#i had to save them all to watch for later

[madelynraemunson]

Valentine’s Day is coming up and I can’t help but wonder how ex!husband Eddie would handle it. Would he break my heart? Break my back? Please Maddy I NEED to know 🙏

a/n: HE’S BACKKKK i’m clutching my chest 🫶🏼 how about some wholesome heartbreak for valentine's day? i tried to incorporate aspects of the original ST universe into the universe that is ex-husband!eddie. i hope you sweethearts enjoy ♥️

“valentimes” day

ex-husband!eddie x ex-wife!reader

summary: you and eddie share a dance when your wedding song unexpectedly comes on the radio…just like old times :)

contains: fluff, mutual-pining, topic of divorce, co-parenting

“if you’re lost, you can look and you will find me — time after time.”

divider from: @strangergraphics

word count: 1.4k words

‘Valentimes’ Day.

It’s what Junior likes to call it. At first you tried to correct him, telling him to drop the M and replace with N, but you decided to partake in the innocence. After all, nothing lasts forever.

Like the muddy footprints on the light wooden floors.

"I'M RIGHT ON YOUR TAIL!" Junior roars, chasing after his siblings with candied pretzels in his mouth. "GET READY TO FEEEEEL... MYYYYY... WRAAAAATH!"

You know what does seem to last forever though? The sugar high your kids are getting from their Valentine's Day candies.

“Walk, kiddos,” you scorn. “If we’re gonna get ourselves dirty, please take it outside.”

You watch as your Mini-We's respectfully pile out the door, marching in a single-filed line in their crowns and capes their dad had made for them not too long ago. And as you continue to cook, a hearty stew for a heart-filled day, you hear a jangling of keys at your front door.

The only other person who has direct access to your house is Eddie; and assuming he's adhering to the family tradition, you expected no one else.

A familiar sing-song whistle sounds from the entryway as Eddie makes his grand entrance. You smile as your ex-husband comes into sight — hands full with presents you couldn't quite make out yet — ready to greet you how he usually does every Feb 14th for the past few years.

“Yo.”

“Hello, hello!” you chime. “Look who’s become a one-tripper.”

“I know, I’m gettin’ better and stronger by the day,” Eddie chuckles. He closes up the space, welcoming you in his bubble with a hug and offerings for the day. “Flowers... for you…"

You blush in flattery, welcoming the Thanks-For-Having-My-Kids floral arrangement into your arms.

"Aaand chocolate," Eddie adds. "obviously.”

“Ooh, nougat."

“Uh huh," he smirks, proudly. "Everyone loves a nougat moment. I also got these teddy bears with wicked Rock-N-Roll soundboxes for the kiddos. Left them on your couch though. It's a surprise."

Eddie's always been such a stellar dad. No matter the occasion, he always made sure the kids felt included, and always made sure you felt appreciated for all your efforts. He shows out every Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day too. Just because you two have separated doesn't mean your past has been erased. Eddie wants you to know that this commitment is for a lifetime, no matter what it may look like to others.

"Thank you."

You walk over to the island to set your gifts down, then gesture for your ex-hubby to sit so you two can engage in some small talk.

Also, 'cause you’re nosy.

“Any plans tonight?”

“Eh, it was just to drop these off,” Eddie shrugs. “Might go to the bar later with some old high school friends. Try to talk up some ladies...”

“Groovy,” you smirk, eyebrows dancing.

“What about you?” Eddie inquires.

“Mama’s having a night in,” you sigh, taking a bite of some nougat. “Gonna pour myself a glass of wine and read a spicy novel before bed.”

“Mm,” Eddie hums. He crosses his arms, leaning forward to meet your gaze. “The one about the long-haired-adonis-with-steel-pecs-and-a-popped-linen-collar who comes to save the day?”

You cock an eyebrow. “You snooping through my book pile, Fabio?”

“No, you’re just predictable,” he teases.

♡

Your kids remain occupied, playing "beach" in the sandlot, away from the intimacy of the two of you.

Junior is using his disposable camera to take pictures of birds. Beside him, Elijah is digging a hole of sorts, and your daughter Aubrey is off in the corner, making faint heart-shaped etchings in what's left of the sand.

She sighs in dismay.

“I like candy and balloons, but this holiday makes me sad,” Aubrey frowns. “I used to be happy when Mom and Dad were together.”

“But they weren’t happy,” Elijah points out. “Now they are. It’s better this way, Aubs.”

“I wish there was a middle for everyone, though,” Junior says. “Like a halfway-happy.”

♡

Back in the kitchen, you and Eddie continue to catch up. You talk about the kids and how school and clubs are going. Elijah has a crush on a girl in his PE group. Aubrey wants to do cheer. Junior wants to perform in the talent show, but he's having trouble rallying some friends.

And you... well, you were burning through your book piles and watching grandiose Hollywood dating shows, sometimes also dancing around the kitchen to whatever Grocery Store-esque song comes on the radio.

"Can't believe you still have this thing," Eddie tsks, taking the rusty vintage boombox in his hand.

"It still plays the good tunes though," you shrug. "Why would I retire it now?"

Eddie shrugs in agreement, putting the boombox back where he got it. The song currently playing soon fades into the background while the radio host's voice comes back into focus.

"Another great hit from KISS!" the host announces. "I hope everyone is having a beautiful V-Day so far. We're gonna slow it down for you, Hawkins! Here's some Cyndi Lauper for ya — this is Benny and you're listening to WSQK Radio."

A nostalgic tune fills the air, the melodic, dreamy atmosphere reminiscent of a much simpler time.

You and Eddie look at each other in shock, hold the gaze for a few seconds, and burst out laughing.

<< Lying in my bed, I hear the clock tick and think of you >>

"Of course," you shake your head.

"What are the odds?" Eddie blushes, lightly punching the island with his fist to ease the tension. "Our first dance song."

It was a beautiful ceremony, your wedding. Wayne had too much to drink and was waddling around giving everyone hugs. The "kids" you grew up watching took a dramatic plunge into Lover's Lake at the end of the night. And during the dance, it was if, only for a moment, you and Eddie were the only ones on the dance floor, redefining the fabric of time because while it felt like an eternity, it seemed to have passed by in a second.

<< Flashback, warm nights, almost left behind >>

Time is a thief. That was nearly a decade ago.

"C'mon," Eddie encourages, grabbing your hand.

You're instantly launched back to present day. "What?"

"We're doin' it."

"Doing what?"

"Dancing."

You allow Eddie to take the lead, just how he always does when you two would embark on adventures. He whisks you away from the island and towards the dinner table for enough space to move.

"Eddie..." you stumble into him, chuckling nervously. "Really?"

"I mean..." he says, his chocolate eyes a-gleam. "Why not? For old times sake. While the song is on... while the kids are busy..."

His hands seek your hips and find them immediately. Your breath hitches as you take in the glory of him, his timeless face, and the aroma of petroleum from his day job. He's still the same Eddie. His love is pure energy. Never destroyed, just simply transformed. And you can't wait to explore more of this new form of love.

"I'd love to."

You two begin to sway, the essence of your wedding night illuminating through the dimming kitchen. Eddie smiles into you, his forehead nestled against yours, a strand of his wavy hair tickling your eyelashes that sit prettily against your lids.

<< If you're lost you can look and you will find me Time after time >>

Before you know it, the late winter sunset melts into nightfall and your kids, with chattering teeth, begin to pile back inside.

"Brother! Help me with my shoes!" pleads Junior.

"Please," Elijah reinforces.

"Please."

Suddenly, Aubrey gasps.

"Look!" she whispers to her brothers, pointing with an excited finger. "Mom and Dad!"

<< If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting Time after time >>

"So beautiful," Eddie murmurs into you as you two sway in each other's arms. "You always have been...so damn beautiful."

The warmth was like Christmas morning... a belated gift for the kids to watch two homes become one, for just a brief moment. You and Eddie are too busy wrapped up in one another to notice the biggest smiles on your children’s faces, hope flickering in their eyes as if their worlds were right-side up again.

“Halfway-happy,” Junior whispers breathlessly.

It was their (and your guys’ too, let’s be for real) happiest “Valentimes” Day in a while.

tag list 🏷️: @highinmiamiii @potatobeans99 @mediocredreams @joshlmbrt @eddiesxangel @enam3l @mmunson86 @davidblowies-blog @thatissonnina @oskea93 @aurora-austen @lesservillain @madeofmunson @bloodibambiidoll @eddiesghxst @munsonssweets @nailbatanddungeon @swiss-mrs @winchester-angel @belokhvostikova @curlyjoequinn @strangereads @marrowfrog00 @shadyunknowncreation @tuolcaniacoc @catherinnn @prestinalove @pleuviors @cinemabean @calumfmu @littlexdeaths @let-the-music-take-c0ntrol @meetmeatyourworst @b-irock @spencerssatchel @yes2476 @comeonatmebruh @bendoverncry @only4wakingup @wiltinglovers @sweetsweetjellybean @fromasgardandback @r4fe-cam3ron

[laambfuzz]

—- lunch munch club. ft schlatt. ᝰ

summary: watching porn late one night when you come across an interesting video. you're taken by surprise when you see the main male star is also the man who's streams you tune into almost daily.

— tags: smut, lunch club!schlatt, munch schlatt, mentions of oral, schlatt does porn (duh), open ending.. so we can expand upon this if we're interested.

authors note: hii! the two ideas i had originally can wait, because the lovely @fanficfox posted something about lc!schlatt doing porn and it struck me with inspo. so! everyone say thank you fox, and i hope you all enjoy! ♡

it's not uncommon for you to have some time to just yourself and the stash of porn videos that pop up on your twitter feed

twitter algorithm knows what to give you these days, which is nice. it saves you the hassle of finding a good account

but perhaps twitter knows you a little too well, when you're recommended a video of a guy eating a girl out

and you're intrigued of course, because who doesn't love that? especially when the camera is on her chest, helping entice you into the experience. as if it were you

the video is already a few seconds in by the time you click on it, and you're introduced to the scene with obscene moans escaping the girl

you can see her thighs tremble around the head in between her thighs, her free hand reaching out to run her fingers through the male's hair

you can hear muffled groans from in between her thighs, and you watch as the head moves back slightly, taking a breath

"god sweetheart, you taste so fuckin' good. could stay down here all night and take my sweet time with you."

that's when a shiver runs through your body, because oh. that sounded like.. and you supposed when you looked at the figure of the male, and the hair..

no. you were being stupid. of course you were. why on earth would schlatt of all people do porn. you know what he's like, he wouldn't

but oh, he would. and when he raises his head from beneath the girl's thighs with his lips glistening with her slick, you're frozen

it's as if your mind has short-circuited, because what the fuck?? you have so many questions; why was schlatt doing porn, why was he not making it subtle, why was he fucking good at it?

you don't have time to focus on your own questions, because your eyes are drawn back to the screen. you watch as his slim, naked body crawls up the bed, getting closer to the camera, licking his lips slowly as he groans

"words can't describe how good that was. need you to taste yourself, baby."

and with that, he's leaning over the camera to lock lips with the girl

immediately you close the tab. your whole being is flushed, and you feel hot inside for many reasons

you felt like you shouldn't have seen that, like you were.. intruding. which was stupid, he put this on the internet, there's nothing private about that

you decided you'd sleep it off. or that maybe this was a bizarre dream you'd wake up from not too long from now. anything but clicking back onto it

and yet only 10 minutes later, you had re-opened the tab

the next evening, schlatt is streaming and you try to watch it like normal. as if last night didn't happen

but you couldn't

now, every time he makes a suggestive joke or comment, you're transported back to last night

when he rolls his shoulders and cracks his neck mid-stream, you remember how he looked doing it in the video, before he crawled towards the camera

when he licks his lips after taking a drink, getting the remnants of whatever liquid he had consumed from them, you can only see him licking the girl's slick off himself

you felt insane, like you couldn't act normal about it

and maybe it was part of the insanity, but it felt like he knew.

maybe you were just psychoanalysing his every move now, but you could've sworn he was never like this before.. he was

you decided to test the waters with a few donations littered throughout the night

when he has ordered food in and was wolfing it down, there were scraps and sauces across his lips

"are you always this messy? i thought you liked to take your time with things."

when he's reviewing a video and he's talking a lot over a particular section

"you ever been told you talk too much, or do people usually like that?"

or, when he's playing a poorly made hide 'n' seek game with fans

"i'm not sure you're as good at hiding things as you may think."

"oops, 'things' autocorrected in."

every time schlatt hears one of your donations come through tts, he feels a shiver run down his back

he knew his little side hustle wasn't exactly locked behind security, it was just.. out there

maybe he was overthinking it, reading too much into your donations for no reason

either way, he's noting down your name on a sticky note on his desk for next stream for.. reasons.

[mejaemin]

bf!jungwon headcanons

day five of my valentine’s day countdown! ♡

wc: 1.5k

summary: self explanatory!

warnings: definitely very rushed and not proofread (you will probably find more than a few mistakes), fluff, very lovey dovey n flirty, the second to last one is very suggestive !!!

an: happy birthday jungwon !!!! one out of seven of my first loves in kpop is getting older :333 i hope it was spent full of love, here is this to celebrate !!! (adding colored text later)

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bf!jungwon who’s drawn to your presence, gravitating towards you even without noticing

you’re both very normal about not needing to be all over each other, mutually agreeing that it’s okay to have space sometimes

however… just because you guys came to that agreement doesn’t mean you have to listen, right?

he says he’s not clingy, yet he somehow always ends up by your side

“i’m not following you, i swear! i just.. ended up here!”

you’re at a hangout with jungwon and his friends, and you’re sitting on the couch with sunoo when all of a sudden you feel a head on your shoulder. platonic skinship is common between the eight of you, so you didn’t mind, but the feeling of said person’s head nuzzling into you like a cat immediately raises a flag as to who it is.

“wonie, are you tired?” you look down at him, running a hand through his soft locks.

he looks up at you from his phone, a content smile on his face as he shakes his head. “no, i just.. actually, i don’t even know when i came over here. i think i was on autopilot. i just felt like sitting down for a little.”

you giggle before returning to your conversation with his friend. jungwon relaxes into your side, perfectly okay with just cuddling into you while you chat. the day started off as a hangout for him that you just so happened to tag along to, meaning he would be more focused on his friends (which you didn’t mind), however he still manages to find his way to you even when that wasn’t the goal.

bf!jungwon who isn’t afraid to kiss you when you’re wearing lip products

you were used to dating men who would avoid kissing you when you had something on your lips, so you avoided wearing them around jungwon, assuming he was the same

however, he’s sitting with you while you do your makeup, and he sees your entire drawer full of lip products.

pulling it open, he looks through the piles in shock.

rather than saying something problematic, all he does is ask why you don’t wear them, and letting you know he doesn’t mind having a little tint on his lips

you’re sitting at your vanity doing your makeup, and jungwon pulled a chair from the dinner table to sit with you while you do so. he’s fairly quiet throughout the routine, watching intensely in a manner eerily similar to that of a cat. every once in a while he’ll ask a question or two, nodding at your response before going back to his trance.

after a while, it falls into complete silence, save for yours and his humming to the music playing and the shuffling of your hands and various makeup products. it’s quiet but comfortable, and jungwon finds his head falling against your shoulder as he falls in and out of sleep.

eventually, you pull open your lip drawer, sifting through the products before changing your mind and shutting it. he sits up in shock at the sheer amount of products in there, gaping before speaking up. “you’re not gonna put anything on your lips?” his head tilts.

