#i just really like dust being nonverbal

[pilkofi]

omg chat look its him!!!

[firey-passion]

League of Villain Headcanon - Being Drunk

Shigaraki:

When he gets drunk he pretty much goes completely nonverbal, not bothering to use his words anymore and instead communicating through grumbles and grunts. He also gets really clingy when drunk, with the more drunk he gets the more willing he is to cling to absolutely anyone who gets close to him. This makes it a requirement for him to wear his gloves when he's drinking, otherwise someone may end up a pile of dust on the ground.

Spinner:

He gets pretty chatty while drunk, an insane amount actually. He'll talk about practically anything; his past, his favorite video games, his parents, his thoughts Pokémon strength and weakness, absolutely anything becomes on the table and it's imposable to shut him up. The more drunk he gets, the more incoherent his words become until he just passes out.

Dabi:

He starts having a go at the karaoke machine and dancing like a man who's got nothin' to lose. He's actually really good at singing despite being drunk, I know typically when someone's drunk their singing gets worse but in Dabi's case, he actually just keeps his skill level, just less impulse control. He's an incredibly well coronated drunk, never once falls during his dance routine unless he intended to.

Mr. Compress:

He becomes a lot flirtier than he normally would be, with him losing the impulse control to not flirt with anyone he finds attractive. Interesting enough though, if he's in a monogamous relationship he'll only flirt with his partner. Even if he's around someone he was attracted to before he started dating this other person, he'll still only flirt with his SO. Basically, when he's in a committed relationship his ability to find others attractive kinda just vanishes except for his partner. Also, his ability to flirt is a lot less sophisticated than it normally would be. Not in a, "he's being creepy" way, more so in a, "he won't stop telling you how pretty/cute/hot you are". His ability to use big, sophisticated, and well put together words/sentences to flirt has disappeared for the time being, he'll regain them when sober.

Kurogiri:

He can't really get drunk. Now hear me out on this one! A personal headcanon of mine is that Kurogiri was not only given Warp Gate as a quirk, but also a bunch of smaller less noticeable quirks. One grants him a regenerative ability that makes it so injuries that would normally take a day to heal will instead heal in a few hours, another gives him a perfect internal clock, and (the one important for the headcanon here) one that gives him heighten poison resistance. Since alcohol is technically a poison, a side effect of this quirk is that he can now chug straight vodka and remain sober. This also leads to him having a high spice tolerance and caffeine not doing anything for him, with both caffeine and capsaicin are poisons. This ultimately led to the headcanon that in the MHA Panera's Charged Lemonade, instead of being an affront to God and a sin against the FDA, is instead marketed specifically for those with quirks around poison resentence so that they can use caffeine to get through their day. So that's how Kurogiri is able to handle the League and all their stillness, with the lawsuit making lemonade.

Twice:

He's a sad drunk, like, a really sad drunk. He just starts sobbing and questioning all of his life decisions. He won't stop crying until he passes out. He needs to down soooooooooo much water afterwards to regain all the hydration he lost through his tears. This has kinda lead to him being banned from getting drunk anywhere away from the League, as they're concerned that if this 30-year-old man starts sobbing uncontrollably in public that'll draw to much attention and someone might recognize him and get the pros called on him. He doesn't really have an issue with this, after all he lives with the League now so he can basically just stay home and drink with family instead of going out to some bar with a bunch of strangers who probably couldn't give less of fuck about him.

Toga:

Currently is not allowed to drink, has she is 16. When she becomes 18, she'll be allowed to drink (that's the legal age for drinking in Japan, for my fellow Americans who forget that other countries decided that if you're old enough to sign a contract you're old enough to drink). When she is able to get drunk, all of her impulse control goes out the fucking window. Not only does this mean that she's more likely to stab people, it also means that she's willing to jump out a window to see if she can fly. After her first time being drunk lead to her being put out of commission for a week and all of the League (except Kurogiri, he's very good at dodging) having new knife scars, it is now a requirement for someone who's sober to be responsible for her when she's drunk. Luckily Kurogiri fits into this role perfectly, so he's now the one to be responsible to make sure she doesn't hurt herself or others when drunk.

[sbtorms]

Since becoming what he is now, "Fool" kinda stopped talking. Selective mutism and stuff. The most he does is the occasional chuckle at the human's misfortune.

Their might be a physical reason to his silence, maybe to do with his slightly melty state. Or maybe he's decided that actions speak louder than words. I'm keeping the "why" up to interpretation, because it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things.

He MAY (try to) talk, if he really has something to say that can't just be shown through actions. But that's really unlikely to happen.

This is all inspired by the concept of Dust Sans being nonverbal, an idea I REALLY like.

[wishing-stones]

So those things that were a comfort in childhood and you now have an automatic response to those things?

My mom used to gently scratch my back or trail her nails over my back or back of my neck. She would sometimes do it a little when she walked past me if I was cooking. It’s an instant reaction where I just melt. Like immediate exhale and shoulder drop, dropping my head a little and closing my eyes. No matter what I’m doing, even if a friend does it at school I just melt and pause what I’m doing. It’s basically a sure fire way to get me to relax and chill out for a bit.

Who do you think would be the first to figure this out, and who do you think would take the most advantage of it? (And if you have the spoons, what do you think their reactions would be the first time they try this?)

You're in danger lmfao.

The first one to figure this out is probably either Dust or Axe, both of whom are incorrigible cuddlebugs. Axe is the one who does casual touches as he's walking by, so he may have found out this way as opposed to noticing you melting into a puddle while snuggled up. Cross might find out like this too, and Killer and Nightmare find out completely on accident. Killer sometimes likes to cup the backs of necks to announce his presence if he feels like being a menace, and he might drag his phalanges across skin when he pulls his hand away. Nightmare lets his touch linger a little as he pulls a hand away from your back. Baggs... could figure it out by having his hands laced behind your neck so this would definitely be in a more intimate setting than finding out by casual touch. He also wears gloves, which dulls the scratch a lot.

E v e r y o n e is going to abuse this. They think it's adorable, and some of them find it useful, if you're too stressed or wound up about something and need to chill out. Of course, they enjoy watching you relax and be comfortable with them too... and they'll probably enjoy a similar sensation if you return the favor. Killer, especially, enjoys this.

Killer finds out completely on accident, and if you're paying attention to his face while you melt into his fingers, he's surprised... and then that knowing smirk shows up. Your goose is cooked, he knows your weakness now and will exploit it any chance he gets. Dust figures it out by cuddling, and fortunately doesn't really abuse the privilege too much. He does it if he thinks you need to calm down or need the reassurance, and it's usually a thoughtless little gesture. If you're cuddled up with him, though, his hand won't leave the back of your neck. He likes the reaction, and watching you so comfortable with him. Axe finds out by accidental touch, but doubles down on it to see if... that was a one-off, or just something that you particularly enjoy. Like Dust, if you're cuddling with him, his hand is on the back of your neck. He'll also use it as a secondary sort of scruffing action if he needs to calm you down quickly or derail you. Cross only uses this if it's downtime or time to relax. His abuse of this usually comes coupled with nuzzles and sweet nothings, because it's cute, and seeing you all melty makes him pretty soft, too. He's an awful cuddlebug, and the comfier you are, the better. Baggs either watches it happen or figures out while cuddled up, and once he knows, it's over. If he feels like you need to chill our or relax a bit, it's almost more effective than his magic is. It's certainly faster and takes less effort. Similar to Killer, if you're paying attention, you can watch the realization dawn on him. Nightmare figures it out accidentally or deliberately, but once he knows, he'll use it to his advantage. He'll even use it as a sort of threat to calm down if he just... presses his index and thumb distal phalanges on an opposite side of your neck each, holding the back of your neck in between them, but not giving the scratch, just... holding it in kind of a pincer-like fashion. It's the nonverbal equivalent of "calm down, or I'll make you calm down." He also abuses this privilege because he thinks it's cute to watch.

[doom-dreaming]

The More The Merrier: Ch. 3.5

“So.” Kelly’s voice rises out of the warm darkness. “Think you’ll go back to Lasky after that?”

Sarah snorts. “Of course I will. Exclusivity with anyone was never on the negotiating table.”

“Obviously,” Linda murmurs. Her breath tickles the back of Sarah’s neck.

“Just how complicated is this little…” Kelly flutters her fingers in the air, “...web you’re in?”

“Not as complicated as the rumors make it sound,” Sarah mutters, pillowing her arm under her head. Linda shifts to accommodate the movement and Sarah is once again hyper-aware of the heat from each body pressed up against her. It’s a lot—far more than she’s used to—but it’s…nice.

“Everyone knows about you and the Captain,” Kelly continues. “But is it true that Roland’s involved?”

“I swear to—” Sarah huffs. “If he's going around telling people, I’ll decommission him myself.” She’s speaking more to the room than Kelly—she knows he’s listening, in some capacity—but she follows the threat with a reluctant nod. “Yeah. Technically.”

There’s a subtle shift in Kelly’s expression; Sarah’s not intimately familiar with the nonverbal nuances specific to Kelly’s generation of Spartan, but she can still tell something dangerous is happening behind those eyes. “...whatever you’re thinking, I don’t want to be anywhere near you when the dust settles.”

Kelly’s attention snaps back to her, lips twisting into a smirk. “Oh, she learns fast, doesn’t she?”

Against her back, Sarah feels a ghost of a laugh vibrate in Linda’s chest.

“Trust that instinct,” Kelly whispers, sliding a finger down Sarah’s sternum. Anticipation coils in the pit of her stomach, but Kelly’s hand leaves her skin without instigating anything more. “So how does it work? He’s along for the ride?”

She’s still wary of whatever’s going through Kelly’s head, but she nods. “One of us plugs him in—usually Tom, they integrate better—we fuck, we put him back in the ship.” She shrugs.

“And he likes it?”

“Can’t get enough. He wanted to hitchhike with me tonight.”

Linda’s voice is syrupy in her ear. “Should’ve let him.”

“No. Not a chance in hell. Maybe the third or fourth time, but not the first.”

Kelly props herself up on her elbow and Sarah can practically feel the look she exchanges with Linda. “You think this’ll happen again?”

“Didn’t you just ask me if I’d leave Lasky for you?”

The comment draws noises of amusement from both of them and a warm knot settles itself somewhere inside Sarah’s chest. She does her best to ignore it. She isn’t sure she can allow herself to develop the same kind of feelings for them that she has for Tom. Honestly, she isn’t sure that would even work out if she tried. No, this could stay physical and nothing more. And she could be okay with that. Hell, it worked with Miller, didn’t it? This wouldn’t have to be any different.

“I wouldn’t mind it,” Kelly sighs, settling back down onto the pillows. Sarah’s still glad she didn’t have to be the one to make the admission. “How about you, Lin?”

