#i guess business partners that lay together stay together

[pareris]

You know this scene?

Ofc you do.

Now please look at Val's face:

and at Vox's:

Idk but yall but this is all the proof I need to say that these two were making out before this.

BECAUSE LOOK OKAY, SURE THE LINES ARE KINDA INCONSISTENT IT FLICK IN AND OUT OF VOXS DESIGN BUT WE DONT SEE VALENTINO WITH THAT LINE ANY OTHER TIME

NO LINE.

BUT HERE?????

LINE. LINE. LINE.

[lostintransist]

Fallen Angel | Bed Snatchers

Simon had texted you that he had gotten home from Mexico about midnight. When you finished your night at the café you were careful to enter the flat quietly. You might still wake him with how jumpy he could be after jobs. Wincing as you lock the front door you remove your shoes as softly as you can, setting them on the floor instead of letting them flop like you normally would. Turning on the flashlight of your phone you dim it as much as you can and still cover it with your fingers to not disturb anyone that might have slid home with him.

More and more often the guys would come home with Simon. You were about to suggest everyone going in on a house rental together because at least then you were always guaranteed to have somewhere to lay down after work. Glancing into the living room you see a lump of a body on the couch. Stepping lightly into the room you think it’s John. A raucous snore rips through the room. Yep. That’s John.

Letting a pip of light peak through your fingers you see he has no blanket on. Once that problem is resolved you head toward your room. The door is cracked. Must be more than John who came home with Simon then.

Pushing the door open you see two bodies sprawled across your bed. Letting a tad more light shine from your phone you squint and see Kyle and Gary almost fighting for space on your bed. You let the smile that forces its way to your lips stay. Leaving the men to their sleeping battle you grab a set of pajamas and head into the hall bathroom.

Leaving the lights off, your phone light reflects off the bowl of the sink as you change. Dropping your clothes into your basket in the bathroom you move to knock on Simon’s door. Tapping lightly you wait. He would wake.

Less than twenty seconds later the door pops open, and Simon blinks in the dim light.

“The couch and my bed are both taken, can I sleep with you tonight?”

“Johnny is here, but there is room.”

Rubbing your eyes you follow Simon and turn off your flashlight. Simon puts a hand on your elbow, leading you into the bed before him. Pulling up the blankets you slide in until you run into Johnny, then back up slightly.

The touch must have woken him. Johnny reaches out and pulls you close.

“Ah, bonnie, no Simon.”

He is not wearing a shirt. You had never seen Johnny shirtless, but he felt warm and lightly covered with hair.

Simon climbs in behind you, settling an arm across both of you. Something about that tickled something in your brain but sleep already lulled you with her melodies.

When you woke it was because you were too warm.

Tucked tight to Simon’s chest you watch his hand drift across Johnny’s still-sleeping face.

“When did that happen?” You whisper, careful not to wake your sleeping friend. 

“This last mission. Mexico was…hard.”

“I’m happy for you.”

You really are, even if part of you yearns for every one of these crazy men to be yours always. That would be entirely too selfish. You were lucky to have them as you did, sharing kisses for luck and driving business to your shop. Selfish wasn���t a thing you could ever allow yourself to be. You didn’t dare ask for anything from them.

You had learned in your early twenties that you were asexual, much to the frustration of every partner you had. After a while you had stopped looking for any kind of romantic love, it was too twined up in sex for so many people that staying single was easier.

Simon pressed a kiss to the top of your head.

“Thanks. When are you going to end up happy?”

The question stabbed you between the ribs.

“Who says I’m not?”

“You don’t have a partner, don’t most people want that?”

“Most people aren’t okay that I only want sex when I’m ovulating so, no I guess I don’t want that,” your voice rose a bit.

Johnny’s eyes slid open, taking in you tucked into Simon’s arms. The softest smile you had ever seen on the man warmed your heart to the point of pain.

“Morning lass, how did you end up here?”

His voice, morning-deep, taking some extra work to decipher.

“Kyle and Gary were sleep fighting in my bed. Simon at least has a king-sized mattress.”

“What time did you get in?” He blinked at you as if fighting waking.

“Three.”

He reached out and pulled you across the bed; Simon’s hands drifted with you.

“Simon is an earlier riser, stay here and sleep with me.”

Settling against Johnny was different than with Simon. Johnny didn’t seem to mind the full body contact, twining of limbs, or manhandling you until you sat just right in his arms. Snug against him, in the darkness of the blinds, you slid back to sleep, but not before feeling the bed dip as Simon placed a kiss against your temple and Johnny’s lips. He left the room quiet as a mouse.

Fallen Angel Masterlist | Masterlist

[box-of-roses]

.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅. I Found You .⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.

Synopsis: You can hear the thoughts of your soulmate; What happens when Sakusa finds out you’re his soulmate and tries to plan the perfect way to tell you

Characters: Sakusa, Komori, Y/N

Warnings: Implied skirt or shorts wearer. Nothing else I can think of though, let me know if you find something <3

Words: 2k

Pt. 1 | Pt. 3 | Series Masterlist

It had been a while since your first interaction but the realization hit Sakusa as soon as he got home. Y/N L/N was his soulmate. He tried to keep his thoughts in check. He told himself he wanted to be your friend before trying to tell you that he was your soulmate. He felt guilty about not telling you. There’s no reason he should feel guilty though. It’s not like he was doing anything wrong, he just wasn’t ready for that step yet.

So maybe he was freaking out a little bit. Possibly more than a little bit. Let’s see how he’s doing now, shall we?

Sakusa was laying on his bed and staring at his ceiling. His face red from just getting back from his run. He hadn’t tried to contact you yet but from experience he guessed you were still asleep. He really wanted to tell you that he knew you but he was too nervous to just come out and say it. He sat back up as an idea popped into his head; he was going to ask you on a date. By week’s end he would be on a date with his soulmate.

Now that he had a basic plan it was time to get to work. In other words: He needed to ask Komori for his assistance. He was not looking forward to this, he was going to be so smug about it. Sighing he got up from his bed and went across the hall to knock on his cousin’s door.

“Yeah?” He pushed open the door and looked at the floor. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m gonna say something and you can’t get smug about it.” Komori nodded as Sakusa looked up at him. “I found my soulmate.”

Komori’s mouth dropped open. “Really? When? Who is it? Why haven’t I seen them yet?”

Sakusa sighed, “It’s our manager. I haven’t told them yet because I want to get to know them properly…but. I was thinking about asking them out this Friday. After school when we walk them to the train.” Suffice to say that Komori was shocked. Sakusa was going to make the first move? Well he just had to help him out. If not for his sake then for Y/N’s.

“Alright. What’s the plan?”

Let’s see how you’re doing while those two talk. Y/N was sitting in their room doing homework. Well that’s quite boring, any thoughts Y/N? They were thinking about how they hadn’t heard from K very much recently. Maybe they should contact him.

‘K, how’s it going? I haven’t heard from you in a while.’ Giving up on your anatomy homework you laid back down on your bed and fiddled with your hands.

‘Hey, sorry I’ve been busy. What’s up? How’s being a manager going?’

‘Really good. There’s this really cute guy on the team and I’m hoping it’s you. I’d feel really awkward if it wasn’t.’ You laughed at yourself.

‘Oh. Well I hope it’s me too. I’d probably get pretty jealous if it wasn’t.’ He was smiling. It really was nice talking with you.

‘Got any plans this week?’

‘Not really, I’m just planning something to do with my cousin right now.’

‘Ooo, what’re you thinking of doing?’

‘He has a crush on this person so he’s going to ask them out. I’m here to help plan.’ Lying straight through his teeth.

‘That’s really nice of you K. It’s getting late though and we both know we’re going to be cranky if we stay up late talking to each other.’ You did have a point.

‘Goodnight N/N.’

‘Goodnight K, may your dreams be as sweet as you.’

Now you’ve done it. You were making him smile like a schoolgirl when she got a text from the person she had a crush on. He was so happy he ended up with someone as wonderful as you for his soulmate. Even at school you took precautions to make sure he was as comfortable as possible.

It’s really quite funny you two didn’t figure it out sooner. You have 4 classes together and the volleyball club. He’s very unlucky Komori is his seat partner in some of these classes. There’s been one too many teasing conversations about him looking at you with a dazed look in his eyes.

Komori got worse as the week went on. More teasing like when Sakusa would leave a strawberry milk on your desk, or god forbid a snack bar. Sakusa should just consider himself lucky no one else, especially you, has seen this. For all his teasing Komori really was happy for Sakusa. And so the plan got started.

From the few months Sakusa had known you he had noticed your favorite lotion, the way you used random pieces of paper as bookmarks, the way you crossed and uncrossed your legs a million times, and the way you liked to wear your hair. He noticed that your hair wasn’t looking as ‘good’ as usual so with the help of the internet found a good hair mask. His plan was to make a care basket and write a note before setting it in your desk. He would ask you out after club practice.

He noticed that recently your socks kept slipping down your tights. He found hack on the internet that was sewing socks to the tights. Another item added to your bag.

He listened to you complain that your lips were always chapped and that they didn’t feel soft. He found some oils and scrubs to put in your basket along with some chapsticks.

He saw that your bento box was getting a little worn down so he got a plain one and despite his little art knowledge painted one for you. The basket was a normal wicker basket with a bow of your favorite color tied to it. It was almost overflowing with everything he was putting in it.

Komori noticed all of the work he was putting into this and finally realized just how serious this was. He would report back to him about other things you would complain about or say you wanted. Oh you said you wanted a new water bottle because your’s was getting old? Now Sakusa knows.

It was finally time to write the letter. He was frequently scribbling things out in his rough draft.

‘It’s been so good getting to know yo’ no. That sounds like a breakup.

‘You’re the air in my lungs’ too much? He was so stressed about the letter. The basket was the easy part. He wasn’t very good at expressing his feeling though. He sat and thought on exactly what he was feeling before putting it to paper.

‘Dear Y/N,

We’ve only known each other in person for a few months. It’s been a wonderful experience. You bring a smile to my face from even the most mundane things. The way you turn away when you start smiling. The habit you have of fidgeting with your hands when anxious. It just makes me want to kiss them so you don’t rub your hands raw. The way you bite your lip to stop from laughing at my cousin’s jokes to tease him. The way you look at me with your gorgeous E/C eyes and how it seems like your face lights up when you see me.

‘I’m writing this because I want you to know I found my soulmate. You. Thank you for being here for me for my whole life. I appreciate you more than you know. I can’t wait to experience more with you and show you just how much I love you. It may seem soon to say that but we’ve known each other our whole lives and I do love you. I love the way you effortlessly are able to get me to calm down. Most importantly I love how you make me feel and I hope I can make you feel the same.

Love, K’

It was finally done. It may not be the longest letter but it was sincere. Now he would just have to hope you accepted him. Komori told him that he was crazy. You’re his soulmate, how could you reject him?

‘Hey, if I found you would you reject me?’ He felt so stupid and obvious for asking that. Now you would definitely think something is up.

‘Depends. If you treat me well then no, I would say yes. If you’ve treated me badly then yes, I would reject you. So tell me. Would you be nice?’

‘I hope so. I just hope you would think that too.’

‘I hope so too. Tomorrow is Friday how’s it going with your cousin?’

‘He’s asking the person out tomorrow. I’m hoping she doesn’t reject him. He’s put a lot of thought into the confession.’

‘Anyone would be an idiot to reject someone related to you. Unless he’s an awful person.’

‘What’s with you assuming everyone is awful?’

‘Keeps me from getting too hurt if I expect the worst.’

‘Maybe I can be your hope that not everyone is like that then.’

‘Maybe.’

One more night and Sakusa would ask Y/N out. He could do this.

When he woke up in the morning Sakusa grabbed the gift basket and the note. He placed everything very carefully. Sakusa thought he looked ridiculous carrying a very full basket onto the train. But it was for you so he didn’t care too much. Once he was sure no one was around he placed the basket on your desk and headed out to wait with Komori.

“I’m gonna be nervous all day.”

“Why not just ask early?”

“I want to give them time to think about their feelings for me. And I didn’t sign it Sakusa. I signed it with the nickname I have with them. I have to wait all day anyway.” Sakusa was only just now realizing how stupid he was. Why didn’t he just sign his name? Well, it’s too late now.

You smiled at him as you walked past and into the class. He looked at Komori and followed you into the room. Komori close behind. He saw the way your face lit up at the basket. You carefully plucked the note from the basket.

After reading it your eyes welled up with tears. ‘It wasn’t your cousin was it?’

‘No.’

‘Where are you K?’

‘Come find me Y/N’

You folded the note back up and wiped your eyes. You turned to Sakusa and Komori and called them over. “My soulmate found me. My soulmate found me and I don’t know who it is.” Komori raised an eyebrow at that.

“No idea whatsoever?” You shook your head and looked at the contents of the basket. Nothing really made you think of anything. You bet you were going to feel so stupid when you figured it out. “Okay, I’ll give you a hint. You’re very well acquainted with him. He’s on the volleyball team.”

‘K. Please don’t tell me you’ve been on the volleyball team this whole time.’

‘I have.’

‘Can I have a hint? Please.’

‘Y/N, think. Who would be able to notice all of these things. Who do you share a lot of classes with? Who do you make sure gets special attention? Who makes sure you get home safe everyday? It’s not Komori so please for the love of whoever. Don’t say Komori.’

