark clouds in intervals,drowning the world in an almost absolute darkness.

"No...no no no" he panics,his eyes dart to the exit and the trail of light grey blueish mist that was left behind by that thing, he runs after it as silently as he can. A part of him knows better than disturb the figure he saw as he follows them.

Then,he follows them around the town, its desolate, theres mist everywhere and only moonlight filters through the heavy black clouds. Hes freezing alive,he Holds on to himself as his breath shakes.

Why is this figure so familiar? Why does he recognize the movements? The styling of the clothes is so familiar but he cant place it.

The figure moves with Grace like a dancer or a bartender on a busy night. Hes hypnotized by the swaying of their hips with every step they take. His breath hitches again, his eyes go wide a little and he forces himself to look away.

"Get a hold of yourself,Wales" he thinks, and follows them to a bar. The neon sign shines a faint light blue, theres red lillies made of the same tubing that shines red, "Hades' Bar"

The bar looks more like a Fantasy tavern mixed with gothic architecture, it standa tall in its blak wooden exterior and black iron supports.

The figure stops at the blackstone steps up the door, it lets out a silent sigh as its breath is pure frost. That explains the utter cold and ice everywhere.

They unlock the door and step in,and as they do so the dark wood door blooms with red spider lillies. Desmond hears a familiar voice call out to the figure-- Ah,Buenas Noches Decay!

Desmond managed to peak behind a Windows with its red curtains partially drawn. His breath stops.

Agent Rainbow--

He sat there, on a bar stool as the figure, Decay, goes around the counter to the mirrored shelf. And then it dawns on him, this is a distorted version of Dionysus Bar in milton heaven. And if thats Agent Rainbow,his shadow, sitting on the same spot Desmond always sat when he went to that bar,then the figure is--

--Lazaro-- he exclaimed under his breath and for a moment,Decay looks towards the Window,he doesnt see any eyes looking under the sharp shadow of the hood. But Decay just shrugs and pulls away his hood that made him look like a grim reaper.

He wears a crown with red lillies, the spikes that made the crown looked more like moth antennae rather than spikes, and at the base of each one there are smaller skulls.

Lazaro's shadow exhales that ghastly frost of a breath, the skulls of the crown exhale it too.

--oh Decay-- Agent rainbow breathes,sounding Like he was a teen in love in an overexaggerated cheesy movie-- dont you look absolutely cold and dead today

The skeletal figure laughs, it sounds like a gasping, ragged breath. Bone chilling. His black eyesockets settle on the Rainbow-- Dearest.. what are you doing in the bar before I opened it?

--I wanted to surprise you,of course!--The other Man replied, taking the skeletal hand, some of the liquid in his hand seems to freeze in a tricolor Ice, before melting-- Beside, I wanted to spend time with you before this place is packed with the dead and they steal your stone cold gaze away from me~

Desmond cringes a how cheesy it is, but Decay is into it-- Ah I see, and that prompted you to sneak into my bar?

--Yes sir--rainbow tips his hat at him.

--Hm, fine-- his skeleton mouth presses against the other Man's lips. As he does so, a gaunt face grows on the skeleton, its made out of frost and Ice. Desmonds eyes go wide as he realizes its lazaro's face.

--One day i hope my lips remain stuck on your Icey face,so I can Keep kissing you-- His shadow flirted, kissing the knuckles of the other Man.

--One day perhaps--Decay agreed--for now how about you settle for sharing a drink with me before I Open for bussiness?

--That would be splendid, my ferryman

Decay pours a double whiskey on the rocks for Agent rainbow, while he makes himself a Necromancer Martini, the same drink Lazaro drank aside from beer. The two men sit on the same side of the bar, Agent has his hand on his companion's knees as both drink,desmond has no clue how because one had no mouth and the other was a skeleton.

--Will there be a day where your counterpart finally asks mine out?--Decay asked, looking beautiful like fresh snow and elegant like glinting diamonds. He sits with such a Poise and confidence that its almost ethereal, his cold mist of icy death glimmers like snow under moonlight.

-- 'm afraid not,or at least I dont think so. I tried giving him advice and pickup lines but hes stubborn

--You can charm anyone, why wouldnt he accept your help?--Rainbow gestures at himself-- right...

--His loss-- The other Man says-- though its a shame, I really wish he finally manned up

Decay smiles somehow, his naturally cold gaze softens-- Well, Lazaro is thinking of asking him out,maybe all he needs is a kickstart

--And a big one at that--rainbow quipped,taking a big long sip of his whiskey.

--You are incorregible, 'Gent-- the skeleton said, incredible fondness and warmth in his tone.

--You love me this way

--And I wouldnt have you any other way-- decay gives his lover one last kiss and finishes his Martini.

Desmond watches as Decay gets ready for the night, picking out glasses and liquor. But what really knocks the air out of him is his shadow form.

Agent rainbow, the thing that tried to kill him multiple times, everything he hated about himself, was docile,domestic. He polished the wooden tables, fixed up the Chairs and lit up the Giant fireplace that probably made the chilly interior of the bar feel cozy and comfortable. He also figured that Decay couldnt start a Fire given he was pure chill.

--Ill come back to help you close-- Agent announced as he fixed up his fedora.

--Very well,Im guessing youre going to see blaze?

He nodds-- I Will, I hope his other boyfriend didnt steal her away for long

Decay laughs, that bone chilling laughter of the dead-- lets hope not,send my sister my regards

--Will do,Handsome -- and with that, Agent leaves the bar without looking back

Desmond sits by the entrance to the pub, hid away and out of sight. He watches blurry silhouette of enteties of light and shadow enter in conversation that sounds like radio static.

But he watches through the Window as Decay moves with Grace across the bar, smaller skeletons serve the costumers as whimsy clasical music played from an upper floor, the ghosts and skeletons playing are wearing masks and shine with a faint blue light.

As the night progresses it gets colder and colder, hes practically about to go into hypothermia when one of the souls exciting drops their cloak. Hes quick to put it on and notices that it had pocket and that there was money, some sort of iron coins.

Pulling the cloak over his head, desmond entera the bar, nobody seems to notice him and he sits in the back, watching as Decay attends the bar.

--Just a beer-- He ordered to the skeleton waiter, and he watches it leave without a Word spoken.

Its absolutely captivating to watch Decay twirl around the bar,make conversation with the souls,he walks- he floats with overflowing confidence that desmond wishes he had. He thinks it looks just like Lazaro when he works at the bar.

His beer arrives and for the remaining of the night he just watches the bar and how it behaves, its nothing like hes seen before. No other "mind realm" was as lively as this one, as if it existed between the realm of the living and the dead.

Chiron the ferry of the dead, the similarities were right there, the bar was called Hades(the name of the King of the underworld), the dead souls flowing, the skeletons, the coins that look so much like the ones used to pay the ferryman.

And of course,there was Decay himself, a skeleton King that seemed to float like a boat in the water, his energy that made the air ripe witt necromancy. If this was Lazaro's shadow, then he wondered just how much power he himself held.

Desmond leaves as the bar empties out, hoping that "Chiron" as he got to call decay now, didnt notice a living person walk amongst the dead. Maybe the cloak masked him?.

But he returns to his previous snooping place, he hides when agent rainbow comes to help him close shop. By that time it had to be before sunrise.

--Love-- Called agent,his raspy,gravelly voice is uncharacteristically soft-- 'm all done here

Decay looked up from the glass he was polishing-- splendid. I think ill leave the servants to close up.

-- Perfect-- Agent puts on his fedora and offers his arm, Decay takes it and both walk out of the Pub. They walk away leaning on eachother, the skeleton was bigger than rainbow by a lot, just like lazaro was with desmond.

Both look so in love, it makes him jealous. Both laugh and chuckle and giggle at inner jokes, they flirt and sometimes dance together under the peeking moonlight, the skeletons mist glinting Like diamonds. It looks Straight out of a movie, he hates it.

Desmond keeps a healthy distance from the pair, his mind is filled with thoughts about how he wishes that his relationshipp with Lazaro was just like that, but he knew the truth about himself,he was shy,awkward, and heavy in denial.

He never liked men- except a few times in his childhood but-- he was confused right? Then why is he so jealous? Why is he yearning for something like the relationshipp those two had? Why does it bother him that their shadows, that which they repress, are happy together. How can Agent Rainbow be together with Decay already, why cant Desmond have some of that confidence himself?

Agent parts ways with Decay at the cementery, he kisses him and whispers something about finding him in his appartment (Desmond guessed rainbow had the same appartment that he had).

He follows the skeleton Man back to that grave, but this time he makes no effort to hide.

Decay freezes the rotting Bark, another spider lily rests on the tomb. He turns and simply smiles to the best he can with his skull for a head.

--Desmond...-- He sounds..happy to see him.

--Laz- Decay -- Des replied, fixing his glasses and feeling incredibly flustered like he did when lazaro was around.

--This is most curious, what are you doing here?-- he kneels to eye level and tilts his head just the way lazaro does, it makes the Man's heart squeeze with yearning.

--I - I wish I knew-- he replied with a nervous chuckle,looking away-- I uhm ..didnt know you existed

-- I do-- the skeleton agrees--Its good to see you,though. --his voice fills with the same warmth it has when he speaks to rainbow, desmonds breath hitches and hes taken back. Was he really using that tone with him?.

--Oh..I uhm. Yeah I havent been to the bar in a while

--Yeah, i- he- he misses you--Decay confessed, cupping the Mans cheek and making him look into his eye sockets.

His frost breath fogs up his glasses, and desmond feels like hes going to die from how fast his heart was beating. The skeletal hand is deathly cool...but soft.

--O-oh..-- its all the therapist replies,enamored by the feeling of what he guessed was the skeletons gaze. Its overwhelming,filled with love and...yearning. yearning for Desmond and nobody else. Was this Decay or Lazaro himself?.

--Come by sometime-- begged the shadow form, genuine hurt in his voice.

They go quiet,both of them, all they hear is the whistling wind and the rustling of dead trees. He looks at the rotting tree and he feels...

Decay looks too,and sighs. The Ice keeps the rot from spreading, a short term solution but not permanent.

Desmond looks into the rotting willow tree, he feels overwhelmed with burnt out, with exhaustion, with a deep desire of realese, of yearning for the pain to end.

--Nurse him back to health. Please-- Decay Begged once more-- this garden...my- our garden is rotting. -- his skeletal hand moves to his chin, his face frosting over into a human one ,gaunt but still drop dead gorgeus.

And desmond, for once,doesnt fight it. He leans in, hands reaching for his cloak. And then....

Hes awake, in bed, glasses thrown haphazardly on the nightstand. He turns,heart Racing and almost beating out of his chest, his body feels warm as hes flustered.

But his eyes catch the sigh of something red on the other side of the bed, long time since it has been last occupied by someone, a loved one or a partner.

There, on the pillow is a Red Spider lily. The pillow feels deathly cool to the touch, and looking at the flower he tries to steady his breath.

The realm of the dead would call to him, its master, chiron, the skeleton King, Decay, would demand his presence, and who was he to say no to the ferryman?

