#i have a headache just thinking he's entering at number 1

[mokulule]

Take Out for Dummies - part 1

Ship: Dead on Main

“Excuse me?” Jason asked in disbelief.

“How would you describe your ideal date?” the man repeated the question calmly as if he hadn’t snuck up on Red Hood on a rooftop in the middle of the night and didn’t have two guns pointed at him by said surprised vigilante.

Jason had no idea what to think, it was absurd. Only one thing made the smallest bit of sense. After all some reporters would do anything for a story.

“Is this an interview for a gossip magazine?”

The man blinked. “No, this is for personal use only.”

Okay. That was even weirder. With that thought he holstered his guns, grabbed his grapple instead and jumped off the building. He could move his patrol elsewhere for tonight.

Oo o oO

It had been a few days, the strange encounter forgotten about as he’d quickly come across a shipment of unsanctioned drugs entering his territory; Black Mask was making moves towards Crime Alley again. Red Hood had to nip that bullshit in the bud. Just because he was more vigilante than crime lord these days didn’t mean he’d gone soft.

So, Jason had forgotten about the strange man on the rooftop and was wholly unprepared when once again he was standing on a rooftop taking a small break in his patrol and someone spoke:

“So I assume dinner is out what with the whole helmet deal, but what about chocolate?”Jason spun around heart in this throat, guns pointing towards the direction of the voice. It took a moment for him to even find him. This time he was sitting on top on the slanted roof of the stairwell.

“What the-“

“A box of chocolate could be enjoyed later, would that be a suitable gift?”

“What is wrong with you?”

“Too many things to remember off the top of my head.” The man jumped down and walked towards Jason, once more showing his absolute disregard for the guns pointing at him.

“Do you have a death wish?”

That for some reason brought a smile to his face.

Somehow, Jason was the one taking a step back despite being the one holding the guns. That at least stopped the man’s advance and he raised his hands in surrender.

“Sorry man, I guess this whole showing up on a rooftop in the dark is kinda creepy.” He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “It’s just with you being you, I don’t know where else to catch you.”

Jason felt an incoming headache, and he was feeling increasingly silly pointing his guns at the man when he didn’t react to them at all.

“How about you explain who you are and what you want?”

“Oh!” He slapped his forehead as if he couldn’t believe he’d forgotten. “I’m Danny, and I’ve been hired to take you out.” He smiled brightly.

Jason stared in disbelief. Who in their right mind just announced they’d been hired to kill someone, to the person they intended to-

No…

It couldn’t be…

He’d been asking about dates and chocolate. He couldn’t possibly have misunderstood take out Red Hood as take out Red Hood on a date. Nobody would be that stupid…

“Why would someone hire you to take me out on a date?”

Danny, if that was his real name, shrugged. “Maybe they thought you were stressed and needed a nice evening? I don’t know. I don’t ask questions. I just do odd jobs for money, keeps the lights on, you know?”

Jason didn’t respond. He couldn’t believe this.

“And like this job pays extremely well for some reason, so like I’d like to do a good job of it hence the questions?”

Of course it payed extremely well, it was meant to be a freaking hit! Still could be of course, but then it was the oddest way to go about it that Jason had ever experienced and he’d taken out quite a few would-be assassins in his time.

Danny’s face fell at Jason’s continued non-responsiveness. He sighed. Then brought out a notepad and scribbled something down, before ripping off the paper and holding it out to Jason.

“Look,” he said, when Jason made no move to take the paper and still just kept his guns trained on him, “here’s my number if you change your mind. If you haven’t called back in three days, I’ll return my advance and tell them I can’t do it - no matter how sad I’ll be to see that money go.” He looked pained at the admission, but then looked back up at Red Hood with determination.

“Still please reconsider, Mr Hood, I promise I’ll show you a good time if you agree to a date.”He looked expectantly from his hand with the paper to Jason’s helmet. Jason sighed. Holstering his right hand gun he took the paper. It was indeed a phone number, above the number it said Danny with a little smiley face drawn after the name.

Danny’s face brightened into a smile.

“Have a good night then Mr. Hood, I hope to hear from you.” Danny walked backwards with a wave and promptly tripped on an empty bottle someone had left.

“Woah!” His arms windmilled and he only just saved himself from falling back and hitting his head by sheer luck as he caught himself in the sort of gravity defying pose that would win him most limbo games. He laughed sheepishly as he put a hand down and turned around to push himself back up.

“So that was embarrassing. Should look where I go, huh? Never know when you’ll be assaulted by littering…” his voice trailed off as he walked away. He threw a last wave over his shoulder before jumping onto the fire escape and beginning his climb down.

Jason was left standing on the rooftop, paper clutched in one hand, trying to comprehend the whole baffling conversation. Also there was a distinct curl of embarrassment that he’d actually felt threatened by the guy at one point.

Yeah, he wasn’t gonna unpack that. He put the paper in a pocket of his utility belt and took a running leap to the next rooftop.

Oo o oO

Jason could not believe he was actually doing this.

It was three days later. In the mean time he’d asked around his old enforcers if they heard about a guy named Danny who did “odd jobs” as he’d called it.

As it turned out, there was indeed an odd-job-Danny, sometimes just called odd-Danny, with an increasing reputation on the streets of Gotham for doing all sorts of jobs - everything from helping old ladies carry groceries home for pennies and a pat on the cheek to heavier lifting by the docks. When he asked one of the street kids about him, he was told he also helped look for lost pets for pretty rocks or whatever the kids had in their pockets at the time, and he could fix just about anything - which had to be an exaggeration, but then again the street kids weren’t prone to overly positive opinions about adults, so he’d certainly made quite an impression on them.

Yet despite a lot of people knowing about him, apparently nobody knew a last name or where he lived. It was a mystery.

All that to say that Jason was curious… and apparently doing this.

He looked down at his phone, where he’d already put in the number. His thumb hovered over the call button. He still could not believe he was doing this. If this was a trap he was apparently walking in.

With a sigh he pushed the button.

It rang three times before it connected.

“Hello?” A hesitant voice asked.

“Is this Danny?” “Who’s asking?”

“You ask me on a date and you already forgot, I’m hurt,” Jason deadpanned hoping he would catch on to it not being wise to mention Red Hood’s name on an unencrypted line.

“Oh! So is that a yes?” He piped up excitedly.

Urgh, why was it charming that that he sounded so genuinely excited?

“Yes.”

“Sweet. Did you consider my questions?”

“Nope,” Jason popped the p and found himself smirking, “gonna have to impress me all on your own.”

Danny huffed. “Have it your way. I’ll show you a good time, you’ll see. How does… Sunday afternoon work for you?”

“’s fine.”

“Meet you in front of the building we last met, at 2 pm? Also unless you wanna take the bus, maybe bring your bike? I don’t drive.”

Jason scoffed. Letting some stranger hired to kill him close to him on his bike was a recipe for disaster. Still he found himself answering:

“Sure.”

“Great! I’ll see you Sunday then.”

With those words the call ended.

Jason looked down at his phone. He couldn’t believe it. Jason, no, Red Hood had a date for this Sunday. A giddy feeling bubbled up in his chest and he couldn’t help laughing. Red Hood going on a date. It was fucking ridiculous.

Yet, he was kinda looking forward to it. -

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[westhly]

chapter 02.

hwang jun-ho x female! reader — squid game

₊✧ content mentions of kill and kidnapping. reader and jun-ho's cooperation. tension. entering the game. plot. part 1.

the cold surrounded you, a sharp reminder of the world outside the warmth of the nightclub you had just left. you should have been busy thinking about the business card that came back to you. but instead of that thought, there was the tension caused by the man you had just worked with to find the game.

the night feels incredibly heavy, the silence inside the car is almost deafening, the quiet isolation of the car continues, the windows fogged up and the engine humming softly, you're not sure if you should stay or not. you were unstable.

you played with the hem of your skirt with one hand. the other hand held a business card. you had memorized her number.

you cleared your throat to get the attention of the man next to you. his gaze found you. his attention was on you. he indicated that he was listening to you. you talked about it before the game, during the game, and after the game until they gave you the card again. you were a little uncomfortable because you were repeating the same things.

you handed him the card. "they gave it to us again for those who want to rejoin the game."

he took the card and examined it. he again made sure that it was the same card he had found in his brother's room. jun-ho asked, "so are you going to join the game?"

you were dumbfounded for a moment. you moved in place. "i, well, I mean, i'm not, there's no guarantee i'll get out of there." Your gaze shifted to the road for a moment. "one day. that's how long they gave us last time. to join."

he nodded. "so we only have one day." he turned on the heater in his car at the same time. even when he was outside, he noticed you were cold. your hair was damp. he thought that being outside for a long time with wet hair would give you a headache.

"you mentioned sneaking into the game," you murmured. you pointed to the card. "we call the number and give our details. then the masked men give us an address and pick us up."

"there are some people in the car too. like I said, they knock us out with gas. yhen," you crossed your legs. you could feel the nervousness go away. "you're in the game."

"go on," he said.

"i know the name of someone involved in the game."

he turned his head toward you, curious. he had a perfect profile. you thought you might have approached him differently if you had met him in a different situation. but now you were partners. even if only for a short time.

you didn't expect him to suddenly start the car. but you didn't say anything. with one hand on the wheel, you wanted to ask him where he was going, but you swallowed your words. you thought he must know something.

you wet your parched lip. you paused for a moment to remember the name. "seong gi-hun." because he was looked desperate. "i'm sure he'll come back to the game." because he looked desperate. you thought. "if not, keep it in mind. know someone in the game."

your eyes lit up at the memory. but you remained calm. with a detective in front of you, you more or less knew how to behave. maybe he had already made more than one plan in his head before you.

"that's the only other information I have." you couldn't help but ask. "i've told you everything. what do you think?

"all right." he turned at the left turn. he looked at the map. "you're sure they'll pick you up again here, right?"

"of course." his gaze shifted to you for a moment. you smiled. "what's your plan? tell me."

"first, I won't put you in danger.” he gripped the steering wheel tighter and accelerated the car. "call the number."

you leaned your head back and crossed your arms. occasionally, your eyes drifted to jun-ho. "should I trust you when you say you won't put me in danger? it's not that I'm afraid, it's that I doubt the police's word."

he felt your eyes on his and smirked for a moment. but his expression remained serious. "do you always talk like that?" your eyebrows furrowed. you turned to him abruptly. "i'm helping you, language. just a reminder."

you heard a grunt. “just do what I tell you. you've helped me enough. and it's safe.” you exhaled deeply at his seriousness. after all, you had to trust him. you thought whatever he did would be right. you had to put up with it yourself.

“let's say we failed. you couldn't find your brother.” you were afraid to ask, but you did. “would you get me out of here?”

his words softened like the way he looked at you. he pointed with his head to his bandaged knees. you felt the need to put your hands on them to hide them. “i will do whatever it takes.” after all, you were going to help each other.

you weren't going to tell him yet. about your place.

you hesitated for a moment, but you didn't feel satisfied, you nodded anyway. you didn't know why you felt that way. for a moment you wished you had agreed to go with him without making a deal. this night was so strange. both for what had happened. and for how you felt. you'd think about it later.

"well, let's say we fail now." you insisted on talking. you couldn't keep your mouth shut when I was next to you. you narrowed your eyes. "what would you do then?" the question made him think for a moment. he looked at you. "i'd come after you."

he insisted on entering the island and finding his brother. and.. for you?

in the end, you didn't push him any further. you untied your arms and zipped your jacket. it was up to your nose. that way you could stay sober while they gassed you in the car. you had your pocket knife with you, just in case. you had both thought of that. otherwise you might as well have held your breath, but never mind. you'd have think about everything. later.

the headlights of the oncoming car reflected on your face as the wind blew your hair slightly. you opened the back door and got in as the pink bodyguard driver looked at you through the window.

and all you had to do now was to zip your jacket up to your nose and not inhale the gas. the gases rose from all sides. you gently let your body fall on the seat.

after the pink guards had checked you, you unobtrusively pulled the zipper up your nose. all you had to do was wait for jun-ho's move. you weren't as nervous as before, but you still let yourself be enveloped by both excitement and fear.

there were two other people in the car besides you. as the car moved forward, it slowed down, slowed down, and finally stopped. you involuntarily held your breath. you guessed that someone had just gotten into the car when you suddenly felt movement. when you opened your eyes, you were stunned by the sight in front of you.

as the door opened with the pink guard in the driver's seat, an arm went around his neck and he was lifted out of his seat. you closed your eyes tightly. a few sounds of a struggle, then minutes passed. finally the sound of the pink guard, obviously in agony, stopped.

you opened your eyes again. you saw jun-ho gasping for breath in the driver's seat. you sat up and looked at the pink bodyguard lying on the ground outside. blinking, you looked over right. no one was there. actualy there is no one who will join the game.

“are you okay?” jun-ho touched your arm, as if he wanted you to pay attention to him. he followed him the car and attacked him

as he stopped.

you nodded and a surprised sound escaped your lips. “I guess I should be the one to ask you that." you pointed at him with your head. you were worried about him. his eyes stayed on you for a moment.

he came down, opened your door and rushed you out. “what are you going to do now.” somehow, the fact that he killed that pink guard didn't make you feel bad.

“listen.” he said. his hands were around your shoulders. he was in a hurry. he took his own car keys out of his pocket and handed them to you. he knew youu could drive, he asked during the conversation.

his hands were around your shoulders. “just go. i'll get back to you when it's over. as we talk.”

what could you do? you couldn't argue. all you did was nod and took the car keys. your hand went to your chest. “you,” you said. you both didn't break eye contact. "you're really going to get into the game.”

for the rest of the night he carried out his plan to get rid of the pink guard's corpse, and infiltrate the game. you didn't know how to get into the game, but he would figure it out.

even when you went back to that place you called 'home', even when you lay in bed with your clothes on, even when you walked by randomly the next day, even when you worked at the bar, even when you pretended nothing had happened, jun-ho was never far from your mind.

what would have happened if he hadn't stayed in the game. What would have happened to people and to him. you felt like you were being watched. you were paranoid. when you got back in that car, you felt those feelings again.

for the rest of the night he carried out his plan to get rid of the pink bodyguard's corpse, and infiltrate the game. you didn't know how to get into the game, but he would figure it out.

what would have happened if he hadn't stayed in the game. what would have happened to people and to him. you were paranoid. when you got back in that car, you felt those feelings again.

the night you went to the police station, you may have gone there for yourself. but at the same time, you'd experienced what you'd been through so far. that you couldn't let people down anymore. you couldn't do it on your own conscience.

you didn't want what happened to the people you let down to happen to you. but after that hour you didn't have those thoughts in your mind.

even when you went back to that place you called 'home', even when you lay in bed with your clothes on, even when you walked by randomly the next day, even when you worked at the bar, even when you pretended nothing had happened, jun-ho was never far from your mind.

all you wanted was for jun-ho to come back and at the same time find out what the game was about. all you wanted was for the confusion in your head to stop.

just one day. just one day with a him. how could he make you like this?

“so that's it.” your eyes shifted to the body lying on the hospital bed. “he's out of danger” you nodded and looked at the doctor and the captain next to him.

"yes. the wound on your shoulder could leave a permanent scar." doctor said.

you took a deep breath. “i'll wait until he wakes up.” you said to the doctor. at the same time the captain was listening to the conversation. “i'll make sure he is okay. with his mom."

and when he wake up, to find out everything.

and to start this whole thing all over again with him in two years.

the story of the two of you was just beginning.

for the confused ones: the reader helped jun-ho infiltrate the game and eventually the two of them achieved their goal. but jun-ho is in a coma instead of returning alive.

yayy finally wrote and published this chapter in a hurry. now I can write and continue with the relationship parts and progress 🥳🥳🥳 but for a moment I couldn't make anything up in my head omg.

taglist: @savemyheart101 @fqshionkilla @kanekisheart

[mistydeyes]

a sick day visit

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summary: You prided yourself on not getting sick. Even as a child, you bragged about your perfect attendance. However, the day has finally come and you’re in bed with a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. Noting your absence, the 141 decides to pay you a visit.

pairing: 141 x pharmacist!Reader

if you want to read some other interactions with our lovely pharmacist -> pharmacist!reader tag

warnings: swearing, medical terminology/descriptions of illness

┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊┊

Healthcare professionals never get sick. They just don't. That's why when you woke up with a sore throat, swollen and painful lymph nodes, and a headache, you silently cursed everything in the universe. The last few days you were more tired than usual but nothing out of the ordinary. You were supposed to report to the pharmacy at 07:00 hours but you knew you weren't going to make it there. You groggily grabbed your phone and made a few phone calls. Eventually, after an hour, you were able to get one of your civilian pharmacist colleagues to fill in for you. "Thanks, Dr. Stewart, I already notified security and the techs that you'll be coming in today," you hoarsely croaked out and hung up the phone.

Once everything was in order, you put a plain shirt and pants on and bundled yourself in a blanket. You knew that you should go visit the doctor to find out what was wrong. You brushed your teeth to have a semblance of normalcy but to put it politely, you looked like hell. Before you left, you made sure to find a medical mask, just in case whatever you had was contagious. You slipped on some shoes and exited your quarters to the medical wing.

As you walked, you ignored the bewildered looks of the soldiers as they passed. Some gave you a quick, "Good morning, Captain," and you weakly gave them a wave. Eventually, you could see Captain Price emerge from an adjoining hallway and he locked eyes with you. "Captain L/N, heard you were missing from the pharmacy today," he said and you moved to the side of the hallway to allow others to walk. "Hi John, just feeling under the weather, should be back tomorrow," you said softly. You could see the pity in his eyes as you used your elbow to cough. "Just let me know if you need anything, I'll personally have the 141 deliver anything," he said kindly and allowed you to continue to the doctor.

Despite being a pharmacist, you hated going to the doctor. Something about the sterility of the environment made you uneasy. "Ah Captain, funny seeing you here," the doctor commented as she entered. You smiled, she was one of your better friends in this department and you relaxed upon seeing her. "Definitely don't want to under these circumstances," you replied and she motioned for you to take off your mask so she could begin examining you. As soon as you opened your mouth, you could tell she knew what was wrong with you.

"What is it?" you asked and she dialed a number on the medical wing's phone. "Oh love, I think you have mononucleosis. I'm going to run some blood work and have a test done but it's pretty certain," she spoke and you were surprised. "Isn't that only spread through direct contact or saliva?" you asked. It was a silly question as mononucleosis was also known as the kissing disease but you wanted extra confirmation. "It can be or it can be spread by sharing utensils or drinks," she said and you internally facepalmed. You silently regretted going out for drinks with your techs and trying everyone's drinks. "It usually takes about 1-2 months to show symptoms," she continued, "there is no treatment, only rest, liquids, and paracetamol."

After two hours of waiting for your results with the phlebotomist, your doctor's suspicions were confirmed. "Sorry Captain," the phlebotomist said and sent you back to your room with a bottle of paracetamol and some Liquid IV. As you changed into pajamas, you made sure to notify your staff of your diagnosis and promised you'd be back at work as soon as your fever broke. Having nothing else to do, you settled back into bed and grabbed a book for the long days of recovery ahead.

You were almost finished with your book when you heard a knock on your door. "Coming," you called and put an Army sweatshirt on before opening it. At the door were four men who you immediately recognized as the 141. You almost laughed when you saw them all wearing matching balaclavas with a skeleton painted on them. Better safe than sorry, I guess. "What are you guys doing here?" you asked as you held the door partially open. "Heard our favorite pharmacist was sick so we brought you some things," Gaz smiled at you and you noticed a small bag of goodies in Soap's hands. "What you got anyways?" Soap asked as he handed you the bag. "Don't laugh but I have mono," you said and everyone took a step back. "I promise I'm not contagious but no kissing and sharing drinks for me for a little while," you joked and you could see everyone take a deep breath. You invited them inside your room to continue the conversation.

As they walked into your room they admired the decor. Unlike some other officers, the base was your permanent housing arrangement. You decided to make it as much of a home as possible. This included bringing in carpets for the cold tile floors, a bookshelf filled with pharmacy textbooks and novels in various languages, and other little trinkets. You even had a few pictures of your favorite people including your proud parents. You sat on the bed and the men cozied themselves on the carpet and your small loveseat. You allowed everyone a moment to settle as you could see them eye your decor. Everyone seemed to find something that peaked their interest. Simon studied your posters of famous art pieces, Gaz tried to figure out the locations of the postcards from your uni pharmacy friends, and Soap was intensely looking at the colorful pillows that adorned your bed. "Quite a setup you have here," Price commented as he thumbed through your Russian copy of Wuthering Heights. "Might as well make this place a home," you smiled and pulled a blanket around yourself.

"Do you know how you got it?" Ghost spoke up suddenly. "Well it might have been my fault but it was probably when I took my techs to a pub off-base," you sheepishly answered. "It was stupid but we all thought it would be a great idea to share drinks," you continued. "I thought it was the kissing disease," Gaz commented as you finished your story. You laughed lightly before responding. "That's one of the easiest ways to get it but anything with saliva contact spreads it," you began, "Plus there's no significant other I would have to worry about, Sergeant" Suspiciously, they all smiled and you couldn't understand why they were so invested in your love life.

"Anyways how have you been?" you asked and Price was the first one to speak up. "Back again for a while but we still miss your patient care in the pharmacy," he replied and everyone nodded their heads in response. "Your friend doesn't know what they're doin," Soap pitched in, "he just gives us our prescriptions without even a hello." Your smile faltered slightly, you were upset to hear this is how he treated your patients. "I'll be back soon, I promise," you responded. After a lull of silence, you yawned as today's events had tired you out. "You should open the bag," Ghost mentioned and you suddenly remembered the gift they put together.

You grabbed the small brown bag that sat next to you and poured its contents out on your duvet. Inside, they had put some snacks from the vending machine, bags of tea, and a crudely drawn picture of what looked like the members of the 141. "Oh thank you all," you gasped and went to pick up the drawing. "Why this though?" you asked and saw four figures carrying a comically sized pill bottle to what looked like you with a mask and blanket. "What I thought it was funny," Soap said defensively and you smiled. "I'll be sure to frame this one," you said before setting it back down. Despite being cold-hearted soldiers, they did some nice things sometimes. Eventually after some more light conversation, they could tell you needed some rest and saw themselves out. "Thanks again for stopping by," you called as they exited. "Anytime," Price said before he closed your room's door.

As they walked down the hall, you could hear their conversation through the thin wall. "You see that picture of them from uni?" you heard Gaz ask. "Ye the one next to the bookshelf, right?" Soap responded. "Didn't know that wearing a bathing suit with a pharmacy coat was part of the uniform," you heard Gaz say and your eyes shot to the aforementioned photo. You stood there, two other friends from pharmacy school, on the beaches of Cornwall only wearing a bathing suit and your white coat. Next time you invite someone over, you'll be sure to hide that photo.

[masonmontz]

notes: heeeellooo everyone :) i confess that it was VERY difficult to finish writing this fic, i couldn't get inspired and have ideas at all, but i did my best and i hope you like it (and don't worry, i think my inspiration is coming back so i can write more)

REMEMBER: english is not my first language

angst/fluff word count: 6,2k

PART 1 BONUS

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

“Why don't you answer my calls?” Candice fought as soon as you opened the door to your apartment for her to enter. “You haven't talked to me in a week.”

“Sorry.” You spoke and closed the door, walking to the couch and lying down, exactly as you were before getting up to open the door. 

“What happened?” 

“Nothing.”

“Y/N!”

“I don't want to talk about it.” 

“But you have to, I’m your best friend.” She whimpered and sat down next to you. “You and Mason were fighting in the street, Woody can't talk to him, Declan can't either and you two didn't go to Mexican night last night.” 

You couldn't stop thinking about your fight, and for a week you woke up, went to work, came home, and ignored everyone. It was strange to think that you were sorry for the things that happened between you and Mason, you treated him so badly for so long that you didn't think he would be able to forgive you. 

Well, he treated you badly too. But you treated him worse.

“I always thought he never called me because he was a jerk, but he said I never left him my number or name.” You closed your eyes, sighing. “I don't know how, but he never found the paper I left, it must have fallen or something like that.”

“No way.”

“I've hated him for all this time, and I feel so guilty because I accused him of terrible things he never did.”

Don't you get tired of being a bitch?

“I can’t believe that all this time you could have been friends, I always said you would be great together.” Candice was outraged.

“Sometimes we can't help things, Candy, there's nothing I can do now.”

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

“You’re telling me that she left her number but you never found it?” Lauren asked Mason, as Declan held Jude in his arms and the little boy slept soundly after dinner. Declan invited him to dinner because Mason had been missing since the fight with you, the one everyone witnessed, two weeks ago.

“That's basically it, and she treated me badly for so long because I never called. I'm not innocent, I was also stupid to her, but I didn't know why she hated me and I just followed the script.”

“You two are idiots.” Declan spoke quietly, and Mason nodded. He got up, grabbed his keys and cell phone, just wanting to go home because he had a headache and Mason has early training tomorrow. 

“It doesn't matter now, it's over.”

“You like her.” Lauren accused and Mason froze, not knowing what to say. “You were disappointed that she didn't leave her number because you liked her, and she liked you, so she hated that you didn't call. If you didn't have feelings for each other, you wouldn't fight the way you did for a year.”

“I don’t like her, Lauren.” 

“So you swear to me that in all this time you didn't think of her as anything more than a friend?” Mason was quiet. What could he say? Lauren likes to touch the wound and she seems to know him very well. “I knew it.” 

“I think she's pretty, but what's wrong with that? I just don't think we would work, we've been hurting each other for so long, it's irreparable damage.”

“It's never too late.”

“It's too late now, Lauren, I'm sorry.”

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

It's not like you and Mason had become friends, but in the last few months you were able to be in the same room without arguing, but you barely spoke to each other, in fact, you ignored each other's presence.

You hadn't forgiven Mason and he hadn't forgiven you either, but at least your friends were relieved that they didn't have to choose sides to support, or witness the childish arguments. It was a relief for everyone, even the two of you.

Ah, summer is amazing, you thought as you enjoyed the Greek sun. You were all together in Greece for a few days of vacation and to celebrate Woody and Candice's engagement. It was all a luxury and you could never afford this vacation, you never had someone to cook all your meals for you like you did in this house. Wow, Rose really had fairy hands for cooking. 

You took a sip of your drink as you looked at them in the pool. Mason and Ben were playing to see who could do the best jump, Declan and Lauren were laying on the other side of the pool, and Woody and Candice had disappeared into the house. You rolled your eyes when you noticed Reece and Lily talking and you bet to yourself that in a few days they would be having sex.

“Y/N, why didn't you bring your boyfriend?” Ben asked and you looked at him, he had just dived in and was wiping his eyes like a child and Mason was stuck to a pineapple float.

“First, he’s not my boyfriend and second, he got back with his ex” you said and saw Ben holding himself back from laughing at you. “You can laugh, I knew talking so much about my ex wasn't normal.”

