#i hate tumblr's formating

[somany-fandoms-solittle-time]

In A Sentimental Mood: A Ruggie/Yuu Oneshot

Some quick Housekeeping! This was originally meant to be a song-fic but the only time I remembered to/felt inspired to write was nearly the middle of the night (as writers do lol) so I didn’t have enough mental energy to splice the lyrics together into the story. Instead, I listened to the song on repeat while writing, like, HALF of the fic but I thought it was cute enough to fit the vibes. The narrator's voice and descriptions were hard to keep consistent as well as concise, but whatever. I don’t think I properly matched Ruggie’s speech pattern but I think it’s close enough to ‘random, working class teenager’ for now.

Also! It’s an X Yuu but I’m pretty sure I used all GN! Pronouns so please feel free to read it as an X Reader (who’s the Ramshackle Perfect). It felt kinda awkward to not describe the character or use open descriptors (like Y/N, HC, etc.) but feel free to add any notes or styles to try out for an open reader audience. Honestly feel free to comment or message any feedback lol! I don’t have a beta reader atm (I might ask either my gf or my IRL friend who’s also into TWST) but it could be fun to have a random stranger react to my writing so they’re disconnected from personal feelings and whatnot.

 I have a fic introducing my oc a little interacting with the Pop Music Club, but it’s making out to be longer than expected so between writing for my own AU/ocs story I’ll be posting cute lil song-fics as well as crackhead interactions lol! Maybe a few headcanons as well. I’m not sure if I would have ever actually started writing fanfics (or writing in general) instead of simply daydreaming about it if it wasn’t for @twst-beam and @krenenbaker , so a quick dedication for them for lowkey lighting a fire under my ass. Not only have you opened the creative floodgates, but actually gave me the motivation to actually TRY and put it into action. Anyway…. ON TO THE STORY BITCHES!!! ENJOY THE THE SWEET HYENA BOY (who weirdly looks exactly like my Boyfriend, lol) AND COME REALISH IN THE CHAOS~

In A Sentimental Mood:

A Ruggie/Yuu one-shot

It had been a long day. Scratch that–it had been the longest year of Ruggie Bucchi and Yuu’s life! However, there was something especially trying these last 24 hours. Maybe it had something to do with how this was the first day off the both had (that lined up) in w e e k s and they STILL BOTH got called in to run some nonsensical errand. Or maybe it’s because when the First Year Squad were supposed to be babysitting Grim the entire first floor of Ramshackle got absolutely trashed. 

Something about stupid bets, idiotic magic competition, and a prolonged chase. Afterwards, Rugs and Yuu had to help clean up! The aftermath of the wreckage was too much for the Hodge Podge group of freshmen.

What really topped the day off was the mission impossible scheme the couple failed to pull off. Originally, the two were simply planning to “borrow” on one Leonas (numerous) credit cards while the latter was passed out for an all-expenses-paid date out. It’s not like they were about to rob the second prince blind! Just a few trips to their usual thrifting stops, maybe hassle with a local boutique and then some semi-fancy free grub. 

Instead they got caught two shops in when they decided to grab some food before being totally weighed down by paper shopping bags. Since they had a later start, Yuu suggested getting dinner to the new uppity wine-and-dine.

“C’mon Rugs~ When are we gonna have another chance to dine like Kings? And on a Royal Dime at that!” they foolishly (but successfully) tempted the poor Hyena into a little more Mischievous than the two realized.

Too bad their Dinner Date got cut short from one of the waiters recognizing the Sunset Savannah Royal Seal on Leona’s card. It took an hour and a half of being corralled into a backroom, 3 ominous threats of calling the police, snarky back talk and just general arguing before Leona strutted into the Restaurant and vouched for his underclassmen. Seeing the lazy Lion not only WAKE UP, but come off campus was a bit of a surprise for the thief couple. 

What wasn’t as surprising was his smug, diva face while declaring that they would need to pay him back for disturbing his nap. After hasty, and admittedly sheepish, promises to the Prince, he collected his missing card and strutted back to campus. Luckily, he was secretly a bit of a softy towards his unofficial Vice and the magicless Perfect that saved his life (and probably his status for not ratting him out to his older brother). It’s safe to say while making the switch a decent stack of Thaumarks was placed in Ruggie’s wallet.

So yeah, in a word, the day had been a bit of a shitshow. A clusterfuck of misfortunate events (and if it weren’t for Leona, Yuu and Ruggie would not only be in some kind of jail but also flat broke). 

But finally–finally–this hardworking hyena Beastman and the Ramshackle Perfect were about to have some peace and quiet! A moment for just the two of them. A small, precious moment late at night. After the longest night of their collective lives, the two were able to cuddle up and appreciate what they had. Even if all they had was encompassed by long, tiring days and horrendous luck… and having the bend to the whims of some of the brattiest Divas of NRC.

Regardless, this time isn’t about them. It’s about Ruggie Bucchi and Yuu enjoying what left they had of their day off, Damnnit!  

“Ya’ know,” Yuu hummed into where their face was buried for max comfort; Ruggie’s chest. “Today wasn’t a total bust.”

Ruggie snickered sarcastically as his left hand paused its petting motion through his significant other’s hair. He was clearly only humoring his lover's thought process, yet paying attention all the same.

“I’m just saying it wasn’t a total loss,” they began to half-jokingly argue, “I still got to spend the day with you. Besides, you gotta admit it was pretty funny watching that stupid manager’s annoying face drop when Prince Grumpy strutted in all pissy!”

“Shee Shee Shee! Fair enough, Sugar! Good thing he didn’t realize Leona’s always cranky… or that His Majesty~ was mostly just pissed he had to wake up.” Ruggie answered playfully.

“It was kinda sweet of him for letting us, mostly, off the hook though. He even let us keep our goodies along with that sneaky bonus,” Yuu mentioned while lazily motioning towards the small mound of shopping bags and the miscellaneous items inside.

“Pleeeease~ He probably spends more on a single earring than we did with his card and cash combined,” Rugs pouted enviously. To emphasize his pout, he completely encircled Yuu with his arms and clutched them tightly. He was hanging onto them tighter than a swiped snack from the cafeteria on Doughnut day.

“I don’t know,” his partner giggled in response, “Leona’s been such a softy lately… but his whole dark and brooding reputation gets in the way a bit.”

“Dark and brooding?” Ruggie snorted, “Dunno if Leona’s habits of lyin’ around counts as dark and brooding.”

Yuu tried to suppress their elated smirk at feeling the slight tremor of quiet laughter. “True, that’s more of Mal’s stick isn’t it? Angsty and depressed?”

“Nahhh, that’s Idia’s thing! Also, I still can’t wrap my head ‘round you calling Malleus by some nickname.” His laughter died down as he scrunched his nose at the thought of his partner so buddy-buddy with one of Twisted Wonderland’s most powerful mages. And a crown Prince… with servants and castles and-

“You do realize that Malleus is like a GIANT kid right? I mean, yeah he’s some super powerful wizard-”

“Mage!”

“...whatever. He’s an absolute beast when it comes to magic and whatnot, but he’s got this whole ‘homeschooled only child’ vibe going on and honestly? It’s a little pathetic, in a cute stray way.”

Ruggie didn’t really know how to feel about his partner’s revelation. On one hand, he knew they were just friends and had befriended each other longer before Yuu realized Malleus’ status. That didn’t necessarily make it any easier to cover up the inherent inferiority or the slight unsettling fear. Good thing they didn’t feel the usual pressure of this world’s social ladder… but that doesn’t mean they won’t start worrying if he stayed lost in thought for too long.

“.......what was your world like for you to turn out so weird?” 

“Hey!”

Ruggie continued to laugh, but it came out a little bit strained. Yuu finally glanced up in order to catch a glimpse of their boyfriend’s adorable pout.  His lightly scrunched eyebrows and the way his ears seemed to fold-in on themselves made him look like a grumpy puppy. Absurdly cute, but clearly bothered, and they both had had such a long day t wouldn’t be right not to cheer him back up!

“Oh, c’mere!” the Perfect said through teasing giggles as they flipped Ruggie over to switch positions.

Rugs was currently (and quite contently) snuggled face first into his lover's chest; enjoying the sound of their heartbeat along with the comfortable extra cushioning. His arms reached slightly down to wrap around their waist snuggly as the two pairs of legs naturally crisscrossed at the joints. The moment he fully relaxed was when Yuu started to softly pet his bushy hair and scratch along the base of his ears.

Pure Heaven.

“Were you getting grumpy because I kept mentioning Leona and Malleus?” the Perfect lovingly taunted now that he was trapped and attacked (with euphoric head scratches) in his weak spot. Truly, an idiots mirage of paradise.

“C’mon Sweet Cheeks! Ya Couldn’t’ve least let me keep my pride?” Rugs whined, quickly going back to frowning deeply but unable to hold it for long. There was no chance in all of Twisted Wonderland he could stay “upset” while his precious Dandelion Fluff’s fingers softly caressed his sensitive ears. At least he could cover-up the way he melted, burying himself further into their figure. Luckily, Yuu was already squeezing him closure with a burst of affection,

“Don’t worry, my silly Hyena, the only one I was focused on today was you. The only one I wanted to spend time with was you. And the only person I think of from dawn till dusk, and dream about the whole night through, will always be you, Ruggie Bucchi.” Yuu declared playfully, then slowly breathlessly serious with a sappy amount of affection as they watched Ruggie's tail wave faster and faster.

“Shee shee shee,” Rugs bashfully replied, “where did all that come from outta nowhere?”

Yuu wistfully sighed, “I guess I’m just in a sentimental mood.”

The two shared some playful hushed whispers until Ruggie had to turn his head to hide a yawn. His attempt was futile however, as Yuu caught it–but instead of teasing him over it they simply snuggled him closer and quietly sang an old, sweet crooner love song from their home world. Despite the long day, it felt blissfully short as the two peacefully drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms. 

[starspilli]

dc cowboy doodles & wips !

[tiresomespaceplant]

pretty jon for lighting practice

magnus art dump under the cut!

martin doodle

roughs for this piece of dialogue that i still think about

sketchbook stuff

aaannnnddd nikola i did for my 3d finals!

[sciderman]

well - webtoons is over, gang

[cuppajj]

"Are you comfortable?" "Yeah… I guess."

On one night like any other, Pure Vanilla tucked Strawberry Crepe under the covers.

The king had always been odd to them. Always been off, in a way they couldn't explain. His compassion and desire to care for them was unlike anything they'd experienced before, it was strange. They couldn't even play it off with their usual cocky bravado, because he'd always smile and laugh like he could see through it. They'd purse their lips and shrink away, and momentarily pause like a cat as the king pet their head. He'd continue to treat them like they were just a kid: advising gentle caution when they worked with Espresso, smiled as they fed the crows with Black Raisin, invited them to the castle for dinner--and he'd even helped prepare them for bed on numerous occasions, growing more frequent as time passed. Crepe didn't need his help, but over time, their insistence faded away. The ancient's soft smile and softer touch were alright, they supposed, and his tender voice could lull them to sleep faster than counting formulas ever could. Dare they admit that, though.