--Jesus! Youre awake!--Lucas yelled, jumping out of his Seat as desmond comes out of his room.

--Lazaro-- he gasps out-- where is he-?

--The bar, where else-- the ex soldier stops his friend-- youre in no condition--

--i need to see him, hes- hes hanging on by a thread, his tree--His garden is rotting, Lucas please..!

--Tree? Garden? What are you on about?

--I saw- I saw lazaros shadow form, its tied to a willow tree, its almost about to die. You need to let him know im here, please Lucas hes unstable

Lucas recalls the things jerico told him,how upset and sad Lazaro was, how he couldnt get out of his rooms most days. How its like his personality wilted away.

--Go sit. Ill give you water, bottled water, ill call him.

And like that, Desmond listens to Lucas explain everything to Jerico and Lazaro. Hes sure that if it wasnt for Jerico, Laz wouldve thought Lucas was crazy.

But they dont see eachother, oh no they dont, Desmond is too weak to even get out of bed, he can feel Agent stirr and writhe unconfortably during the day. In his dreams his shadow shows him the decayed tree, how its almost all dead with the trunk rotted away.

Weeks go by, Lazaro is not in the right state of mind to even go visit. Jerico is mad at desmond even if she understand his situation.

And when he finally feels better, against his better judgement, he ends up at Dyonisus Bar. Lazaro squeaks when he sees him but he doesnt say a Word.

Neither do, but laz is kind enough to set a double whiskey infront of him. Desmond is wallowing in his loss, his dead cat,his wife leaving him,on that tree thats rotting away because of him..

--You were gone for so Long-- Lazaro croaked, eyes Burning with repressed tears-- do you have any idea how worried I was? How Many sleepless nights I had?

Desmond grips the glass, hes angry at himself and he lashes out, he should know better and he does, but he hates himself that much-- Why do you even care for me anyway?! -- his voice is just under a scream,and thank god its a very slow night.

The other Man sets down the glass he was polishing with force, his head snaps so fast towards him its like hes going to break his neck. He stomps towards the therapist, he grabs him by the neck of his dress shirts and yells-- BECAUSE I LOVE YOU,YOU SAD FUCKING ASSHOLE,because since I met you ive been able to think less of the hate I have for my parents,I dont feel abandoned when youre around! Because my anger melts away and all my grief of mourning a family I never had goes away! Because you make me feel alive! I dont have to walk on eggshels, im safe with you and i can be myself! I love you!--He kisses him with force.

Desmonds eyes go wide and with shaky hands he clings on to Lazaro's clothes. When the younger Man pulls away,hesistant because he didnt kiss back, Des pulls him for another,its passionate and needy but neither care.

--im sorry im sorry,im so sorry--Desmond apologized,his forehead against his companions-- I was scared,scared that you didnt actually love me, that I would drive you away! Im sorry,I love you too,im sorry.

In the realm of the unconcious,Agent is shaking as he clings to an extremely weak Decay who is no longer cold,just lukewarm. Hes terrified, hes terrified hes going to lose him too, he cant, he cant lose him.

--I love you,I love you-- agent whispers against his skull, over and over again. Decay's body is absolutely weak, its taking all his strength to not become dust, even his clothes seemed dead.

The willow tree's trunk is barely holding on with a piece of wood that looks like a spine, its slowly rotting away...and then...

The trunk grows back with not one hole to be seen, no rot or anything. He hears Decay gasp for air and the sudden return of that extreme cold body temperature makes him yelp.

--Honey!-- Agent rainbow yells,pulling Back.

--Desmond confessed!-- decay pulls back,with a smile-- the tree- lazaro got everything out!--He looks at the tree, healthy like the first day

--Fucking finally--exhaled desmonds shadow, pressing his forehead against his lovers-- I love you

--I love you too-- Decay whispered.

--I love you-- desmond murmured.

--I love you too-- Lazaro replied, gripping the mans clothes.

Finally together.

[lehaniixd]

Yeah bitches, I wrote it.

First of all, i started writing this with the draft version of this post (best friend privileges, suck it.) so i didnt really consider an option to run unless like an afterthought, very different than what UJ wrote here.

The ver I got:

“To start, I'm getting rid of the more plausible scenarios and/or taking away some powers that they would be able to get out of there or get help quickly due to that being ✨boring✨

Sans would be out with Papyrus, following the energy packed skeleton. Papyrus would find a cave, and be rash and wish to go in and explore. Sans would be hesitant and try to coax him into waiting until Gaster or Asriel was following them, but he eventually gives in after Papyrus promises not to leave his sight. Papyrus hops in, and Sans watches him. Papyrus seems to be having fun, finding moss and little critters. After he's done searching everywhere, he climbs out.

…

A rock crumbles beneath him, and he falls, breaking his leg.

Sans panics and is kicked into protective big brother mode. He holds Papyrus as to not put pressure on anything that was cracked, and tries to help him.

He would stay with Papyrus for a long time, holding him close like if he lets go he'll disappear. Sans has some snacks in his pockets, so he stays longer.

Eventually, he'll see a search team not far by, and teleport to alert them. Once they run away and tell Gaster, Azzy and Gaster show up REAL QUICK.”

And then death part which I don’t ref at all:

“Azzy would try his hardest to heal Papyrus but he's just out of reach it affects the group a lot ofc but Sans is fucking devastated he wont leave his side even if anyone is looking at him. Gaster tries to get him to take a bath or go to school or something but you'd have to make him dust on his baby bro before he would let go

I think Sans would be hit the hardest and blame himself the most

Gaster and Asriel feel guilty, especially died, because they should've been moi watchful but I think Sans would just give up HoPe and fall down, right next to his bro

That doesn't happen, though. Eventually they get the cave opening wider without any risk of rocks collapsing

Gaster would hire a team of bodyguards if they went outside as well as Asriel

Sans was always a bit protective and coddling

but he wouldn't get over it for a long time he'll keep Papyrus on a very short leash for a long time metaphorically, of course”

EDIT: “just as a note, I just wanted to introduce three badly constructed OCs, mainly one, just to avoid any (more) confusion

First is a guy I’d like to call “Relations Kid” basically he’s called who he is in relation to other people. For example, his Mom would call him “Son” siblings would call him “Bro” or “Brother” and friends would call him friend. Could you tell I was too lazy to think of a name? And then there’s RK’s (Relation Kid’s) friend who’s currently unnamed, and then RK’s mom, who’s also unnamed. And that’s basically it!”

Again, I was just putting my own spin on this whole thing, so let’s get started!

———

Papyrus laughs a little, spinning round and round, kicking whatever poor rock scuffles by his foot.

Papyrus can feel Sans’s sockets on him, so Papyrus turns to send Sans a blinding smile.

They continue walking through the muddy paths of Waterfall.

…

“SANS! SANS!! LOOK IT IS A NEW CAVE!!”

Sans and Papyrus peer into the cavern, Papyrus more excited that Sans.

“I THINK IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN MADE FROM THAT CAVE-IN A FEW WEEKS AGO!!”

Papyrus subconsciously takes a step towards it, only to stop at Sans’ hand.

“no.”

Papyrus pouts, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN, NO?! I DID NOT EVEN SAY ANYTHING, BROTHER!!”

Sans rolls his eyelights, turning and grabbing Papyrus’s cervical vertebra, bringing it down to headbutt Papyrus’ skull to Sans’ own.

Looking into Papyrus’s slightly petulant eyesockets, Sans replies, “‘could jus’ tell wha’ yah was ‘bout ta ask, bro. so, i repeat, no.”

Sans let’s his brother go, and Papyrus takes the newly found space to cross his arms, “BUT… WATERFALL RARELY GETS ANY NEW CAVES…”

Copying Papyrus’s stance, Sans argues back, “which ‘s why we sh’ stay away, paps, ‘s unstable.”

Papyrus’ frown only deepens, tears welling up in his sockets, “B-BUT…!”

Looking at Papyrus’ teary eyes, Sans almost breaks, “whadabout we jus’ wait fer mister ta come back? or even th’ king…”

Papyrus clasps Sans’s hands within his own, peering in closely, “SANS, I PROMISE, IF YOU WOULD LET ME IN THERE, I WILL NOT LEAVE YOUR SIGHT! I WILL BE SUPER DUPER SAFE, AND YOU WOULD BE THERE TO MAKE SURE I AM!!! PLEASE…!”

Papyrus breaks eye contact to put his head down for a moment, and Sans internally winces as he knows what’s coming next.

Sure enough, when Papyrus puts his head back up, he’s wearing the dreaded “puppy-dog eyes.”

Sans can only concede defeat as he sighs, “…fine…”

Papyrus cheers.

———

Sans levitates a bigger stick to a rock that seemed too loose for his liking, making sure to keep an extra eye socket out for his brother, who “OOH”s and “AHH”s over everything he finds.

Propping the rock up, Sans chuckles as he walks deeper into the cave with him.

“OOH, SANS, LOOK AT THIS PRETTY ROCK!!!”

Papyrus points to the roof, and Sans admittedly can’t see what Papyrus is pointing at, despite only being five feet away from where Papyrus is standing, but Sans thinks he sees something shiny.

Sans swears he looks away for a second.

He feels something crawling on his leg, so he looks down to swat it away. His head snaps up at a crack, not unlike a thunderclap from back on the surface.

Everything slows down, his SOUL jumping into his throat.

Because the only thing he sees is his baby brother falling, rocks and boulders crashing around him.

Sans runs to his brother, tackling him out of the way of a rock that was about to hit him.

Papyrus screams as the exit caved in, everything suddenly settling into unnerving quiet around them.

———

Papyrus groans, pain erupting from all over his body, but especially his head.

What… Happened…?

A high pitch sound reverberates around his skull, leading Papyrus to clutch his head as he tries to sit up.

Something catches around his chest, and Papyrus tries his very best to fuzz his eye lights into existence to see what.

Half-succeeding, Papyrus blearily catches view of his brother, crying and muttering words the ringing won’t allow him to understand.

At the sight of his brother, Papyrus calms, not realizing that until he saw him that he was worried to see if he was okay.

The ringing lets up, and Papyrus continues to struggle to keep his one eyelight up, despite how fuzzy it is.

“Brother…?”

At his words, Sans seems to look at Papyrus for the first time, saying something Papyrus can’t hear.

…

…Papyrus can’t hear.

He panics, thrashing and looking around wildly.

“I-I Can’t..! Brother, I Can’t-“

Papyrus mumbles words he doesn’t put any effort into enunciating, quickly loosing energy to fight.

Something taps at his mouth.

Monster candy, already unwrapped, is shoved into Papyrus’s mouth, to which Papyrus instinctively swallows.

*You ate the Monster Candy…

*Tastes like licorice.

“Ugh, I hate The Taste Of Licorice…”

Papyrus groans, and Sans softly shushes him, whispering sweet nothings.

Papyrus’s eyelight snaps into shape with resounding clarity.

“I Can Hear You.”

Papyrus grins, despite Sans’ confused look. Sans murmurs, “you, ah… couldn’t before…?”

Papyrus shakes his head, trying to make Sans dispel the (admittedly true) idea.