Komori had sat down in front of you while Sakusa continued to lean next to your desk. “Komori.” Komori smirked and left you alone when Sakusa called him out.

“Sakusa?”

“Yes?”

‘Are you my soulmate?’

“Yes.” You could tell he was smiling beneath his mask and that made you smile in return.

“Would you care to go out with me after school today?”

‘You’re so silly.’

‘Just answer the question.’

“Yes, I would love to go out with you Sakusa Kiyoomi. My soulmate.”

‘Perfect, I would love to call you my partner. Whenever you’re ready to be official with me let me know. Until then I will be here taking you on dates.’

‘Kiyoomi. I would love to be yours. I’m so excited.’ Your cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling so much. The teacher walked in at that point and smiled when she saw the telltale signs. It also helped that Komori went up and talked to her.

Everyone got new seats that day. That day was also the first of many adventures with Sakusa.

Taglist: @fangirl125reader @hypernovaxx @lemurzsquad @nishayuro @mar1zana @imnotgoodwithnamessoidk @smp1ya1y

The taglist is still open for the other parts as well as for the LAST part of Sakusa’s series. I hope you enjoyed and I’m sorry it took this long to make another part of this.

RULES NAVIGATION

[rosielovesspence]

Video Game Lover

Ethan Landry x reader

You had a sleepover at Sam's house, the whole group deciding to hang out and stuff your faces with candy. You brought your switch, initially it was to play Stardew Valley once everyone fell asleep but once you realized Anika brought hers you ditched that idea and played Just Dance with her. Ethan and Mindy sat on the couch behind the both of you as Chad and Tara stood in the kitchen and Sam and Quinn were doing nails in Quinn's room.

So Anika picked the first song "Lover! Taylor Swift is queen" "of course" you responded, beginning to dance terribly besides Anika who made you look like a fool but you just both giggled and kept dancing. When it was your turn to pick the song you went with backstreet boys, I want it that way, I mean come on it was a classic.

As you danced terribly, Ethan bit back a smile from his seat. I mean come on, this was probably the cutest way he had ever seen you, pajama pants, hair ties up messily to stay out of your face and one of his shirts, hanging loosely off your shoulders. Usually he was neutral about you in his shirts as you usually stole them for ' their nerdy charms' as you said. Right now, it was a Star Wars shirt. And he wanted nothing more to see you wear it all the time.

He hadn't even realized how many songs had passed as he watched you jump around and laugh with Anika. But now Anika was tired and laying down beside Mindy. "Ask Ethan to play" Ethan turned to Anika, being pulled back into reality. When he turned back to see where you were standing, you were now on your knees in front of him. "Jesus" he jumped back slightly, this definitely looked provocative.

"Ethan pleaseeeee" your bottom lip jutted out in a pout, and it gets worse. "i-im terrible at dancing." You tilt your head to the right staring up at him. "Ethan pleaseeeee" his face flushed and he finally agreed. "Yay!" You jumped up, handing him a joycon and starting a song. "I love you Ethan!" He flushed, "mhm, you're just using me for a dance partner"

Ethan smiled, before realizing your song was a partner dance, somehow you had ended up wrapping around each other, just spinning and dancing. You had played a couple more songs which Mindy and Anika had disappeared to Sam's room during that time. By the time you and Ethan were done playing Just Dance you were the only two in the living room, guess this was your sleeping arrangement.

"I will never forgive you for getting me stuck on this god awful couch" you laughed, plugging in Anika's switch and grabbing your own out of your case reaching into Ethan's bag to grab his. "Hey didn't your mother ever teach you not to go through a ladies purse?!" You giggled, "oh I'm so sorry Ethan didn't know you were a lady now" You threw his switch onto his lap, grabbing your blanket and sitting down on the couch, laying your spiderman blanket across your lap and Ethan's.

You laid your legs across Ethan's lap as you opened Stardew Valley "Wanna play SD?" Ethan already knew what you meant and nodded. You guys played for a little before you let out a comically loud gasp. Ethan turned to you as you glared at him. "How dare you!" Ethan gave you a confused look. "That bouquet better be for me and not Penny!" Ethan smiled at the thought, you being jealous of a girl from a game. "Oh so you're asking to be my girlfriend?" You blushed as he laughed quietly. You had somehow in that time leaned in close to each other. "Would you be my girlfriend?" You softly kissed him. "Yes." Ethan turned down to his switch. "I guess this bouquet is for you then. He looked back up at you. Kissing you softly and using one hand to cup your cheek.

"you better get busy planning your proposal." You laughed, it being 2 in the morning as you sat on Ethan's lap playing Stardew Valley together still. "I love you Y/n" "I love you too Ethan"

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

Bro ty @b0nes-phobic for coming up with this idea in the first place and letting me turn it into a ff 🤭

[trans-duckling]

KakaGai Week 2024: Secret wish

Words: 1,238 Pairing: KakaGai Promt: Tanabata

A strong arm pinned Kakashi to the bed, which was the first indicator of that day being strange. Gai should’ve been up already, on his way back from training, and the Hatake should be getting up to prepare them breakfast before heading to work. His partner, however, was very much still in bed with him. Confused but not wanting to wake him up, he tried to move away carefully. He was barely able to turn before the arm over his belly pushed him back against a hard chest. Kakashi’s body automatically relaxed, as if recognizing that was his rightful place.

“Where are you going, rival?” Gai mumbled, lips against the nape of his neck.

“Ah… To work?” he chuckled.

“No, you’re not.”

“I would love to stay in bed, Gai, but in that case I want you to be the one facing Shizune…”

The other man only let out a soft laugh.

“I’m sure she won’t mind, today.”

Uh, that sounded strangely secure, and the emphasis on the day was suspicious.

“Today?”

Another laugh.

“You really don’t know in which day you live, right, rival?”

There was a traumatizing second during which he thought he had forgotten an important date, say Gai’s birthday or their anniversary —it would be their first one, so to not remember it would be catastrophic—, but his heart rate went back to normal just by realizing it was summer and those two dates took place in winter.

“Did Shizune take the day off because it is her birthday?” he tried to guess with a light tone.

Gai bit him playfully on the neck before using his strong arms to turn him around so they would be facing each other.

“No, rival” he chuckled. “Today is Tanabata!”

Ah, that would explain why he didn’t remember the date.

“So, I get a free day? That’s nice.”

“Don’t use that tone, Kakashi, I’m not letting you stay in bed all day” the other man huffed, pinching him. “I didn’t go training today so I would have more energy for all the activities I have planned for us.”

The Hatake rolled his eyes; his partner didn’t need to avoid training to be pent up; that was his normal behavior. However, he wouldn’t say ‘no’ to some, ah… energetic activities that morning.

“Get out of your perverted mind, rival, I was not referring to that.”

“Mah… Disappointing.”

“I bet” the other man laughed. “So, as I said, I have several ideas, but I would like to consider your traditions as well, Kakashi. I don’t remember spending any Tanabata with you before, so…”

“That’s because it has been some time since I celebrated it” he said, rolling over to lay on his back.

“Oh? How long? We can do this one special to compensate, then!”

The Hatake sighed.

“Since my father took his life a few months after the Tanabata that year.”

Gai remained silent for a few seconds, his hand extending to grab one of Kakashi’s and interlace their fingers. It was amazing the way they fit perfectly together.

“I’m sorry, rival” he said after a while. “I know you made your peace with Sakumo-san when you… Well, then. But if it’s still a celebration that you prefer to spend by yourself, I can go with my students.”

Kakashi considered the suggestion for a few moments. Up until that year and since he had been five, he would always be out of the village for Tanabata, so he didn’t even remember well what tradition was celebrated that day. Which probably wasn’t a very good image now that he was Hokage. Truth was, even if he would want to stay hidden the whole day, he was pretty sure Shizune had a speech prepared for him to give or something. His brain was starting to bring back to memory some notes on his calendar about that day, but at least it didn’t seem too busy.

With another sigh, he turned one more time to look at Gai, who had his eyes set on him and waited patiently for an answer. How he had managed to enter a relationship with that man would always be a mystery to him. It was probably the universe’s way to compensate for all the trauma in his life. Well, better late than never.

“What do you normally do?” he asked, brushing a thumb over Gai’s hand.

“A lot of things, really” the taijutsu master said with a smile. “Dress in formal clothes, visit the festival and its games, invite my students over lunch or some treats, and obviously write down and hang my whishes at the end of the day.”

“It sounds special.”

“It is.”

“Maybe I’ll join, see how it feels.”

Gai moved forwards to kiss his forehead.

“Of course, my love.”

He never pressured him. Not to talk, not to express his feelings. Gai let him understand himself before trying to explain what was on his mind to anyone else. That level of comprehension was one of the many reasons why Kakashi loved that man so much.

As expected, he had to give a speech at some point during the day, what he had to say carefully written by Shizune so he didn’t mess up a lot. Apparently, she had done a background check on him and learnt about his permanent absence during the festivity, thus deducing he would need some help. After that, he also had to attach the first wish to one of the bamboo plants that had been brought to the village for Tanabata. He wrote something trivial on the paper, a simple ‘I wish for the village to keep growing and peace among nations to stay permanent’. Which, don’t misinterpret him, was true, but he didn’t think a wish would be enough to fulfill the idea. That was his, the daimyos and the other Kage’s work, after all.

“Do you have your wish ready, rival?” Gai asked many hours later, when the moon was high in the sky.

They had retreated to an empty section of the village to write and hang their true wishes after spending the whole day jumping from one activity to another. Honestly, Kakashi had tried so many different kind of foods and play so many games that he thought about writing ‘I wish to go to bed’ for a moment.

Then a better idea came to his mind.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s done” he said in his usual cool manner.

“And? What is it?”

“I’m not going to tell you” he established, turning away to hang it. “And you better don’t look.”

“But, why?! That’s just mean, rival.”

“I am a mean person, Gai.”

“Lies” the other man accused with a finger. “But, if that’s what you want… Would you like to listen to mine?”

“Let me guess: health and prosperity for all your loved ones.”

“GAH! How did you know?!”

“Because you’re a big dork with a big heart, Gai.”

“Can I try to guess yours now?”

“Do as you want, but you won’t get it right.”

“How do you know? It cannot be that difficult!”

Kakashi just shrugged while smiling at the other man. While his partner wheeled himself next to him, screaming different suggestions about his wish, the white paper danced with the wind attached to a bamboo leaf. Written in black ink and signed with a henohenomoheji, it read: ‘I wish to one day be worthy of marrying my eternal rival.’

[androgynousblackbox]

Welcome to Hazbin Vale. 3 [Appleradio, Radioapple]

"Good morning to all our dear listeners. Alastor is here to give you the warmest welcome to your favorite radio station. I know you all have great fun around here, I do too! It's nothing but laughter and joy on these parts.

But as part of this valuable medium that we all appreciate even today, on this age of fasting moving and gaudy technology, we must also remember to stay informed! The right kind of informed, where we seek to the truth of the matter without any biases or red tinted sunglasses.

In order to honor that, I bring you a bunch of exciting news. One of them is so important that I have it all on a little envelope with the words "Here. Happy now?" scribbled on top with… just about one of the most hideous handwriting I have ever seen.

I haven't looked at it's interior yet, but it's sitting right at my desk as we speak and I plan to share with all of you. That is the power of journalism in action, dear listener.

Before any of that, though, I would be remiss if I didn't relay to you something that our dear resident Rosie just told me when we were having our weekly breakfast together.

You all remember Rosie, don't you? The lovely, charismatic and oh so charming owner of the chocolate boutique not that far away from our station. It's a beautiful place, but it has always been dragged down by one small issue, one irritating factor that unfortunately ruined the perfect picture.

Unrelated to that, tonight the co-owner of the Chocolate Boutique has passed away. If you ever paid attention to the name on top of the establishment, then you will know who I am talking about. I never did so I don't. I think Rosie call them Claire, I want to say? That is probably close enough.

It was so gruesome too, isn't that funny? Whatever raccoon must have slipped inside of her house at night was truly having a creative mood because they spared no section to decorate it with the insides of Clara. Just not lungs anywhere. I guess that one must have been too tempting to let it go to waste. I can't say that I blame them, good lungs are hard to come by, especially for women that age.

Such a tragedy, listener. Clarissa for years has been the business partner of Rosie. They started it out ten whole years ago, after Rosie was coming out from a particularly bad divorc that later turned out in a rather joyful funeral. Rosie was so focused in trying to get her things sorted out properly that she didn't realize that the term of their contract was giving Clarinette a portion of their earnings that was far bigger she would have liked. But there was nothing to do about it because Clady was the one with the connections, the one who knew the right people and the right numbers to supply for their wonderful treats.

Oh, if only Rosie had found the notebook that she had hiding under her pillow before. It could have save her so many headaches and frustrating nights! Oh, she will insist that they were the best of friends, but you don't do business with friends. You get screwed by them and they expect you to tolerate it with a smiling face. Which Rosie had to do, as the lady that she is, until that raccoon slipped in through the open window in library of the second floor.

Not that me or her would know anything about that though!

In any case, don't bother picking up all the pieces you find. There is no point for her. Claennis already made her bed, so it's only time for her to lay on it. A devastated Rosie informed me that she will be having a party service this afternoon in order to celebrate the life of her death friend, Clarine, and of course everyone is invited to come in. It will also be a sort of re-opening with a new sign outside that contains just her name.