Pure Vanilla had brought a book with him, a different one from the library every time. All books meant for children, but Crepe had quit protesting for encyclopedias long ago, when Vanilla implored they let their mind relax with something easy. Crepe looked over the cover as Vanilla flipped the book open: 'Counting Cream Sheep and Other Dreamy Tales.'

"You always find one about sheep," Crepe remarked, muffled by the blanket over their mouth. Pure Vanilla's laugh was like tinkling bells. "As you giggle when I pretend to bleat, bluebird! It warms my heart." Crepe once always tried to vehemently deny their moments of childishness, but not anymore; not with Pure Vanilla keeping their nerves at ease. At most now, they simply looked away with warmth in their cheeks. "Did you need to bring that up?" "Why wouldn't I? It makes my night every time." "…Whatever. Can you just get reading? Please?" Pure Vanilla chuckled, turning the book to the first page. Once Crepe knew the king was looking away, their expression softened. As Pure Vanilla began to read, the child turned their head to listen; and with every word gently read, they snuggled into their bed further and further.

The narration carried them into the late hours of the night. The moonlight spilled through the window behind them, basking him and the pages of the book in an angelic glow. Crepe's eyes were growing heavier by the minute, tempted to give into the sleep but trying to stay open to see Vanilla, too. They wanted to see him, try and read his face, his voice, something… anything. Crepe had always wanted to seek, understand, deduce something about Pure Vanilla that would put an answer to all of… this. The book reading, the consideration, the encouraging of behavior alien to them and his paternal instinct to care this much about it. Analyzing his flavor content couldn't even put an answer to it, and they wouldn't dare answer why they were staring at him if he caught them doing so. It had been hard for no reason--Raisin and Espresso's kindness were easy for them to explain away. But Pure Vanilla… The king was unaware of the thoughts circulating through their mind, occupied by reading to see them clutch the covers. He didn't see them open their mouth, then close it, then open it again, the words struggling to leave… He paused at the end of the page and pressed his fingers to its tip.

"Pure Vanilla?" The meek voice paused him before he turned the page. "Yes?" He craned his head to smile down at them. Crepe met his gaze, licking their dry lips. It was quiet for a minute. "…Why do you do this?" the child finally murmured. The ancient blinked. "Read to you?" "No--everything. Everything you're doing for me. It makes no sense." After trying for so long to come up with an answer themselves, the wary relief Crepe felt simply asking him caused them to let everything out. "All this… extraneous stuff you do, you bring me along, you do this, do that, you do things I don't need, I…" Their words trailed off when they noticed Pure Vanilla's smile had wavered. The king stared at them, book now in their lap--but before Crepe worried if they had said something wrong, his lips curved upward once more; he understood. "…Ah." He took a breath and lowered the book. "In truth… I believe I owe it to you."

The two kept their gazes as the words processed in Crepe's head. The answer had led to more questions, it seemed, the way the child's eyelids fluttered and brows furrowed, trying to make sense of it. Since when did Pure Vanilla owe them anything? When had they made a bargain? They had never done something like that, they- They lost track of their thoughts when they felt Vanilla's hand skim through their hair. His eyes were lidded with melancholy now, despite his persistent soft grin. "Do you wish for the full answer?" "Please." "...My curious little bird." With affection in his touch, he continued to pet them. A silent moment passed before he spoke; it was as if he had been processing Crepe's tangibility with each caress.

"…I do not forget how--chronologically speaking--old you truly are," Pure Vanilla explained, his voice a low, reflective whisper. His gaze trailed to what lied just beyond Crepe's bed: the workshop, dimly lit by moonlight, with its library of dormant wafflebots. He could vividly remember when they roamed the ancient streets, fulfilling their duties to the satisfaction of his citizens.

"When I learned what happened to you, I felt a twinge I couldn't fathom," he explained. "To be in cryo, hibernating as time claimed the kingdom around you, your last memories a war-torn sky… I couldn't imagine the fear and loneliness you felt when you awoke, with no one there to hear you. You never deserved that trauma, ever." Crepe was quiet. They were memories they had hidden away to focus on progress; they didn't know until now that the king of the Vanilla Kingdom had held onto them instead. "Despite everything, you're still a mere child. I don't know how much the Dark Flour war truly took from you, but I know that within my power, I can be there for you now. We can be there for you, all of us. We wish to see you happy, bluebird, because it's the least you deserve." His tender hand slid down to cup their cheek. In his glimmering eyes was a mix of sadness, desperation, compassion, hope, pain...

"…But... I find myself wishing," he confessed, "that I was there to protect you."

Silence hung over the two once more as they never looked away from each other. Crepe, inarticulate, could only process Pure Vanilla's warm hand lightly brushing their cheek. The words were slow to register. "Oh," was all they mustered. The king chuckled lightly, giving their cheek a pat. "I'm sorry, that was a lot… I'm simply happy you're here with us, little one." When he pulled his hand away from their face, Crepe stifled their request to rest it there again. The warmth of his touch slowly faded into the cool bedroom air. "…Thank… you, I guess," they whispered instead, shrinking into their covers. "I like it here. I always did, but… you're okay too." "That's all I could ever ask."

He raised the book once more, finally turning their bedtime story to the next page. After wiping his eye, he asked, "now, would you like to continue counting cream sheep?" Crepe hummed, "mm, I wanna hear your baa."

Pure Vanilla's narration continued thereafter, the gentle lullaby of his voice drifting back through the little one's ears. Crepe did their best to mull over his confession, soak everything in and contextualize it with everything he'd done for them; but with each turn of the page, their eyes grew heavier and heavier, their thoughts slurring into a drowsy haze… Pure Vanilla heard the slow breaths of his bluebird, bundled snug and fast asleep. He chuckled to himself, closing the book. Sliding off the bed as quietly as he could, he tucked the book under his arm and reached over to pet their head one more time.

"Thank you." Picking up his sleepy orchid staff, Pure Vanilla quietly left, leaving behind nothing but the scent of orchids and a warmth in Crepe's heart.

They didn't know it at the time, but they were happy they were here with him too.

[nokkiart]

As a long time httyd fan who has been heavily involved in the fandom since the first movie and who has spent years working in the animation industry, I’d like to share my thoughts on the new httyd movie. Keep in mind, this is just my personal opinion and it's completely fine if you disagree with me. I just want to say a little something about all this that really bothers me.

The core reason that Dreamworks and Universal made this film is that it’s a quick and easy cash grab for them. Thats it. They don’t care about telling a good story or making a “better” version of the original movie for fans or even having an accurate portrayal of the characters/story. It’s purely about money. They know that fans of the original film will go see this movie, whether it’s good or bad. And those guaranteed ticket sales are all that matter to the studios. And with Universal, it has the added bonus of being a cheap promotional and merchandising opportunity for the new HTTYD land in Orlando that opens around the same time that the film is premiering in theaters.

And to help the studios make even more money out of this, they are using non-unionized VFX companies around the world to make this film, so that they can get cheaper labor and push the artists to do more that would be against American union standards. The same thing has probably happened with the costuming and fabrication for the filming, hence why the costumes look un-weathered and the sets look cheap. They don’t want to pay for the extra time and effort that it would take to make the practical bits of the production look good.

On top of all this, Dreamworks has already announced that they’re shutting down all their in-house animation projects in favor of using AI and outsourcing projects to cheaper international non-union studios.

With all this in mind, I just can’t support this film and I will not be seeing it in theaters. And I hope that others will do the same.

The only way to stop all these horrible “live action” remakes (which are actually just realistically animated remakes) is to not buy tickets to see them. Money is all that matters to these studios, and if they don’t make any money off of it, then they will stop and try something different. Maybe they'll even go back to focusing on original stories!

That’s the power that we hold as audiences. Our wallets help drive the decisions that the executives make. So support unique storytelling and gorgeous cinematography in movies. Support indie films. Support animators as they're fighting for fair pay and better contracts. But don't support a mediocre shot-for-shot remake riding on the coattails of an already successful film.

And I just want to wrap all this up by saying I have absolutely no hate towards anyone that has worked on the new film. Toothless looks incredible and I know the artists and creatives involved in this project did the best they could with what they were given.

But I also know that those same artists have so many more brilliant ideas that they would’ve loved to be given the creative freedom to do. I just wish hollywood would be willing to take a chance and let them do it.

[all-my-ocs-are-evil]

Fair Lady Claire

Don't you just hate it when the person you dread the thought of becoming the most visits you and goes on about how similar you two are?

[sophiethewitch1]

What We Want Masterlist

In Which A Romantic Breaks The Universe.

(Yandere!batboys x f!reader)

SUMMARY

Another lonely birthday, another empty year. You miss your family. You're late for your bills and rent, and even then, you got robbed last Tuesday.

Still, you buy yourself a cupcake, because you need it. I mean, hey. What's dessert for if not to get over cheating boyfriends and dead relatives?

As you blow out the candle, watching the clock switch from 11:59 pm to midnight of the next day, you make a wish.

And because the world doesn't like to make much sense, it comes true. Your life is suddenly flipped on a dime, and you're stuck trying to catch up with it. Fantasy becomes reality. You're a Wayne now, apparently. Or you used to be. You're loved, you're rich, you're talented and powerful.

Well, sort of. Careful what you wish for, right?

GENERAL TRIGGER WARNINGS/THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

18+ MDNI, SLOW BURN yandere, romantic yandere with the 4 robin boys, rest of the batfam aren't yandere but still care about you, reader is a girlfailure, ex-step siblings (the dead mother trope), reverse harem, healthy dosing of enemies to lovers, my stupid romance novel tropes, fem!reader and afab!reader, all romantic leads 18+, the graphic violence, death and other such triggers of the original series, attempted sexual assault (chpt. 3), themes of depression/suicide, family death, themes of poverty, alcohol, mentions of alcoholism, my own mix of canon because honestly the canon right now is embarrassing, atypical/soft yandere behaviour, fluff and angst, suggestive and eventual smut, an eventual shared darling/polyandry, SLOW/INCONSISTENT UPDATES (aiming for once a month)

0. - The Second Worst Birthday Ever 1. - Not Quite An Isekai 2. - First (Second) Introductions 3. - Dreams And... 4. - Nightmares Too 5. - Meet The Adams Family 6. - Round Two. Fight! 7. - Black N' White Knight 8. - Jason Fucking Todd

Word Count as of the Chapter 6: 37k

Series tag (anon asks, snippets, updates and actual chapters all included): #series:WWW

More important asks/FAQ

Question about the boys being romantic or platonic Another question about the boys being hesitant or not Question about Damian being platonic or yandere Questions about Bruce being platonic or yandere Important note about the ex-stepsis thing Future sneak peek ft. Dames being stupid Question about happy/sad ending Future sneak peek ft. Dick being stupid

Fanart! Please give everyone here lots of love, their work is amazing!