Papyrus decides to sit up.

Not the best idea.

Pain wraps around him like an old friend, clutching Papyrus with a vengeance, and rendering him unable to sit up much farther without Sans’s help.

Luckily, Sans realized what he needed, and helped Papyrus ease into a sitting position against the cave wall.

By now, the memories of what happened before had mostly returned, so Papyrus winces as he shifts into a more comfortable position.

Papyrus looks around to the dust that has long since settled, “How Long Has It Been…?”

Sans frowns, “i’ve been up fer maybe an’ hour or so.”

Papyrus nods, taking stock of his state.

His ribs hurt awfully, the pain almost all encompassing. It’s continues, never wavering in intensity or consistency. Papyrus chooses to ignore it. His arms seem fine, there’s a few scratches that make dust flake off it, which is bad because pure magic usually drips from his wounds. And if he doesn’t have any magic left for that, how long does Papyrus have left? Papyrus doesn’t know what it means if it’s just all dust.

He ignores it.

He looks at his leg. Or, more specifically, what he could see of his leg. The pocket of space they’re in is small, and Papyrus’s right tibia seems to not have made it into the safe space.

Papyrus shifts it a little, realizing it was a bad idea and quickly vowing to leave it alone.

Papyrus looks at his brother, relieved to find mainly minor scrapes with most of the serious cuts having already been clotted with dry blood.

Hugging his older brother tight, Papyrus is hit with the sudden realization that they’re trapped.

And it’s all his fault.

Groaning, Papyrus leans his head on his brother’s shoulder, “What Are We Going To Do Now?”

He looks over to see Sans grimace, “dunno, bro. wait, ‘m guessing.”

Papyrus chooses not to comment on how it’s been over an hour already.

Papyrus reaches his mangled phalanges and weaves it into Sans’s gloved ones. Looking down again, Papyrus suddenly feels very tired. So Papyrus closes his eyesockets, only to be roused by Sans.

“don’t fall ‘sleep.”

Trying to put as much magic as he could spare into his fizzing eyelight, Papyrus turns to Sans and asks, “Why?”

Sans looks… worried, to say the least.

Eventually, he settles on, “…just… don’t.”

Swallowing, Papyrus fights against his sudden drowsiness as— unknown to him— most of the adrenaline wears off.

After a long exhausting battle, his flickering eyelight looses the battle of sight, and fizzes out, leaving Papyrus blind.

Sans shifts, and silence permeates about. Papyrus thinks he should say something about their predicament, or apologize for putting them in this situation, but the chance to do any of that is taken away as Sans says,

“y’know… if ya wan’ see ‘gain then i can sho’ ya differen’ way ta see… takes less m’gic.”

Papyrus tilts his head as he thinks over Sans’s offer. The darkness is unnerving him a bit…

“Could You Show Me?”

Suddenly, Papyrus feels a hand over his eyesockets, and another hand bringing his own to Sans’s face.

“jus’ copy mah m’gic, an’ i’ll guide yers correctly.”

Papyrus feels a sudden concentrate of magic underneath Sans’ eyesockets, not a lot, just enough to be noticed. It’s also a now enough concentrate that Papyrus can comfortably copy it with some of his drained magic reserves.

Papyrus can feel Sans pushing intent through the hand over Papyrus’ sockets, allowing Papyrus to shape his magic.

The hand over his eyesockets lets up, and Papyrus opens his sockets to a seemingly darker cave, a wider worldview, and Sans wearing the creepy eyes.

“You Can See While You Are Doing That?!”

Papyrus barely restrains himself from yelling the question, but his brother only chuckles, answering, “yeah, bro, i can.”

Sans blinks, and his eye lights are back, bright and round as always.

“That’s So Cool…”

Some dirt falls from the roof, and Papyrus is suddenly reminded where he is.

Papyrus winces, looking down to where their hands are interlinked, wondering if he’ll ever have the chance to do that again.

“I Love You.”

He doesn’t realize he’s said it until feels Sans tense, though he ignores that as his brother responds, “not tha’ ion’t love ya too, but… where’s this comin’ ‘rom?”

Papyrus bends down to lean his forehead on Sans’s shoulder, hoping that and the dirt will hide his tears.

“Sans… What If Help Doesn’t Come In Time? What About Mr. Asriel? Or Father? What If We Never See Them Again?” Papyrus swallows, whimpering out,

“What If It’s My Fault…”

Sans’s arms encircled around Papyrus’s body, pulling him so close like the world would fall apart if he didn’t. Papyrus is afraid he will be the one to fall first.

“it’s not bro, it’s not…”

Papyrus shakes his head, “I Was The One Who Begged You To Come Here!” He sobs, trying to push away but Sans holds steadfast, “You Knew—“ His breath hitches, “Brother, You Knew,” He digs his carpal bones into Sans’ shoulders, “But You— It’s My Fault, It’s All My Fucking Fault.”

His breathing comes in labored, and Papyrus knows he’s spiraling. Maybe he deserves it. He’s the reason why they’re stuck here. Why he and Sans will die a very slow, painful death. His bones will dust and crumble away, engrave into the dirt and leave no trace, not a single trace, he’ll dust and he’ll be the one who led himself to that path, led his brother down that path.

Come on, how could he bring Sans into this? The hope of all monsters? Smartest person he knows? That Sans? How could he?

He dips his head into Sans’s chest, wondering if he’ll ever be able to make it up to his big brother.

Sans rubs his teeth onto Papyrus’s skull, shushing him.

“bro, no…” He practically whispers, “it ain’t—“

“You Can’t Tell Me That.” He cries, “You Can’t, Brother, You Can’t.”

Sans doesn’t try to say anything else.

(Why would he? It’s true.)

“Brother… I’m So Sorry…”

Sans’s grip gets impossibly tighter, and if Papyrus wasn’t already on death’s doorstep, he’s sure he’d be there by now.

“you… ain’t at fault, ‘rus…” Sans’s fingers glide down his skull to the nape of his neck, only to find it’s way back up again.

It’s soothing.

Papyrus feels undeserving of it.

“it‘s ‘n accident.” Sans words seem so confident, so self-assured, “we’ll get outta this, an’ we’ll be ‘k, bro. promise.” Papyrus tries with all his might to find any trace of lies, but he doesn’t find a single one.

So, Papyrus shuts his eyes tight, trying to imagine he’s somewhere else.

He falls asleep that way.

———

Only when Sans knows Papyrus is asleep does Sans let his tears drip.

He would never admit this to his baby bro, but Sans is scared.

Scared of the dust that spills from Papyrus’s wounds like tiny gray speckles of sand, pooling around their feet like a murky puddle of water on the side of the road.

Sans is scared of the silence around them, the crumbling walls, the encompassing loneliness that comes with the possibility that they might never be saved.

Sans is terrified of the possibility that the monsters may only find detached bones and dust by the time they even think to look for them.

Sans fears the end. Not only for himself, but for Papyrus as well.

He curls his fingers tighter into the hug he holds Papyrus in.

He wishes he could turn back time and prevent this. Go back to make sure this never happens. But he can’t. So he’ll make sure they’ll get out of this.

He wipes his tears, before realizing that only made more replace them, so he takes a deep breath in and takes stock of what’s around him.

The walls are about arms length and two feet extra in length, five and a half feet in height— give or take— and Sans can put his arm out in front of him and touch the wall for the width. The ‘walls’ cough dirt from the cracks occasionally, but Sans is almost positive that the air pocket will be able to stand until help comes.

Sans himself was able to get off with minimal damage. His body feels oddly tingly, especially in his left arm, but it’s fine. No, wait, the lack of pain is probably bad. Really bad. Lack of pain means that he’s in shock, meaning the injuries might be bad enough to kick in that immune response— numbing any extreme pain he should be feeling, he means— leaving him unable to process how bad his injuries are, which is probably really bad if he doesn’t want to push himself past what his already pushed limits. But… then again, those are very far-fetched hypotheticals and is, most likely, Sans’s anxiety speaking so he’ll be moving on.

Papyrus.

Papyrus is hurt. Badly. Solid 7/10 in supposed agony. His baby bro must be in so much pain right now… Anyways, his leg is probably the worse. Sans was able to worm the left one from under the rocks before Papyrus woke up, and thankfully that one was fine, but Sans worries the right leg might be infected from all the dirt and germs at this point. Sans feels Papyrus’ forehead. No fever, but honestly Monsters are different and weird and symptoms of an infection could probably pop up differently.

The close second to Papyrus’s worst injury would be his head. Papyrus probably got a real bad concussion, considering how long it took for him to wake up. He’s not sure how it is for monsters, but Sans read somewhere that if it takes more than a few minutes for someone to wake up from a head wound, then it’s bad. Who knows how long it took either of them to wake up. Sans hopes for once that his internal clock is off and it hasn’t been that long since Papyrus was knocked out, but who knows.

Sans is actually worried about Papyrus sleeping right now. Concerning head injuries, Sans once had this neighbor who accidentally hit a stop sign while riding his electric bike full-speed. Besides the fact that he was bleeding a ridiculous amount— probably from practically cracking his head open on the sidewalk— he stayed awake for the initial few minutes. His mom rushed over quick, and they quickly got in the car to drive to the hospital. Story is, he decided to lay his head down and take a nap in the car, and he just… never woke up. Just like that. Doctors said it wasn’t from the blood-loss, but the severe concussion the kid sported. That’s why it was scary to die like that. You wouldn’t even know. You would just be closing your eyes for a nap, and then you’d be breathing your last breath.

Sans doesn’t want that to happen to Papyrus.

It’s why he softly runs his finger over Papyrus’s skull, making sure his brother in everything but blood is still breathing, is still okay.

Because he has to be. Sans don’t know what he’d do without Papyrus. How’d he go on without the coolest little brother in the history of the world. The little brother who crinkles his (admittedly, non-existent) nose at licorice and bakes cookies for his classmates on a whim (despite the fact them usually turn out burnt). His little bro who’s susceptible to breaking out into song at any moment, who makes way too elaborate stories for his action figures, who puts the utmost effort and attention into everything he does, his brother.

How could he live without Papyrus?

Tears renewed, Sans buries his head into Papyrus’s skull and hopes he and Papyrus will be rescued soon.

———

Asriel is not having a good day.

He was good before, actually. It was a pretty damn good day. He and Gaster had little work to do that morning, and were done by eleven. Gaster decided he was going to stay back to make sure they didn’t miss anything, so Asriel took his new-found free time to pack his stuff and head over to Hotland to have brunch with his mom.

Better yet, Asriel came just as Chara was making their rounds in Hotland, so Asriel was able to corral them into joining them for brunch, but they said they’d come only under the condition Dad came too. They thought Mom wouldn’t allow it, but jokes on them, Mom would gladly have Dad over if it means she could spend time with the both of them.

Dad was there by the time Mom was serving the food.

Sitting there, all of them together, Asriel could almost act like they were a family again. It was short lived.

Chara left early saying they had to get back to work (not that he could blame them, the tension between Mom and Dad was suffocating.) After Chara left, Mom all-but kicked Dad out. Asriel could only stay for about half an hour before it got too awkward between the two of them and he ultimately left too(not before helping with the dishes though, he’s not a heathen.)