“no, i don’t want it to bother you if i kiss you.” you pinch his cheek, shaking your head.

“oh please, i don’t mind a little bit of lip gloss. come on.” he opens the drawer, looking through it before he finds a shade he likes and pulls it out, taking your chin between his hand, he applies the product. pressing a kiss to your lips he pulls away to look in the mirror, rubbing what came off onto his own lips in. he admires the look, “see? i look good with a little pink anyway.”

bf!jungwon who is reminded of you with every little thing

he may or not be a little obsessed with you…

every time he goes out, he finds something to take a photo of for you, saying something like ‘us<3’ or ‘this is so you :3’

it could be something as mundane as a strawberry, but seeing it will trigger the thought of you

he was never an impulsive spender, but once you started dating, he couldn’t help but blow his money on everything that reminded him of you

you’re minding your business, laying around at home. jungwon is out with friends, doing whatever they might do with one another while you stay home. you just weren’t up to going out, so you let him go on his own. he felt bad, but you forced him to go on the agreement that he’d send updates throughout the whole day.

he said he’s on his way back now, and when you scroll through the messages from when he was out it brings a smile to your face. he has many photos of random things like his pretzel that was shaped like a heart, and a cat shaped puddle that was on the sidewalk. many other photos were sent of stuff you liked that he saw in stores, all captioned with the same ‘:ooo’ or ‘you want this?? it’s so you !!! :3’. it was the cutest, and you told him to leave them but when your front door opened, followed by the loud noise of crinkling shopping bags, you knew he didn’t listen.

he makes his way to you, a sheepish smile on his face as he sets the bags down in front of you. he gives a haul of all your gifts, animatedly explaining why he got them. the last one is kind of strange though, as he pulls out a container of expensive strawberries.

“um.. i know we already have strawberries, but i saw them and they made me think of you, so… we have more now?” his cheeks are flushed, but you kiss right over it at his cute tendency to buy something at the mere thought of you.

bf!jungwon and his lovely shoulders <3

his shoulders are your favorite thing about him, and for good reason of course !!!

they’re perfect for resting your head on when you’re tired, and he’s always willing to give one up for you

some people never skip leg day, but he never skips shoulder day because he knows how happy they make you

seeing the definition in his shoulder muscles when he takes his shirt off too… lord

the pool party you’re having with yours and jungwon’s friends is going surprisingly well, yours and his friends mixing very well. it’s perfect, and you’re all getting along well. right now you’re at the outdoor table with your friend and sunghoon under the umbrella, talking about god knows what when you see jake and jungwon reach for the water guns. the older fills his up, and your boyfriend begins removing his shirt before following suit.

“yeah, and it’s so dumb because why would…” you trail off, zoning out at the sight before you.

his back is to you, muscles flexing as he pulls his shirt over his head. your mouth falls open without you realizing, your eyes trailing over every chiseled line and divot in the muscles in his back and shoulders. his skin is smooth, glistening under the sun. you’re brain is already turning to situations where he’s over you, and your nails leave dark red lines across the smooth skin, drawing blood as he…

sunghoon’s hand waves over your face, completely unamused at you. “save the heart eyes for after we go home please, god.. and i thought i was bad with the zoning out..”

bf!jungwon who wants nothing but time with you for his birthday <3

it’s a little corny, but when you ask him what he’d like for his birthday the only thing he says is that he wants you!

no gifts, no material things, only you to hold and love on

of course he’s grateful for whatever you buy him anyway, taking the best care of his gifts

but his favorite is you being by his side for what he hopes is forever

jungwon’s bedhead is ridiculous as he sits up in your shared bed, the blanket falling to reveal his bare chest. you sit down on top of the sheets, leaving kisses all over his face and lips before setting down his gift bags next to him. you also have a miniature cake, decorated with paw prints and cats.

“happy birthday wonie!!! i know you said no gifts, but i can’t help it.. i went to the store and just went crazy!”

you stick the candle in the cake, lighting it before singing to him. his smile is bright, albeit tired, as he enjoys your voice. once done, his eyes shut, and he blows the candle. when his eyes open, he swipes a finger through the cake to eat.

“thank you so much, lovie, this is all so amazing.. you know what i wished for, though…” he whines, putting the cake down in the nightstand to pull you into his arms and onto the bed.

“hmm, do i?” you giggle.

“yeah, you do.. all i wanted to do was spend it with you, y’know? you didn’t have to spend any money… just stay with me, right here…” he hums, already getting sleepy. you don’t mind, giving him what he wants, you, and more simply because you can’t help it.

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[writingwithciara]

across the hall; part 4 -quinn hughes-

summary: y/n moves in across the hall from quinn and in an emergency, she leaves her five-year old daughter in his care

word count: 2.2k

pairing: quinn hughes x reader, toxic ex-boyfriend x reader

notes:

y/n woke up the next morning feeling different. something about what happened yesterday made things blur between her and quinn. they were friends, sure. but there was no denying the chemistry between them, no matter how little it was.

she got out of bed and got herself ready before heading down the hall to abby's room. she pushed the door open slowly and saw abby sitting up in bed, already dressed.

"good morning, princess. how long have you been up?"

"20 minutes. i dressed myself. see?"

"i see that." y/n smiled and crouched down to abby's level.

"do you like it?"

"i love it." she ran a hand through abby's hair. "you excited to stay with quinn today?"

"yes. and bella."

"i forgot you like her too."

"she's so nice. i hope she has candy today."

"oh i'm sure she will." y/n stood up. "will you let me do your hair today?"

"can quinn do it?"

"i think he's already gone." y/n smiled and walked towards the bathroom. there was a knock on the door so she turned around and headed back. y/n opened the door and smiled when her eyes landed on quinn. "hey. i thought you would've already left by now."

"i was getting in my car when i remembered that abby doesn't really like getting her hair done so i thought i'd come back up and see if she wanted me to get it done for her."

"you know what? i think she would really like that. thank you." y/n closed the door and followed quinn to the bathroom. when he stuck his head in, y/n didn't even have to see the look on abby's face to know she was happy.

"hey kiddo. i'm here to do your hair."

"yay!" she giggled and y/n set her up on the counter before leaning against the doorframe.

"thanks for this, quinn." y/n watched as he brushed abby's hair genttly and began to put it into two braids.

"it's no problem at all. saves you the trouble, right?"

"yeah. right." y/n was in awe. not only with his work on the hair but with the way he was helping her. there was never going to be enough ways to repay him for everything.

"there. all done." quinn stood back to admire his work. "you girls ready to go?"

"yeah. we'll be right behind you." y/n grabbed some stuff off the kitchen counter and shoved them into her bag. abby went to her room to grab her own bag and joined her mom in the front hall. quinn opened the door for them and while y/n locked it, quinn picked up abby and put her on his shoulders. she giggled and held on tightly.

the three of them made their way down to to the parking garage. quinn helped get abby buckled in before heading over to his car.

"you'll be right ehind me, right?"

"yes." y/n smiled while quinn got in is car and drove out. she was about to start her car when andy knocked on her window. "what are you doing here?"

"can we talk?"

"can it wait? i've got somewhere to be."

"okay well you don't work until later, so..."

"i don't want to know how you know that." y/n shook her head.

"where are you going?"

"it's really none of your business, andy." y/n sighed and pulled out her phone. she drafted an sos text to quinn and was hovering over the send button but she looked back at andy.

"i just want to talk."

"we can talk later. i'll text you when we get home, okay? please?"

"alright fine." he stood back and watched y/n drive out. she quickly erased the drafted text and decided to call quinn instead.

"hey. i just parked. you here yet?"

"no. i ran into andy before i had the chance to leave."

"he didn't....he didn't hurt you, did her?"

"no. i'm fine." she couldn't help the way her heart seemed to leap at quinn's words. "i'm pulling into the parking garage now. what level are you on?"

"second. i'll wait by my car for you."

"okay." y/n turned onto the second level and when she saw quinn saving a spot for her, her heart began to melt. he moved out of the way and when she was in park, he helped get abby out of her seat. "are you sure nobody will mind us being here?"

"i already called ahead to make sure. told them it was a protection thing and they understood."

"thank you." y/n smiled and before she could take a second to think, quinn was grabbing her hand and walking towards the locker room.

"you can stay out here and wait for me or you can head on in towards the bench. bella will be there to meet you guys."

"yay. bella." abby looked at quinn. "do you know if she has any candy?"

"i'm not sure. but she might." quinn set abby down next to y/n and stood up. "i'll see you guys in 10 minutes."

y/n nodded and headed down the tunnel with abby right beside her. when she saw bella waving, the two of them made their way to her.

"i'm so glad you're here. i don't usually come to the arena this early but when quinn called me yesterday and asked if i could keep you two company, i immediately agreed. couldn't say no to you guys."

"you don't mind keeping an eye on abby for me during the game?"

"not at all. work is important." bella smiled and looked down at abby. "i brought you something."

"is it candy?"

"as a matter of fact, it is." she smiled and handed abby a bag of candy. "i got more in my car but we should definitely save that for the game."

"okay. thank you." abby dug into the candy and smiled.

y/n looked out at the ice. "so what's quinn like? i feel like i know a lot about him. but at the same time, i also feel like i don't know enough. know what i mean?"

"i totally get it. he's certainly an enigma. but like i said last time we talked, he was a fairly grumpy guy before he met you. he's also really sweet and protective of the people he cares about. from what i've witnessed, that includes his family, his teammates, the wags and now you."

"what are the wags?"

"wives and girlfriends." bella smiled and turned her attention to the boys walking out of the tunnel and making their way onto the ice.

"oh."

"yeah. and don't be alarmed or scared if you're grouped into the wag category. they'll see you hanging out with us and honestly, sometimes, it's easier for the staff."

"alright. thanks for the heads up." y/n looked directly at quinn and found it hard to take her eyes off him as he skated around with brock. both the boys looked over at the bench and smiled.

"so, tell me your story. what brings you to vancouver?"

"i was in a really shitty relationship and i needed to get as far away as possible. so i moved out here and even this wasn't far enough."

"what do you mean?"

"he found me somehow. but quinn has been the perfect buffer and i couldn't be more thankful i moved into the right apartment."

"you know, when quinn first told us about you, i thought you were his girlfriend. and even when i met you, that's what it seemed like. you two compliment each other in ways i've never seen before. and forgive me if i'm overstepping but it seems like there might actually be something between you."

"i don't think there is. and even if there was, it wouldn't work. we both have busy lives and things would turn difficult real fast." y/n smiled at quinn when he skated up to them.

"how are my two favorite girls?" he looked at abby and smiled when she handed him a piece of candy.

"we're doing great. loving the practice." y/n smiled and handed him his water bottle. her phone buzzed in her pocket so she pulled it out. "my boss wants me to come in early." she glanced down at abby. "will you be a good girl for everyone today?"

"yes mama." she continued eating her candy while y/n started walking away.

"wait." quinn caught up to her. "i'm going to need abby's seat for later."

"oh right." y/n smiled and walked towards where she parked. quinn had to change out of his skates so he was a little behind. when he caught up to her, he grabbed the seat from her backseat and smiled. "thanks again for today, quinn. i don't know what i'd do without you."

"it's no problem. i love having abby around."

"she loves having you around too." y/n grinned and opened her door. before she got in, she leaned up and kissed quinn's cheek. "i'll see you later."

quinn was frozen for nearly a minute after she left. he touched his cheek and felt the heat from the kiss there. things just got so much more confusing for him.

he put abby's seat in his car and headed back into the building before he could get in trouble.

the rest of practice went by fast. abby and bella were walking towards the locker room to wait for the boys when abby turned to look at bella.

"bella?"

"yes sweetheart?"

"thanks for the candy."

"you're welcome, darling." she smiled and continued holding the little girl's hand.

the second quinn came out of the locker room, abby ran to him. he picked her up and smiled.

"hey kiddo. it's still pretty early so how about we go and get some lunch?"

"yes. i am starving."

"you and brock want to join us?" he asked as he glanced over at bella.

"yeah sure. that sounds like fun." bella grabbed brock's hand and followed quinn to the garage. "we're parked on another level so just text us where we're eating and we'll meet you there."

"okay. see you guys in a bit." quinn walked to his car and buckled abby in. "you having fun today?"

"absolutely." abby kicked her legs happily while quinn pulled out of the garage.

"alright. where do you want to eat?"

"the restaurant we ate breakfast at yesterday. can we eat there?"

"absolutely." quinn sent a quick text to both brock and bella before continuing their travel.

----------

later that night, quinn played his best but ended up getting taken out halfway through the 2nd period. knowing what he might've needed, bella brought abby down to the locker room and waited for the medic to finish up. when he left, she brought abby into the room.

"i know this isn't exactly what you wanted, but it's the next best thing. i promise." she smiled at him as abby ran and hugged him.

"this is what i needed. thanks, bella." quinn smiled back as bella left the room. "i'm sorry if the game has been disappointing for you."

'it hasn't. i liked it all. until you got hurt." she reached up and tapped the bandage on his arm. "do you have to stay here until the end of the game?"

"yeah. unfortunately i do. but you can stay here with me if you want. or bella can take you back to your eat."

"am i allowed to stay here?"

"not in the locker room. but we hang out in the media room and watch the rest of the game."

"okay. let's go."

quinn brought abby down the hall and into the room where they would be spending the remainder of the game. after the 2nd period, they both went back to the locker room to chat with the team. abby sat in quinn's locker space while he went to the coach. brock, who was sitting next to her, offered her a piece of candy.

"what do you think of the game so far?"

"i love it. i don't like that quinn got hurt though. that guy was mean."

"yeah, he was. but quinn is way tougher than he looks." brock chuckled.

"yeah. i think that's why mommy likes him."

brock raised his eyebrow. he wanted to ask more but quinn came back over.

"alright. time to go back to the media room, abby."

"okay quinn." abby ran to the door when she saw bella. brock wanted to tell quinn what abby just said to him but he didn't have enough time. so instead, he headed down the tunnel while quinn ran to catch up with bella and abby.

half an hour later, the game was over. and the canucks had lost.

as quinn drove home with abby, he wanted nothing more than having y/n waiting there for him. their friendship was still a little new so he knew he couldn't say how he was feeling about the girl across the hall. but he could keep it inside as long as possible.

he didn't want to mess up what they already had. and with the added complication of andy, he knew there would never be a right time to tell her. he was just going to have to learn how to deal with it.

----------

tags: @alwaysclassyeagle

[honeyscara]

❝ just kiss me ❞ – Yamaguchi. T

-haikyuu

Synopsis: you've liked him for a while but Yamaguchi seems to think you like Tsukishima. This changes one night when you decide to prove him wrong.