Tim's Introduction Jason's Introduction Reader Under The Table SceneTM Reader Before And After The Worst Birthday Ever

[starmocha]

Bride of the Dragon King :: Prelude

[Sylus/Reader ★ 465 words  ★ Masterlist ★ Series Index ★ AO3] Tonight, the wine tasted so sweet. A/N: I yapped on my tumblr about how I wanted a dragon!Sylus AU…so I willed it into existence. 😊 This is the prelude to a technically 3-part story. The main story will be a 20K+ word one-shot, so I feel justified in a shorter intro. I am still finalizing the main story, so I want to give people time to read the prelude first. While the prelude is SFW, the main story and epilogue will contain explicit adult themes, so it's best for MDNI. Influenced to varying degree by the Vietnamese origin myth, Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, and the C-drama, Miss the Dragon…and probably a whole slew of other period C-dramas I watched in the past. Recommended Playlist Love and Deepspace - Wander In Wonder Shuang Sheng - 流转莹回 ☆ I can do a tag list for the main story once it's up. Just let me know in the replies, and I'll keep a list handy. ☆

Distantly, in the Celestial Realm where the immortals resided, the vast kingdom of the Dragon King was shrouded in nighttime for all of eternity, stuck within an eternal spring. Pink petals from the ever-blooming flowers of the magnolia trees were carried away in the warm breeze across the palace courtyard.

Sylus, the Dragon King, lazed under a grand magnolia tree with red blossoms overlooking a large koi pond, his solemn gaze lingering on the reflection of the full moon in the still water. He poured wine from a crimson porcelain bottle into the matching cup, and he took a swig of his drink, sighing.

The moon is lovely tonight… he thought, The wine tastes so sweet…

Red magnolia blossoms drifted down from the tree, landing in the water and startling the fish beneath, the immediate ripples distorted the reflection of the moon. Sylus kept his own crimson eyes on the floating flowers.

Little Snake, this is not much, but you are welcome to stay with me for as long as you would like!

He huffed in amusement, eyes drifting to a different flower.

You are so shameless. How can you ask a maiden to bathe with you?

He poured another drink, chuckling, but there was little joy in his laughter.

You are not allowed to get hurt! …Promise me you won’t get hurt again...

His cup lingered at his lips momentarily, a look of guilt flashed across his features before he tossed the drink back, sighing heavily.

Sylus…I don’t want you to leave…

He leaned back against the tree, eyes wandering to the moon. On the ground next to him was a necklace, its pendant pure gold with a jade border. Engraved on one side was the image of a dragon with wisps of cloud beneath it. When Sylus picked it up, his fingers caressed the other side, tracing the characters that formed the word, “Beloved.”

Another flower drifted into the pond, spinning slowly before it floated away.

…Who are you?

He closed his eyes, his hand tightening into a fist around the pendant as he made his decision.

He was going to rewrite their story. The red thread that tethered them together was going to unravel and lead her back to him.

All of it was going to be undone, and a new ending was going to replace all of the tragedies that were and were to be.

For her…

Heaven and Hell were going to bend to his will, he vowed.

For us…

As Sylus finished the wine, a white mist enveloped him, swirling before scattering and leaving nothing in its place beneath this red magnolia tree. In the night sky, among the millions of stars, a white dragon flew away, his scales shimmered in the moonlight before he disappeared into the horizon.

[sanjifucker42069]

OPLA!Sanji x Reader - Blowin'

Word Count: 4.6k

I cut down some of the less, y’know, important stuff (the plot lol)

Warnings: oral sex (m!receiving), fem!reader, awkward first times, awkward af, the reader is a dipshit. I’m ngl this isn’t one of those cute first time fics where virgin!reader is suddenly a sex goddess, you are legitimately an idiot. As usual, written with a plus size!reader in mind.

Sanji finds out you’re a virgin. You suck his dick. Congrats!

Sanji was going to fucking lose it. Out of all the possible scenarios Sanji never once considered Nami would take you out to a bar to pick up guys. He brooded as he nursed his drink, Zoro rolling his eyes at the display. Sanji just growled. Usopp looked between them.

"How about another round? 'Nother milk Lu? Hey Sanji, why don't you come with me? I saw some hot chicks up at the bar."

Sanji just shook his head brooding. He looked to where you stood with Nami, laughing at some guy's jokes. He felt stupid at how jealous he felt.

"Hey, Sanj, man. Nami isn't gonna reciprocate y'know?" Usopp offered lightheartedly. Zoro scoffed from next to him. 

"It's not about Nami for once."

---

When Sanji's eyes found you again he saw you alone with the same guy, nursing a drink. Now that Nami was gone he could see the atmosphere had changed, you didn't seem happy like before. He watched as the guy said something and you shrugged halfheartedly. The guy then proceeded to wrap his arm around you. Sanji had known you long enough to see how uncomfortable you looked. Anger flared in his chest. The final straw was seeing the guy trying to tug you out of the booth to leave. You looked so defeated, it hurt. He began stalking his way to your booth.

"C'mon sweetcheeks, let's leave this dump."

"I'm good thanks, I should get back to my friends."

"I already told you bitch, we're going. I didn't spend all this time fucking around to go home empty handed. You're lucky I even stayed once your hot friend left. I'm doing you a favour, so hurry the fuck up."

"No, I really don't want to." You began, the man snarled, grabbing your wrist.

"It wasn't a question. You owe me. I don't go for ugly, but a hole's a hole, and from the back you're probably passable."

You had tears in your eyes from embarrassment. This whole trip was a bad idea. You wish Nami would come back. As the man tugged on your wrist harder you heard that gorgeous voice ring out. You tried to hide your face so Sanji wouldn't see the tears in your eyes. That last thing you wanted was for the crew to think you're weak.

"That's no way to win hearts Sunshine. So uncouth, and frankly, disgusting behaviour."

"Who the fuck are you? How about you mind your own business?"

"And watch such a beautiful lady be treated that way?"

"Beautiful lady my ass. The only thing you can know for sure about girls like this is that their pretty pussy is untouched." The man barked out a laugh causing you to wince. He snaked his other arm to cup your breast over your dress. You saw something flash in Sanji's eyes. "And I know I'm gonna really enjoy these."  

You squirmed, before biting the man. He howled in pain, releasing his hold on you. You quickly made your escape, rushing to cling to Usopp and Luffy, crying. You felt pathetic. Embarrassed that all eyes were on you.

Sanji saw red. You blinked back tears as you called out to him. Sanji was protective of all of you, but he seemed especially so of you. You knew it was because he saw you as some kind of little sister. "It's okay Sanji. Really, let's just go home. Please."

"No." He fixed the drunk man with a freezing gaze. "You dare touch someone so out of your league? I asked you nicely to piss off, but now I'm going to fucking kill you."

Before you could react Sanji had kicked the man in the chest. You watched as he began ruthlessly kicking and stomping the man, muttering profanities and sentences you couldn't understand. With a final stomp he huffed. Zoro finally pried Sanji away. You saw Nami returning, fuming. If you weren't so traumatised by the night you would have laughed at how Zoro pried Nami away too, holding the two brawlers by the scruff as they fought against it, looking like wet cats.

You don't remember how you got home. You remember Usopp covering you in his coat and dragging you out of the bar. You remember apologising to Usopp, crying that you needed to go back. The last thing you remember was Luffy running to join you, scooping you up and starting the walk back to the Going Merry, you, falling asleep in his rubbery arms.

---

"Ah my dear, you're finally awake. I made you something to eat."

You smiled tightly at him, thanking him. The way you played with your food tugged at his heartstrings. You looked so mournful. He pulled up a chair, sitting backwards on it, gripping the backrest. 

"C'mon lovely, don't make me have to feed you myself." He winked. Your lips twitched upwards performatively. Sanji frowned. "Look (name) about last night-"

"I'm sorry."

Confusion. "What?"

You cringed inward. "I'm....I'm sorry I ruined everyone's night."

"You didn't ruin anyone's night, that good for nothing prick did. Don't understand why you'd even go for a guy like that to be honest." He added bitterly. You frowned.

"I wouldn't normally. Everything moved so fast. He seemed nice...It was too late before I realised it's because he wanted Nami." Silence. "Once Nami left, I, well, I didn't want to cause a scene."

"So, what? You were just going to let him take advantage of you?"

You jolted, shocked. "No! No, I- there was no way he was going to-” 

“(Name), love, I know you can be a bit naive but-”

Your voice was small. “He said so himself! He..." you trailed off. "He didn't 'go for ugly girls'. And besides…he was right."

Sanji frowned, angry at the world. How could anyone make you believe that you weren't beautiful? That you didn't deserve some guy trying to take advantage of you? He took a deep breath, steadying his resolve

“There's no such thing as an ugly girl (name), and if there was, I can assure you you're not one of them.”

“Not that.” Sanji took in how you winced, trying to make yourself seem smaller.

What?

Sanji felt the wind knocked out of him.

You're a virgin?" He asked, clearly shocked. You bristled with embarrassment.

"Well...yeah, but I understand how it works! It's not such a big deal, I mean...I've just, I've never had the chance."

"Have you ever...y'know, at all? Not even a handy?" You shook your head. He flushed, you were completely pure.

He felt slightly sick at how his perverted thoughts twisted that. He could be your first, ruin you for all other partners. He could be the one to take your innocence. His cock twitched at the thought. Shame flooded him. You were his friend, his, admittedly, very cute friend. He shouldn't be thinking about you this way. His mind was racing with all the obscene thoughts he'd ever had, the deviant things he dreamed of. He was disgusting. You were too innocent, he'd felt guilty before, but now he felt like he was defiling you just by thinking about you.

You took his silence as pity and pointedly looked away from him, taking a deep breath.

"It's not like I don't want to. I do. But, ugh, it's so silly...no one has ever shown any interest. I'm not exactly a goddess like Nami."

"Darling, I don't believe no one has ever shown interest." He offered a smile. Gods if you only knew how badly he ached for you. How hard you made him. Now wasn't the time for him to blow your friendship over him thinking with his dick. You were being vulnerable.

"I don't need your pity Sanji. It's okay. You don't have to give me the 'everyone's beautiful in their own way' speech. There's more to me than my lack of experience! I'm a good fighter! I have talents, I don't need to be pretty. Just, sometimes, it'd be nice.". 

This wouldn't do. He had to try to fix this. He took your small hands in his, trying not to lose his breath at how warm they felt. Swinging them lightly, he stared into your eyes.

“You are a beautiful girl, you deserve way better than some kind of bastard like that. Men are pigs (name), you shouldn't trust any of them."