He took his time coming back, helping this lava monster calm down, these two friends drag some crap to their shop, and chatting with a guard on sentry duty. Eventually though, he drags his body through the doors of his room in the castle.

He was fully prepared for a nice afternoon full of relaxation, but then—

“Advisor!”

He turns to see a guard standing in the doorway.

He snaps back, annoyed, “Could you please knock before—“

“Prince Papyrus and Prince Sans are missing!”

So yeah, Asriel is not having a good day.

———

“Do You Think They Are Looking For Us Yet?”

It’s who know how long of dozing, chatting, and various conversations before Papyrus decides to ask the question.

He hopes someone is looking for them. He doesn’t know how much longer he can fight off sleep.

Papyrus feels Sans shift a little, “uh, yeah, bro, i think so. why’ya askin’?”

Papyrus cracks a wry smile, trying to ignore the dust that creeps in the back of his throat(despite the fact he doesn’t has one.)

“No Reason.”

———

Waterfall is the best place in the entire Underground, in your opinion.

It’s not too hot, like hotland, but it’s not too cold either, like Snowdin.

And, it has muddy puddles! They’re just the best to hop around in. It also has the twinkling stars that shimmer in the ceiling. And that old guy with yummy milkshakes.

You hop in a puddle, spraying water all over you and Friend’s kneees.

“Hey!”

You look towards to your friend. He don’t doesn’t have a name, not really. He said his mum just… never chose one. Maybe he’ll chose a new one when he’s an adult!

“Hehe, sorry!”

For now, like your papa told you to, you call your friend, Friend, because he’s your friend!

Hehe, you said ‘friend’ a lot.

Friend’s Mum whistles and calls your name really loudly, gathering you and Friend’s attention.

“Hurry up and grab Son already! We’re going to be late!”

You laugh again, turning to Friend, “You heard her! Race you!”

You take off in a sprint, Friend’s pounding feet behind you.

And then there’s a really loud crash. And a scream.

All three of you stop. Friend’s Mum making a really odd face.

Then, she yells, much louder and with more fear in her voice than you’ve ever heard in it;

“CAVE-IN!”

———

Papyrus is jostled from where he dosed off on Sans’ shoulder once more. It’s been really hard to stay up recently… he’s been getting more sleepy…

“jus… stay ‘wake fer ‘bit longer, ‘k?”

He just mumbles out an agreement, trying again to clear the fog from his mind. Even with the low amount of magic Papyrus is using, occasionally his sight flickers out until he focuses on it again.

“someon’s gotta b’ lookin’ fer us, ‘m sure.”

Papyrus can’t even feel his leg anymore, and his blinks are becoming longer and longer between each of them. The only thing he recognizes now is his brother and himself, and he can’t even see him anymore…

If this is death, then it is very, very lonely.

“Brother…?”

The response is immediate, “yeah, bro?”

The world is sluggish, like it slowed down just for him.

“I… Luv ‘ya… G’night…”

Papyrus had quite a good life. He loved, and was loved. He had a bunch of cool friends, his brother, and Mr. Asriel, and Father, too. He had a lot and he hoped they missed them, because he’ll miss them…

…A lot…

He hears hears Sans frantically whisper his name, probably not capable of anything else.

If Papyrus had to speak of any regrets, it probably would be that he won’t be the only one dying today. It would be that he’s dragged Sans into this.

“bro, c’mon say s’mthin…!”

And he says it with such desperation, Papyrus wishes a miracle would happen, wished that he’d be better, or wouldn’t be there in the first place.

He wished to be saved.

“papyrus, please… be okay….”

And Papyrus puts his most into the next words, hoping Sans would hear them,

I’ll Try.

———

Sans never felt more useless than he did now.

Papyrus isn’t doing any better, and Sans can’t do anything to help. Papyrus is too tired to digest the candy he has on hand, no shortcut just happens to be nearby so he could leave and get help, and he’s too fucking useless to know how to heal to even help Papyrus.

He leans over Papyrus’s limp body, passed out and just barely breathing, not even bothering to wipe the tears that flow down his face.

How Sans wishes someone would find them already…

(*You call for help…)

And then a miracle happens.

The walls move.

———

Asriel’s day has just turned from bad to worse.

Papyrus and Sans have just gone missing without a trace, with not even a general area of where they can be because Gaster couldn’t bother to get his head out of his ass for two fucking seconds to listen onto where his sons were frolicking off to.

Not only that, but now he has to deal with a Cave-in with a possible civilian who’s already been trapped there for hours. Hours!

Asriel is in awful mood by the time he sees his mom, in her lab coat with her equipment, for the second time that day. There’s few more powerful than him and his mom with raw healing magic, so he follows her down the winding paths in Waterfall, meeting with the Monster family that reported the cave-in.

He begins with the interviews of what they heard, while Mom carefully maneuvers around the rocks while making sure they won’t suddenly crumble. Other telekinetic-inclined monsters— few, but called in especially for this time sensitive matter— levitate the “okay”-ed rocks out of the way to open the entrance wider.

Feeling his headache grow with the lack of questions answered, Asriel decides to ask one more question.

“Do you have any clue on to where the two Princes are?”

He sees the woman tilt her head, almost as if in thought. Asriel tries to find some home she’ll at least know something.

Eventually though, she clicks her teeth and shakes her head, “Not one, darling.”

Asriel sighs, thanking the woman for her time.

He writes a few notes down, deciding it wouldn’t be bad to search the area for any clues.

What he finds amusing is he doesn’t get two steps away from sight until he’s stopped from a yell.

“TWO BODIES FOUND!”

What he finds so fucking amusing is, when he lays down next to the bodies to administer first aid?

He finds it’s his two missing children.

———

Papyrus wakes up slowly, to the harsh, white lights of what he quickly recognizes as a hospital room. He had a horrible headache, and an awful itch from the bandages that seem to wrap around his entire body. Breathing is a struggle, it feels like sawdust is traveling through his ribs.

He pries his eyes open with much difficulty.

Why is he here…?

“…papyrus?” He looks over to his brother, bandaged but alive.

“Sans! You’re Okay!”

He shoots up in his excitement, only getting halfway before he practically folds back in half from pain.

“uh, wai’ das bad, don’— jus’— lemme call ‘n doct’r real’ quick…” Papyrus laughs a bit at the sound of Sans’ panicked voice. He’s never heard him sound so out of his element before…

Before he knows it, he’s sitting up and back on his hospital bed, a doctor listing his injuries.

It… admittedly, sounds bad.

A concussion, magic loss, fractures, broken bones, something called an “in-fek-sion” and a few other injuries he couldn’t remember.

Sans was better off, the only bad break being his arm, which was well on his way to healing.

He… doesn’t really like to think about what they told him, him practically turning to dust when they fished him out on-scene. They said it was a miracle he was alive.

Papyrus is just glad Sans didn’t get hurt.

After, far after Mr. Asriel came to kick Sans out to bed rest, and far after Sans came back after being told not to, Papyrus squeezes Sans’ hand, thankful he’ll be able to do it as many times he wants in the foreseeable future.

Sans pulls him into a hug, and just for a moment, Papyrus ignores the cast on his leg, the crutches on his bedside, and even the inhaler on the table. Just for a moment, Papyrus digs his carpals into Sam’s shirt, and smiles.

“I Love You, Brother.”

“‘luv ya too.”

———

DONEEEE

the only real plans I had for Papyrus and Sans’s injuries was that I knew I wanted papyrus to use a leg brace for a few months after the accident to help him walk, and that I wanted Sans’s arm to be in a cast (bc it’s broken). Don’t ask how breathing problems work for paps despite the fact he doesn’t have lungs, idk how and idc.

Also I had this like half done so I really turned this other half out fast so if the endings poorly done that’s why

CHECK OUT UNDERJUMBLE’S BLOG THEYRE LIKE THE COOLEST OKAY BYEEEEE

So like, yk how the underground is like one big overglorified cave? What would happen if there’s a cave in and someone’s loved one (sans, paps, etc) got caught up in it? NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES YEAH

To start, I'm getting rid of the more plausible scenarios and/or taking away some powers that they would be able to get out of there or get help quickly due to that being ✨️boring✨️

Sans

Loved one: Papyrus

If Papyrus wasn't in emanate danger than he would probably be very hesitant to leave his side. He tries to get him out, and tries to dig out rocks so the entrance is bigger

He would CHECK him immediately and give him all food that he had in his pockets to help him gain energy and magic and strength.

Sans would start out panicked, but once he gains his composure he starts to think more rationally

They'd go through their inventory slots and see if they could get anything to be beneficial. They probably won't.

Sans would, after a while, go run to the nearest monsters and frantically ask them to call the king over and if there's more than one, bring the other and look to them to help Papyrus out.

Papyrus isn't too concerned because he's not hurt. He doesn't like the situation, but he keeps his optimism.

If they get him safely out, Sans will be mostly fine but keep an eye on him more and make sure that Papyrus doesn't get himself into situations without being sure he can get out of them for a while.

If Papyrus is in enough danger, Sans will immediately run and be a blubbering mess, costing some time as people try to understand him

Once he has an adult and trusted ones on his way, he'll stick to Papyrus' side and murmur reassurance and hold his hands, although it's more for himself then Paps.

If he gets free eventually, Sans will be rattled and the trauma will either stay for a while or even never leave him, and he'll be much more protecting and keep a closer eye on him

If he dusts while waiting for help, as you'd expect, he'd never be the same. He'd grasp on tightly trying to hold more of his arm, as if he could hold him and he would beg him not to

He'd grasp as much dust of his as possible as his only lifeline, as if he can bring him back if he just got it all

He'd obviously be incredibly traumatized, becoming more withdrawn and quiet, and just in general much more aware of death and depressed.

Most of Papyrus' dust that was salvaged would be put on the things he loved, but Sans would get a tiny bottle with some dust that he keeps in his pocket.

Sans' grief is a hoarder version. He wouldn't dare get rid of anything that was Papyrus' even if it was insignificant.

In theory he could eventually grow out of it and become like Sans from undertale as an adult but I doubt it. He'd be missing a part of him and you can't replace their bond.

Time would eventually make the grief dull and have life be larger than his grief, though.

Papyrus

Loved one: Sans

I think at the start Sans would make a lazy joke about "oh noooo russ i cant get out, i'll have to just lie here forever" to actual "wait a second." but Papyrus wouldn't notice at first.

Sans is not injured in this scenario so he'll calm Papyrus down with awful stuck puns and cave puns and general goofs.

Papyrus will quickly run for help, then ramble about Sans to the person he's talking to even if it's unnecessary methinks ("MY BROTHER SANS, WHO IS LAZY AND FRUSTRATING, {more rambles about him})

Sans and Papyrus would be mostly chill because Sans knows how to calm Papyrus down.

If it's more dangerous, Papyrus will try to calm himself down, exclaiming that The Great Papyrus knows how to fix everything!! His expression and the sweat makes it clear he's not sure though.