C/w: fem! reader x timeskip! yamaguchi, blowjob, yams being a sub leaning switch, markings, fingering, protected sex, mentions of aftercare,yams being a gentleman, reader being dom(?), tsukishima being tsukishima, 18+ MDNI

~4.2k words

Yamaguchi’s eyes drank in the sight of you at the party, his fingers tightening slightly around the cup in his hands. You looked stunning—your short black dress hugged every inch of your curves, the low V-neckline teasing just enough to make his throat dry. Your hair was loose, framing your face in a way that made his chest ache.

You had always been on the curvier side, something most guys wouldn’t typically go for. But Yamaguchi? He fucking loved it. He always had—since middle school, when his crush on you started and never really faded. But he had been too shy, too scared to ruin your friendship, especially when he convinced himself you had feelings for Tsukishima instead.

And yet, when you turned toward him with that bright smile, your eyes full of warmth, all the thoughts in his head blurred.

“Yams, lighten up and come dance with me and Tsukki,” you urged, tugging at his arm playfully.

He forced a small smile but shook his head. “It’s okay. You have fun.”

Your smile faltered for a second before you let out a small huff. “You better join us in a few minutes.” Then, with one last tug at his sleeve, you turned and walked toward Tsukishima.

Yamaguchi watched as Tsukishima barely hesitated before resting his hands on your waist, pulling you close as the music shifted into a slow, intimate song. His stomach twisted at the sight. It hurt. He hated feeling this way, hated that he was jealous of his best friend, but how could he not be? Tsukishima was taller, cooler, and always knew what to say. Who wouldn’t like him?

Trying to push the feeling down, Yamaguchi swallowed a deep sip of his drink and looked away.

What he didn’t notice, however, was the way your smile had disappeared.

You were upset.

Yamaguchi was so damn convinced you liked Tsukishima, but he was completely wrong. You had never seen Tsukishima that way—he was like a brother, nothing more. The one you had always liked? The one you’d been crushing on since middle school?

It was Yamaguchi Tadashi.

And Tsukishima, being the ever-observant asshole that he was, had known it all along. He had spent years watching you and Yamaguchi dance around your feelings, and frankly, he was fucking sick of it.

So, while swaying slightly with you on the dance floor, he leaned down and muttered, “Why don’t you go talk to him? You’re both miserable right now.”

You sighed. “Tsukki, he’s been so distant. I feel like… I don’t know. Maybe he doesn’t like me that way.”

Tsukishima scoffed. “He doesn’t?” His lips curled into a smirk. “Let’s test that, then.”

You frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Head back with Yams,” he suggested, glancing toward where Yamaguchi sat, gloomily staring at his drink.

“What? And what about you?” you asked, narrowing your eyes.

“I’ll be fine,” he said, waving you off. “I’ll come back later.” Then, after a pause, he added, “But in the meantime… make a fucking move, since he won’t.”

Your face heated instantly. “Tsukki—”

“There are condoms in the second drawer in the living room, by the way,” he added with a smirk.

You gaped at him in horror. “Why the fuck do you even have them there?”

“I might’ve fucked around. And I’m seeing someone,” he said, completely unbothered.

“YOU WHAT?! WHEN? WHO?” You fired off question after question, scandalized.

Tsukishima only chuckled. “Save the interrogation for later. Right now, your priority is Yamaguchi.” He nudged you in Yamaguchi’s direction. “Go.”

You hesitated for only a moment before exhaling sharply and nodding.

“Fine.”

“Good.” Tsukishima’s smirk widened as he watched you take a step forward. “Now go get your man.”

You shot him a glare but didn’t argue. Instead, you took a deep breath, turned on your heel, and made your way toward Yamaguchi determined to finally do something about this damn tension between you two. Yamaguchi barely had time to react when you slid into the seat beside him.

"Come back with me," you said, your tone light but firm.

Yamaguchi blinked. "What? But—"

"Tsukki said he’ll come back later with the other guys from the club," you cut in smoothly. "So it’s just us for now. Come on, I don’t wanna head back alone."

He hesitated, eyes flickering to where Tsukishima was still lounging by the bar, watching the two of you with an all-too-knowing smirk.

“…Are you sure?”

"Yams." You gave him a look. "Yes, I’m sure. Now, are you coming or not?"

With a sigh and a defeated chuckle, Yamaguchi downed the rest of his drink and stood. "Fine, fine. Let’s go."

The drive was quiet.

You stared out of the window as Yamaguchi focused on the road, one hand gripping the wheel while the other rested near the gear shift. The hum of the engine filled the silence between you, but your mind was too full to enjoy the peace.

It wasn’t until a few minutes later that you finally turned to face him.

"Hey, Yams," you started, voice softer now.

"Yeah?"

"Do you… like anyone?"

His fingers tightened on the steering wheel just slightly before he let out a breathy laugh. "Nah. I don’t really have time for that right now. I just wanna focus on my studies."

Your heart sank.

"Oh," was all you managed to say, trying to ignore the sudden weight in your chest.

Still, you forced yourself to push forward, your next question lingering on the tip of your tongue.You took a slow breath, gathering the courage to ask the question weighing on your mind.

"Then… what would you do if I liked someone? And… I started dating them?"

Silence.

Yamaguchi’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles turning white. His stomach twisted painfully, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe. That was the one question the one fucking question he never wanted to hear from you.

He swallowed the lump in his throat, forcing a weak chuckle. "What sort of question is that?" He flashed you a smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Of course, I’d be happy for you."

It felt like something inside him shattered.

And from the way your shoulders tensed, he wasn’t the only one dying inside.

"Idiot," you mumbled under your breath, barely loud enough for him to hear.

Then, without another word, you turned away, resting your head against the window as the cool night breeze hit your face. Your expression was unreadable, but there was a sadness in your eyes that made Yamaguchi’s chest ache.

Why were you acting like this?

His eyes flickered to your reflection in the glass, watching the way your fingers clenched slightly against your lap. You looked… upset. But why? Did his answer disappoint you? He wanted to ask wanted to understand but the words died in his throat.The rest of the drive was painfully silent.

By the time the two of you arrived at your shared dorm, Yamaguchi let out a small sigh, running a hand through his hair as he stepped inside.

"Well," he started, voice a little awkward as he turned to you. "You should get some rest. Sleep well and—"

Before he could finish, you suddenly grabbed him and shoved him against the wall, pinning him in place.

Yamaguchi barely had time to react, his breath catching in his throat as your hands pressed firmly against his chest. Your expression was filled with frustration—your eyes burning with something he couldn’t quite place.

His heart pounded in his ears."...W-What—?"

Your hands tightened against Yamaguchi’s chest as you stared at him, frustration burning in your eyes.

"Why?" you demanded, voice sharp. "Why are you so unaffected? Why don’t you care if I date someone?"

Yamaguchi swallowed hard, his brain scrambling for an answer, for anything that wouldn’t betray how wrecked he truly felt. But in his panic, he let something slip.

"Of course, I would be happy for you and Tsukki," he said, forcing a small, strained laugh.

Your entire body stiffened.

"Tsukki?" you repeated, your voice barely above a whisper. But it wasn’t soft—it was dangerous, laced with disbelief and rising anger. "You really fucking think I like him?"

Yamaguchi's breath hitched as you leaned in closer, your fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt.

"You fucking idiot," you hissed, your voice trembling slightly, but not with hesitation. With frustration. With emotion. "I like you. I fucking like you, Tadashi. And only you."

Everything you had bottled up for so long—every glance, every touch, every moment you held back came pouring out.

Yamaguchi’s eyes widened, his lips parting slightly in shock. "R-Really?" he stammered, his voice so small, so unsure, as if he still couldn’t believe it.

You didn’t answer. You didn’t need to.

Instead, you grabbed him by the collar and crashed your lips against his, kissing him with a hunger that had been buried for far too long. You kissed him like you had been dying to—like this was your only chance, like you had been waiting years for this moment.

And Yamaguchi?

The second his mind caught up, he kissed you back just as hard, just as desperate—his hands finally finding their way to your waist, pulling you impossibly closer.He had waited for this, too.

You finally pulled back, breathless, your heart pounding so hard you swore Yamaguchi could hear it. His face was completely red, flushed from his cheeks down to his neck. But then again, yours probably was too.

His lips were slightly parted, still wet from your kiss, and his wide, hazy brown eyes stared at you like you had just turned his entire world upside down.

You swallowed, your fingers still gripping his shirt as you tried to steady yourself.

Then, without thinking, you spoke.

"Tadashi…" Your voice was lower now, almost a whisper. "I want you."

Yamaguchi stiffened under your touch, his breath hitching. His hands, still resting on your waist tensed slightly, his fingers digging in just a little.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with both hesitation and something deeper.

You nodded, breathless. "For fuck’s sake, Tadashi, just kiss me."

His eyes darkened instantly, fingers gripping your waist tighter before his lips crashed against yours. This time, there was no hesitation, no second-guessing—just pure, unfiltered hunger. His lips moved against yours with desperation, his tongue sliding past your parted lips as he deepened the kiss. He tasted the wine lingering on your tongue fucking delicious.

Yamaguchi’s hands slid down your thighs before gripping them firmly, lifting you effortlessly. Your legs wrapped around his waist instinctively, your fingers burying themselves in his soft, greyish-green locks, tugging just enough to draw a low groan from his throat. He carried you to the couch, lips never once leaving yours, only breaking apart long enough to lay you down. His breath was heavy, chest rising and falling as he took in the sight of you beneath him—flushed cheeks, half-lidded eyes, lips swollen from his kisses.

"Fuck," he muttered under his breath, swallowing hard as he unbundled his belt, tossing it away.

"Tadashi let me" you said as your hands reached out to his pants, pulling them down. His breath hitched as your fingers grazed against his clothed erection. "Shit," he moaned, the sound barely above a whisper, but filled with so much want. His hands fisted at his sides, trying to hold himself together, but you had him unraveling too easily.

"You look so fucking cute" you say as you pressed against his rock hard erection, enciting a whimper from him. so fucking cute.

Your fingertips tugged at the waistband of his boxers before pulling them down to free his erection completely. As your hand wrapped around his member, he shuddered under your touch, groaning when you licked his tip that was leaking precum.

"So big" you commented as you gave his tip kitten links. His hands tangled in your hair as he tried to maintain a steady breath. Yamaguchi was already dizzy with it, hands gripping the couch for some sort of stability.

"Please…" he groaned, voice strained, body taut with tension. "I-I can’t…" he begged as you took your time teasing his cock, enjoying his pleas.

"so needy,why didn't you confess sooner yams?" you replied before taking his member in. He hissed, pushing into your warm, wet mouth. Yamaguchi bucked his hips forward as if he were begging you to go faster, to suck him harder, but you wanted to enjoy each little moment together.

You gagged a bit, tears forming in the corner of you eyes as you bobbed your head up and down his length. He drank in the sight of you, biting his lips to muffle a moan. God you looked so fucking gorgeous with your messy hair and tears at the corner of your eyes as you sucked on him.

His head tilted back, a shuddered breath leaving his lips. "Fuck, Y/N…"

He was close. "can i?" he let out and you nodded, knowing what was about to happen next. Your mouth remained open as he pumped gently into your mouth, eyes shut tightly. A shaky sigh left his lips before he pulled out, cum spilling onto your face and lips.

"Oh god," Yamaguchi whispered as he collapsed on top of you, arms wrapping around you protectively. "I love you so much.…" You smiled softly at him but Yamaguchi sat up straight, his arms pined your wrists to the edge of the couch.

"Let me make it up to you now," he murmured, his voice lower, rougher—filled with something dark and unshaken. A shiver ran down your spine. This was new. A different side of Yamaguchi, one you hadn’t seen before, and god, it was intoxicating.

He didn’t give you a second to process it before his lips found your neck, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses along your skin. His hands roamed your body with purpose, mapping out every curve, every inch of you, as if he had been dying to do this for years.

You let out a shaky moan as he sucked on the soft skin near your neck. You wanted him so badly, heat pooling in your lower abdomen. The way his lips moved against your flesh sent shivers down your spine. His hands gripped the straps of your dress pulling them down till your chest exposing the soft flesh. You shivered when the cold wind hit your bare skin.

"f-feels good-" you breathed out as he squeezed your pert nipples between his thumb and index finger while sucking on your collarbone.

"You're so fucking pretty" he whispered pulling away to discard his shirt while you unzipped your dress completely. You gasped as his tongue trailed over your breasts.

"y-yams.." you moaned out, wrapping your legs around his waist as he sucked on your mounds. A yelp left hour lips as he sucked down a little too harshly. "be gentle"

"I'm sorry darling" Yamaguchi said softly, pulling away just a little to make sure you were okay before peppering kisses lower to your stomach. Your breath hitched as he trailed his fingers against your inner thigh. Your head fell back and you closed your eyes as he continued kissing lower, savoring each and every moment.

Your hips bucked forward as he slipped his fingers in your panties and pulled them down. The cool air brushed across your exposed clit making you squirm. Yamaguchi licked his lips as he stared at you hungrily, his hand tracing circles on your inner thigh.

"God, you're so beautiful" he rasped, sliding his index finger into you, causing you to gasp louder than before.

"fuck atleast warm me" you whimpered, as he pumped his digits in a slow rhythm.

"ah–sorry" he said and gave small pecks on your face. You hummed as you felt his thumb swirling around the sensitive bud.

Your head fell back against the hand rest of the couch, grasping onto the cushions tightly. "faster please" you whined quietly and Yamaguchi nodded before sliding another finger. It was rough, but he still managed to be gentle. You felt the familiar pressure building in your belly and arched your back as he pushed two fingers inside of you. Just as you were about to reach the climax of pleasure, he pulled his fingers out, licking them. "So sweet"

"Yams, what the hell—" you whined, frustration thick in your voice, and that only seemed to amuse him.

He chuckled, low and teasing, his fingers tracing along your skin. "I thought you’d want this more," he murmured, his voice dripping with confidence, his movements deliberate.Your breath hitched as he positioned himself at your entrance, the weight of the moment settling in.

"Wait—Tsukki said the condoms are in the second drawer," you stammered out, your voice shaky, mind fogged with anticipation.

Yamaguchi scoffed, running a hand through his messy green locks. That bastard. Of course, Tsukishima had planned this.

Muttering something under his breath, he reached over to the side table, pulling the small packet from inside. His fingers fumbled with the wrapper before he brought it to his teeth, tearing it open effortlessly.*That was hot.* You swallowed hard, your body burning under his gaze.

He groaned as he slide the latex on his cock, positioning himself at your entrance once again. “Now it’s my turn to make you feel good” he rasped

"oh god– fuck" you cried out as he pushed in slowly. His hands gripped your hips, keeping you steady despite how much you trembled beneath him."It's okay baby, I've got you," Yamaguchi assured you, his voice a soothing murmur as he thrusted slowly.

"ah—" you moaned, barely able to form a coherent thought, your mind clouded with nothing but him—his touch, his heat, the way he fit against you so perfectly.

Your thighs tightened around his hips, desperate to keep yourself grounded, but it was impossible when every roll of his hips sent a fresh wave of pleasure coursing through you.