"I trust you."

Sanji froze. You peaked up at him shyly. He looked conflicted, and that caused you to smile sadly, misinterpreting the look. You withdrew your hands, fiddling with them in your lap. "I didn't mean that you should take one for the team Ji, I just meant that, well, I trust you. I don't think you're a pig."

"You shouldn't trust me." He lowered his voice. You stared at him, clearly taken aback. "I'm just as bad."

"No, you-"

"No. I'm an absolute pig darling. You aren't that dense surely."

You frowned. "Sure you flirt a lot with other girls, but that's just you! It's charming, non-threatening. I don't see you acting like-"

"I flirt with you too!" He tried, clearly exasperated. You smiled.

"Exactly! You make cute comments to me, and call me cute things like darling, but you're just naturally flirty."

Sanji groaned. Your smile slowly faltered. Sanji screwed his eyes shut. "I'm not 'just naturally flirty'...I mean, I am, I suppose, but I'm actually trying to flirt with you. I thought you were just being polite, but are you really that dense?"

"I....you are?"

"Are you kidding me?!"

"But, I'm..." You gestured to yourself. "You're more friendly than flirty to me?" 

"You're too innocent, it's not like I could just waltz right up and tell you that I think you're hot, can I?" He bristled. 

You felt electricity surge down your spine. Hot? Sanji thought you were hot? Sanji? 

Sanji took your silence as disgust. "See! That's exactly why I couldn't tell you."

"You think I'm hot?" He nodded. Your grin spread, hurting your blushing cheeks. Your eyes sparkling. "You think I'M hot?!"

"Yes, okay!" He sounded almost angry.

"Sanji, you're gorgeous! I'm too awkward. Too fat. Too plain. I'm not a model or some kind of beauty. And you're telling me someone as handsome as you, thinks I'm attractive!? And I-"

You stopped, really thinking about what he said. "Innocent? I....well I suppose. I'm not that innocent though."

Sanji's nostrils flared. "Not that innocent? Please love! You prance around in those low-cut tops and shorts in front of everyone, thinking that they ain't gonna go ballistic? You're too trusting of men, thinking that we aren't all beasts inside."

You laughed, still riding the high of his praise. Sanji snarled, banging his fist on the kitchen table. "No! It's true. You think someone doesn't see the way your tits look and salivate? You don't think you would make anyone insane? You don't think I got so fucking hard when you told me you're a virgin?"

He froze, blood turning to ice, clearly regretting blurting out that last bit. You stared at him, eyes round with wonder. He avoided your gaze, cringing at what you said next.

"I...I make you hard?".

"I'm sorry (name), that was very ungentlemanly of me. I didn't mean to say that last part." 

"But you did." He felt warm hands prying his open and playing with his fingers. He flitted his eyes up to see your face red, staring at him with your eyes practically sparkling with mirth. "God, I've wanted you to fuck me for ages, and now you're telling me you've actually wanted to this whole time?"

Sanji stiffened, cock twitching. He ached painfully. He felt parched, throat burning. This had to be a joke. "You...what?"

"Yeah. Fuck. I, mean, the clothing was purposeful at first, I wanted you to notice me. I had no idea it was working though, haha!"

"WHAT!?"

"Yeah, I thought you knew? You never noticed I only wore those kinds of clothes when you were around? You never noticed how I tried to cling to you in the kitchen? I just assumed you knew and thought I was gross, so I pulled back." You laughed. "Did you seriously think that because I'm a virgin I can't think sexually?"

"But you've never-"

"You've never said anything raunchy to me like you do to other girls. I thought you saw me as a little sister. It'd be weird if someone you saw like family told you they want to suck your dick."

"Fuck." He hissed. 

"Oh this is too good! Have I been torturing you?" You laughed, running a hand up his arm. "You must be so frustrated."

"You have no idea." 

"I could help you." 

Sanji groaned. "You can't say things like that."

"Oh." You pulled back, back to being timid. Even if it was at his expense, Sanji felt the loss of your confident persona. Fuck he really was a masochist, wasn't he? "I, um, I'd need you to guide me. But if you did want help, I'd like to be the one."

"God, you have no idea what you're doing to me." He heard you giggle lightly. He opened his eyes to see you biting your lip, staring up at him through thick lashes, a blush adorning your chubby cheeks. He throbbed.

"You could show me? I promise I'll be gentle! Please Sanji? Can I pretty please touch your dick?"

Sanji felt like he was going to explode from how cute you were. 

"Fuck. Please."

You squealed in excitement, jumping up from the table, both his arms in hand. He wanted to laugh at how innocent you looked, but instead he felt a lump in his throat. You didn't notice, pulling the seated man into an awkward, crushing hug.

"C'mon! C'mon what are you waiting for? Let's go!" 

"Go where?" He laughed at your eagerness. "In case you haven't noticed darling, we aren't exactly alone."

The way you deflated was comical. What wasn't was the wicked glint that formed in your eyes. Sanji gulped, that was never a good sign. He watched as you quickly dashed out of the kitchen. Sanji looked around, confused. Minutes passed. He got up from the table, moving over to the kitchen island, hiding his lower half behind the counter, lest one of the crew wandered in. He sighed, willing his boner away. 

Bang!

The door flew open. Sanji jumped. There you stood frantically in the doorway. Your hair a mess, breathing heavy, and that wicked glint set on him. He watched as you closed the kitchen door, taking a chair and boarding the door. You grinned, stalking towards him.

No. There's no way.

"We aren't going to be disturbed." You were practically vibrating in excitement.

"What? No. Not in the kitchen. We. Eat. Here." Sanji hissed. You peeked up at him, lip pouting. 

"Please? I'll make sure there's no mess left." You pleaded. 

No mess? Sanji closed his eyes and groaned when he realised what you meant. You were going to be the death of him. When he opened his eyes you were in front of him, staring at him shyly. He startled.

"Can I kiss you? Or is that too far?"

Too far? He wanted to cry. You really had no idea what you were doing to him. He bent down. You grinned. He wrapped an arm around the back of your head, pulling you closer. You tipped your head up. He smiled softly before placing his lips on top of yours.

Your lips locked together like the last piece of a puzzle. You sighed, eyes flitting closed. You pushed further against him, trying desperately to pull him closer. He tasted like cigarettes but you didn't mind, an addictive taste for an addictive man. You wanted more of him. You kissed him feverishly, reluctantly pulling back for air. You stared at the taller man through lidded eyes. He gazed down at you lovingly, a blush high on his cheeks. His blue eyes studied your face closely. 

Sanji laughed as with both hands you pulled his face back for another kiss. His skin was hot, your hands now cold against his cheeks. You tasted sweet and he wanted to devour you so badly. You were too cute. He felt you pull him closer to you. You were kissing and sucking at his lips before you felt it. Sanji bit back a groan, feeling your hips brush against him. He felt pure embarrassment as he heard your breath hitch, pulling away. He opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by a groan as you experimentally pushed your hips against him harder.

"Oh my gods." He heard you whisper against him. He froze. "Oh my gods it's so-"

"We can stop if it's too much dar-LING!"

He squeaked as he felt both your hands rake down his chest, you humming contently as you kept yourself pressed against him. He felt overwhelmed at how eager you were. He'd never had someone so upfront in wanting to touch him. His cocked throbbed. You mewled lightly, causing another throb.

"Oh my god it moves?" You giggled. He cracked a smile back. You were so innocent.

Sanji had made one crucial mistake though. That was thinking that just because you were inexperienced, that meant you would be submissive. He felt you cage him against the countertop, the wood digging into his ass, your hands on him. It wasn't that he didn't like it, the dissonance was making him dizzy. He felt your hands find purchase on his waist. You breathed out a dreamy sigh.

"God your waist is so fucking tiny."

Sanji bristled with embarrassment. He tried to address it without upsetting you. "Love, that's not exactly what I want to hear."

You giggled. "I can't help it, it's so hot. You could kick my ass if you wanted, but holy fuck you're just letting me feel you up. Gods I've seen you fight, I've seen how thick your legs are, but fuck your waist is so little."

Sanji hissed. He'd never experienced anything like this before. Your hands migrated upwards, resting on his pecs. Your slow pace was driving him insane.

"Can I?" You gestured to his shirt.

"Fuck, love, I'd love to, but maybe when we have somewhere more private okay? Don't want to be too unclothed if someone tries to come in. Same with you okay? Don't want anyone to see something so gorgeous." He smiled at you. You nodded your head, practically buzzing at the idea of this happening again. He winked at you. "You could take off something else though."

Sanji was shocked and delighted at how quickly you dropped to your knees. You began playing with his belt, figuring out how the clasp worked. Sanji scrunched his eyes shut. Fuck, you were so eager! He never would’ve expected it to go like this. Despite your eagerness you were so gentle, as if you were afraid of touching him. He was going to prompt you, but instead you softly pulled his zipper down and began drawing the fabric down till it sat mid thigh.

Oh, fuck. There he was, huh?

You looked at his clothed cock, studying It like it was some kind of strange bug. You wanted to laugh at the comparison. Above you Sanji was flushed, embarrassed by your staring. You ran a finger over the bulge. He hissed, his dick jumping lightly. You couldn't help the giggle that bubbled out of your throat. 

"What?"

"It's so cute the way it jumps."

"Maybe this was a mistake."

"No no no! I promise I'll be good. Can I, um... do I?"

"Just...hah...do what you think is right. I'll...correct you."

Sanji let out an undignified squeak as he felt you lightly grab the clothed bulge. You massaged it, feeling what you could, watching with curiosity how the man above you writhed. Exploratively, you moved your hand further back, cupping his balls through the fabric. The friction of the fabric against bare skin was pure torture.

"Oh shit!" Sanji whined. You withdraw your hand like it burnt. "That's, god, that's really sensitive okay? You're killing me sweetheart."

"Sorry." You mumbled, placing a kiss to his bare thigh. The "strange bug" jumped again. You began peppering more kisses to his thigh. Once you reached the inside of his thigh you breathed deeply, he smelt musky, it made your mouth water. Experimentally, you licked the inside of his thigh. Sanji's thigh tensed. You licked upwards in long stripes until you reached the leg of his underwear. You gave a quick moment of hesitation before you blew air over the bulge. Sanji hissed. Smiling, you placed a kiss directly over the top of his bulge. 

"Did you just kiss my dick?"

"Mmhmm. Watch, I'll do it again." You placed an open mouth wet kiss over Sanji's clothed cock. The man above you threw his head back, whining softly. The fabric was dampened with a mix of your spit and something else. You saw how taut the fabric had become. You cooed. "That looks like it hurts." 

Sanji nodded. You looked up at him.

"Can I take them off?"

He shuddered. "Fuck. Please (name)."