He zips to someone, grabs their hand and speaks so fast while dragging them along that it confuses the monster

The monster is being held by a DETERMINATION-rushed kid though so he will keep dragging even if they fight, and get to Sans.

The monster would eventually understand and try to help and call Gaster

If he is freed, Papyrus will be mom-like, and chide him more often for being reckless. He will be stubborn and try to take care of him.

If he dusts, Papyrus will go to the good old denial tactic! He'd avoid all of Sans' stuff and pretend he's just on vacation, drowning out his voices

He'd do more chores to drown out his thoughts and keep himself busy so he won't remember what happened

I'm going to add more people and edit this 👍 just want you to get at least a piece

[snickerdoodlles]

for the fic writer ask meme!!! ⏱️, 🤡, and of course🏅

oooooooo thank u friend 👀

⏱ What’s the fic you spent the most time on? (Was it worth it lol)

this is really hard for me to answer 🤔🤔 my writing can get really sporadic, and sometimes I'll ditch a WIP for months on end before circling back to it lol. of my posted stuff, just going by time from the doc being started to it being finished, probably by dawn's early light? written for the BNHA myths zine (*high fives u sadly*), but I wrote like the first third of it a week or two after writers were accepted to the zine, and then when the mods never followed up on shit, it just chilled in my drafts folder until after that mess with the hallowzine broke out and those mods finally started chasing down submissions 😂😂

but if we're going to go by time actually spent on writing something, probably either come here. just by nature of it being multi-chaptered or the patpran old guard AU (i've rewritten that thing so many times aaaaa, may i actually have it ready to post one day lol)

(all of these were worth it tho. by dawn's early light is one of my most ignored stories, but i'm still super pleased with how it came out. and once i get the final chapter of come here./the last scene of the old guard AU done, i'm going to be so excited to post both of those, partially because they're taking me a long time to get where i want them to be)

🤡 What’s the dumbest thing you’ve written?

oh god, im a crack writer, would you like the list alphabetically???

100% the Dumbest Thing i've ever written is a like button love story. like, you know how in facebook messenger, you could make the like buttons RLY BIG if you held down the button? a friend and i would play goofy games with those things, and then i wrote a joke love story between the two buttons. and i think i did actually post that here on a dare, except it was ...2015??? i think???? and i wasn't good about tagging things back then, so i cant find it, which is a shame because that was a gold standard story ngl

now, other stupid shit i've written includes:

3 nursery rhymes for the bald giyuu pdf (a silly free bonus pdf to the giyushino zine):

(art & formatting for both done by @/inigoats)

i wrote a nearly 9k fic of the vld team fighting over pineapple pizza. here's chat noir successfully hooking up marinette with ladybug (aka herself). hawkmoth fights butterflies in this one.

honestly, there's a lot more i can link, but i'm starting to get embarrassed lol. i really wish i could pick a single crack fic to be like "here, this one, this is the dumbest thing i've written" but...i honestly can't pick which ones of these is the dumbest thing i've written. they're all so stupid but in different directions. This even went for back when I was still doodling: here's Cinderella!Darth Vader, here's insurance guy Palpatine getting thrown thru a wall, and here's Obi-wan fighting the galaxy with a pool noodle. i'll spare u the others but...yeah, crack is my lifeblood my friend 😂💦💦

🏅 What is the fic you’re most proud of?

Shining Dishonesty! (a Howl's Moving Castle AU for MSBY from Haikyuu!!) I have a lot of fics I'm really fond of, but I think I really managed to nail her and Studio Ghibli's storytelling vibes in it without retelling either of their stories, and that just means a lot to me as a longtime DWJ fan 🥰

send me a fic ask

[bumbleklee]

hey c: can i please ask for something with childe, kaeya ​​and diluc where they accidentally hurt the reader? angst please? have a good day <3

hihi c: i didnt know if you meant physically hurt or emotionally hurt so i mixed it up <3

before reading: angst/hurt, cursing, men being absolutely stupid, under cut for possible sensitive topic + i think this is obvious but i dont think any of these characters would ever act this way 

childe

his fatal flaw was that he was too possessive of you

he was a protective person in general and you were no exception 

and usually it was fine

childe showed affection in public with an arm around your waist or a few kisses and glaring side glances to staring men or women

but sometimes he took it too far and you just wished he would stop

You and Childe had decided to go to a bar in Liyue one night and after a few drinks, you began becoming friendly with the other patrons. You didn’t think your tipsy compliments towards a tall man were flirty but when he smirked down at your shorter form, you realized you may have overstepped the line. 

“Who are you here with?” He asked, leaning down to your ear. Your eyes glanced around the bar and you didn’t see Childe. “Are you here alone?”

“Not alone...” You slurred. The man reached down to slip a hand onto your waist and you flinched away, nearly stumbling to the floor. He caught you fall with a strong arm and pulled you close. You were dangerously close to his face now. “My boyfriend...he’s...”

“Your boyfriend?” The man continued, “I don’t see your boyfriend.”

“Well, turn around.”

Hearing Childe’s voice made your heart sink. The man’s hold on your loosened and you wiggled away, immediately going around him. Childe looked hurt but you didn’t have time to explain yourself before he stepped towards the man. 

“I wouldn’t mess with me,” He said harshly, “I’m the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger.” 

The man looked Childe up and down and smirked even more, “You? Why, you’re just a scrawny little thing.” 

“Stop fighting!” You tried, your vision hazy from the alcohol. Before you knew it, you were stepping in between the men just as Childe swung at the man. Instead of colliding with his nose like he intended, Childe’s fist smashed against your jaw and you cried out. 

A silence grew over the crowd and Childe stared at you in shock. You stumbled for a moment and clutched your face, lingering pain seething through your skin. You regained your balance and looked up at Childe’s horrified face, “It’s okay-” 

Before you could get another word out, Childe turned on his heel and left the bar without a sound. 

kaeya

he was careless

he liked to drink (a lot) and alcohol tended to mess with your logic and reasoning

whenever you two fought, he was usually intoxicated

and it was the same every time: fight when he’s drunk, you make him sleep on the couch, he wakes up sober the next morning and puts two and two together and then surprises you with homemade breakfast or flowers to say he was sorry

every now and then, though, kaeya didn’t know when to stop

“Kaeya, just calm down.” 

He was drunk, even more than usual. He could hardly stand up straight and you had to hoist his body against yours just to get him home. Now he was picking you apart for something you said days ago, slamming kitchen cabinets and making a tremendous scene in front of you. 

“You’re...the most selfish, irritating, two-faced bitch...” He slurred. You spun around at that, your eyes narrow with anger. 

“And you’re an arrogant drunk whose too shallow to care about anyone but himself,” You shot back. You didn’t mean what you said and you were sure Kaeya didn’t either but the tension was too high to talk about that now. 

You waited for Kaeya’s reply. Instead of throwing back a snarky insult, he stepped closer to you. Your body tensed, your back straightening and your arms flat against your side. You knew the words that came out of your mouth next were unwarranted but, frankly, you were getting scared.

“What? Now you’re going to fucking hit me?” 

When nothing happened, you took a step backwards. Kaeya wasn’t moving anymore and a look of hurt crossed his face. Your stomach dropped and you reached out to him but he shrugged your hand away. 

“Kaeya, I didn’t mean that. I just-” 

“You really thought I was going to hit you?” He asks, his voice cracking. It was almost like he sobered up completely in that moment alone. Your jaw was tight and you didn’t know what to say. “I’m not that low of a person, Y/N.” 

You slept on the couch that night. 

diluc

never in a million years would you think diluc would ever hurt you

he was such a gentleman and loved you dearly

he was even notorious for breaking up altercations between couples when things were getting serious

so when your fight escalated past anything you had ever experienced before, you were stunned

It was you that initiated the violence. You felt something explode into you when Diluc made a rather nasty comment and in that moment, you needed to feel some relief. 

A wine bottle falls to the floor of the Winery, shattering instantly and sending glass across the room. You both stare at the mess of glass and alcohol. 

“What’s wrong with you?” Diluc hisses, looking between you and the broken bottle on the ground. His tone was becoming increasingly more vicious which only fueled your inner turmoil. 

 You ignore him and step away from the glass, heading towards the stairs. “I’m going to bed.”

“Like hell you are, Y/N! We aren’t done here!” 

You whip around to face him. “What else do you fucking want, Diluc? Do you want me to get on my fucking knees and tell you that you’re right?” 

Diluc runs a hand through his unruly hair, his ponytail long forgotten. He walks up to you briskly and grabs your wrist, yanking you towards him. You stumble down the first few steps towards him. “Can you be bothered to listen to me for just ten seconds?” 

“Let go of me.” 

“Not until you calm down,” Diluc says. His grip on your wrist tightens. 

“Diluc, let go of me! You’re fucking hurting me!”  

At that, Diluc releases your wrist. His hand falls down to his side as you pull yours to your chest, frowning and rubbing out the squeezed skin. He stares at you for a moment before turning around, his back facing you completely. 

“Just go to bed.” 

[t0shii]

helloooo, may i request hcs for atsumu, bokuto & suna where y/n is doing the "wait until your bf kisses u first" tiktok trend hehe hope u have a lovely day/evening 💗

% impatient kisses

.! timeskip! bokuto, suna (sep) x gn!r

.! fluff+crack/ mention of food in bokuto's, mention of beverages in suna's, not proofread.

.! BYE i love this trend yes i definitely will write this for you. im so sorry it took so long to write this :(( i was on a writing break for a while </3 also i didnt write atsumu IM SORRY but two was all i could manage bc tumblr was being mean to me and wouldn't save my draft 🙄☹️

bokuto

the two of you were cuddling on the couch when you'd gotten the idea and as soon as he had gone to get a snack you set your camera up, giggling to yourself as he walked back in. "ko ko, c'mon already." you basically pulled him back onto the couch with you. "woah, okay okay! did ya' miss me that much, babe?" you nod, and lean in for a kiss, but pause just before your lips can touch. he's confused, he opens an eye to look at you, your eyes closed, lips puckered. he groans, "oh c'mon baby, i thought you were gonna give me a kiss!" he frowns and pulls away with a pout. "oh! i'm sorry, i was waiting for you to kiss me." you lie, copying his pout. "oh, really? but you leaned in for it so i just assumed... well, here i'll give you a kiss then!" he gives your lips a peck and you giggle as you get up to fetch your phone. "it was just a prank bo!" you show him the video and he pouts for the rest of the day demanding kisses.

suna

he'd left you in the car while he got the both of you boba, that's when you saw the tiktok on your for you page. smirking, you set your phone camera up and press record when you notice him getting close to the car. he opens the door and hands you the drinks before getting in himself. immediately after he settles, you lean in for a kiss which he accepts but is left confused when your lips don't meet. it's only then realizes he's fallen right into your trap, right away he retracts and scoffs, "you and your tiktok trends, y/n" he grumbles. now it's your turn to be confused as he cups your cheeks into hands and kisses you passionately. you can't help the giggles the bubbles from your belly, interrupting the kiss causing your boyfriend to turn away and start the car. "did you get what you needed?" he asks as you check over the recording. you reply with a nod and an 'mhm', "thanks for participating, rin." you smile. he shakes his head, "yeah yeah."