His eyes never left yours. That unwavering, intense gaze made your breath hitch, your heart race, your body burn. He wasn’t just fucking you—he was devouring you with every movement, every deep thrust, every flicker of raw emotion in those eyes.The way he looked at you with so much love, hunger, and need made your body tremble. It was intoxicating, dizzying, and it only made you want him more.

"i—tadashi fuck, so fucking good" his name rolled off your lips, breathless and wrecked as he drove his cock a little faster, until you were gasping desperately, tears pricking your eyes. He knew you were close. "Cum for me darling" he drawled, his tone so gentle yet so commanding.

You squirmed a bit before coming undone with a long, drawn out moan, your nails digging into his skin and holding him close as your pussy clenched around him, your release coating the latex condom.

"you're so fucking good" Yamaguchi choked out a moan as his own climax finally hit. Dropping his hands to his side, he pulled own slowly from your throbbing cunt. He tossed the condom into the bin before collapsing beside you on the couch, his breathing still heavy, his body warm against yours.

Without a second thought, his arms wrapped around you, pulling you into him as if he couldn’t bear even an inch of distance. His fingers brushed back the strands of hair sticking to your damp skin, his touch gentle, reverent.

"How did I get so lucky?" he murmured, his voice soft, filled with awe. "I can't believe you chose me"

You let out a tired chuckle, pressing your face into his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "You’re such an idiot, Yams," you muttered, a weak smile tugging at your lips.

He only tightened his hold on you, burying his face in your hair. "Yeah," he sighed, content. "But I’m your idiot now." Yamaguchi let out a satisfied sigh, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of your head before shifting slightly.

“You must be exhausted,” he murmured, his fingers tracing lazy patterns along your arm. “Let me run us a bath so we can clean up and get some sleep.”

His voice was gentle, but there was a quiet insistence in his tone, as if he wanted to take care of you in every way he could. Slowly, he sat up, stretching before glancing down at you with a soft smile.

"Stay here, I’ll get the water ready," he said, pressing one last kiss to your forehead before pulling himself off the couch, disappearing into the bathroom.

︶ ⏝ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ⏝ ︶ ︶ ⏝ ︶ ୨୧ ︶ ⏝ ︶

The next morning, you woke up before him, the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the curtains. Yamaguchi lay beside you, his face relaxed, lips slightly parted as he breathed steadily in his sleep. He looked so peaceful—his messy green hair falling into his face, his freckles standing out against his warm skin.

You smiled, propping yourself up on one elbow as you watched him, admiring the way his bare chest rose and fell with each breath. He was only wearing a pair of shorts, while you were wrapped up in his oversized t-shirt, the fabric hanging loosely over your frame, barely covering the marks he’d left on you the night before.

As if sensing your gaze, his eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep. He blinked up at you before his lips curled into a lazy smile.

"Morning," he murmured, his voice rough from sleep. His eyes roamed over you, taking in the way his shirt draped over your body, the way the collar had slipped off one shoulder, exposing the dark bruises he'd left on your skin. His cheeks flushed slightly, but there was admiration in his gaze.

Before he could say anything else, the door suddenly swung open with a loud bang.

"Get up, lovebirds," Tsukishima's deadpan voice filled the room. "I made some soup."

Yamaguchi groaned, burying his face into the pillow while you scrambled to pull the blanket up over yourself.

Tsukishima crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe with an all-too-knowing smirk. "So," he drawled, eyes flicking between the two of you, "you two finally got down to it, I'm glad my plan worked"

Yamaguchi choked, immediately sitting up. "Tsukki—"

The blond ignored him, instead zeroing in on the fresh marks blooming across your neck and shoulder. His smirk widened. "Damn, Yamaguchi, you really marked her, huh?"

Your face burned as you instinctively tugged Yamaguchi’s shirt higher, shooting Tsukishima a glare. "Tsukki, get out."

Just as Tsukishima was about to leave, a thought suddenly crossed your mind, making you sit up.

“Wait, Tsukki.”

He stopped in the doorway, turning his head slightly, already looking irritated. “What?”

You smirked. “Remember last night before we left the party? You said you were fucking someone and seeing them.”

Yamaguchi’s eyes widened, suddenly more awake. “wait what!! tsukki you never told me.”

Tsukishima visibly tensed, his hand gripping the doorframe a little tighter. “Didn’t think it was that important.”

“Oh, but it is now,” you teased, leaning forward. “Who is it?”

Yamaguchi grinned, clearly enjoying the rare moment of Tsukishima being the one on the defensive. “Yeah, Tsukki, you better spill. Someone from campus?”

Tsukishima exhaled sharply, adjusting his glasses. “It’s… someone from the college prep classes,” he muttered, clearly annoyed.You and Yamaguchi exchanged a look before bombarding him with more questions.

“Wait, who exactly? Are they in our department?”

“How long has this been going on?”

“Are they the reason you’ve been staying out late?”

“Does she wear glasses? I feel like you’d go for a glasses girl.”

Tsukishima’s eye twitched. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left, muttering something about how he definitely should’ve just stayed quiet. You and Yamaguchi burst out laughing.

“That definitely got under his nerves,” you said, grinning.

Yamaguchi stretched, then leaned over to press a soft kiss to your cheek. “We should freshen up and go have that soup. And, you know…trouble Tsukki more.”

You smirked. “I like the way you think.”

[thelov3lybookworm]

Misapprehensions and Confessions (part 2)

(moodboard creds to @sunshinebingo🥹)

Day 2: First Fight

Summary: It has been a regular routine for Gwyn to seek out the spymaster for training. And when he suggests helping her out with getting reaccustomed to society, it doesn't take too much persuasion for Gwyn to agree. But when he doesn't show up one day, Gwyn takes up the liberty to accompany herself into the city.

That one decision is all it takes for it all to fall apart.

•○●⛦●○•

Word Count: 3943

Warnings: angst hehehe, misunderstanding, azzie is a dummy but sweetheart cassian is there to make you happy 💪🏻 a teensy bit of an argument, but i think thats it?

A/n: heres the second part for the mini series for day 2 of @sjmromanceweek❣️ writing the angst was so much fun honestly, LIKE IT GAVE ME LIFE 🥹🥹🥹

once again, it was so good doing this collab with my love @sunshinebingo 🥹 ily so much omg thank you for doing this w me😭🥹

Read on AO3 here

ANYWAYS, ENJOYYYY!!!🥳🥳🥳

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

Gwyn’s pov.

Next week came, but the Shadowsinger did not.

Gwyn had been waiting for almost an hour at their usual meet up spot in one of the sitting rooms in the House of Wind, having snagged a book from the library to flip through as she waited.

She had been excited for the meet up, to say the least. She couldn’t stop wondering where he was going to take her this time after going to the restaurant the previous week. The thought had kept her up all night as she twisted and turned in her sheets.

She had gone the extra mile while getting dressed up too, picking out the teal sweater Azriel had once mentioned made her eyes look brighter. Under that, she wore a pencil skirt with tights, having seen one of the females in Velaris wear something similar. She had thought the female looked pretty, and wanted to see what she looked like in it herself.

She continued to flip the pages of the book, reading and reading, smiling at the words. The story was cute, one of a female who was trying to save her family with the help of her siblings and friends, one of them being her love interest. The banter, the softness they shared made Gwyn long for a similar connection, if not more.

She loved the male love interest a lot, and the fact that he was so similar to one of her own friends did not go unnoticed by Gwyn.

Maybe she will have her own love story one day, with the friend she liked more than she should.

More than friends should like each other.

But with each moment that passed, her eyes stopped reading, and remained unseeing. The tilt of her lips fading as she got lost in her own head. She stared down at the soft, crinkling pages, running her fingers over the edges. They were painted in beautiful shades, depicting a scenery of a mountain from the book.

Pretty.

But not pretty enough to distract her from the absence of a certain Shadowsinger.

Footsteps drew Gwyn from her reverie, and she perked up, her gaze lading on the doors she had left ajar. Hope bloomed in her gut, even as she knew it was not the one she had been expecting coming closer to her.

The footsteps were too heavy, too powerful, to be his.

Still, she waited, she watched, she wished.

She hoped.

And a moment later, Cassian strutted into view, a smile gracing his face when he realised Gwyn was in the room. She returned the smile, willing her disappointment to vanish.

“Gwyn! Good seeing you here!” He paused behind the couch adjacent to the one Gwyn sat on. “I thought you might be down in Velaris, this is a pleasant surprise.”

Gwyn sighed, relaxing into the soft cushions behind her. “Yeah, I thought so too.”

His brows furrowed, and he quickly glanced around the room. “Where’s Az?”

She shrugged, setting the book aside and pushing to her feet. “I don’t know. Maybe he’s busy?”

Cassian’ confusion was palpable as he huffed. “He can never be busy enough to put off your dates.”

“We don’t go on dates.” Gwyn scowled. “They are outings.”

He simply smirked in return, lifting his hands in a placating gesture. “Sure, right. My bad.”

Gwyn’s eyes narrowed as she watched him walk over to the balcony, dusting off her skirt absentmindedly. “Are you going somewhere?”

He glanced back at her, nodding. “Nesta’s at the river house with Feyre and Nyx. Gonna go pick her up.”

Gwyn chewed on her lip as she thought, then her eyes shot to him. “Hey Cass?”

“Hmm?”

“Can you take me down to the city?”

This time he turned to her fully, his brows high on his forehead. “I…what?”

Gwyn rolled her eyes, ignoring the new sadness taking root in her chest at the lack of those playful shadows and their quiet master’s presence. “Do you not want to?”

He took a step forward before pausing, extending his hand. “Oh no, no I would love to. I am just surprised, that’s all.”

Gwyn raised an eyebrow, but moved closer to him to let him pick her up. By this point, she was comfortable enough with him that the spike of fear and anxiety no longer pierced her heart when he was in close proximity to her, and it was just another thing she was proud of herself for.

He gently wound his arms under her knees and back, careful to only touch her where needed, and flapped  his wings once. There was a reason the house built in the mountain was called the House of Wind, because as soon as he lifted from the ground, a powerful gust of wind caught under his wings and sent them soaring. He glided smoothly, his wing muscles beating effortlessly. Five centuries of flying practice truly showed in his skills.

Gwyn had once studied about wings and how they work, reading extensively about Illyrian ones. They had been so fascinating to her then, as they were fascinating to her now. The way they moved always had her mesmerized. Every time she flew with Azriel too, she would either always stare at his wings or the city down below.

Azriel.

Gwyn looked away from Cassian’s wings, instead casting her gaze downwards, towards the ground that rapidly grew closer as he descended. His feet touched the ground with a light thump before he bent slightly and set Gwyn on her feet.

“Are you sure about this, Gwyn?”

She turned to him, nodding. “I am. We go out every week so I can get accustomed to socialising once more.” And just because Gwyn was feeling petty, she added. “I’m not going to mess up my routine just because someone cannot be bothered to inform me before standing me up.”

Cassian’s lips parted, but then he closed them with an amused smirk. “Very proud of you, Gwyn.”

Though his expression was teasing, his words sounded so genuine they nearly brought Gwyn to tears.

“Thank you, Cass.”

“I will likely be here for an hour or two, depending on Nyx’s mood and who he is currently attached to today, so you can just come to the River House if you want to go back.” He clasped her shoulder, smiling. “And even if I’m up there, you can just ask Rhys to get me, yeah?”

Gwyn nodded gratefully. “Of course, thank you again.”

She waited until Cassian had turned away, waving in farewell as he climbed up the steps to one of the majestic houses of the High Lord.

Then she turned, and began wandering down the street.

She gazed at everything she passed by, unwilling to miss even a moment of the sheer beauty of Velaris. The shimmering waters of the Sidra, the golden shadows casted by the dying sun across the ground and the flora, the faelights bobbing gently over the entrances to shops and restaurants. Hawkers selling their wares, fruit stalls next to dessert stalls.

She walked without a destination in mind, her hand bent at a slight angle towards her thigh - where she had strapped her dagger under her skirt- involuntarily, the action muscle memory at this point.

She was lost in thought, wondering what could have been so important that Azriel had not even bothered to inform her. It could have been that he was on an important mission, and that he had no way to contact her. It could have been that he had almost completely forgotten.

Gwyn didn’t know. But she did know that she was mad, and she would not forgive him until he had grovelled enough.

The moment she had the thought, guilt followed. What if he truly was busy and if he had taken time off to send her a letter, he could have been in danger?

She shook her head, trying to dislodge the thought as she glanced around her. She felt tired already, so bored out of her mind without him. She had no idea what she even wanted to do anymore. It would have been better if she had stayed home and completed her projects for Merrill.

Home.

It was such a beautiful, comforting word. The word that had meant nothing to Gwyn for years after her sister was taken from her. It was just that, a word. No meaning, no feelings.

But for quite some time now, since she had met Nesta, since the day Gwyn had dragged herself to the training ring, telling herself over and over that she would be fine, better even, that Cassan would not hurt her, that he wasn’t that kind of a male, a male pathetic enough to force females to feel better about his own self, the word had taken on a new meaning.

Gwyn had learned that home meant more than just four walls and a roof. Home meant friends. Home meant laughing over trivial things, freely and loudly. Home meant warmth.

Home meant Azriel.

She didn’t know when, or how, but slowly, he had become the definition of friend, the laughter, the warmth that made a home, home.

And slowly, the intimidating, lonely walls that had kept her from the scary outside world became so much more.

It was almost dark, the horizon tinting darker and darker with each passing moment, when Gwyn stumbled upon the restaurant that Azriel had taken her to the previous week.

She smiled at the sight of those pristine walls, the memories that surfaced threatening to make her giggle. She walked on, passing by the entrance, the beautiful stars leading up to it.

And she caught a whiff of the smell she had become so familiar with.

It caused her bones to freeze, her muscles stiffening as she turned her head to look.

The interior was still dark, so different compared to the outside. Soft aroma of chicken, rice, herbs, everything drifted out, mixing into such a sweet smell that it would be impossible to not go in.

But yet, under that, was the smell of cedar, of night, of shadows.

Gwyn’s eyes narrowed, and she had only taken a step up the stairs when she saw him.

Past the reception, past a number of tables and chairs and candles, he sat.

At the same spot he had sat with Gwyn.

With the same smile on his face, his eyes soft. His hand under his chin, his lips tilted as he nodded.

At a female. The chair Gwyn had occupied merely seven days ago was now occupied by a female.

She looked like a complete opposite of her.

Curly blonde hair piled spilled down her shoulders, her eyes and skin the prettiest shade of brown. Her figure was curvy, soft, sweet. So unlike Gwyn.

The female wore a strapless tight fitting dress, the material clinging to her like a second skin.

She looked so comfortable, so confident, Gwyn wondered why she ever thought she even stood a chance with Azriel. Of course he’d be interested in someone who was confident in herself, someone who wasn’t afraid to know and show she was pretty.

His words from the previous week floated around in her head amidst the confusion and hurt, solidifying her new beliefs.

“So you like it?”

“Of course I like it! Anyone would love this place. It is so beautiful.”

Had she been only a friend who he wanted the opinion of to impress the female he was actually interested in? Just a guinea pig?