Linda’s arms wrap tighter around Sarah’s ribs. “She’s fun. We should keep her.”

Sarah stays quiet. She doesn’t admit that she likes how possessive they’re being. She doesn’t acknowledge the growing burn of affection at how they’re already comfortable enough to banter and use nicknames around her. She just breathes steadily into the lull that settles over the three of them and enjoys it for what it is.

Kelly, again, breaks the silence. “Is that it, then? Just you and Roland and the Captain? Not much of a web after all.”

“Well…” For a second, she’s hesitant to bring attention to the smaller connections, but if Kelly and Linda were going to be involved in the whole mess, anyway… “No. There’s also Miller.” She’s about to elaborate—Blue Team couldn’t be bothered to remember the name of every S-IV they did or didn’t work with—but Kelly surprises her.

“The whiny one that handles Ops?”

“I know how it sounds. But he’s…” She sighs. “He’s easy to boss around and starved for praise.” Yeah, it really did sound bad when she said it out loud. “And you should blame Roland for getting him involved in the first place…”

[voparwave69]

when you get this, list 5 songs you like to listen to, publish. then, send this ask to the last 10 people in your notifs (positivity is cool!!)

I probably won't do the chain thing but I'll totally list 5 songs but I'm gonna add my own twist to it and show 5 songs I have especially good memories with :o) my followers should totally do the same with it and get down with the sharing of our best memories, and most importantly, this is a no judgment zone with either the song or the memory, this is about sharing good times only 💯

my first dance with my boyfriend was to this and it was out under a full moon in a swamp and I was BLITZED, we also listened to it together after he helped me finally put a stop to my grandmother and her husband's evil bullshit, this is like, basically his song that he chose to devote to me :o)🐅🐅 he is also an INCREDIBLE dancer and was somehow busting it down with crazy ass moves just to this doo wop song. It was like he was hearing rhythms i couldn't, I could just feel them in his body

Another really good memory song with my boyfriend, he's helped me to fight huge battles against people I never thought i could stop several times now, and this was another "Ive got you" song he'd play for me when the peace came. He's also a drummer, drums are sacred in Hinduism, and when he says "now I'm walking again to the beat of the drum, and I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart" he always squeezes my hand. He's autistic and often is nonverbal, so he likes to communicate through songs and hand squeezing at certain lines :o)

This is my boyfriends favorite song, and a lot of the lyrics are "hand squeeze" lyrics for him, where he lets music and touch carry how he feels to me when his mouth can't. He did an absolutely beautiful dance to this for me, I just watched him. Hes so much like a peacock. Shiva is known as the Lord of Dance, and to be honest, it felt like Shiva himself was serenading me. His name is Rudra, which is the name of Shivas counterpart basically, so to say Shiva was serenading me is actually pretty fitting :o)🦚

Fucking goofy ass change in tone I know, but I have good ass memories with this song too‼When I first started becoming religious, it was easier for me to not get overwhelmed by all these huge beautiful changes if I involved humor in it too. And the whole universe was expanding before me far beyond what my previously atheist self ever thought it could, much less would. I was finally aware of miracles being fucking real and being all around me in every direction. And I was like, oh my god like the Fucking Magnets song hahahaha. I started listening to this as a joke but I'd be so happy listening to it that it became a song I legitimately and unironically love. I went to a fireworks show where the fireworks were reflecting off the heavy fog, making the entire sky turn into rainbows with every BOOM, and the best thing is firework colors are the same colors as shooting stars, so it was like I was in a fucking portal to the most magical meteor shower ever recorded. I was high as FUCK too and actually dissociated from joy which I didny know was possible. Then I went home still all blissed out and smoked another blunt while listening to this. And I saw a goddamn UFO‼‼‼ I always say that day was like I literally went up to stoner heaven :o)

And the final one, my boyfriend always says this song was written so perfectly about me, down to every word. It's a big hand squeezing song :o) I swear he acts like im a goddess and it can baffle the fuck out of me. But my god yall don't know how much I love this man. I think we are one being, dancing through space dust only we know is there. 🌺💃🏻🕺🏿🌺 I love my Ru Ru for eternity, and I know we'll always find each other, until the very end of the next universe itself 🐅🐅

[radioiaci]

Stubborn. If Vox could speak, this would be much easier, though after a few passing moments, he understood why the other was refusing to. Those strange auditory sounds were alluding to something being wrong internally - enough to send Vox into a nonverbal tizzy, at any rate.

Alastor was patient. Didn't intend to go anywhere, really. So all he had to do was lay there and watch Vox with a scrutinizing stare until he gave him something in return - that something being the sudden taking of his wrist in hand and redirecting to that flat head. He held it there as prompted, his eyes shifting to the screen to try and absorb was he was clearly being shown, not told.

Throughout the length of what he observed, Alastor's grew increasingly bothered. He'd always known Valentino to be possessive - an easy wedge to be placed between the both of them the second they'd made the Deal to solidify their strange commitment. And the addition of the man being abusive (though that was no surprise, given what Alastor knew about his track record with Angel Dust; from what he'd overheard time to time from the Princess) was a bit too much for the radio demon's tolerance.

When the video ended and he took better stock of the situation - now fully conscious - Alastor could not repress a deeply displeased hiss of white noise that emanated from his person.

"He doesn't own you," he snapped, teeth bared. "And you running will make him think that you are allowing this kind of behavior."

It was probably not ideal to chastise Vox about what had happened. It wasn't his fault, Alastor knew. But the fact that he'd crawled back like a sniveling coward also wasn't sitting well.

But temper, he reminded himself.

He extended a hand to very lightly run it over the lengths of Vox's antennae. Almost petting, in a way.

"...Much as I might like to handle this situation for you," he murmured, "-going over there will only cause further havoc."

But give him just one minute with Valentino...

Alastor huffed, attention turning back to Vox.

"...I imagine I can't fix this here."

His hand came back down to lightly hold the side of the other's head - gentle to try and not cause further damage to the screen.

Oh, how he wished Alastor would just go back to sleep. He didn't want to unpack the implications of what had happened- didn't want to think about it. He just wanted to curl up into a ball and pass out.

But, no. Forced to stay awake. Forced to think about it. Forced to wonder why he was reacting so poorly. Valentino had hit him before. Velvette had hit him before. Previously, it had just pissed him off. Why was this one any different? Why had he run away instead of teaching Valentino a lesson? He didn't understand.

It reminded him of his childhood. Of his father. He dispersed that thought just as quickly as it arrived. Fuck that guy.

Vox's gaze was distant, antenna flattened uncomfortably against his head. The ends shook from strain, sparks slithering up their length and dispersing with a hiss. Somewhere, he registered that Alastor was more awake than before and clearly concerned, even if the deer's tone and expression did a good job of hiding such things. The thought of having to verbally explain anything sounded like a hassle. Vox's voice was a mess of feedback and volume glitches. His screen was damaged and smeared with blood, but it would still be easier to just show Alastor.

Unbothered by ruining his clean shirt again, Vox used the sleeve to wipe at his screen, attempting to clear some of the oozing blood. It worked, temporarily, but there was still more liquid beginning to bead in-between the cracks. Vox grabbed for Alastor's wrist, then pressed his partner's hand against the side of his head. His screen flickered, and while there were dead pixels covering bits of it, a video began to display. Clearly footage from Vox's POV, hence the way the camera moved with each tilt of Vox's head. He didn't bothered searching through the footage to find the instant where Valentino backhanded him, instead choosing to just play back the whole encounter.

Vox's clear disinterest and denial of sex, the continued touches, the harsh words. The sudden impact of a purple hand slamming into his screen, then followed by an obvious lack of vision on one side and liquid dripping into view. A few error screens appeared that only Vox could see at the time, but they were ignored and dismissed.

The video came to an abrupt end, and Vox's face returned. He didn't say a word, body shaking pathetically, like a dead leaf. Why did this bother him so much? Why why why why why?

[brianwashere]

Dad!Matt struggling to communicate with his nonverbal autistic son while he is overestimated

Hello hello hello. Back again with another fic! Btw my friend with autism proof read this to make sure it was accurate and not offensive so yaaaaaayyyyyy.

**I do not own any characters or part of the franchise from Daredevil**

Pairing: father!Matt Murdock x autistic!son!reader!

Genre: slight angst but ends with comfort

Summary: go to req

Tw: cussing, overstimulation, Matt sorta snaps at his son :(

All Too Much

It was a humid day. Too humid. Gross. Muggy. It made your clothes stick to your skin and made your hair damp. It made you want to gag.

Matt had to take you to work this Saturday. You didn’t really mind because you liked Foggy and Karen but the office smelled horrible and the color hurt your eyes. You sighed and flapped the hand that wasn’t being held by your dad.

“Almost there, Jr, c’mon.” Your dad seemed distracted, which means he couldn’t pay attention to what you were signing in his hand.

Not that you really could anyway; one of your hands was holding his. His phone was in his pocket which meant you couldn’t use the text to speech app he downloaded for you.

You two stopped in front of his law firm. He buzzed in opened the door, gesturing for you to go in. As soon as you walked in the smell of the neighboring offices hit you. The scent of smoke and mold and the feel of the dust brushing your face made you gag. You looked at your father. You wanted to tell him you didn’t wanna be in here.

“Alright Jr, up we go. I’m running late.” He picked up his walking stick and began jogging up the stairs.

You watched him and took a deep breath before following him up the stairs. You bit your bottom lip hard.

Every possible sense was immediately flooded with too much information.

The phone ringing. People talking. Papers flicking. All the different smells of individual people. Cigarette smoke coming in through the window from a neighboring office. The underlying stench of mold. The sun was too bright. The paint on the walls reflected a horrible color due to the light. Suddenly your once soft shirt’s collar gripped your neck too tight. It felt like every fibre of the shirt was rubbing just the wrong way on your arm hairs, your skin. There was a gross taste of sweat mixed with the copper taste from your now bleeding lip.

You noticed your dad was no longer beside you. You whipped your head around, your hair brushing your cheeks. You spotted him talking to Karen and holding some of his braille papers.

You hastened over to his leg and tugged on it lightly. No response. You shook his leg and made grunt. Still no response. Finally you hit his leg twice and made a high pitched whine.

“…Okay. Thanks, Karen keep working on that.” Matt finished with Karen and knelt down.

He looked mad.

“What? What could you possibly want?” His harsh tone was like a slap on the cheek.

He sounded mad.

Tears welled in your eyes and you ran into his office, slamming the door and hiding under his desk.

“Shit.” Matt sighed.

He took a deep breath in and walked over to the door to his office. He knocked three times.

“Jr? Can I come in, please?” He focused on you and what action may signal a response.

Then he heard a small sniffle.

Fuck, he made you cry. Shit shit shit.