With curiosity you began dragging the wet underwear down his hips, settling them at his mid thigh. His musky scent overpowered you, and you watched with fascination as Sanji's cock slapped against his stomach. Looking up at him you saw how tight his eyes were scrunched, knuckles gripping the countertop. You noticed how he shivered lightly at the exposure. Sanji's cock stood, large, imposing, and leaking. You breathed out a curse. It looked gorgeous, just like him, long and lithe. His happy trail led to a neat little patch of dark hair. You salivated. Eyes drawing to your prize, you winced at how red and angry the head looked.

Sanji thought he was going to kill you when he felt you tap his cockhead like a microphone. Instead he bucked his hips away, humiliation colouring his face. "Stop that! I know you don't know what you're doing, but please use your brain dearest." 

You mumbled an apology before rubbing your hands together, trying to warm them. He watched as you wrapped a hand around his dick before moaning lowly. You studied him, absolutely enraptured, as you gave a test pump. The man above you crumbled. 

"Do you always get this way?"

"No." He panted.

"Just for me?" You tried sultry, trying to muster up some quote from a smutty novel you once read. Sanji peeked one eye open before groaning.

"No." His voice was strained, breathing heavy. You tried pumping him, but the rhythm was sloppy. "N-no. You're...it's a lot right now. I'm not used to it being this slow…or clumsy."

"Do you like it?" You looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Unfortunately." He muttered. With a burst of pride you tried pumping him harder. Sanji squealed, grabbing your hand. "Fuck (name), I really need you to spit in your hand. Th-that's painful."

"Oh...sorry." You offered. Sanji watched as you perversely spit in your hand, wrapping the digits back around his cock. You tried setting a rhythm, it was sloppy, but you focused on giving him consistent squeezing pressure. Sanji moaned lowly at the squeezing, hips rocking. 

Soon you reached a steady rhythm. You watched with bated breath before you slowed down. Sanji began to whine from the loss, only to keen loudly as he felt your lips enclose his cockhead. He began spluttering, eyes rolled backwards. He'd take anything right now, fuck he wanted to cum so bad. He sucked in a breath.

"No teeth, okay love?" 

You laughed, the vibrations tickling him in the best way. He moaned, trying desperately to not fuck your face. His eyes were so tightly scrunched.

You slowly forced yourself further down his length, squeezing the base. Sanji swore. You froze, taking a deep breath through your nose. When he didn't stop you, you continued your devotion. 

"Ack!" You choked, throat burning. You felt Sanji's hand patting your head. You retreated off him, coughing.

"Darling don't take more than you can okay. We don't want you to choke now."

You gazed up at him, eyes wet and throat hoarse. "Let me try again!" 

Your raspy voice made Sanji quiver, but the way you looked up at him, absolutely wrecked, made him burn. As quickly as he noticed it, it ended, and you unceremoniously inhaled his cock. He could feel you try to smile. 

"Fuck!" His voice was high as you sucked hard, adding your tongue to flatten against the underside of his cock. "(Name)! Baby, fuck, I-"

"Hey why won't the door open?" Zoro's voice rang through the wood. Sanji stilled, holding your head. The two of you looked at each other frozen. Sanji tried clearing his throat. 

"If you keep making noise out there, I'm gonna explode, Mosshead!"

You snorted, trying hard to not laugh. 'Yeah you're gonna explode,' you inwardly snickered. 

"Whatever shitty waiter." 

Silence. Sanji looked down at you. "Darling, maybe we should stop. It's okay, we can try again another day." He froze at the frustrated look that overtook your features. "Fuck." He whispered.

You sucked harshly causing Sanji to bite his hand hard to avoid screaming. He felt you try swallowing, watched as tears pricked your eyes. You didn't slow down on your work, sucking harshly and hands wandering. You grabbed a fistful of his asscheek, other hand tracing circles on his inner thigh. You felt him tensing, quivering. His hand reached for your neck, trying to coax you off. He was so close.

"Oh god!" Sanji gasped. "Baby I'm gonna cum, you need to hop off-AH!" 

You sucked harder, milking the man through his orgasm. It was like music the way he spluttered and grabbed the back of your head, nails scratching your scalp. You felt hot, thick liquid painting your throat. It wasn't pleasant, but fuck his reactions were. Some dribbled out of the corner of your mouth and Sanji wiped it away with a thumb, a fucked out expression on his features. He pulled his softened cock out of your mouth, and watched, breathless as you swallowed his seed. You made a grimace afterwards causing the man to laugh.

"Was it okay?" You asked, shyness taking over you. 

"You're lucky I don't mind a bit of torture. It was good for a first try." He gave you that flirty grin and a wink. "I think you need more practice though."

You laughed, outstretching a hand so he could help you up. You tried stretching your legs, noting the numb pain in your knees. You wrapped your arms around his middle. "Was I that bad?"

Sanji pulled his underwear and pants back up, zipping his pants closed. He pulled you closer. "Nah, you're just something else entirely. Silly." Kiss. "Torturous." Kiss. "And I am smitten with you."

"We've wasted enough time, better get back to it." You smiled against his lips. 

"I'd love to pay you back."

"Later loverboy, we're gonna have the whole crew in here soon if we don't hurry."

"I'm so glad there's a later."

You winked, straightening your clothes and heading for the door. You stopped, turning to stare at the man.

"For you baby? Always. Oh, can you make souffle?"

"What? Why?"

"I told the guys we were making a souffle and needed the kitchen completely silent."

Sanji laughed. You definitely kept him on his toes.

-----------

I'm not going to lie, some of this is coloured by my first time hahaha! I am an incredibly awkward person, and yes I did also once tell a guy how cute I thought it was when dicks jump. He also told me I was fucked for that ha!

[nukuome]

I uh.. I like Barnabas a normal amount

[auburnflight]

90-minute (ish?) study of a screenshot I took upon arriving in the flooded city the other day

Reference image:

[affectionaddiction]

　　DESIRDARLING 　& 　DESIRYANDERE 　　 two terms in one post

　　TRIGGER WARNING ! 　　mentions of stalking , the "yandere" trope 　　and obsessive behavior.

　　DESIRDARLING

　　⸻ a desirdae identity where one desires 　　for any reason to be a darling, or the object 　　of affection / obsession of a yandere. this 　　could be because of trauma, mental illness, 　　enjoyment of the trope in fictional media, 　　or just because the identifier feels happy 　　using the label. 　　⸻ this label can be transitioned to 　　non-harmfully, but should not be pursued 　　if the identifier is under 18 or if it is not 　　mutually consensual on both sides. this 　　label supports self-inserts and fictional 　　others that align with the "yandere" trope 　　as part of a non-harmful transition.

　　DESIRYANDERE 　　⸻ a desirdae identity where one desires 　　for any reason to be a yandere. this could 　　be due to reclaiming the term yandere as a 　　caricature of bpd symptoms, trauma, 　　enjoyment of the trope in fictional media, 　　or just because the identifier feels happy 　　using the label.

　　⸻ this label can be transitioned to 　　non-harmfully, but should not be pursued 　　if the identifier is under 18 or if it is not 　　mutually consensual on both sides. this 　　label supports self-inserts and fictional 　　others that align with the "yandere" trope 　　as part of a non-harmful transition.

　　EXTRA 　　⸻ misc: 　　if these terms already exist, consider 　　it a recoining or an alternate flag! 　　⸻ tags: 　　@desirdae-archive 　　@radiomogai

[xxnghtclls]

Flickering Lights

Chapter 4

Chapter 3 I Chapter 5

True Form Sukuna x Reader

NSFW I Explicit I Slow Burn

Infos and tags on Chapter 1

Used music is linked in text.

Fate

801, 801, 801, 801

Like a mantra, you repeat the number in your head.

Step. Step. Step. Step.

Your lungs burn like fire, as you swing yourself around the next corner, taking the next pair of stairs. 

Up! Up! Up!

Time grows little and your legs weak. 

801, 801, 801, 801

The thoughts of what will happen next are stinging in your heart, like a spear, as you try to push them to the back of your head. 

Step. Step. Step. Step.

The ground starts shaking, heavily. Parts of the walls are crumbling. 

Dust is coming down and blinding your sight, itching in your eyes and throat, making you grab tightly onto the rails with every step.

Suddenly, you feel creatures stare into your back, snarling and hissing.

Run!

You run impossibly faster, quicker, all those steps up. 

Like prey that‘s running from a predator. 

801, 801, 801, 801

Your thighs start to cramp, as you look around the corner of the next stairs with wide eyes. 

Panic swells up in your chest as you realise, that you‘ve lost track of which story you’re in. 

There’s no time.

No time.

Not enough time.

The ground rumbles harder. 

Your feet lose balance, making you trip, 

as something heavy hits your neck and you fall-

A sharp pain stings through your heart, as you jump forward with a sharp inhale. You rip your eyes open and you feel that your sheets are drenched in cold sweat. Panting with a sore throat, you stare at the upper corner of your window at the end of your feet. Light shines against the shutters from outside, painting shadows and figures upon the plastic.

Not again.

You inhale deeply and slowly exhale.

“I’m home.” you reassure yourself.

The punches of your beating heart are harsh against your ribcage. With your left hand, you tap inside the darkness for your phone. 

03:06 a.m.

The screens brightness hurts your eyes. You click your tongue and switch it off again. Burying your face in your hands, you sigh loudly, before shifting your weight.

Sliding forward, your feet reach the end of your bed. Letting them dangle off the edge, you carefully crawl down the ladder, until your toes are met by the soft carpet on the ground. You take two steps and reach into the dark corner next to your window, turning on the lamp. It has a warm, white light, that gently meets the backs and bindings of your mangas and books in the tall shelf on the left wall, as well as the little Maneki-Neko, that is shining exceptionally bright in this light. You like how it fills the whole room with a calming atmosphere. Two steps towards the kitchenette on the opposite side and you reach for the metal handle of the fridge in order to take out a bottle of water.

Sip.

The cold fluid reaches the back of your throat, crawls down your oesophagus like a river carves its way through dry soil.

It hurts.

You smack your lips and groan at the sting, before you put the lid back on the bottle and leave it on the counter, before you walk past the fridge to grab a towel from the drawer that’s sitting right next to it.

It’s quiet in your little flat, as you head into the bathroom and turn the faucet on. While you wait for the water to warm up, you avoid looking at the mirror, tapping your fingers gently against the sink. 

It’s been six months…  Why did it feel more real this time?

Your throat starts to tighten and your bottom lip starts to quiver, along with a cramp in your stomach. A second later, your face is buried in the toilet next to you, puking out the stress this nightmare gives you. It’s disgusting and you spit a few times to get rid of the taste. After rinsing your mouth, you undress your sweaty shirt and throw it into the hallway. You wet the cloth and start to clean yourself, before you put a new shirt on.

Shuffling back to your window, you pierce two fingers inside the shutters to take a brief look outside. 

It’s quiet.