[technowoah]

could you do 21 and 23 from the prompt list with george x gn! or fem!reader?

btw i adore your writing!! i love all your ideas and your imagines are so original ahhh i love them sm

So Cliché [3:41 am]

TYSM! OMG THAT MEANS A LOT TO ME🤚🏾😭

Also sorry this came out so late

I am guessing the prompts are from the fluff list, but if this isn't what you wanted I'll do it from the angst list!

21) "Are you up? Do you need me to stay up?"

23) "Pinki promise kiss"

⚠︎ swearing, fluffy stuff, i didn't proofread 😪

Your eyes adjusted to the dark bedroom you were in. The door was closed and the curtains were slightly opened letting in the slightest slither of light inside. The sun hasn't rose yet and your body felt heavy. You turned around under the warm covers of your bed and looked at the clock beside your bed that shined 3:41 am.

You groaned as you rotated around in bed until you found a comfortable way to lay down. Time seemed to be going slower when you woke up, the need to sleep flooded your mind but you just couldn't relax. Turning around again you faced your closed door that led to the hallway. The door always had to be at least cracked and not completely closed, but your roomate was making too much noise at an ungodly hour.

Living alone wasn't good for you at all, you didn't feel comfortable living alone. It was so quiet all the time and no one was around to entertain you or comfort you when things went bump in the night until your friend George suggested that you moved in with him. You always complained that you needed a roommate so he proposed the idea that you two moved in together to make you feel safe.

A few days from that conversation you packed your things and moved in with George. Slowly but surely you moved all of your things into George's place and he was always there to help. George had two bedrooms in his house and they were right next to eachother. You both woke up around the same time and went to bed at totally different times.

George and you always made breakfast together, sat around the house thinking of things to do and just end up sitting on the couch watching anything interesting he finds, doing chores and going out quickly to then inevitably end up back to the couch to do absolutely nothing. George always ended up sleeping while you two had this time together because he stayed up so late you dont know how he could sleep like a baby like that all the time. He ended up either laying on the armrest of the couch or on your shoulder. You always thought that was uncomfortable for him, but he always ended up there. The last couple times he ended up laying on your thighs which flustered you the first time, and the second, basically anytime he goes to lay on your lap you tense up.

You weren't afraid of physical touch, but this was new to you, you've grown accustomed to George and you think you a crush evolved from nothing. You two have been really close and it all started with a stupid Minecraft server. Ever since you moved in you two have grown closer than ever and your complicated feelings if you would want George as a boyfriend or not flooded your mind as we speak.

[4:01]

You still couldn't sleep and it was becoming a problem. You tossed and turned until you felt comfortable and began to count sheep, but you already got to 40 and didn't feel sleepy at all. Encasing yourself underneath your covers didn't help, it only made you hot. You were wide awake at this point. You had sat up and got out of your bed slipping on some fluffy socks and quitely opened the door and shuffled your way to the living room. You tried to stay quiet trying to keep George asleep as you turned on the TV.

Turning down the volume you sat there for a while underneath a blanket you and George had on the couch for times like this. You had a throw pillow underneath your head while you layed horizontal, across the couch. Two shows later and your eyes began to droop, it was a sense of accomplishment because you were finally sleeping so you stayed there still so you continue to lull yourself to sleep.

"Y/N? What are you doing here?" George asked with tired eyes and gravelly voice. "Are you up? Do you need me to stay up?"

"Fuck you George. I was about to go to sleep. I kinda want you up with me." You complained as you pulled the blanket over your head with your eyes still closed.

"C'mon silly get in your bed. Were you here all night?" George said while leaning against a wall, clearly still tired.

"No. I couldn't sleep. Why are you here?" You asked, but your words mumbled together.

"I heard the TV." George pointed at the TV that was illuminating objects in the dark.

You hummed and he did as well. "Are you okay bub?"

You had a small smile on your face, you loved the small petnames he gave you. You had a small feeling that he didn't mean it in the romantic way you wanted it to be.

"I woke up and cant sleep now. I was almost asleep, but you came in so.." You said still drowsy from staying in the state of in-between being awake and sleep.

"Im sorry." George said with his head against the wall, eyes closed. "Mm sorry I'm tired." George wiped his face.

"Could you sleep with me?"

"What?" George asked laughing slightly.

"No not that, just sleep in the same bed." You said. Your brain was just working on his own. You wouldn't have said this if you were awake, but you were desperate and needed sleep. Also you were touch starved and your crush on George was becoming more apparent each day, but that wasnt the point now.

"Yeah I'll do that." George said while pushing himself off of the wall.

"What?" You said thinking he would reject the offer.

"You sound like me. Come on." George said making his way over to you and reaching his arms out. You sat up looking at him with half open eyes and ended up grabbing both of his hands to pull yourself up.

Once both of you were on your feet you both lazily made your way to your bedroom. You mad yourself comfortable under the covers while George sat ontop, restricting the cover's movements.

"You're ontop of the blankets, it's weird." You mumbled.

"Sorry, sorry. Um, what would you want me to do?" George asked as he got off of the bed and stood there awaiting for an answer.

Your back was facing towards him when you answered. "Come on under the covers, I dont bite." You faced towards him when you said that.

He smiled a bit and then got under the covers with you, he layed on his back facing the ceiling and his hands on his stomach. He was uncomfortable.

You turnedon your side facing George. "Are you uncomfortable? If you want you can leav-"

"No! No. Im just- Ive never done this before you know. I've never comforted anyone like this." George quickly said.

"Like cuddled anyone?"

"Like cuddle, yeah."

A silence fell upon you two until George laid on his side facing you. His face was close to yours and you tried not to freak out right in front of him. He reached his hand across your body and started to rub your back. You shuffled your body a little so that your heads weren't at the same level, you were level with his chest and you got closer leaning your forehead against his chest. You both got more comfortable and got closer in touch, he soothingly rubbed your back trying to lull you to sleep.

It was a while that you both layed like this, basking in eachothers comfort

"I wish I could sing like Wilbur. That would make this moment better." George whispered against your hair.

"You being here makes this moment already great though." You whispered as well hoping he could hear you.

"Really?"

"Really. I mean it. I love this." You pulled him close.

"I love 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ."

"I love you too."

You smiled with your eyes closed. "Promise you love me?"

"Pinki promise I love you." George lazily locked both of your little fingers together.

"Pinki promise kiss." You puckered your lips hoping he would get the hint.

You heard George chuckle and he softly pecked you lips, it was like he was testing the waters. You opened your eyes and he had a small tired smile on his face, the two of you ended up giggling like little kids and then going back into the calming state you both were in.

Thank God for you both being in that state of tiredness. You just hoped that you both remembered what happend at [4:32 am] when you both wake up.

EXTRA:

You were alone in the kitchen this morning making pancakes. George hasnt met up with you yet and you questioned why. Yes you remembered last night and you're glad that you finally had the courage to say that you loved him, but it wasn't how you pictured it happening.

You flipped your pancake as George came put from around the corner looking fresher and more awake than last night. He smiled at you and made his way over to you. He closely stood by you and reached over your head to grab a glass from above. He only stepped that closely to you to grab a glass.

You begun to think that he forgot about last night's kiss. He had filled his glass with ice and then with water he stood over by the refrigerator for a while until he walked over to you.

You had just finished the second pancake of the day and faced George who was stood beside you waiting for your attention. He smiled at you and slowly leaned down and gave you a kiss on your lips. It was slow and longing, like he wanted to do this for quite a while. One of his hands found the side of your face and the other one pulled you closer by your waist. He then pulled away having a big smile on his face, you matched his smile clearly glad that he did that and remember.

"This is so cliché you know that right?" You laughed.

George rolled his eyes playfully. "Exactly, I feel like I've read this somewhere before."

"Like on Wattpad?" You jokingly asked.

"Yeah I read a bunch of DreamNotFound fanfiction on there." George said as he swayed you back and forth along with him.

"Hey~!"

"I'm just kidding! And I pinki promised didnt I?" George rose his eyebrows.

"You did! You did!" You smiled at him and he matched your smile again.

"I love you." George said.

"I love you too." You replied.

"I could get used to this!"

[moonlit-imagines]

The Doctor Is In

Stephen Strange x reader

Bruce Banner x reader (platonic)

warnings:

a/n: hey! idk how to build stairs guys. i didnt feel like researching it. i dont care if it’s wrong. leave me alone. part 2/2.

prompt:

Out (1)

There was no hope of Stephen coming back. Every truth you had to face was harsher than the last. Even when you got home and realized that Wong was among the vanished...and he didn’t fix the stairwell.

Maybe the stairwell was a good thing. It gave you something to focus on in these hard times. Sure, it’d been a month since the incident, but that still wasn’t enough time for the world to heal. That meant that contractors were hard to come by. But the roof would have a tarp over it for some time. No way you’d deal with that.

So you took a trip to the hardware store, you stocked up on wood and nails, lacquer and wood stain. Anything else you needed for the project. Anything to keep you busy.

There were so many sleepless nights. You hated being alone in Sanctum, hated being alone in your bed. Every so often you would nap on the couch, but then you’d get right back to work. Weeks on end you spent on the stairwell. How long will you stick around while I talk about the stairwell?

Doctor Banner called you from time to time. His voicemails were kind, heartfelt, but you couldn’t stop now. The gutted stairwell from a couple weeks ago was coming by very nicely. As nice as it could when worked on my an amateur. Alright, it looked awful, but you couldn’t stand using a ladder to get to the second floor.

As you were staining the wood, you played a message from Bruce:

“Doctor L/N, it’s Bruce. I hope you’re doing alright, but you know that if you’re not, I’m here for you. All the remaining Avengers have kind of...gone their separate ways for the most part, they’re pretty broken up about everything. I just want you to know that because you don’t...have to be strong right now. I understand if you can’t be. Just call me back whenever you can? I want to make sure you’re alright. We’re survivors, we should stick together.”

Bruce hadn’t known you long, but he was still a great person and friend. You should call him back, but if you lost focus, you may lose yourself. So you continued to wipe against the grain of the fresh stairs and moved to the next step. And the next. And the next.

The last step was the lacquer and seal. You were scared to finish up. What would you occupy yourself with once this was over? You thought about the answer until the very last step and admired your shabby craftsmanship. It’ll do. Or maybe you should tear it all down and start over? While you were thinking over your newest thought, your phone rang again. Bruce Banner.

“Hey, Bruce.” You answered the phone as you normally would and sat on the floor in front of your work.

“Y/N?” Bruce asked in disbelief. “Y/N, hey! How are you? I don’t know if you’ve been getting my calls..?”

“I have.” You quickly replied.

“Oh.” He quietly nodded to himself.

“I’m sorry, Bruce.” You realized your mistake and knew you may have come off as a little rude. He’d been nothing but kind to you, but you’d just realized you were alone today.

“No, no! It’s okay! I understand, don’t worry. What have you been up to?” His effort to start a conversation may be successful this time around.