“I’m coming in, ok?” He said.

He opened the door slowly and closed it gently. He walked around to his desk where he heard you crying. He sat on the floor across from you, next to his chair.

“Hey, I’m sorry Jr. I shouldn’t have snapped at you and taken my frustration out on you. Can you forgive me?” He whispered.

You looked at him through tear filled eyes and nodded but put your head on your knees.

“Can I do anything for you? Do you want your headphones?” He asked.

You nodded quickly. Your dad opened one of the desk’s drawers and reached inside. He pulled out a pair of noise canceling headphones and slid them to you. You peeked out from your knees and grabbed them. You put them on and began to calm down.

“Do you wanna stay in here until you’ve calmed down?” He asked.

You nodded again.

“You know that I love you, right?” Matt asked.

You shakily tapped his knee, your gesture for his hand. He held his palm out you formed “ily” in his hand and he smiled as he felt around it.

You put your head back down on your knees.

“Alrighty, Jr. I’ll check on you in 15 minutes.” You watched him get up slowly.

Before he left he scribbled something on a sticky note and stuck it in the ground close to you. When you felt the vibration of the door close you looked at the note.

‘Bye, Jr. I love you so so much.’

[garagebandvanfleet]

Anything For You

Pairing: Jake x f!reader

Warnings: 18+ MINORS DO NOT ENGAGE, swearing, daddy kink, oral (f receiving), slight overstimulation, unprotected sex

Word Count: 1.8k (this was supposed to be so much longer but I was rushed)

Summary: You were looking forward to relaxing with your boyfriend during a Valentine’s weekend getaway, but Jake was looking forward to something else.

Notes: This is Jake’s part to my lil V-day series. Sweet romantic song that made me think of Jake while writing this. I had these all planned out for weeks, woke up Friday and realized Valentine’s Day was on Monday...so this is very rushed, not proofread and not that great overall so I’m apologizing now. 

-

Your cheek was pressed against the passenger side window, watching as the snowy mountain caps passed you by. Jake had planned a weekend getaway for Valentine’s Day, wanting to “keep you on your toes” as he put it. The cabin was somewhere near the Rocky Mountains, the snow only amplifying the beauty of the area. You haven’t traveled much, not nearly as much as Jake, so you trusted whatever he had planned would exceed expectations. 

You smiled softly to yourself as you turned to look at Jake, fingers drumming against the steering wheel as he hummed along to the radio. When he felt your gaze on him he smiled, turning to make eye contact before turning back to the road in front of him. 

“What?” He laughed out, splitting his gaze from the road to you and then back to the road again. 

“You’re really pretty.” You teased, poking his cheek as a blush dusted his face. 

“Thank you.” He shyly mumbled, grabbing at the finger that was still poking his cheek and lacing your fingers together as he pressed a kiss to the back of your hand. 

You both spent the rest of the car ride quietly singing along to the radio and pointing out the beautiful landscape. When you got to the cabin you couldn’t stop the bright smile that took over your face. It was indeed, perfect. The cabin was quaint, just the perfect size to feel cozy instead of cramped. Although you wouldn’t be spending your nights sitting out on the wrap-around porch, it added to the coziness. 

You grabbed your bag before Jake could and he gave you a disappointed look. You responded with a “hurry up slowpoke” before running, as carefully as possible, over the snowy pathway to the front door.

He took his time, laughing when you shot him an annoyed glare. Finally, he stood in front of the door but continued moving in slow motion to grab the key from his pocket. “Jake!” You whined, stomping your foot like a toddler being told no. 

“Alright, alright.” He chuckled, resuming regular speed and opening the door. Before you could rush inside, he grabbed your hand as he loosened your grip on your bag. Jake leaned down, sweeping you off your feet - literally - as he carried you bridal style through the threshold of the cabin. 

You giggled, hiding your face into the crook of his neck. “Aren’t you supposed to do this when we’re first married?”

“What, am I not allowed to practice?” You blushed at his words, kissing his cheek as a nonverbal way of showing you appreciate him. “This probably wasn’t the smartest idea.” He mumbled to himself. You pulled your face back to give him a confused look. “We’re just going to have to walk back out to get our bags.” He explained as you rolled your eyes at his ability to be so sweet yet practical at the same time. 

-

After you unpacked your clothes and toiletries, arguing it made no sense to unpack when you’d just have to repack everything in less than two days, Jake suggested you make dinner together. He had gotten a recipe from one of the security guys at the last venue he played at and wanted to try it. 

You started cutting up the vegetables, Jake coming up behind you and stealing a slice of cucumber. He held up his hands in surrender when you pointed the knife at him. He jogged up the stairs, coming back down holding his phone and a small Bluetooth speaker. 

“Wanna pick the music?” He asked as he handed you his phone. 

“You trust me with such an important task?” You set the knife down, wiping your hands on a dishtowel before taking his phone to look through his playlists. 

“Eh, not really. But I figured if I let you choose the music now, I can play whatever I want during the trip home. It’s all about compromise, Princess.” Not looking up from his phone you let out the fakest laugh you could produce. Finally, you settled on an acoustic playlist Jake had made last year. He regularly updated his playlists, so you knew there wouldn’t be any songs he’d want to skip. 

The two of you worked in sync, adding a pinch of salt to the dish before placing it in the oven. He twirled you around once when the current song hit the chorus, turning to look at the timer on the oven. 

“We have an hour.”

“Wanna watch a movie?” You suggested, motioning towards the TV above the lit fireplace. Jake simply shrugged, looking unamused by your suggestion. 

“We could, or I could fuck you on the counter.” 

“Always such a romantic Jacob.” You laughed, looping your arms around his neck to bring him into a brief kiss. 

“Difficult to sprinkle in romance when all I want is to have you naked, begging for my cock.: He trailed kisses down your neck, adding in a few bites on the way down. You tilted your head to the side, giving him better access to nip and such at the flesh. “I’ve seen all the movies anyways.” You sighed as he licked up your neck and along your jaw. 

“Yeah?” He questioned as he unbuttoned your jeans.

“Mmhmm.” You grabbed at the hem of his shirt, lifting it up over his head before pulling him into a kiss and deepening it immediately. 

“I want to fuck you in every room in this cabin.”

“We’re only here for the weekend.” 

“Well then, we better get started.” He hummed, removing your shirt and undoing the clasp of your bra. Jake bent at the waist, taking your left nipple in his mouth and pinched at the right one with his thumb and pointer finger. He removed his mouth with a soft pop, switching to give your right nipple an equal amount of attention.

“Jake, I want you to eat me out.” You whimpered as he gave a particularly rough pinch to your nipple. 

“Already on the itinerary, Princess.” His face now level with yours, he kissed your cheek before pushing you back towards the counter. Jake removed your jeans and panties before lifting you up and setting you on the cool granite. You shivered slightly as the cold material made contact with your warm skin.

“Lean back a little for me baby.” You did as requested, placing your palms behind you and leaning back. Jake wasted no time bending down till he was eye level with your glistening pussy. He placed your legs over his shoulders, hooking your ankles together to cage him in. 

Jake didn’t feel like teasing you tonight, which was rare, so when his lips closed around your clit and one of his fingers instantly pushed into your entrance you fell to your elbows in shock. “Fuck, Daddy!” Your throat felt dry, anticipating what was to come. 

He hummed around your clit and you moved to lay completely on your back, tangling your fingers in his hair. “Never gets old hearing such filthy words leave that pretty mouth of yours.” He added a second finger then, curling them and smirking to himself when you let out a high-pitched whine. You would be embarrassed to admit you were already on the verge of cumming, but anyone in your position would agree that Jake’s mouth worked wonders. 

“Gonna cum Daddy, please can I cum?”

“Already?” His tone wasn’t one of surprise, instead, it was dripping with cockiness. “Go ahead, Princess. Cum all over Daddy’s fingers.” Your back arched off the counter and your heels dug into his back, drawing him in closer to you as you came.

He removed his fingers from you, sucking his fingers clean of your arousal. “Stay just like that pretty girl.” You lifted your head off the counter when you heard the pad of his bare feet against the hardwood floor. His back was facing you as he stood in front of the cutting board. When he turned back around, he had three slices of cucumber in his palm. 

“Really?” You laughed, laying your head back down against the countertop. 

“Just a quick halftime snack.” He chuckled around a piece of cucumber. Your laughter grew as he placed a piece of the vegetable on each of your nipples. 

“You’re something else Kiszka.” You mumbled, breathing turning shallow as he removed the cucumber from your nipples - making sure his tongue did most of the work. 

“Break time is over, get over here Princess.” He smirked, grabbing at the meat of your thighs and pulling you to the edge of the counter. Thankfully, a thin layer of sweat covered your body, making it easier for him to move you without your skin sticking to the granite. “Ready baby?” You nodded as you heard his pants hit the floor, admiring the way his eyes searched yours for any trace of hesitation. 

He grabbed the hair tie from around his finger, pulling his hair away from his face and back into a low bun. A string of spit left his mouth, landing on your pussy before he pushed his cock into you. Jake’s head tilted back, facing the ceiling. Your moans filled his ears, sometimes he thought about putting your moans in a song - but he was too selfish, not wanting anyone but him to hear how pretty you sounded. 

He always praised how good you felt around him, not straying from tradition tonight, his words rang throughout the room. “Swear this pussy was made for me. God, you feel so good, Princess. So wet, is all this for me?” Right then he pressed two fingers on your clit, rubbing tight circles against your sensitive bud. 

“Yes Daddy, only for you - always for you.” Jake removed his fingers from your clit to grab both your thighs, pulling them flush against his chest. The new angle had Jake hitting deeper inside you and as he resumed his movements on your clit you felt your mind go blank. Your eyes rolled back and your nails dug into his thighs as you came around his cock. 

He sped up his thrusts, continuing to rub your overstimulated clit. He tightened his grip on your thighs, keeping you locked in place. “Jake!” You shrieked, trying to push his hand away, but he didn’t stop. Not until your walls tightened and you came around his cock for the third time that night. 

He looked down to see where you two were connected, abdomen flexing as he came in you with a moan of your name. Jake let go of your legs and they fell to dangle off the edge of the counter. He pulled you up by your wrists and into his chest, stroking your hair as he held you close. You placed kisses over his chest, humming in satisfaction when his blunt nails scratched at your scalp. 

“I love you, Princess.” 

“I love you too, Jake.” 

The oven timer went off, signaling your dinner was finished cooking. You pulled away from Jake’s chest to place a sweet kiss on his lips. You watched then as his body lowered about an inch or two.

“Were you…were you on your tippy-toes that whole time?” You questioned, amusement gracing your features. 

“In my defense, it’s a taller than average counter.”

“You must have impeccable calf strength.”