Ben let out a loud laugh and Mason laughed too, then even you couldn't help but laugh at the situation. Peter was a nice guy but it was obvious that he loved his ex-girlfriend and wanted more than anything to get back with her.

Mason had blonde hair and you hated it from the first second you saw him, not because you hated blonde hair, but you hated how sexy and handsome he looked with that hair.

And you also hated that you were noticing Mason more than usual. God, it was going to be a long ten days.

You and Mason hadn't exchanged a word since you arrived a day ago, but you also had nothing to talk about, things had been cleared up when you fought for the last time but you hadn't forgiven each other, and until that happened there was no reason to talk.

Sometimes you caught yourself staring at him when he was laughing or talking to someone, and even today at the beach you almost drooled when Mason came out of the sea like Poseidon.

Lily was right, you need to find some man to have fun with or you'll go crazy.

“A man obsessing over his ex is never a good thing” Ben grumbled and you nodded, getting up from the lounge chair to get another drink. “Bring us some beers too.”

“Just because I’m very nice” you mumbled, a little drunk because of the amount of drinks you had already had. You had all already drunk during the day, the sun was starting to set and soon you would have to start getting ready for the party the boys wanted to go to.

You handed the beer to Mason and Ben and lay down again, but this time Mason didn't hide it as he stared at you walking back and forth in your bikini, and for a few seconds you felt desired.

It doesn't matter now, you and Mason would never have anything again, you've hurt each other for too long. It's ridiculous to even consider having something with him after so long. 

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

“So, are you from here?” the tall man asks in your ear as he dances beside you, and you just answered ‘no’ as you looked at what was happening in front of you.

Mason was almost rubbing himself against the woman pressed against him, a brunette with lips so big they looked like two sausages. It was a ridiculous scene, obviously, but he didn't seem to care, and neither did the other ten women who were trying to get his attention.

Just because you spent one night together doesn't mean it will happen again. It's better this way.

“Excuse me, what's your name again?” you asked the guy a little embarrassed, he had been trying to talk to you since you arrived and you just paid attention to Mason surrounded by girls.

“Carlos” he replied and you agreed, and he really is very handsome, longer brown hair, tanned skin, he looked like a surfer. Lily and Reece were gone, Ben was talking to a red-haired girl, and Woody, Candice, Declan, and Lauren were dancing together in the middle of the dance floor.

You looked back up and Mason was kissing the woman, and you could see exactly when her friends were taking pictures of them kissing. Well done, so he would stop being stupid when the photos appear on the internet.

“Carlos, would you like to go somewhere else with me?” 

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

“Who’s being loud?” you asked as soon as you came down the stairs, angry that they woke you up.

Carlos left when the sun was rising, and you didn't hide it when you kissed him just as Mason walked into the house with the same girl he was with at the nightclub.

Just to make sure you weren't in last place.

“Oh, sorry princess, did we wake you?” Ben asked sarcastically and you pointed your middle finger at him. “None of us were being noisy in the early hours of the morning.”

“Guys, Louise will be staying with us for a few days.” you heard Mason saying and turned around, watching him walking down the stairs shirtless and the girl walking down behind him.

Louise clung to Mason and kissed him, and you couldn’t help but roll your eyes at the two of them. You were wearing a baggy t-shirt that was stolen from some ex-boyfriend of yours, and you had a headache from lack of sleep, so the beach wasn’t an option today.

“Enjoy the beach.” You said before going back to your room and sleeping for a few more hours. You woke up in the middle of the afternoon and the house was quiet, so you went downstairs to make yourself something to eat.

Mason was in the kitchen, he was sitting drinking a glass of juice while playing with his phone and saw you as soon as you walked in. A shiver ran through your body when Mason looked you up and down.

“Hey” you mumbled, aware that you were wearing a bikini and shorts. You looked around but there was no sign of Louise or the others.

“Hey” He mumbled back, leaving his phone on the counter as you grabbed eggs to make scrambled eggs.

“Do you want it too? I'll make eggs for you.” You asked, and part of you didn't want to do it, but another part of you wanted to learn how to deal with Mason and make things work between you. And also to make life easier for everyone who lives with you and witnessed all the fights.

“If you don't mind cooking for me, I'll accept.” 

You shrugged and grabbed the ingredients, knowing Mason was watching your every move.

“Where is everyone?” You asked as you cracked some eggs.

“They went to the village to visit some shops after the beach.”

“Why didn't you go?” 

“I'm sunburned, I wanted to take a shower and rest.”

In fact, Mason was all burned and you couldn't help but laugh when you saw his red skin, as well as his face. 

You didn't even realize when you and Mason started talking and laughing together, and it was the first time that happened since you met again. The first night you were together you had a lot of fun, but that had never happened again and you didn't even think it would happen again someday.

“She asked me to give her the gum in my mouth and she stuck it in the woman's hair” Mason said laughing as you ate, and he was telling you about the time Candice put gum in the hair of a woman who flirted with Woody.

“She's crazy, she once argued with a woman in the middle of the mall over a prize the mall was offering.”

“Woody and her are a good match, I think they found each other.”

“Yeah, I know, I'm happy for them.”

You didn't want to, but you looked at Mason and he was looking at you differently, and you were embarrassed by his gaze, because no one had looked at you so deeply in a long time.

“So about what happened-”

“Hi guys” you heard Louise's voice interrupting you and sighed, shrugging and ignoring what you were going to say to Mason. He smiled when he saw everyone arrive, and Louise hurried to walk up to Mason to kiss him.

Candice walked up to you and hugged you, handing you a bag.

“Hey honey, I brought some things I thought you might like.” 

“You really are the best of all.”

You ignored Louise kissing Mason and all the noises they made, but it was funny to see when she pulled Mason's plate and ate all his food without permission, his face was hilarious.

You went to the pool right after, the sun hadn't set yet and it was hot, so within seconds you and Ben were splashing each other. 

“Lou, aren't you going to get in the pool?” Candy asked Louise, who was lying down sunbathing.

“No, I don't want to ruin my hair and look ugly.” 

You and Lily looked at each other, and you had been diving for several minutes, or else betting to see who could stay underwater the longest. It was fun, and afterwards you felt like a fool for liking children's games.

“Mase, can you get me some champagne?” she asked Mason who was holding Ben's legs as he tried to dive, and he sighed before nodding and getting out of the pool and getting her a glass of champagne. 

“Oh, I would like some fruits too.”

At least Mason would pay for his sins with her.

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

“She laughs too loud, my head hurts.” You told Lily as soon as you two went to the room, because Louise was actually laughing so loudly that it was bothering you. 

“She doesn't laugh out loud, you're jealous.” Lily accused, pointing her finger at you. 

“Why would I be jealous?” You asked, trying to sound convincing.

“Because you like Mason.” She said and threw herself on the bed.

“What? I don’t like Mason.” You spoke with your hand on your hip as you looked at Lily.

“Yes you do and yes Mason likes you too.” 

“He doesn't like me, don't be silly.”

“Yes, and he's so attracted to you that he brought someone else when he saw you leaving the club with Carlos.”

“This is stupid, we are not in kindergarten anymore.”

“It's not like you two act like adults when you're together.”

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

“I'm not in the mood for another party today” you muttered as you followed Lily, but the problem was that you were already arriving at the party. It was so hot, you were still tired from the night before and there were a lot of people there, but the place was so beautiful that you thought you could enjoy the night a little. 

“Don't be boring, you look beautiful and we are in Greece, there is no time to sleep.”

Lily gave your names to the security guard, and being "friends" with Mason had its perks, since he put everyone's name on the list and you could even skip the line. You pretended not to hear some women complaining about the two of you.

You snorted when you saw Louise clinging to Mason once again, and she didn't let go of him for a second, it was impossible to talk because she was always by his side talking nonsense or talking about her father's millions of euros.

Reece handed you both a drink as soon as you arrived and soon you were able to let loose and were dancing with the girls, and it was really fun to remember when you and Candice used to hang out together in the clubs of London. Lily and Lauren loved to party as much as you two did.

“Why are there so many handsome men here? I feel like I'm in paradise.” Lily asked and you laughed, and you knew she and Reece were having sex, she showed up with a hickey on her neck in the morning, but Lily and Reece were two free spirits and weren't going to tie each other down quickly.

Twenty minutes later you and Lily were dancing on top of a small table, and you were aware that there were many people looking at the two of you. Mason, unlike the others, looked at you with a face that showed he wasn't enjoying the show.

He's the one who's losing.

The music playing too loud prevented you from hearing people, and the alcohol in your head made you dance more and more along with Lily, the two of you dancing and shaking together while several guys watched.

And that's what made Mason's blood boil, seeing those guys drooling over you while he could do nothing but watch.

Louise beside him was making him angry. She thought she hired Mason as her personal butler, because she made him do everything for her and Mason couldn't stand to hear her voice anymore.

For Louise, everything was bad, nothing was as luxurious as what she deserves, she threw it in Mason's face several times that she was with better players and with more money, but... Mason couldn't handle knowing that you took that guy home the night before. So he asked her to stay. It was a mistake, because when Mason found out that Carlos had left and Louise had stayed, he knew that it could be even worse for him.

And now Mason could do nothing but watch you dance and know he couldn't touch you.

Mason never hid from himself how much he wanted you, even in all those months you spent fighting, hating each other and exchanging insults. Mason also didn't lie when he realized he had never met such a fun woman, who treated Mason just as Mason and not as Mason Mount, the football player.

You guys talked so much that night, Mason was sure you were the woman for him. 

Until you weren't anymore.

He really didn't expect so much hate, so much hurt and so many insults, it had been a terrible few months and Mason had no strength to continue this senseless war.

God, Mason still wanted you every minute. When he looked at you when you were distracted, or he looked at you smiling at someone or something, or when he watched you sigh when you ate a delicious meal.

Everything was messed up, you couldn't be adults enough to deal with things, but not even these months of arguing and being apart would change how Mason felt about you.

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

“Why are there so many guys looking at them?” Mason said to Ben, who just smiled and continued dancing to the rhythm of the music. Mason rolled his eyes and sighed, and he looked like a security guard around you and Lily, he also noticed the wolves wanting to get closer to the sheep.

“Mason, can you get me another drink?” Louise appeared with an empty glass, and her lipstick was smeared and Mason realized that she had kissed someone. Inside he was happy, it was easier for her to leave.

“No, have you met anyone?” Mason asked and pointed to his own lips, so Louise widened her eyes, trying to hide it. “Hey, it’s fine, I just don't think we have anything in common, you can enjoy your vacation, but don't expect anything from me.”

“Are you dismissing me?” 

“If you want to call it that.” Mason shrugged and he felt like an asshole, but he also couldn't lie to Louise and lead her on. Mason would never be a good guy for her.

“No one has ever broken up with me.” 

“Sorry, I'm not a good guy.”

Louise didn't have a happy face and Mason even felt scared, but soon after she just left stomping her feet in anger while Mason sighed in relief. The peace Mason felt for five seconds disappeared when he looked at you once more and saw a blond man nearby, trying to put his hand on you while you danced with Lily.

Why can't people stay away? 

And when he put his hand on your thigh Mason could clearly see that you didn't like it, so he walked over to you, because Mason may have been a jerk, but he would still defend anyone from an idiot.

“Hey, get out of here.” 

You didn't hide your surprise when you heard Mason pushing that guy who had been trying to convince you to go to the bathroom with him for minutes. 

“And who are you? Her boyfriend?”

Lily now stopped dancing and stood beside you as you watched the guy mock Mason, and you could tell how much this irritated him. 

You threw yourself at Mason and scared him, but smiled when the guy swallowed hard and left, leaving you alone. You were hugging Mason's neck and he put his hands on your waist, holding you up as you staggered.

“Thank you Masey Masey.” You spoke and let go of him, who opened his mouth to say something but gave up, so you and Lily left towards the bar.

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

The morning was different, you didn't do anything different from other days but there was something strange in the air.

You and Mason hadn't said a word to each other since the night before, but you remembered exactly what happened. Your heart raced every time you looked at him, and of course you noticed that Louise wasn't around, which was a relief.

You smiled as you watched Declan try to knock Lauren into the water because she refused to go into the ocean due to her fear of sharks and fishes. Mason was lying on a lounge chair with a cap covering his face, he was probably sleeping and would get even more sunburned if he didn't get out of the sun soon.

You rolled your eyes when you saw Lily and Ben fighting over the volleyball game they were taking way too seriously, and she was probably losing and was trying to change the rules to win.

You got up and decided to walk to the house to get a book and continue your reading, and in a few minutes you were ready to go back, but you were surprised to see Mason entering through the front door.

Mason walked towards you and you stopped, and then you realized he came alone.

“Hey, can we talk?” He asked and you raised an eyebrow but nodded, after all, you knew there was a lot to sort out with Mason. 

“Sure, about what?” 

“Us.” You were silent, but eventually you and Mason would put an end to the story and everything would be okay. 

“Where is Louise?” 

“I asked her to leave, I'm not a good guy to her and so she can find someone who will treat her well and be her butler.” You couldn't help but laugh, because Mason suffered at her hands for the two days together.

“You deserved it.” Mason shrugged and put his hands in the pocket of his beach shorts, but he didn't stop smiling anyway. “Mason, I don't know what to say, but I can only apologize. I treated you badly for a long time, I said terrible things to you and never let you explain yourself, I was just angry that you rejected me, I guess.”

You sat on the couch and Mason sat next to you, the two of you staring at the large pool outside.

“I know, and I also want you to forgive me for that, I shouldn't have treated you badly and I was an idiot, I acted like a child and not like a man.” Mason sighed and closed his eyes, and you stared at him, noticing his face was red from the sun. “I'm not that man, I'm the guy you met that night in that hotel, and I didn't lie in anything I said that day.”

“I know the man you are, Mason.” You were honest, and it's true, all the hate made you see Mason as a jerk, but in reality he wasn't like that. Mason is the guy who helps someone whenever he can, he's kind to a child or an old lady, he loves children and everyone loves him.

Mason looked at you and smiled, and you felt a weight lift off your shoulders after that, finally everything was resolved, you wouldn't argue anymore and you could turn this page.

“Friends?” You asked and held out your hand, and Mason stared at your fingers for a few seconds before sighing and nodding. 

“Friends!” You smiled at Mason and stood up, and you stood there for a few seconds staring at each other, embarrassed and not knowing what to do. “Are you waiting for me? I'll get more sunscreen.”

Before Mason could answer, you headed towards the stairs to get the bottle of sunscreen, and you didn't even notice when Mason followed you, you only noticed when you were walking down the hallway and heard his footsteps behind you.

“Actually, Y/N…” You stopped walking and Mason stood in front of you, you were startled when he stood just a few inches away from you. Mason lightly pushed you against the wall. “I can’t be your friend.” Mason grumbled, and you widened your eyes, still leaning against the wall. “Every time I look at you I just think I want to kiss those pretty lips.”

You closed your eyes, knowing Mason was watching you, and each second it felt like he was getting closer and you were getting hotter. 

Because that's the effect Mason has on you.

“Don’t do that, don’t play with me.”

“I would never do that and you know it.” 

Mason pressed his lips against yours lightly and you sighed, trying to resist, but when Mason brought his fingers to your face and pulled, you couldn't do anything else.

Mason's kiss made you remember that night, all the kisses he had spread across your body, his warm hands on your legs and back.

You didn't even imagine how much you wanted a kiss from Mason again, and Mason seemed as desperate as you were, because you could hear his sighs and his desperation as he pressed his body against yours.

“I wanted this so much.” Mason sair and pressed his body against yours, bringing a hand to your face and making you look at him. “And you've been walking around for five days in those little bikinis and driving me crazy.”

“Why did you have to dye your hair blonde?”

“You didn't like it?” He asked, his eyes wide and you laughed, bringing your hand to his chest and lightly running your fingernail over it.

“All I can think is that I want to sit on your face, just like we did the first time.” Mason groaned and ground his hips against you, and you felt him so hard. For months you had wanted to feel Mason again, and you hated yourself for the thought. 

You took your hand off his chest and brought it to the bulge in his swim shorts, squeezing it lightly and feeling Mason twitch. He brought his hand to the middle of your legs, pressing his finger against your clit over your panties and making you sigh. 

“I've had your taste on my tongue for months, and when you've thrown nasty words at me, I just want to suck you off and make you shut up.” He spoke in your ear and this time it was you who moaned, because Mason was so hot and you wanted to have the experience with him once again.

He grabbed your leg and wrapped it around his hip, and Mason pressed himself against you, sending shivers through your body. And you hated that you spent so many months arguing and hating each other when you could have been having sex and kissing, you wanted so, so badly to rub yourself against him just to ease the tension between you.

Mason pressed his hands against the hallway wall and left you trapped between the wall and him, and when he lowered his head to kiss you again, pressed his tongue against yours and left you breathless, you realized that you were crazy for him.

Pulling him in wasn't enough, feeling his whole body warm from the sun against you still wasn't enough, you wanted so much more, and so did Mason. And when Mason and you started walking towards his room, he didn't take his hands off you as he kissed you, and you didn't want to leave either.

Because it was much better to get lost with Mason than alone.

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

You had been staring at the ceiling for a few minutes, and Mason was glued to you, looking at the view from his room. Mason sighed and turned over, laying on his stomach and facing you as he laid his head on the pillow. You blushed and looked at him, and he smiled at you in a way that completely melted you.

“What?” You covered your face when Mason wouldn't stop staring at you, and you were still naked, you were only covered with a thin sheet. And his bed was so much better than the bed you were sharing with Lily.

You were hoping no one would show up and pull you and Mason out of the bubble, you had already left the beach over an hour ago and no one had come home yet.

“You’re so beautiful.” He softly came closer, leaving light kisses on your neck. “And your skin is so soft, I could touch you all day.” Mason spoke and ran his hand down your leg, bringing his fingers to your belly then to your nipples, playing with them and making you shiver. He let out a laugh when he realized what he was doing to you. 

“Stop laughing.” You fought with him, but the smile didn't leave your lips.

“You're so horny, and we fucked four times.” He said and you moved in bed, climbing on top of him, so you brought his arms up to his head, pinning him against the pillow. Mason was with his back to you, so you brought your mouth to his neck, leaving kisses and running your tongue, feeling him shiver too. “Aren't you tired?”

“If you're tired I can go find someone who can handle it.” You teased him, and Mason turned over on the mattress, making you straddle him once more. 

“Oh, sure, because you weren't screaming “oh, Mase, just like that, yeah” fifteen minutes ago.” You laughed and slapped his chest, hearing him laugh at you.

“I wasn't saying that.” 

“Yes, baby, you were.” Mason pulled you and left a kiss on your lips, hugging you and making you lie on top of him. “I can’t believe I’m finally kissing and hugging you, why did it take so long?”

“Because we are two stupid people.” You laid your head on his chest, closing your eyes. 

“What should we do now?” He asked, and then Mason pulled the sheet to cover the two of you. 

“Will you stop pretending you're not in love with me?” You asked and looked at Mason, and he just smiled at you. This pretty smile. 

“I’m leaving Chelsea.” He let the words slip out and your eyes widened, Mason gave you a sad smile and you realized he wasn't lying. 

“You’re kidding.”

“I’m not, but I haven't told anyone yet, only my family knows.” Mason's sigh made you realize he wasn't over it, and he looked genuinely shaken about leaving the club he grew up in. 

“Why are you telling me this?” You really didn't understand, because until months ago you and Mason were like two strangers. 

“It just felt right to tell you.” He caressed your back, and you hugged him as best you could.

“I'm so sorry, that must be difficult.” 

“I don't know how to tell the fans, it's going to be horrible, that's why I wanted to travel, just to enjoy it a little before the chaos.” 

“And where are you going?” You started to think about which London team Mason would fit into, not that you knew all of them because you were zero into football.

“I'm going to Manchester United.” You didn't answer anything, you just stared at Mason in silence for a few seconds.

“Wow, it’s far.” 

“I know, and things will probably change completely in my life.” You sat on the bed and leaned your back against the headboard, then Mason moved and laid his head on your legs, closing his eyes as your fingers quickly went to his hair to caress it. “I don't know how to begin to deal with this.”

“You don't have to do this alone, all your friends will support you.”

“Ben and Reece will be disappointed but the fans will be even more so, I just don't think I'm part of Chelsea's plans any more and that's why I've made this decision.”

“I'm so sorry you're going through this, Mason.” You left one more kiss on his lips, and Mason smiled as he enjoyed the feeling of having you kiss him or making him feel loved.

“Hey, there's something that can help me get better.”

“What?”

“You need to put your hand right here…” Mason took your hand and led it to his cock, and you let out a loud laugh when you realized he was being silly. “Doctors recommend it.”

“Yeah? You need to behave for this.” You said, stroking his cock the way he wanted.

Mason stood up and quickly you were underneath him, he left kisses on your neck, on your mouth, on your nipples... Ah, you were on cloud nine.

✦‎۟    ࣭   ⊹

The days passed quickly and before you knew it, it was your last day in Greece with your friends. You and Mason had been making out in the corners for the past few days, or you would go to his room to sleep with him, and of course soon everyone realized that things between you two were resolved.

In the end, you and Mason weren't hiding it anymore, you were together and you didn't care what they thought about it. You got along and worked together, there was no reason to worry.

“I'm going to miss this place.” You told Lily as the two of you were together in the room packing your bags, and it was the last night and you were leaving tomorrow morning, so everything needed to be organized.

You went to a restaurant for dinner, and Mason didn't take his arms off of you the entire night, as if you were going to run away from him, but the truth is you weren't going anywhere else but in his arms.

It was a fun dinner, the boys were looking forward to the next season, and you noticed Mason's look when Ben and Reece were talking about Chelsea's next season, so you just put your hand on his thigh, showing that you were there for him.

You walked slowly home, because you all wanted to enjoy the last moments in that beautiful place. You all sat outside the house, but gradually everyone went inside to sleep until it was just you and Mason.

You and Mason were laying on the soft grass, and the sky was beautiful, full of stars and the moon bright. You were laying on Mason's arm as you drew pictures on his clothes.

“What about us?” He asked quietly, and you knew he had been wanting to talk about this for a while, because Mason seemed to not want to ruin the vacation by talking about the future. “What happened in Greece stays in Greece or can we see what happens next?” 

“Things didn't happen in Greece, they happened in England, nothing fairer than taking it back.”

“I'll be away from London, you know.”

“Hey, it's not like you're going to the other side of the world, Mason. It's Manchester, a few hours by car or train.” You sat down on the grass and looked at Mason. “If we're going to make it work, then everything will be fine, no need to worry.”

“I love how calm you are while I'm freaking out inside.”

“I don't know what will happen in the future, but as long as you want to be with me and I want to be with you, there is no reason to think that things will go wrong. All I want is for things to work out.”

“Yeah, me too.” Mason pulled you in to kiss you and he made you lay down next to him again. “I can't believe we could have been kissing like this for months, why do you have to be so difficult?” 

“Don't talk like you're not difficult too, I suffered with you.”

“You're dramatic. The drama queen.” You laid on top of Mason and he tickled you, making you laugh out loud as you tried to get away from him. 

When Mason finally stopped, you looked at him once more, watching his eyes shine and that gave you relief, everything was fine.

“Everything will be fine, Masey Masey.”

[blueishspace]

Hero Villain God Bonus 1

(Prev) (Next) (First)

✨Hotguy answers the internet's most asked questions.✨

*The video opens to Hotguy in hero outfit sitting on a chair in a white room, he waves at the camera*

"Hello people! Hotguy here and this is my autocomplete interview!"

*Intro music*

"I'm dyslexic so I don't know how well reading is going to go"

[What Hotguy]

"What is... Hotguy's real name? Oh I'm sorry but you aren't going to find that on the internet! It's very confidential. I have seen a few interesting theories about it though"

*Hotguy has a pensive expression*

"For example, I heard people say I'm secretly Mayor Ren. It's kind of funny even if completely wrong. Next!"

"What is Hotguy's age? Uh, you guys are really curious about me...hence this whole thing, I'm flattered. You know, there is this site that said that I'm in my late fourties! Can you believe it friends? My fourties! I don't look that old do I?"

*The hand of the cameraman appears to do a so-so motion, Hotguy gasps*

"How dare you! I'll have you know I'm not fourty or worse...fifty"

"What is Hotguy's favorite colour? Orange of course! Next question!"

*Hotguy very dramatically reveals the next one*

"What is Hotguy's net worth?"

..."I don't even know Hotguy's net worth and I'm him"

*Hotguy giggles*

"To be honest, my manager helps me with that kind of stuff. They're totally awesome."

"What shampoo does Hotguy use? Oh you like my hair, do you? Well, I like caramel or oh oh! Maple syrup scented shampoo, really nice sweet smell. It was actually gifted to me first by the number 5 hero Tay and I liked it so much I kept buying it."

"What is Hotguy's personality type? I uh never done a test for that, my manager said it would be dumb so I never done it... Maybe I could do it in the future! What do you civilians think?"

[Did Hotguy?]

"Oh no, what did I do? I'm getting worried"

*He anxiously reveals the first one*

"Did Hotguy... Fire his pr team? Who is asking this? No! I did not do anything of the sort, I'll have you know that my pr team is having a great time... What's with that face mr. Camera man?"

*Cut to the next question*

"Did Hotguy kiss... Really? ... Did Hotguy kiss Mother Spore? I very much did not, she almost killed me in fact. I don't know where you guys got the idea that I'm in a relationship with her...moving on-"

"Did Hotguy go to school? Well, I did of course, got a degree too! It was around that time that the Hero association first scouted me actually. It's also when my manager actually became...well, my manager, it was a really busy time for me!"

[When Hotguy]

"Let's see, when did Hotguy appear? Oh! You mean my first public appearance? That must have been a while ago actually, 7 or maybe 8 years ago now? I'm not quite sure to be honest!"

*He puts his hand on his chin in thought before smiling*

"These last few years have been great haven't they? And now with my new sidekick entering the scene the next few are going to be even better!"

"When Hotguy merch? Oh, you can expect new merch coming soon! I have so much I want to say about it but I don't want to spoil the surprise! Just know that it's going to be amazing!"

*Wink*

*There is some noise from behind the camera*

"Oh right! Onto the next question!"

"When did Hotguy fight Poultryman? ... That guy sure is an headache, he's following me even here, never going be free of him I swear. It was around a month ago that I fought him for the first time, of course one failure wasn't enough to stop me! I'm still onto him!"

*He stands up as he says it before remembering where he is and sitting down*

[Who Hotguy]

"Who is Hotguy? Just the top hero in the country of course! I guess people outside of Hermmittopia might not know me as much as they do those who live here... "

"Who was Hotguy's first villain? Oh that I do remember, I think it was Midas... It was Midas right? ... Yeah. A really nasty guy with the power of turning things to gold. Of course I catched him and is now somewhere where he can't hurt anyone. Catching him was hard but I manget- ...managed, sorry, to assault his back-"

*❌ Sound*

"I managed to take him from behind -"

*❌ Sound*

"I managed to... Surprise attack him?"