“I fixed the stairwell. All of it. That’s what I’ve been doing the past few weeks. I just finished a few minutes ago.” You felt awkward talking to him. Not because of him, not at all. Just because you hadn’t really had any human contact in a while.

“I didn’t take you for a carpenter, Doctor.” Bruce was genuinely surprised with your skillset, you could hear it in his voice.

“And you still won’t once you see the job I did.” You actually managed to let out a chuckle. You didn’t know you could still do that.

“Oh, I hear ya loud and clear.” Bruce laughed, too. I wonder if he was having the same thoughts as you. “Y/N, do you want to go out to lunch like, now? I could use some company, maybe you could, too.”

“Yeah,” you checked the time on your watch, Stephen’s watch, and realized you worked through the night and day, “text me an address, I’ll meet you anywhere. See you soon.” You hung up pretty quickly, only to get ready ASAP. You were sort of covered in “stair supplies” and smelled like...not good. You’d take a quick shower, put on some clean clothes, and take off. Unfortunately, the stairs weren’t dry, so it was another round up the ladder.

—————

You finally took a trip back to your bedroom and shuffled through the closet filled with your...late husband’s clothing. It still smelled like him, surprisingly. You wondered just how long it would last. You hoped it’d be forever, but you grabbed your own clothes and quickly got dressed, then checked your phone to see that Bruce was running “a little late.” It’s okay, you were, too.

You took a seat on Stephen’s side of the bed and decided to snoop. Did it count as snooping if he was no longer here? You knew that he didn’t keep secrets from you, so what was the worst you could stumble upon? Books, books, and more books. But some were important books, ones detailing mystic arts. Maybe...maybe it was time to pick up a new skill. You stuffed the book in your bag and decided to head out now before you got too comfy in an actual bed.

—————

You and Bruce sat at a booth in the empty diner, awkwardly gazing over the menu while trying to stir up some conversation. It’d been a while since either of you had visited someone, you didn’t even know what to talk about.

“So, home renovations, huh?” Bruce asked while peaking over the fold of the laminated list.

“Something like that.” You sighed and set yours down and aside. “I know what I’m getting. What about you?”

“I just need a minute.” The only noise besides your bland conversation was the rustling of dishes in the back, which didn’t last for long. “Got it. A burger. That’ll do it.” Bruce announced and got the attention of the waiter.

Ordering took a second, but soon you and Bruce were alone again and ready to talk.

“How are the other Avengers? I know you said they went their separate ways, but...” You inquired and were surprised to see a smile crack on Bruce’s face. “What?”

“At least I know you listened to my voicemails.” He chuckled and took a sip of his iced tea. “They’re dealing with it. I don’t exactly know how. Nat’s staying at the compound, I’m sure she’s glad to have a home again. Cap went out on his own. Thor went back to his people. Tony and Pepper are trying to separate themselves from the world, I think. I don’t blame them. That’s all I know.” You stayed silent, but nodded along to his outer thoughts. “You alright?”

“I’m sorry, Bruce.” You started. “I didn’t mean to ignore you, leave you hanging. I just still don’t know how to take this. I keep thinking about what Stark told me when he came back. His whole ‘this will all make sense soon’ thing. Nothing about this makes sense to me.”

“Well, Strange was different, wasn’t he? He had that Stone, he had those powers, he might know something we don’t.” Bruce explained to you, an attempt to comfort you. “We’ve tried everything, y/n. Maybe it’s time to wait, maybe in time you’ll see that he sacrificed himself...for you.” You teared up at the scientist’s words and quickly wiped your eyes as the food was placed before you. “Thank you, sir.” Bruce said as the waiter walked off. “Hey, y/n? It’s okay that you’re hurting. I get it. But please don’t act like you’re alone. I’m gonna be here for you, okay?”

“Yeah,” you sniffled while hiding your wet eyes, “Me, too, Bruce.”

—————

When you got stressed out when you were younger, you threw yourself into your studies. Maybe that was why you were such an accomplished scientist. But what studies did you have now?

You had a library full of knowledge. It wasn’t your usual knowledge, but it would suffice. Now, the book that you’d snagged from Stephen’s bedside was a bit advanced for you, but that was okay. You had options.

Where would you even begin? This place was bigger than you remembered. Was this another spell? Did you know what you were talking about? Stop thinking, y/n. Start reading.

You picked out a book. You just ran with it. You recalled stories from Stephen. You remembered you needed the ring. What did he call it? Song ring? Sink ring? Slink ring?

Sling ring.

Not a problem, you could find one. Sanctum probably had tons. Maybe in Stephen’s study? You wished you had asked him more about his arts before, you just didn’t get it at the time.

One was stashed in a drawer. It was Stephen’s ring. The one he used himself. And it was the only one you could find, so it’d have to do. And so you got to studying.

The first time the air sparked by your hand was magical. Literally. But it made you feel something for the first time in nearly three months. And that was just the beginning. It felt like you were carrying on Stephen’s legacy in a way. You’d never be “Sorcerer Supreme,” but you didn’t have any intention of that. You just wanted his memory to live on, even if it were through you.

So you’d practice and you’d learn and you’d practice and you’d learn. You’d see Bruce whenever you could, and he soon noticed your mood change.

“I’m glad to see you happy for a change.” He told you while you walked through the park.

“Yeah, it feels great.” You told him while watching construction vehicles cleaning up the debris that had been lying around for months.

“I’ve been meaning to ask. What’s with the ring?” He looked at your hand and you lifted it closer.

“Oh...it’s Stephen’s.” You simply stated.

“Is it like a wedding ring?” He took a closer look and let you laugh it up for a quick second.

“No, no!” You shook your head at the ridiculous question. “I might as well show you. I haven’t told anyone yet, but that’s because you’re the only person I talk to.” You stopped in your tracks and shooed him back to give yourself enough space. “Ready?” Bruce looked terrified, but nodded a response and watched you raise your hands ahead, concentrating on the small portal you had began to open. Bruce recognized the opening since he’d fallen through it before.

“You’re one of the sorcerers?” Bruce’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

“I just started learning!” You exclaimed with a bright smile. “I needed something to get me through this all...and I wanted to protect Sanctum like Stephen and Wong had always stressed doing.”

“That’s...amazing, y/n. Self-taught magic? By a scientist, no less. Look at you go!” Bruce had a knack for being supportive. You were glad that he crashed through your roof and into your stairs.

“Thanks, Bruce. Maybe in time I’ll be able to cast a spell that fixes my roof.” You shrugged.

“Oh? Come on! I said I was sorry!”

—————

And then five years went by. Flew by, actually. You’d become a skilled sorcerer and used your skills around Sanctum. There wasn’t much to do here on Earth. It was a bit quiet.

Bruce was still a close friend of yours! You’d advised him in his quest for balance. He was no longer at war with himself.

The roof was fixed! You had Bruce spectate your very own spell to repair the damages he’d inflicted, but all was forgiven.

Then one normal day you got a call from him.

“Hey Bruce! How’s it going?” You answered, even though it interrupted your meditation.

“Can you meet me at the diner ASAP?” He sounded a little off, but still upbeat, so you opened a portal and stepped through to find yourself right out front. It was easy to spot him through the window, but there were others with him. Avengers.

“Hey, all.” You took a seat beside an unfamiliar one. “Hi, I’m y/n.” You told him as a plate of food was set in front of you.

“I ordered you your favorite. Hope you’re hungry.” Bruce smirked at you and let you get to it.

“So, it’s been a while, huh?” You asked the two Avengers across from you.

“It has.” Natasha sighed. “I wasn’t aware you were...also a sorcerer.” She began.

“I had a lot of free time.” Last they saw you, you weren’t as cool, calm, or collected. They were glad that you’d found peace. “I have a feeling this isn’t a social lunch.”

“I’m sorry to pull you from your calm, Doctor L/N—” You cut Steve off.

“Y/N is fine.” You replied.

“Scott here,” Steve motioned to the awkward man sitting alongside you, “was stuck in the Quantum Realm for some time, if you’re familiar. He thinks that there’s a way to...to undo what Thanos did.” You peered over at Bruce and watched him shrug as your heart started to beat faster and stomach started doing turns. You hated the thought of getting your hopes up, but you still dearly missed your husband.

“What can I do?”

—————

You had a hand in opening the dozens of portals around the ruins of the Avengers Compound, but you weren’t the only one. Stephen, Wong, and hundreds of other sorcerers were assisting to bring an army to combat the troops of an outdated Thanos, and you were so close to Stephen.

Using your magic to create a pathway to the sky, you leaped from step to step to get a clear look of the battlefield. And to let Stephen see you. He did. And so did the cloak.

You’d never used your powers to fight, so you’d have to step it up out here. But you knew Stephen wouldn’t let you get hurt. And you believed that you could handle this yourself.

“Y/N!” Stephen called to you as he flew to your altitude and held you in a special embrace that you’d nearly forgotten the feeling of. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Are you kidding me, Stephen?” You chuckled through tears that you just couldn’t hold in, tears that dragged through the dirt and dust on your face, clearing small lines down your cheeks. “I have missed you every day since the moment you left. I am so glad to have you back.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodbye, y/n. I truly am. But I knew that you would manage without me. You always have.” He explained to you in such a heartfelt way, admiring your capability to still be standing in the air.

“You knew I’d become a sorcerer, didn’t you?” You cocked a brow and watched him smirk.

“I had an inkling.” He joked with you as the firefight below was still rampaging.

“It’s very unprofessional of you to be talking to your s/o during times of crisis like this.” You chuckled and broke your spell to fall back to the ground, stopping yourself before it was too late in what could only be described as a “superhero landing.” Now that you were on the ground, assistance was required for your own side of the battle.

You and your fellow sorcerers had to defend more than anything. Shields popped up across the battlefield in an effort to keep your people alive. There were too many close calls and you wanted to survive long enough to go home with your husband.

“Y/N, over here!” Stephen beckoned you to the flood that would have made this fight much harder, and you were delighted to defend alongside him. The cloak rushed to you and gave you a fast track to the edge of the water, you couldn’t help but that it for it’s kind service. “Ready?”

“Of course.” You lifted your palms and motioned towards that water, redirecting it and keeping it at bay for the time being. “I love you, Stephen.” You remembered to tell him.

“I love you, too, y/n.” He replied with his focus still on the flood. “And I’m proud of you. So very proud.”

“Couldn’t have done it with you.” You joked and stabilized the rushing waters, giving you a true load-off before the end was clear. Dust passed through the sunken hole you all stood inside. Dust of your enemies that had finally lost. You and Stephen stared at each other in disbelief, yet couldn’t help but run into each other’s arms. “This is real? We won?”

“In a way.”

—————

Stephen and you dressed in all black were standing in the back yard of your savior. Tony had given his life to give others a life. You were just sorry that it had to be him.

Bruce stood alongside you with a long face and an injured arm. It was time for you to be there for him like he’d been there for you.

“Thanks for bringing back my husband, Bruce.” You whispered to him while holding Stephen’s hand tightly. Over the past few days, you just couldn’t seem to let go of him.

“Oh, yeah? That was nothing.” Bruce playfully answered through his sorrow.