[lovely-jily]

almost caught

something for @jilytoberfest! prompt: "if we get caught-" "i'll make it worth your while, i promise."

i wrote this quickly and didn't revise it a ton, but im just excited to contribute for jilytober!!! hope you lovely's like:)

"Okay, James. I'm going to be completely frank here- and I wholeheartedly mean every word when I say this- this is perhaps the stupidest idea you've ever had- and you've had loads of stupid idea's."

"Oh, come on. Try to have some faith in me," James whispered back, opening one of the drawers of the desk. They were in the Ravenclaw Prefect's office. James had suspected that the Prefects were somehow involved with their Quidditch team cheating by using weighted and magic-infused balls. The only evidence he had to back his theory up was a "gut feeling" and the fact that the bludgers seemed to target the other team more often, which Lily chalked up to confirmation bias. While she disagreed with cheating, she figured a better idea was to talk to their Prefects, not snoop through their office.

"Famous last words," Lily rolled her eyes, "I can't believe that I let you drag me into this. If we get caught-"

"I'll make it worth your while, I promise," The boy reassured her as he looked up at Lily, messy dark curls hanging in front of his eyes. He had finished looking in the first drawer and moved to the one below it, quickly searching. Lily wasn't sure what he meant by that, "Besides, we won't get caught. Now, are you going to start searching, or are you going to make me do all the work like usual?"

"Like usual? Excuse me?" Lily said. She was standing in front of him, hands firmly planted on her hips disapprovingly before turning to the cabinets. Besides breaking his collarbone last night in a quidditch game (Which Madam Pomfrey fixed just fine, and if he followed her instructions, he'd be totally healed in days), the year was going swimmingly for James and Lily. She enjoyed working with him as Heads and was seeing real change in him. He was no longer a bully, and in fact, he always shut that sort of thing down.

"I don't even know what I'm looking for."

James just chuckled as he closed the second drawer, kneeling to search the third drawer, "Probably anything quidditch related."

"You've got the wrong person for this," Lily sighed. That was probably true. She knew nothing of sports- both muggle and wizard alike. She turned to the cabinets on the far wall, which was full of books, mostly student records, and smelled musty.

"You know, this would be so much easier if you just agreed to use the cloak with me," James commented as he stood up and brushed off his pants. Lily had grown to like him over the past few months and didn't mind working with him as co-Heads. He was kind, responsible, and enthusiastic enough that almost everyone adored him- even Lily. She was even starting to get butterflies around him, something she never thought could happen.

"I'm never going under that damn cloak with you," Lily said as she took out a book of student records. She dusted it off and then put it back where she found it.

"Never is a strong word," James said as he walked over to the wardrobe. He opened it up and stepped inside, pressing against the back of it to see if any secret openings were on the back wall.

"I know," Lily said, following him and standing behind him, "That's why I said it."

That's when they heard the door handle jiggle, indicating that someone was trying to come in.

Lily, panicking, looked up at James. He quickly grabbed her by her waist and lifted her into the broom closet, quietly slamming the door. One hand was on her waist, the other over her mouth to try and keep her quiet. He gently took it off and put it behind her head. One hand was still on her waist as he tangled his other in her hair.

Fucking hell, he was hot.

Lily's hands were holding tightly at the bottom hem of her skirt. She knew that if she didn't plant them there, they'd undoubtedly find themselves tangled in James's dark locks.

"Maybe you were right about that cloak," Lily whispered as they were both breathing heavily and pressed up against each other. She wondered if he could feel how hard her heart was beating. She wasn't sure if that was from fear of getting caught or being so close to James.

James just brought his finger back to her lips and shushed her softly. His breath was softly blowing on her bangs, which caused them to tickle her forehead. All Lily could do was look up at him, remembering what was going on outside the cabinet, hearing the door open. He then anxiously looked out through the crack of the wooden doors, trying to watch whoever she heard come in. Lily tried to ignore the way he was clenching his jaw. She noticed that was a sort of nervous tick of his, something that he did when anxious. One hand was still on her waist, the other resting on her hair on the nape of her neck.

Why was she caring more about James's hands on her than she did at the idea of getting caught?

"Weird, I swore I heard voices," Sabrina Wood, the sixth year Prefect, said.

"So did I," Robert Thomas responded.

James, seeming to spot something above Lily's head, quickly reached his hand up. However, he never got to inspect what he wanted to. Lily heard the sound of his collarbone crack, implying that it was rebroken. While Madam Pomfrey had patched him up just fine, she said he needed to refrain from sudden movements of reaching above his head. Lily now realized this was why.

James leaned forward and grimaced in pain. Still on Lily's neck, his hand grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled at it slightly.

"Fuck," He groaned quietly in Lily's ear, and she felt his hot breath against her ear and neck. Her eyes widened at how attractive that word was coming from his lips, silently cursing herself at the sinful thoughts that flashed in her mind.

The sound of footsteps walking around the office brought Lily back to the current reality. She looked above her see his arm clenched in a fist. He was in a lot of pain.

Wordlessly, she pulled out her wand and pointed it at his broken collarbone. She had practised nonverbal spells a number of times, although never this one. She wasn't sure if she'd ever done this one on a human before.

The footsteps were walking towards the wardrobe and she looked at James. He had relaxed his grip on Lily's hair (much to her disappointment) and moved it to her waist. He nodded slightly, giving her permission to try.

She wordlessly performed the healing charm. James gripped at her shirt in response to the painful snap of bone back in place, just as they heard Robert say something about how they needed to get back to their rounds. They heard the two leave and the door close, listening to the charm the Prefects performed to lock the door. Once they determined they were alone, James let out another groan as he brought his hand down from above Lily's head.

"Good girl," He exhaled as he melted into her, and Lily's eyes widened again. That should not make her feel the way it did, but regardless her toes crinkled and she tightened her grip on her wand.

"You alright?" She asked sheepishly, trying to relax. She was feeling bashful and disappointed that they now had to exit the wardrobe.

James, slightly sweaty from the pain, nodded and raised his other arm to what he wanted to look at earlier. He pressed against the wall, and a hidden drawer slightly popped out. He reached his hand in and pulled out a piece of parchment from inside it.

"Lumos," he said, still breathing heavily. The room lit up, and Lily looked at James, light reflecting on his glasses. He was looking so damn good, skin sticky and lips soft. She fought against the image of something else that could make James groan, sweat, and breathe heavily.

They both looked at the parchment, and written in neat handwriting was "For those who forget, use wingardium leviosa to control replaced quaffles."

James looked up at Lily, a victorious smirk on his face, which Lily couldn't help but smile at.

"God damn it," Lily said, annoyed that he was but also influenced by his contagious smile, "You actually were right."

"We did it, Evans," James said excitedly, putting his hands on her face and shaking it with enthusiasm.

Lily laughed, blushing at his hand placement, "For Ravenclaws, they really are thick. That was way too easy to find."

James shrugged and dropped his hands, "I don't really care too much. We'll take this right to McGonagall. She'll sort this whole thing out."

Lily nodded as he opened the wardrobe door, feeling the cooler air hit their skin. She blinked at the sudden brightness as he helped her out.

"I can't believe you could do that spell so well, and wordlessly too! You never fail to astonish me with your brilliance," James ruffled her hair with his empty hand and pocketed the parchment with his other.

Lily, blushing harder, smiled at him, "Says the idiot who rebroke his collarbone."

"True," James just laughed, putting his hand on Lily's back to push her forward. He then put both hands on her shoulder and shook them back and forth as he guided her out of the door of the office and down the corridor, "What would I do without you, Evans? My saviour."

Lily just laughed as she shrugged off his hands, playfully pushing him. She looked up at him, his hands clasped behind his back and glasses peering down at her.

"Probably walk around with a broken collarbone."

"Of course," He looked forward, "I've got a question for you, Miss Evans."

Lily's stomach lurched at that statement, and she bit her lip in anticipation, "Yes?"

He stepped in front of her, stopping her. His hands were still behind his back, and he looked down at her. They were nearly as close as they were in the wardrobe.

"Did you think about kissing me in that wardrobe?"

Shit. Fuck. How did he know??

Her stomach dropped, and while she was taken back from the question, but decided she wasn't too mad about it. So they were doing this now?

Lily, full of panic and anxiety, was determined to remain as calm and collected on the outside as she could. She smirked and tilted her head flirtatiously.

"Maybe. What's it to you?"

James smirked back and stepped back to Lily's side as they started to walk again, "Why didn't you?"

"For starters," Lily said, deciding to remain confident, started to lie, "You had a broken bone and seemed to be in a decent amount of pain."

James scoffed sarcastically, "I don't know what you're talking about. Didn't hurt at all."

"Ah, of course, it didn't," Lily looked at her feet as they walked as she remembered the way that he grabbed at her hair and his tone when he whispered "Fuck" in her ear. She got chills again.

They were heading to McGonagall's office. She wasn't sure how James would explain how he obtained the evidence to McGonagall, but she wasn't thinking about that too much at that point. They were talking about kissing, something much more compelling and appealing to Lily.

"Regardless, and back to the more important thing at hand," He smirked at her as he leaned to whisper in her ear, sending chills up Lily's spine, "Perhaps we can get stuck in another wardrobe soon- and don't hold back next time. I still have to make it up to you for nearly getting caught."

[carelesscreativity]

DustDream Warmth & Comfort Because I Had A Need

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

(SFW, Angst, Fluff)

Dust was always so... cold. It couldn’t be helped, considering where he came from. His AU was desolate. Cold in every area, including the Core. There had been no other monsters for miles around for so long. Even when he’d been brought to Nightmare’s castle, the cold hadn’t gone away. He always slightly trembled when he was standing still and the chill from his AU seemed to have settled right inside of his bones. Some days, it was easier to bear than others. This was not one of those days.

He stumbled through the rain as the voices in his head grew louder. He was approaching the castle, but it wasn’t Nightmare’s. Already, he could see one of the doors opening and the light piercing through the dreariness. The voices were so loud and he was SO cold. He saw a silhouette approaching him in the rain and it reached out to him. Dust trembled and stopped as he felt the warm, gloved hand on his cheek and stared into wide, golden eyes. Dream quickly turned and led him into the castle. He pulled Dust out of the rain and shut the door, immediately seeming worried.

Dream sat Dust down on one of the small benches in the entryway, summoning a towel to his hands. Dream ignited his own magic, immediately drying himself and his clothes. “I didn’t know you were coming today. I would’ve gone to get you!” Dream kneeled in front of him, gently wiping the rainwater from his face. “Dust, you’re drenched.” He seemed dismayed as he noticed the way Dust’s eyes couldn’t really fix on him. He quickly placed the towel to the side, slipping both of his hands up to cup Dust’s cheeks. They were warm.