Come enjoy a discount of the 5% on their macaroons, they are absolutely to die for. I recommend the strawberry ones, those are my favorites.

Oh, well. Farewell, Clarisse. We will manage to find the will to keep going with your absense, I am sure of it. Rosie is already taking care of everything you left behind.

She told me that last night when we were having dinner at my house. That was at 20:30, for anyone who cares, around the same time that ravenous raccoon was satisfying it's hunger. Sinking it's teeth on those meaty lungs. Rosie was just telling me how much she loved and respected her friend. Isn't that a espectacular lady, dear listener?

You all know I am not much for parties. I prefer a nice evening with a book and some jazz at my side if I get to choose. But I might make an exception for this one ocassion in order to support a friend. It could be fun! So if any of my dear listener goes, we might shake hands there.

Rosie, dear, if you are hearing, the best of lucks as always.

Meanwhile, I did promised you more than one news today. Here it is. Just let me get that enveloped. I am going to be honest, it's lighter than what I expected, but I am sure that doesn't mean that is any less interesting.

This source of mine is shy, he doesn't like the attention, so he has kindly ask me to keep his name away from crediting for these foundings. He also told me there is nothing too interesting here, but let us be the judges of that.

As many of you would know, on our last transmission I had very valid and justified concerns regarding the identity of our newest resident. In my humble opinion, anyone with two braincells capable of rubbing together would have them too. A rich inventor of toys coming to a small humble little town? Having a daughter? With that stupid perfect hair and that pretentious name? To revive an old and abandoned toy store nobody cared about?

All very suspicious behavior, indeed. I could almost have shivers running down my spine just thinking about it. What could be behind that white smile of his? Drugs? Trafficking? Dog fights?

Maybe trafficked drugged dogs? Oh, listener, I just couldn't dream of letting such a potential dangerous criminal running around in our precious little town. Causing power outages and unwanted static. Not on my watch, no, sir!

So I had someone do a little research. Just to be safe, of course, I would never use it for anything else. That is for the police to care about it. Although why they haven't take care of it now is a valid point of criticism that we aren't indulging in right now. Waste of tax money if I ever saw one.

Wait, shoot, I forgot my glasses. Oh, yes, they there are. Alrighty, let's see.

Name… still the same. Still that joke of a awful name. I guess that makes sense, considering people can just change it. Fine, I will allow it, but what else?

He is a inventor that made a pool able to detect if a kid is drowning and from there is that his fortune started.

Well! There you have it, first strike! What a spoilsport! If parents are not paying attention to their children while they are on the pool, maybe they don't deserve an alarm at all! And with such obviously neglectful parent, those poor children are clearly only going to suffer more in the future! This is doing nothing but prolongue the inevitable. How evil is that?

But wait! He used to have his own toy store back where he comes from. HA! THERE IT IS, I KNEW IT! What happened there, mmm? Did it mysteriously go up in flammes? Did the ensurance company was immediately called, one hand on the phone and the other on the gasoline tank? Was the business not going that hot so you had to turn it up?

It says here that he closed it himself after his wife died. Mmm? Did you now? What happened there, dear old pal? A mysterious disease no doctor could verify? A stabbing on a cold case no one could solve? Did you do it yourself or you paid someone to do it?

Of… pancreatic cancer.

Huh.

Curious. The same thing that took my mother.

God bless her heart, that was 12 years ago. Has it really been that long already? Yes, 12 years.

I still remember how quickly the disease consumed her like it happened just yesterday.

Well, that… is tragic. It says here that after his wife died, he locked himself up on his mansion… did you had to write mansion, couldn't you just say house, who puts mansion in a report… for five months. According to friends of the family, Lucifer just wanted to get out of there as fast as he could before he could do something that he would regret. Maybe getting back to making the toys they both loved would help, he would say to people.

So he picked this town because when pointing at it with eyes closed in a map. It was a complete coincidence that there was a toy store waiting for him at all.

His daughter is named Charlie, is 3 years old and she likes duckies. There is clipping of a picture in which she posed with her dad for an article about some invention of his. I haven't seen her myself yet, but I can see the resemblance. At least we know that we won't ever need a DNA test to prove their relationship.

She has the same big blue eyes. Poor thing.

There is nothing more about her here. I would hope so, with just 3 years on this earth. Not even I would have made a thick report at that age.

There is a picture of the man in front of his new house during moving day. There are surrounded by a bunch of workers moving furniture and boxes. He doesn't look so tiny holding his daughter and smiling to her.

His hair is still so stupid. It's a little messy, some strands are out of place, but still looks… stupidly, ridiculously perfect. I don't trust a man with a hair that can do that.

Not that damn static again. What even is that? Fine, fine! I will put it down now, okay? It's back on the envelope, along with all the completely useless bunch of information. Is it fine now?

Is it?

Good.

But wait, that can't be really it, does it? Just some guy with a tragic backstory? That is it?

Not even a speeding ticket? Some accidental manslaughter? I could even take stealing candy from a baby!

Nothing!

Well, that is no fun! That is just so boring! And here I thought, dear listener, that I was about to make a break through that would be the talk for months to come. But this is so mundane and pathetically sad that now I just feel gross. It's weird, it makes me wish I haven't opened it up at all.

I am so terribly sorry for making you waste your time like this, dear listener. Some gossip has never harmed a fly, but this was maybe a little bit much. I just don't understand why I feel like I want to vomit when seeing this guy. Is my gut wrong? That would be a first.

I guess that goes to show, dear listener: do not trust the media with everything and don't believe everything you hear. Stuff can be a lot more complicated than what they seem at a first glance. Like windows that are opened up at night during pleasant dinners with friends in another house. Or impossibly disgusting shiny hair that doesn't want to keep on place.

My source was the Chief Officer Husk, by the way.

Now, the weather…"

[beplerblurbs]

Hello could I request 5. “Let’s go home” “I’m already home” with Kamden if that’s possible?

overnight n.kd

pairing: officeworker!kamden x gn!reader

genre: fluff

warnings: some swearing!

wc: idk yet!

a/n: hii sorry for the inactiveness ive been busy working pls understand <3 requests r slowly being done

“and i expect it done, on my desk, by 9 in the morning.” your daunting boss leers over you and your co-worker.

you made a mistake with a research report that would displace 2 weeks of worth down the drain… and now you needed to redo the whole thing, in less than 24 hours.

your upset boss sits back down in their luxurious leather seat, oozing with cockiness. “you can leave now.”

both of you left the room, closing the door softly. you hear a heavy sigh of frustration in your right ear. “are you okay y/n?” you pout to him.

pouting to a co-worker would be unprofessional but this was kamden. your long-term boyfriend.

you guys started dating shortly after you joined the company, but being a very professional space, you both felt like keeping it a secret would be best.

“i guess,” you look around to see if anyone was around, seeing no one you fix his glasses and caress his cheek, “how about you? you put in so much work into this.”

he gives you a small smile, “yeah, but what can i do right? we can do this babe, don’t worry, we have each other right?” kamden plays with your fingers.

you peer over his shoulder and see a co-worked, you quickly raise ur eyebrows as a signal to switch personas and act like you’re talking about work, walking off to your desks in separate areas of the office.

you both put in extra effort into replacing the improper research report with all the adjustments but it’s taking time. eventually its 10pm, only just over halfway done, but with no sign of stopping.

your co-workers gave you their condolences about the mishap. one of them, taerae, was nice enough to drop off some extra gimbap before heading home.

you’re both stuffing your faces with it while working away at your screens.

by 3 am you had finished your portion of the work, waiting for your boyfriend to finish up his own.

he turns for a second, even with sleepy dark eyes, illuminated by his computer screen, he was still as attractive and endearing as ever. “you can go home first y/n, i dont want to keep you up.” he turns back to his work.

you could see he looked uncomfortable being up for so long, he also gave you his sweater because you felt cold, but you could also see the goosebumps on his arm as he typed away.

you hum in response, you sneak away to the office kitchen where you make a hot tea for him, and sneak into taerae’s locker to find a blanket, he also gets cold easily, and has it in his lap when the boss isn’t around.

taerae would kill you tomorrow for taking his things, but you’re boyfriend was more important.

when kamden sees a sudden steamy drink in front of him, along with a soft blanket around his shoulders, being laid on properly by a pair of familiar loving hands, he leans his cheek on one of the hands.

“i love you y/n you know?” he takes a sip of the tea and gets back to work. he felt so loved and appreciated especially in this time when your boss had be such as asshole, at least you were doing it together. he couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime

“i love you too, i’ll stay here ‘till you’re done,” you smile at him, taking a seat in the desk chair next to him. you make sure he doesn’t make mistakes as he’s super fatigued

…

“DONE! lets get this shit printed and out on their desk,” you with half asleep eyes jump up when kamden yells.

you see the clock says around 5 am. he drags you to the printer so you guys can put it into a folder and hand it in. silly enough he still has the blanket on his shoulders.

kamden lays the final down nicely on your boss’ desk and close the door behind him. the report is now in the past.

“y/n, thank you again, you’ve worked so hard,” kamden quickly engulfs you in a tight hug with the blanket, and doesn’t seem to be letting go soon.

“you too, i don’t know how you stay focused for so long… let’s go home now,” kamden shakes his head.

you tilt your head, super confused.

kamden wraps you in his arms with the blanket. “i’m already home,” he smiles before giving you a warm kiss.

you giggle, “you’re cheeky babe… but please i’m tired im calling in sick, our boss sucks ass”

kamden huffs in agreement keeping you by the shoulder as you guys leave the office. taerae can get back his stuff later.

[rachi-roo]

Hi, hi, hi, Rachi-roo! Different Anon than the first one, but may I please request a part two to your lee! Fyodor ler! Dazai fic? Fyodor got wrecked and deserves some revenge, don't you think? XD. Perhaps the two are cuddling and Fyodor thinks, 'you don't deserve peace, Dazai,' so he startles Dazai with a butterfly kiss or two LOLZ. That escalates into actual kisses which further escalates into tickles. Am I projecting? MAYBE XD-

PS. I'm in shock that you're not used to writing romantic stuff because that fic was so sweet, I think I got a cavity reading it XD. You just wrote for these two, so I completely understand if you decline this. SECOND PS. How's work?

-------------{ ☆°•○•°☆ }-------------

Bungo Stray Dogs: Revenge is a dish best served... With popcorn

Weeeee! Aaah, thank you so much, friendo! I'm glad my first attempt at lovie-dovies was a success! I will pay for your dental reconstruction 😂 Also, work is going splendid, thank you very much 🥰

Summary: After their last encounter, Fyodor decides to exact some sweet revenge upon his frienemy during their quality time together.

Lee!Dazai, Ler!Fyodor, ship

Tw: Suggestive flirting and physical contact

---------------------☆ ☆-----------------------

"Aaaah~" Dazai dropped his head back, opening his mouth casually as Fyodor popped another piece of popcorn on his tongue.

"You have your own hands, you know..." Fyodor chuckled, resting his hand on Dazais head, softly playing with his hair.

The two were laid on the sofa in Dazais apartment. Dazai laying between Fyorors legs on his back, using his friends chest as a pillow with the TV quietly playing old episodes of Pokemon in the background.

He looked up at Fyodor smiling as he chewed his sweet, popped snack.

"Mh, I know... But my hands are busy." He smiled, gesturing to his hands. One is keeping the bowl of popcorn steady on his lap, and the other lovingly tucked under Fyodors thigh, keeping it warm.

"Ooooh, busy. I see." Fyodor smiled, his hands gently slipping around Dazais waist softly caressing his hips. "And what if my hands were busy?"

The sensation made Dazais heart flutter. He felt a warmth pool in his chest as he looked up at his partner with a smirk. "Oh~? Well, if your hands were busy, I gueeess... I wouldn't get any popcorn!" He chuckled, opening his mouth again, waiting for another piece. "More please. Aaaah-."

As Fyodor looked at his partner's goofy, wide mouthed expression, a smirk grew across his face. "You're like a tsyplenok. Flightless and ugly~" He chuckled, leaning over to bury his face into Dazais neck, earning a supprised 'eep!' when he snuck a little smooch onto the spot where his bandages stopped and his skin begun.

"Fyodoooor! I have no idea what you just called me, but I'm not ugly!" Dazai tried to pout but couldn't resist the tickly sensation of Fyodors kisses. The bright, toothy smile stayed stuck between his warm cheeks.

"Awww, you're not? I think I should investigate further into that statement~" Without even a warning, Fyodors hands found their way up Dazais shirt, starting to spider across his bare tummy, grinning as he felt the skin tremble beneath his touch.

"Ah!? N-Noho! Wait! Wait, the popcorn! Wahahait!" Dazai protested, trying his best to keep the bowl from spilling all over the place with his hands. "Stohop! Eheheee!"

"I guess you'd better make sure you don't go making a mess, riiiight?"

"I ca-HAHA! FYODOR!" The brunette yelped, feeling Fyodors nimble fingers start to poke and dig into his ribs, sending electronic shocks through his body.

"NO! Nononono! AhahaAHA!" He lifted the popcorn from his lap when his legs started to kick and flail, the bowl teetering in his hand as the other attempted to grab at the tickling fingers.

"Ah, revenge never sounded so sweet."