*✅ Sound*

"Who is Hotguy's PR team... Again? You know what, I'm not answering this one again"

"Who is Hotguy's manager? Oh! I can't reveal their name but they're great, probably the smartest person I know! They're a scientist though, so I guess it makes sense that they would know so much!"

[Is Hotguy?]

"Is Hotguy hot? Sure am, It's in the name for a reason friends! Look at these muscles!"

*Hotguy flexes in front of the camera*

"Using a bow as much as I do will do that for you, requires a lot more strenght then people think."

"Is Hotguy... single? I am, saving the city is a lot of work so I don't really have time to date anyone... I know, so many fans must be heartbroken but don't be sad! If you are interested in love then I'm sure you'll find someone ... Or someones perfect for you!"

"Is Hotguy gay?"

...

"I'm pansexual, It's a very different thing. Moving on!"

[Where Hotguy?]

"Where was Hotguy born? Here in Hermmittopia actually, born and raised here! I know it may sound unbeliavable but it's true"

"Last but not least... Where does Hotguy live? I'm uh I really can't say my adress friend! Especially somewhere a villain might be able to see! Sorry!"

[auxins-insanities]

heeyyyyyy guys

i was doing a writing contest with my friends to make an AvA fic based off of a pre-existing episode. i did the flashback and im actually really proud of this, so without further ado, here it is.

Eye Strain and Hand Pain - The Flashback

TW/CW: swearing, mild blood/gore (i wasn't allowed to do too much), implied cannibalism, implied self-harm

Word count: I don't remember, but somewhere around 2,000

fic below the cut :3

~~~~~

For being a horrible atrocity, the killing spree was pretty fun. The poor civilians' frenzied shrieks, the two siblings' laughs as adrenaline pumped through their veins. Splotches of red covering their clothes, they didn't mind destroying anything they came across.

After all, why would they?

Destruction was all they knew.

Dark took a wheezy breath into his inhaler before tucking back into his stained jacket pocket and flying over to Chosen. He was shouting something incoherent at people running for their lives. 

Dark tapped his shoulder, fidgeting with the broken zipper on his jacket. Chosen spun around, eyes glowing bright crimson. "Un autre ? Ils continuent à venir comme s'ils le voulaient..." (Another one? They keep coming as if they want this...) he said with a manic smile, fading as he realized it was his younger brother.

"Hey, Cho!" Dark said quietly, a smile on his flushed face. "I.. I think we might have to wrap this up.. It's getting dark and my chest hurts a bit." 

Chosen nods, seeming a bit spaced out. 

An offhand comment of "Ever wonder what those fuckers taste like?" and the two siblings found themselves sitting around a campfire. Dark's heavy eyelids eventually closed, his head on Chosen's lap. The latter didn't mind carrying the former home.

~

Dark unclenched his jaw to drink some of his water. It felt good on his dry throat and eased the hunger clawing at his stomach. He hadn't moved from his computer for 14 hours now. 

Originally, the standing desk seemed like a good idea, but Dark's scoliosis has gotten worse over the years and now standing for so long just made his back hurt.

Hence the bottle of ibuprofen beside the computer. He had taken 5 now. 

Staring at the small numbers and letters on his computer screen was giving him a pounding headache that not even the painkillers could help. He ended up having to squint harder than was comfortable to even see much of what he was doing.

But with a final hit of the enter key, Dark was done. He felt like he was going to pass out. A quick glance at a clock told him it was either 10:30 or 1:03. Either way, it didn't matter. He finally finished his project, ending a 2-month hyperfixation. He honestly couldn't remember the last time he had eaten or slept, which further explained why everything was aching. He was ready to just curl up on the floor and go to sleep and forget about the world, the animator, the hurt, when Chosen opened his door, even the soft click of the door ringing in Dark's ears. He turned his hearing aids down.

"Dark, I honestly don't care if I have to drag you out of here, you haven't left this room in 14–" Chosen starts, quickly being cut off. "Cho! Cho, I finished! You wanna see? I- I did it! Finally! It'll be just like you.. like we always wanted!"

Chosen chuckled softly. "Alright, alright... Since you say it's 'so incredible.' Just take it down a notch, okay? You're talking really loud." 

Dark rolled his eyes. "Just turn your hearing aids down." He paused. "But- But anygays, I have my thingy to show you!" He darted back to his computer, stimming excitedly. 

"O-okay, okay, so.. So, this is the ViraBot! I've been working on it for, like, 2 months! It can do a ton of- A ton of cool shit! A-and.." Dark's tone was shifting from excited to just plain manic. Chosen placed both hands on his shoulders. "Deep breaths." 

Dark did as he was told and started over with a sigh. "This, my dear brother, is the ViraBot." 

"It looks like a spider, but missing a few legs."

Dark shot Chosen a glare. The latter shrugged.

"But anygays, this thing has a ton of features, like..." Dark typed a couple things on his computer and the ViraBot on the wall suddenly had a bright red spike on the end of its... limb. Dark smiled. "And that's just the start."

He took the spike, its sharp end glinting in the warm sunlight. He forcefully stabbed his globe with the the spike and it immediately dissolved into some bare code, along with its stand. Dark grinned, his coal black eyes shining. "We can destroy the world, Cho. And anyone who would fucking dare hurt us the way that cursor did."

Chosen just stared in horror for a moment, his chest tightening painfully. 

Not another bloodbath.

Not more innocents' screams.

Not more fire and tears and broken bones.

Why would Dark want to go back to that after all this time living normally?

But then again, why wouldn't he?

Pain and death and killing was all he knew.

Dark loaded the ViraBot into its launcher, carefully contained in a red-and-white casing. 

"Dark. We don't have to do this."

Dark's excitement died down for a moment. His smile faltered. "...wh-what?"

He quickly puts his smile back on. "Come on, Cho! It's what we always wanted to do! Obviously we've gotta start with our biggest problem, the..."

"Dark..?"

"...cursor, who can fucking burn in hell. Like, how could he do those things to you? To us? Nobody can just do that..."

"Dark."

"...but I digress, this lil bitch will end up on his computer and fuck him up just as bad as we did! And then I can finally go to sleep. And drink water, it's been a hot minute since I've done that..."

"Dark."

Dark's hand was hovering over the button, either quivering from excitement or just outright shaking from the exhaustion of not sleeping for so long.

"What? Oh, do you wanna press the button? Yeah, that's only fair. After all-"

"Dark, stop."

"But.. What? This is what-"

"Dark, shut up! Have you ever considered that maybe I don't want this? That the whole world doesn't fucking revolve around you and what you want?"

Dark felt the all-too-familiar sting of tears forming in his eyes, but he swallowed and blinked them back. Fine then. Be like that, he thought to himself. I'll just... do it myself..

Shaky hands.

Breath hitching in his throat.

Hand lowers.

Rough hands, firm grip on Dark's shoulders.

"Dark, what did I say? We can't do this!"

Dark wanted to explain to Chosen why they had to, why it would be the best decision ever for them, why he had gotten a total of just 56 hours of sleep in the past two months. But as he prepared the explanation, the words died on his tongue. He couldn't force them out if he tried. 

So he just went for the button again.

This time when he was met with the rough hands, he ended up on 

the cold tile with his nose bleeding, a new crimson stain soaking into the collar of his shirt. He felt his hands heating up and unstifle-able tears welling up in his eyes.

A few seconds later, a wall crumbled.

Just like Chosen and Dark's once perfect relationship.

Soon things devolved into what was pretty much a fistfight, but with a few more broken walls. Everything blurred around Dark as he ran for the button.

His revenge.

His closure.

Only a moment after Dark's palm hit the smooth red plastic, he felt a small explosion and found himself in the air, falling.

"I thought you wanted this."

~

Chosen took a deep, shaky breath as memories of him flooded his mind.

In and out.

Hands ignited.

He got a sort of adrenaline rush from all this, and he hadn't flown in months. It was kind of nice to do it again. Feel the cold wind on this face, see everything from beautiful views.

Maybe once this was all over, he could go fly somewhere. Though, it wouldn't be the the same without Dark...

That's okay, times change. And who knows, maybe he'll-

Impact.

Chosen pulled away from the light blue barrier that the ViraBot had so easily gone through, coughing weakly into his arm.

That's gonna hurt later.

It took a painfully reddened hand to realize that no amount of punching would do anything.

~

Dark felt himself hit the ground with a... Well, he wasn't sure what it sounded like, but it sure as hell could've been the loudest thing he had ever heard. It at least felt that way.

With a soft groan, he rolled over from his back to his side.

"God, I think I broke... everything.." he muttered, taking a few moment to collect his scattered, betrayed, hurt thoughts before picking himself up, pleased with the fact that nothing seemed actually broken at the moment. He quickly looked himself over, wincing as he noticed the sheer state of his body. Through the charred and still warm hole in his shirt, he could see dark, black burns, deep red oozing from melted skin.

"Shit. Shit, shit, shit..." Dark stumbled to his old... pitifully small house? Shack? Place...? He was honestly too disoriented to remember what the small structure's original purpose was, and his shaky ankles that, in hindsight, were probably sprained or something, threatened to give out at any moment.

Dark all but collapsed on the floor.

Down on his hands and knees.

Panting.

Saliva dripping from his mouth.

Tears dripping from his eyes.

He dug through the supplies stored under the table and pulled out some disinfectant, a shit ton of bandages, and a spare T-shirt.

He gingerly took off his current, very burnt one and set it aside. It was horrifically bloodstained anyway.

Mentally preparing himself for the burning sensation, he poured some disinfectant straight from the bottle onto the mess of stuff he didn't even want to look at.

Once he figured he had screamed and cried enough, it was onto the bandages.

From experience, bandaging yourself can be difficult, but not impossible after enough practice. Now, if your skin just stopped actively melting, that changes thing a bit, but Dark didn't really have a choice.

So he wrapped the slightly dusty gauze as tightly as he could around his chest and stomach, using a few too many pieces of tape to hold it in place. He then awkwardly pulled on the also dusty shirt and smoothed out some of the wrinkles. For the sake of being able to walk more comfortably, he also wrapped his ankles, which seemed to work wonders when he stood up and they only somewhat ached.

Maybe that was just his fast healing, though. If there was one pro to being created, it was that.

Dark let out a long, pained sigh before standing up on less-than-steady legs and pulling up the ViraBot code on his computer.

He glanced at the three whiteish scar lines on the back of his wrist.

Maybe they could use a fourth one to match.

~

Through strained eyes and sheer willpower, Chosen managed to break through the barrier.

A chilling sense of nostalgia gripped him as he traveled in the empty space leading to the PC.

He wanted it to stop.

His breathing picked up.

Tears stung his eyes for a moment.

If he was being honest, he really didn't want to go back to that place, but-

Another impact.

Okay, fuck what I said earlier, this hurts now.

More eye strain and hand pain got Chosen inside the PC.

The fight with the ViraBot was unpleasant, to say the least. Chosen didn't enjoy the metallic-tasting red in his mouth or the way his vision blurred and doubled after a while if he wasn't focusing on anything. But really, he didn't like that he and Dark's relationship was even more strained than his ruby-red eyes.

As Chosen left the PC, he gave a small nod of acknowledgement to his creator.

As he went back to face Dark, he couldn't help but feel like he was no better.

~~~~~

fun fact: this is my longest oneshot :3

heyyyy uh

the SH warning was there for a reason, but i mustve forgotten to copy-paste two lines, so i went back and fixed it TvT

[regretisstoredintheme]

Could you do headcanons for all the rise boys trying to help an insomniac reader? Like reader has been awake for so long they’ve got a headache and just want to sleep but they can’t. I don’t know if this makes sense i don’t request a lot but I love how you write to boys and I need that fluff in my life.

Hey soul sista, I don’t wa— HUHHHHHH?????? 

A request???

*snatches paper*

“Maddesthatter26 asked: Could you do headcanons for all the rise boys trying to help an insomniac reader? Like reader has been awake for so long they’ve got a headache and just want to sleep but they can’t. I don’t know if this makes sense i don’t request a lot but I love how you write to boys and I need that fluff in my life.”

A/N: of course I can!! I hope you’ll forgive me if this isn’t entirely accurate, I based it off my own experience with insomnia as that’s all I really have to go on. YOU LOVE HOW I WRITE DA BOYS??? :DDDDD IM SO GLADDDAAAAAAAAAAA

—Insomnia is a B-tch—

Warnings(?): Reader gets cranky because they’re tired. Slight age regression(?)  THERES FLUFF I PROMISE.

—

Raph

Reader has been awake for 40 hours.

Your eyes ached as you opened them, looking up from your desk towards your phone screen, which had just lit up.

You could have sworn this was the 6th notification in the past hour, disrupting the blissful microsleeps you were able to squeeze in. 

An involuntary twitch of annoyance riddled your face as you finally tried to read who it was, checking the brightness on your phone only to find that it was at the lowest setting. 

Blurry words focused in to display the contact number on your phone, and you felt your heart drop. 

Raph. 

He was texting to see if you were alright, since you had replied to a text of his at 1 am. (Personally you didn’t think it a big deal, this was your second night being awake and you’d been up way later than that)

Breathing out a sigh, you let your fingers slide across the keyboard, sending the message before rereading it.

Raph lifted his phone, feeling pure relief at seeing your name— before worry crept back up his throat at the message you sent.

Sorry Raphiee I’m herrj, whs up?” -Y/n 🍓

His heart wavered a little as he texted back. 

Are you sure you’re ‘here’? You sound a little out of it - Raphie❤️

Yea jus avvdoing sleep - Y/n 🍓

I’m sorry? -Raphie❤️

Cans u comm ov - Y/n 🍓

Come over? -Raphie❤️

Yop -Y/n 🍓

slightly confused, he grabbed his bag of necessities (always ready to go) and started to head over

You stumbled down the staircase, trying to be careful as the throbbing of your head got worse from moving. 

Opening your door for him, you smiled tiredly at his large form— completely missing the heartbroken look in his eyes. 

The way you looked so frail, so— metaphorically beaten and bruised— and not to mention sick. He wanted to just scoop you up and take you away forever. 

“Hiiii…” you drawled, words blurring together. “welcome to my ‘umble abode.” 

He walked in unsteadily, dipping his head to avoid your doorframe. “Is anyone else awake?” He whispered, looking around for any signs of life.

“Nnnope” you chuckled, “how bout we watch a movie?” You smiled back at him, snuggling into his arm.

He shivered, were you always this cold? That couldn’t have been normal.. “You don’t sound yourself, (Y/n).. have you slept recently?” He asked, gently walking up the stairs in an effort to stop them from creaking (it didn’t work)

“I tried..” you sighed, completely ignoring his attempt at silence, “it feels like every time my head hits the pillow I just lose all my sleepiness.”

Raph thought for a moment as you two entered your room, trying to think up solutions. “Actually,” he smiled, turning to you, “How about that movie? I’ll set it up.” 

You beamed at him, jumping into your bed as he pulled out his laptop. He set it to the lowest setting, making sure it wasn’t blinding for you. 

Pulling out Ibuprofen from his bag, he said something about grabbing you a glass of water. 

“This should help your headache.” He said, and you were left wondering how the hell he knew you had one. To him it was obvious

He put on something simple, then  laid next to you, his arm around your shoulders as you used his forearm as a pillow. “You okay?” He asked, making sure he wasn’t crushing you, and you simply responded with a kiss on his hand. 

Throughout the movie, he gave you plenty of nuzzles, letting you calm yourself with the steadiness of his breathing. 

By the end, you were fast asleep, and he had gently closed the laptop, smiling as he snuggled his face into your hair.

Leo

Reader has been awake for 36 hours. 

He was trying to make you laugh with a really bad joke, all giggles and laughs at being in your presence. Unfortunately, your beloved blue was talking so incredibly fast and laughing throughout it that you could just feel the throbbing of your head get worse and worse. 

Overstimulation crept up your throat— you wanted to scream, to pass out, to huddle up in a dark room and never leave it ever again. 

Before you knew it, the words “I’m too tired for this” left your mouth, letting all your scorn for sleep into the sentence. As soon as you spoke it, you immediately felt dread fill your stomach. 

“Haha… what..?” Leo’s smile faltered only slightly, brows creasing as he analyzed your regret-ridden face. “Tired of… what?” He added on, begging to the gods that you hadn’t decided he was annoying. Please, god, don’t think he was annoying— not when he had fallen for you so hard. 

“I’m so… sorry—“ you choked, and suddenly, you felt like you were going to cry. “I don’t— I didn’t— you’re not—“ you felt the world sinking in around you, air leaving your lungs as well as your willpower to speak. You dissolved into mumbles as you curled in on yourself, as if that would keep you from falling apart. 

“Woah— woah, hey!” Leo was pulling your hands from your face, way more concerned about you than any joke he was going to make. 

His hand caressed your cheek, head tilting to the side slightly as he analyzed your face.

His eyes then landed on yours— specifically the bags of sleepiness under your lashes. You always had them, and yet, today they looked worse somehow.

Mentally cursing himself for not noticing sooner, he brushed your hair from your eyes. “I’m not mad, I promise.” He reassured you, leaning his forehead against yours.

“What’s wrong?”

You began sobbing to him about your inability to sleep, and he was already scooping you into his arms, giving you little nods and ‘mhm’s to let you know he was listening. 

In your rant, you hadn’t even noticed you were in Leo’s room until his eye-mask headphones had been placed around your ears, filling the world with the sound of gentle rain and wind. 

You stared at him with surprise, but he didn’t even mention it, smiling as he sat next to you, scooping you into his arms and pulling the blankets over you both— his face nuzzling into your shoulder. 

You were going to bring up the fact that it was almost noon and there was no way you could sleep now— but between the dark, the galaxy nightlight Leo had, his silk sheets, and his thumb rubbing soft circles on your back, you felt yourself slowly feel at ease.

Even if you didn’t fall asleep, you thought, this was a moment you wouldn’t trade for the world. 

Donnie

Reader has been awake for 49 hours.

“Dove?” Donnie lifted his goggles, turning to you when you didn’t respond. 

You hummed, looking back up at him with a dazed expression. “huh? What’s up? I didn’t miss an info-dump, did I?” 

He looked at you with slight confusion, unsure whether you were being genuine or mocking him. “Are you— feeling alright?” He asked, brows furrowing slightly. 

“Oh— I’m fine, I’m great.” You smiled, the gesture not reaching your eyes. 

You had joined your boyfriend’s work in an attempt to ignore how much sleep had been evading you, but with all the lights in his lab, the throbbing in your head was only getting infinitely worse. 

“You don’t look grea— I’m fine!” You glared, taking the opportunity to squint from the blaring lights. 

Donnie said nothing, only quirked a painted brow— as if he had known- no, expected the outburst. 

You shrunk a little under his gaze, feeling guilty for raising your voice. You didn’t even know why you yelled anymore, “I’m.. sorry..” you mumbled, fidgeting with your fingers. You were beginning to wish you had told him rather than trying to avoid it, you just didn’t think he would be able to help. 

Sure, your beloved Donnie had insomnia as well but he was mutated for war, he doesn’t exactly crave sleep like you do.

“So..?” The terrapin queried, waiting for you to explain rather than assuming. He had a theory, but if he knew anything from ‘Dr. Feelings’, it was that people don’t like when they’re made out as something they aren’t.

“My insomnia has been a bit of a.. pain in the arse recently.” You confessed, and Donnie immediately bit down on a “knew it”, trying to pay attention to your tale of woe. 

“Mhm,” he leaned forward, encouraging you to continue. 

So you did, you told him everything, even earning a scoff when you said you didn’t think he could help. 

“Sorry, was something about that funny?” You asked after he chuckled again, glaring as he shook his head, “oh ye of little faith.” He mused, turning in his chair so he could save and exit his program. 

He then spun around, taking your wrist in his hand, “Porphyra, power down.” He said aloud, and all the fancy lights in his lab began to shut off. He guided you away, instead pulling you towards his room. 

“Wait— where are we going?” You blubbered quickly, listening to his gentle laughter, “Did you not want to be lulled to sleep by my incredible presence?” A smirk grew on his face as he watched you blush, continuing to pull you along. 

He quickly made a pillow nest on his bed, asking Shelldon to put on some soothing music for you. 

“Did you want some pjs or something?” He asked, taking off his mask and battle shell. “No..“ you mumbled, trying your best to get comfy on his bed. 

“Excellent.” He said, sitting next to you. “Come here, then.” His arms outstretched, waiting patiently for you. 

He was nervous, don’t get me wrong. His head was going a mile a minute at the prospects of that much physical touch— but, he trusted you enough to listen if he got uncomfortable. So, as you cautiously leaned toward him, he pulled you in, laying on his back with you pressed against his plastron. 

He let himself sigh, pulling you a little closer so he could adjust.

Your heart was speeding incredibly fast — although, listening to his heartbeat, the music, and his steady breathing— you couldn’t help but feel a little better.. tired, even. 

You nuzzled in a little to his plastron. and he felt as if he combusted on the spot. God it was hard being the snarky one sometimes, especially when you were so cute. 

Mikey

Reader has been awake for 27 hours.

Mikey had been in the kitchen, smiling to himself as he mixed a batch of brownies. He knew you had been stressed lately, so what better than to make your favorite treat? 

He jumped nearly 10 feet in the air when he felt you lean on his shoulder, not noticing you from how hard he was focusing. “Oh- it’s just you (Y/n).” He smiled, snuggling his face into your cheek. 

You wrapped your arms around the orange-clad terrapin, slowly letting him hold all your weight as your socked feet slid across the kitchen floor.

“Are you alr— wOAH—“ he stumbled as he realized you weren’t stopping, setting down the batter to accommodate. his arms quickly wrapped around your torso, holding you up like a handful of grapes. 

You mumbled a greeting into his plastron, eyes half-closed. Was it always so— bright in the lair? You snuggled closer to him, hiding in the darkness of your eyelids.

Mikey looked at you with concern, “So… what’s up..?” He quirked a brow, trying to gently bring up the topic as Dr. Feelings. 

You giggled slightly, then regret the choice as you felt the familiar throbbing in your head. 

“Every….thing hurts.” You managed, a tipsy smile on your face.

Mikey’s lips pursed in a wavy line, noting the obvious lack of sleep in your figure. 

“Have you-“ he paused, “slept— recently..?” He smiled warily, having known of your insomnia. If this was a harder episode than usual, he had to treat it delicately, and not like Dr. Delicate Touch unless necessary. 

He looked to the forgotten batch of brownies, which were begging him to put them in the cookie sheet. 

He smiled, cupping your face and pressing a sweet kiss to your forehead. 

“How about this, sugar?” He tapped your cheeks lovingly with his thumbs, “I’m gonna throw these brownies in the oven, and then we’re gonna snuggle till you feel sleepy, okay?” 

You whined, “but I haven’t been able to sleep..”

He thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers, delight gracing his face. 

“Alright sweetness.” He picked you up, placing you on one of the seats at the dinner table. “Let’s eat, then! I’ll make you the best dinner ever!” 

He gave you a large plate, filled with leftover turkey, candied carrots, and the like. He encouraged you to eat, sitting right by you and eating his own as the brownies baked. 

What you didn’t know, was how much energy it took to digest that much food. It was delicious, but man, you suddenly felt like you had a lot on your plate. 

Mikey chatted with you as the two of you sat, and the smell of brownies soon filled the room. He got up to rescue them from the oven, and then returned, setting them down in front of you both. 

Soon you felt yourself slowing down, leaning into his shoulder as you finished your meal. You felt bad for not being able to eat the fresh brownies, but your eyes just felt so heavy.

Mikey smiled, kissing your head as he gently scooped you up, taking you to his room so he could cuddle you to sleep. He shot a text to the others, saying he would clean up later. 

He definitely knew you well. 

——

A/N: I feel kinda bad that some of them are longer than others— I TRIED IM SORRY 😭😭

—

[a-dauntless-daffodil]

Random pokemon episodes i got to watch as a kid bc my neighbor had them on VHS and i still vaguely remember them

1.) kid gets lost is adopted by those dino kangaroo pokemon and then his family finds him and ends up in the kangaroo pouch too. found family!!!

2.) this rock is HAUNTED! and STRAIGHT!!! team ash brock misty and the rockets (buy our talismans!) go to a festival (buy our talismans!) near a rock overlooking the sea (buy our talismans!) that has a shrine dedicated to the girl who supposedly (buy our talismans!) turned into the rock while waiting for her lover to (buy our talismans!) return and now she's a GHOST (buy our talismans!) and brock and james get seduced by her (buy our talismans!) but not ash bc he's like 10 and not misty or jessie bc (buy our talismans!) the gastly pretending to be the maiden is sticking to her character traits (buy our talismans) of being straight while using her story (buy our talismans!) to get tourists to buy it's anti-ghost talismans, which the real ghost doesn't mind at all bc they are besties (buy our

3.) ponyta is so cool and rapidash is EVEN COOLER ash tries not to get burned to a crisp alive while riding them during a race

4.) jessie and james pretend our heroes just won a lottery by being the number whatever people to enter a city, james is in drag for this of course, they capture our heroes, get ignored by them via security cameras, and pikachu hurts them. there was probably more to the episode than that but i can't remember what

5.) this is mankey. he likes "jelly donuts" and ash's hat, which ash sent in like a million postcards to win. this is primeape. primeape is gonna kick your ass forever

6.) uhhhh abracadabra this girl is turning people in to dolls, also she's not real, also we need a ghost pokemon for this, also suddenly i feel like im in an indiana jones movie. also. "it's a STAR~" "ARGH!!"

7.) let's go get some ghost pokemon! Ash and Pikachu are dead now. let's cry over their bodies a bit. no wait. they're back

8.) butterfree goes free and im crying, im crying into the sunset as my tears glint in the last light of the sun and our friendship i just found out about bc im not watching this show in order. the music in this scene is very of it's time and also it's killing me, it's ripping my heart out. is the pink butterfee a shiny or just Girl? there are too many air balloons here. brock ships the pokemon

9.) we're back at the girl who makes people into dolls and it turns out she just needed to lighten up and laugh at bit. I think there's a fairytale about that. anyway, congrats on freeing this place from cosmic horrors or whatever, ash has a new badge which is all we care about. on to the next gym!

10.) get in the pokeball psyduck. stop having headaches psyduck. psyduck sucks. psyduck uses ELDRICH BLAST. misty loves her psyduck and wouldn't trade it for the world (now it can do murder) also i think there was some really weird architecture in this one

11.) can we all be nice to ditto....? can we all PLEASSE be nice to ditto and their eternal ._. face they are TRYING THEIR BEST!!!!!

[animusxy]

Aemond Targaryen x Blind! Reader Pt.6

Summary: There's a commotion at Helaena and Aegon's wedding but Aemond is there to keep you safe.

Requested: Fairly certain I came up with this one at first.