Only a few lights from the skyscrapers offices adorn the night sky. Like always. The shutters plastic scrapes harshly against your skin, as you pull them out and reach for the lamp to shut it off.

So real… Was it because of -

Your heart picks up a beat, as you remember what happened in your office just a few hours ago. Turning back, you spread the shutters once again- Still quiet. No creatures. No Stranger.

Your eyes wander, something inside you makes you wonder where he might be, where he came from and what he wants, before you decide to crawl back up into your loft. 

The brightness of your phone stings in your eyes, as you open Mio’s last message, her reply for the situation with Itō-san.

[ Mio ] 🤷‍♀️

And you frown and smile. She definitely has a sixth sense for men.

[ Y/N ] Witch.

You reply and change the app to scroll through your social media. Trying to distract yourself, to read and like some posts here and there. You always do this, when this dream haunted your night and woke you up.

Food. Food. Cat. Actor. News. Food. Cat-

However tonight, your thoughts don’t drift back to your nightmare, but instead to your encounter. Back to him.

This Stranger. 

And you can’t help to like this change of habit. It distracts you from your usual madness.

You recall what he looked like, how intimidating and tall he was. The tattoos, the mask and what he sounded like, his four arms and eyes. How they pierced into your soul, as if he could see the misery that you believe you to be. Almost a bit like… sorcery.

03:59 a.m.

You blink and open your photo gallery. Hesitantly, you tap on the the last picture you’ve taken, the nightly view of the broken window of your office. You adjust the brightness, all the way up and scan the whole picture with your eyes. Disgust shivers across your face, as you see the cat-sized fly. You spread your fingers across the display to zoom in, squinting your eyes. The creature is barely visible, almost as if it’s merging with the background, yet you can clearly see it. You clench your jaw, before you zoom out a little and drag the picture over to the dark hole that’s left in the office window. And you zoom in again.

Closer. 

As close as you can. 

And there, right there in the shadows of your office, you can make out four dimmed red spots, more like a bunch of pixels. Small, barely visible and you’re not even sure if your brain is making them up. You try to zoom in further, but it always jumps back. Holding the zoom with your fingers, you see a hint of a boney mask, maybe also the outline of a chin.

His face?

You stare. 

“What am I doing?” you sigh, before you close the app and reach with your right hand into the darkness in front of you and search for your headphones. “Ah shit!” you curse under your breath, as you remember that you left them as trash on the kitchentable.

Giving up, you decide to continue to listen to your Ghibli Playlist on speakers and roll on your back. You close your eyes, as the music quietly plays into your ears and fills the room. And you can’t help it. Those feelings this dangerous Stranger awoke in you, this danger and adrenaline, fascination and curiosity…

Those feelings… They make you want to see him again.

And after a while, the music stops. End of playlist.

Silence.

And with this Stranger on your mind, you fall asleep.

.

.

.

Brrrr Brrrr

You wake up. With one heavy eye, you peek at the message on your phone.

[ Mio ] Morning Peanut. Akihabara later? 🧙‍♀️

You focus on the clock.

10:32 a.m.

A loud sigh shatters through your throat and you close your eye again. 

Nooo… Wait. Yes.

You try to open your eyes again and text back.

[ Y/N ] Yea, need nee headpjones

[ Mio ] Ohhh sleepy ❤️ Text me when you’re ready

You force yourself to get up, brush your teeth and comb your hair. A little bit of skincare goes on your cheeks and a little more than that on your eye bags, before you get dressed in yesterdays outfit. Then you grab your keys, bag and cap and slide your phone into your pocket. 

[ Y/N ] Gonna get some breakfast then I’ll be there. About 40 mins.

[ Mio ] Oki doki 👌

Clck.

You close your front door and tipple through the corridor to the elevator.

Tobira ga shimarimasu, you mouth along, as the doors close in front of you.

La Familia. pork-mayonnaise Onigiri. Tea. 

Another day, the same routine.

As you enter the station, the tech store at the corner catches your eye, thinking that you just could buy new headphones here and go home again and call off Mio, because yesterday was-

Wait.

Something you didn’t consider until now pops up in your mind. On Monday, you’ll have to face the aftermath of your encounter with the Stranger in your office.

Hirose-san is going to fire me.

You swallow and your stomach drops.

Fuck. Distraction it is.

You walk past the shop and down the stairs. This time you follow the signs to get to the Ginza line. 

Scan. Platform. Queue. Waiting. 

Suspiciously, you watch your environment, as you breathe the familiar thick, warm air. And no unusual things start to occur.

No creatures. No Stranger.

You enter the train and during your ride, you stare out of the window across from you. Listen to the railway and see the lights bouncing and dancing against the wall of the tunnel passing by. Some red dots flicker up inbetween. 

One. Two. Three. Four.

You blink, before you pull out your phone and open the photo of last night. In the light of the train, you don’t see as much as you saw in the darkness of your room. With a disappointed sigh you lock your phone again and continue to look out the window, thinking it’s too strange to even consider talking about the whole situation to Mio.

“Excuse me, is everything alright?” an elderly woman that’s sitting right next to you throws you a concerned look. You must’ve zoned out.

“Uh, yes! Sorry.” you force a smile on your lips-

>< The next station is: Akihabara ><

The announcement rips you out of this uncomfortable conversation and you’re quick to get up and text Mio to meet at the tech store.

“Oy, peanut!” Mio’s voice comes up behind you moments later, making you turn around and nudge your head to her, shooting her a look.

“What’s up?” you greet her, trying to act cool, while spreading your arms.

She smiles and goes in for a tight hug. 

“What happened to lil peanut?” you ask, while she squeezes you.

“Didn’t know you’re a rapper.” she replies with a grin, before flicking her fingers against the hood of your cap. “You wear a cap, but you’re not a baddie. Especially not with those eye bags.” she continues, waving you to come after her. “Let’s go!”

You met Mio in the nightlife of Tokyo. Met her in a phase of your life when this feeling inside your soul would start to knock on your mind almost every day. Mio was fun, distracting and you kept going out with her. She would take you to lots of different clubs, even the ones in the underground. 

And you needed it. Despite having Mio and Kobayashi-san, you needed distraction from this strange feeling of loneliness and emptiness that was creeping up inside of you. You felt ashamed for it and you would do anything, for every weekend, in order to suffocate what was growing in your mind and soul. For months, you would try going from music and dancing, to sex and more sex, then booze and sometimes even other drugs. Slowly at first, but then more and more frequently, until everything changed. 

You lost Kobayashi-san and those creatures started to creep inside your vision. Like a crack in the desert, your soul carved itself into the ground and deeper. You slowly came to realise, that the highs those nights gave you didn’t last, that they couldn’t satisfy this longing in your heart and that, in fact, nothing could. Everything started to feel worthless and grey and you stopped going out, never having the courage to tell Mio the reason why, never telling her about this hole inside your soul, the nightmares or the creatures. But, she stayed with you and you stayed with Mio. She was the one who was able to pull some parts of you out of the ground again. No matter how exhausted you feel, she often manages to distract you from the empty weight inside your heart, makes you feel normal somehow, makes you cherish small things. That’s what you love her the most for.

And you feel selfish for it.

“How do you like this one?” she asks, holding a phone case under your nose. Huge, pink and with little glittery stones and charms. You purse your lips, making her glare at you.

“What?” she squeaks. “You’re the one who walked around with a Hello Kitty phone for the longest time!”

“Buy it then!” you chuckle, as you shuffle to another aisle, looking for headphones. “Madame Discoball.” 

“It’s cute!” she complains. “I’ll take it.”

You gently smile at her remark, before you finally find the headphones you were looking for and head to the cash registers. 

“What do you want with this cheap trash?” Mio eyes your choice, while standing in line behind you. “Will you ever treat yourself some proper ones?”

“No.” you smile, before a cashier waves at you.

On your way out, Mio tipples after you, fishing out her new phone case out of the plastic bag.

“Why not?” she asks.

“Because they’re cheap.” you grin at her confidently. “Obviously.”

And she doesn’t reply, just shakes her head in disbelief. You two walk down the street, dip into a merch store here and then, poke the plushies that are displayed outside of shops, before arriving at a booth that sells Taiyaki. Mio gets you one with custard filling, while taking one with chocolate herself. As you two bite into it, she hums.

“I gotta leave for a work trip to Gifu tomorrow.” she chews, making you frown.

“Gifu? Tomorrow? It’s Sunday.” 

Another bite.

“Yea I know.” she nods. “They want to include team-building activities, like… hiking.” 

You snort and she rolls her eyes. Mio is a colourful, glittery party girl, not a hiking girl. It doesn’t suit her.

“And apparently this Sunday is the day they thought is perfect for a hike!” she continues in an annoyed tone, before taking another bite. “I’ll be there for a few days.”

“I hope you have proper shoes.” you tease, knowing exactly that her wardrobe only contains sneakers and high heels.

“Shut up.”

“It’ll be fine.” you stuff the remaining Taiyaki in your mouth. “Take care though!” 

“I will!” she nods, after swallowing her last bite. “The Taiyaki is on me by the way.”

You look at her with your stuffed mouth and a smile spreads on your face.

”Thank you!” your eyes are glowing in gratitude. “What brings me the honour?”

”It’s our anniversary!” she grins. “Today it’s been a year!”

A year since you and her met. A year since you promised each other to hang up an Ema at the Meiji Shrine as an anniversary gift to your friendship. Drunk.

“Already?”

“Yep!” she grins widely and hooks her arm into yours, before she pulls you down the street towards Akihabara Station. “Maybe we should go out again sometime… you know, for old times sake.”

“Yeah maybe.” you smile, trying to sound genuine.

“Maybe tonight?” she carefully asks in a sweet tone, making you helplessly chuckle and chew your lip, as you search for an excuse, before she continues. “You know, it’s fine. I just hope to see you having fun again. You grew so quiet after Kobayashi-san.“

“I know.” you sigh, making her sigh, too. 

A pause.

“Maybe I do need dick though.” you joke quietly to distract from the topic, making her gasp and snort. “It’s been months!”

“Yes, you do! But that’s not what I want to say!” she exclaims. “You just look exhausted lately. Maybe going out will give you some energy? Distract you a bit?”

You smile and nod slowly, while listening to her words, pondering.

“I need to get up early tomorrow so it won’t get late either. Just for a drink or two to kiss me goodbye, before I need to leave for my hiking trip.” she continues. “Pretty please?” she looks at you with big eyes, making you snort.

“You’re so annoying.” you shake your head at her, knowing you won’t be able to dodge this situation forever. Not, without telling her the truth.

It’s just for her…

“Alright. One drink only!” 

“That’s my girl!” she grins brightly and squeezes your arm, as you both enter Akihabara Station.