They were warm and Dust immediately pressed into them, closing his eyes. He could feel soothing pulses start to emanate from Dream’s gloved hands, temporarily calming the demons screaming in Dust’s skull. Slowly but surely, Dust managed to actually focus on the other. Dream perked up a little, giving a smile that was just as warm as his touch. “There you are.” Dream sounded relieved, gently rubbing circles on Dust’s cheeks with his thumbs. Dust gave a tiny shiver and Dream blinked.

Dust craved that warmth. He’d felt it for the first time in battle when he’d gotten close enough to grab Dream and the guardian had whispered in shock that Dust was so cold. Dust had let him go like Dream had electrocuted him, quickly disappearing from the battle. He’d arrived at Dream’s castle later that day to seek out his warmth again. It had become a bit of a normal thing for them, though both of them were sure Nightmare would be pissed. Especially since their relationship had evolved a little further as well. Dust gave another small shiver as he saw those disapproving, burning eyes of his beheaded brother floating over Dream’s shoulder.

Dream blinked and gently tapped Dust’s cheeks with his thumbs, piecing together what was wrong. “Don’t look at him. Look at me.” Dust managed to drag his eyes over from Papyrus to Dream and he instinctively relaxed a little. Dream gave another comforting smile before leaning up and gently pressing their foreheads together. “I’ll take you up to my room and put your clothes in the dryer, alright?” His voice was soft and soothing. Dust loved hearing it. He gave a quiet nod, closing his eyes as he felt them teleport.

He was suddenly sitting on something much softer than the bench. He opened his eyes, reaching out and sliding his hands over the silky sheets of Dream’s bed. They were comfortingly familiar and Dream giggled softly. He stood up and gently reached out, hooking his fingers into Dust’s scarf. “Is this okay?” He asked, not daring to move it unless Dust was comfortable. Dust twitched for a moment as he stared at Dream’s hand before giving a small, trembling nod. Dream carefully unwrapped the scarf, folding it and setting it to the side.

He turned back, only to stop in surprise as Dust held out the soaked jacket to him, having taken it off himself. “Oh! Thank you!” Dream beamed at him, feeling the pride in his chest. He knew Dust was very protective about his clothes and his body. He was allowing himself to be vulnerable to Dream and the guardian was honored. He took the jacket before squeaking as Dust hugged him tightly. Dust gave a small breath that sounded similar to a laugh as Dream flushed in embarrassment from the funny noise he’d made.

He blinked as Dust buried his head against his shoulder, trying to press himself against Dream as much as possible. He was shaking so bad. Dream had been about to say that he needed to go put Dust’s clothes in the dryer but the first muted sob stopped him. He immediately moved to the bed with Dust, sitting down with him and wrapping the blanket around the both of them. He activated his magic, allowing the heat to remain trapped in the blanket as Dust cried quietly into his shoulder.

Dream rubbed his back and Dust’s stained fingers curled into his shoulders. Dust only cried like this when the chill in his bones became painful and the voices were loud enough to drown out everything else. Dream closed his eyes and pressed his teeth to the side of Dust’s head, sending more of his soothing magic through the other. He could feel that Dust was hurting and he didn’t want that for him. He held Dust for several more minutes. Finally, Dust weakly tugged at him.

Dream pulled back to meet his gaze, only to blush vividly as he felt Dust’s teeth against his own. He felt his entire body warm up and Dust pressed against him even more. Dream held him for another few moments before speaking. “Hey...” He cupped Dust’s cheek again and he gave another gentle smile. “How about we lay down for a bit, okay? We can... I know you don’t like this word since it’s embarrassing, but... we can cuddle?”

As he expected, Dust’s cheeks flushed quietly and he looked away. He almost seemed to be trying to hide his face against Dream’s palm as he nodded and the other watched him with a small urge to giggle. The voices in Dust’s head seemed to be quieting down as he focused more and more on the pulses Dream was sending from his hand. “Here.” Dream gently took him by the shoulders and moved up to the head of the bed, settling both of them down against the pillows.

Dream tugged the covers over them before his fading blush reignited again. Dust had wrapped his arms around his torso and buried his face against Dream’s sternum. He mumbled in his raspy, slurred voice that Dream was always so warm. Dream gently hugged him back and sighed. He assumed Dust would be spending the night again and that always made him nervous. He didn’t want anything to happen to Dust, but he knew Nightmare would be less than pleased if he ever found out.

But, looking down at him and seeing the way Dust was snuggled against him, Dream couldn’t find it in his soul to tell Dust to leave. He liked being the one that Dust went to for warmth. He liked being with Dust. In a way, he understood the appeal of having something so dangerous within his grasp. But unlike his brother, he wanted to help Dust, not weaponize him. He gently stroked his hand over Dust’s skull and the other released that sound that Dream always loved hearing from him.

A soft purring noise slowly started up against Dream’s chest and it immediately brought a smile to the guardian’s face. But Dream knew this moment wouldn’t last much longer. He was waiting because he knew one more thing always happened before Dust was really able to rest. Sure enough, he saw Dust’s brow furrow and his purr slowly died down. A whimper took its place and Dream could feel the chill of Dust’s body through his glove. He quickly upped his pulses, making them as soothing as possible.

Dust’s mind had started screaming again. He wasn’t sure why it always did this right when he was finally about to relax and it frustrated him to no end. He screwed his eyes shut and he felt hands gently pull him up by his arms. They were so warm. Dust’s entire body was freezing like he had frostbite. His bones were completely locked up and he was on the verge of breaking down into another sobbing fit. He wanted to scream.

He wanted to scream at the coldness in his bones. He wanted to scream at the voices in his head. He just wanted to have one night where he could just sleep without problem against someone who brought him warmth. Dust wanted to finally feel like he deserved this.He hasn’t realized he’d started crying until he felt thumbs brush under his eye sockets. “Shhh... shhh...” He became aware of that sweet, lulling voice and tried to focus through his teary vision. It kept pulsing and all he could do was stare behind Dream at the silhouettes of everyone he’d ever killed. All of them were glaring, staring and whispering.

“DUST!” Dust snapped back to look at Dream, who immediately apologized for raising his voice. Dust was breathing heavily and he hadn’t even realized he was on the verge of hyperventilation. Dream’s soothing pulses continued to flood through his body. “Hey, you’re here. You’re here with me, okay?” Dream leaned forward and pressed his teeth to his forehead. “You’re doing well. You came back so much faster this time.”

He pressed his teeth to his forehead again. “I’m so proud of you.” Dream moved down and pressed another kiss to his cheek. “You are so strong.” He pressed another to his ‘nose.’ “So beautiful.” Dust was trembling, but it was no longer from fear. Finally, Dream pressed his teeth against Dust’s and Dust immediately reciprocated, his arms sliding up around Dream’s neck. Dream smiled against him, murmuring that it was okay. He kept their bodies firmly pressed together, even when they had both pulled away from the kiss.

Dust’s trembling was calming and after a moment, he was able to easily rest against him again. Dream’s hand was still rubbing his back and Dust nearly cried since he hadn’t realized how much he needed the unspoken comfort. Nonverbal praise affected him so much more and he finally felt a burst of warmth from his own soul. Dust looked up to meet Dream’s eyes and he could see so many things he didn’t understand in those golden eyelights.

Affection, warmth... was that...? Dust felt his cheeks flush. Pride. Was Dream proud of him?? Dust couldn’t help but stare up at him with wide eyes. Dream stared back, tipping his head in confusion. Dust scrunched up his shoulders and quickly avoided his gaze, feeling a little pissed at himself for being so easily flustered. He just... He really liked when Dream was proud of him. He blinked as he felt one of Dream’s hands back against his cheek, turning his head to face the guardian once more. “Dust? Are you alright?”

Dream’s voice was soft and hushed, but unlike the whispers Dust was used to, Dream’s voice was relaxing and welcome. He loved hearing it. He loved hearing him. He would never be able to say any of this out loud, but he didn’t have to because Dream could feel it all. Dust gave a flushed nod, Dream perking up in relief. The guardian was happy and his bones had taken on a slight golden glow, making him even warmer. Dust’s eyes widened and his fingers twitched as they curled into Dream’s shoulders again. He pressed his body up against Dream’s immediately, soaking in the warmth like he was sunbathing. It felt so good. Dream felt so good.

The warmth was making him hazy and Dust huddled against Dream once more, his sockets becoming half-lidded. Dream went back to gently stroking his skull and Dust’s eyes closed as that purr started back up in his throat. He would only ever make this noise for Dream. Dust felt so warm. He could barely hear the whispers and they were drowned out by the steady thump of Dream’s soul and Dust’s own purring. He was a little embarrassed to admit it was lulling him to sleep. But he didn’t have any time to be embarrassed before he slipped into the comfortable darkness.

Dream heard the purr stop, but he knew there was no cause for alarm anymore. He stopped stroking Dust’s head and just held the other against him. Dust looked so much happier when he was asleep and Dream’s soul ached for him. He closed his eyes, hugging the other. He knew Dust was broken and somethings weren’t meant to be fixed, but he could at least hold him together. He would do it as long as Dust needed. He just hoped he could be there when Dust was finally able to hold himself on his own.

[systemic-chaos]

It’s My Blog And I Can Talk About Deltarune If I Want To

No spoilers for chapter two, though I probably will update this post in a few days when I finish chapter two!

Okay, so, I just replayed thru chapter one so there won’t be any spoilers for chapter 2 at least but like.

I think Kris might have a darker life than we’d like to believe.

Maybe I’m overanalyzing things but there is some proof, aside from the whole soul and knife thingy.

Take a look at this picture of Kris’ and Asriel’s (presumably) room 

The first thing that jumps out at me is just how few things Kris actually has. Asriel has trophies, glow in the dark stars, a computer, tons of stuff. And what is on Kris’ side? A lamp, a messy bed, a few empty shelves. Arguably the wheelbarrow and birdcage. And the colors for most of Kris’ things are desaturated. 

I doubt this was just a design choice, and I have a few theories.

1) Neglect. 

It’s common for parents to neglect one child and favor another (speaking from personal experience) so even though Kris has Toriel for a parent, and I’d like to believe Toriel is the best mom there is, that could easily not be true. So far they’ve barely interacted, and what few interactions they’ve had have been mostly negative (late for school, not picking up the phone, etc.). 

The desaturation in this case would be literal dust and old age. Kris may have just gotten the hand me downs from Asriel.

Another point in favor of this theory is that Kris is wearing Asriel’s sweater from undertale! Kris could literally just be wearing the childhood clothes of their older brother who has gone off to college.

Neglect can also cause kids to act out or shut down, and I think this could explain why Kris oversleeps and comes to school late, and could explain why Kris is nonverbal/semiverbal. Kris does seem to talk more (at least implied to talk by other characters) in the dark world, so it could be that they feel very safe in the dark world, at least safe enough to talk.