"Get offa meeehehe! You son of ahaha bihitch! WAAAHAHA!" He yelped as Fyorors jammed his fingers up into Dazais armpits, making him go crazy! The arm holding the popcorn involuntarily flew across his chest, trying to grab Fyodors hand, instead tossing the popcorn across the room, scattering it across the carpet and under the table.

Fyodor stilled his tickling fingers for a moment, glaring down at Dazai with a menacing smirk as Dazai kept his arms clamped down against his sides. "Oh dear, what a mess you've made."

"Fyodor, please. I didn't mean to."

"Looks like I'll have to teach you a lesson." Fyodor grinned, crossing his legs over Dazais, keeping him trapped on the sofa.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry! I'm s-AHAHA!" Dazai arched his back, trying to protect his underarms as Fyodor dug into them with vicious precision.

"Awww, shchekotat', shchekotat', shchekotat'~"

"Q-Quihit speaking Russiahahan! Ahaha!"

"Oh? Would you prefer if I speak in your tongue? Very well~" He whispered teasingly into Dazais hair.

"Tickle, tickle, tickle~"

"GYAHA! O-Oho god no! No! Back to Russian!"

"You get what youasked for."

Fyodor grinned, starting to squeeze Dazais hips, making him buck and wriggle his backside into the couch cushions.

"StahahaAHAHAHAP! Noho! Ahaha!"

"You always did have such nice slender hips, moy milyy~ Tickle, tickle~"

"Thahanks! Now let go of thehehem!" His hands frantically grabbed and fondled with Fyorors, trying to pry his claws off his sensitive hips.

"Stahahap! Hahahaha! *snort* EHEHEEE!"

"Oop, there's the little piggy!" Fyodor teased, softly kissing Dazais ear as he watched his partner's legs squirm and kick against the sofa.

"I can't tahahake it! Ahahaaaa! H-Hehelp!"

"Help? Really? You're so hopeless." Fyodor tutted, digging into Dazais underarms again, earning another loud snort of suprise.

Dazais cardinal red cheeks glowed as he flailed pathetically. Fyodor couldn't handle the anticipation, but Dazai couldn't STAND the tickling.

"Are you going to clean up your little mess?" Fyodor asked, pausing and dragging his fingers lightly across Dazais' warm tummy.

"Yes! Y-Yehes, I will. I promise." Dazai panted, his body flinching and shuddering at Fyodors touch.

"You will?"

"Yehes!"

"Aww, how kind of you." Fyodor grinned, blowing a raspberry on Dazais neck, making him squeal and scnunch his nose up as he kicked his feet.

"But first, I don't think I'm quite satisfied with how much revenge has been dealt." The Russian smirked, trapping Dazai with his legs again.

"Huh?"

"Ten more minutes, perhaps?"

"Noho! AAAAHAHAHAAAAA!"

---------------------☆ ☆-----------------------

[iheartchv]

The Reality Is...

Short oneshot about Leo/Raph/Donnie/Mikey trying to get over a breakup.

I guess you can kinda say I wrote this to try to ease how I've been feeling since last weekend; IRL things is just too much for me to shoulder so I told my boyfriend if we could take a break in our relationship so we can work things out with our lives. (We've got a long distance thing going on.) I know its not a breakup technically, but it feels like it because we're going to be able to talk little to none. 😥

Perhaps it was better for you to be with someone of your own kind. That's what he's been telling himself to make it not hurt so much. His heart hurt so much, it hurt to breath and to stop sobbing and crying his eyes out. He cries himself to sleep at bedtime. He was depressed. He wanted to curl into a ball in a corner and just wallow in the sea of sadness and let it swallow him up. Splinter and his brothers noticed how much he changed since the day you told him that you needed someone who could support you in all ways.

Raph spends all his time in the gym, letting out his anger and frustration. Plus he didn't want to not let anyone see him cry. You were the only one who he would let see that side of him. He didn't want to go upside ever in case he saw you, because if he did he would probably cause a ruckus.

Mikey was mellowed out. He didn't want to do anything that reminded him of you. That kinda included everything because you had become a part of his life, and now you were gone. Sure he was the sunshine of the group, but the sun couldn't shine without any light...

Donnie had locked himself in his lab, delving into his many projects and experiments. He hoped that keeping himself busy would take his mind off of you. Little to no success. When he needed sleep, he couldn't. He saw dreams and memories of you. He was haunted by the ghost of you.

Leo rarely talks anymore. He spends more time in the dojo than Splinter does. Anyone rarely gets to see him. He sometimes stays in his room, slient, deep in thought. He tried to seem strong for his family, but little by little his calm stoic demeanor was crumbling. His mind was going down a dark path...

You're with your new human partner. You've introduced them to your family, and they approve. You love spending time with them, and they will/help provide for you. You go out almost every night having a good time. Except when it's night time, around midnight. You lay in your bed and think about the past, present, and your future. You think about him... and you can't help but cry when your chest tightens. Your heart knew who you wanted to be by your side, but the world would never accept him, much less accept him to be with you.

The reality is... maybe mutants and humans weren't meant to be together.

[cesqdarque]

The Pursuit of Equilibrium

Chapter Three – Obolus

I finally found the time and patience to upload my chapters to AO3 and Wattpad. But I will continue to post them here too :)

Summary: Cassandra is escorted out of the country, accompanied by Zacharias. They pass the Great St. Bernard Pass and receive help from unexpected business partners.

Words: 5k

Tags: fluff | religious references

For the vibes have a song from my Zach playlist: Muse - Undisclosed Desires

Link to the other chapters here: ONE | TWO

Delicate fingers guided the coat belt carefully through the buckle and lashed the black fabric tightly around slim hips. A last look into the silver-framed bathroom mirror, in which moss-green eyes were reflected, and Cassandra was finally ready to start her journey to Hogwarts. The last conversation between her and her grandmother bore fruit. It was too risky to stay here. Mrs. Montague would have to plan and execute the necessary efforts on the political stage meticulously before her granddaughter could return. Patience was a virtue that she had to practice from now on.

She turned on her heel, stepped over the thresholds of her chambers for the last time, and headed towards the old wooden staircase of the mansion to descend to the foyer again.

There stood the tall, handsome gentleman, as he was told to, ready to pick her up. Zacharias Boniface's gaze rose to her figure wrapped in her elegant black traveling coat. His lips curled into a charming smile. "Miss Darque, are you ready to leave?"

Putting one foot in front of the other on the steps, she descended the long stairs when she caught Zachariah's words. She did not like the fact that her former tutor, of all people, would accompany her on her journey. But her grandmother's word was law between these walls, and opposition would only have resulted in further trouble. The stringent lady of the house did not know about the tangled circumstances that her granddaughter shared with her black-haired, involuntary appendage. It was in the interest of both parties that this remained the case.

"As ready as I can be. I guess," Cassandra answered curtly whilst her fingers let go of the handrail. She smoothed the heavy fabric with her palms before she walked up to Zacharias and put her hands in her lap. "Well then. Hesitation is useless. Let's go."

Zacharias nodded, turned to the large gate of the mansion, and pushed it open. With a gallant wave of his hand and a small bow, he complemented his protégé outside.

The soft morning sun touched the stone walls of the mansion and Cassandra blinked away her last nostalgic thoughts that she associated with this place. Together with Zacharias, she moved through the forecourt of the estate and when they had come to a halt in front of an ochre-yellow horse-drawn carriage, she turned to her companion with a puzzled expression.

"A postal coach, really?"

With a wave of his wand, Zacharias opened the carriage door. He smiled entertained as soon as he met Cassandra's questioning mien. "Well, nothing is as inconspicuous as the usual Muggle means of transportation, isn't it?" he replied amusedly and held out his helping hand to her so that she could grab it to get in comfortably.

But Cassandra ignored his noble gesture and crossed the step into the interior of the wagon on her own.

She waited patiently on the leathered bench while her companion instructed the house-elf Alfie to cautiously stow her suitcase in the luggage compartment of the carriage. She overheard how Zacharias gave the coachman final instructions before he finally sat down opposite her. The carriage began moving, and Cassandra caught a last glimpse of the Montagues' country estate before the coach turned into a curve.

She did not know the path that lay ahead of them. Her grandmother had not said a word to her. They were now traveling in a chugging stagecoach, which led her to conclude that they were probably about to leave the country via the adjacent pass road.

Some time passed in silence. It was unthinkable that they would travel to England on horseback. And although she did not like it, she brushed a strand of her chocolate-brown hair out of her face and addressed Zacharias without a second thought.

“I assume we’re taking the route over the alpine pass?”

Zacharia's gaze turned away from the picturesque panorama he had enjoyed looking out of the window until now and nodded affirmatively.

"Well observed, dear," he answered appreciatively, "As you know, the road over the pass falls into the territory of your dear grandmother. Mrs. Montagues thought it best for you to travel by safe routes. We will pass some checkpoints. But I ask of you not to leave the carriage."

Of course, she thought to herself. Cassandra was aware of her grandmother's business activities, which included control over traffic routes. How else could her family smuggle ancient enchanted, dark magical artifacts undisturbed and without being hindered in their activities by uninvited parties? But she probably would not have considered that she would one day act as a smuggled good herself.

"Couldn't we have just used a portkey?" Cassandra snorted, a little unnerved.

The exertions made on her behalf were unpleasant to her, to put it mildly. If it had been up to her, she would have been content with side-by-side Apparition so as not to spend hours locked in a carriage with Zacharias.

He must have sensed her train of thought because he put on his most charming smile again. "Cassandra, think about it. Using a portkey involves magic. And magic can be traced."

"So, I'm being smuggled across the border in an old Muggle postal carriage so that I can't be pursued? What if we are already being followed? Carriages are not very fast..." Cassandra replied snippily.

Her companion giggled quietly. "That's what I'm here for. If we make uncomfortable travel acquaintances, I will take care of them," he said and winked at her coquettishly.

She just rolled her eyes. She did not feel like flirting. With belligerence in her voice, she continued "So you have been promoted from the position of a tutor to my personal guard? Or should I rather say, been demoted again?"

Not impressed by her words, Zacharias leaned a little closer to her and replied in a deep voice. "Degraded? Sweetheart, your grandmother did not hesitate for a second to appoint me as your travel companion. The trust she still places in me was confirmed by this decision. You cannot seriously assess that negatively? After all, you know what I'm capable of."

His hands moved to his knees and were only mere centimeters away from hers. Cassandra did not miss the closeness he was trying to create and gazed at him skeptically.

The twilight of his character, so well-known to her, gleamed in his steel-blue eyes. No matter how hard she tried to constrain herself, she had been unable to resist his questionably charming advances in the past. Despite everything, he had assisted her in taking revenge without questioning her bloodlust, even enjoying it. If she had mustered just a little more willpower, she would not be sitting in a carriage to leave the country now.

As a result, she leaned towards him fearlessly and whispered to him "If she knew about your involvement in the events in Venice, you wouldn't be sitting opposite me in such a relaxed state right now." She was not embarrassed to play along in his games, because he knew exactly what she was capable of. After all, he had taught her a lot of it himself.

Moss green met steel blue hues and the seconds passed like sweet honey. She could see his drifting thoughts reflected in his gaze before he gallantly leaned back against the leather bench, without breaking eye contact.

"I'm pleased to see that you still have that unquenchable fire, dear. I feared that the events in Venice had made you waver in your determination."

It was now up to Cassandra to put on her most charming smile.

"As you aptly stated earlier, inconspicuousness is the best protection."

Her statement made a broad grin on Zacharias' cheeks, and he replied in amusement. "You've always been my most attentive student."

"I was your only student, to be precise," Cassandra added with a smirk.

* * *

Mountainous landscapes, autumnal-colored fields, and meandering paths passed by the windows of the chugging carriage. Soon, it had to strike midday at the distant country estate, for the sun was already high in the sky when the wheels came to a halt for the first time. Zacharias descended, no doubt to make sure with the guards at the checkpoint that their journey had gone undetected so far. Without a word, he climbed back into the wagon and the horse-drawn carriage continued its route.

"We will soon reach the col of the pass, and we’ll have to switch the carriage."

Zachariah's words tore Cassandra out of her thoughtless musings. She looked at him questioningly. She was glad that she would soon be able to stretch her legs and take a short rest in the fresh air. But the way Zacharias furrowed his eyebrows did not bode well.

"Is there a problem?" she inquired.

He shook his head.

"No problem. But the horses are exhausted. A mountain pass is no easy stroll for the animals, and we still have a few kilometers to go until we reach our destination," he explained curtly.

Her gaze lingered skeptically on his tense expression. Something seemed to be bothering him, but she could not press him too much without running the risk of him closing up even more. So, she just nodded at him and hoped that he might speak again. But he did not. The only thing that could be heard was the clacking of the hooves of the horses that mounted the narrow streets of the Great St. Bernard.

The closer the carriage traveled to the summit, the cooler the wind blew gently through the cracks of the carriage. Cassandra wrapped her traveling coat tighter around her chest and prayed that she would have an opportunity to eat something warm during their upcoming rest. Her stomach was already rumbling, as it had been a while since her breakfast.

Zacharias noticed that his protégé shivered slightly. Without further ado, he took off his cloak and placed it in Cassandra's lap.

"I don’t want you to catch a cold under my care," he commented with a little wink.

She blushed slightly, but gratefully accepted his garment and laid the cloak over her trembling body like a blanket. The light scent of citrus fruits caressed the still-warm fabric around her figure. Bittersweet like his nature, she thought smiling softly as she warmed herself. Perhaps the choice of her companion had not been too bad after all. Wrapped in cozy warmth, she closed her eyelids and before she knew it, she was dozing off peacefully.