>< The next station is: Yoyogi ><

After a short walk, Mio and you arrive at the entrance of the shrine. It’s busy, like always. Tourists and locals everywhere. But, as soon as you walk through the Torii and the trees start to seal off the noises of the streets, it grows surprisingly quiet. As quiet it can be at least. The sheer mass of people still makes you uncomfortable. You inhale, breathing in the fresh air from below the trees.

Maybe I just need a vacation.

After a ten minute walk through the beautiful area, through the trees and nature, you arrive at the entrance of Meiji Shrine. You head to the Chōzuya to clean your hands and mouth, before you walk inside, straight towards the camphor trees, where people hang up their Emas. Mio steps closer, reading some of the wishes that are already hung up, while you go and purchase two of the little wooden plates. Handing one of it to Mio, you tipple back to one of the desks and start writing.

For my lovely Mio.

Now it’s been a year with you at my side and I hope for many more.

Wish you all the best, good food and a roof above your head.

Also, please have the safest travel to Gifu, a good hike and a lot of fun.

Your Y/N.

You draw a little deer in the corner, since that’s her favourite animal, before you hang it up. Mio steps into the corner of your eyes and reads it with a soft smile in her eyes, before hanging her own plate right next to yours.

For my lovely y/n.

Please let her have the most fun, good sleep and good food. 

Let fate have a little big adventure in store for her.

She deserves it. So much.

Your Mio.

You smile and your heart warms up, reading her wish for you. However, you can’t help to frown at her choice of words.

“Fate?”

“Yea! Just like fate brought us together.” she smiles back and you snort.

“At least one good thing fate had in store for me, I guess.” you sigh, before you point at the plate. “You forgot to draw a cat.”

“I cannot draw a cat.”

“Idiot.” you huff and hook your arm into hers, before you turn around and see- him.

The Stranger. Just a few steps ahead of you.

You freeze in your spot, as you see his pink spiky hair and his black coated back turned to you. 

“What’s up?” Mio asks, as she notices how tense you are and tugs at your sleeve, but you can’t speak. Your heart starts racing in your chest.

Badum. Badum. Badum.

You watch him and how he walks towards the stairs of the praying area, before Mio snips her fingers in front of your eyes to pull you out of your trance.

Snip snip

“Helloo!” she chimes, making you shake your head and blink. 

“Sorry.” you mumble, but your gaze immediately fixates back on the Stranger, causing Mio to catch focus on him as well.

“Who’s that?“

“I don’t know.” you breathe, while you watch how he walks up the stairs.

In the corner of your eyes, you see other people walking around him, peeking and staring and mumbling about his unusual appearance and tall height. Arriving at the top of the stairs, he suddenly reaches out and shoves a praying, middle aged woman out of his way. She tipples, looses balance and-

Bam!

falls down the stairs, while he’s stepping in front of the Saisen-bako that’s sitting between the huge doors. You flinch and an appalled gasp is heard from the by-standing people. Some of them rush forward to help the woman.

“Disrespectful asshole!” Mio exclaims in disgust and wants to go forward too, but you grab her sleeve, holding her back.

“Stay!” you warn her with an anxious tone. Confusion paints on her face, but she complies.

You look back to the scene and watch him lay his right hand on the wooden surface of the Saisen-bako, while he keeps his other hands hidden behind the fabric. The crowd becomes uneasy, it gets louder. People start to talk to him, try to get his attention, but he’s ignoring them, concentrating on doing whatever he came to do. But, your eyes stay fixated on his hand, how it lays flat on the surface under its palm, how it’s tensing and relaxing.

The bystanders grow louder and louder, but the sound grows mute in your ears. Mio notices your trance and calls you, but you hear without hearing. Almost as if you’re hypnotised, you watch how the wooden surface starts to vibrate, how the lines between his hand and the wood start to blur. Something in you wants to step closer, wants to see, wants to know.

What is he-

A deep humming vibrates in your ear, just like last night and whatever he’s doing, it has you in his grip. Mio calls you again, louder and snips her fingers again to wake you, but you keep being fixated on his hand until-

“Hey!” another man shouts and tugs on his Haori to get his attention. Without even looking, the pink haired man raises his left hand and flicks two of his fingers. 

A bone chilling cry echoes across the place, as the throat of the other man suddenly bursts with blood, before his head falls from his shoulders-

Pap.. Pap… pap!

Down the stairs it falls and rolls. Your heart drops and your eyes widen in horror, as Mio and more people start to scream. Blood splatters everywhere, as the head rolls and comes to a halt next to the feet of another woman, coating the holy grounds with red essence. And your blood starts boiling with adrenaline, making you feel the fear in your chest and legs and arms.

“Y/N!!” Mio calls your name again, now very loud and clear. You meet her eyes and she grabs your wrist.

“Run!” you shout, before you move. 

Both of you run towards the entrance, already seeing security guards run into the opposite direction. The other people run in panic and scream, shoving you out of their way, almost making you stumble and fall, before you finally reach the gate.

Sirens are already howling in the distance, as Mio and you and other visitors run through the park in order to get back to the street. Suddenly a gust of wind rushes through the trees and the birds start flying and screaming. Your heart is pounding in your throat and your throat is as dry as sand, as you finally reach the exit. A glance to Mio and she nods back at you, before you both hurry to her little house in Shibuya.

Bam!

Zschk Zing!

She locks the front door, as you sigh loudly, slumping down on one of her kitchen chairs. 

“Fuck.” she sighs under your breath, her hands still lingering on the door-lock, while you just stare into nothing and focus on the restless pumping of your heart.

“Gonna make tea.” Mio says, before she walks to the open kitchen and fills the cattle. “The police will get him right?”

“Yeah…” you say absentmindedly, hoping the image of that rolling head won’t give you another dose of nightmares. “Maybe they shot him on sight.”

She hums and the kettle starts to whistle.

Louder and louder.

Louder and louder.

Mio takes it from the stove and fills two cups with water and teabags. You take a sip and the warmth flows through your body, making you feel better in an instant.

“Let’s just wait a bit. It’ll be safe in a few hours.” she mumbles into her cup.

You nod and quietly drink your tea and so does she. Inbetween you check your phone and so does she. However, unlike her, you don’t receive any messages. You listen to how she types her replies to other people, before you lay your phone back on the table. Looking out the window, you notice how it’s slowly growing dark outside. The streetlights turn on and paint shadows on the streets and houses. Here, in this neighbourhood, it seems calm. Safe.

And you start ask yourself, if he’s still out there, alive… wonder how you survived your previous encounter with him. 

What is he doing here?

“You think he would have slashed that man, if he let him do his thing in peace?” you sip and she glances over to you. “…whatever he was doing, I mean.”

“What are you talking about?” she responds, visibly annoyed. “Nothing can justify what he’s done.”

“Yeah.” you gently blow on your tea. “You’re right.”

A pause.

“How did he do it anyway? I didn’t see a knife.” you question quietly.

“Probably hid it in his sleeve?” she frowns, her tone growing upset. “Doesn’t matter now, they probably shot him.”

Your eyebrows twitch at the thought. Somehow, you don’t feel like it’s true. 

It’s bizarre how curiosity works sometimes. How it grabs you by your scalp and forces you to look and see. How it forces you to want to know more…

“What is it?” Mio suddenly asks, making you feel caught.

“Nothing.” you lie, while she looks at you as if you lost your mind. “Isn’t it just… Isn’t it like a movie?”-

“Yes.” she interrupts you, before you continue to speak at the same time.

“A horror movie.”-

“Extraordinary.”

“What?” she scoffs.

“Don’t get me wrong!” you’re quick to continue, gesturing your hands in a calming manner. “I pissed my pants. I saw the horrors unfold in front of me and it grabbed my soul. But, it made me feel so alive… I never felt like this before. It was extraordinary.”

“Do you want me to slap you now or later?” she spits, before crossing her arms in front of her chest. Her words makes you chuckle, but you quickly stop, as you see that Mio doesn’t even flinch. Instead she seriously glares at you.

“Sorry.” you mumble, before biting on your lip to not let your mouth escape another grin. And after another second Mio scoffs again. 

“Too bad that fucker hijacked our plans for tonight. You do need dick.” 

You look back at her and she stares back you.

“Yes.“ you reply, as serious as you can. “Extraordinary dick.” 

A pause, before she finally breaks and a grin cracks onto her lips, making you both burst into laughter at the same time.

“Idiot.” she mumbles with a grin, as her phone pings, making you tap on your phone as well.

23:30 p.m.

“I should go now.” you grab your headphones. “The last train goes at 23:45 p.m.”

“What?” she exclaims. “No! You’re gonna stay here!”

“Nah, you need to get up early tomorrow and I don’t wanna bother you.” you lie.

Usually, you lie because of the nightmares, but tonight there’s something else.

Bizarre curiosity.

“There’s no way, you’re gonna go home alone right now.”

“Please, it’s fine.” you smile gently. “Police will be everywhere.”

She crosses her arms in front of her chest and clenches her jaw, mustering you.

“Alright.” she mumbles through her teeth. “You’re a grown woman.” she stands up and walks you to her door. “If you loose your head, don’t blame it on me.”

“Wow…” you comment, while putting your shoes on. “You mean if fate grabs me by my hands?”

She rolls her eyes and clicks her tongue.

“Now be careful and text me when you’re at the station, ok?”

“Ok, mama.” you mock, as you lean in for a tight hug. 

“Gonna miss you.” she sincerely whispers into your ear.

“Gonna miss you, too!” you mumble back, fighting tears, as you press her against you, before you separate. 

This day was a lot. For both of you.

However, it’s not over yet. Not for you at least.

“We’ll make up for the drink when you’re back from Gifu, yes?” you wave at her, while putting on your headphones. She nods and you notice how her eyes grew wet, too.

“Text me!” she yells after you, as you walk down the street, before you wave at her a second time and walk out into the night. 

[orphiclovers]

I think the most notable bit of character insight on Yoo Joonghyuk that Yoo Mia SS provides is how much the apocalypse did not change him at all.

It's one of those Big Themes orv has, and simply brilliant writing. Y'know how they kept beating us over the head with the concept of 'the people who find it easiest to adapt in a ruined world are those who could not adapt to real life?'. That applies to YJH too, and even more than other characters. But it's hard to notice on a casual main story read because genre conventions and his character archetype tell us not to look deeper, that he is just a basic brooding power fantasy manhwa protagonist, even when he's really not.

So the audience writes off his quirks because it's expected of his brooding hero archetype and the other apocalypse survivors write off his quirks because everyone who has gotten this far is a little nuts and also they have bigger problems.

But when Yoo Joonghyuk acts exactly like he does during the apocalypse in a pre-scenario world where there's no convienient explanation it's really clear that he is different and he just comes off as...off.

His silence during conversations is no longer mysterious and cool but just weird and a failure to read social cues. His 'glare' is frightening and people don't like when he makes eye contact with them. His manner of speech is off-putting. His blank emotionless face is not stoic repressed hero-esque but ""rude"" etc etc. Every single mainstream society conforming person can tell there's something off about him so they avoid him. And YJH doesn't know how to communicate so he ends up totally friendless (save for a literal mafia boss and a crazy time-traveling teenage girl - and only them, because they don't fit well into society either.)