Since both of the ‘problem kids’ of the school discovered the dark world for the first time in a long time, maybe the dark world is either some safe haven for abused kids or possibly a metaphor for abuse??

Could humans in this universe be lower on the social hierarchy than monsters? That would explain some of the reasonings behind the neglect, and possibly why there are no humans other than Kris in the town, at least from what I’ve seen during my playthrough. Even if my neglect theory isn’t true, I think the idea of humans being lower on the social hierarchy seems to ring pretty true to this game.

I’m not one hundred percent sure what the soul and knife scene is supposed to represent if we aren’t taking it literally in this case. Maybe how being at home feels like being trapped? I’m not sure what to make of that scene and I’m pretty sure no one else knew either.

2) Mental Illness

On the other hand, the desaturation and lack of things could be a representation of mental illness. Mental Illness would also explain a lot of how Kris tends to act, and could possibly explain the soul and knife scene?

If we aren’t taking it literally, the soul and knife scene could represent a descent into mental illness, only fueled by bad coping mechanisms and extreme escapism if the dark world is not real. If it is real, it could be more of how a return to reality after a fun experience can feel trapping and lead to impulses to harm yourself???

The third theory I have is that Kris could’ve just been recently adopted, but I don’t have much at all to say about that one.

While I do think the soul and knife scene is meant to be taken literally, as a sort of warning to the player about meddling or something, I think that looking deeper into the meaning would be really interesting. Also my personal theory is that Kris is a victim of neglect who struggles with paranoia but that is just me projecting so

[duskaris]

Day 10: Wish

This is one I’ve been anticipating and boy did it turn out. The characters in this one are Jay and Madeline. Jay is a Magi, with his specific power being an alter form as an Obski. He has very little control of this form and although he can now manage it, as a kid he couldn’t which caused “him” to commit several atrocities. A month ago I realized he fit the male part of the song “Seventeen” from Heathers the musical and decided he needed a girlfriend to fit the female part. Hence Madeline was born. She came from an abusive family and was kept isolated her whole childhood until she ran away at 17. Because of the abuse she has an extreme touch aversion and difficulties in social situations. They are the only characters I will ever guarantee get a happy ending. They deserve it. Thanks to @oc-growth-and-development for the prompts!

Madeline walked down the passageway, lanturn glowing a soft white in one hand, her notebook and pencil in the other. A warm smile was on her face as she moved towards a matching light illuminating a black clad figure. As she came closer, she noticed his posture was different than normal. Instead of sitting casually, nose deep in a book, he was curled up, face in his knees and arms wrapped around his head. Her smile dropped to concern as she picked up her pace.

“Why can’t I be normal?” Jay croaked as she approached. She crouched down beside him, dropping everything from her arms and moving to place her hand on his shoulder. It hovered an inch away as she grimaced, conflicted. The thought of flesh on flesh still made her hesitant but she swallowed her fear and set her hand down on the scratchy abric of his wool sweater. At the touch he looked up at her, tears marking lines down his face. “You don’t have to do that,” he said regarding her hand.

“What happened?” Madeline asked, afraid of the answer but even more afraid of acknowledging what he had said. She measured her breaths, evenly in and back out.

“They hate me, they’re scared of me, nothing new.” He sighed and rubbed his face. “I’m used to it but sometimes it just hurts to be reminded.”

“You shouldn’t have to be used to it. You deserve more than that,” she said quickly.  “Just like I shouldn’t be afraid to touch my own boyfriend,” she muttered as an afterthought. The dam inside her broke as her hand instinctively recoiled from him. “A few months ago, I was a seventeen year old who couldn’t read or write. That’s not normal.” She glanced down at her notebook that was laying open in the dust. It was filled with shaky letters, written over and over, some crossed out in frustration with pencil marks so deep they were engraved in the paper.

“I wish I was normal,” they said in unison. Jay lifted his arm towards her, nonverbally asking for permission. She nodded slowly and he placed his arm around her, hovering it just above her shoulders. She moved closer to him, leaving a small, but present, gap between them. Even though they weren’t touching, it felt warm and comfortable. 

“I wish that I could love you,” he whispered into her ear.

“You do love me, and I love you back,” she responded. If she had the strength she would reach up and wipe the tears from his eyes.

“You know what I mean. I wish we didn’t have to hide. It-” he broke off, "it feels like I'm living in a world I'll never truly be a part of."

“I know. I want nothing more than to be able to cuddle, and go on dates, and do everything else that a normal couple does,” Madeline expressed, yearning in her voice.

“But we aren’t normal,” Jay replied. “We’re broken. At least by their standards.”

“We could just be broken together,” Madeline suggested. “Do we really need them?”

“We don’t, but only if you’re okay with being a social outcast for the rest of our lives.” Madeline’s stomach filled with guilt as she hung her head. Being around people while they were acting friendly is hard enough. “It’s okay, I promise I’ll never put you through what I go through.”

“It’s not fair, I shouldn’t make you do this alone.”

“It’s not fair,” Jay agreed, “but it’s also not your fault. It would be wrong of me to put you through this crap knowing how it will affect you. I’m able to handle it.” Madeline wanted to protest, to say that she could deal with it and be fine, but she knew it would be a lie.

“If I could be fixed, then I could help you,” Madeline said, more a statement than a question.

“Do you want to be fixed?” Jay answered, voice thick with concern. “Can you even be fixed?” The lanterns flickered and went out, casting the pair in total darkness. Neither of them reached to turn them back on.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “We can’t turn back time and even if we could, if my family had loved me I wouldn’t have met you. I definitely don’t want that.”

"Even if it meant you were normal?" She didn't know how to respond and for a moment they sat in heavy silence.  

“Put your arm down," she suddenly commanded. Her voice was slow and firm but the mere idea sent her heart racing.

“Are you sure?” He sounded hesitant. "I don't want you to do something you're uncomfortable with for my sake."

“It's for my sake as well. If I can be fixed this is the first step. Just do it," she insisted. She steeled herself for the impact. His arm rested on her and panic bloomed in her mind as she felt a strong urge to stand up and flee, but she resisted it. After a moment the part of her mind that was constantly in a state of survival paranoia made peace with the logic that this was Jay, she was safe. Her shoulders relieved a tension she didn’t know they were holding as she relaxed. She snuggled closer to him, leaning her body into his. She could feel the steadiness of his chest as it rose and fell. The closeness brought back memories she didn’t want to remember, and though she tried to push through it was too strong. She pushed his arm off and lurched forward, tripping on the ground since she couldn’t see. Her throat closed up as she choked on the tears that were rapidly forming. Jay jumped up and reached for the lanturn, which illuminated a face full of concern when it turned on.

“Are you okay?” he asked, frantically looking her over for injuries. The feelings of guilt, hurt, and embarrassment filled her stomach and almost made her sick.

“Why can’t I be normal?” She answered his question with her own. “I just wanted to help you, but-” Her voice trailed off.

“Hey, it’s okay. Just you being here with me makes it okay. I love you no matter how damaged you are,” he reassured. “We can wish that we could be like everyone else all we want, but in the end, you are what’s most important to me. As long as I can come here and see you, screw them. I just want you to be able to feel the same.” Madeline sat up, wiping her sleeve on her face. “If you don’t feel safe with me, I don’t blame you, but please tell me.

“I do feel safe with you, safer than I’ve ever felt with anyone else,” she told him, “That’s why I was willing to try that.” He nodded.

“Just don’t push yourself for me. Even if you can eventually work through some of your aversions, it won’t change what I am. There’s no rush.” She cracked a small smile, and wished desperately that she could hug him without a panic attack.

[mc-lukanette]

All Marinette wanted was to have a nice time at the festival with her friends. Play games, eat some snacks, and maybe win a prize or two. It was simple and exactly what was reasonable to expect from a festival.

She didn’t know what part of that included being stuck in a haunted house attraction with Luka. She’d tried her hardest to avoid that area specifically, yet she’d somehow been shoved into it alongside Luka the moment she’d let her guard down. It wasn’t that she’d hated the idea of getting one-on-one time with him, but the location wasn’t exactly ideal.

As they walked into the next room, trying to find their way out, something leapt out at them from one of the fake walls. When Marinette had originally imagined she and Luka harmonizing, she thought it might be them singing along to one of Jagged Stone’s albums, but instead, it was them screaming in unison for the nineteenth time as they bolted ahead.

They stopped in the following room to catch their breath, with Marinette whining at nothing in particular, "How big is this place?"

"I have no idea," Luka lamented. Taking in a large breath, he added, "I’m so sorry, Marinette. It’s just like Jule to do something like this."

"What?" She spun around to face him. "No, it wasn’t just Juleka!" She paused, noting, "I-I mean, I know that’s not really better, but don’t apologize for it! You didn’t do anything!"

He let out a noncommittal hum, looking away with an embarrassed blush dusting his cheeks. "Not directly, but I’m sure Jule wanted to see me freaked out."

Perplexed, she tilted her head. "Why would she want that?"

He sighed. "Because I can usually play perfectly, so people like to see me miss a note or two."

Marinette frowned, having never thought about that. Hoping it sounded somewhat comforting, she chimed in, "People do the same to me, but—ah—not because I ‘play perfectly,’ obviously." She toyed with her fingers. "I think they just think it’s funny to see me react to things."

He gave her a sympathetic look and she vaguely wondered if this was really better than trying to get through the haunted house as quickly as possible. They were technically delaying the inevitable next - and hopefully last - scare, but at the same time, it was still nice getting her alone time with him.

A thought occurring to her, she pointed out, "I didn’t know you hated anything horror-related. O-oh! Unless you told me and I didn’t remember, in which case—"

"I never told you," he confirmed. "Jule was always watching horror movies late at night when it was dark. I guess I was too—" He glanced off at the side, his modest self probably finding his words weird to say. "—nice, to ask her to turn it down."

"Having siblings sounds terrible," Marinette half-joked.

Luka snorted, though his frown didn’t fade. "She’s great, but once she figured me out, she liked scaring me every now and then."

"Really?" She’d never taken Juleka for the type.

He shrugged. "I never said anything because—" He paused, and she could see that he felt like he was being ridiculous. "—I didn’t want it to change how you saw me."

"Change—" Marinette blinked, a mix between confused at what he meant and charmed that he cared so much about what she thought of him. "—how? If anything, I’m relieved!"

He straightened, giving her a weird look. "Relieved?"

"Yeah!" She threw her arms out in dramatic fashion. "You’re human!"

Luka’s eyes went wide, then he jerked forward, stifling a chuckle.

"I’m serious!" she insisted, even while smiling herself. "I thought you might’ve been a perfect angel descending on us mortals!"