* * *

The rattling wheels of the carriage came to a halt once again when the supposed postal carriage reached the top of the Great St. Bernard route. Zacharias hesitated to wake Cassandra from her slumber, remembering the dark circles under her eyes in the morning, which testified to a restless night. But the journey was lengthy, and their destination was nowhere near in sight. Therefore, he cleared his throat briefly and moved his hand gently to her cheek to brush away a strand of her brown hair, which had fallen into her delicate face during her nap.

Cassandra thought she could feel fingers hovering tenderly over her pale cheeks. Was she dreaming? Startled,  her gaze caught his steel-blue eyes observing her cautiously

Zacharias quickly pulled his hand back to his torso and hurriedly cleared his throat again. "Time to change the carriage, dear. May I?" he asked as he nodded to his coat, which still covered her body.

She grabbed the soft fabric and handed it to Zacharias, who elegantly threw it over himself before he got out of the carriage and held out his hand to Cassandra so that she could get out of the carriage comfortably. She merely raised an eyebrow, ignored his friendly gesture, and jumped out of the chariot.

Cool mountain air blew through her shoulder-length hair. At these altitudes, the signs of the approaching autumn were already visible. The sparse meadow that covered the barren landscape had already taken on a reddish hue. The midday sun made the surface of the deep blue glacier water that filled the lake to her left glisten. Alpine nature did not care about the fates of travelers. Human life must have seemed insignificant and fleeting in contrast to the majestic mountain peaks towering towards the sky around them.

At the end of a short trail stood a white-bricked, multi-story building, which Cassandra knew was run by nuns to provide hot meals and shelter to travelers of all manners. She had once heard her grandmother talk about the members of the order. They had to adhere to their patron saint’s creed that all kinds of pilgrims had to be welcomed regardless of their status. Thus, travelers and smugglers alike always found hospitable accommodation within the walls of the hospice.

While Cassandra looked around, Zacharias turned away to take care of her suitcase. Since they had to change carriages, as he had explained to her earlier, she wondered where her next means of transport was.

Her gaze swung to the luggage compartment of the carriage, and she reached into the inside pocket of her travel coat to pull out her wand. Zacharias noticed her hand gesture and jumped to her side, abruptly stopping her action.

She looked at him puzzled.

"What?" she asked, slamming his hand rudely away from hers.

"You can't just perform magic around here. We are still well advised to keep a low profile. And we are among Muggles, I might add," he replied with a stern look, lifting the suitcase out of her hand, "We'll settle it the old-fashioned way."

"Now follow me. I can hear your stomach growling all up to here," Zacharias said and began to walk towards the hospice with her suitcase in his hand.

Cassandra rolled her eyes but followed her companion in silent obedience.

The interiors of the hospice were spartanly furnished. Plastered limestone walls, gray stone tiles, and the occasional cross or image of a saint left no doubts about the ownership of the establishment. The two travelers sat down on simple wooden chairs in the dining room and a nun dressed in a light gray habit immediately approached their table.

"A warm meal and an herbal tea for my companion." Zacharias began, turning to the nun. "And for me a moment of your time, if you please, dear sister," he added with a polite smile.

When the nun glanced at him questioningly, Zacharias barely brushed the palm of his right hand across his left hand, which was resting quietly on the table. His gesture revealed a clunky, golden signet ring, which Cassandra noticed in surprise, had been hidden from the bare eye by a concealment charm until now. The distinctive engraved "M" was prominently displayed on the magnificent jewelry. Well, so much for keeping a low profile, she thought. But the nun did not seem the least bit surprised. She simply nodded to Zacharias and gestured for him to follow her.

He stood up immediately and the two withdrew to a quieter corner of the room. Cassandra's gaze lingered curiously on the two and she watched out of the corner of her eye as the gray-clad woman handed something to her companion. Zacharias seemed to thank her with a polite bow before he turned away from her and rejoined Cassandra at the table.

She scrutinized her companion with raised eyebrows. "Are we already corrupting people of faith?" she asked him with a sneer.

Zacharias chuckled slightly amused. "Believe me when I tell you that more dubious deals have certainly been sealed here."

She did not doubt his statement. She was sure that it did not matter whether the business was done under the holy battlements of a church, over the patient papers of a desk, or underhand, they were all corrupt.

A bowl of hot stew and a cup of tea were served to her. And Cassandra gratefully savored both. While she ate her meal, Zacharias made the identifying mark of the Montague Clan disappear again under the guise of a charm.

"Does the lady approve?" he asked her with a sly smile.

Cassandra put her cutlery aside and smoothly wiped her lips with a napkin. "Excellent," she grinned. Her moss-green eyes fixed on his now unadorned hand. "But enlighten me briefly, Zacharias. Since when are you entitled to display my grandmother's signet ring?"

"A mere arrangement to secure the Order’s favor," he explained to her. "Your grandmother places great value on co-operation with the Order, you must know. They allow every guest to enter these halls. Their credo is not to judge those seeking protection. Our luck today."

"So, they were aware of our arrival?" Cassandra questioned.

Her counterpart nodded in agreement. "Certainly. Their authority, the Bishop of Sion, will provide us with a carriage to continue our journey," he elaborated.

Cassandra raised her eyebrows in wonder. "The kind of unholy bonds that are being forged," she commented jokingly, to which Zacharias only reacted with a mischievous grin.

The the meal was finished, the plates were cleared, and Zacharias paid their bill before he and Cassandra left the building through the back door. A magnificent carriage was already waiting behind the hospice, its doors bearing the emblem of the diocese of Sion, a bishop's crosier crossed with a sword on a red background.

The coat of arms reminded Cassandra somewhat of her father's family coat of arms. She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat at the thought of her deceased father. She had not thought about him in a long time. The portrait of her mother had been omnipresent during her stay with her grandmother. But one searched in vain for a photograph of her father in the rooms of her grandmother's country estate. Whether this was pure coincidence or a symbol of her grandmother's dislike of her father, Cassandra did not know. She had simply never dared to ask her grandmother for an explanation.

Once again, she ignored the hand offered to her by Zacharias and suddenly climbed into the interior of the car.

* * *

Just as the sun had passed its zenith, so too did their traveling arrangement began its descent down the alpine hill. The closer carriage horses' hooves inched towards the valley, the warmer it became. The southern part of the Rhone Valley was known for its warm and dry climate. After a few quiet hours, the two significant landmarks of the state capital could be seen through the carriage windows. The two magnificent castles of Tourbillion and Valeria stood proudly on their moraine hills in the middle of the valley.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Zacharias addressed his companion, who was lost in her thoughts as she admired the panorama.

Cassandra turned to him and gave a curt reply, "Stunning."

She could not figure out why they were traveling further up the valley once they had reached neutral ground. She could not explain why they had to travel in a carriage bearing the emblem of the bishopric. ‘Why all the fuss? Why the inclusion of religious societies as business partners?’ she finally asked her counterpart.

Her companion smoothed his raven-black hair and thought for a moment. The longer the journey went on, the more Cassandra disliked all this secrecy. Why couldn't he just tell her what the plan was?

“Zacharias?” she addressed him in a firm voice.

"Very well," he relented. "Did your curious glances at the hospice detect what the Sister handed over to me?”

When Cassandra maintained her penetrating questioning gaze, he continued. “She handed me an Obolus. A coin of some sort. We will have to use it at our destination to send you safely to London."

"And how is a coin supposed to be able to help me get to London?” Cassandra questioned this strange piece of information.

“Menhirs” replied Zacharias. “There are a few of them on the grounds of the diocese. If they are activated, they form transitions to their twins. And as fortune would have it, there is another one of them in London. We will utilize this connection to transfer you to London unseen and untraceable.”

Cassandra's mouth fell open. She was aware of her former tutor's expertise, but the fact that he seemed to be well-versed in such ancient theories was news to her. ''How...?” she began questioningly.

“Professor Fig, one of your teachers at Hogwarts, is an expert in the theories of ancient magic,” he answered her inquiry.

"And the bishopric approves of us - witch and wizard - entering their grounds because...?” Cassandra continued to press on unfazed.

“Because your father, Merlin bless his soul, regularly frequented their circles during his time in the diplomatic service and your grandmother rekindled this connection to give us access to the menhirs,” Zacharias explained.

Her gaze dropped to her folded hands in her lap.

“She doesn't shy away from all kinds of shady deals when it comes to getting rid of her burden...” Cassandra murmured in a low voice.

Zacharias resisted the urge to cup her hands in his. Regret reflected in his eyes. “Everything she does, Cassandra, she is doing to keep you protected. Even if, pardon my candor, she is not always able to express her care for you clearly.” Moss green met steel blue and the familiarity Cassandra had missed since the happenings in Venice was evident in his gaze. He did not need to put it into words, they simply understood each other without saying a thing.

She took a deep breath. “This Professor Fig, why does his name sound so familiar? Am I supposed to know him?” Cassandra asked.

Her counterpart nodded. “You are probably familiar with the name because your grandmother used to correspond regularly with his wife Mirjam in the past. They presumably know each other from earlier days,” he explained. “Mr. and Mrs. Fig researched ancient magic together. After Mrs. Montague realized what forces were at work in Venice, she contacted her deceased friend's husband. He immediately offered his help. Whether out of helpfulness or curiosity about your powers, I cannot tell for certain. But it came in handy for your grandmother.”

Fate seemed to have an extraordinary sense of humor, Cassandra thought quietly to herself. ‘’Murderess, a piece of smuggled cargo and now an object of research. Simply perfect,” she summarized coldly.

“Don't forget my most diligent student on your list,” her companion tried to lighten the somber mood and smiled gently. “You'll settle in quickly at Hogwarts, I am sure of it. You have a talent for adapting to new circumstances.”

“I won't miss your fruitless flattery,” she returned snidely, but not without a hint of a smile gracing her lips.

Zacharias leaned his upper body back contentedly into the upholstered seat, glanced fleetingly out of the window, and closed “We have arrived."

* * *

The day was already drawing to a close as they entered the gates of the bishopric's estates. Zacharias opened the carriage door, stepped elegantly out of the carriage, and held out his open palm to his companion one last time. Cassandra grinned cheekily at him and got out without touching him, as was her custom.

Together, they strolled through the gardens towards the circular stone monuments. Zacharias carefully placed her suitcase beside them and turned to his female companion. He began to fiddle nervously with the lapels of his suit. Cassandra watched him with curiosity. She had seen Zacharias in various states before, but this restless side of him was entirely unfamiliar to her, and she wondered what was bothering him.

"Are you looking for something?" she inquired.

His fingers reached the pocket of his jacket and remained hidden in it for a moment. “I...” he began in an indecisive voice.

Cassandra looked at him in confusion. “Did you misplace the Obolus?” she teased him.

“No... I,” he began again, taking a calming breath, and continued, “Before we part ways, I want to give you something. Something that belongs to you.”

He pulled a silver chain from his suit pocket and held it out to Cassandra.

Her eyes widened. “Jewelry?” Cassandra asked, looking at him in bewilderment. The relationship between her former tutor and his student was complex, but she certainly had not expected a farewell present.

Zacharias placed the necklace in the palm of his hand to give Cassandra a better look at the piece of jewelry.

“Some time ago, I visited your parents’ cottage with your grandmother, not far from here,” he explained in a deep voice. “I will spare you the details. But while we were collecting some documents from your father's study, I found this,” he tapped the pendant with his index finger. “It is the coat of arms of your family, your fathers. I thought you might want it.” His gaze rested on her moss-green irises.

Cassandra took a step towards him and carefully stretched out her fingers towards the necklace in his palm. She inspected the silver piece, on which a wand crossed with a feather was depicted, and the Darque family motto was engraved in curly letters. "Verbum est acutius omni ferrum" she quoted quietly, tears gathering in her eyes.

Her companion nodded silently as he gazed at her.

“But why didn't my grandmother...’ Cassandra tried to formulate her question. But emotions threatened to overwhelm her like a downpour.

“Handed it over?” Zachariah finished Cassandra's attempt to tame her trembling voice. “Your grandmother is a Montague. As you will be one day, once you take over her business and discard your father’s name, as tradition demands.”

Her tear-adorned lashes raised to her escort.

“And I know you will fulfill your obligations with bravura, no question. But no matter how attached you are to your grandmother, Cassandra. You will always be your father's daughter, a daughter of House Darque."

She was at a loss for words. No words of scorn, teasing, or rebuttal were on the tip of her tongue.

With a gentle smile, Zacharias raised the necklace in one hand and his wand in the other. “I could not keep something so valuable from you. But let me make a small stylistic change so that it is worthy of your appearance, and you can wear it without revealing your origins.”

With a gallant movement, he waved his wand through the ether between them, carefully tapped the pendant with the tip of the dark wood and the previously silver piece of jewelry turned into black velvet on which an oval-shaped purple crystal was embedded.

Cassandra watched with admiration as the pretty piece of magic was performed for her sake.

Her counterpart gently opened the clasp of the transformed piece of jewelry in his hand, and with the most compassionate look Cassandra had ever seen reflected on her tutor's face, he parted his lips again.

“May I?” he whispered softly.

Cassandra nodded, turned round carefully, and lifted her hair into a mop with slightly trembling hands. Gently, Zacharias placed the velvet ribbon around his protégé's neck and closed the delicate clasp.