Warnings: None I think.

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 3.5 / Part 4 / Part 4.5 / Part 5 / Part 6

Helaena never wanted to be betrothed to Aegon. Let alone wed.

It was obvious from the number of times she'd cry herself to sleep at night while in the company of yourself and/or Aemond.

Everyone knew the habits of the eldest son of King Viserys.

A drunkard and the main customer of every brothel on the street of silk night after night.

You'd spent hours soothing the princess in the days coming up to the wedding while trying not to be dragged under from the stress of such a large event yourself.

Everywhere was buzzing.

The servants were preparing foods and decorations, the lords arriving from every kingdom in Westeros.

There was nearly no place for you to go to just relax away from the noise that filled the halls.

Luckily for you, Aemond was rather adept at scaring the high lords and visitors out of the library or gardens.

He and Helaena would sit by you in these areas for a few hours when they could.

They knew any little sound could cause headaches with all the stimulation.

They'd seen you go into a sensory overload before and it had scared them tremendously.

You had closed your eyes and refused to open, despite not being able to see in the first place.

You had covered your ears and fought to keep them there when Aemond had tried to peel your hands away to whisper comforts into your ear.

You'd even turned away from physical contact for a time.

All-in-all, it had worried the two of them tremendously and they'd paid greater attention to your being in stimulating situations ever since.

Aemond especially because he is the most smitten man in the history of the kingdoms and Old Valyria yet refuses to admit it, much to the exasperation of his older sister and mother who had come to like you over the years.

Anyways, moving on.

Naturally, you stuck with the royal family on the day of the wedding and remained seated with Aemond for the majority of it.

Aemond kept eyeing the dance floor, musing over whether or not he should ask if you wanted to go with him.

Perhaps when there weren't as many people crowding the area that may bump into you.

He was snapped out of his reverie as you stood from your seat and grasped onto your staff.

He goes to stand with you but you quickly tell him that you were just going to go check on Helaena and that you'd be back in a minute or so.

Aemond does sit down but he wishes that he didn't.

He should've expected something to happen.

Weddings in Westeros never end on a happy note.

He hears the commotion before he sees it but when he does he's on his feet and moving.

His instincts tell him to go to the centre of the fight and remove the threat but he stops a guard whose about to enter the fray.

Apparently, one of Aegon's whores got a little too involved with him and believed they had a right to marry him instead of Helaena.

Fuck.

There were assassins here for Helaena.

Fuck.

You were with Helaena.

He realises most people would have thought of the safety of their family first but Helaena is a princess with some of the best guards in the realm as do the rest of his family.

No harm would come to them.

As for you, however.

You may be close to Aemond and Helaena but in situations like these the royals are prioritised and then the nobles.

Being blind and being in an ambush is bad enough but if you were injured it would be unlikely that you were to receive care straight away.

You could be injured, bleeding out...or worse.

Aemond turns away from the main commotion and turns to where the assassins had been pushed back from, further into the red keep.

He scours the faces running past him and leaves no corpse unturned as morbid of a thought as that was.

He had to be sure.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

Where were you?

With each passing second his anxiety raises.

If you hadn't gotten to Helaena in time then you'd be alone and defenceless.

If he could just get to you then everything would be okay.

He's trained by the best swordsmen in the kingdoms, if he can just get to you then he can protect the woman he - .

Cares for

Yeah, cause that was actually what he was thinking, you can't trick us Aemond.

His salvation comes in a glimpse of red.

A familiar shade of red.

Specifically, the red of the dress you were wearing, which he had gifted you for your last nameday.

Most know better than to get in his way but some knights and lords are forced to the ground as he ploughs through them with one thought on his mind.

He breaks through the last string of people blocking his way and all but lunges for you.

You must've been pushed to the ground by some twat during the initial commotion.

No one seemed to care about helping you up after that so you had stayed on the ground, covered your head and hoped they would at least try to avoid stampeding over you.

Aemond tries to cover you with his own body but people are still panicking and while they're pushing into him he can feel that he's starting to crush you instead of guard you.

He's tempted to swing around and dispatch the guests himself but that would mean taking his eye off of you.

Instead he urges you forward slightly along the ground and under a table that had not been upturned

He places a hand under the table edge to stop you from bumping your head on the wood before clambering under after you.

At this point you had already figured out who had grabbed you, being able to tell the planes of his body apart from a strangers and all.

He's gripping your hand and you can just barely feel his thighs grazing your legs as he moved to sit around you rather than opposite to you.

You had tucked you legs up so that your knees were just under your chin and Aemond had positioned you directly in front of him so that he could hold you close.

His arms are muscular from training but not bulky like what you'd been told most knights were.

Aemond was built for speed and endurance, as well as protection.

He rubs circles on your back with the palm of his hand and waits for the commotion to die down.

His other hand is gripping his sword tightly, just in case some idiot tries to get too close to you.

You never know who might be an enemy and Aemond isn't taking any chances when it comes to you.

He vaguely registers that you nuzzle your face into his neck and tighten your arms around him so leans his head on top of yours.

Hopefully, in all the chaos, no one will notice the two of you and make baseless rumours about your relationship.

Are they really baseless though?

Aemond knows he feels something for you, or rather he refuses to see it for what it is.

Aemond wasn't built for love.

He's not sure what he would do, or how he would act.

What he does know, however, is that if anything happens to you today, that he would first behead the person that hurt you and then lock himself away for the rest of his life.

He keeps his arm wrapped around you tightly even as the crowds die down.

It isn't until most of the guests had been ushered out that he draws himself from under the table, taking your hand to guide you out as well.

His mother was the first to spot the two of you and hurries over.

First she examines her son and gives him a quick kiss on the forehead before she turns to you and gently grasps your arms.

With a bit of resistance from Aemond who wouldn't let you go she brings you into her embrace and brings you over to Helaena.

Queen Alicent had grown to like you after seeing the exact affect that you had on her son.

Helaena sits you down next to her to calm down, she has her hands drawn over her ears despite the fact that there is no noise.

She doesn't seem rather concerned either, like she'd already known it was going to happen.

Aemond watches over the two of you like hawks and eventually he escorts you back to your chambers for the night.

An hour or so later he's woken from his light slumber as you clamber into his bed and on top of him before laying down on his chest, you must've used the secret tunnels he'd told you about.

Either way, he isn't complaining.

So it's been a while. I'm in the final year of high school/A-Levels (I literally just had mocks) so it's been very busy. I've got a lot of requests to try and get through so i'll be stopping taking them temporarily. You can message about ideas to add to this thread or some other ideas if you're desperate because the likelihood is that I'll hear it and then desperately try and find a way to add it or make a new fanfic because I love it too much tbh.

Tag List:

@daddysfavoritesexkitten @ateliefloresdaprimaveraera @tachibubuu @discowizard88 @claudiajacobs @ephemeralninon @microwaved-timmies @sagittariuswritings @are-y0u-sirius @icarusignite @grippleback-galaxy @random-human02 @liathelioness @mingiholic @poohkie90 @tea-effect @bb-swift @psychomanias @farmerpinkpie @mikariell95 @schniiipsel @the-fire-lady @sarah-l-whiteman @vainillasmil157 @landlockedmermaid77 @betterdaysobsessing @alexayoonlee @meilikki @elizabeth-or-lily @peaches-and-sunshine @kittykylax @thegreat-annamaria @moon-390 @thatweirdchickatthecorner @lwqfhp @poemfreak306 @janethegamergirl @tonijpl @mysingularitybts @cloudohell @itsmeeeeeezzz @dedicateeverythingtomilkshake @witchofthenorthstar @castoutofhell @multiple-fandoms-girl @jamiehale @trueluver @maniccrystalhippie @dollfaceyourfear @generosityheart @ally-b-belle @aegonsgf

I think that's everyone for the tag list, but if I missed you or you wanna be added you can comment below or message me privately I don't mind.

Thanks for all the support!

[beautifulsnake2162020]

We have it all (Hualian adopted daughter fanfic) Chapter 7

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. I only do this for fun.

Premise: Not long after comforting a bullied girl named Meng Ai, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian find themselves adopting her and together they form a family they didn't know they had needed for awhile.

Story/Genre tags: Slice of life-ish (mainly), Family focused, Hua Cheng's houses finally become homes, there may be an overarching story but that's not the focus, Hualian being parents, Fengqing being uncles, Lang Qianqiu falling in love with someone who was raised by the Xianle squad, technically post-canon (though I haven't read the books so if there are some ooc moments please forgive me).

AO3 Link

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 , Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

Follower tags: @anonimgato1507 @fd139 (I tagged you just in case - Lang Qianqiu makes his first appearance in this chapter)

AN: In honor of Meng Ai's birthday here is Chapter 7 - which is either posted before, on, or after, September 21. Yes this chapter will be mainly focused on her birthday celebration (the preparations leading up to it and the celebration itself). I couldn't help myself - I love the song so much.

Chapter 7

"When exactly are we meeting Chenxi?"

"We'll meet in a mutual event for our first meeting. She wants to ask a few questions. Probably to check what our intentions are in asking her about that part of her life. She told me through her oracle that I'm the first person in heaven to actually be interested in knowing anything about her imprisonment. Or at least the first person who wasn't directly related to her. Then she released her oracle and he then told me that if she has any more messages for us she'll send her oracle to either one of our temples."

They arrive in the semi-secluded residence of the now mortal Shi Qingxuan. Unsurprisingly it was located on a windy location. Shi Qingxuan's new residence was on a coastal region in a more secluded part of the beach. The winds were too strong for the anyone else. But the former Windmaster felt right at home, even when the winds no longer followed their will. When they were certain that no other mortals were nearby they rid themselves of their disguises as Nan Feng and Fu Yao and turned into their regular forms with a finishing touch of glamour to conceal their divine aura.

"Finally! I thought I would have to do something drastic to make you both return." Shi Qingxuan says as Mu Qing and Feng Xin approach their home.

"We've been busy." Feng Xin says as they enter Shi Qingxuan's home. A modest structure compared to their residence that they used to have. Well ventilated to allow the wind in what may have been a hot indoor dwelling. Spacious enough to allow room to move and to entertain a fair number of guests. But it was small enough to not be a headache when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.

"Doing what? Let me guess; sparring, dates, making sure Xie Lian is happy and martial God duties?"

"The job that you were supposed to do but you were ill."

"Speaking of which - here." Mu Qing shoves a brown bottle to them.

"Here's the second to the last dosage. Same instructions as before; half a cup once a day after a meal."

"Do I have to?" They whined.

"I already feel better."

"Then throw it in the sea. It's not my problem that you're still lacking in energy. Come to think of it I think I should be thanking you." They sighed and immediately began to drink their medicine as prescribed.

"Thanking me for getting sick? You can start by giving me these cosmetics-"

"Not happening." The three of them settles on the dining room as the winds grow stronger at midday time. Midday is when they typically visit since mortals don't like being in this spot at midday because the winds were too harsh. That way they can take a break from their mortal guises while checking up on a slowly recovering Shi Qingxuan.

"What job was I supposed to do?"

"Babysit Xie Lian and Hua Cheng's little girl."

"What?!" Mu Qing and Feng Xin couldn't help but chuckle a little at their surprised look.

"How - What?!"

"Technically she isn't officially their daughter yet. They and her parents want to ask her first before officially adopting her."

"Have you seen the way she called out for them when her father was in danger?" Feng Xin asks Mu Qing in disbelief.

"I know we haven't seen the three of them talk much but something tells me she wouldn't mind being adopted by them."

"Woah, woah, Nan Yang, wait, care to explain everything to the should have been babysitter - is she cute?"

"Her name is Meng Ai, she turns seven years old on the 21st night of September -"

"How did you know the details of her birth?"

"Jing Mei told me - she gave birth to her just after sunset."

"More details for the next babysitter please!"

"Hey I was interrupted."

"I was curious."

"You were saying Xuan Zhen?"

"She could detect the presences of the otherworldly, she got that from her father and her mother is an oracle of Xiwangmu."

"Let me guess, she could sense your divine aura?"

"A lot more than that." Feng Xin adds.

"She could sense that Xuan Zhen, Xie Lian, and I are the same type of spirit and could feel the differences from our divine aura to the ghostly aura of Hua Cheng." Shi Qingxuan's eyes grow bigger.

"At six years old!? I wasn't able to do that till I was 15! And I was only able to be good at it at 19!"

"Yes, it's impressive that she could do it without realizing it. What a talent she has." Feng Xin says with a smiles as he takes a drink from his tea.

"But she wasn't able to tell that you were Gods?"

"She hasn't had much exposure to divine presences and the three of us are probably the first beings she has interacted with long enough for her to make those observations. Interacting with ghosts on the other hand are an almost daily experience for her. It makes sense that she could tell that we are a different being from ghosts but not know that we are Gods."

"...I hate it when you are right."

"You also love it. Why else are we together now?"

"Wait -" Shi Qingxuan interrupts before they could continue flirting. As happy as they are that these two former enemies are now a couple, they were more interested in knowing more about the new little girl in their lives.

"If her parents are still alive then why are they adopting her?" Both of them shares a look before facing back at them.

"Long story short: They are the loophole and the key to giving Meng Ai a good life. I've mentioned that her mother, Jing Mei is an oracle and she receives visions."

"Just after giving birth to her, she received a vision of Meng Ai dying as a sacrifice to Xiwangmu at the hands of her relative while her parents were already dead."

"They asked Xiwangmu for a loophole and she told them that as long as she had one parent who is dead and one parent who is alive she'll be safe from those who want to sacrifice her. And so Hua Cheng and Xie Lian are that loophole."

"Hmm? How are they sure that Hua Cheng and Xie Lian counts as a loophole?"

"Chenxi clarified her mother's solution. A parent doesn't need to be blood related to count - uh - are you okay?" Mu Qing asks as shock is shown in their face.

"Chenxi - Xiwangmu's daughter - she's back? She's freed?"

"You know her Shi Qingxuan?" Feng Xin asks in interest.

"Yes - it's...it's been so long." A smile slowly emerges in their face.

"Chenxi is one of my professors when I ascended. She helped guide me in learning about my domain and how it serves the world. She's one of the best teachers I've ever had." Shi Qingxuan pours themself another cup of tea.

"When she disappeared I had thought at first that maybe she's just in her family's mountain. I couldn't blame her - I loved it there when she brought her students there to have a rest from our studies and heavenly duties. She's one of those teachers who genuinely cares about her students. She knows when to push us and when to make us laugh at ourselves and to rest from work." Then their face becomes darker.

"When I learnt that she was imprisoned...I tried to help. I secretly went against orders against getting involved."

"What happened?" Shi Qingxuan looks at them with a dark look.

"I don't know how, but they managed to use my powers against me. One of the men - I can't remember his face, just that he had green eyes - managed to somehow choke me the more winds I made and the more air I controlled." They take a moment to breathe and to calm themself. But to Mu Qing and Feng Xin it was clear that this was a traumatic experience for them.

"When I managed to somehow escape from that man, Chenxi sent a telepathic message to me to escape. I tried to tell her that I came here to free her. She rebutted and told me that just because I controlled the winds didn't mean that I had enough strategic experience to rescue her." They couldn't help but shed a tear.

"Her last message to me was that she was proud of me - but I was not meant to rescue her. And if I wanted to honor her I should live my life to bring joy and use my domain to serve. Wasting my life away for a task I wasn't meant for is a disservice to myself and others. After that I never heard from her again." They wipe the tears that they had shed and a small smile begins to emerge as they look at the martial Gods.

"Now you know one of the reasons why I am the way that I am. Even though I was immortal, life is too short to let it slip through your fingers. Professor Chenxi was right, she almost always is."

Should we tell them?

Probably - Chenxi might want to see them again

"How was she freed? How did you contact her?"

"We don't know the exact details but Meng Ai's father, Ji Huifan was the one who freed her and her mother, Jing Mei nursed her back to health. I'm sure she would love to see you again. We're going to meet with her in some sort of mutual event. She didn't specify what yet." Shi Qingxuan couldn't help but giggle at Mu Qing's brief flash of annoyance at the Chenxi's somewhat vague instructions.

"Yup, that sounds like her. Enough instructions to know what's going on but no further questions till she thinks you're ready for more or you need it."

"Xuan Zhen was able to contact her through her oracle. Maybe she'll make an exception for you since you were her student." They let out a sad sigh.

"I'm not immortal anymore. Her nearest temple is going to take me at least an entire month to get there. I don't mind the long journey but I guess I'm still recovering on how to function as a mortal. Aging and work and all."

General Nan Yang, an oracle of Chenxi is in the temple. She says that she has a message from Chenxi and requests permission to communicate with you through the spiritual channel.

"Well it seems we're in luck, one of her oracles is in my temple now."

"Then what are you waiting for? Another war? Give the oracle your password already."

"Hmph and you call me impatient."

Granted, give her the password. Tell her that General Xuan Zhen will also be joining us.

Feng Xin glances at Mu Qing and gives a small nod. Mu Qing puts his finger on their temple and enters their joint telepathic communication. In their mind's eye they appear in their respective places as they look down on a woman with bright orange and black robes. She was kneeling down with her head down as she waits for them to speak.

Rise oracle of Chenxi.

She keeps her head down as she stands up in the center platform of the spiritual array.

You have a message for us from Chenxi?

I do General Nan Yang.

Why do you keep your head down? General Nan Yang has already asked for the message.

The Goddess Chenxi is actually asking permission if she could speak through me. She instructed that I am not allowed to look at either one of you until you have granted her permission to do so.

This was new. They glance at each other in the spiritual array. Mu Qing shrugs before nodding.

Granted.

Immediately the oracle looks up and her golden glowing eyes looks at both of them. Her back straightened and her stance now more fitting of a dignified Goddess than a follower of hers. What followed was a voice that was drastically different than hers but one Mu Qing is familiar with. Only now he realizes that what he had heard was the dulled version of her voice. It was expected since she was speaking through her oracle's body. Just like whenever her mother possessed one of her priests or priestesses, her voice blended with her mortal follower's.

Good day Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen.

Chenxi, this is quite the unusual method of reaching out to us. You could have just contacted either one of us directly.

I assure you Nan Yang that there is a reason why I'm doing it this way. The short answer is that we could be eavesdropped and I'm not taking any chances.

Eavesdropped in Nan Yang's mind? I didn't know that such a thing was possible.

You also didn't know it was possible to contact me through my oracle and yet you did. But enough of that. Please tell Shi Qingxuan that I will see all three of you in Meng Ai's birthday on the 21st night of September. It will be in Paradise Manor for obvious reasons.

Understood.

And speaking of Meng Ai, the little girl has been wondering where you both disappeared to. I personally recommend visiting her before then. She's already figured out that you two and Xie Lian are Gods and is currently trying to guess which ones are you.

Well it's nice to know we've made an impression on her considering who will be adopting her...It was also nice seeing her beat Nan Yang in Go.

You were coaching her!

She's still learning the game.

Chenxi chuckles a bit.

I'll see you in her birthday celebration. Don't forget to bring a gift for her. Till then, good bye General Nan Yang, General Xuan Zhen.

She then releases her oracle who immediately brings her head down and her posture now back to a humble follower.

Thank you for your service to us. Some of my followers will escort you back to your temple for your protection.

Thank you as well General Nan Yang. And thank you as well General Xuan Zhen for your presence.

You're welcome oracle of Chenxi, depart with Heaven's blessings.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing leaves the spiritual array. Both of them grin at Shi Qingxuan.

"It seems like your old teacher has heard you. She now expects to see you in Meng Ai's birthday in Paradise Manor. Which means Nan Yang and I will have to introduce you to her before then."

"Oh gre- AH CHOO!" Horror and denial is on their face as Mu Qing gives them a pointed look as Feng Xin sends a telepathic command to some of his followers to protect the oracle.

"Which means you need to get better before going anywhere near her. Rest I'll make dinner and herbal tea tonight."

______________________________________________________________

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

He feels himself scurry along the once familiar rooms as he hides himself in plain sight.

"What are the chances that they are no longer in these lands?" A figure asks briefly looking towards his direction which frightened him that he might be caught. He made himself relax despite his fear. He cannot afford to waste any opportunity to learn more about their plans.

"If they had gone to other areas of the silk road we would have known. Our network of contacts are too vast and prominent for us to not know."

"They could have gone through sea."

"Or to the archipelagic region with several islands."

"Again, we would have known if they had fled to those lands. We have spies in the Southern coastal area and they have been closely watching every single family who consists of a father, a mother, and a daughter. So far every batch of them is not them. I still believe they are still within these lands."

"Or they could have been transported to another world entirely." A figure with green eyes say as nearly everyone groaned.

"For that to be possible they'll need a lot of energy. And no unusual power surges among mortals have been detected."

"Stop all this worrying." A figure steps in. To anyone who didn't know or look closely, the man looked to be in his early fourties. Never knowing that he, like the rest of his relatives gathered within this room was several centuries old.

"Ji Huifen and his family cannot escape forever. We can take as much time as we'd like. What's important is that his daughter is sacrificed on Xiwangmu's altar. It doesn't matter if she's a little girl or an old lady, all we need is to take her before death claims her. Are we understood?"

"Yes Zufu Bocheng." They all reply as they settle themselves in their respective seats as Ji Bocheng takes his seat.

"Tell Ji Lihua to take her time. I trust in her abilities to track Ji Huifan. But she could be impulsive and impatient. Remind her that we have all the time in the world as long as the little girl is alive."

"We will Zufu." Ji Bocheng then gives the signal to their servants. It was when he heard the incoming groans and screams of pain that was getting louder just outside of the door that Ji Huifan decided that he has seen enough. He closes his eyes as he lets go of the mouse that he has possessed. He's had enough experiences of the blood feeding rituals and he doesn't want to add more memories to the mix.

We've got you Ji Huifen

Xie Lian's telepathic presence gently guides him back to his body. He awakens in the presence of Hua Cheng and Xie Lian. All of them seated under a tree that he had felt the most calm. Both of them had leant him enough power to allow them to telepathically see and hear what he has learnt.

"Hmph if they think they have contacts everywhere then it's a good thing that I have my own network."

"Still, I believe that it is best for you and Jing Mei to stay here for a little bit more."

"Thank you Dianxia. Mei mei Lihua is probably one of the best choices they have of tracking us down."

"Why? Does she have any special abilities?"

"It's because you're siblings isn't it?"

"Correct, Lihua and I are full blooded siblings. While our forms are quite different she could easily track me down because we share the same parents. Our other siblings are only half and if only one parent is shared, there's a large number of guesswork since the identity of our blood could also be shared by distant relatives with a common ancestor. But if both parents are the same, all she has to do is to track down anyone whose blood is the closest to hers." He sighs as they stand up and start heading back towards the manor.

"Having said that while she may be good at tracking me down, she isn't the best fighter compared to our other relatives. Knowing her she probably thinks this is more of a chore."

"What do you suggest?" Xie Lian asks.

"Keep her bored. Or make sure that nothing peaks her interest while staying on the task. If she's bored enough she'll move on to something else."

"On the contrary I suggest we keep her on the task." Hua Cheng says as they stop for awhile after all three sees Meng Ai and Jing Mei entering the gardens. This was a discussion that Meng Ai doesn't have to hear.

"You've mentioned that she's not the best fighter among them but she's the best choice to track you down. What if we finally eliminate her?"

"That...may work. But I'm not entirely sure if she will become mortal once again just by being drained of her blood till she passes out or if she also needs to accompany it with grief."

"Let's continue this at another time." Xie Lian says as they enter within earshot of Meng Ai and Jing Mei.

"Baba, Xie Lian, San Lang, I need your help -"

"They are not going to help you Aiai."

"But-"

"You're not old enough for a puppy."

"But mama the puppy and it's mama doesn't have anywhere else to go."

"Aiai - I know you love animals. But you cannot adopt every single puppy and mama dog that you see."

"Hmm? Where did you see a puppy Xiao Ai?"

"Mama was doing her water ritual San Lang, it's where she sees things through water. And she was just checking on the areas just outside of ghost city and in one of the nearby cities there's a puppy with it's mother and both of them looked alone -"

"And you are not yet old enough to take care of them."

"But mama their round green eyes looked so sad."

And that caught everyone's attention.

"Xiao Ai how would you describe the type of green eyes the puppy and its mother have?"

"They were beautiful bright green Xie Lian. Like jade if it managed to glow."

"They were glowing Aiai. But you are still too young." To everyone else it became clear why Jing Mei was refusing to allow Meng Ai to get anywhere close to them. Dogs typically didn't have eyes that had the color of bright glowing jade green. It was definitely something else that was in the guise of a puppy and its mother trying to lure innocent victims like Meng Ai who wasn't aware of the dangerous trap she was being lured into. Probably a couple of demons who was using glowing jade green eyes to lure victims into their trap.

Though that didn't mean Jing Mei was wrong in saying that Meng Ai was too young and not ready to take care of a pet.

Then Ji Huifan fortunately remembered something.

"Mei, doesn't Chenxi and Xiwangmu raise animals as a community pet?"

"Those animals are technically pets which belong to the Goddesses; which is why with a few exceptions they stay inside temple grounds and are never slaughtered or killed."

"I have an idea."

"I'm not taking one of their pets and gifting it to Aiai."

"No no, what if Aiai raises one and offers it on her birthday? Then we could see how ready she is for a pet of her own."

"Hmm that could work. It could show Xiao Ai here what it means to take care of another life who depends on her."

"And every week we check their progress. Her birthday is only a few weeks away and it would be a valuable experience for her."

"And how are we supposed to remain hidden while offering the future pet to Xiwangmu?"

"Xiao Ai doesn't have to actually leave here. Something tells me they'll send someone here for her birthday. What do you think little one? Are you up for the challenge your parents gave you?" Hua Cheng asks with a teasing tone.

"Yes please, pretty please."

"I'll be choosing what you'll be raising. And I will tell you now it's not a puppy. Xiwangmu already has plenty of dogs that play around in her temples."

"Okay."

"Don't worry Aiai we'll guide you. But it's still you who will be taking up the responsibility of raising the animal whom you will offer to Xiwangmu."

"Yes, baba." Meng Ai nods eagerly as she waits for more reminders from her new parents.

"Xiao Ai why don't you play with Ruoye for awhile." Xie Lian allows Ruoye to fly towards Meng Ai as it wraps itself around her hands while a part of it rubs itself against Meng Ai's cheek in their mutual delight.

"While you're at it, take E-ming with you. Just don't take E-ming out of it's sheath." The sentient scimitar coos in delight as Hua Cheng carefully gives it to Meng Ai with a subtle but noticeable glance to Yin Yu to watch over her while she plays with their spiritual tools. Once Yin Yu leads Meng Ai to a safe distance away from the four of them while still being within their vision, the discussion becomes serious.

"I'm going to investigate the hidden demon nearby."

"I'll come with you San Lang."

"How sure are you that it's just a demon? What if it's a demon summoned by one of the mage mercenaries to try to lure us out - or even worse lure Aiai out."