He chuckled again, nearly breaking into a giggling fit. Looking up at her with a fond expression, he waited until he was calmer to reply, "I could say the same thing about you."

She blushed. He seemed to realize what he said, given the way his brows rose, but he didn’t take it back either. She was only now feeling all the romantic atmosphere in the room, knowing very well that this was not the place to be having it.

"A-ah—so!" She leaned forward to take his hand in hers - okay, maybe that wasn’t going to help anything - then turned away. "We should get out of here! The longer we stay in here, the worse it’s going to be!"

She could sense his smile. "Yeah, let’s go."

She was glad he didn’t misinterpret what she’d said. He’d always had a way of reading her that she really admired.

They continued on, the room cluttered and with multiple diverging paths. It seemed like a perfect place for someone to pop out or make some spooky noises, but Marinette was thankful to be not as "on edge" as before, a lot of tension drained away from her conversation with Luka.

Then, the already-limited lights went off.

Marinette jumped, feeling Luka clutch her hand tighter as he flinched. She blindly reached out, but abandoned the idea immediately, not having the courage to try and feel her way around.

"It...it’s okay!" she tried to reassure, turning to him even if she couldn’t see anything. "We’ll just use what we remember seeing before to figure out which way to go! Um—" She looked around, trying to envision what the room had looked like. "I-I think there was a break in the curtains this way?"

She hesitated, waiting to see if maybe Luka had any other ideas. He was oddly silent, however, and she was starting to worry that the hand she was holding would end up not being his.

"...You’re incredibly brave, Marinette," he suddenly said.

"Huh?" She was briefly thankful to the darkness for hiding her dumb surprised face. "No, I’m really not! This is terrifying!"

"That just makes it all the more impressive," he argued. "You're scared, but you don’t stop. You keep going no matter how many times you think you slip up. Even with Adrien, you never quit. That takes a lot of courage."

She blushed red, now thankful to the darkness for a different reason. She wasn’t sure whether to thank him or brush off the compliment, but—

"Wait," she began, squinting. "With Adrien?"

"Hm?"

Realization hit a moment later, embarrassing her. "Oh. That’s right. I never told you. I guess—it just never came up?" She shrugged, knowing that he might at least feel it through their joined hands even if he couldn’t see it. "I...I moved on from Adrien a long time ago."

"Really?" he asked.

Without the light, she only had his voice to work off of. It almost made it easier, as his face often didn’t give things away unless he wanted it to. She could hear a hint of hope in his voice that he clearly tried not to make known.

Staring down at their hands, she confirmed, "Yeah. Um, I love someone else now."

He didn’t respond verbally at first, but just by the way his grip on her hand lessened, she imagined that the hope died out.

"They're very lucky, Marinette," he said, voice quieter than usual. "Have you tried telling them?"

She paused, swallowing her nerves and hoping that she wasn’t imagining things. After all, he did flirt with her earlier, unless she was just reading too much into it. Outside of how long it took her to realize her feelings, she didn’t have any reason to believe he didn’t still feel the same.

Squeezing his hand, she whispered, "I want to - I don't even have an excuse for holding back, since they already confessed to me - but..." She breathed up, adding quickly, "I can't see their lips when it's this dark."

His fingers twitched against her hand; another nonverbal reaction. She squinted at him, hoping to see any hint of his reaction, but she couldn’t even make out his silhouette.

It hadn’t even occurred to her that they haven't been jumped by anyone for a while.

Finally, Luka spoke up, a clear lightness in his voice. "Do you think you could remember what you saw before to figure it out, Marinette?"

"Remember—" She stopped, realizing what he meant, and her heart did a flip in her chest at how happy he sounded. Absorbing the moment, she looked down and ran her thumb along his hand, needing a few seconds to confirm to herself what was happening.

She felt his other hand fall upon her shoulder, the feeling alone letting her use her memory to visualize him in front of her: his casual attire, the earrings he never took off, his gorgeous highlights that she'd daydreamed about feeling between her fingers, and his vibrant blue eyes that sent waves of calm over her.

She reached up. On her first try, her hand found his cheek and her thumb slid gingerly over his lips. Luka giggled in response and she shuddered at the way his lips twitched, like he was tempted to kiss her thumb just for effect.

They both leaned towards each other, exchanging a long overdue kiss. It never occurred to them that maybe it wasn’t that no one had tried to scare them, but that they’d just been too into their own little world to notice it.

[convxction]

company .   silently  sit  with  ( Chrom ) to  comfort  them.

nonverbal  prompts | accepting | @soverina

company .   silently  sit  with  my  muse  to  comfort  them.

It was rather easy finding the prince whenever something happens and he decides to be left alone, that unless he wants to be really left alone, he would have to ride Argent outside of the castle and make sure no one follows him but he cannot leave the castle, at least not this time. 

Another attempt on Emmeryn’s life was made today. Had it not for the quick thinking of Phila, she would have died ... He still cannot understand why people wishes to kill his sister--the woman who is trying to spread peace around the continent. Do really people despises peace that much? Sigh...  It does not make sense ...

He was plucking grass around the maple tree up the hill, where he usually goes to ‘hide’ or train... or nap. Words from the knights, and the princess made her way to his side without the need to look for him all over the castle. Everyone was shaken up, especially her being a guest and all, she cannot do anything but sit and see. The least she can do is to make sure everyone was alright, and Princess Peach had just left The Exalt’s room in search for the prince on request of Emmeryn.

The sound of footsteps approaching alarmed the prince--not an armor noise...not Frederick... sounds like-- when he looked up, he saw the princess, who bowed, announcing herself then sat quietly beside him. He nodded and stopped butchering these poor grass leaves, dusting his hands and pulled one leg close to his chest to lay his arms on.

Other than that, they did not talk afterwards. Chrom stole a couple of glances towards her and Peach was simply smiling and admiring the view of the castle from their point.

Chrom cleared his throat and turned around, enough to see the princess’ face (making sure there is some distance to not trespass her comfort zone--neither his, honestly.) “How are you?” his question earned him a light giggle from her, asking him if HE was alright. “I ... I would be lying if I said I was okay...or used to this ... Sorry... Thank you for coming here. Sister told you, so, didn’t she?” there was an apologetic smile on his face. 

[jgvfhl]

Number Lads!!

GUYS I hit 700 followers today?? Amazing. So, I worked extra hard to get this part up and finished for ya!

Part 2/??? Read Part 1 here :) Words: about 4k, no warnings

So I remembered the Battle of Kamino is a thing. And I had just put Sevenset in Rancor battalion. Whoops! But, if you know anything about me, you know nothing really bad happens.

CT-2222 = Do-si-do = Double Trouble

CT-3333 = Trees = Green Bean

CC-6666 = Sixes = DEATH

ARC-7777 = Sevenset = ARCBoiiiii

CT-8888 = Loops = Loopy

Reading the inventory lists from the datapad in his hands was increasingly difficult. Loops rubbed his eyes and shook his head roughly, trying to refocus, to put the overwhelming feeling of helplessness behind him. The whole Wolfpack felt similarly. Every announcement over the PA system made them jump. General Koon was using his limited free time to gather with groups of troopers to help ease their minds, and it was helping, but the general had chosen an uphill battle.

Kamino was under attack. The closest thing any clone had to a home, and the Separatists were trying to destroy it. The Wolfpack hadn’t been called to the front, as was their normal position. When the battle cleared, and the dust settled, they would be there to help pick up the pieces, until another assignment called them away.

So they waited.

Worse for Loops, he knew Sevenset was in the thick of things, following the ARC commanders at the helm of the defensive actions. He knew the ARCs were the best soldiers on Kamino, and he knew the 501st and 212th had boots on the ground as well, and Generals Ti, Skywalker, and Kenobi would be there with them. He knew this. But it barely helped ease his worries.

Technically, the next Numbers meeting wouldn’t be for another three weeks, but Do-si-do had commed everyone to ask if they wanted to move up the date because of the battle. Obviously, they hadn’t heard much from Sevenset. Or from Commander Sixes, but that wasn’t as much of a worry. He was a commander, he had a whole Star Fighter wing to lead into battle. Still, the radio silence only made Loops more uneasy. But Trees and Loops had agreed to meet with Do-si-do, at least, and that would start in about ten minutes.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Loops tried to put aside the gnawing worry in his mind to finish this inventory before the meeting. It wouldn’t be fair to hand over a half-finished inventory to the next guy on shift. So he slogged through it, walking around the denoted section of the Lightbolt’s cargo hold, reading the crates, scrolling through his datapad, until he was finally done. As he left the hold, he handed off the device to Tanner, one of the officers overseeing inventory at the moment.

“All set, sir.”

“Thanks, Loops. Get some rest.”

“Will do.”

He didn’t rest, not really. When he got to his bunk, he propped himself up against his pillow at the head of his bunk, waiting the last few minutes until Do-si-do sent the transmission to start the meeting.

“Hey, Loops.”

He looked up at the face looking upside down at him from the top bunk. “Hey, Racket.” Loops was always grateful his bunkmate never complained about some of the late-night Numbers Meetings.

“How you holding up?”

“Okay, I guess.”

“I know you’ve got a buddy in Rancor, just wanted to check in.”

The knot of worry in his gut tightened. “Yeah.” His voice felt hollow. “Thanks, Racket.”

“Haven’t heard anything yet, huh?”

Loops shook his head. “Two and Three and I are having a call soon to talk it out.”

“Ah,” Racket said, “I’ll give you some space.”

“Thanks,” Loops said, although his brother’s head had already retreated to his own bunk. Right on cue, his comm blinked its light. He hadn’t had the chance to get a holoprojector today. But he would be able to hear the others.

“Hey, Trees,” Do-di-do’s voice had a smile in it. “Loops?”

“Couldn’t get a projector today, sorry,” Loops said. “I can still hear you.”

“Oh, good.”

“Hi, Loops,” Trees said.

“Hey, Trees.”

“How’s the Pack?” Do-si-do asked.

Loops shrugged, before remembering they couldn’t see him. “It’s… well, you know. Everyone’s on edge. The general’s been helping though.”

Trees agreed. “Yeah, General Unduli and Commander Offee have been holding group mediations for the ones who want it.”

“I’ve heard General Windu’s working on that too, but…. He’s busy as all hell.”

“Yeah, High Generals usually are,” Loops said.

“Anyone else… find it kinda weird, though?” Do-si-do furthered.

“What do you mean?”

“Like… I dunno. I didn’t expect the Jedi to care this much.”

“Oh,” Trees said flatly.

“I mean--obviously, they care if Kamino is attacked,” he went on. “Because it’s producing the whole damn army, but I never thought they’d… do all this.”