Umm where was I. So, but I don't know how much effect all of that has on World of Zero. Firstly, because between Yoo Mia side story and World of Zero there are 3-4 years of '?????' where afaik we have no idea what Yoo Joonghyuk was doing. He stopped being a gamer at some point but also got rich at the same time (doing what?) and bought the house he daydreamed about and also became a total shut-in who 'doesn't go outside often'. I have fanfic-y theories but nothing canon.

Onto the second part of the ask.

With World of Zero era joongdok I feel like there's a lot of writers out there who have made their own versions that are better than anything I could come up with so I hope you wont be disapointed. That being said I do have some thoughts.

Speaking of fanfic, here is mine under read more lol.

I think it's super that Kim Dokja gains the power of an omnipotent god and the very first thing he does is devote his time to Yoo Joonghyuk's happiness and safety. The whole reason he became OD was because of his massive guilt complex about YJH, so it makes sense that he would try to atone.

Zero starts off mistrusting him but gradually KDJ proves himself as having Zero's best interests at heart 100% of the time. DKOS is YJH's guardian angel. And then KDJ stays watching over him even after the scenarios were over, seeing him go through boring life milestones, happy as long as YJH is happy, for seemingly no reason.

So it's no wonder Yoo Jooghyuk fell in love.

He might not know Salvation's real name or appearance or anything about him but he wants to get to know him, this person who has saved him so many times while asking nothing in return. It doesn't matter that he's a constellation because he is good, Yoo Joonghyuk knows. He confesses all of this to Salvation, looking up at the sky with eyes sparkling with life and passion.

Salvation lets him down gently, for what it's worth, but rejection is still rejection and it hurts.

In the following weeks, as he goes through the motions and pretends nothing happened, he continues to feel the gaze of Salvation on his back, but the constellation stays mercifully silent. Yoo Joonghyuk does not want to know if it's pity he's looking at him with. Even heartbreak heals, of course. Months pass, then years. Lee Seolhwa was a dependable companion to him during the scenarios and stays a steadying presence in the world after. They're compatable. She is someone with who he could see himself growing old.

Salvation told him to 'be free, to fall in love with someone who could be with him, to not waste his time chasing after a dream, to live his life to the fullest'

He knows about his attribute of course, just like he knows everything about Yoo Joonghyuk.

Yoo Joonghyuk sees no point in lying. He tells Lee Seolhwa everything. How due to his attribute he will grown old and die while the rest of them stay youthful as ever, how he doesn't remember his childhood or know his parents. His hopes and dreams, how he yearns to learn his origins. About the first scenario, about the constellation who would have been his sponsor, whom he loves.

Then he asks to marry her. She says yes.

Salvation is the first person Yoo Joonghyuk tells. He's happy for him, of course, says he always knew there was a spark between them.

They live a long 50 years together.

When Yoo Joonghyuk's hair started turning more salt than pepper, he told Lee Seolhwa that he wouldn't hold her. She laughed, stroked his head and said that she might not look it but she is two years older than him, that she vowed to be by his side till death did them apart and she will not break that promise.

When his time comes and he knows he has to leave, he tries to explain himself to Lee Seolhwa at least, if not the rest of his old companions. But he needn't have bothered. Before he could start, she took his hands in hers and smiled wistfully. She told him she always knew this day would come. That his heart has always belonged to someone else. She's thankful for the time he has given her anyway and that she could not have asked for a better husband. She sheads a few tears and Yoo Joonghyuk does too, but he leaves their house with a sense of purpose and a lightness in his heart he has not felt once since the day he beat the final scenario.

And then he accepts the sponsorship contract with Salvation.

... .. Sooo, that's how I think round zero went.

[stone-stars]

in which murph has a very normal time at the hands of his players

Transcript:

Murph: Wel-come back to Bahumia everybody! [Jake, Emily, and Caldwell echo him with "Bahumia!". Caldwell sounds incredibly enthusiastic.] Murph: He's so excited! Caldwell Tanner, thanks for being here. Caldwell: Ye-ah! Murph: It's not your turn yet, dude! Caldwell: I'm so sorry sir! Murph: Okay? I'm your Dungeon Master Brian Murphy, joined by Jake Hurwitz-- Caldwell: Bahumia! Jake: [laughs] Hey! Dude! Murph: Caldwell! Caldwell: Sorry! Emily: [laughs] Bahumia! Bahumia! Jake: I'm trying to rhyme, man! Murph: Quit stepping on him with your enthusiasm! Caldwell: I'm just so ready to go! Emily: Bahumia! Jake: I worked really hard on this. I di-- [sighs] well forget it. Fuckin' forget it. Murph: No you gotta! Emily: Bahumia! [Overlapping crosstalk as Caldwell and Murph encourage Jake.] Caldwell: You've got this. Murph: You got this. Jake, go ahead, don't let these two enthusiasms get in your way, alright? Jake: Yeah. Alright, no, yeah. I got this. I got this. Yeah. Caldwell: Whoo! He's got this! Jake: Fighting alongside-- Caldwell: You've got this man! Do it! Murph: Stop! You have to stop! Jake: I know I got it! I'm doin' it! (Calder voice) Fighting alongside a frog and a bard with my brand new sword, Shard. [Emily and Caldwell laugh.] Murph: Yeah! Pretty good. I do feel like we built it up though, at a certain point. And there was just-- there was no way you could fully deliver. Jake: Yeah. It would've been perfect if I got it out clean right up top as soon as you introed. Murph: Yeah, if we did a super low energy intro. [Jake: M-hm. Yeah.] Caldwell: I think it was great man, I think it was amazing, I can't wait to hear it again! Murph: Who is this person. And then of course we've got Emily Axford-- Emily: Bahumia! [Everyone laughs. The others continue laughing harder as Murph talks.] Murph: Ohh. Okay?? That's the name of the world. Her character's name is Calliope Petrichor. If for some reason episode 57 of campaign 3 is the first thing you've listened to. That's Emily Axford. (laughing) She plays Calliope Petrichor. She did say before we started, I think almost as a counter-bit to Emily's bit, before we started (laughing) Emily said "I'm not gonna do a rhyme I don't feel like it." And I said "wild energy to bring into the episode!" so Caldwell went the opposite and went overenthusiastic. They're just fucking with me! Everything we do is just an inside joke to make me upset. Caldwell: And now you're caught up! Murph: Yeah, and now we're caught up. Caldwell: Bahumia! Murph: And-- [laughs] and Bahumia. And-- Uh, and then of course we've got Caldwell Tanner-- Jake: (yelling) Bahumia! Emily: Yeah!!! Jake's in on it!! Caldwell: See, it feels good! It feels good. Murph: Okay. Caldwell Tanner, of course, plays Sol-- Caldwell: Ohhh, Sol Bufo [Murph: Okay.] I'm feeling fine, just found out I'm two of a kind, [Emily: ooh!] and now I'm gonna go and find out if Swag's still alive. I'm really trying to thrive here. Bahumia. [The others laugh. As they talk, Caldwell laughs too.] Murph: You lost me. But you had me for a moment. And that's more that can be said for the other guys. Jake: Wow. Emily: Bahumia. Murph: [laughs] Bahumia. Jake: Bahumia, guys. Murph: Sure. Hey guys, Bahumia. We did it. We did it everyone. Alright? Everyone settle. Settle? Okay?

[The others sigh as if relaxing, and chorus "yeah."] Murph: Ready? Alright. Let's do-- let's do-- Caldwell: Eldermourne. Murph: Not the right campaign. Not the correct campaign. Caldwell: Shit, sorry. Murph: Let's go ahead and do a little-- [laughs as Emily interrupts him] recap-- Emily: That's Calliope's middle name. [Everyone laughing.] Murph: (through laughter) Shut. The fuck up. Everyone. Alright. [Pause as everyone continues to laugh.] Jake: S-- sorry. Murph: So last time, you left Calder's home to pursue Gowan to the Ice Knife, but received a call from Albin along the way-- [laughs] Shut up, dude. Jake: Bahumia. Bahumia. [Everyone laughs.] Murph: This is precious information! Jake: Bahumia! Emily: Bahumia! Bahumia. Caldwell: (exaggerated) Bahumia! Murph: Yeah, okay. You guys are like pokemon now? [The others laugh.] Okay. Alright. Worst bit ever. Okay. [Jake: Bahumia] You recieved a message from Albin--

Murph: -- You were greeted by a ghostly message in the ice that said Friends… Murph and Emily: Betray! Emily: I remember! Murph: You remember. Good job, Em. Jake: Holy shit. She's back. Murph: You get a sticker. Emily: I wrote it in my notebook. Murph: Very good! [Emily: Yeah, yeah, yeah.] That almost makes up to your behavior for the first three minutes of the show [The others laugh.]

Murph: And that's where we are now. Caldwell: Alright! All my real betrayal heads get ready! Emily: Yeah! Caldwell: This is where it starts! Murph: [laughs] Shut up. All of you. [Everyone laughs.] Caldwell: (through laughter) I can't. I have to talk for another hour at least. I'm so sorry. Murph: It's all good. Alright. So--

Murph: Sweet, well we'll talk more about this over on our Patreon. That's patreon.com/naddpod that's N-A-D-D-P-O-D-don't sing yet-- [Emily and Jake start to sing "We"] Caldwell: Bahumia! Murph: Yeah, remember that. [laughs] D-- Do you guys remember that? Uh-- Emily: Bahumia! Caldwell: What are you talking about, man? Murph: Bahumia! Does anyone else have anything they'd like to plug? Emily: Bahumia! Murph: Bahumia, yeah. Jake: Oh, yeah, I would love to plug Bahumia. Murph: Yeah. Check it out. Campaign 1, campaign 3. Caldwell: The world. Emily: Oh! [Murph: uh-huh] Uh, actually can I plug Bahumia? Murph: Great. Really good job, guys. Awesome. Caldwell: It's an incredible world. Incredible place. [Murph: yep!] Check out all of the incredible environs there. Murph: Yeah. Check it out. Uh- You can follow us on, uh-- Emily: Bahumia. Murph: You can follow us on social media that we may or may not use. @ chmurph's me, @ caldy's Caldwell, @ eaxford's Emily-- [Emily: @ bahumia] -- @ jakehurwitz is Jake-- Jake: I'm actually-- I'm actually @ bahumia. Murph: Follow our campaigns on Bahumia-- Emily: I'm also @ bahumia. Murph: I don't think you are. And you can tweet about the show using #naddpod that's N-A-D-D-P-O-D. [They sing "We are, We are" as the audio fades out, but Caldwell and Jake replace the words with "Bahumia"]