"That's even better Jing Mei, getting information will be easier. If you need anything Yin Yu will know what to do." In the distance they hear Meng Ai laughing as she was chasing Ruoye who was carrying a sheathed E-ming around a field of Asters.

"Please you two, let San Lang and I handle this." Ji Huifan sighs, shares a look with Jing Mei before they both nod.

"You probably already know this but from my experience these demons are the most likely ones that they've summoned." They listen intently before making their way to where the disguised demons were located.

The couple lands a short distance away from where the hidden demons disguised as a puppy and its mother were. Standing near them made their demonic aura more obvious to them.

"They don't seem to be puppets. But that might just be because whomever created them is highly skilled."

"Hmm my bet is that they themselves are demons since if they were just puppets they would need some external power source to do that level of deception while still keeping itself intact." The sun begins to set and children begin staying indoors or staying in areas that are more crowded than the sparse field where they are in now.

"How do you want to do this San Lang?"

"We go together but you could approach it first. You'll ask the easy questions." He turns to Xie Lian with a dangerous glint in his eyes that Xie Lian couldn't help but be drawn to even after seven years of marriage.

"While I ask the difficult questions."

"Do you think they'll be truthful?" Xie Lian quickly asks to try to ignore his blush. Though he knows that Hua Cheng had already noticed.

"We'll know, and we'll have our ways to finding out the truth." They share a nod as they make their way to the hidden demons. The one disguised as a puppy starts whimpering and making pitiful sounds as it looks at Xie Lian's figure approaching.

"Whomever you are go to your true form. There are questions that you need to answer - both of you." Xie Lian says with a serious but still approachable tone. But the once seemingly innocent look of both demons are now glazed over with darkness and anger.

"Don't make us force you." Xie Lian warns as he prepares himself for any possible attack. The demon in the form of a puppy launches itself at him but its demonic face with a mouth full of sharp teeth emerged. Xie Lian quickly moved away with ease and dodged an attack from the demon in the form of the mother dog. As he bent down Hua Cheng managed to grab their throats in each hand and both demons began choking with fear.

"Go to your true forms or I will make you." He throws both demons on front of them and they immediately go to their shadowy forms with reluctance and fear of the Crimson Rain Sought Flower.

"Now." Hua Cheng continues as he holds their jade green glowing gazes.

"We'll ask some questions and you are going to answer them. Lie and we will know."

"Hrraah...Fine...Graah."

"Why are you here?" Xie Lian begins.

"Krrah ... Krraah...to...Krraah...lure..."

"Lure who?"

"Hrrah...Graaah...a...krraah...little girl...KraAAh..."

"Do you know her name?"

"GrraAWAah...Hrraah...No...Krrraah..."

"How about what she looks like?" Hua Cheng asks in an intimidating tone.

"Krraah...Hrraaah...No...Krraah...GrAaAh!" They share a look.

Shall I make them show us?

Go ahead, you did warn them earlier.

"Hmph why don't we see for ourselves." Xie Lian slips his hand in Hua Chengs and intertwine their fingers while Hua Cheng with his other hand now outstretched reaches into the memories of both demons. He quickly found the memory he was looking for and projected them telepathically to Xie Lian's mind so they may both uncover them together.

"WE SUMMON YOU!" Cried a group of hooded and masked mages in a dark night without moonlight. The only light present was the candles arranged in a summoning formation.

"KRAahAHaha...GrahaAh...who summons...HrahaAah?"

"We do, youth devourers."

"We have a task for you."

"GRAhahaKraah...Offerring...HraAah...first." One of the mages lead two children who were in a trance to each demon. Xie Lian couldn't help but wince in horror as the youth devouring demons take their souls and devours them.

Gege?

I'm fine...its just awful

I know

"Satisfied?"

"Grahakraah...Yes...Grahaaah."

"We need you to capture a little girl."

"Her left eye is blue and her right eye is amber brown. She would be about six years old. By the end of September she will be seven years old."

"HRAAH...Krahaagh...why...Graaahk...us...kraaAAagh?"

"You youth devouring demons specialize in luring and hunting down children. Even in areas where mortals cannot easily go."

"We have prepared other offerings which you will recieve when you bring us the girl alive and with her soul intact."

"GraAAAahhk...krAaAh...her...KRaAaAhk...name?"

"She is known as Meng Ai, and her presence was felt in Jingdezhen before we lost track of her."

"Bring her to us and you will recieve the rest of your offerings."

"GRAaAh!" "HraAAaAghk!"

The memory ends but Hua Cheng keeps his control over the two demons.

"Should we ask them to lead us to them?"

"No need. I already know where those mages are, even if they travel around." Hua Cheng then summons E-ming out of its sheath.

"GrAAH krAAaAh - you liars! HraAahk!"

"We never promised your safety and continued existence." These were Hua Cheng's last words to them before E-mind destroyed them.

"Good job E-ming." Xie Lian says as the scimitar's eye looked to him for approval. Having received it, E-ming coos of soft delight.

"Hmm they're getting desperate. Something tells me that this won't be the last thing they summon to hunt or lure Xiao Ai to them."

"I'll increase the security measures when it comes to her safety. And when all else fails she still has our silver butterfly pendant on her. Our combined powers in that pendant should be able to protect her and send a message to anyone who dares harm her." Xie Lian couldn't help but smile as he notices how Hua Cheng is already thinking of her safety.

"What amuses Gege so?"

"I like this side of you. Being protective over our daughter. I don't mind seeing this more often." Xie Lian couldn't help but tease a bit as he brings himself closer to Hua Cheng's look of surprise.

"Is...is that so?"

"Mmhmm" He sighs as he embraces him with his arms around Hua Cheng's neck.

"Let's visit Puqi Shrine for awhile. Since Meng Ai couldn't be there for the meantime we'll have the bed to ourselves." Hua Cheng quickly takes out the dice and tosses it but barely looks at the number that will inevitably lead to Puqi Shrine. His gaze instead was focused on his husband as he feels his desire for him increase as he feels himself share an expression of lust with him.

"We're here Gege." He bends down to kiss him and to carry him as a groom would carry his bride. Never breaking the kiss he enters the living quarters and gently placed him on the bed.

"San Lang mmm" Xie Lian moans as he keeps Hua Cheng close to his lips with one hand while undressing him and teasing him with the other.

"Mmm Gege mmm."

They would deal with the damage left by the previous battle once morning arrives. For now they were savoring being united in their love.

______________________________________________________________

"White Lotus is clearly the better mooncake filling." Mu Qing argues as he, Feng Xin, and Shi Qingxuan went to the nearby town. It was their promised reward to Shi Qingxuan for taking care of themself to recover quicker and thus meeting Meng Ai earlier before her birthday.

"Its too subtle for a little girl's birthday."

"Well clearly not for Meng Ai since she loves it."

"She also loves the Red bean filling. The popular choice."

"Hey you two why don't you just go for the third option? You both mentioned you liked how her mom mixed both fillings together, why not go with that? Also," Shi Qingxuan browses the fabric on display.

"What do you think her favorite color is? Or or what colors do you think looks good with her?"

"The four of us secretly decided to give all three to her. We'll give her an official answer so that she won't suspect and so her mother could begin making it, Nan Feng and I will buy one mooncake with either White Lotus paste or Red bean filling and her new parents will buy the other."

"Red bean filling is easier to find and it easily sells out. Oh and I think you should just ask her since we'll be going there once we finish up here."

"Which is why we should buy the White Lotus one so that it's easier to get."

"Do you know how easy it is to screw up White Lotus mooncake?"

"Any mooncake made by an idiot will be screwed up. Why do you think we'll be tasting them first before giving it to her?" Sighing as they hear the argument continue Shi Qingxuan decides to ask the store owner if they had some fabric samples they could show. They couldn't help but laugh at both of them remaining firm in their arguments.

"Here you go sir, a book sewn with a small piece of all the fabrics we have in our store."

"Thank you so much. Come on you two, you can continue arguing outside." They say with a laugh as both of them follow them out.

"Is that your only gift to her?"

"Of course not, we're also giving her a Go set." Feng Xin says as Mu Qing enters the first store selling mooncakes. The Mid Autumn Festival was only a few weeks away and this year Meng Ai's birthday would be in the week after that. Stores were now selling their mooncakes as a form of advertising their products. By selling them now the public could gauge which stores would sell the mooncakes that appealed to their taste and stores themselves could gauge how many orders to prepare as the Mid Autumn Festival came nearer.

"Did you check with Hua Cheng and Xie Lian if they already have a Go set in Paradise Manor? I find it hard to believe that Hua Chengzhu wouldn't already have one."

"Well another one wouldn't hurt."

"Because he already bought it." Mu Qing says as he emerged with six small mooncakes. Three of the White Lotus Paste filling and three of the Red bean filling.

"I didn't buy it! It wasn't used and was just collecting dust in one of my temples and I compensated my priest with blessings in exchange for offering it to me."

"In other words - you bought it from your priest." Mu Qing rebuts as he eats his share with the red bean filling. While the taste itself was not bad it had a strangely sour after taste that he isn't sure that Meng Ai would enjoy. Jing Mei's remarkable mooncakes were smooth, flavorful and did not have any of the aftertaste he was currently experiencing now.

Perhaps it was just the red bean flavor.

He eats the White Lotus paste flavor filling and while the flavor was better than the previous mooncake, it still had that sour aftertaste.

It must be the dough.

"Uhm Xuan Zhen, I don't think a little girl is going to like this." Shi Qingxuan says as he swallows only out of politeness. But it was clear from their and Feng Xin's expressions that none of them were fans of the sour aftertaste.

"I know, this is a far cry from her mother's version."

"I honestly doubt we'll be able to find someone who could match hers."

"Describe how her mother does it. Maybe I know a place that will have something similar."

"Smooth, flavorful, concentrated in its flavor that just complements the egg inside it, sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Just enough to make you want more."

"It's almost like there is a subtle burst of it in every bite you take and because of its smoothness the flavors becomes more intense." Feng Xin adds as they begin making their way in a secluded area after they notice that it was late in the night and it was time for them to make their way to Paradise Manor. Mu Qing begins drawing a teleportation portal to get them close enough to the entrance of Ghost City.

"If she's willing to make us some, you'll understand what we mean."

"Are you sure Xiwangmu wouldn't let me borrow her for her visions and her amazing food? She's got plenty of other oracles." At this Mu Qing couldn't help but laugh.

"We've already talked about this, I highly doubt she would lend her to you just for those reasons."

"What if I send some of my followers to protect her and Chenxi's temples?"

"You don't need to request for her specifically! You can get anyone else to cook for you or to give you visions."

"Okay what if I teach Meng Ai how to fight?" Mu Qing pinches the bridge of his nose in both annoyance and amusement.

"Go ahead, try your best to convince one of the most powerful primordial Goddesses if you can borrow one of her most active oracles. I'm going to enjoy watching her kick your sorry butt." Now it was Feng Xin's turn to laugh.

"Hmph please, we both know you wouldn't let that happen."

"Well it looks like the portal is ready! Enough stalling let's go." Shi Qingxuan says quickly before Mu Qing could respond with what seemed to be a more teasing and flirtatious reply based on the expression on his face. Their flirting was often more confusing to the former Wind Master. At least whenever Hua Cheng and Xie Lian would flirt, their flirtations were more obvious and Shi Qingxuan knew to ignore it and give the married couple privacy. But with Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen being a relatively new couple (in public at least, they knew that the Generals were together a little longer before that) their flirtations with each other were a sometimes not so obvious and it was difficult to tell if the new couple were seriously arguing or if they were simply teasing and goading each other into initiating more physical forms of affection.

They emerge out of the portal and make a final check to see if their divine aura was obvious or not. Then they join the ghosts entering Ghost City.

When they enter the actual city they were greeted by Yin Yu.

"Welcome back to Ghost City. Just follow me to Paradise Manor."

"Thank you Yin Yu. What are they doing?" Shi Qingxuan asks in curiosity.

"It's going to be your first time meeting her, correct?"

"Oh yes! And might I just say I would have jumped at the chance of babysitting her if only I wasn't sick. But unfortunately I'm now mortal and I'm now more prone to illnesses." Shi Qingxuan gives a chuckle at the end. They decided that it was best that they take over the conversation since they aren't exactly sure what type of dynamic the other two have with Yin Yu. They are at least confident that Yin Yu and they can have an easy conversation. Or Yin Yu willingly listened to Shi Qingxuan's thoughts about almost anything.

"It is understandable, let's just say her mother has found her an animal that she will raise for the next few weeks and she will offer it to Xiwangmu on the day of her birthday." Yin Yu let's out a small chuckle.

"All because Xiao Ai wanted to adopt a puppy and its mother which turned out to be a couple of youth devourers in disguise."

"So she's taking care of a dog?" Feng Xin asks as they reach the entrance of Paradise Manor.

"Not exactly." Yin Yu says with amusement, when they reach the entrance of the building and before Yin Yu makes his leave he gives them one last hint.

"I hope you won't mind a certain meat being absent in your meals here - or at least whenever Meng Ai is present while eating. She's that committed." He then takes his leave and the three of them enter the manor. What greeted them was an amusing sight.

It seems that their presence was not yet noticed since Hua Cheng and Xie Lian had their backs to them while to their side was another couple who was looking down at what Shi Qingxuan presumed to be Meng Ai who was currently hidden by them.

"You know she can also eat bugs Aiai."

"No! Baba she'll be vegetarian."

"But you'll deprive her of nutritition and she's already the runt of the litter." Jing Mei says amusingly.

"But mushrooms are also protein!"

"I hate to agree Xiao Ai but plenty of mushrooms are toxic to both humans and animals." Xie Lian adds in a light tone.

"Aw." Hua Cheng chuckles in a way that they've only heard him do around Xie Lian. And now this little girl had the power to bring that out from him. Much to their astonishment. Mostly of Shi Qingxuan, but also to Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

"Xiao Ai don't worry, she's not going to be slaughtered. You're raising her to be Xiwangmu's pet."

"I know San Lang." They then hear a little squeal and what emerged was Meng Ai craddling a swaddled little piglet.

"Oh I'm so sorry we didn't notice your arrival." Xie Lian immediately says as he approaches the trio. It was then that Meng Ai noticed two familiar faces and one new one.

"Nan Feng! Fu Yao! Meet Chang-Chang." She holds up the little swaddled piglet as she eagerly runs to them. The piglet blinks innocently at them and as the three of them kneels down to her level to take a closer look.

"She's my birthday gift to Xiwangmu so she's actually her pet."

"Hello there." Shi Qingxuan says as they reach out and pet Chang-Chang on the head. Turns out the little piglet loves cuddles and immediately leans in on their hand.

"You know what - surprisingly cute." Mu Qing says as he gives a little pet to Chang-Chang on the head while Feng Xin pets her from underneath her chin. The little piglet, much like Meng Ai was happily soaking up all the positive attention from her new audience.

"Mama chose her for me because she couldn't get milk from her mama."

"Not enough nipples and too many piglets." Jing Mei clarifies from where she was standing.

"Is this why you don't want to eat pork until after she goes to Xiwangmu?" Shi Qingxuan asks and she nods vigorously.

"I didn't want to offend her. But don't worry since she'll be going to Xiwangmu in the morning, in my birthday party in the evening we'll be eating pork again." Feng Xin took the moment to carry Chang-Chang while Xie Lian formally introduced Shi Qingxuan and Meng Ai. After a few minutes he felt dampness in the swaddled cloth accompanied by Hua Cheng's laughter.

"Chang-Chang!" One of the servants accompanied Jing Mei in helping Meng Ai in cleaning the little piglet whose pee soaked through the swaddling cloth and dripped a bit on Feng Xin.

"I'm so sorry Nan Feng - if it makes you feel better Chang-Chang also peed on me when I was carrying her yesterday." Mu Qing laughs as he hands a handkerchief to Feng Xin.

"Don't worry Meng Ai, let's just say Nan Feng is used to fluids being dripped his way." Before she could ask further Jing Mei and the female servant ushers her out to clean Chang-Chang.

"Well would you look at that - it's nice to know that even Chang-Chang has taste in companions." Hua Cheng says as he joins Xie Lian's side.

"Hey! At least she's comfortable around me."

"Aw you two were right, she is adorable. Congratulations on your new little girl you two." Shi Qingxuan immediately says to quickly dissipate any incoming argument between Hua Cheng and Feng Xin. Even though they knew that these three couldn't help but bicker, they didn't want to start their visit with them bickering among each other (though it was still entertaining from their point of view). Xie Lian gives them a thankful glance and guides them to the dining room and takes advantage of Meng Ai being absent for a little while.

"Chenxi has contacted you?" Ji Huifan asks them as they enter.

"Yes, you knew?" Mu Qing asks.

"No, but she did send a message to Mei and I that she will be attending Meng Ai's birthday party."

"Huh interesting." Shi Qingxuan says as female servants begin placing food on the dining table. They couldn't help but wink at a few of them while also giving a sympathetic look. They recalled the time when they were going undercover and had to blend in among Hua Cheng's female servants.

"Any ideas on what are their next moves?" Mu Qing asks when they all settle down.

"Considering that they ventured into summoning youth devourers they would probably start summoning other demonic creatures." Hua Cheng says seriously. Xie Lian slip his hand into Hua Cheng's for their mutual comfort.

"Based on their last movements the entire group is mainly headed towards the southern areas. Probably to investigate if they had left or if their contacts have seen the three of them leave through the southern coastal areas. I'd like to request if you two could keep an eye on them."

"Of course." They then sense that Meng Ai and Jing Mei were coming. This time Chang-Chang was swaddled in a new cloth and was now laying inside a basket whose walls were high enough that the little piglet couldn't escape even if she jumped.

"Chang-Chang is not sitting on your lap."

"But my eyes are not leaving Chang-Chang."

"Chang-Chang already ate, she'll be more comfortable in your room."

"But I haven't yet and I need to see her at all times."

"Xiao - Ai would you like to put Chang-Chang nearby?" Xie Lian asks in a gentle persuasive tone and trying to find an approach that would help Jing Mei and Meng Ai have a compromise.

"She could be within your view."

"Okay Xie Lian." Xie Lian then takes the basket holding Chang-Chang on the seat in front of Meng Ai which was in between Shi Qingxuan and and Mu Qing.

"Don't worry, she's sleeping now so I don't think she'll relieve herself again. I just want to make sure I know where she is." With everyone complete they begin eating their meal.

"Say Jing Mei, by any chance do you still have any of those sample mooncakes? You know just so Shi Qingxuan here could understand Meng Ai's dilemma."

"Oh yes, I just made a new batch this morning - and no Aiai you're not getting any until your birthday."

"I was wondering if Chang-Chang could have some."

"I know what you're trying to do but the answer is still no."

"Meng Ai, think of it this way - once you get your mooncake on your birthday it will be much sweeter." Shi Qingxuan says now excited at finally tasting the coveted mooncakes of Jing Mei.

"That's true, but by then Chang-Chang will be with Xiwangmu."

"Don't worry Aiai, I'll make a pig friendly version to accompany Chang-Chang on the morning of your birthday when you offer her as a pet to Xiwangmu."

"Oh why didn't you say so mama!?" Finally satisfied the rest of the meal went on and by the end of it Shi Qingxuan now understands why Feng Xin and Mu Qing were no longer satisfied with just any mooncakes and why Feng Xin wants to borrow Jing Mei for her cooking skills.

"How do you like things so far Meng Ai?"

"Oh I love it Fu Yao. Everything is so red and warm and cozy."

"Ah so is red your favorite color? Oh and before I forget you can call me A-xuan. I give you my full permission." Shi Qingxuan says with enthusiasm. Meng Ai couldn't help but giggle as she shakes her head.

"Red is beautiful but blue is actually my favorite color."

"Oh why is that?" Feng Xin asks amused.

"Because whenever blue shows up in nature, it is always a work of art. That's why you don't see many things in nature that are blue."

"Hmm? But the sky is blue." Shi Qingxuan points out.

"And so is the sea." Added Mu Qing.

"The sky is up there, and the waters only reflect it, that's why they are blue. But there aren't many species of animals that are blue. There's no blue dog, blue cat or blue horses. But peacocks have beautiful iridiscent patterns on their feathers and the most beautiful butterfly in nature is the blue butterfly." At this she excitedly turns to Hua Cheng.

"San Lang, did you know that somewhere beyond our lands is the most beautiful blue butterfly? One of Baba's friends summoned some through a portal and it was the most beautiful butterfly in nature. And Baba explained that the reason why its so vibrant is because the butterflies are not using pigment, they use some sort of structure that is too small for us to see to make their wings blue. Since they live in a part of the world that rains a lot so they need to keep their wings vibrant even when they are wet."

"How interesting Xiao Ai." He says with interest as he listens to her.

"Oh yes and it's also why when you look at it in different angles sometimes it shifts in color - Baba what do you call it?"

"Iridesence."

"Iridesence! And it's the same method that Peacocks use for their feathers. That's why their feathers are so beautiful." By the end of the meal, the new people in Meng Ai's life have a good grasp on what gifts she would love and appreciate.

______________________________________________________________

"Thank you for visiting scrap collector gege!"

"You're welcome Gu Zi." Xie Lian says as the little boy is escorted to have his formal lessons by a teacher whom Lang Qianqiu personally checked would be good for Gu Zi's temperament and would be considerate of his background. Now he and his former Guo Shi were alone ever since the battle of the heavens against Jun Wu.

"Lang Qianqiu? Is there something in your mind?" Xie Lian asks as he hears Lang Qianqiu sigh.

"Am I fighting a losing battle...Guo Shi?" Lang Qianqiu turns to face him with uncertainty in his eyes.

"He still awaits for his father's return. I don't know if that's his original father or that monster anymore. No matter how much I try and attempt to explain things to him he rejects it. What if...what if this means I'm not ready to take care of him? Or worse, what if I mess things up?" Lang Qianqiu then realizes that as much as he tries...he needs his Guo Shi.

The man who willingly painted himself as the villain in his life so that peace would prevail and so that he could be the ruler who listens to the needs of his people.

"Qianqiu." Xie Lian starts with a gentle tone. Gentler than when he was Fang Xin Guoshi, but nevertheless it was still sincere.

"I also wasn't ready when I came into your life." Lang Qianqiu nods solemnly.

"But you managed to do it so well."

"But I wasn't perfect." The stillness yet cooling air of the heavens only emphasized that there was nowhere to run. Deep inside both of them they longed to be able to form a bond, even though it will never be like how it was. One of them believed he was undeserving and it was all a wishful dream but Xie Lian couldn't help but hope. Lang Qianqiu didn't know how to reforge it, but he had to try. To try his best even though it made him uncomfortable right now.

He misses him.

But he also knows that the wounds from the recent revelations were still too fresh. And he could see that his Guo Shi knows that some things take time to heal.

"Qianqiu, there is no such thing as a perfect parent or guardian." Xie Lian couldn't help but place his hands on Qianqiu's shoulders to reassure his former student.

"But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do your best. And I know you enough that you will." Lang Qianqiu's eyes become watery as he allows the words of his Guo Shi to sink in.

Somehow, even till now...he knew just what he needs to hear.

And he couldn't help but smile in thanks to him.

"I have an idea, why don't I introduce you and Gu Zi to someone. She's six years old but it would be nice for Gu Zi to be with children around his age."

"Ugh, I've tried Guo Shi. But he refuses to interact with them whenever Mengyou and I take him to the mortal realm. I'm trying not to force things on him. He's so obsessed with his father and Qi Rong that I'm afraid that he will miss out on living life."

"Don't worry. You still have time. And I have faith in you."

______________________________________________________________

"Chang - Chang, sit." The little piglet lay down instead of sitting. Taking a deep breath Meng Ai tries again.

"Chang - Chang, stand." Mu Qing, Feng Xin, and Shi Qingxuan watches her squeal in delight as they watch the piglet stand up. The three of them have decided to take her to Shi Qingxuan's new residence with permission from Hua Cheng and Xie Lian. Since those hunting her were specifically looking for a family of three - a mother, a father, and a daughter, they tended to ignore groups that didn't meet this description. As expected Hua Cheng initially refused until Xie Lian convinced him that Meng Ai needs to take trips outside of Ghost City since she was still mortal. Even if the powers they bestowed on her butterfly pendant was more than enough to allow her to live everyday in Ghost City, Meng Ai did miss being around regular people. It was only when Hua Cheng made a special kind of illusion on her so that anyone who wasn't taking care of her couldn't see what she actually looks like.

This also gave a chance for all of her parents to rest from taking care of her while Shi Qingxuan is making up for lost time by showing that they can be relied on as her babysitter.

After all there were at least twenty hidden wraith butterflies watching over her and their treatment of her. These hidden twenty were only visible to the trio of babysitters. Threatening them by their mere presence and proximity should any harm fall on Meng Ai while she is under their watch. Meanwhile there were another ten wraith butterflies playing with her and Chang-Chang.

"You know for someone who recently became a father, Hua Chengzhou is quite protective over little Aiai." Shi Qingxuan says as they fan themself to keep cool. While it wasn't a hot day, it wasn't cool enough to be comfortable either.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but I don't blame him. Qingxuan if only you knew what these cursed immortals had sent to hunt her down you too would be concerned over her safety." Feng Xin says as he takes a bite of the latest sample of mooncakes that Shi Qingxuan bought from the capital city of this area. It was definitely better but still not as smooth as how Jing Mei makes hers.

"Hmph, never thought the day would come when Hua Cheng would be protective over someone other than Dianxia." Mu Qing says as he puts a black stone on the Go board before turning to watch Meng Ai play and teach Chang-Chang basic commands.

"Chang-Chang, down." The piglet lies down and an enthusiastic Meng Ai gives her a treat. Even from where they were sitting they could see that the butterflies were being very gentle and playful with her. Some of them have began attaching themselves on her hair, keeping some of the stray strands from flying into her face.

"Chang-Chang, stand." The piglet stands and was rewarded with another treat.

"By the way, has she guessed your identities yet?"

"She already knows Xie Lian is the Crown Prince of Xianle when she asked him last dinner and said why she thinks so. He didn't have the heart to not answer her." Feng Xin places a white stone on the Go board before once again facing the direction where Meng Ai and Chang-Chang was.

"Well to be fair Nan Yang he is going to be her new father. If there's anyone whose identity she should know its him and Hua Cheng. She's quick so it won't be long till she guesses our own identites."

"Chang-Chang, walk." Happily trotting beside her and some of the wraith butterflies trailing along behind them they go back to where the trio were seated at the outer porch area of Shi Qingxuan's home.

"General Nan Yang! General Xuan Zhen! A-Xuan! Look what I taught Chang-Chang!" She doesn't notice the look of surprise when she immediately turns and commands Chang-Chang to sit, lie down, and stand. Shi Qingxuan couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh that's brilliant Meng Ai!"