Gwyn’s eyes prickled, and she took a step away, as if simply the sight of Azriel touching the other female’s hand - smiling secretively, his eyes hooded and seductive- would burn her.

Yet she couldn’t look away, not until someone bumped into her shoulder, apologising profusely. She didn’t even look at the fae. She bowed her head in acknowledgement before willing her legs to move. Hoping to leave before Azriel’s shadows - who for some reason were so attuned to her every move that she would find them anywhere she went - reported her presence to their master.

She moved through the thickening crowds, laughing children and flirting adults. Kept pushing herself to walk, to run, back to the River House. She needed to go back. She knew she could not handle any interactions, especially one with Azriel if he found her before she could drown herself in work.

Just when the house came into sight, she slowed down, blinking hard and regulating her breathing. She could see activity inside the house, soft warm light spilling onto the grass under the windows and the porch leading up to the main door, which opened just as she went to knock.

“Gwyn?” Nesta stared at her wide eyed, brows high in surprise.

“Um, hey Nesta.” Gwyn swallowed uneasily.

Instantly, Nesta was alert. “What happened? Did someone do something? Where’s Azriel?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you Nes. I think Az forgot about their date and Gwyn went into the city alone.” Cassian’s voice answered before Gwyn could, and for that she was grateful, as she wasn’t feeling particularly excited to speak.

Nesta’s eyes hardened as she glanced at her mate. “He mentioned he was going out with a female. Did he not inform you? ” She turned to glare at Gwyn. “And even if he forgot, why the hell did you-”

“Nesta, she is not a child.”

Gwyn’s blood went hot, anger simmering through each vein as she realised he really was on a date. And he had told Nesta, but not her.

She would kill him.

Nesta opened her mouth to speak, then seemed to think the better of it and just pulled Gwyn into a hug. “What happened, Gwyn? Why do you look so spooked?”

Gwyn shook her head as best as she could in her friend’s embrace, her heart finally slowing down slightly at the comforting touch. “Nothing, really. I just got a bit… anxious, that’s all. I just want to go back up.”

Nesta pulled away, nodding and turned to Cassian. “Drop her off at the house please, I can wait.”

“Nesta- no-”

The glare Gwyn received in return was enough to shut her up as Cassian picked her into his arms like she weighed nothing, then shot into the sky.

“She really is scary sometimes, no?”

Gwyn huffed, her lips tilting in a surprised smile. “She was mad when we first met too.”

He laughed, his chest vibrating against Gwyn’s upper arm as she kept her arms folded close to her chest. He quieted after that, his focus solely on the mountain that loomed over them.

He flew towards the main sitting room, which they all used most of the time, as far as Gwyn knew.

But he was not Azriel, and the sitting room was not close to the library.

Just another reminder of how considerate, how attentive Azriel had always been to her. Of how he forgot about her today.

But no, she wouldn’t spend her day thinking about him anymore. Not when he couldn’t even bother to let her know he was going on a real date.

That he was ditching her for the one who he actually wanted.

She bid a goodbye to Cassian, not waiting to see him fly off before she retreated to the dorm she shared with her fellow priestesses, pulling out the large tomes she had been assigned to read through and summarise.

But she knew she wouldn’t be able to focus.

Not with him occupying her thoughts.

Az's pov

Something was wrong. 

Azriel had considered many things in order to understand what was bothering him so much. 

Last night's mission had gone fine; the female he had to seduce to get important intel an easy one to flirt with to get her to talk, even when his entire being had recoiled at his sweet talking and his suggestive touches. Even his shadows had felt uncomfortable and had hissed after every few minutes of the interaction. But it had been a necessity for his job, his duty towards his court. The accomplishment of this mission should have filled him with relief and a sense of freedom from something he had felt reluctant towards from the start. But still…

Rhys and Feyre had thanked him for the information he had gathered that day. Azriel didn't need their thanks for having done something that was expected of him, although having the validation of his High Lord and Lady had been nice. But still…

Something was wrong. 

You know what, one of his shadows whispered. The only one that had bothered speaking to him since his mission with that female. All the others were still oddly silent, leaving that one - the same one which had always favoured Gwyn since they all met her - to occasionally use its voice to throw some scathing comments at him.

Azriel sighed after one of his daggers hit one of the dummies in the training ring. 

“Yes. I know,” he muttered, even with no one but the moon and his silent shadows to hear him.

At least he thought.

Footsteps sounded at the doorway, before the source of Azriel’s troubled mind walked onto the training area. An intense wave of emotion washed over him; hope, relief, joy, excitement…awe.

Gwyn looked breathtaking under the starry sky, the night making her look even more fierce as she walked determinedly to the weapons rack clad in skin tight leathers.

Azriel stood still for a moment, unable to move as he watched his shadows - every single one of them - rush to her. Gwyn giggled at their excited dance around her. He heard her whisper something to them but couldn't make out what it was. He mentally called for his shadows to come back to him. None listened. 

“Uh… hey,” he finally blurted out.

Gwyn turned to him then. Azriel felt a heavy weight drop in his stomach at the apathetic look in her eyes. His heart constricted with fear and worry, so much that he immediately began walking towards her.

“What happe-”

“Hi,” she cut his question off. Her dry tone stopped him in his tracks.

“Are you alright?”

Something flickered in her eyes for a second before she turned her back to him, took a deep breath in, then out, and picked up a few daggers from the rack. 

“I'm fine,” she gritted out without looking at him.

Azriel frowned in confusion.

The hell she was.

He hadn't seen her at training this morning, hadn't caught a single glimpse of her anywhere for the entire day, hadn't heard the sound of her voice. And now that she was here before him, the usual light missing from her eyes and her posture stiff as though from restraint, she dared say that she was fine?

Gwyn walked past him, his shadows trailing behind, and stopped a distance away from the dummies in which the daggers he had thrown earlier were still embedded.

He followed.

“You can lie to anyone about this, Gwyn, but you can't deceive me.”

Her first dagger flew and landed in a dummy's throat. She let out a humorless laugh.

“Is this tonight's lesson then? Lies and deception?”

She threw another dagger, this one lodging itself in the centre of the dummy's chest.

Azriel looked at Gwyn from head to toe, hoping to find answers to the growing mystery unfolding before him. He desperately wished to know what was happening to her. He needed to make her feel better. Azriel needed his Gwyn back.

“Gwyn please,” he took a few steps until he stood right in front of her. His shadows remained closer to her. “What is happening?”

The sadness that darkened her eyes as she looked at him made him feel like the dummy, this invisible weapon sinking straight into his heart. It twisted deeper inside him with the tears that he noticed pooling in her eyes.

He brought a hand up and cupped her cheek. “My Gwyn,” he whispered, unaware that it had made it out of his mouth. 

Her teal eyes fixed on his hazel ones, searching. For what, he did not know? But he was certain that he was ready to give her anything. Before he could give in to the urge to pull her into his arms, anger flashed on her face. 

She grabbed his wrist and pulled his hand away. 

“Don't,” she said as she put more distance between them. 

Azriel didn't hear what she murmured to his shadows due to the beating of his heart resonating in his ears and which drowned out every other sound. He didn't even acknowledge them slithering back to him. He only watched Gwyn run away and disappear through the doorway. 

Azriel stood there, frozen and stunned. Until he felt his shadows smack him in the face, their shadowy forms conveniently solid for a task like this. 

Idiot master, hissed the one shadow.

Is that all you have to say? He scowled at it. What would have been more helpful was if they told him what was wrong and how he could fix things with Gwyn. But that was apparently not in their plans. 

I'm going with her, was all it said before it floated away. The others stayed. They remained silent, leaving Azriel alone with his thoughts. 

The conversation - or was it an argument? He wasn't sure - replayed over and over in his head, even as he descended the stairs down into the House of Wind. He was so distracted that he didn't notice Cassian until he almost crashed into the chair he sat in at the living room table.

“Whoa! You alright here brother?” Cass asked, his mouth full of the cake he had a huge slice of on his plate. 

Azriel pulled the chair next to Cassian and sat down. He pulled Cassian’s plate towards him and snatched his fork right out of his hand.

“I'm fine,” he said. He winced at the memory of those same words coming from Gwyn. The dread he hadn't realised he had been feeling worsened at the mere thought of her name. 

He dug into Cassian's midnight snack, shoving a forkful of cake into his mouth.

“You don't have anything to do with Gwyn rushing down the stairs to the library like the house is on fire do you?” Cassian stared at him with raised brows.

Azriel looked at him. “What…?” was all he managed to ask with his full mouth.

What is happening to her, to us? What did I do? How do I fix this? 

His shadows still remained silent.

Cassian stared at him while rubbing his chin.

“Listen, I'm only asking because she hasn't seemed well since she went out alone yesterday.”

Azriel suddenly felt like he was swallowing stones. “What?” he asked incredulously. 

What is he talking about? 

His shadows did not answer him again. But Cassian thankfully did.

“She insisted that she didn’t mind you missing one of your dates,” he put the last word between air quotes, “but her face told another story.”

Cassian kept talking, telling him how Gwyn had looked when she had joined them at the River House after.

Something clicked inside him. The fork he held fell on the table, its clatter echoing in the room.

Finally, his shadows muttered collectively.

“You're more dense than I thought.” Cassian shook his head, disappointment lacing his words as he dragged the plate back to him.

Azriel’s eyes widened. His heart pounded in his chest. His mind raced in panic.

He fucked up. And now he was paying for it, he realised. He needed to fix this. He had to if he wanted Gwyn back. And Azriel was willing to do anything.

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

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[dreamin4smth]

Maria Robotnik VS Sonic 3

So I watched Sonic 3 last december and I can’t stop thinking abt it. Especially what they did with the Shadow and Maria story, so now Ive come here to speak my mind and go through just how GOOD of an adaption they are in the movie. Holy shit. That was wild.

Ill be comparing Game!Maria and Movie!Maria and how their characters work in the story. Im sure there are hundreds of analyzis out there of them that might be saying the same things I will. Idk I havent watched any, but these are my own thoughts Ive gathered from watching the movies and the games. So I hope they make as much sense to you as they do to me lmao.

Because, good lord, it must have been difficult for the writers to handle the question “how do you adapt the story of a hedgehog made by the blood of space alien colonizers all in favour of saving sick child from dying?“

What did the writers do? Well lets see.

To understand the difference between Movie!Maria and Game!Maria we need to understand what Maria as a character does to the story. So lets start there.

Game!Maria

Maria robotnik in the games serves a special roll that promotes her to something more than just a character. Game Maria is a symbol. Her story is set from the moment we learn of her, and her character is more there for plot reasons rather than being an independent veichle in her story. The Maria we meet is soft spoken, compassionate, a fanatic and an inspiration for Shadow. She’s dressed in blue with golden hair and with a leap in her step. There is little fault to be found in her because thats not what she’s ment to be. Maria is a representation of innocence.

She’s a sick child who wishes for everyone on earth to be happy, and all of this is ment to lead you to the horrors of her then being killed. But the point is, Maria in the games is stagnant. She represents the life that Shadow had on the ARK, but more importantly, she represents SHADOWS innocence. Maria as a character is not her own story but rather a subpart of Shadows, and that is where we find the biggest difference with the Games and the movie. Dont even get me started on the almost religious imagery that follows her around. I mean, her names MARIA. Her roll is to be the center of love in Shadow’s life. Shes a sister, a best friend and even motherly at times. And while Shadow generations definetly gives us more of a laid back version of her, we can still see her maintain that untouchable rightousness that makes her character almost age-less. In a sense. She’s a child to highlight her innocence, yet in all other terms she really isn’t. Game Maria is an idea.

So what does the movies do then?

Movie!Maria

Sonic 3 saw all this and decided to do smth a bit different. To introduce such a compex narrative in a movie for children would definetly have been... Difficult, so instead they tone down the version a bit and make it their own thing. Who does Maria become? She becomes a CHARACTER.

Movie Maria is a child who is going to be living at a base filled with adults and scientists. She walks into the first scene with caution and nervousness, and yet as she meets Shadow, she finds a kin. And who we meet is a Maria that is goofy, mischevous, gleeful and daring. She’s a child here. She builds blanket forts, throws pop-corn at her brother, makes him driver her around on roller-skates and plays the guitar. Movie Maria is not ment to represent more than what she is, and still, it works. Movie Maria is innocent but she’s not the definition of it. She’s a person that shadow lost rather than an idea that he lost. The Maria we meet in the movie is a moving character that was abruptly stopped by external forces. She was always ment to have a future and a story, and yet she lost that. Movie Maria’s tragedy lies in her lost potential while Game Maria’s tragedy lies in her inevitable outcome. This also creates a difference in what they do to Shadows own personal journey, which ill get into more later.

So before that one more thing I love that they do with Movie Maria is that they still let her keep that inspirational part. She’s the one to inteoduce the line “the light shines even though the star is gone“ to Shadow and unknowingly ends up helping Shadow in his grief. While Game Maria is activly trying to bring positive change to Shadow’s life, Movie Maria uninentionally does that simply by showing kindness and love. She is still Shadows sister who was always there for him and loved him, just in a different light. She is still his moral compass. Shadow can be a good person because of her impact on his life, and in my opinion, as long as she fits the afformentioned categories then Maria can be whatever the writers want her to be.

So last but not least, lets talk abt her sickness.

Maria’s Sickness

Game Maria is deathly sick. Her days are numbered until a cure can be found, and the only hope left for her is Shadow. This creates a dependency between the two because suddenly, Shadow’s life isnt his own. He is alive for and because of Maria. She’s a part of his identity, so what happens when he loses that part of himself? This internal conflict directly influences Shadow’s self worth. Shadow is as much angry for losing her as he’s angry for losing himself. The very reason to why he says “goodbye shadow the hedgehog“ in Shadow 05 is because he can no longer be the same person after losing Maria. His goals and his dreams are haltered when the ARK gets invaded, ans it all leads back to Maria’s sickness.

Which is why... Well... The fact that the movie removes this part of Maria sure is... A choice.

And while I understand that showing a sick child who is then killed by the military would probbaly raise a few eyebrows from adults, that still doesnt change the fact that a very unique and important part of Shadows story was removed.

Movie Maria is there more or less on her own ackord. She has a future ahead of her. Her and Shadows relationship isn’t built on mutual depenency but rather as a circumstantional one. Which still works, dont get me wrong, but it does make the story just a tad more generic. Shadow is no longer angry for losing such a big part of his identity, he’s just doing the former part now. Grieving the most important person in his life, as well as his home.

This hardly ruins the story ofc, its just a different take on the story that, in all fairness, fits the vibe of the movie better. Bringing in terminal illness and conversations around that would definetly be a tough one. And because of them making Maria more of a character now it still works. She’s already an innocent and tragic character. She’s not ment to be innocence and tragedy incarnate like she is in the games. You get the point.

All in all. Almost perfect adaption of Maria in my opinion. I love movie Maria and it was such a clever way to go with the character. She and Shadow will always have a special place in my heart.

Hope you liked my little thought essay. I can talk abt Sonic characters all damn day 🫶

[cravinganotherworld]

Amorous - Final Chapter - Frontman x fem! reader.