“How’s your arm feeling?” You asked him, making sure the sling wasn’t twisted up an any way.

“Not the greatest, but I’ll be okay.” He assured you and watched as you leaned your head onto Stephen’s smile with a sense of relief. “I’m really happy for you, y/n...”

“But?” You raised an eyebrow with a hint of worry.

“But you better still hang out with me.” He smiled at you and you even heard a chuckle escape Stephen’s lips.

“You can count on it, Bruce.” You lifted a hand for a fist bump and collided your knuckles with his, even if they were a bit oversized.

“Shall we get going, dear?” Stephen asked you while he hooked his arm around yours and opened a portal home. You waved goodbye to Bruce and went on your way, stepping right into Sanctum as the way closed behind you.

“So you really meant it, huh?” You asked your husband while setting your belongings down.

“That I love what you’ve done with the place?” Stephen laughed at your oncoming smirk and walked forward, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you forward to kiss the top of your head. “Of course, dear.”

“Even the stairs?” You peeked your head up to look at your husband and watched his smile grow. You’d never bothered casting a spell to properly repair them. Maybe you were just too proud of your work. Maybe it was a reminder that you got through these five years on your own terms.

“I do.” He leaned down to kiss your lips. “It adds character to this place.”

“More character than the magic?” You prodded at him.

“I think you mean ‘sorcery.’” He corrected as you leaned into his chest and slightly swayed back and forth, taking in his presence for the 50th time since he’d come home.

“Oh, of course. Silly me.”

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[creweemmaeec11]

The Gift of Panic Pt#2

First part

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

After a moment of silence, the villain finially spoke.

"The last birthday present I got..." they started in a quiet, almost whispered tone, "was a bomb..."

"What!?" the hero replied in shock.

"Someone I cared about... though it would be funny to open my present before me as a joke..." they took a deep breath, "they didn't..."

Their voice cracked before they trailed off, and the quickly wiped at their face, abruptly standing up, keeping their back to the hero.

"I don't even know..." the hero replied, trailing off as well. They didnt know what to say, how to respond, what to do. What could they?

"Its fine I just," the villain started, before taking a deep, recomposing breath, "Sorry, I've never told anyone about it,"

"No no, it's okay. God, I can't even imagine..."

"Its alright, I got my revenge in the end," the villain replied, turning back toward the hero.

"Really? How?"

The villain looked at them with a confused expression, before it shifted into an amused smirk, "For legal reasons, and because I don't want to prolong my time in here, I probably shouldn't tell you,"

The hero laughed, "fair point. For what it's worth, I'm glad you got justice, even if it probably isn't the kind of justice I'd agree with,"

"Really? You think I deserve justice?"

"Of course, I think everyone does," the hero said in confusion, as if that was obvious.

The villain huffed a half laugh, giving a small smile, "I need to remember who I'm talking to,"

Both their gazes fell back to the long discarded present on the floor.

"I can take it, if you'd like, but-"

"No no, it's okay, I... I cant believe the words 'I trust you' are coming out of my mouth but I at least trust you didnt gift me a bomb,"

"I don't know if I'm hurt or flattered,"

The villain laughed again, walking over to hesitantly pick up the gift. They turned back to face the hero, holding the box with both hands as they just stared at it.

"The question still remains..." they drawled, before looking up at the hero that was still sat on the bed, "Why would you get me a birthday present?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why would you get me a gift? Why would you do something like that? For me? I dont think I'm very... deserving of a gift. Especially from you. Unless whatever is in here is some form of mockery- I mean- I guess I shouldn't assume..."

Their eyes dimmed slightly, as if they realized the only thing that could be in the box was something mocking, a heros form of bragging that they had won.

"Okay now I'm definitely hurt,"

The villain looked back up at them.

"Your my friend, I realized your birthday was coming up, so I thought back on our previous conversations, and tried to get something I thought youd like," the hero replied, moving to sit it a more casual position, "There wasnt any more thought put into it then that,"

The villain was now staring at them with wide eyes.

They blinked, seemingly trying to process what they'd just heard.

"I... have questions..."

The hero smirked, tilting their head as a prompt to continue, amused at the normally silver tounged villain being thrown so off their game by something so simple.

"Friend?" The villain responded almost instantly.

"Oh I'm sorry, what would you call this? Marriage?"

"I'd call this me tolerating your visits, whenever you decide to drop by because you've nothing better to do,"

"Maybe at first, but I've seen the way you recently light up whenever I come in,"

"Then you've *recently* begun going blind. I'd suggest seeing an optometrist,"

The hero laughed, "also, for your information, I make time for these visits, I dont just swing by cuz 'I'm bored',"

The villain squinted at that, "You... make time... for me?"

"Yes, that's what friends do,"

"I am not your friend," the villain replied stubbornly.

"Oh yeah? When was the last time you let someone hug you? I have to have passed the friend mark by now,"

The villain blushed, realizing they *had* allowed the hero to hug them, and they couldnt remeber the last time anyone else had even tried, nevermind been *allowed*.

"this is a dysfunctional work relationship at best"

The hero snorted another laugh at that.

The villain glanced down at the box once more.

Finially they knelt down onto the floor, placing the box infront of them. The stared at it for a few seconds, hands shaking slightly as they hovered over it, before taking a deep breath and tearing the wrapping off.

It was a simple brown box with a lid.

The villain chuckled under their breath slightly at that.

"What?" The hero questioned, not seeing anything funny.

"No, sorry I just-, had a thought,"

The hero raised an eyebrow at them.

"I just thought how funny it would be if after all this it turned out to be empty, but that would be cruel, even for-"

Their sentence came to a halt as the lid came off and they saw what was inside.

Now their wasnt anything incredible inside, it wasnt like they had gotten a new iphone, but there was *many* things inside.

They looked up at the hero, mouth open slightly, not even attempting to hide their shock.

The hero just smiled.

Slowly, the villain began taking things out of the box. A book of puzzles, like crosswords and word searches, a small sketch book and a pack of markers to go with them. A small puzzle, showing the picture of a fox, which was the villains favourite animal. There was also a rubix cube that was already messed up, and a set of other small puzzles. At the bottom, there were two more boxes, one much bigger then the other.

The bigger box contained the Harry Potter book series. The second, contained a small device that looked like an airpod, along with earbuds.

It was fascinating for the hero to watch the villain open their gift. One would expect a villain to be clumsy, rushed, or aggressive, ripping into their present, but they were the opposite. They removed every item slowly, delicately, like it was a peice of glass that could break, examining it with the same gentleness before laying it down carefully beside them.

When they had opened the last item, they looked back up at the hero, completely flabbergasted, jaw on the floor and eyes wide.

The hero laughed quietly, "do you like it?"

"I..." the villain sat back onto their heels from where they were kneeling, looking over the items like they were unsure what to do now, "what..."

They blinked, gathering their thoughts, "how did you...? I mean what-"

They picked up the puzzle as they spoke.

"That's your favourite animal right? A fox? Now I wasnt sure what kind of fox but-"

"How?" The villain asked, almost breathlessly, looking back at the hero.

"How did I know that? You mentioned it, once. I was talking about being a cat or dog person, and you said youd always been a fox person, something about them being 'sly and underestimated, yet smart enough to know when to strike'" they recited, making quotations in the air.

The villains jaw hit the floor again.

"That was actually one of the first things you ever told me about yourself,"

"You bothered... to remeber that...?" they muttered under their breath.

"Yep. The rubix cube is because you bragged to me once you were good at puzzles and could do one, and I didn't believe you," the hero smirked, "still don't,"

The villain huffed a small laugh, before glancing over at the books.

"the puzzle book and sketch book are just something to do, I know markers arnt ideal, but obviously I wasnt allowed to give you any pencils or pens,"

The villain nodded in understanding.

"the books are because I was talking about game of thrones one day, and you said youd always preferred Harry Potter,"

The villain smiled, and shook their head at that, chuckling, "I've never actually read them, I just wanted to disagree with you," they joked.

They both laughed.

"What's this?" The villain asked, picking up the small device with the ear buds.

"Its a little mini portable radio. I didnt know what songs you liked, and obviously, I'm not allowed to give you anything with acsess to the internet, but at least now you can choose what station you want,"

The villain sat back again, looking over everything with the same stunned, almost lost expression.

"You... remebered all those little details... and here I thought I was doing a good job at not letting anything about myself slip..."

"Oh you have been, trying to figure out what to get you was near impossible, but I managed to remeber a couple little things youd mentioned,"

They picked up the rubix cube, playing with it aimlessly, "I... don't even know what to say..."

"Well, most people would say thankyou,"

The villain shook their head, "that dosent seem like enough. I... I cant even remeber the last time someone gave me a gift, nevermind one without strings attached, and esspecially nevermind one with actual thought put into it,"

"I get the feeling you need better friends," the hero joked, trying to keep the mood light.

"Yeah well, I guess I'm on the right track, I've already got one," they replied, but couldnt bring themselves to look at the hero while they did.

The hero in question was lit up like a christmas tree, heart swelling happily in their chest.

"I hate to cut this short, but don't have long today, I'm going to have to get going, I just wanted to make sure I got to swing by today," the hero said, looking at their watch.

"Oh! Yeah, of course, you -"

"Do not have 'more important' things to do, I simply have *other* things I need to do," the hero interrupted sternly, giving the villain, who blushed, a pointed look.

"yeah, that."

The villain stood up, standing awkwardly in the middle of all their gifts, watching the hero leave through the finger print locked cell door. They approached the switch to turn on the force field, when the villain stopped them.

"Oh, hey, wait!"

"What's up?" The hero asked.

Suddenly the villain tossed something through the bars with effortless perfect aim. The hero caught it, and this time it was their jaw that hit the floor.

It was a completed rubix cube.

They looked back at the villain in shock, who laughed, giving them a real, large, and although greatly amused, no less genuine smile. The first real, true smile they'd ever seen on the villain. They couldnt help but stare in awe for a moment.

"What..?" The villain asked after a moment.

The hero shook their head to snap them out of it, "sorry! It's just, that's the first time I think I've ever seen you actually smile,"

Instantly the smile vanished as the villain steeled their features, crossing their arms and shrugging, trying to ignore the blush on their face, "yeah well, that's cuz it dosent happen often, so,"

"I'm honored,"

"Shut up,"

The hero laughed, before looking at the cube in their hand again,"this is like, actually really impressive though, that was so fast!"

The villain shrugged again, "the 3 by 3 ones are easy, the 4 by 4 or 5 ones arnt that much more difficult, the 6 and 7 ones take me a while though, 8 is an actual challenge, and I dont think I've ever done above that before,"

The hero was still staring at them wide eyed.

The villain just chuckled and shrugged at them again, "I was an outcast kid, had alot of time on my hands. Anyway, get going,"

"Yeah, right," the hero replied, tossing the cube back before flicking on the force field. They began walking toward the door, before the villain spoke out to them one last time,

"By the way... thank you... really..."

The hero smiled, "your welcome," they replied, before disappearing out the door.

The next time they visited, they would make sure to bring a 9 by 9 rubix cube, and a fox calendar.

Third part