She let her hair fall back onto her shoulders and her hands traveled to the nape of her neck. She felt the soft fabric of the choker and traced it over the sides of her neck until her fingertips touched the cool smooth stone resting on her pale skin above her sternum. She owned many collars, necklaces, rings, and all manner of jewelry. But this piece, she swore to herself, she would never take off as long as she lived. From now on, it would be as much a part of her as the green of her eyes.

She felt the gentle touch of a man's hand on her upper arm and let Zacharias turn her towards him without resistance. It was as if someone had stopped the wheel of time. The world around them blurred and the only thing she recognized was the deep glacial blue of his eyes. The silence between them lay like an unspoken spell over their existences. Neither of them dared to interrupt this moment with words out of fear of turning the unspoken into reality.

In the distance, they heard a church clock strike the hour. As if released from a thrall, Zacharias broke eye contact and reached into the pockets of his cloak, pulling out the small coin. “It's time,” he said tonelessly and turned away from her to resume his duties.

He studied the tallest menhir in front of them more closely, tracing the carved symbols with the tip of his fingers. Cassandra shook herself briefly to regain her composure and followed her companion's activities closely. When he felt a small indentation on the side of the stone, he briefly peeked over his shoulder to let his protégé know that he had found what he was looking for. She nodded approvingly to him before he placed the Obolus in the furrow.

At first, Cassandra thought nothing was happening. But before she was aware of it, the stone around the inserted coin began to turn a reddish color. The edges of the coin seemed to glow and the Obolus turned like a key in a lock. The air around them seemed to vibrate with a slight whirring sound. The surface of the stone changed color from an ordinary grey to a watery light blue. And suddenly, in the light of the fading evening sun, their figures were reflected in a kind of translucent mirror.

Zacharias took a step back from the stone, turned to his protégé, and held out his palm to her with a charming smile. Without hesitation, Cassandra took his hand and together they stepped through the open gateway.

[stopiteatpopcorn]

RANDO!!! I SAW YOURE TAKING REQUESTS SO HERE I AM

May I humbly request comfort tks with ler Mushitaro? Today has been ROUGH. Feel free to decline and take your time. Love you~ 💖

BRINGING BACK YOUR SMILE

———————————————————

Fandom: Bungo Stray Dogs

Characters: Ler!Mushitarō x Lee!Reader (Romantic)

⚠️THIS IS A TICKLE FIC SO IF YOU DON’T WANNA SEE THAT, YOU HAVE BEEN RANDO WARNED⚠️

——————————————————————————

Today was not your day, and you felt terrible about it all. So here you were, cooped up under your blankets, trying to keep yourself together. You lay there for a while, before going to text your boyfriend. He’d been out all day, but you needed his comfort now. Though he’d never admit it in front of others, Mushitarō had a soft spot for you so you knew he’d answer right away. You slowly pulled your phone from the coffee table at your bedside and typed. But you stopped for a moment. What if he was busy? Or what if his phone was dead? Or worse, what if he stopped caring? Your negative thoughts were clouding, but as if on cue, Mushitarō had returned home and was calling out your name. When you didn’t answer he eventually walked into the room. “Darling? There you are- How was your day?” You didn’t answer, simply further covered yourself in the blankets. He looked at you with slight worry in his eyes. “Hey…Is everything alright..?” He asked you, sitting beside you and slowly pulling the blankets back down from your face.

“Well…Everything’s been so stressful recently and just…I don’t know- don’t worry about it…” You said. He couldn’t bear to see you so down in the dumps, you were his partner after all. He was quick to cup your face in his hands, looking at you with a caring smile as he caressed your cheek with his thumb.

“But I do worry for you…You don’t have to hide your feelings from me. So please, let me listen. I’m sure it would help to get it off your chest..” He says comfortingly, opening his arms, waiting to see if you’d accept a hug. You were quick to lean into his arms, hugging him tightly. He wrapped his arms around you as tears began to fall down your cheeks.

“I- I’m sorry- I just- So much is going on…” You sobbed quietly. He simply held you close, running his fingers through your hair comfortingly.

“It’s okay…Let it all out…Don’t be sorry for feeling like this…” He whispered, letting you cry into his shoulder. It was times like this that he didn’t mind his perfect suit getting dirty or damp. Heck- He’d be happy to stay like this for hours even. “We can stay like this as long as you like. Though I won’t force you to talk…” He reassured you comfortingly. You stayed like this for a while and eventually, you began to calm down, sniffling silently, before explaining everything.

“So…That’s it…It’s just, a lot to take at once I guess…” You choked out through quieter sobs. He was quick to wipe away your extra tears, and now he looked even more worried, but he tried to keep the feeling down at least a little, after all, he didn’t wanna make you feel like a burden. He was your boyfriend, and you were his partner in crime, he’d do anything to keep you smiling. He let out a deep sigh, before nodding along.

“Oh my- That is indeed a lot…I’m so sorry that all this has happened. Is there anything I could do for you, to at least provide more comfort? You know I hate to see you so blue…” He asked softly, now that you had let your feelings out, you were beginning to think straight again. You knew what you needed, but it was embarrassing to ask for it! Wanting tickles? Sure, a nice shameless thing, but asking? A whole other story- even though he knew about it, and even so that he’d be happy to indulge you. But you just couldn’t do it, the words caught in your throat. However you did still opt to poke his side, trying to provoke him. “H-Hehey-!” He yelps in surprise as you do so, before realizing what you were hinting at, a soft yet playful smile on his face. ‘Oh~ So that’s what they want, hmmm?’ He thought to himself, deciding to be a little playful with it, as he slowly began to bring his hands to your sides, making you shiver with anticipation.

“Now dear, that was quite uncalled for, a little unfair even~ But, I think someone could use a little laughter now, especially after letting out all that sad air…And that person isn’t me~” He teased quietly, and you couldn’t help the blush that rose to your cheeks, burying your face into his chest. “You know who else in in the room though? You~” He concluded in a sing song voice, making you blush even further. He began to trace his manicured nails over your sides softly, enough to tickle, but not too overwhelming. You could feel the giggles that began to bubble in your throat as you pursed your lips together to try keep them in. But he knew you’d crack eventually. Thankfully this time, he wasn’t aiming to turn you into a heap of cackles and squeals, keeping it light. He knew how much you enjoyed this, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t happy to indulge you.

“M-Mushitaha-!” You protested half heartedly, accidentally letting out a giggle when he hit a sensitive spot on your waist. He was quick to notice this, as he continued the light traces there, making more steady giggles pour out through your lips.

“Yes, my love~? What is it?” He asked, as if he wasn’t doing anything at all. You groaned through your giggling, but it was clear you weren’t really mad, just flustered. And you both knew it all too well!

“Youhuhehe- Ihit tihihickles-!” You giggled softly into his shoulder, but you showed no signs nor efforts of wanting it to stop. He smiled at this, glad that you were enjoying yourself.

“Well, I sure hope it does, that is the point is it not~?” He asked with mock innocence, before scribbling across your back and ribs lightly, while a squeak and even more giggles burst out from your lips once more.

“Hehehey-! Nahahaha-“ You giggled half hearted protests, tightening your grip on him to prevent yourself from stopping his hands and lost in happy giggles as he continued. He eventually switched to tracing shapes into your sides lightly, your giggles beginning to steady again. But he’d switch up continuously, going from your sides, to your stomach, then to your ribs and repeat, before suddenly scribbling across your back and neck. This made you unable to get used to the feelings, which somehow made them even more ticklish! How unfair!…..Is what you would say if you weren’t giggling your cares away freely.

“Awwww, your smile is such a precious sight~! I’m truly lucky to have someone like you in my life you know?” He complimented, as he eventually began to slow his fingers to a stop, resting his hands at your sides. “And I mean that, so don’t forget it.” He reassured, placing a soft kiss atop your head and pulling you in for a hug.

“I won’t…Thank you love..” You whispered, a content smile on your face. He nodded in acknowledgment, and for a moment, you both sat in silence, before he got up, getting you some warm tea, sitting beside you. The rest of the night was spent with the two of you in eachothers arms, and you couldn’t shake the warmth in your heart when you were together. Sure, he could be stubborn or annoying at times, and he’d most likely say the same for you on rare occasions. But who cares, neither of you would have it any other way.

———————————————————————————————————————

A/N: Hi Sakura! I’m so sorry this took so long I’ve been kinda busy, and I’m sorry if it’s a little short, as I wanted to try get this to you as quick as I could when I had the chance! But, I hope this helps at least a little, and I hope you’re doing okay currently! Just like Mushitarō wants for you, don’t forget to smile! And take a hug too!

[jacksdinonuggets]

R!Amity Cg!Darius

Sorry, I got bored during the end and just finished it quick.

It may be that Amity is very stressed about dealing with her mother and the whole issue of her parents' divorce to which she finds Darius and offers her a break in regression and takes care of her until Alador arrives 

Darius had been living in the blight manor for a while now. The divorce between Alador and Odalia had just happened a little over a week ago but wasn’t fully finalized. They had separated for the time being since Odalia would not stop nagging Amity and Alador during the time period of getting her to move out. Alador wanted a new face around after his ex-wife moved in with her sister. Ed and Em were always doing their own thing outside the house and Amity was always in her room, isolating. Alador was starting to get lonely and invited Darius to move in since they were work partners and could work together more efficiently too. 

After a day or too, Darius hadn’t seen or heard from Amity. It was getting quite concerning. He knew that handling your parents divorce might be difficult but it was still enough to worry him. Alador seemed worried too but he still needed to get the divorce finalized and would be spending a lot of the time in court or doing paperwork. So he sent Darius to go check on her one day.

“Hey, Amity?” Darius knocked on her door. 

“What?” she replied back, in a bit of an annoyed tone. However, he could hear her voice slightly crack at the end.

“I just want to check to see how you’re doing. It's been a while since you’ve come out and you haven’t been to dinner in a while,” He explained.

After a moment of silence, he knocked again.

“Fine…come in” she answered.

He opened the door and saw her laying in bed, her back facing the door and the cover drawn all the way up to her neck. The room was a bit messy and clothes were on the floor.

“You…doing okay?” he peered over the bed to at least see her face a little.

“I guess…” she replied. He could tell she wasn’t telling the full truth. She was obviously shaking and was previously crying.

“Look, I know we aren’t that close but I still want to help,” Darius sat at the foot of the bed.

“If I tell you, will you leave me alone?” She snapped.

“I can’t promise anything,” he heard her sigh but then she began to speak.

“The whole…divorce thing has been really stressing me out. Mom… she didn’t even care about me and twins when Dad told her he wanted to separate. She only cared about the business and money. She… she even called me the other day… to tell me how disappointed she was in me when I told her I wanted to stay with dad. She yelled and called me disrespectful. I hung up but i still think, ‘why doesn’t she love me the way everyone else’s parents do?’. I don’t know, I’m just hurting, i guess.” She had silent tears running down her cheeks but Darius couldn’t see.

A bit of silence filled the air.

“How about… to take your mind off of these…icky thoughts, you regress with me?” he proposed. She seemed a bit shocked and then uncomfortable.

“Hunter does it and he says I’m pretty good at caring. Your dad told me about yours when we were on the topic of him,” He quickly explained.

Amity relaxed after his words and turned over to face him.

“O-okay, just don’t judge me, please?” she said, getting out of bed.

Amity went over to her closet and dug around a bit before pulling out a bag and a stuffed animal. She put it on the ground and began trying to slip. Darius ruffled her hair when she had this tense thinking face on. She did a small giggle and that's when she finally slipped. Happiness came quickly to her as she began playing with some action figures on the floor. Darius joined in for her played the antagonist figure.

 It was fun for a while until Amity’s stomach rumbled, reminding he that she hasn’t eaten in a day. Tears began to fill her eyes as the hunger pains got worse. She clenched her tummy in pain. Darius was quick to pick her up and carry her downstairs. He got her a sippy cup with chocolate milk and made her a sandwich with the crusts cut off. She seemed pretty content afterwards which was good. 

He put her down for a nap afterwards and was happy to know how he bonded with his soon-to-be daughter.

[delopsia]

this just popped into my head 🫢💭 and so soon after the last one i’m so sorry 💐😮‍💨✨🥹💕 but—

what are our trios love languages? i don’t totally know how it works? so i guess i’m just wondering how you think they best give / show their love, and what they respond to best that makes them think, “this person really loves me...” 🥹

!!!Love languages 😭🌷

It's a little hard to speak on the reader's love language since not every reader may have the same language, but I shall do my best here 💃

Bobby, quality time. Arguably the worst love language one can have, being in the Navy and all, but there is nothing Bobby loves more than spending time with those he loves.

He's not particularly fussy about how, for the most part, he's just happy to be there. You can take him along to do some shopping and returns, and he's all smiles because!! hey! he gets to spend time with you!

But he really loves when the Reader and Rhett are the ones to initiate plans with him, going to the movies together, planning a vacation, a quick walk to the park, and back. Even being invited on an impromptu day of errands and dinner is nice; there's something so nice about being included, even if it's something mundane.

And if they indulge in his hobbies with him? Rhett asking Bobby if he wants to watch that sci-fi series tonight? The Reader making plans to take them all to that renaissance festival Bob's been dying to go to? It has his belly filling with butterflies and his cheeks warming up.