WARNINGS: Suicide, mention of blood, death, heartbreak

NOTES: i Recommend listening to Iris by Goo Goo dolls for the extra heartbreak:)))

See other chapters here:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2, Part 1

Chapter 2, Part 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Wordcount - 1K

Tags: @cypherpt5fttaehyung @tinylawyerbluebird

“Y/N No!” In-ho’s voice is silenced by the ringing of a gun shot as you pull the trigger. He felt all of it, every bit of your pain as if he himself had taken the shot to his head. Time stands still as he watches your body fall to the floor and every cell in his body is telling him to move, to run to you…to save you but his legs wouldn’t carry him. All he could do was watch as you bled onto the floor creating the most perfect mosaic even in death, and the more you bled the more he realised what had happened. Slowly he began to walk over to you, taking caution with each step until his eyes land on your face. A small gasp escapes his lips as he falls to his knees beside you. Gently he lifts your head onto his lap, letting his back rest against the wall as he holds you. Leaning down he presses his forehead to yours and begins rocking you as tears start to fall from his eyes. 

“Please come back…please come back to me…. Please…. please” he whispers as his tears fall onto your cheeks. The sound of heavy footsteps fill the air as guards begin to make their way back to headquarters, In-Ho quickly lifts his head wiping away his tears and lovingly presses a kiss to your forehead before placing you gently on the ground and getting to his feet. As he stands the guards turn the corner and freeze in their steps as they watch In-ho look down over your body.

“Do not burn her body, put her in a coffin and send her back to the mainland” The guards nod their head in understanding and walk towards your body, before ether of them could touch you In-Ho roughly grabbed them by their arms.

“If anything happens to her, I promise you will wish to be in her place” he speaks sternly, venom running through his words. They gulp and nod their heads before In-ho let them go. He watches as they take your arms and legs and places you gently into the coffin that had been brought up by the circle guards.

“Wait” In-Ho whispers as they begin to close your coffin. He walks over to you and takes your hand in his, not caring that all the guards could see and brings it to his lips.

“I promise to find you in the next lifetime sweetheart” he presses a final kiss to your cold hand and places it across your stomach before walking away, tears threatening to spill once more.

2 years later

Winter was always your favourite time of the year, you loved being able to wrap up warm in a blanket with a hot chocolate in your hands, a book on your lap and your music playing softly as the snow fell delicately outside your window. Each year your grandfather would take you to the Christmas market, until he fell ill of course. Since you passed In-Ho became close with your grandfather, taking care of him now that you couldn’t and through him, he learnt so much about you. He only found himself falling deeper and that was the thing that kept destroying him and hardening his heart. All he wanted was to have you in his arms, to kiss you again…but he couldn’t, and it was his fault. A year after you died your grandfather also lost his life. In-Ho tried with all he had to save him, paid his medical bills, ensured he was comfortable and stayed with him until the very end. He buried him next to you.

In-Ho pulled on his coat and headed out into the cold, you would’ve loved today. The snow fell so delicately it blanketed everything like a work of art, he could only imagine how you’d look with snowflakes in your hair and the tip of your nose red from the cold. His heart lurched at the thought, and he started to head down the road towards the cemetery. As he walked through the gates, he saw your gravestone in the distance beautifully decorated and resting peacefully under the willow tree and smiled to himself. Soon enough he stopped in front of your stone.

“Hi sweetheart” he whispers and gently wipes the snow away as he once did with the tears on your cheeks. “I’ve missed you…. it’s been 2 years without you…today in fact” he smiled sadly at the thought “The days just seem to be getting harder; I find myself craving your smile, your touch…your kindness and warmth” he slowly knelt in front of you “It was never supposed to be this hard” he confessed. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around much; I had business to deal with…on the island” He takes a deep breath “I ended them…the games…losing you made me realise just how much I put on the line…just how much I hurt you and betrayed you…and I’m sorry” Tears begin to fall down his cheeks. “I’m so sorry sweetheart…if I could take back everything to have you back in my arms even for just a second, I wouldn’t even think twice” He looks around watching the snow fall faster now quickly covering everything on the ground, including In-ho.

“You made me feel again…feel things I never thought I could and without you I feel so empty…as if the other half of me is missing and the longer I stay here the more this feeling eats away at me…so” He takes a deep breath “I’m here to say goodbye Y/n…, if I stay I’m just waiting for the impossible…I’m waiting day and night for you to run into my arms and I know that will never happen…I have to let you go” he wipes his tears yet more quickly fill their places. ” Thank you…for everything, thank you for showing me that I can love again, thank you for loving me even when you knew you shouldn’t…thank you for letting me catch you” He whispers as he stands. He lovingly places his hand on your stone. “I love you y/n… I will always love you…I promise I will find you in every lifetime” In-Ho brings his fingers to his lips and kisses them before pressing them onto your headstone and walking away finally…letting you go.

[barleyalive101]

This discussion is old but

Vi’s reaction in S1 act 1 episode 3 is 100% justifiable, I’m tired of some people hating on her for it.

She’s 15 yr old kid who just watched her brothers die right in front of her , their bodies crushed under the rubble, then her father figure bleeds to death in her arms after saving her life.

All of that happens due to an explosion that later revealed due to her baby sister not listening to her.

Vi’s anger after what she just witnessed and with her young age is justified.

Even after Vi hits powder , she regrets it immediately the moment she realises she hurt powder and walks away to CALM herself down not to leave and when Vi saw powder in danger she immediately jumped to help.

“Powder only wanted to help” I know I’m not saying powder did it on purpose nor she deserves hate for it , powder had her reasons ( wanting to prove herself, wanting to save her family,,etc) for not listening to Vi and going anyway, she was also just a kid.

I desperately wanted them being told , that horrible night wasn’t their fault , that what happened wasn’t on them , they were just kids.

I also hoped that Isha being thrust in jinx’s life would make her understand why Vi didn’t want to take her that night. That Vi just wanted her baby sister safe.

[princesseddiediazz]

Idea for a post-canon Destiel set up. It's long so bear with me but I'm never gonna write this but if someone else wants to or takes some inspiration from this-- feel free to do so. Castiel is saved from the Empty. One day, maybe a month after trying to get him back-- Jack just plops him into the Bunker. One little hiccup tho: Cas is human. Temporarily at least. Jack couldn't get Cas out of the Empty as is bc the entity had its hooks in him deep. And Jack thought the simplest thing to do was to cut Cas' grace out of him. You can't keep Castiel if he's a human. Jack plans to replace Cas' grace once he has a better grasp of his God Powers. Promises Cas will be extra-charged up eventually but for now, he'll have to remain human for the time being and has to chill with Sam and Dean in the bunker. And Dean's cool with that. He's been wanting Cas back for ages since the black goo swallowed him up. Only there's one problem that's screaming in Dean's head. He doesn't love Cas back.

Look, Dean cares about Cas so much. Cas is one of the most important people in the world to Dean and he wasn't gonna be able to live without Cas and function normally. That being said, that's just normal friendship stuff right? Or at least for their friendship it's normal to know that, had Cas been stuck in the Empty for eternity, Dean would have killed himself and eventually found a way to dismantle his soul. Because the thought of existence, even in death, without Cas in unbearable. BUT THAT'S NORMAL FOR FRIENDS TO FEEL THAT WAY ABOUT JUST FRIENDS! So Dean doesn't love Cas back and he's trying to be cool about it. Trying too hard to be casual about it. But it's fine enough. He cooks Cas food, they watch t.v, get updates on Jack about re-making Cas' grace, and Dean even makes Cas laugh and smile sometimes. So yeah, maybe Dean doesn't love Cas back but this might be enough. Right?

There's a hunt. Dean's hesitant on Cas going as a human but Cas says he was a soldier for a millennia, he'll be more than capable of handling his own in a fight. People are going missing and then being found weeks later, their bodies showing signs that before they died they were in deep distress. It's a monster Sam finds out tortures the victims mentally because it feeds off emotions. This one seems to feed off their victims feeling despair. Utter fucking despair. Great, Dean thinks. This will go fucking great. Cas gets caught so of course Dean goes after him. He's always gonna go after Cas. It's a shit show. They're tied up together and the monster can read human Cas' mind, no longer able to protect all his wants and desires with the shield that was his angel grace. The monster starts doing the cliche bad guy monologue and talks about it's seeing into Cas' mind and sees how badly he wants Dean.

Dean rolls his eyes. "Yeah, I already know pal. You're not gonna win this." Because it can't. It won't. Cas already confessed his unrequited love to Dean and yeah, it must hurt Cas to be reminded of it. But this isn't a secret. Dean knows and the monster can't use this against them right? (wrong. So very fucking wrong)

The monster keeps pushing, keeps revealing Cas' wants. His desires. "I'm surprised an angel's thoughts could be this sinful. Or is that why you're not an angel anymore?" it mocks. And look-- Dean's not shocked by Cas wanting sex with him. Because yeah, the guy's in love with him so Dean figured there was a good chance that Cas wanted to fuck him. And who could blame him? Dean knows he's a good looking guy and well-- he can't fault Cas for that. That's easy to understand. What's not easy to understand is what the monster continues to say. Says that's not even what Cas wants most from Dean. What could Cas want from Dean more than sex? Intimacy. Not just sexual intimacy but intimacy at its purest form. The monster says it's pathetic, Cas' thoughts. How Cas secretly cherishes every moment they touch. How he's felt selfish for liking when they hug after a dangerous fight and how he's reprimanded himself for even allowing himself to like those hugs. How when he heals Dean, it was something he hated himself for liking. How now he longs for those casual moments. A touch on the shoulder, feeling Dean brush by him in the doorway, a pat on the back, etc. How Cas has only been able to fall asleep some nights since becoming human when he pretends it's Dean he's holding in his arms and not a pillow. How he pretends he's watching over and protecting him because the highest honor he'd ever be given would be to watch over and hold Dean. How Cas thinks that if he had a heaven, it would be that.

The monster reveals all of this to Dean.

Cas' eyes are shining with tears. He's not looking at Dean. He's trying so hard to hold his emotions in, to keep them from spilling out but Dean's terrified. He's only seen Cas cry twice. Once from the confession and now. This is worse. Cas is humiliated. Heartbroken. Shattered. The monster's gotten what its wanted. Cas is broken and feeling nothing but pain. It starts feeding off him and Dean has no choice but to watch, still tied up. Sam saves the day just in the nick of time. The monster gets away. Sam unties them. Dean goes to check on Cas and Cas flinches away from him. He doesn't want Dean to touch him. Not now after Dean knows how much Cas craves the touch. It's too humiliating, too revealing. Dean tries to make things okay but it's not working. He thinks maybe Cas will get over it, that they'll go back to normal in a day or two. Weeks pass and Dean is going crazy. Cas and him have had no physical contact in ages. Not since before that monster humiliated Cas and then got away. Dean puts all his anger and hurt and every emotion he's feeling into hunting that son of a bitch down. he blames the monster for Cas ignoring him. It's not just that they've not had their usual causal touches, it's that Cas is completely different around him. No more movie nights. Tries to eat at different times than Dean-- going so far as to try and learn cooking for himself. Tells Dean he's busy when he wants to hang out. It's awful. Sam tells Dean he just needs to talk to Cas but god fucking dammit he's TRIED and Cas won't give him the time of day. It's like he's lost Cas all over again. Cas won't even look at him most days. Dean wants to cry over it but doesn't let himself think it. Dean wants to find that fucker who ruined his friendship bc none of this would be happening if that emotional bloodsucking dick hadn't revealed Cas' wants to feed off his despair. Dean spends days doing nothing but tracking that monster down and he does. He goes on a hunt alone. It goes poorly. Cas kills the monster and saves the day. Dean is injured. Not enough to warrant a hospital but he's in rough shape. Cas gets him to the motel. He's trying so hard to patch him up but without his powers he can't heal Dean the way he used to. He hates not being able to help Dean more. Hates seeing his face bruised and hearing Dean wince when he shifts in the motel bed he's laying down in. All he's been able to do is put on bandages and give him water. He asks Dean what he can do to help. What can he do that will have Dean feel better because Cas hates feeling useless. Dean looks at him from the bed and asks for one simple thing.

"Hold me"

Cas is hesitant. He doesn't know what to say, if he should even do it. Because is this a pity thing. But all his reluctance goes out the window when Dean says, "please". Weak and tired. And truly just wanting to be held. How could Cas say no? He's never been a strong angel man when it comes to Dean Winchester. So he gets into the bed and holds Dean. Dean cries. It all comes out now. The emotions he's been holding in since Cas got taken. Losing Cas the first time, the second time, third, forth, fifth--- and this distance that's come between them which has felt like losing Cas in another way. It all spills over and Dean just wants Cas closer to him. Impossibly closer but it doesn't stop him from holding him tighter. He tells Cas he wants this too. That he wants to be held. To hold Cas as well. To be with him. To be together. They're better together aren't they? He doesn't even know if Cas is in love with Dean anymore, it hasn't felt like it. Dean just wants his best friend back because he's missed him desperately. But if Cas wants him-- he's got him. He's got all of him forever and always. Eternity. Death won't separate them again. Dean doesn't want 'til death do us part'. Dean wants eternity with Cas, if Cas will have him.

[tillysketch]

Songbird in a Cage

Spawn Astarion x Female! Reader Oneshot (4k)

Summary: You've been thrown in jail, and its there that you meet an old dear friend of yours.

Things are only getting worse each day in Baldur’s Gate. People are disappearing. Murders in broad daylight. Enver Gortash suspiciously rising to power, and his Steel Watch becoming a menace to society. You’ve even heard rumors of a mind flayer or two being seen in the sewers, and in the old windmill outside of town. People are becoming restless, and even trying to flee the city, but most choose to ignore it all.

Not you. 

You’ve always had a knack for music. You’ve been playing songs in the winding streets of the Gate for years. You even still perform at the Elfsong Tavern some nights. You decide to turn to the peoples’ ear with sweet unsuspecting melodies about the corruption and dangers happening beneath their noses. At first, it seemed to be working. The right people are noticing, and word is spreading about the odd goings on. And, you’ve been able to make a bit of coin in doing so. The Elfsong and its patrons have always been good to you. 

Now, there’s talk in the streets about a small band of adventurers that have caused quite a stir. Among them, a pale man with white hair who killed a clown at the circus in Rivington. Some people say it was a provoked attack, some say he lashed out after a bad joke on his own behalf… But when the fighting was over, some claim the body of the clown had transformed into a grotesque monster. You have to giggle to yourself about the whole thing. 

It stirs a memory of an old friend you had years and years ago. Another man who also had white hair, and too had a hatred for clowns. You’d teased him about it mercilessly back then. Even  dressed up as one, makeup and all, just to get a rise out of him one night. How he screamed and how you laughed, clutching your sides after jumping around a corner and spooking him half to death. 

That was over two hundred years ago, and you couldn’t believe it had been so long since you’d last seen your friend… He’d died tragically, too young. He’d been practicing law, and was murdered, you always suspected, by a mob he’d been at trial with but there was never any final pinned cause. 