"I know A-xuan! I can't believe she finally learnt my commands now." After Chang-Chang consistently follows Meng Ai's commands she picks her up and carries her as she settles herself beside Shi Qingxuan so that she may watch the Go game.

"Meng Ai what did you call Nan Feng and Fu Yao just now?"

"General Nan Yang and General Xuan Zhen. Xie Lian said that they've been bickering ever since their early days with him. And since Xie Lian is the Crown Prince of Xianle and since they have the same type of spirit as Xie Lian the only two Gods I know who like to compete with each other are Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen." She turns to look at their Go game to see if she could recognize any patterns from their first lesson with her. As she was looking she hears both of them chuckle above her.

"You just had to predict it don't you Xuan Zhen?" Mu Qing only gives him a smug look in return.

"Oh but I do have some questions - what does Ju Yang mean? Did you have to become a giant in a famous battle? Why do some of the villagers and ghosts laugh whenever they say it?"

"Well-"

"You're not ready to know yet!" Feng Xin quickly says as he cuts off Mu Qing from explaining any further. This only lead Mu Qing to laugh at his expense

"Huh? Why not? Why is your facing becoming red?" She innocently asks confused.

"Meng Ai let's just say it was an embarrassing incident for Nan Yang here and that's why he doesn't like to say it."

"But I will."

"Because you're enjoying it."

"Why do you think I have all the poems memorized Qingxuan?"

"Oh I'm sorry Nan Yang - I could tell you an embarrassing memory of mine. Would that make you feel better?"

"Oh there's no need for that Meng Ai." Feng Xin quickly says but from her expression she was going to tell them anyway.

"One time somebody ask me to do the story of the butterfly lovers ten times. But I was confused because I don't know what they mean, and because this man wanted me to do it and not one of my parents. I didn't want to ask them what he meant so I just guessed. So I made ten different drawings of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. It turned out that he wanted me to write it down. But for some reason mama and baba said that it was good that I didn't do it because that man wanted to get a sample of my calligraphy." Unbeknownst to her all three of them were alarmed.

"What did he look like?"

"I didn't see his face, but I remember he was wearing a hood and a mask. But it was during one of the village festivals when plenty of people were wearing masks."

The air became chilled at this new revelation. With the butterflies still on her hair at least they know that they wouldn't need to tell Hua Cheng of their new discovery. Feng Xin and Mu Qing share a look as the memories of their clones escaping the camp full of the hooded masked mages and the cursed immortal who was Meng Ai's aunt. What she almost did.

And now they learn that a mage mercenary had interacted with Meng Ai hoping to get a sample of her calligraphy. While they aren't entirely sure what that man was going to do with it, all three of them knew nothing good could come out of it.

"What happened to the drawings?"

"Oh I didn't like my drawings so Baba set them on fire so that the ashes could be used as a fertilizer."

They all breathed out a sigh of relief.

______________________________________________________________

"What do you think?" Hua Cheng asks as he shows Xie Lian the new modifications he made to their cottage. The cottage where they spent many of their passionate nights after their wedding. Now they both stand at the entrance of what would now be Meng Ai's room. A bed by the window since she loved waking up to the view. A desk to practice her calligraphy in and for her to read. Several stacks of blank notebooks and books on the shelves that she had always wanted to read.

And of course it was a tasteful blend of blue, Meng Ai's favorite color.

Xie Lian couldn't help but chuckle as he notices the paintings of blue butterflies and peacocks that decorate her walls.

"You really searched for and studied the blue butterfly she was talking about." Hua Cheng smiles at him with a knowing look.

"I couldn't make an accurate painting if I didn't examine the specimen itself. Fortunately I was able to get a sample of it and made some here." Xie Lian embraces him. Knowing that despite all his work he could still sense that Hua Cheng was nervous on whether Meng Ai would actually love it. But knowing her and knowing how she actually is when she is safe and happy, deep down Xie Lian knows Meng Ai would love it because Hua Cheng made it for her.

"San Lang, do you want to give it to her before her birthday in a few days? That way she could move in and if there are any changes she'd like you would know right away?" Hua Cheng couldn't help but gaze lovingly at him. Xie Lian always seemed to know what to say to relieve his worries.

"I would love that Gege." He bends down and they share a chaste but sweet kiss as their foreheads press against each other.

"Let's reinforce the wards so that we won't have to worry about any of them finding her and taking her away."

"I couldn't agree more Gege."

Three days before her actual birthday, while the rest of the world was in the midst of the week long Mid Autumn Festival, they lead her to the cottage. Ruoye once again acting as a blindfold. This time on Meng Ai whose hands were held by Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.

"I thought we would be staying in Paradise Manor?"

"We are still staying there. But you need to also be within the mortal world since its not good for a mortal to stay in Ghost City for too long." Hua Cheng explains as they guide her.

"Even when you and Xie Lian placed power on my necklace?"

"Even the powers of your necklace needs to rest and replenish every once in a while Meng Ai." Xie Lian says as they stop on front of the cottage and Ruoye unwinds itself as it goes back inside Xie Lian's sleeve.

When her eyes opened she couldn't contain her delight and hugged both of them.

"Can we go inside please?" They both laugh as she pulls them both to the door. Someone else would think that she was trying to convince them to buy the cottage.

"We have a few more surprises for you." Hua Cheng says as Xie Lian holds his hand to help with his nervousness.

Only for a few minutes as they here squeals of delight as she enters her room.

"Is - is this really for me? THANK YOU SO MUCH!" She drags them both inside as she jumps on the bed.

"Of course this is for you little one." Hua Cheng chuckles as he finds himself laying down on one side of the bed, Xie Lian on the other and Meng Ai laying down in between them with her facing him.

"Does this mean you wouldn't mind if I'm your daughter? Is it okay if I call you two Baba Lian and Baba Lang?" She asks nervously. A part of her is scared at still being rejected. But the love on both of their faces made her feel happy and safe.

She wasn't losing anyone, she's gaining more people who will love her.

"You are our daughter Xiao Ai." Xie Lian says as he leans on one arm.

"We both want you to be our daughter." After he said this Hua Cheng felt his anxiety fade away as their daughter, their Xiao Ai laughed with joy.

______________________________________________________________

The morning of the 21st of September had finally arrived.

Chenxi in disguise as one of her mother's priestesses arrives at the entrance of Paradise Manor. At the entrance was Meng Ai holding Chang-Chang who now had a blue collar around her neck. Behind her were her four parents and her three baby sitters. Everyone except Meng Ai instantly knew who she was. Meng Ai could sense she was a God but couldn't tell which one.

"Are you Xiwangmu?" She asks as she held Chang-Chang back.

"No, but she's very important to me. And I believe you have a pet offering for her."

"Will Chang-Chang be safe?" Chenxi smiles as she nods.

"I will personally make sure she is. Xiwangmu will love her. She knows you've been working hard on raising Chang-Chang." Meng Ai nods and makes Chang-Chang face her.

"You be good okay? I'll visit you if I can." She couldn't help but cry as she embraces Chang-Chang one last time. All the sleepless nights, all the time spent raising and loving her and training her...it will be over now but she knows it's because the priests and priestesses of Xiwangmu could better take care of Chang-Chang than she could.

Is that why it still hurts?

Chang-Chang sensing her sadness nuzzles her one last time as she gives her to Xiwangmu's priestess who now also carries treats and food for Chang-Chang.

"I'll be back later for your party tonight little Meng Ai. I'll just make sure Chang-Chang is safe." Chenxi smiles reassuringly as she escorts Chang-Chang to her mother's temple. There she will join all of her other pets offered to live a natural life.

"Mama it hurts." Chenxi smiles as she overhears her. Ji Huifen and Jing Mei did a great job at showing her that even they are going to be grieving. Grieving at the chance of not being the ones who will raise her. Even though they all know this is for the best, it doesn't mean that it didn't hurt.

A lesson that she herself had to learn the hard way.

She tucks that in the corner of her mind as she makes her way to the temple. There will be plenty of that when Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen ask her about that time in her life. Today was a day of celebration and she intends to keep it that way.

Once the sun had set Meng Ai's birthday celebration has begun. The guests being restricted to those she has already met but it was still more than just her parents.

While there were games that entertained her if you were to ask Meng Ai what the highlight of the night would be, it's that she got to eat all three flavors of mooncake.

"We didn't want to keep fighting what was the best flavor so we decided to give you all three." Hua Cheng couldn't help but rebut this as Feng Xin and Mu Qing gives Meng Ai their Go set gift.

"You're right, you and Nan Yang would prefer to fight over more petty things for the fun of it now."

"Pardon me!"

"Now now it's Xiao Ai's birthday."

"Hey Meng Ai, I've got you something!" Sensing another argument may happen Shi Qingxuan immediately interrupts by giving Meng Ai their present.

"Shi Qingxuan how were you able to bring a Guquin here without us noticing?" Feng Xin asks suspiciously and Shi Qingxuan couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Hey I still know and use magic, it's just not the same as before but obviously I am still highly capable for your information."

"And speaking of musical instruments." Ji Huifan and Jing Mei present their own gift, the Guzheng.

"I can finally learn the Guzheng and the Guquin. Oh it's so beautiful."

"This is the Guzheng I was playing when your father first met me." Jing Mei says as she begins playing a simple tune that gradually began to become more and more complex.

"It was once my mother's, and now it is yours Aiai."

"But-but how did you get it here?"

"We had some help." Ji Huifan says as he bends down and kisses Meng Ai's forehead.

"Remember, never stop learning. We will always be with you no matter what." She smiles as she embraces them.

"Thank you mama, thank you baba."

Now having experienced a pain similar to theirs she kisses both of them on the cheek.

And for the rest of the night, there was lively music heard in Paradise Manor celebrating the latest member of Hua Cheng and Xie Lian's family.

AN: I had to end it there for now because Chenxi's assessment and conversation with Fengqing would take place as everyone else is busy.

Zufu - Formal way of saying grandfather (at least according to google)

Mei mei - little sister

Ji - Hope, Lihua - Pear blossom

Chang-Chang - Flourishing (I found this in a site for chinese names for female dogs [ https://www.pupnames.com/dog-names/chinese/female ] )

I wanted to give Chang-Chang more scenes but I'm not too experienced with pigs as pets to contribute specific scenes.

I was so inspired and guided by the reconciliation scene in the story "A Splinter in the Heart" by theearlymorningmist (read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54114421/chapters/137010871) although I will be approaching Lang Qianqiu reconciling with Xie Lian more gradually in this story. They'll still have the big heart to heart reconciliation talk but I feel Lang Qianqiu has to gradually be ready for it and needs to understand what it's like raising a kid first. Also just to make things clear - Lang Qianqiu is Meng Ai's love interest but I won't let them meet till after she grows up.

[urumasstuff]

Atone

Part 1/5

A kageyama x Sakusa story

“Will Kageyama *̴̣̖͍̋̀̀̓͛̓̅̚͘͝*̸��̫̠̙̗̲̀̽̃̀͐͛̔̀̄̉̽͑͝͝*̶̡̲͎̟̙̞̹̙͔̫͈̥̺͇̠̹̝̔̀̒̐̅̔͜*̷̠͔͖͌͐͐̅̓͂̈́͌͛͌́͐*̶̟͎͕̣̏*̶̡̡̮̤̦͔͔̻̮͇̫͓̩̆̌̒̌̋̎̐͑͐̑́͒̃̓̂͂̍͂ badge number # 01530 come to building A, I repeat will kageyama *̴̣̖͍̋̀̀̓͛̓̅̚͘͝*̸̫̠̙̗̲̌̀̽̃̀͐͛̔̀̄̉̽͑͝͝*̶̡̲͎̟̙̞̹̙͔̫͈̥̺͇̠̹̝̔̀̒̐̅̔͜*̷̠͔͖͌͐͐̅̓͂̈́͌͛͌́͐*̶̟͎͕̣̏*��̡̡̮̤̦͔͔̻̮͇̫͓̩̆̌̒̌̋̎̐͑͐̑́͒̃̓̂͂̍͂ come to building A immediately.”

The speaker’s voice crackles one last time before being cut off with a sharp, high-pitched chime that resonates through the hallway. The sound echoes in Kageyama’s ears as he looks up, his gaze snapping toward the speaker. His stomach sinks as his name is broadcasted across the loudspeakers once more.

“It looks like you have to go,” Anri says with a teasing smile, clearly amused by his discomfort.

Kageyama groans, shaking his head in disbelief. He slumps forward, his forehead hitting the table with a loud thud. Anri lets out a soft laugh, clearly entertained by his exasperation.

“Why does Building A have to be so damn far?” he mutters under his breath as he slowly rises from his seat, reluctantly preparing himself for the walk. “This is such a pain…”

With a heavy sigh, he trudges toward the exit, the feeling of impending dread lingering as he makes his way through the winding hallways toward the far-off building.

☼

By the time Kageyama reaches the imposing doors of Building A, he’s already regretting his decision to not take the elevator. The hallway feels endless, and the weight of his badge number weighs heavily on his chest. Once inside, he’s quickly directed to the second floor, where the reception area is located.

Just as he’s nearing the reception desk, a door suddenly swings open, slamming against the wall with a loud bang that makes him jump. He’s barely able to steady himself when a man steps into the doorway. The man is wearing a loose, untucked shirt, paired with a crisp white lab coat that seems out of place. He sports tight-fitting slacks and polished leather shoes, his appearance too formal for the casual vibe Kageyama expected.

Wait a minute, Kageyama thinks to himself. This guy… he doesn’t even remember seeing him around before.

“Ah, Kageyama! Finally, you’re here!” the man calls, his voice loud and brimming with excitement. Kageyama blinks, his confusion growing.

He gives the man a nod, still processing his words. The man gestures enthusiastically toward the door, his smile wide. “Come in, come in. We’ve got a lot to discuss, I’m afraid.”

Kageyama hesitates for just a moment before stepping into the room. The man, now seated behind a large desk, waves him over. “I’ve been left with no choice, Kageyama. You’re going to have to take over the interns. The person who was supposed to be in charge of them has completely disappeared. No response to calls, no messages—nothing. I’m at my wit’s end with them.”

“God, I hate interns,” the man mutters bitterly, though his voice lacks any real malice. It’s more of a frustrated sigh.

Before Kageyama can respond, a sudden knock on the door interrupts them. The door swings open without hesitation, and a woman steps into the office with a raised hand. “Jay, wait! Don’t—” She stops herself, noticing the door has already swung wide, allowing the unexpected chaos to enter.

She pinches the bridge of her nose, sighing as she forces a smile, greeting Jay with an exaggerated patience. But that’s not all. From behind the door, another intern peeks into the room. Their bobbed hair sways as they lean slightly into the office, their gaze flicking toward Kageyama and Jay. Kageyama can already feel a headache forming, his stomach twisting with the anticipation of what’s to come.

☼

As the group walks down the hallway toward the first containment unit, the sound of their footsteps clicking against the floor echoes in the silence. Kageyama can feel his irritation rising as the interns chatter away behind him. They’re so loud, their voices carrying through the corridor. At least the one with the bobbed hair seems more reserved, not contributing to the noise as much.

Kageyama suddenly stops in his tracks. The interns, caught off guard, bump into him with a series of soft gasps. His frustration only deepens. “Come on, keep up,” he mutters under his breath, turning to face the interns with a glare.

He takes a deep breath before continuing, “When we go inside this enclosure, I need you all to put these in.” He pulls out a set of earplugs that look anything but normal—these aren’t your typical earbuds, not by a long shot.

“If you go into this enclosure without some kind of ear protection, you’ll either lose your hearing… or die,” Kageyama says bluntly, watching their faces turn pale. His words hang heavy in the air, no room for jokes or misunderstanding.

The interns stand frozen for a moment, blinking at him. Kageyama can almost see the wheels turning in their heads as they try to process what he just said. After a long pause, he sighs again, rubbing the back of his neck.

“The creatures in this enclosure are called Sirens. They’re not picky—men, women, it doesn't matter. They’ll lure anyone into the water with their voice. That’s why you need earplugs.”

The interns exchange wary looks, their apprehension now clearly visible on their faces.

Kageyama continues, his tone unwavering. “The Sirens in here are usually calm, but—” he pauses, locking eyes with each intern in turn. “Don’t piss them off. Got it?”

He leans in a little, a strange, almost eerie smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “They won’t hesitate to drag you under if you do something they don’t like. And trust me, you don’t want that.”

The interns nod, some of them visibly trying to suppress their nervousness.

“Good. Now, let’s head in.”

With that, he opens the door to the containment unit. The sound of water splashing can be heard immediately as the cold, wet air floods the hallway. As Kageyama steps inside, the interns follow, their footsteps tentative as they enter the eerie space. The door closes with a soft click behind them, the sense of danger now palpable in the air as the water churns around them.

☼

Kageyama steps cautiously into the water enclosure, the temperature of the water sending a chill up his spine as his boots splash against the surface. The interns follow behind, each of them still visibly on edge, their eyes darting around the dark water in apprehension. Kageyama, however, seems unfazed, his movements slow and deliberate as he makes his way further into the enclosure.

“Alright, stay close,” Kageyama says, his voice calm but firm as he motions for the interns to stick together. He glances around, scanning the water. "Don't let your guard down," he adds, his words sharp.

Without warning, the water begins to ripple as several heads break through the surface. The Sirens emerge slowly, their sharp features gleaming in the dim light, eyes glowing faintly as they lock onto Kageyama. They swim toward him with ease, their movements graceful, almost hypnotic.

"Well, well," one of the Sirens calls with a teasing tone, her voice like the sound of wind chimes. “It’s been a while, Kageyama. We were starting to get a little lonely.”

Kageyama leans against the railing of the enclosure, crossing his arms as he gives the Sirens a small, amused smile. "Yeah, I know. I've been a little busy." He looks over at the interns briefly. "You know how it is."

The Sirens exchange knowing glances, their eyes sparkling with that same mischievous gleam. "We do," one of them says, a low chuckle in her voice. "But you always find time to talk to us. Just not as much lately."

Kageyama’s smile turns into a half-grin. "You know how things get." He glances back at the interns, who are standing stiffly at the doorway, their eyes wide as they watch the Sirens with a mix of awe and fear.

The largest Siren, with dark green hair that flows like seaweed in the water, swims closer, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Kageyama," she calls softly, her voice tinged with concern. "We’ve noticed something… strange. You’ve been so distant lately. Where’s your husband, Sakusa Kiyoomi?"

At the mention of his name, Kageyama freezes for a moment. His eyes narrow slightly, and the air around him shifts. The Siren’s words hang in the water like an echo, her gaze intense and probing.

"The last time we saw you together," the green-haired Siren continues, her voice quiet but laced with a hint of worry, "you seemed so... different. So much lighter. But now..." She trails off, glancing at the other Sirens. "We can tell something’s wrong. Where is he? What happened to him, Kageyama?"

Kageyama’s throat tightens at the question, and for a moment, he can’t find the words. The Sirens are eerily perceptive, their instincts sharp in ways that unsettle him. He looks away from them, staring out at the water, his thoughts momentarily lost in a sea of memories.

"He... he's been missing," Kageyama finally says, his voice quiet, almost strained. "I haven’t heard from him in weeks. I’ve tried everything to find him. He’s... he’s just gone."

The Sirens exchange worried glances, their expressions shifting from playful to concerned. The green-haired one swims a little closer, her gaze never leaving Kageyama. "That doesn’t feel right, Kageyama. We can sense it. Something bad happened, didn’t it?" She pauses, the words heavy in the water. "Something’s wrong. You don’t go from seeing someone everyday to nothing. He wouldn’t just disappear like that."

Kageyama shakes his head slowly. “I don’t know,” he admits, his voice rough. "I don't know where he is or why he’s gone. It’s... it's like he vanished into thin air."

The Sirens remain silent, their eyes filled with a mixture of empathy and a quiet, unnerving knowingness. Kageyama feels their gaze on him, heavy, as if they are searching for answers they already know, or maybe they simply feel the loss in the air.

One of the interns, unable to stay silent any longer, speaks up. "Wait... who’s Sakusa?" he asks, his voice nervous but curious, clearly eager to know more.

The others glance at him, then back at Kageyama, as if they are trying to gauge his reaction.

Kageyama looks at the intern, his brow furrowing slightly, not expecting the question. "Sakusa Kiyoomi," Kageyama says quietly, his voice still thick with emotion. "He’s my... he’s my husband."

The interns exchange confused glances, still processing everything that’s happening. One of them, the one with the bobbed hair, speaks up again. "But... if he’s your husband, why haven’t you mentioned him before? You don’t talk about him much."

Kageyama rubs the back of his neck, looking away from them for a moment. "Because it’s complicated," he says simply. "It’s hard to explain."

"Complicated?" the intern asks, his voice edged with confusion. "How could something like that be complicated?"

Kageyama hesitates, trying to find the right words to explain the unexplainable. "He... Sakusa’s a private person," he says finally. "We’ve always kept things to ourselves. But now..." His voice falters, and the sadness that’s been lurking behind his words finally creeps to the surface. "Now, I don’t know what’s happened to him. I don’t know if he’s... if he’s even okay."

The Sirens, too, seem to pick up on the change in Kageyama’s tone. Their expressions soften, and the green-haired one speaks gently. "Kageyama, we know how much he means to you. If there’s one thing we can tell, it’s that you’ve been affected by his absence more than you let on."

The silver-haired Siren nods, her voice a whisper. "And we’ll help, if we can. We know things... feel things that others can’t."

Kageyama meets her gaze, his eyes hardening slightly. “If you know something, you’ll tell me, right?” he asks, his voice low but filled with desperation.

The green-haired Siren hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. "We will. But be careful, Kageyama," she says, her tone almost foreboding. "There are things in the water... things that even we can’t control. If you dig too deep, you might not like what you find."

Kageyama’s heart races at her words, the weight of her warning sinking in. But he doesn’t back down. "I don’t care. I’ll find him. I need to."

The Sirens swim silently for a moment, as if contemplating his resolve. Then, with a sudden shift, they begin to tug at Kageyama’s arms, playful smiles spreading across their faces.

"Come on, Kageyama," the green-haired Siren teases, tugging at his hand. "You’ve been too serious. Come sit with us. We miss your company."

Kageyama glances at the interns, who are still standing by the door, looking uncertain but still mostly shocked by the strange atmosphere. His eyes briefly narrow. The Sirens are acting like their usual playful selves, but their gaze toward the interns is sharp, calculating. The other Sirens, their eyes glowing with an almost hypnotic allure, lie down in front of Kageyama in a trance-like state, their bodies half-submerged in the water as they gaze up at him with adoration.

"We’ll take care of you," the silver-haired Siren says sweetly, a teasing smile on her lips. "Just sit down with us. Relax for a while."

As the Sirens continue to tug at his hands, Kageyama can't help but let out a small, tired chuckle. "I guess I could use a break," he mutters, allowing the Sirens to guide him to the edge of the enclosure where they circle around him.

Meanwhile, the interns stand back, watching this interaction with growing uncertainty. The Sirens' playful nature is unmistakable, but there's something in their eyes—a wariness toward the humans present. They may have accepted Kageyama, but the interns, clearly, were not entirely trusted yet.

The air around them feels thick with tension, and Kageyama, though surrounded by the Sirens, remains hyper-aware of the delicate balance between his world and theirs. He looks at the interns one last time before sinking into the peaceful embrace of the Sirens’ company.

☼

The bobbed-haired intern, Ralsei, hesitates at first as the playful Sirens tug at Kageyama, drawing him deeper into their circle. She watches with growing fascination, her eyes wide as she observes the strange, almost magical interaction between Kageyama and the Sirens. It’s not every day someone gets to witness creatures like these, after all. But her curiosity gets the best of her, and she slowly steps closer to the edge of the enclosure, her steps tentative but filled with a quiet determination.

As Ralsei moves forward, a few of the Sirens’ expressions shift. The playful, trance-like smiles on their faces waver, their eyes narrowing slightly. There’s an underlying wariness in the way they look at her, but something about Ralsei’s demeanor seems to soften the tension in the water. The green-haired Siren tilts her head, her sharp gaze studying Ralsei as if weighing her intentions.

“She’s different,” the silver-haired Siren murmurs, almost to herself, though the words are clear enough for Ralsei to hear. “I sense no malice in her.”

Kageyama notices the shift in the Sirens’ mood, and he raises an eyebrow. “Ralsei,” he calls gently, beckoning her closer. “Don’t worry. They’ll warm up to you.”

Ralsei, still cautious but more intrigued than ever, takes another few steps forward, her eyes never leaving the Sirens. They seem to be watching her, but not with the same cold distance they had shown earlier. Slowly, the green-haired Siren drifts a little closer, her movements fluid and calm, almost like a wave rolling toward the shore.

“Come closer, Ralsei,” Kageyama adds, his voice steady but gentle. “Don’t be afraid.”

Ralsei nods and steps forward, her eyes meeting the Sirens’ with a quiet respect. She senses the change in atmosphere and understands that she has to tread lightly.

The Sirens, sensing the openness in Ralsei’s gaze, start to relax. A few of them even swim a little closer to her, the tension easing just enough for them to chatter among themselves in the water. Their voices are soft, melodic, as they murmur with interest.

“I like her,” the green-haired Siren remarks to her companions. “She feels... kind. Not like the others.”

“Mm-hmm,” another Siren agrees, her voice teasing. “She’s not like the others who’ve come here before. They’ve all had that same nervous energy. But not her.”

The Sirens begin to swim in slow circles around Ralsei, their gazes now filled with a strange curiosity, yet not the cold suspicion they reserved for the other interns. Ralsei, for her part, keeps her posture open and relaxed, trying to show that she means no harm. She stands still, her hands folded in front of her, waiting for the Sirens to make the next move.

However, as Ralsei steps closer, the other two interns, still at the entrance of the enclosure, seem eager to follow, but the Sirens’ demeanor shifts at once. The water around them stirs more aggressively as the Sirens dart toward the other two interns, their eyes flashing with an unspoken warning. A few of them shoot pointed glares at the two, as though telling them to stay back.

The green-haired Siren turns to the others, her voice low but filled with authority. “They stay back. We do not trust them yet.”

Ralsei glances over at the other interns, watching as they hesitate in the doorway, clearly uncomfortable under the watchful eyes of the Sirens. She glances at Kageyama for reassurance, but he simply gives her a slight nod, signaling for her to proceed with caution.

The Sirens’ reaction to the others is clear: they are not yet willing to accept the other two. But they have already allowed Ralsei into their circle, and Kageyama can see it—she has earned their tentative trust, perhaps because of the softness in her gaze and the calm way she approaches them.

“I see they like you better than the others,” Kageyama says quietly, watching the Sirens interact with Ralsei. “That’s a good thing. Just... don’t rush them. They’re not like us. They’re not used to people who aren’t… like me.”

Ralsei nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. “I can tell they’re different,” she says softly, her voice barely a whisper. “But they don’t seem dangerous. Just... guarded.”