Likewise, he expresses his love through similar avenues. Taking time out of his busy schedule to get lunch with the Reader every Tuesday, venturing up to the sale barn with Rhett, even though that means he'll lose some sleep. Though he does dabble into physical touch as well. Doesn't always know what to do with his arms, but he's more than happy with snuggling Rhett on the couch and letting the Reader lay on top of him whenever they feel like it.

He's the type to volunteer to watch favorite movies when one of his partners is upset, and he's more than happy to simply be a warm presence in the room if they need it.

"Do you want me to stay with you?"

Rhett, physical touch. You can imagine how rough this made things for him when the relationship was long distance.

Rhett's always got to be touching someone. Holding the Readers hand, resting his chin over Bob's shoulder, he'll even settle for shoulders touching. If one of his partners is upset or feeling low, his first instinct is to snuggle up to them. Headache? Time for a nap together. The reader is missing Bobby during his deployment? He's cuddling up with the Reader on the couch until their nightly phone call with the ol' WSO.

In particular, there's nothing quite like surprise touches for him. Something unprompted that he didn't have to ask for. The reader giving him back hugs. Bobby deciding that now is the time for a wrestling match. Sudden showers of kisses from both of his partners, just because.

But there are two very particular things that make him feel loved. Cuddling and public affection. He loves being snuggled on the couch or having someone hold him in their arms throughout the night. It's so close and intimate, and his brain practically shuts off. While public affection mostly extends to chaste kisses and hand holdings, nothing extreme, just something that screams, "Hey, this cowboy belongs to someone."

Rhett's never been particularly good with words; it's a wonder he can even read half of the time. Instead, his 'I love you' comes in the form of big, never-ending hugs, rubbing noses, resting his chin over shoulders and watching what they're doing, and heads resting on chests. Closeness.

This especially comes out when someone is upset because he has no idea what to say. So rather than speaking, he'll sidle up to Bobby or the Reader and wrap an arm around them. If they want to talk, that's fine, but he's not going to be pressing further than a "What's wrong?" and a "I've got you. I'm here."

Just some snuggly fools who'd love nothing more than to spend time with the reader on the couch 💐

[finalgirlkateausten]

📚📚📚 (that’s right, three rounds s’il vous plait ;)

haha thank you for the triple ask! I'll give you the other two in separate posts. this is sort of a prequel to a s4 canon divergence fic I'm working on, and... I did not intend for it to get this long 😅 (this is for the pinterest ask game 👀)

PUT ME BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

Succession s4 canon divergence ~ kenrava ~ 1,213 words ~ rated M

He calls her once, twice, three times, after the funeral. Way after the funeral. It's late, so late that she could be asleep, could be legitimately missing his calls, but he doubts she would answer if she was awake.

And maybe this isn't the most logical next step, after that polite but implicit denial, but earlier that day he'd threatened to lay down in front of her car so he's not feeling fucking logical on the day of his dad's funeral and Roman is AWOL and Shiv is-- fucking pregnant? Maybe staying with Tom? Not a shoulder to lean on, at any rate, so Kendall dodges business partners and politicians and everyone else who wants to probe him about the GoJo deal or tell him how deeply fucking sorry they are and finally collapses into the backseat of his car.

He checks his watch.

Half past two in the morning.

He calls his driver anyway, Fikret is used to keeping up with his weirdass schedule, and asks him to take him upstate. In the time it takes him to arrive, he double checks with the security team he still has following Rava and the kids. Which, okay, he can see how that maybe could've been a little intimidating. But it tells him to head up the coast to Connecticut, and he feels a painful weight in his chest when he gives Fikret the address to the beach house he and Rava had picked out together sometime between their engagement and honeymoon. He really... he can't remember the last time he was there.

The drive takes less than two hours, and when Kendall looks at his watch and sees that it reads 4:30, he winces a little. Rava probably won't be thrilled that he's waking her up at this hour.

He has Fikret pull into the garage, because the code is the date they got engaged and it's the same for really every password they'd both needed to know. Never their wedding anniversary, interestingly enough. Rava had said, way back when, that that was too easy to find and guess. But it feels a little metaphorical now.

Kendall is leaning against the hood of the car, frowning at the door leading into the house and wondering if he can open the deadbolt with his mind, when it opens on its own. He only wonders if he's suddenly become a Jedi for about half a second before Rava appears, wearing an old R.E.M concert tee with just her underwear, her go-to pajamas for as long as he'd known her.

"Ken!?" Her voice is hoarse with sleep and he's making damn sure that his eyes are glued to hers and she runs a hand through her bedhead as she descends the stairs, stopping a good six feet away from him. "Why the fuck are you here?"

He swallows hard, unable to think of an all-encompassing answer. "...to apologize," he offers quietly. "I... Rav, I've been saying some fucked-up shit. And I don't know-- I barely know what's going on in my head half the time, let alone coming out my mouth. But I don't want to lose you."

She raises both eyebrows, hands on her hips. "It's a little late for that."

"No, I mean..." he really doesn't need a reminder that he's divorced. He's well aware of that on any given day. "What I was saying about making a play for custody. That-- that was stupid. You're a good mother, Rava, way fucking better than I am as a dad. I just needed to say that. I need you to know that I'm sorry, and that I-- I love you." He winces at the surprise and wariness that flash over her face. "In a-- you know. Divorced co-parents kind of way." He stares at her, swallowing hard, trying not to blink. He's never gotten over her, ever, doesn't she fucking know that?

"Even though I'm hysterical?" She smiles, a little viciously, and he can tell the more she wakes up the angrier he's getting, but he takes a step forward anyway, trying to get invited in instead of kicked out.

"I didn't want you to be freaking out," he tries. "I-- I wanted the kids at their grandfather's funeral, but in hindsight, I understand why you didn't, and it was probably good that they weren't there. You were right."

She lifts her chin, regarding him icily. "About...?"

Kendall bites back a huff. "I don't know, fucking-- everything? You were right that I needed to clean up my act for the kids and you were right that I didn't have the willpower to do it and you were right that one time you yelled at me that my dad didn't love me enough to fulfill any of his promises, because he didn't and now my whole life is a gaping hole and I'm fighting the Swedes for my birthright, and you were right to resist me trying to be for the kids what he was for me because he was a good business leader and a fucking shitty dad, but I was a shitty dad anyway, you were right about that too, and you were right when you said that if I drove you away I would regret it eventually." He nods jerkily. "I do. I do regret it. You're my fuckin' lighthouse, Rava. You always have been. I think I need you now worse than I ever have before."

She folds her arms over her chest. "That's too fucking bad."

He winces. "Yeah. I deserve that."

The silence stretches out before them, and everything feels fragile and breakable, and he tries to reach out without actually reaching for her, like that will lessen the sting of rejection. "Rava. What can I do to make it up to you?"

She sighs slowly. "Drive back to New York?"

He swallows hard. "Look, say the word and I will, but I really think we should talk."

"That's the problem, Kendall," Rava says through gritted teeth, stepping closer to him. "I don't-- I am sick and tired of listening to you talk. You're all bark and no bite, and you change your mind with the weather. I stopped believing most of what comes out of your mouth a year ago."

He reaches out, since she's getting closer, gently resting his hand on her arm. He doesn't want her to think he's trying to restrain her. "Then I could... crash in the guest room? Spend time with the kids tomorrow? Give you space, but still try to fix what I've fucked up this week?"

Rava closes her eyes, leans into him. "I-- I don't know, Kendall."

Gently, carefully, he reaches out to cup her cheek, his fingers brushing through her hair. "Please," he whispers. "Let me try."

She looks up at him. "Sophie's going to be worse than I am."

"I'm prepared for that," he murmurs. "What do you need, right now? While the kids are asleep?"

She steps back from him, looks him up and down. He thinks he recognizes the look in her eye, but surely--

And then Rava is kissing him, her hands around his neck, her body warm against his. She's shaking. Or he is.

Kendall closes his eyes and kisses her back.

[loveblackculture]

So my man & I have been at odds this whole week. Not really speaking to each other and when we did it was bickering. We just really haven’t been fond of each other this week. (All relationships go thru it, I’m not ashamed.)

BUT..

One day out of the week, he came home with a fresh bouquet of sunflowers (our thing.) Didn’t say A WORD to me, just handed them to me. And went about his business into the shower.

Another day out the week, he stayed out late with me and the baby so we could watch the fireworks down town. He got me a 6 pack of wine coolers, but still didn’t say much to me the whole time. Just kept to himself and watched them in silence.

And today, I had a photo shoot and got dolled up. He tagged along because he knows he’s my comfort zone. Didn’t really say anything to me then either. Just was there for support. Afterwards, I had no other plans and was just gonna head home and get undressed and take off my makeup.

But then he finally spoke. And said “I’m gonna shower quick and then we’re going on a date for some dinner. You look really good for it to go to waste.” He showered. Even tried to coordinate his outfit with mine. And took me to Applebees because it was the only place open.

We had $6 drinks, and lots of food. And finally just unloaded and talked.

About everything.

From the missing submarine, to the weather. And everything in between. And finally all was good between us again.

Point of this post is a reminder that sometimes it’s better off to just give your Significant Other their space. To walk away while being angry to avoid saying something you’ll regret. To have your personal time to focus on you and reflect on what you need to. To be your own individual while still being in a relationship. Even to make them miss you, while still being in the same environment.

Not for a second did we second guess our relationship or our future together. We just weren’t fond of each other for a few days. And that’s OKAY. We don’t have to be best friends every single day. But we are partners every day. From morning to night. Not every day do I like him, and I’m positive he doesn’t like me every day either.

But every day we choose to LOVE each other. Love is a choice, not a feeling. And you have to choose it E V E R Y day. You HAVE to choose your partner. Even when you’re mad. Even when they throw their clothes next to the hamper instead of inside of it. Even when they stupidly forget something from the store. Even when they lay on the couch with outside clothes on.

And that’s exactly what he did. When I ignored his texts all day, he chose to love me anyway. He chose to stop at the store on the way home for a $10 bouquet of flowers. And when he gave them to me, I knew exactly what it meant. “I don’t like you right now but I’ll always love you. We aren’t friends right now. Don’t talk to me. But know that you’re my life partner. And we aren’t going any where!”

And that’s all it takes.

Just please remember you still love yours, even when you feel like you’re better off without them.. Because when it’s gone, it’s gone..

Anyways, I’m off to go snuggle with my man after a bunch of $6 Applebees drinks. 😉

EDIT TO ADD: I wrote my post from my point of view of our week. Through out the week I still did things to remind him that I love him despite us not being fond of each other at the time. I don’t have to do a play by play of our entire week to prove to everyone that I’m worthy of what he does for me. He’s not stupid to stay with someone that doesn’t reciprocate every energy he puts out.

But this post only goes over the heads of those that need growing.

[capettitwrites]

Blurb: Haunted by her mother's tragic death, taxidermist Harriet seeks solace in the stillness of her workshop. Memories intertwine with the daily rituals of preserving life in death, while Jenna, her business partner, becomes an unexpected anchor in the cold embrace of grief. Together, they attempt to navigate the delicate balance between love and death.

CW: Self-harm and suicide ideation, grief and loss, graphic descriptions, mental health struggles, family issues, strong language

It’s back again. It likes to attack when I’m alone. Sitting on the tram. Walking through the industrial parking lot. Standing at the warehouse door. When my heart aches and everything feels pointless, my wrists thrum. I wonder whether it’s the knowledge of others' self-inflicted pain that causes the thrumming or whether the thrum itself drives people to cut. I’ve never cut before. Only ever imagined the blade. How it might slice neatly through soft skin, moisturised and sunscreened just like Mum taught me. 

‘You have to protect your skin so you stay young and beautiful forever,’ she would say. An unspoken lecture on the dangers of cancer. 

Or perhaps I’d have to hack into the skin to be rid of the thrum. Carving deep to the root of it and removing it from me in its entirety. A gouged crosshatch of skin left on my forearms. Staring at them now as I battle with my keys, I can almost see the blood. Then what would Mum say? 

Her funeral was nearly a month ago now. The sun bore down, blistering heat as we hid in air conditioned rooms. One lonely cloud disrupted that endless blue, reflecting the ocean underneath. Heat mirage rippling off the black tar roads in waves. Through the window, a child and their father tippy-tapped their way across the burning sidewalk with bare feet. 

A perfect Perth summer. 

Everything Mum would have loved. 

No one else was here yet. The immediate family got an early viewing of the body. Probably so we wouldn’t break down when other people were around. Just behind heavy walnut doors lay Mum’s corpse. Not my actual Mum. She’d left long ago. This was just pageantry, I tried to tell myself, a performance to make us feel better about the whole situation. It did nothing to stop the way my heart decayed in my chest. Finally, Grandma and Pop entered the lobby. Our hug was cut short when the funeral director offered for us to cross that final barricade into the room. This was really happening. I took a deep breath before entering. 

Ammonia and borax. Formaldehyde and alcohol. The smells of my workshop don’t usually register in my brain but today they’re almost offensive. I guess I’ve been away for a while. Weaving through metal worktables, gliding past shelves of domes, and reaching between a bear and a chicken I open the only window. Shoulder mounts and shadow boxes clutter the rest of the walls, Derek the giraffe stretching his neck from mid wall to high ceiling. I can’t stop myself from running my hand along his fur when I pass, the taxidermist in me screaming about the damaging oils on my fingers. 