He always came to the Elfsong on nights you were performing, said your voice was like a siren song luring him there. He’d drink, listen to you sing, and try to forget about the mountains of paperwork waiting for him back at his office. You were both so young, and naive; gods how you missed him, even now. 

This troupe, however, is gaining attention, and you are thoroughly intrigued. You start to sing songs about the group, calling them the Heroes of The Gate, here to save the city from the rising horrors.

‘These heroes though fearless be

Must also be cunning and witty

Though their actions bring some glee

Others find them quite shitty’ 

“Eh… could be better. I’ll work on it later.” You tuck your small notebook away in your coat pocket, and walk home from the park. You always did your best writing there. 

It’s only a few days of your little performances in the square when the Flaming Fist gets word of your little musings and performances, and you’re abruptly taken to Wyrm Rock Prison- quite a harsh punishment for someone just singing songs…

———

“What am I even in for? You can’t do this, I’ve done nothing wrong!” You demand, as your shackles are let loose, and you’re thrown into a damp stone-wall cell. The only light comes from the torches lining the edges of the cell block, but even with the small bit of glow, you can see illuminated beady eyes staring back at you from the edges of the darkness. 

Oh gods, you shiver. Rats. 

“That’s what they all say… ‘Let me out, I’m innocent!’ Or, ‘please I’ve got a family!’ But I know your type, troublemaker. You’re trying to cause unrest amongst our citizens.”

“I was just singing songs! You have no grounds to keep me here!” You plead through the bars, gripping them with both hands, if only you could pry them apart. 

“Tell that to the Archduke Gortash- the order to put you in here came directly from him. Now, shut it! Or I’ll cut out your little tongue, see how well you sing after that.” The guard snarls and turns on his heel. 

‘How the hells did my songs reach him? I must be more famous than I thought… Though, I should have made a fair bit more coin if that was the case.’

Alone, you retreat back into the far corner of your cell. Curling your knees up to your chest, you rest your head and softly hum to yourself to try and calm your racing thoughts. Surely you won’t be in here for long… right? That’s what you tell yourself anyway. You try to block out the sounds of small scurrying feet and hushed squeaking. 

———

The loud clanging of metal on metal wakes you with a start. Your mind scrambling as your heart jumps in your chest, pounding painfully against your ribs. 

“Meal time.” Through a small gap on the floor, one of the guards pushes a plate of bread and a cup of water towards you. 

Food… Your stomach twists and you leap towards the plate, snatching the bread and chewing greedily. It’s impossible to tell how long you’ve been down here- there’s no sunlight to indicate the passing of time. They give you water every couple of hours, but measly scraps of food- once a day. Maybe… when they remember. 

“Please, sir, what day is it? How long have I been down here?” You beg the guard.

“You’ve been here for five days. You have another twenty-five before you can leave,” he leans on the bars and gives you a look. “but, I could always arrange for you to be let out earlier, on account of good behavior.” He gives you a greasy sort of smile and a wink. He looks like he hasn’t seen a bath in weeks. Smells it too.

You’re not desperate enough to have any sort of ‘arrangements’ with a man that smells like he fucks mud covered pigs and likes it. 

“I’ll take my twenty-five days, thanks.” You sneer.

———

At every meal, (can you even call a simple roll of bread a meal?) you ask the guard what day it is. 

And on day thirteen, you hear them bringing another prisoner down into the depths. You feel your stomach drop and your neck grows hot and slick. What if they put that person in here with you? What if they’re a murderer? What if they’re a lunatic and they try to hurt you? You silently pray that they stay the hell away from you. 

You busy yourself with humming a tune from your childhood, and you feed a few of the rats some crumbs you’d saved from your last ‘meal’. Though terrified of them at first, they’ve grown to be your only friends down here. One even brought you three hair pins, like it was trying to thank you in its own rat way. Sweet little thing. 

Whoever is joining you down here is putting up quite the fight. Feet scraping against the stone floor, voices shouting, and a slew of curses exchanging between it all. They throw him into the cell across from yours, and you try not to be nosy by staring. But gods help you, you were never one for subtlety. Even with your elven eyes, the dark down here is unforgiving. That, and because of your lack of sleep and other basic needs, you can barely see into the other end of the cell. It’s a man, definitely. You only heard men shouting at one another when they brought him in.

When the two guards finally shove him in and lock his own gate, you turn your head and ignore them, hoping they forget you’re here and don’t bother you. At least for a while. That filthy flirtatious guard has come to you twice more since the first time, each time smelling more foul and rancid. Really, does he have something against bathing? 

A few minutes after the guards have left the man to rot down here, your eyes wander across the way, just to try and sneak a look at your new ‘housemate’. 

“What are you staring at?” His voice growls, making you jump a little. 

“Sorry… I’ve been alone down here for nearly a fortnight. The guards and rats aren’t much for company or conversation.”

“I see.” He sighs. “How long?”

“What?”

“How long do you have to be down here?”

“A month.”

“You’re halfway, you’ll be fine.” He snorts, dismissing your agony and loneliness with a wave of his hand. You can barely see his face, but not enough to make out any distinguishable features. His eyes though, they’re almost glowing in this awful dim. 

“How long do you have?” You ask softly. 

“Five years, but I suspect I’ll be out much sooner, should my friends actually gather the brains to help me.” 

A long moment passes by before you try to fill the awful silence permeating the air. 

“There’s rats down here by the way. They’re mostly harmless but I’d be wary and sleep with your shoes on. Had one nibble my toe the first night I slept.” You offer, in the hopes of making more conversation.

“Hah! This isn’t my first time being locked up with only rats for company.” He scoffs, and you almost think you recognize something in his voice. Like a memory of a dream- foggy but still… there. 

“Frequent prison cells do you?” 

“In a way…” 

Well that’s awfully vague. 

“What are you in for anyway?” He asks. 

You clear your throat before boldly telling him, “Singing…”

He barks out a short laugh. “…Singing? Come off it.”

“Well, that’s not the full extent but that’s what it comes down to.”

“A songbird in a cage…” He teases, and again there’s a flicker of something you recognize. 

“What were you singing about, little bird?”

“I, uh, I was singing about the times. The unrest, the Steel Watch, Gortash- I was trying to get the truth out, without getting into trouble.” 

“And that worked out very well for you, didn’t it?” His reply drips with sarcasm. 

“What about you? What are you in for?” You ask. 

“I threatened a few people, illegally snuck into the city with my companions, and I killed a clown.”

“I heard about that, that was you?” 

“I see my fame precedes me. Yes, that was me.” He chuckles dryly. Gods, why does his laugh sound so familiar? “So, you’re a performer, then?”

“Yes. I sing at the Elfsong some nights, if you’ve ever been there. I’d recommend it, if you haven’t.”

“Mm. I know it, it’s a uh, old haunt of mine.” 

The guard comes back and gives you your second ration of water for the day. A small silver cup with enough water to just wet your throat, and not a drop more, and hells- how you ached for more. 

Hours pass, and boredom burrows deep into your skull. You fiddle with the laces on your boots, tying and untying different knots over, and over again. As you do so, you hum to yourself, faintly, so as not to disturb your new neighbor. 

“I know that song…” His voice echoes across the way. “It’s an old elven tune from the Heartlands.”

“It is. You have quite the ear.” You remark, looking up.

“Will you sing it for me?” He asks softly. Never one to shy away from a crowd, you clear your throat and sing out loud the words.

‘For even in death will I find you,

I’ll kiss your cheek and sigh,

Had time been kinder to us,

I would have never said goodbye

You danced in the grass,

I sat under a tree,

You took my hand, 

and said dance with me

How I wish to dance with you now,

And hold you close to me,

I’d never let you go,

If only, if only’

Your voice echoes off the stone walls, and only the slow drip of water is your applause. 

“Sorry, my voice is a bit rusty-”

“Come into the light, please..” He urges, softly desperate.

You look across to his cell. There he stands against the bars, his face pressed between them. The man you fell in love with over two hundred years ago. The same white mop of curls, the same devastatingly beautiful face you could never forget. His eyes searching for you in the darkness.

“Astarion?” Your heart leaps to your throat. 

Your legs move before you do, standing and propelling you to your own cell bars. You press against them and stare out. 

It is him. 

Have you gone mad? Are you dreaming?

“It’s you…” He breathes. 

“H-how? You’re dead! You died!” Your eyes prick with tears and your throat closes up. How can this be happening?

“I did..” He replies sheepishly. 

“But then how-?” Surely this can’t be real.. Can it?

“I… I fear that might take some explaining.”

“Well, it’s not like we’re going anywhere…” 

————

He tells you everything, starting from the very beginning, when your lives were torn apart so abruptly. How he was beaten, left to die in the streets. He was on his way home after watching you perform. You had a few hours left in your set at the Elfsong, and needed the money from performing. You’d told him to hurry on ahead and you’d meet him at his townhome. 

He recounts how he’d forgotten to kiss you goodbye that night, and he’d regretted it every night since. Centuries had passed, and the fact he didn’t kiss you goodbye, that has stuck around in his skull like a blood stain on a white shirt. Your heart shatters hearing him speak about how he’d met his demise. It’s like he’s died all over again… 

He takes small pauses to swallow, steadying his voice; when he continues, he tells you about how he was turned, how he was kept in Cazador Szarr’s estate, locked up and beaten, and kept alive by feeding on rats of all things. It takes every ounce of courage he has to tell you about the people he lured back, but his voice reveals the pain he’s carried all this time. The shame, the guilt, the utter self loathing. The hatred he carries for himself and his master. 

Stretching your arm out from between the bars, you reach for him and he immediately does the same. Your fingertips brush against one another, just enough to feel his cool touch. 

He’s real. This is all real.

He lets his arm fall and you stare at one another. The silence between you two saying more than words could at the moment. Gods, how your heart aches to hold him, to kiss his face and feel his arms wrapped around you again. 

“Why didn’t you ever come find me after you were turned?” Your voice quivers, and heat burns your eyes as you try to keep your own emotions in check. 

“I was so afraid that I would hurt you. I… I didn’t want to find anyone from my life before. I was dead to you all, and I thought that was better than coming back as a monster.”

“You’re not a monster.” You choke, a tear spilling down your cheek. “I missed you so much…” You whisper, the tears now threatening to drown you. 

“I… I missed you too. Every single day, I’ve missed you.” His own voice is soft, but still dry. “There isn’t much I remember from my mortal years, but you… I remember how I loved you.”

“Can I ask you something?”  

“I’m sure you have many questions. So, yes, go ahead.” He smiles softly. 

“How come we never crossed paths over the last two hundred years? I mean, I never left the city. And if you’ve been here, well, and in the Szarr estate... Surely, we would have seen each other just once?”

“I kept to the shadows, and the seedier places of the Gate. Being a spawn, I couldn’t go out in the sunlight. Though, now with my tadpole, that has changed-” 

“Wait, tadpole?” You ask puzzled. 

“Oh, yes. I didn’t get to that bit. You believe me with everything I’ve explained thus far, yes?” He asks with a snarky grin. 

“I do. Why is this next part just utterly insane?”

“Well... Yes, actually.” He replies. “About five months ago I was captured by mind flayers and infected with an illithid parasite- a tadpole. This has interrupted the connection between myself and Cazador, and has broken some of the vampire rules for me. For the first time in so long, I am living. Truly living.”

“It's true then- the illithid invasion is real.. Hah! Wait- how have you not grown tentacles yet and become a squidface?” You ask, trying to wrap your head around it all. 

“One of my friends, another person that was captured, she has a prism that has been protecting us all from changing.” He explains his entire journey here, through the Emerald Grove and the Goblin camp. Then the Underdark, going through the Shar temple, fighting against shadows and an Orthon. Shadowlands, Rethwin Town, the Harpers... All of it. Up until arriving in the Gate and being thrown in jail. It takes hours, but you don’t care in the least. Hearing him, his voice again. You could listen to him read out of one of his old law school textbooks, and you wouldn’t care about the boredom. 

“We need to get you out of here then, if you really are going to save Faerun.” You smile at him, and sigh, “Any ideas of how we can do so?”

He sighs in reply, and he looks up, contemplating an escape plan. “If I had something small, I could pick the lock. But-” he looks around his small cell. “I have nothing. Anything over there, darling?”

“Would a hair pin work?” You ask, sliding the few pins from your hair, allowing your bun to fall out and drop around your shoulders. You pass them through the bars to him,his log fingers just barely able to snag it from your own. 

“Yes, that’s perfect.” He takes it and puts it in his pocket. “I’ll start after the guard comes by next.”

“Makes sense... How did you learn how to pick locks anyway?” 

“When you’re locked in chains as frequently as I have been, you learn by necessity.” He retorts. “I’ve been doing all of the talking. What have you been getting up to all these long years?”

“Oh, nothing exciting. I still perform at the Elfsong most nights, and in the square too. I live in my own house, I have a cat. I’ve actually had twelve cats over the last two hundred years...” 

“Twelve??” He laughs. “Any other loved ones in your life, or are they all pets?” 

“If what you’re asking is ‘do I have anyone else in my life’ the answer is no, not as of late.” You snark with a half smile and raised brow. Though so much has changed for both of you, it feels so good to be talking to him again; instead of talking to his headstone and pretending he could hear you. 

“That truly baffles me. How has no one swept you off your feet and smuggled off with you away from all of this?”

“Oh, others tried but I never really clicked with anyone over the years.” You reply casually. It’s a half truth. You certainly have loved many other people since you and Astarion were together, and you almost married one of them. But, something inside your heart never let go of him. You could call it sentimentality or hells, even puppy love, but you truly never did find someone else that understood you and loved you the way he did. 

“But, what about you? Did you ever find true love?” You ask and you hate yourself for even doing so, but you hate waiting for his answer even more.

“No.” He shakes his head. “No, I didn’t. I had many ‘lovers’ but even calling them that is too generous. Dalliance is probably more accurate.”

“I see..” You nod, a bit of relief filling your heart. 

“How often do the guards come by?” He asks, trying to look down the corridor. 

“Not too often, when they remember anyway. But, what do we do if we can actually escape? We can’t-”

“Done.” He pushes on his gate and it swings open, and he immediately sets to work on your side. Your heart races in your chest as you watch his nimble fingers push and fidget with the lock. Standing just on the other side of the bars, you catch the faintest hint of citrus and herbs. He still has that same smell to him, and now your heart races for different reasons entirely. Memories and old feelings come rushing back to the surface, bubbling and spilling over the sides like a pot of water left on the stovetop. When your own door finally opens with a screech, your heart drops to your stomach. 

“Shit, that was too loud!” You panic. Astarion grabs you by the arms, pulling you from your cell. He twists one of the gold bands from his fingers and places it on your own index finger. 

“This is an enchanted ring, it has an invisibility spell in it, it doesn’t last very long, so I need you to stay right by my side, and don’t make a noise.” He holds your hands so delicately and you nod your understanding. “That’s my girl.” He gives you that same wicked grin you had once fallen in love with, only now it’s much sharper you notice. He moves your thumb over the ring and makes you squeeze it against your finger, instantly making your hand vanish before your eyes. You look down at where your feet should be, and there’s nothing. Astarion follows suit and dissolves into the air. You feel his cold hand pull you to his side and you shuffle on tiptoe down the hall, careful as to not make a single noise. It's not a particularly wide corridor, and when the guard passes you, Astarion pushes you against the wall, and presses his own body to yours, so as to give the other man a wide berth to walk around the two of you. 