Kageyama smiles faintly. “Exactly. They’re good creatures, but they don’t trust easily. Especially when humans come around asking too many questions or being too... pushy.” He glances toward the interns again. “It’s something you learn over time—how to communicate with them. If you talk too aggressively or make them feel cornered, they’ll shut down or lash out. They’re more in tune with emotions than anything else. Just approach with care.”

Ralsei listens intently, her eyes on the Sirens as they continue to circle around her. She’s starting to pick up on the subtle language of the Sirens: the way they tilt their heads, the way they swim in fluid motions, and how they seem to pause at certain words or gestures. It’s like a dance, a conversation without speaking.

As she stands still, the green-haired Siren drifts closer, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and mischief.

“Tell me, Ralsei," the Siren begins, her voice melodic. "You are different from the others. What is it that draws you here? Why do you approach us so calmly?”

Ralsei’s eyes brighten, her voice filled with enthusiasm. “I love aquatic life. The sea, the creatures, the plants—everything about it fascinates me. I’ve always felt a connection to water. It’s like... it’s alive in its own way, you know?”

The Siren, intrigued, gives a slow nod. “We do know. Water is life. It moves, it changes, it breathes. What is it you wish to know, Ralsei? Ask, and we will share.”

The green-haired Siren looks to the others, and they all seem to listen attentively, ready to indulge Ralsei’s curiosity. A few of them drift closer, their eyes scanning the enclosure, as if inviting her to learn more.

“What’s the most interesting part of the sea to you?” the green-haired Siren asks, her voice filled with an almost playful curiosity.

Ralsei’s eyes sparkle as she takes a step closer to the water’s edge. “I’ve always wanted to know more about the creatures that live deep in the ocean—things we don’t even know exist yet. Like bioluminescent creatures, or the way some animals can survive in the deepest trenches where no light reaches.”

The silver-haired Siren tilts her head thoughtfully, her long, flowing hair swaying with the motion of the water. “The deep sea is a place few have dared venture. But we know it well.” She reaches out a delicate hand, brushing against a cluster of glowing, soft plants that light up in response to her touch. “It is dark, and quiet. But we are not afraid of it.”

Ralsei is mesmerized, leaning closer to examine the plants. “They glow? How do they do that?”

The silver-haired Siren smiles gently, her eyes full of fondness for Ralsei’s enthusiasm. “Bioluminescence is a gift of the deep. It allows us to see in the darkness, and it calls to us in ways words cannot.”

Another Siren, her pale blue hair shimmering as she surfaces, adds, “Some plants, like the ones you see here, can communicate through light. They tell us secrets of the sea... their language is not spoken, but felt.”

Ralsei is enchanted, her heart racing with excitement. “Can I touch them?” she asks softly, her fingers twitching with anticipation.

The Sirens exchange knowing glances, and the green-haired one nods with a teasing smile. “Go ahead. Feel the heartbeat of the water, as we do.”

Ralsei reaches out gently, her fingers grazing the delicate plants. They shimmer beneath her touch, and for a brief moment, she feels a pulse—a rhythmic beat—as if the plants themselves were alive in a way she could barely understand. It’s an exhilarating sensation, and she gasps in awe. “It’s... amazing. It’s like they’re alive with energy.”

The Sirens seem pleased by her reaction. “They are,” the green-haired Siren says. “Everything in the sea has its own pulse, its own story to tell.”

As the conversation continues, Ralsei is guided by the Sirens through the wonders of their aquatic world. They show her sea creatures she’s only heard of in passing—like the rare and elusive lanternfish that glows with an eerie light—and explain the relationship between the currents and the creatures that call them home. Ralsei listens intently, her love for nature and the ocean only growing with each new discovery.

Meanwhile, the other interns still stand at the edge of the enclosure, watching, but making no attempt to come closer. The Sirens, still wary of them, keep their distance from the other two, leaving Ralsei to bask in the experience of learning from these enigmatic beings.

Kageyama watches the scene unfold, his gaze softening as he sees how naturally Ralsei fits in. The Sirens are responding to her in a way they haven’t responded to anyone else. She’s earned their trust—not with force, but with patience, curiosity, and a genuine love for the very creatures the Sirens are.

“See?” Kageyama mutters to himself with a smile. “It’s not that hard to connect with them... when you approach them the right way.”

Ralsei smiles as she continues to converse with the Sirens, her heart brimming with gratitude and wonder at the new world unfolding around her.

☼

As Ralsei continues to engage with the Sirens, her curiosity piqued by their knowledge of the sea, Kageyama watches with a quiet satisfaction. The tension from earlier seems to have dissipated, and the Sirens are responding to Ralsei's genuine enthusiasm. He even notices a few of them brushing against Ralsei, allowing her to interact with the plants and sea creatures in the enclosure, their wariness melting into something akin to trust.

However, there’s a shift in the air. The once calm, playful atmosphere starts to change. Kageyama notices the other intern, Jay, who has been standing at the back of the group, growing increasingly agitated. Jay’s eyes flicker with a mixture of jealousy and frustration as he watches Ralsei interact with the Sirens, feeling left out of the attention and respect Ralsei has earned. His hands clench, and it’s clear from his posture that he’s not content to stay in the background any longer.

The Sirens sense the change too. Their playful demeanor wavers, and the air grows thick with unease as they observe Jay inching closer to the water’s edge. A few of the Sirens—particularly the green-haired one—start to swim in slow circles, their gazes narrowing as they swim protectively around Ralsei. They’re trying to shield her, their instincts kicking in as they sense Jay’s intentions.

“Stay back,” the green-haired Siren warns, her voice low but firm. She’s looking directly at Jay now, her eyes sharp, her body stiff with tension. “You are not welcome here. Stay away from her.”

Jay’s eyes flicker with annoyance, but instead of heeding the warning, he takes another step forward. He’s too absorbed in his own feelings of jealousy, too eager to get closer to the Sirens and make a connection of his own. His gaze flickers over Ralsei, and his expression hardens.

“What’s the deal with her, huh? You’re just gonna let her steal all the attention?” Jay mutters under his breath, his voice thick with frustration. He’s clearly irritated by the Sirens' focus on Ralsei and her effortless connection with them.

Kageyama immediately becomes alert, sensing the rising tension in the air. His eyes snap toward Jay, narrowing as he watches the intern move closer to the edge of the water.

“Jay,” Kageyama calls, his voice low but stern. “Back off. The Sirens said to stay back. Don’t make them angry.”

But Jay’s eyes flash with defiance, and he doesn’t listen. Instead, he takes another bold step forward, his posture becoming more aggressive.

“They’re just fish. What’s the big deal?” he mutters, almost to himself.

The Sirens seem to pick up on his growing agitation, their movements shifting in response. Their once playful chatter halts, replaced by a more serious tone. A few of them swim in a protective formation around Ralsei, their eyes warily tracking Jay’s every move.

The green-haired Siren looks directly at Kageyama, her eyes narrowing in warning. “He doesn’t listen. He’s dangerous.”

Kageyama takes a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. “Jay, I said to stop. You’re going to make things worse!”

But Jay ignores him completely, his gaze now fixed on Ralsei, who’s still marveling at the bioluminescent plants. He steps forward again, his expression tight with frustration. He’s almost to the point of no return, his eyes full of impatience.

With a sudden, jerking motion, Jay reaches out and shoves Ralsei hard, sending her stumbling backwards.

“Get out of the way, Ralsei. This is my turn to be the center of attention,” Jay mutters bitterly, but his words are barely audible as he pushes her.

Ralsei gasps, her feet slipping on the slick edge of the enclosure, and before she can react, she’s sent tumbling into the water.

As Ralsei sinks into the dense water, panic starts to rise in her chest, and the cold pressure around her becomes overwhelming. Her limbs flail in a desperate attempt to reach the surface, but the water’s grip is unforgiving, and she sinks faster than she can react. Her breath catches in her throat as she plunges deeper into the dark water.

The Sirens, who had sensed her rapid descent, immediately spring into action. Their quick, fluid movements slice through the water like shadows. The green-haired Siren is the first to reach her, grabbing hold of Ralsei’s arm with an alarming strength, pulling her back toward the surface.

The green-haired Siren hums a soothing melody as she pulls Ralsei upward, her expression filled with concern. As they near the surface, the air above them feels clearer, though Ralsei’s head spins from the sudden shift.

But just as Ralsei is almost free from the water’s clutches, the blue-haired Siren quickly darts to the surface, her webbed fingers cutting through the water with precision. She extends her arm and supports Ralsei, guiding her carefully to the edge.

When Ralsei breaches the surface, she gasps for air, her lungs burning as she tries to catch her breath. She blinks rapidly as water streams down her face, her heart still pounding in her chest. The world seems to blur for a moment, the shock of everything happening at once leaving her disoriented.

The green-haired Siren wraps a protective arm around Ralsei, her voice soft and concerned. “You’re safe now,” she murmurs, pulling Ralsei closer, still humming to calm her.

The other Sirens, having swum closer to Ralsei, begin to fuss over her with a flurry of gentle movements. Some run their hands through her wet hair, checking her for any signs of injury, while others touch her arms or shoulders to ensure she’s physically okay. Their expressions are filled with concern, and their voices blend into a soothing hum, as though trying to comfort her in a world that had almost betrayed her.

A few of the Sirens swim defensively in a protective circle around Ralsei and Kageyama, their eyes now narrowed with suspicion and readiness. They’re keeping watch not just on Ralsei but also on the other intern, Jay, who had caused the incident. The tension in the air is palpable, and they’ve clearly made it known that no one is to approach without permission.

Kageyama is immediately alert, his instincts kicking into overdrive. He can’t help but feel a sense of protectiveness over Ralsei. He watches as the Sirens hover around her, ensuring she’s alright, but also notices the defensive postures of some of the more wary ones.

One Siren, with silvery-white hair, flicks her tail and glares at Jay, her body positioned slightly in front of Ralsei as if to block him from coming closer. Her eyes are fierce, and her low growl echoes in the stillness of the water, warning him to stay away.

“Don’t even think about it,” she mutters in a voice that’s almost a hiss. “You’ve already done enough.”

Kageyama’s heart is still racing, his fists clenched in frustration. “What the hell is wrong with you, Jay?” he snaps. “You don’t push someone into the water like that. You could’ve killed her!”

Jay, still clutching his arm where the Siren’s claws had cut him, stumbles back, his eyes wide with shock. He’s trembling now, clearly realizing just how badly he’d miscalculated. His eyes flicker nervously between Ralsei, Kageyama, and the protective circle of Sirens surrounding them.

Ralsei, meanwhile, is still trying to recover from the shock. She looks up at the green-haired Siren, who’s gently brushing the water from her face, and gives her a small, reassuring smile. “I’m okay,” she manages, her voice shaky. “Just a little shaken up.”

The green-haired Siren smiles back, though her expression remains cautious. “You were lucky. You should have listened when we warned you.”

Some of the Sirens exchange glances, their posture still tense as they continue to keep an eye on Jay. Another Siren, with golden hair, looks at Kageyama, her eyes softening with sympathy for both Ralsei and him. “He is lucky we didn’t decide to do worse,” she says quietly, flicking a glance at Jay. “He doesn’t respect our waters, he's not fit to be near it”Kageyama turns his attention back to Ralsei, his expression softening as he approaches her. His voice is gentle now, as he reassures her, “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.” He reaches out a hand to her, careful not to disturb the Sirens' protective embrace.

Ralsei reaches out in return, her hand trembling as she grasps him, finding comfort in his presence. “Thank you,” she says softly, still trying to process everything that’s happened.

The tension, however, is far from over. Jay stands at the water’s edge, his face pale, still in shock from the attack he’d caused. He looks between Kageyama and the Sirens, who are all still watching him closely.

The green-haired Siren, still keeping Ralsei close, finally speaks again, her voice firm and unyielding. “If you ever threaten one of our own again,” she warns, “you won’t get off with just a scratch. Understand?”

Jay nods quickly, his eyes wide, and takes another step back, his hands raised defensively. “I... I understand,” he mutters, his voice trembling. “I won’t do it again.”

Kageyama’s gaze hardens as he watches Jay’s retreat. “Good,” he says simply, before turning his attention back to Ralsei and the Sirens. The tension in the water slowly begins to subside as the Sirens relax their guard, though they still hover protectively around the two.

As the quiet settles back over the scene, the Sirens, now satisfied that Ralsei is okay, return to their more playful demeanor, though they stay close, still wary of any further disruptions. A few swim lazily around Kageyama and Ralsei, their playful bubbles and soft songs filling the air, though their eyes remain ever-watchful.

Kageyama exhales slowly, relief washing over him. “Let’s just get through the rest of today without any more surprises,” he mutters, casting a wary glance at Jay, who’s now standing at a distance, nursing his wounded arm.

Ralsei, still shaken but grateful for the Sirens’ protection, nods. “Agreed. I’m just glad they were here to help,” she says softly.

As they move back toward the rest of the enclosure, the Sirens’ gentle songs and playful splashes continue to echo around them, a reminder of the delicate balance between human and sea creatures. And as for Jay, he’s learned a hard lesson about the Sirens’ loyalty and how far they would go to protect those they care about.

As the commotion finally begins to die down, the atmosphere in the water enclosure feels a little more settled. Kageyama watches as the green-haired Siren gives Ralsei one last reassuring pat on the back, before turning her attention back to the others, her eyes still alert and protective.

The red-haired intern, now visibly concerned, rushes to Jay’s side as the Sirens begin to swim away, their playful demeanor slightly clouded by the earlier tension. She kneels beside him, tending to his injured arm with an almost frantic touch. She murmurs softly to him, making sure he’s okay, but her eyes flicker toward Kageyama and Ralsei with a hint of discomfort.

“Are you okay, Jay?” Jade asks, her voice laced with concern.

Jay winces but nods, still shaken. “I… I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” His voice is low, almost apologetic, but it’s clear he’s more focused on his own pain than the consequences of his actions.

Kageyama, still standing on the edge of the water, casts a sharp look toward Jay, his jaw clenched with frustration. He feels the anger bubbling up in him again, but he forces it down as he takes a slow breath. He looks at Ralsei, who’s still recovering from the shock of nearly drowning, but at least she’s not seriously hurt. The Sirens had made sure of that.

The green-haired Siren swims back toward them one last time, her eyes softening as she looks at Kageyama. “We’ll keep our ears out for any news about your husband, Kageyama,” she says with a quiet sincerity. “He’s one of us. We’ll know if anything changes, and we’ll let you know.” She pauses, then adds with a playful tilt of her head, “Good luck, and be careful with these interns. They don’t seem to understand the waters quite yet.”

The other Sirens nod in agreement, their gazes lingering for a moment longer before they swim away, their sleek bodies cutting through the water with practiced grace. Their haunting melodies linger in the air for just a moment, like a whispered promise of protection before they disappear out of sight.

Kageyama’s shoulders relax slightly at their words, but the tension in his body doesn’t entirely ease. He gives them a grateful nod before turning his attention back to the interns. The green-haired Siren’s warning still echoes in his mind, but now, the weight of his missing husband, Kiyoomi, presses even heavier on his heart. He nods to Ralsei, signaling that it’s time to leave.

“Thanks, guys,” Kageyama says quietly to the retreating Sirens. “I appreciate it. I’ll be careful.”

The Sirens’ song, now distant, fades, and the echo of their words lingers in the air, like a promise. Kageyama sighs deeply before turning to the interns.

The red-haired intern looks back at Kageyama, still tending to Jay’s injured arm. Her expression is conflicted as she looks at the scene unfolding before her. “Kageyama,” she starts hesitantly, “he didn’t mean to—”

Kageyama cuts her off, his voice low and stern. “Jay should’ve listened when the Sirens warned him. Hisactions were reckless, and I’m not going to excuse that Jade. What if something had happened to Ralsei? To one of them?” He shakes his head, the frustration in his voice unmistakable. “You don’t mess with creatures like that. They’re not something you can just push around.”

The red-haired intern looks like she wants to say something more, but she bites her lip and nods silently, her posture shrinking slightly under Kageyama’s gaze.

He takes a steadying breath and points toward the door. “Let’s get moving. We need to get Ralsei and Jay treated. Follow me.”

The group makes their way out of the enclosure, Kageyama leading them down the hall toward the medical bay. The walk is silent, the weight of everything still hanging heavily in the air. Kageyama can’t shake the images of the Sirens’ protective stance over Ralsei, their haunting songs echoing in his mind. But even that doesn’t soothe the unease gnawing at him—his husband, Kiyoomi, is still missing, and he doesn’t know when, or if, he’ll see him again.

They arrive at the medical bay, where Ralsei is carefully treated for the effects of the cold water and the shock she endured. Her eyes remain slightly wide, but she reassures Kageyama that she’s fine. He watches as the doctor checks her pulse, confirming that she’s stable, before moving on to Jay, who’s being patched up for his injuries.

Once they’re done in the medical bay, Kageyama leads the interns to the dormitory. “It’s separated by gender,” Kageyama says briefly, his tone still a little cold. “Ralsei, jade, you’re in the women’s section. Jay, you’re in the men’s.”

Jay looks up, still a bit dazed, but he doesn’t argue. The bobbed-hair intern gives him a concerned glance but follows Kageyama’s lead, silently. Kageyama watches them closely, keeping his distance but staying alert.

When they reach the dormitory, Kageyama leads them inside. He gives Ralsei a reassuring nod before turning to the others. “I’ll be heading to my room. If anything else happens, don’t hesitate to reach out, but no more surprises, okay?” His voice is a little more composed now, though still laced with the weight of what’s happened.

Ralsei gives him a tired but grateful smile. “I’ll be fine, Kageyama. Thanks again.”

Jay, still nursing his wounded arm, looks at the floor. “I... I’m sorry,” he mutters under his breath, though it’s unclear if it’s meant for Ralsei or Kageyama, or both.

Kageyama says nothing in response, his gaze cold as he turns on his heel and heads to his own room. The last thing he needs right now is to deal with more apologies, especially from someone who had acted so recklessly.

As he walks away, his mind returns to his missing husband. He hopes the Sirens’ promise is more than just words. He needs answers—answers about Kiyoomi—and soon.

☼

Kageyama stood in front of his small dresser, adjusting his shirt as he prepared for bed. The quiet hum of the dormitory settled around him, the sounds of distant laughter and occasional footsteps drifting in from the hallway. It was an evening like any other—until his eyes landed on the photo frame sitting on his nightstand.

The photograph was framed in black, its edges worn from the many times he had picked it up and set it down, held it close to his chest, or gazed at it when the weight of the world seemed unbearable. It was a picture of him and Kiyoomi, his husband—Sakusa Kiyoomi—standing side by side with their arms around each other, both of them smiling widely in a moment of pure happiness.

Kageyama hadn't noticed it at first, too busy with his duties and the chaos of the day, but now, as he stared at the image, everything around him faded. The room grew quieter, the airheavier. His heart ached as he took the photo into his hands, tracing the edges with his fingers.

It had been years since that moment was captured, a time when life felt simpler, when the world seemed like it could be taken on together—when Kiyoomi was there beside him.

Kageyama remembered the first time they met like it was yesterday.

It had been during a volleyball tournament, years ago, back when both teams were competing for the national championship. Kiyoomi had been on the opposing team, a towering figure with an icy exterior that Kageyama had initially mistaken for arrogance. But when they’d faced off on the court, Kageyama had quickly realized there was more beneath that cool, aloof demeanor. Kiyoomi’s precision, his calculated moves, and his quiet confidence intrigued him.

The first words Kageyama had exchanged with Kiyoomi were nothing more than a tense, heated argument over a bad call. Kageyama had been ready to snap at him, his usual temper rising with the heat of the moment. But Kiyoomi’s sharp eyes and calm demeanor somehow disarmed him.

“You’ve got good form,” Kiyoomi had said, his voice low, not mocking but acknowledging.

It had been the start of something—Kageyama hadn’t known it at the time, but that comment had been the first thread in a complicated and beautiful connection that would grow between them.

Months passed, and they began to see more of each other, both on and off the court. They spent late nights talking, often about volleyball but sometimes about other things—what their lives were like outside of the sport, their hopes, and their fears. They shared more than just passion for the game; they shared moments of vulnerability.

Kiyoomi had been distant at first, not the type to easily trust or open up, but Kageyama, with his characteristic bluntness and sincerity, had been persistent. He’d pushed past Kiyoomi’s walls in the same way he pushed through his own doubts during games—forcefully, but with a quiet certainty.

Then, one evening, after a long day of training, Kageyama had found himself standing outside Kiyoomi’s apartment, unsure but certain at the same time. Kiyoomi had opened the door, his usual calm exterior a little less composed than usual.

“What are you doing here?” Kiyoomi had asked, voice tinged with confusion.

But before Kageyama could speak, before he could explain what he was doing there, Kiyoomi’s eyes softened. There had been no words between them—just the undeniable pull of their connection. It had been slow at first, a hesitant kiss, the kind that spoke of both longing and uncertainty, but when their lips met, everything clicked. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t forced—it was simply right.

Their relationship had grown from there, a beautiful journey full of both gentle moments and fiery passions.

The memories flooded Kageyama’s mind now as he looked at the photo. He remembered the way Kiyoomi would brush his hair from his face while laughing at something Kageyama had said, the way their hands would fit together so naturally when they walked side by side, the late-night talks that would stretch on for hours. He remembered the first time Kiyoomi had told him he loved him—Kageyama had been so caught off guard that he had almost choked on his drink.

But the happiest memory, the one that always brought a smile to Kageyama’s face, was the day they got married. It had been a simple ceremony—just the two of them, no extravagant guests or over-the-top decorations. It had been in a small, quiet park, surrounded by nature, the sun setting behind them. Kageyama had worn a simple suit, not his usual style, and Kiyoomi had worn a tailored tuxedo that made his cold, elegant exterior soften just slightly.

Kiyoomi had looked at him with so much love in his eyes, and Kageyama could hardly believe that this man, this wonderful person, had chosen him.

“I promise I’ll always be with you,” Kiyoomi had whispered when the officiant had asked for their vows. “Through everything.”

“I’ll never let you go,” Kageyama had replied, his voice raw with emotion.

The years they had spent together were filled with laughter, love, and small moments of shared happiness. They had built something beautiful, something Kageyama hadn’t known he was capable of building until Kiyoomi came into his life.

But now...

Now, as he gazed at the photo, Kageyama’s chest tightened. His hands trembled slightly as he held it, the realization sinking deeper into his bones—Kiyoomi was still missing.

The memory of that day, the last day he had seen Kiyoomi, replayed in his mind. They had said goodbye in the morning, like any other day, with a quick kiss and the promise to see each other soon. But Kiyoomi hadn’t come home that night. And now, days—weeks—had passed, and Kageyama still had no idea where he was, or even if he was okay.

Kageyama’s fingers tightened around the frame. “Where are you, Kiyoomi?” he whispered to the empty room, his voice thick with the ache of longing and fear. His mind was clouded with images of Kiyoomi—his dark, intense eyes, his confident yet vulnerable smile, and the warmth that had radiated from him. The same warmth Kageyama couldn’t feel now, the absence of which gnawed at his soul.

He placed the photo back on the nightstand and turned away, pulling the covers of the bed over himself. He shut his eyes, trying to push back the overwhelming wave of worry and grief that threatened to engulf him.

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t escape the thought of Kiyoomi. Every time he closed his eyes, it was Kiyoomi’s face that he saw—the man who had been his rock, his heart, and his future. The man who, right now, felt so far away, and yet, in Kageyama’s heart, he could still feel him.

“Please come back, Kiyoomi,” he whispered into the quiet, his voice barely audible in the darkness.

The silence that followed was suffocating.

And Kageyama, despite his exhaustion, couldn’t stop the tears from slipping down his face.

☼

The room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of the wind outside the window. Kageyama lay in his bed, his back to the nightstand where the photo of him and Kiyoomi still rested. His eyes were closed, though sleep didn’t come easily tonight. His mind was filled with memories of his husband—the warm smile, the quiet moments, the promise Kiyoomi had made to always be there. But now, all he had were fleeting images and fading hopes, unsure if Kiyoomi was still out there, lost somewhere in the world.

As the silence lingered, the room seemed to grow heavier. There was a subtle shift in the air, as if something had changed, something unseen but palpable. The focus moved from Kageyama to the nightstand beside his bed. Slowly, the camera panned down to the old, worn notebook that sat on it, tucked neatly next to the photo frame.

The book, for no apparent reason, opened with a soft rustling sound.

Its pages flipped on their own, as if some unseen force guided them. The notebook came to a rest on a random page. There, written in a delicate, almost ethereal script, were the words:

“As the fates talk only the weak will grow from better to worse.”

At the bottom of the page, in a tiny corner, was a smaller line:

“Maybe one day you can see what happened to me…”

The words seemed to flicker for a moment, as if trying to convey something far deeper than the surface could explain. A cold breeze passed through the room, causing the notebook to slam shut with a sudden force, the sound of its cover snapping echoing in the stillness.

And then, the camera panned to the side, revealing a silhouette standing beside the nightstand. The figure’s presence was like a shadow, almost imperceptible, but his eyes—those eyes—were fixed tenderly on Kageyama as he lay in bed.

The silhouette stood quietly for a moment, his form partially obscured by the dim light, his features barely visible, but there was no mistaking the soft, loving expression on his face. It was a look of gentle affection, a look only a person who truly loved someone could give.

The silhouette reached out, placing a hand gently on the closed notebook, his fingers lingering for just a moment. He then turned his gaze back to Kageyama, his expression softening even more.

Slowly, the figure approached Kageyama’s bedside. He knelt beside him, the quietest of movements, as if trying not to disturb the fragile peace of the room. His hand lifted and caressed Kageyama’s cheek—his touch was so light, almost like a dream, a whisper against the skin.

Kageyama’s features softened as he settled deeper into the pillow, unaware of the tender gesture happening just beside him. The figure, still watching with that same affection, leaned down gently. He pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Kageyama’s forehead, just above his brow, his lips brushing the skin in a gesture of care and love.

The figure whispered under his breath, his voice barely audible, but filled with warmth and sorrow:

“I wish you the best… my love…”

As the figure pulled back, the room once again fell into a quiet stillness. Kageyama, still unaware of the presence that lingered near him, exhaled a soft breath, the weight of exhaustion finally beginning to claim him. He shifted slightly, the tension in his body easing as sleep began to pull him under.

But somewhere deep in the quiet of the room, there was a sense that Kiyoomi, though physically absent, was still here—still watching, still loving, still there in spirit. The figure remained standing by his side for a moment longer, watching Kageyama settle into a peaceful slumber, before slowly fading into the shadows, leaving only the whisper of his presence behind.

And the room, once again, became silent.