With a clink, I place my instruments on the workbench. Perfectly aligned. There are a few specimens waiting for me in my freezer; a roadkill possum, someone’s pet budgie, cane toads. Staring down into the freezer chest, I see Mum in the mortuary cabinets and I’m just as frozen as her. Blue and stiff and naked. She needs a jacket. She hates the cold. 

‘I thought you weren’t coming back for another week?’

‘Fuck!’ 

Jolting up, I smack my head on the underside of a metal shelf. Domes above rattle and pain blooms at the place of impact. Just bruised, I’m sure. Still hurts like a motherfucker though. 

‘You ‘right? You’d think God was in that chest the way you’re staring at it.’

Jenna is leaning against the door frame, smirk on her lips but a crease between her eyebrows. Pity hiding in her eyes. The same quiet sadness that filled the faces at the wake. 

‘I’m so sorry, Harriet,’ Aunt Cas whispered in my ear. Her hug was bone crushing and her perfume overwhelming but I didn’t push her away. The familiarity of it dulled the pulsing in my head. If I closed my eyes, I was sure I’d wake up to find myself in Grandma’s living room. TV blaring Play School, cigarette smoke pluming from the porch, and ceiling lights compensating for the closed window blinds. Cas’ tears soaking into my shoulder kept my eyes open. I needed to be present. This wasn’t a moment I could escape. It wouldn’t be fair to Mum. The sea of sad faces stared back at me, all tear tracks and sorrow. My eyes were dry. So dry with the air conditioning sapping away any moisture. It was too cold. I shivered. 

Jenna slips in beside me and shuts the freezer door. So close, her warm skin radiates through my cold and for a moment I think that I must have died. Standing here I’ve become as cold as the dead, just another one of our specimens waiting for treatment. Jenna is alive and I’m just a ghost. 

‘Don’t want those to start defrosting, hey?’ she jokes as she sits on the chest. Her knee bumps against mine and her hand rubs my shoulder. Solid and real. Not dead. 

‘Sorry. Couldn’t decide which one I wanted to do,’ I lie. 

‘We got a fresh order of butterflies yesterday, if you wanna work on some of them. That gorgeous Birdwing you were waiting for came in.’ 

I know what she’s doing. Give me an easy job to ease back into the swing of things. I must look an absolute mess if she’s offering up butterflies. Her eyes try to meet mine but I refuse to grant her that privilege. She doesn’t need to see the exhaustion in them and know that she’s right to worry. I don’t want her to treat me as lesser. In avoiding her searching gaze, mine lands on a thawing rabbit. 

‘You working on that?’ I ask. 

‘Yeah. Memorial piece. Just waiting for her to loosen up a bit more. Wanna make the base for it?’ 

Deflection. 

‘Nah, you can do that. You always make prettier environments than me anyway.’ 

Jenna doesn’t stop me taking the fluffy little bunny away from her station or complain when I place it at mine. Rubbing up its body to loosen the joints before laying it flat in front of my instruments, the silver table seems shinier. I can hear birds chirping outside where there was muffled silence before. Tension slips off my shoulders. Tawny fur is soft in my bare hands. In the corner of my eye, Jenna collects a base from the shelves and a storage box of greenery. 

I ignore her setting up close beside me and take my scalpel in hand. The thrum tingles at my wrist. It would be so easy to remove it. A clean, surgical cut. Glide the sharp edge against my skin, only a little bit of pressure required. Just like cutting into an animal, only there would be more blood. 

…A lot more blood. 

‘When did you get back?’ Jenna asks, her gloves snapping as she slips them on. Her smile meets her eyes now, the way it usually does when we work together. A fiery crackle behind hazel. 

‘Last night.’ 

‘Eager beaver.’ She bumps her hip against mine. ‘Want me to make the first cut?’ 

My hands are trembling. The scalpel shivers in my grasp. I hadn’t even noticed. 

‘No. I’ve got it.’ 

I take a breath and turn my hand into stone. Two fingers below the base of the skull, between her shoulder blades, and then I slice into her back. Gently peeling back the skin, I start to slide my hands inside, between her skin and the neat sack of organs. The methodical process, one I’ve done a million times before, washing over me like a warm shower. As my hand comes around to her stomach to wear her like a bracelet, my fingernail catches. 

Pop! 

A sudden dampness. The smell of faeces. My hands are red when I pull them out. 

There wasn’t as much blood as I was expecting. As she lay there in the hospital bed, it felt like she should have looked different somehow. Blue-ish white skin or the etched outline of bones or horrible disfigurement with puddles of blood coating the floor which we’d have to wade through just to get a look only to see she was beyond recognition. There was none of that. Some needles in her arm and a tube in her face. The doctor said something. I’m not sure what. I think my stepdad was listening because he nodded and the next thing I knew they unplugged her. 

Time of death, 02:26. 

I don’t remember saying goodbye. I don’t remember leaving her room. I don’t remember going to the maternity ward. There were only five babies in the nursery that day. On an average day there’d be anywhere between ten to fifteen newborns. The room looked so empty. It made sense, I thought. Mum was a midwife. How could new life come into the world when she’s gone? 

‘Harri!’

Jenna grabs my bloody wrist and tosses me away, quickly using cotton balls to sap up the mess. I watch as she takes over. Cleaning and sanitising. Removing the skin from the body. Rubbing in our tanning mixture. Peeling her gloves off and turning to me. 

Looking up at her from the floor with the light dancing through her locks, I feel every bit the penniless beggar. Pleading for a morsel of comfort. Hating the benevolence with which she answers my prayers. The Angel Jenna cups my cheek and I pull away. 

‘Fuck off,’ I choke out. A traitorous tear sneaks past my defences as snot blocks my nose and my throat constricts. It’s a coup. Another tear slips down my cheek and I scurry away from her sad eyes. Blood smears across my cheek as I try to stop the revolution, wiping tears from my face. It’s a losing battle. There’s nowhere to run from Jenna’s tender gaze. 

Don’t look at me…

And she doesn’t. Turning away, Jenna disappears from the room. 

Everything feels cold. As my hand tremors, I pull at my hair and try to breathe. It comes in stiff, stilted huffs. The more I try to control it, the less I can catch it. Panic clutches at my chest. Lost and overwhelmed, just a child crying in their bed. 

‘Look at me, baby,’ Mum said as she lifted my chin. ‘Take a deep breath. Together, okay?’ 

In through her nose, her chest rose slow and controlled. Her face was resolute as her hand swept up in time with her breath. I tried to copy, my own chest jittering as it swelled. Then she let go with an even exhale through her mouth, lips shaped like an ‘O’, hand pushing down. Wheezing, I followed. 

‘Good job, and again.’ 

She took it slower, breathed in for longer, as her lungs expanded deeper. Her hand continued to conduct the symphony of our breath. I found it easier though a few hiccups caught as new tears fell. Mum’s soft hands wiped them away as we breathed out. 

‘One last one. Ready? In…’ 

My hand copied hers as we inhaled. Like a cacophony of music finally coming together to play the same part, my breath followed hers in…

‘And out.’ 

Fsshhhhh…

‘AH!’ I scream when fingers wrap themselves around my wrists and tear my hands from my hair. Now-loose strands tangle through my fingers in a ratty net. The way they worm in my grasp, mixing with half-dried blood, makes me feel sick. A moist tea towel and then Jenna’s hand slips into mine. Calmly rubbing circles, dislodging the disgust from my hands, cleaning the rough edge of my life just like always. She crouches in front of me, mumbling apologies. 

‘Sorry for calling so late,’ Mum apologised, voice crackled through the receiver. 

‘Nah, you’re all good. What’s up?’ 

‘I had a shitty day at work.’ 

‘Oh yeah?’ I only half paid attention as she told me about her day, occasionally offering a grunt of acknowledgement or ‘that sucks’ of empathy. I was busy finishing up a quail. Honestly, I hadn’t realised how late it was until Mum called. Jenna passing out beside me should have been all the hint I needed that it was time to put the tools down an hour ago. 

‘So when are you coming back to Perth?’ Mum asked. I couldn’t help but giggle. She always did this. Slicking the last feather into place, I picked my phone up off the table. 

‘Mmm, I could use some Perth summer. Melbourne sucks for it.’ 

‘November then?’ She was being more insistent than usual. 

‘Yeah, towards the beginning. So I don’t miss out on any of the Melbourne warmth.’ I couldn’t tell her the truth. That we’d booked a stall at an oddities exhibition in the second half of November and Jenna would need me around to get through it together. The whole taxidermy thing icked Mum. She got weird around death. 

‘Sounds good. I’ll book you a flight.’ I could hear her tapping away on her computer. 

‘I can buy my own ticket,’ I chuckled, waiting for Mum’s rebuttal. 

‘It’s okay,’ Jenna whispers. Blood stains the cloth but when she pulls it away my hands are clean. She reaches up to my face next. The gentle baptism of her touch is too much. Cotton coarse against my skin. Every damp stroke stinging to my bones. Tension holding tight to my limbs. Everything hurts. 

My legs ached. Dragging my feet up the mountain, I couldn’t wait for us to get to the top. We walked along a thin path with leaves and branches encroaching on our space, Pop in front, Mum in back. I could hear her breathing rasp at my neck. She’d been falling behind on these walks lately. It must have worried her because she ended up going to the doctor about it. When she came back, she was quiet. I tried to ask her what the doctor said but she insisted she was fine, just tired. She’d been tired a lot. 

The sunset was blinding when we reached the top. A beautiful plateau for us to enjoy the view from. High above the valley, the landscape was drenched in rich greens and yellows. A rainbow of nature. We stared in awe, the trek proved its worth. 

While Pop and I shared water bottles and snacks, Mum wandered near the edge of the cliff. As she stood, I wondered what she was thinking. A hair’s breadth from oblivion, tempting death. Pop didn’t notice but I saw her. The tension in her limbs, the slight forward lean, her halted breath.

‘Mum!’ I called out to her and she jolted. For a moment I thought she’d go over the edge. She took a second before she turned, stepped back from the brink, but when her eyes met mine she failed to hide it. Despair. Fear. Loss. 

Jenna’s earthen eyes stare back at me. Warm, deep, golden. Giving in to the safety in there, I let go. Falling freely, I can’t stop the wails pouring out. It comes from my gut. Clenching painfully. Shaking my whole body. Tearing open my throat. I might be sick. The sound of my cries reverberates through the workshop. 

Though the corridors were winding, I knew them well. Following the stream of people, every white wall was somehow intimately familiar. Even the air itself. It was all home. Passing through the security doors and heading towards the baggage claim, the air conditioner worked overtime to keep out the heat. Once my bag came through the carousel, I stepped out into the warm to wait for Mum. Even in the late evening Perth managed to warm my bones. God, I’d missed this. 

Jenna gently takes me in her arms. Circling tight as snot runs down my nose and into her sleeve. I can feel her breath hitch with my head against her chest. A few tears of her own wet the top of my head. She rakes her fingers through my hair and massages at my scalp, breathing hushed assurances. 

‘I’m here, you’re not alone.’

Barbie drove by in her Star Vette, Mum’s hand at the wheel. It had been bad news from the doctor. Melanoma growths on Barbie’s skin, a result of too much tanning. Stage IV. No way of treatment. Barbie would be dead in a week. Melodramatic, just how I liked my play. I giggled as Mum gave a dramatic speech of woe, bemoaning Barbie’s impossible dreams that would never come to pass. 

‘There’s nothing left for me. Goodbye cruel world!’ Mum announced as she crashed into Barbie’s Dream House. Barbie went flying over the dashboard through the window, she hadn’t been wearing her seatbelt. 

Sound was sucked from the room like a vacuum. I looked over at Mum. Her empty face held stormy eyes, something I couldn’t quite read. Maybe fear. Maybe envy. She looked like she needed a hug. 

I throw myself into Jenna’s embrace, thawing the coldness, my hand smacking against the workbench in the process. Metal rings in my ears as tools clatter on top. It’s too loud. I reach out and slam my hand on top to stop it. The cold handle of the scalpel digging into my palm. 

‘Just breathe.’

My plane had landed over an hour ago at that point. It was nearly midnight and I was freezing. Mum hadn’t answered any of my texts or calls. A shiver wracked through my body again as I considered going back inside for the third time. Sitting on a bench in the pick up zone, I watched a woman reunite with a man. Maybe they were husband and wife, but he seemed like he was too old for that. Too young to be her father though. Siblings? 

My phone rang in my pocket. 

Caller ID: Step-Dad. 

I take hold of the scalpel. Its familiar weight in my hand is a comfort. The tears stop falling. It stings when I run my thumb along the blade, blood pearling at the site. I take a deep breath, just like Mum taught me. The edge rests gently on my wrist. Slowly, I begin to cut. 

‘We’ll get through this together.’ 

Lights beam and a car pulls up to the curb in front of me. I tear my eyes away from my phone, hope dull in my stomach. It’s a black Hyundai i30. Out of the driver’s side, a young woman with blonde hair steps out of the car. Much younger than I’ve seen her in years. She smiles when she sees me. 

‘Sorry I’m late, baby. Traffic was terrible,’ she says. Midnight turns into the breaking dawn and she seems to glow in that light like she was made for it. My phone falls to the ground and shatters. I run up to her, a child being picked up from their first day at school. Mum swings me around when she picks me up to hug me. 

Call rejected. 

‘Mummy!’