This is so weird... I can feel his breath on my face, but he’s just gone.

The second the guard passes the two of you, he snakes his arm around your back and continues to usher you out of the prison. Past two snoozing guards and around the ajar front gate, softly padding up the steps, and then finally out into the warm afternoon sun. He doesn’t stop though, not till you two are hidden away in a side alley near the Flophouse. You feel him guide you to the back of the small building, and push you against the wall. You let out a sigh as the spell wears off seconds before his own does. 

His face is much closer to your own than you would have expected, so much so that you’re sharing the same air as you try to catch your breath. The two of you can’t stay here though, you’re still far too close to the prison, and surely they will come after you any moment now. That doesn’t stop you from letting your eyes drink in his face. He’s still just as handsome as you remembered him to be. But there’s dark circles under his now crimson eyes, and his face no longer holds the lively pink it used to. Despite the circumstance, you can’t help thinking about his lips, and how much you want to kiss him. 

“We need to keep moving.” You murmur, inches away from his face looking down at you. 

“Always the sensible one.” He grins. He clears his throat and steps away from you. “Sorry, I forgot myself for a second there. But you’re right we, uh, we should keep moving.”

“We can hide out at my house for the night, and then we’ll figure out how to get you reunited with your friends.” You smile at him. 

“Lead the way, darling.”

Borders by @thecutestgrotto

This was an idea collab with my friend @clericblood

I'll add the link to their fic when its up! :)

Thanks for reading! - Tilly <3

[bubblegumrabbitwriting]

Since Valentines 💝 is around the corner. How would the Ro's react if they found out that Mc had a date night with some person. But they knew Mc had feelings for the Ro's? Would they try sabotaging the date or something?

Thanks for the ask, Happy Valentine's. Reactions below; some of these, I guess, reveal some new info about the ROs.

Echo -

Echo sat typing away on her with more force than necessary, mind racing with ways to stop your...date. Even the thought of using that word left a bad taste in her mouth.

She knew that you both felt the same, or at least she hoped that was what she saw when you looked into her eyes. But sometimes you're too kind for your own good; surely you were cornered by that—by Miss Kim's grandkid. So Echo was just going to have to save you for once.

She just had to figure out how; maybe she could call in a bomb threat at the restaurant or use some of her connections with the health and safety to get it closed down for an impromptu check or... Was she being too clingy? After all, isn't that why they left her?

Is she just pushing herself on you like she did them, and you were going to get bored of her sooner or later and leave? Is this what this date was? No, no, she can't think like that, not again; she will get you out of this.

--------

You arrive at the restaurant, and it's closed...you feel bad for the small amount of relief that bubbles inside you. But it's not long before you're walking to another restaurant, and that's also closed, then another, and the same again, closed. Each brings you more relief.

It's almost like you have a guardian angel watching over you, and you have a funny feeling they are furiously typing away on her phone right now.

Cy -

Cy watched as you got ready for a...date. Keeping their displeasure expertly hidden, waiting for you to act on your clear attraction for them and make a move, but the time is coming near, and you haven't acted yet. Much to the dismay of Cy.

They know you know that you act damn conscious, so why weren't you acting now? Turning to Cy and telling them that you want them to be yours and you theirs. Why were you glamming yourself up, and why wasn't it for them?

Then finally you left your home for the restaurant and Cy with it, looking at them like you were waiting for them...wait, were you hoping they would act?

Shit, well, if you want them to show you how much you mean to them, they will show you.

-------

You sat, eating and barely paying attention to your date across from you as your mind raced with images of Cy. Were you being too obtuse? You known Cy for years now; how observant they are, surely they noticed what you were hoping for.

Then the waiter appeared, or Cy in a waiter's disguise? Not that it was much more than a plain white shirt and tight-fitting slacks, but you would be lying if you said that it didn't make your heart race.

Then they spilt wine on your date; for anyone that didn't know them, it looked like a mistake, but for you, it was clear that it was on purpose. Wait, are they trying to sabotage your date, and are you really just going to let them?

Maybe...yes, yes, you are.

A -

A was hanging around the warehouse, trying to tease Echo as they are want to do. But this time she wasn't reacting, moping and angrily typing away on her phone and only biting back with remarks that were too pointed for their usual back-and-forth.

They weren't offended, no, they were even more interested. What could have possibly shaken her so much? But then she said the words. You were going on a date with that bland clerk that always made eyes at you. Why? What did they have that they couldn't offer you?

You obviously liked what they have to offer; they had seen the way your eyes wandered and your cheeks redden when they whispered sweet words in your ear. Yet you were going on a date with another, really, and someone so...normal. This wouldn't do, not one bit. And A already had the perfect plan.

-------

There you were sat, across from the clerk, A watched them like a predator ready to sweep down on their prey. But that would be to easy and wouldn't open your eye's to what you were missing.

But the person across from them, openingly ogling A would. They just had to show you what you were missing, and then you would have no choice but to spend the rest of the night with A.

A laughed openly and obnoxiously, their faked giggle filling the space of the restaurant and pulling your eyes to them as they were dressed in their finest, leaning towards...someone, someone you had never seen before.

Then they turn to look directly at you, challengingly, and trying provoke you to do something about it... Were they trying to make you jealous, and is it actually working?

A had you exactly were they wanted you.

Salem -

Salem was walking back to the office, and her already bad morning had turned worse when she heard your news: you were going on a date. Not a bad thing. But the problem was it wasn't with her.

She likes to think that she is good at reading people, and you were showing all the signs of attraction. Maybe she could have been more perceptive to your feelings, but...it's hard, hard to show that sort of open weakness to a world that seems all too happy to dig its claws into it and tear it until you break down.

And now she would have to pay for shielding herself, shielding herself so much that you turned away. Like so many before, not that she could blame you. It's the normal reaction. But maybe this time it doesn't have to end in the same way; maybe she needs to take a note from all those stupid rom-coms Harper makes them watch.

She pulls out her phone and starts typing the number for the local precinct.

------

You wait outside for your...date. Maybe you're slightly regretting agreeing to it, but what were you supposed to do? The professor said it would do you good, but now you're starting to feel stupid waiting here dressed up in the dark.

Then you wait and wait and wait, and nothing. Just you and an empty street before you hear footsteps to your right that you recognise. Salem.

"Do you like standing out in the cold?" The answer was obvious, but you couldn't speak due to your own embarrassment. "There's a new diner opened up down the road; want to go?" You would like that; maybe it would even make dressing up worth it.

Salem escorts you to the dinner close to your side and pushes the thoughts of your would-be date locked in a cell far away from their mind.

Harper -

Harper was sat at work typing away, while Salem complained about you, as she has gotten so used to doing. They were listening with rapt attention, trying to glean any new detail about you from another person's view. They admittedly aren't always the best at reading people's emotions or even their own, but that's why they just have to listen to how other people view you. They just need to know one thing you like, and their plan will come to fruition: a gift and message for Valentine's. What could be more romantic?

"Apparently they are going on a date with that Kim's woman grandkid." Salem said, more annoyed than anything else. The words stopped their rhythm on the keyboard in its tracks, hands suspended midair as they started to tremble. You're going on a date...with some rando-with someone other than them. They thougth you saw them in the same light, they did you, but you weren't going on the date with them.

Were they too late again? Too scared to act, and now you were going to be swept away by someone who could offer you more than them. Who wasn't afraid to show how much you meant to them, how much they wanted to spend time with you, how you just walking into the room brightened their day? Should they call you and confess their feelings before you go on the date? But wouldn't that be unfair, to try and steal you away from another? To make you choose. And what if you didn't choose them? What would they do then?

-------

Hours later, Harper sits at home, curled in a blanket, a half-empty bucket of ice cream slowly melting as 'When Harry Met Sally' plays on their TV. Eyes red and puffy, why are they even mourning something that didn't have a chance in the first place?

Eating the box of chocolate they so painstakingly picked out for you, maybe you aren't enjoying the date. Maybe they just need to build up the courage like in the movies they have been watching all night and tell you everything, but they are frozen with fear before they fall into the gentle embrace of sleep. Dreams of you dancing in their mind as a single tear rolls down their cheek.

Man...some of these got deep. Um...Happy Valentines, everyone. 💖

[thedarkqueen14]

Adour Smurf,ancestor of Enamoured,known as the master of Love!

Adour spends most of her life bringing happiness to smurfs,whether that be from music,a simple hug,or a kiss,Adour is a Smurf that everyone adored! She is a huge romantic girlie,but unlike her descendant Ena,she doesn't force romantic love upon other smurfs,instead prefers to watch it bloom naturally,as she only helps two smurfs to be together,think of her as a matchmaker and romance adviser!!

Adour is a sweet Smurf,soft spoken and kind. A gentle soul who adores all kinds of relationships,viewing them all as beautiful,tho she has a softer spot for romance hehe. She's very optimistic and wishes to bring happiness to her fellow smurfs.

As if it was fate,Adour fell in love with a Smurf!! They started out as friends and naturally grew upon each other! They were absolute sweethearts,and they were gonna have their stork delivered until the day of the great fire™,the Smurf suddenly broke her heart,shattering it into pieces with his 180° cold turn. The love Smurf was heartbroken, flabbergasted even. She didn't understand why,why would he do this to her. It lead into a big argument,but the fire had separated them. On her last moments,Adour tried her best to get over the toxic cloud of smoke to reach to her lover,but died several hours after that due to suffocation. Her lover....he tried to save her,regretting his choices of leaving her. But it was too late,she left....forever.

As if her story is over forever,many many thousands of years later,Enamoured was learning about his ancestor,looking at her through the painting. He pleaded to her,wanting to study her ways. A mysterious blue light glow around the painting,as the soul of Adour is once again alive. She was....rightfully scared and confused! Where is she?? Who is this weird Smurf who claims to be her descendant??? How long has she died??? Why is that Smurf on a white sheet look so familiar???? IS THAT HER-

Everyone was surprised to see that Enamoured somehow summoned the spirit of his ancestor back. It was....awkward,very awkward for everyone who witnessed that, especially Adour,who was scared and angry. She has some ghosty powers with siren screaming,destroying quite a lot of artifacts in Archie's Museum. It wasn't until Phantom stepped in to help her calm down that the situation got better.

Now she's wandering around the village,with Agricul...I mean,Phantom. It's weird to know that she's not the only one dead and alive,but glad she's not alone. She's still the sweet and gentle Smurf she was,but she doesn't do well with romances now,not after her heart was being shattered.

[jack-of-heartstrings]

I mean... In Dearest Family, Tikki nearly crushed Paris after losing her mind over amazing new food. By comparison, Plagg had incredible self-control (which is fitting for the only kwami who's ever been shown to use his power without a holder without causing severe consequences). Whether all kwamis have a chance of being Like This or it's just the two of them ("You and I are one"), I think this was fair enough. (Though I deeply acknowledge it would definitely feel a lot better if his cheese obsession in general wasn't so overbearing... I do feel you there.)

Regarding the rings, OP - I'll agree if we get confirmation she didn't know. But right now, it feels like she does, and like the hesitation we did see was a sort of... stopping to push down anxiety she knew was irrational. "This isn't his [real/full] ring. This won't release the Amok. We took measures to make sure nothing would happen to his Amok. No, I didn't make a mistake. No, I wouldn't have forgotten. There's no way it would have switched back without me knowing. This won't hurt him, it won't, it will be fine." Something like that feels a lot more in line with the brief hesitation and steeling herself.

If we do later confirm she genuinely risked his life, I'll also be pissed! But right now, it feels like a strong implication she didn't and she knows it, which presents an audience mystery... What has she done that we don't yet know? 👀

As for Nathalie and "when did that start?" She's always been deeply caring but distant, but I have to imagine losing Gabriel is heavily affecting her, too. Just because she reached a point that she tried to murder him with a crossbow (still incredible) doesn't erase how many years she spent caring very very deeply for both him and Emilie, trying to save her, trying to help him, trying to keep this family together. Now she's personally lost two people very close to her and it wouldn't surprise me if she blames herself for both. And that's before having to watch Adrien, who wasn't even done grieving his mother, now also newly grieving his father and falsely idolizing his "heroic sacrifice" that Nathalie is an accomplice in letting him believe in. There's a lot of layers of guilt adding to "I could never replace [and don't deserve to be] his mother."

Werepapas

Since I got a few more anon asks I watched it. Here's my take:

This is where ML being 'episodic' really shows.

As a PURELY episodic/light show this works. It sets up a conflict and resolves it in a quick light fashion without much fuss. Someone just watching this episode would have no idea of any of the implications.

In regards to Marinette's behavior overall: It's a vast improvement, but also feels like a flipped switch. Again- in the episode it's great, I loved Marinette's behavior in this episode A+ It's only when we look at the last 2 episodes that we wonder who this calm collected, effective person is.

Now the other side:

Nathalie's inability to hug Adrien at the beginning? when did that start? She's been trying to mom him for a season now.

The conclusion is painfully rushed for the setup. From extreme to extreme with just an akumatization in the middle. and *Child Custody and family dynamics* are not the same as *little girl doesn't get people to look at her drawings*

ML really has a problem with treating all things the same. Either the custody shouldn't have been THAT brutal, or the resolution not that complete.

And of course- the rings. who knows where the real ones are now, unless the wish made Adrien a Real Boy. This isn't even that interesting to me, just because i know it'll be something twisty and all the speculation will be more interesting than what we really get.

And *Ladybugbreaking the rings- what?* That is nonsense if you know what they are. (Again- episodically you wouldn't know) If they were treated as what they are, Marinette should have been bringing in all the backup she could. She should have run off with the rings. She should at *least* have called in Vipereon to make sure he could rewind time! It's SO bad in terms of the larger plotline to have her just break them.

Marinette's ladybug vision isn't magic, that's been shown. She's gotten it wrong before. That's been shown. Her risking Adrien's life is just... insane.

It's flat out OOC, just to deliver a plot point.

[what-is-merlin-so-gay-for]

just finished arcane,,, somebody come and dry my tears please?

[quibbs126]

My brain now wants a story where Optimus and Megatron, during the war, basically get abducted by other aliens (let’s say the Quintessons or something), and basically the rest of the story is them trying to escape, survive, and make their way back to Cybertron, encountering a severe number of inconveniences along the way. They’re also forming a temporary alliance because they realize pretty quickly that they’re both out of their depth here individually and have to team up to survive

But like it gets to the point where by the time they finally get back to Cybertron, they’re basically just like “oh right, the war. Yeah how about we just call it off” because they’ve gone through so much shit together they just don’t really have it in them to fight each other anymore

Honestly it’d probably have to be relegated to fanfic format due to the only Transformers in this story, outside of maybe a few brief appearances, being Optimus and Megatron. Not unless you give everyone else back on Cybertron something else to do, or have this story between them be the side plot