[auspex]

For the micro story: 19. sea change 🌊

ok i had to google what this meant so for anyone who doesn't know:

Sea change or sea-change is an English idiomatic expression that denotes a substantial change in perspective, especially one that affects a group or society at large, on a particular issue. It is similar in usage and meaning to a paradigm shift, and may be viewed as a change to a society or community's zeitgeist, with regard to a specific issue. The phrase evolved from an older and more literal usage when the term referred to an actual "change wrought by the sea",[1] a definition now remaining in very limited usage.

also, this prompt came from this ask game which i am more than happy to do more if anyone else wants to send! Only have one more to do now :): https://www.tumblr.com/blood-bound/754537518514438144/send-me-a-number-and-ill-write-a-micro-story?source=share

BLOOD AND SILICON PLAYERS: DO NOT READ

Without further ado...

Harrison still found suits a bit uncomfortable, even after all these years in San Jose. He ran his thumb over the seam on the sleeve as he slid it on. The gray he usually chose gave off the right impression; a strong, put together baron, meeting with whoever-the-hell Cynthia put on his calendar tonight.

Not just a vampire who wheeled-and-dealed with other kindred. He was now one who could be seen in public by the kine.

A far cry from his days in the woods where he often went shirtless, when he'd only see humans as prey or cattle, proudly displaying his fangs. It was only on rare occasions that he missed it, felt nostalgic; he had almost lost himself in those times, after all, and he was never going back. The rites, the comradeship, and even the rare times where he found use for his skills as a diplomat wasn't enough to keep the beast away.

Harrison walked towards his desk and sat down, opened the drawer, and started idly reading over some notes.

Tonight he had issues focusing. Again his thoughts returned to larger things.

He did sometimes miss his work as a diplomatic, in a younger, different USA. Those dreams only died when he did - Harrison was convinced he would have made it.

But thinking upon that was a waste of time. He shook his head.

There was only the future now, one that his previous ideology and comrades believed would lead to ruin. Cursed by ancient vampires.

Harrison still believed in Gehenna. But he did not believe the Sabbat could prevent it. Ravnos's awakening proved that: It was not the Sabbat that put it down, despite the destruction of the Antediluvians being one of their largest goals.

Harrison would find a better way forward, one all his own.

His reminiscing was interrupted by a horrific headache, one that preceded his visions. He gritted his teeth, put the notebook down and waited for it.

~

The tug of blood.

He was at his desk, looking at his hands, where his veins were stretching, pushing through his skin. Reaching out the office, out to the city.

The laughter of someone in the background. It took him to moment to place it, but yes, this was the sound of his prodigal grand-childe in the background, Jeremiah. What he was laughing about, Harrison did not know. God, how long has it been since he heard him?

Now Harrison was not in his office, but by the highway, seeing the sign "Exit 4, San Jose: 1 mile."

A bus went past.

Harrison saw his veins once again follow. And then the sound of crying- again of Jeremiah.

Someone had entered the city. But somehow, Harrison knew it was not Jeremiah.

Someone connected to him though, no doubt.

~

Then Harrison returned to himself in his office with a start.

He paged Cynthia. As he waited for her to arrive, Harrison made notes of certain locations.

Cynthia knocked on the door as she entered. "Yes, Mr. Harrison?"

Time to put on the face. Giving her a practiced smile, he spoke. "I believe we have an unexpected guest. How many individuals in my employ could we send out tonight?"

[ritualoftheancients]

Ritual of the Ancients - Chapter 1: Delicious Neighbors

by Roan Rosser

This is a chapter of a complete vampire novel with a trans-masc main character and a gay romance subplot. New Chapters are posted every Sunday. If you like the novel and want to support the author, ebook and paperback copies can be purchased here. *****

The locked door to my apartment building stared at me mockingly. I rattled the door in frustration, then rested my forehead against the glass.

This was the capstone to a truly terrible evening.

“Fuck,” I muttered to myself, but my words came out at less than a hoarse whisper. I coughed and massaged my neck, trying to clear my throat so I could buzz my roommate and ask her to let me in.

I hated to do it, given it was the middle of the night. Sleep deprived Lindsay was scary. But, as much as I dreaded her inevitable lecture on responsibility, I’d been mugged on my way home from work and the thief had made off with my keys—and almost everything else, including my museum employee badge.

At least, I assumed that’s what had happened, since I had no memory of the time between leaving work and waking up in a dumpster covered in blood. I didn’t even know whose blood it was, since I was unharmed except for a pounding headache and a sore throat. But it didn’t really matter.

Steeling myself for Lindsay’s yelling, I entered our apartment number into the keypad. The phone rang for a long time before Lindsay’s voicemail picked up. She had probably turned off her phone. Not the first time I hadn’t been able to reach her late at night.

I rattled the door again and then kicked it. I was exhausted and thirsty. So thirsty. All I wanted to do was drink a gallon of water and then crawl into bed.

I lingered by the front door while I debated what to do. If I got lucky, someone would come by and I could just follow them inside. But given it was the middle of the night, if I got unlucky I’d have to sleep outside.

I caught sight of my reflection in the glass and was horrified by the sight that greeted me. Nobody was going to believe I lived here looking like this. I scrubbed the worst of the dumpster’s grime from my face with my jacket sleeve and then smoothed my short black hair down. Nothing I could do about the blood stains down the front of my jacket.

After about ten minutes, another resident of the apartments came up the walk and unlocked the front door. I tried to follow him in, but the man turned to glare at me, blocking the doorway.

“Do you live here?” he asked me, planting his feet and crossing his arms as he glared at me.

My reply caught in my dry throat. My tongue felt like sandpaper. I tried to sidle around him to the elevators, but the man threw out an arm to stop me.

“I don’t think so,” he said, moving closer and lifting his hand to shake his finger at my face.

I scowled and took a breath to try again to reply when the most delicious scent hit my nose—like all my favorite foods had combined into one delightful potpourri. Two sharp objects pricked my bottom lip. Without thinking, I lunged forward and bit down on the man’s hand.

Liquid warmth hit my tongue. It was the most delicious thing I’d ever had in my life, yet the taste was totally indescribable. As I greedily sucked down the blood, warmth spread through me, chasing away the chill. I hadn’t realized how cold I’d been until then.

My neighbor screamed and pushed me away. I stumbled backwards, but with my mouth clamped on the man’s hand, I dragged him with me. We spun out onto the walk, the man beating at my head with his free hand. But between the taste and the warm feeling, he might as well have been on the moon for all I heard or felt his cries.

“Get off him!”

I was only dimly aware of the voice until someone punched my jaw, and although it didn’t hurt, the shock of it made me open my mouth and let go.

“He bit me!” my neighbor slurred angrily.

I fell back a few steps before getting my feet under me. A second man, dark-skinned and wearing jeans and a leather jacket, stood in a protective stance between me and the neighbor, who was clutching his bleeding hand to his chest and beating a hasty retreat toward the apartment doors. I recognized leather jacket man as another resident of the apartments.

“What the hell were you thinking?” leather jacket growled. I narrowed my eyes at my prey getting away behind him.

There was a lump in my throat, and I was having trouble swallowing. “Thirsty,” I managed to get out. The unfamiliar shape of something against my lips made it hard to talk.

I met his eyes, and then my gaze traveled lower, to his neck. To the way the vein there seemed to jump to some silent beat. I wanted it.

Growling, I darted forward. Leather jacket man crouched and spread his arms, expecting me to try to dodge around him, so he was caught unprepared by my charge. I hit him in the chest, mouth spread wide, and bit down hard on the front of his neck. He bellowed, but I barely registered the sound. More delicious nectar danced along my taste buds, commanding all of my attention.

That was until the smooth skin under my lips began to sprout hair. The shock of feeling the hair against my tongue made me let go.

I stumbled back, landing on my butt in the grass. I felt like I was well on my way to drunk. I opened my eyes to find that the man was gone. Standing in his place, on four legs and wearing the man’s leather jacket and jeans, was a coyote.

“What the hell?” I sputtered in surprise as I licked my lips to get the last of the flavor off of them.

“You took the words right out of my mouth,” the coyote said.

“The coyote… talked.” The mugger’s blow to my head must have been worse than I thought if I was hallucinating. At least the headache that had been bothering me was gone, as was that intense thirst.

The coyote put its ears back and glared at me while kicking off the jeans that were wrapped around its back legs and tail. “Are you a complete idiot? Wait, never mind. Don’t answer that,” the coyote said when I opened my mouth to reply.

The coyote trotted over and sat in front of me, looking incongruous in his leather jacket and shirt. “You are in so much trouble.” The coyote glanced around and then back at me. I blinked stupidly at the coyote while the dew from the grass soaked into the seat of my khakis. “At least it looks like your victim made it onto the elevator before I changed. Still, I’m going to have to write you a ticket,” the coyote said.

My head spun as I tried to keep up with the coyote’s words. “Ticket? What?” I could see the blood staining the coyote’s shirt collar, confirming that this coyote was the person I’d bitten on the neck. “What is going on?” I looked around for hidden cameras, but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary in the quiet neighborhood. “Am I on a prank show?” It was the only explanation that made sense to me.

The coyote stared back at me, looking as confused as I felt with one ear cocked back and his head tilted to the side. “Who’s your Maker?”

“What are you talking about?” I snapped back. Somehow this night was becoming rapidly weirder, and I didn’t even understand how that was possible. “How is a coyote talking to me, anyway?”

“You.” The coyote reached up with one paw and placed it over its eyes in a very human gesture. It put its paw down and sighed. “First, I’m not a coyote. I’m a jackal. Second, you can’t just eat random people off the street. We have rules, young lady.”

“I am not a lady, I’m a guy.” My heart sunk at the misgendering, as accidental as it had been. I pushed the disappointment away and forged on. “Anyway, I didn’t mean to try and eat you, or that other guy. You both just smelled,” I took a deep breath, eyes fluttering closed at the memory of the smell and the taste, “delicious.” All I wanted to do was go home and have a shower, followed by a stiff drink. Was that so much to ask?

“It’s not for some reason. Didn’t your Maker cover anything before sending you out on your first hunt?” The coyote—scratch that, the jackal looked around and then shook his head. “We shouldn’t even be discussing this outside. Come on, let’s go to my apartment and we’ll get this sorted out.” He trotted on four legs over to the jeans and tennis shoes that lay abandoned on the sidewalk, then turned to look expectantly at me. “You’ll have to let me in, keys are in my front pants pocket. And bring my pants and shoes while you’re at it.”

I’d stash the amulet, and then get a ride to the hospital. I was obviously hurt worse than I thought if I was hallucinating talking jackals. I walked over to the jackal, picked up the jeans and shoes, and found the keys in the front pocket, just as he had said.

The jackal followed me to the front door, the corners of the jacket’s unzipped sides dragging on the ground under his chest, and waited while I unlocked it. We got inside the elevator together, and before I could press the button, the jackal jumped up and bumped the five button with its nose.

When we got off the elevator, I trailed him over to an apartment door. The key from his keyring worked, and I let myself in. The jackal darted in after me. As I shut the door behind us, he said, “Just drop the pants and shoes by the door, and I’ll get them later.”

Shrugging, I did as the jackal said and then followed him farther into the apartment. He turned and looked up at me. “Wait on the couch, I’ll be right out.

I sat on the couch, looking around. The apartment was neat and tidy, except for a dirty cup on the coffee table and a discarded magazine on the couch. I picked it up and flipped through it to see that it was all about hiking and camping. Ironic, since it was owned by a talking jackal. I snorted and tossed the magazine on the coffee table next to the dirty cup. Framed movie posters from famous action and detective films lined the walls. Given that I saw literal masterpieces every day at work, the movie posters were actually a nice change of scenery. I might have to get some for my apartment.

The man, human again, came back into the living room. He’d changed into a new dark-blue button-down shirt and dark slacks. He rubbed the side of his neck ruefully, although my teeth marks were gone.

I winced and touched my own neck. “Sorry about the…” There wasn’t a delicate way to put this, so I just spit it out. ”… biting. I don’t know what came over me. Why aren’t you bleeding anymore?”

He shot me a hard look that I couldn’t read, and moved to stand in front of the coffee table with his arms crossed, looking down at me. “As a vampire, you should know better than to let yourself get so thirsty.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” I threw up my hands and flopped against his cushions with a cry of frustration. “I’m not a vampire!”

“You most certainly are.”

I crossed my arms and glared back at him. “Let me repeat myself. I’m. Not. A. Vampire.” I ran my hands down the legs of my pants, trying to hide the way my hands started shaking at his questions and carefully avoiding touching the amulet through the cloth. “My name’s Everett, by the way. Nice to meet you.” I stuck out my hand.

“Jack.”

Jack didn’t move, just looked down at my outstretched arm, and I pulled back awkwardly. He briefly closed his eyes and reached up to massage his temple. The gesture looked better in his human form than it had when he’d done it as a jackal. He sure was handsome. I realized I was staring and glanced away, blushing.

“Okay, Everett,” Jack said, moving around to sit on the chair closest to me. “I see I’ll need to start at the beginning. You are a vampire. Apparently one with a very negligent Maker, but trust me. You are a vampire.”

“And you’re what, a werejackal?” I snorted. “That’s stupid.”

Jack shook his head, looking somehow both bemused and frustrated. “It’s not stupid, it’s the truth. Now, it’s not your fault, it’s your Maker who’s going to get in trouble. I’m just glad I found you when I did. How many people have you drunk from?”

“I assume you mean the biting?” I asked.

Jack nodded.

“Then just you and the other guy you saw.” I wondered where his questions were leading.

“Did he recognize you?”

I shook my head. “He didn’t want to let me inside the building, which was how it all started, so no, I don’t think he did.”

“Good. Hopefully he’ll just think you were a pissed off junky, rather than a vampire.” Jack cocked his head, frowning. “Have you been feeling strange?”

I nodded, puzzled. “Yes, thirsty and fuzzy, with a persistent headache. It started after I was mugged earlier tonight. I’m not sure how else to describe it. I feel more alert now, though. Since I bit you two, it’s like everything is in sharper focus.”

“Tell me everything you remember.” Jack sat forward, focused on my face.

“Why?” I froze in the act of running my hands down my pants again. The amulet hidden in my pocket felt like it weighed a thousand pounds.

Jack sighed and put his hands on his knees. “Look, I didn’t want to tell you this, because I can tell you’re nervous, but I’m a, well, a cop. Of sorts.”

This day was just getting better and better. Now it turned out that not only was I sitting in a cop’s living room with stolen loot in my pocket, also I was now a vampire? I had no idea which was worse, but at this moment I was leaning towards the former.

I licked my lips. I could still taste blood on them, and I wanted more. Jack was looking at me expectantly. ”Of sorts means that you aren’t a cop,” I said, looking at him in what I hoped was an expression of innocence and not guilt.

“Not in the way you’re used to, I expect. There’s a whole supernatural society threaded through the human world. I keep the peace in that world. Punish people who don’t follow the rules, help newbies, and make sure we’re kept secret. Which is why I need to find out who made you and why.”

I sat back, blinking. “Oh.” This was even worse than I’d thought.

Jack drummed his fingers on his leg while he regarded me. Every few seconds his eyes darted up to a clock on the wall that showed that it was just past midnight.

“Do I have blood on my face?” I reached up to touch my chin.

Jack shook his head. “No, I’m sorry. I’m just trying to figure out what to do with you. I’m late for work as it is, but a newly-made vampire shouldn’t be left alone.”

“I don’t need a babysitter,” I snapped, glaring at Jack. “I’ll just go home and hang out there. I need to shower and change clothes anyway.”

Jack sighed and stood up. “No. I’ll take you to your place so you can grab a change of clothes, but then I’m taking you to the office with me.”

Crap. That would be bad. “Look, I’m not going anywhere. I’m in apartment 609 on the sixth floor. I’ll hang out there. Just come by after you get off work.”

“And leave you to get burned to a crisp by a stray bit of daylight coming in through your window? I don’t think so. This is one of the reasons vampires get in trouble if they abandon a newbie like this. You don’t realize how quick you’ll go up in flames if daylight touches your skin.”

Jack kept talking and I rolled my eyes, stifling a groan as I followed him into the hall. I was still having trouble believing this vampire story Jack was trying to sell me, but I couldn’t figure out what he would get out of lying to me. I needed to find a way to ditch him.

~~~~

If you are enjoying this novel, you can pick up an ebook copy at the store of your choice: https://books2read.com/ritualoftheancients

Continue on to chapter 2~

[dylvana-v]

Diary of a Hopeless Romantic

Pt. 11 - possibilities

My day started pretty badly today. I woke up with a headache, I am on my period and I was excited to have a new coworker in my office who would stop my loneliness, but she stays at some other office. So yeah, I was about to cry at 9am in the morning, but since my best friend came over to be there for me I had a glimpse of hope that it would all turn out to be okay.

Glad I trusted in her, since my day actually got better. I took some painkillers, did all my work in 3 stressful hours and was able to breathe again the moment she entered my office. (I know she is reading this as my number 1 supporter, so thank you, my love.)

I was so stressed out by my bad mood that I wasn’t able to meet E and his coworker before lunch break and actually I would not have been the greatest company, so good for them.

At lunch I really thought we wouldn’t see each other since they were quite late, but then they came over and I awkwardly waved them over to us. I think they contemplated where to sit but then they asked if they could join us. Jokingly I declined at first, but they sat down and immediately started talking to me and my best friend.

They asked about my best friend a lot and made her be part of the conversation as much as possible, which I really loved. Of course, they had it easy since she was looking forward to talking to E, but the conversation was ongoing because he actually put in some effort.

We joked around a lot and they lifted up my mood in seconds. I don’t think there was a lunch break that was this funny before. I am a big fan of his kind of humor, I noticed. His coworker’s humor is also great. We laughed a lot just because they kind of made fun of themselves.

“If I weren’t a doctor, I don’t know what I would be. I am useless in life. All I can do is medicine.”

That cracked me up way too much. I keep thinking about that sentence of E’s coworker. My best friend is a doctor too and I feel the same way about him. If he weren’t a doctor, he would have been homeless. I am convinced.

At the end of our conversation I told them that I will visit them in their office to give them a present. They were confused, but I expected that. First they thought I would give them a handful of documents to fill out and the relief in their faces when I told them it was not work-related: comedy for a social worker.

So I went upstairs, confidently entered their office just so that all confidence would leave my body immediately. I even started shaking a bit and struggled to take the lego box out of the bag. When I placed it on the desk in front of E, I saw only one thing in his eyes: confusion. I don’t think he would have ever guessed that I would give something to them.

He then lit up a bit when he noticed it was lego and he immediately tried unpacking it. I saw him shaking a bit while struggling to open it. He joked around that he would call me if he struggles and I told him I would spare some minutes out of my “busy” work day. He thanked me a couple of times and I am pretty sure he started building it the moment I stepped out of his office.

The way he looked at me was so funny to me. He was so confused, surprised and happy about it. That really made my day and I am excited to see the finished flower on his desk tomorrow.

If this is not making him fall in love with me, what is? (I am just joking but at the same time... I am not entirely).

Usually if I meet someone (who often turns out to be quite toxic (since I am not valuing myself that much)) I drown in the feelings I have. It takes my air to breathe because I put pressure on myself, I change myself so this would last. I would intoxicate myself with hatred towards myself and it would burn me alive.

This time I am swimming in the possibility of him and I. I am learning to fly. It’s comfortable and comforting. It’s warm, not hot. It’s a little, not much.

I am warming myself up on the possibility of him and I.

- the hopeless romantic

[kouros-herc]

Wednesday, November 13 — What’s in Your Closet? Come up with fifteen significant clothing items from your character’s wardrobe/life and describe them in detail. Feel free to combine these into full outfits!

Behold! Some key items from Hercules' wardrobe!

Descriptions Below!

Row 1: Sports Gear. Obviously Hercules spends most of his life in sports gear, but these are a few items of particular significance to him!

Reflective Running Jacket - Not only a safety necessity when tackling the Swynlake trails of the backroads of the farmlands, this reflective Gilet was a gift from his parents back when he was about 22. He wouldn't really have needed one if he was moving back to London, and his parents investing the money in it was a sign to him that they were ok with him staying in Swynlake.

Lucky PB socks - Dino-socks = free speed. Herc wears these during competitions, or attempts at breaking a PB, they're his lucky socks (although he doesn't actually remember where he got them, maybe a secret santa or something?)

NTO Tornados Competition Vest - Hercules very rarely competes in Athletics competitions but he is technically of the member of the freshly-made-up Next-Town-Over Tornados! An Athletics club who enter competitions and coach youngsters etc. So when he competes, he wears his club strip with its glorious purple. More often he wears it when about to go absolute beast-mode on a training session.

Pride U Athletics Hoodie - Still just about hanging on, although the Pride U crest on the front has started peeling off, the PRIDE U ATHLETICS CLUB on the back is still going strong! It reminds him of his first real sense of belonging and all the fun he had there.

'Douchebag mode' Sunglasses (Oakley Sphaera Polarised Lens Sunglasses) - Considering Hercules is the least competitive Gym Rat, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking he's not a viciously competitive intense human being. This is a mistake. He's just nicer about it. But after warming up, he goes into Super Intense Focus Mode (AKA Douchebag mode) because on the track there is no room for being Mr Nice Guy. The sunglasses are part of that. He slips them on and suddenly his eyes disappear and he's leaving you in the dust.

Row 2: Accessories. One part of Hercules' slow fashion glow-up journey has been actually bringing accessories into his outfits and just subtly classing things up a little that way.

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Smartwatch - When you're as active as Herc, you need a proper tracker to keep up with it. This Garmin was top of the line when he bought it a few years back after a lot of saving up, but it's totally worth it for him. Its got EVERYTHING. Built in flashlight. Solar charging. Advanced fitness metrics so he can track almost every aspect of his training. This thing is hardcore.

Sun Cufflinks - Hercules bought these as a little detail for the Celestial themed prom, but now he'll often use them when having to dress up fancy for other occasions. They add a bit of class to an outfit (he thinks), and they make him smile. Its also a good reminder of Ken's advice on making outfits feel more 'him.'

His 'Thank god for boots' Boots. No surprise, Hercules is really more of a trainer guy. He's got a ridiculous number for all kinds of sporting activities and training, but sometimes trainers just won't cut it. He hates wearing smart shoes, they always seem to cut into the back of his ankle and its a whole headache when he gets blisters because they suck when he runs. But Ken helped him discover a world of new possibilities like ankle boots that look smart enough for a semi-formal event or business meeting, can help elevate a casual outfit, and don't cut his ankles to pieces!

Sunflower Ring - Another Prom holdover, this time from the Enchanted Garden, I think. Hercules and sunflowers is an ongoing love-affair, and again, this is now an accessory he'll add to lots of other outfits when dressing them up.

'Bruce's Sea Glass' Bracelet - Remember the bit of sea glass that Hercules found on the beach? The one that reminded him of Bruce and everything his friend inspired in him? Yeah. Hercules had it made into a bracelet. He wears it every day now. Its his constant reminder to himself to try to live by those values.

Row 3: The Statement Pieces. Herc's wardrobe still contains a lot of plain t-shirts and jeans, plus all his other athletic gear, but Ken did teach him to embrace some bolder pieces that would really define a look when paired with otherwise simple pieces, and Hercules really likes that. Also all of these tend to lean into different textures, which he has found he really enjoys.

Fisherman's Jumper - A find from From Farm To Table years ago now! This is one comfy, cosy, proper woollen jumper. Hercules loves it, it's perfect for throwing on over a t-shirt on a dry day to go to an event or running errands, or a hike, or for days curled on the sofa when the weather's crap.

Corduroy Shirt - Another that he can dress up or down, this dark green really suits his hair, and has a much softer edge than a shirt in other fabrics might have, which he appreciates because he feels like it makes him look a bit more comfortable and relaxed and not straining at the seams like some kind of hulk.

Velvet Blazer - Hercules has discovered over recent years that he really enjoys the texture of velvet. He finds the softness very comforting, especially when at events like Prom where he might otherwise get a bit anxious, plus he likes the darker colour palette it usually comes in.

Check Overshirt - Perfect for throwing on over things. Hercules' metabolism runs really fast because of his Gift and he usually runs quite warm, which means Autumn and Spring often see him trying not to wear heavy layers. Something like this he can just slip on and off as he needs, and again, dresses up an otherwise casual outfit with a bit of flair.

Denim Jacket - Ah his old staple, I should use it more. He found this at some Charity Shop a very long time ago, but its genuinely good quality denim and he likes that the lining makes it softer and warmer, so he can use it more in the winter. Often thrown over a white tee for a vintage look.

[jonathankatwhatever]

These ideas are resistant to writing. They wriggle into new perspectives. It’s 16 May 2024. I have an actual migraine, the first in a while. I’ll lean into that as much as I can. It’s raining. I’m sitting in the kitchen with an open window to my left and the door to the porch open on my right, making a triangle in which I’m in the corner of the line drawn across. I hear a sound field reducing into my ears and then opening up in my Thing so I can picture the truck stopping to go over the speed hump. That must take the same path, that in my head I’m projecting out and that is the extent to which the sound field is observable and understandable by me. As in, my cat can hear more but he can’t label many of the sounds.

I just ate a toasted bagel with unsalted super chunky peanut butter, shaved red onion, and 2 cut up grape tomatoes. Delicious. Not sure why that doesn’t need salt. It might be the salt in the bread is enough together with the tangy qualities of the other ingredients.

So in that case, an answer solidifies as good enough that I’m gonna stop thinking about it, but I’ll remember somehow if we revisit the issue. So the infinite process stops: no more looking for solution. We label that as the 2:1 for that answer and the process which generated it, freezing it, making a snapshot so the form is recognized, and thus all the search potential beyond that diverges.

That work came out of sexual fantasy this morning. You’ve been amazing. I want to use that idea because I immediately thought of how to indicate a count between the words been and amazing. Then I thought about the concepts like when I walk across Bussey meadow and there’s an entrance which connects to the road, and then you turn the corner and you enter a section which feels removed, and then a section where you can forget where you are, then the same, a section which feels removed but not that far, then a section where you know the gate is ahead. Or like how FL Wright would bring you in from the large outside into a small entrance to admit you to a large space. The 1-0-1 and 0-1-0 metaphors are now beyond obvious.

The fact that this kind of imagery exists is the best proof of all, once you realize that this kind of imagery is generated by actual mathematics, that it’s not just words.

Made myself foamed milk plus decaf. I wish it would completely foam, but it’s not bad for the minimal effort and cost. I use the cappuccino whip on the frothier because the latte one does very little.

There’s an obvious choice function between been and amazing. If you admit non-sequiturs as a joke or perhaps a serious comment on the difficulty of the descriptive process, then what could actually be inserted is limited only to the nature of the language, and to its expressive power.

This headache is painfully distracting or other way around. I’m holding my right eye closed to force my left to relax. A lot of flicker and bouncing around of focus because throbs when focused. The throb pulls the Observer back and snaps that to a different focus point as it cycles back.

Had to give up typing. I need to see a map of these numbers. I think I have it, but it’s not stable yet.

Need to not look at a screen. Today has been intense connection. I have so much imagery in my perception that I can’t process much.