It was a fair reaction. Most clones, upon encountering their generals, were a little unsettled at how… human they were. Loops had certainly had a learning curve when he’d joined the 104th. General Koon was… amazing. So, honestly, Loops hadn’t been surprised when he had offered to help his troopers through the stress of the Kamino attack. But, Do-si-do had always been a bit skeptical of the Jedi, even though, from what Loops had heard of General Windu, he would regularly go out of his way to defend his men.

“I’m not complaining,” Loops said.

There was a longer than normal pause afterwards. He eyed the blinking light on his wrist comm, wondering. It wasn’t uncommon for the signal to get interrupted by space travel.

“What are you boys gossiping about now?” Ah. Not space travel. Just Commander Sixes. His brain did a mental double take as that thought formed. Just Commander Sixes.

“Oh, uh…” Do-si-do searched for words. Trees was probably frozen again. “Just… thought some of us could use the conversation. With Kamino under attack. And all.”

There was a gruff, nonverbal reply from the commander.

“Don’t suppose you got any updates we laymen didn’t, sir?” Do-si-do asked cautiously. Loops couldn’t help leaning towards his comm. Even a little news would help…

“None any of you have clearance for.”

Loops rolled his eyes, falling back against his pillow. He should have expected it. But that didn’t make it any less disappointing.

“Sir, you know the point of this call was to ease stress, not make it worse?” Do-si-do replied.

“Armor up, shiny, we’re at war.”

_____

ARCBoiiiii: Guess who’s not dead!!!!

Loopy: kriff is it over???

ARCBoiiiii: Yep! Sent the clankers running and the Hairless Harpy and Evil Spider Legs too

Green Bean: did you just nickname… Grievous and Ventress?

ARCBoiiiii: what’s it to ya?

Loopy: are you okay sevens?

ARCBoiiii: aw loopy were you worried?

Loopy: get karked

Loopy: ...but yeah

ARCBoiiiii: where’s do-si-do?

Green Bean: dunno. might be on the wing.

Loopy: sevenset. are. you. okay.

ARCBoiiiii: ah okay. and yes! i am okay, loops. little sore, but i’m not hurt. Rancor’s casualties weren’t bad.

Double Trouble: SEVENSET YOU SONAUVA HUTT HOW ARE YOU

ARCBoiiiii: Do-si-do!!!!!! im okay :D

ARCBoiiiii: Cmdrs havoc + colt in medical tho… colt had a run-in with ventress i guess

Loopy: oh kriff--

DEATH: he’s alive after that?

DEATH: … really, boys? the name?

Double Trouble: Sevenset’s idea sir

ARCBoiiiii: Do-si-dos idea

ARCBoiiiii: kark dammit

Double Trouble: beat u haha

Loopy: lol

Green Bean: How ironic. He survives Kamino only to be reaped by Death later

DEATH: ha

Double Trouble: 0.0

ARCBoiiiii: i feel unsafe

Loopy: trees where has that biting wit been hiding my friend

ARCBoiiiii: WAIT I ALMOST FORGOT SOMETHING IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!

Double Trouble: ??????

ARCBoiiiii: I FOUND NUMBER FIVE

Loopy: Yay!! He was the one in 501st right?

ARCBoiiiii: yeah! pretty damn good sniper too from what i heard. AND GUESS WHAT ELSE

Green Bean: There’s more?

ARCBoiiiii: He and his batcher got promoted to ARCs so THEY’RE STUCK WITH MEEEEE

DEATH: I almost pity them.

Green Bean: ha

Loopy: wait what’s his name??

ARCBoiiiii: fives

Double Trouble: oof unoriginal

DEATH: Oh really, Do-si-do?

Double Trouble: wait no

Loopy: do-si-do it’s been nice knowing you

Double Trouble: nO WAIT it’s hardly fair, you’ve got Death as a name too

DEATH: Sure thing. Anyway, Fives and his batcher are Rex’s freaks, and he always takes his ARCs with him. They’ll be gone after graduation.

ARCBoiiiii: aw shucks :(

Double Trouble: that’s still like… almost three months tho

ARCBoiiiii: yessssss i’ll drag em into the next couple holos

Green Bean: But… it’s just Fives that has the repeating number, right?

ARCBoiiiii: well yeah but they’re practically inseparable, i’d feel bad

DEATH: that’s pathetic

ARCBoiiiii: one of these days we’ll find a recruit you actually like

DEATH: No

Double Trouble: speaking of, did you find number nine? Isn’t he in the 212th?

ARCBoiiiii: no… I’ll ask around, the orangios are still planetside for a bit. and i’m still on the lookout for a cadet 1111!

Loopy: glad you’re alive

ARCBoiiiii: *mwah*

Loopy: aaaaand now I’m not

-----

For the second time in about two minutes, Fives once again lagged a step so he could reach back and tug Echo along by the sleeve. “Keep up, will you?”

“Fives--”

“I don’t want to hear it, Echo, I told you already.”

His batchmate wasn’t going quiet without debate. “But we’re supposed--”

“--to be doing something very boring, now quit complaining.”

“It’s ARC training, Fives,” Echo hissed, yanking his sleeve away, but keeping pace with him behind Sevenset. “It’s all important, even if it’s boring.”

Their leader turned around, walking backwards as he said, “Well… I mean, I’ll be honest, I’ve never used the desert field training once, so…” He shrugged.

“Yeah, because you live on an ocean planet,” Echo pointed out.

“Pays off,” the ARC trooper grinned.

“Doesn’t it get kinda boring, though?” Fives asked. “The same planet over and over?”

“Boring?” Sevenset turned briefly to avoid a squad of junior cadets being led by medic. “Nah, not boring. Maybe the scenery leaves something to be desired, but hey--so did Coruscant. But helping to train brothers like you two? Never boring.”

“I think Fives would have to try to be boring.”

“I’m boring when I sleep.”

Echo turned a skeptical look on him.

“What?”

“What do you mean ‘what?’ you snore like a rancor--”

Remembering who was walking with them, they both looked at Sevenset to add, “No offense.”

And then Fives cut right back in with a rebuttal. “Well maybe I wouldn’t snore if I didn’t have your entire weight on top of me?”

Echo waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, no no no, don’t you pull that argument--”

Fives scoffed. “I am absolutely pulling that argument--”

“You snored on Rishi, and we all used our own bunks.”

That was true. They hadn’t had a reason to share until after…. “Okay, but how do you know that wasn’t Cutup?”

“Cutup--!” Echo’s incredulous tone was somewhat marred by the smile creeping onto his face. Their arguments could never keep a serious face for too long. “You don’t snore in a kriffing accent, Fives!”

Fives could no longer keep the smile off his face either, and he gave Echo a gentle shove with his shoulder. “Okay, you got me.” The gesture was returned a little more violently. Then they noticed Sevenset had come to a stop by a door, and they pulled themselves together to face him.

“You guys were on Rishi Moon?” Sevenset asked, passing his vambrace in front of the control panel to open the door. He gestured them in.

It was a small meeting room--very small, from the others Fives had seen. The holotable jutting out from the far wall probably left room for about seven people. He and Echo stood to one side of the door, hands behind their backs. Fives decided against asking why Sevenset had access to to this place.

“Yessir, we were the last men stationed there.” Echo’s answer was curt, almost blunt, but kept carefully under the veneer of professionalism he managed so much better than Fives did. It had become their standard answer for Rishi questions.

Sevenset glanced over at them from where he was typing at the holotable. “Echo, buddy, I just commandeered you from under your CO’s nose. You can drop the ‘sir.’” He looked back to the blue holograms in front of him. “So were you the ones who blew up the all-clear signal? Saved us a hell of a lot of trouble around here, I’ll tell you that. Should be thanking you.”

“There’s… no need for that.” Echo’s voice shrank slightly, his eyes dropping towards the floor. Fives sighed as quietly as he could, silently bracing for the unpleasant exchange that was sure to follow that deflection.

“Really? I hope you got medals or something, though,” Sevenset replied. He finished typing and stepped back from the table, facing them. “How’d you do it, anyway? Not easy to blow a base like that.”

“No…” Fives agreed hollowly, hoping the ARC would eventually get the karking hint and change the subject. There were already a half dozen scenes of memory playing through the back of his mind as he did his best to pointedly ignore them.

“Liquid tibana.”

He turned to look at Echo, who caught the unasked question in his eyes.

“He asked,” his batchmate shrugged helplessly, now looking anywhere except at their faces.

Sevenset’s eyebrows rose, crinkling the tattoos on his scalp, and he nodded. “Yeah, I guess LT would do the trick, wouldn’t it?”

Nope. Not getting the hint. And Echo--Maker bless him--would keep answering his questions even if it gave him a panic attack. Maybe ARC training could help him kick that habit.

“Did they really send commando droids--”

Fives didn’t let him finish. “Look, Sevenset, we don’t really like talking about Rishi.” Next to him, he noticed some of the tension leave Echo’s shoulders. “Our whole batch was stationed there, and, aside from Commander Cody and Captain Rex, we’re the only ones who survived that attack.”

Sevenset blinked, realization hitting like a splash of cold water. “Oh. Yeah, of course,” he looked down, scuffing one of his boots on the floor without much enthusiasm. “Sorry about  that. Should’ve realized.”

Fives dipped his head, acknowledging the apology. He knew Sevenset hadn’t meant any harm by asking, but at least he’d apologized. The holotable made a noise, and Sevenset practically flew to answer the incoming transmission. Fives couldn’t blame him for wanting to dissipate the uncomfortable silence that had followed his apology. He nudged Echo with his elbow, and they moved closer, still shoulder-to-shoulder, as the first two holograms appeared.

The first clone they saw sat in what looked like a cockpit, although “sitting” was a generous term. More like lounging. His head was shaved on the right side, and the long curls left were bleached and dyed a cold white. His face lit up upon recognizing Sevenset.

“You are alive!”

“Of course I’m alive, Do-si-do,” the ARC replied, once again all smiles. “I am almost offended you thought my first fight with Rancor would finish me.”

The second clone--in recognizably 104th gear--gave a tiny smile. “Here I am surprised Do-si-do hasn’t gotten a surprise visit from Death after his remarks about originality in the chat.”

The pilot, Do-si-do, made a show of looking under and behind his seat. “Nope, all clear. Sorry to disappoint, Loopy.”

“My name’s not Loopy.” He turned to look at Fives and Echo. “My name’s not Loopy, it’s just Loops.” Kind of a fun name, really. Fives wondered what his number was. Eight, probably?

“And for once you beat Trees here,” Sevenset remarked. Another hologram appeared. “Ooh, but not by much.”

Trees, by the looks of his armor, was in the 41st. But, unlike the others, he looked downright regulation, like Echo. “Sorry, I got stuck behind a gonk droid in the hall.” Catching sight of Fives and Echo, he added, “Oh, are these the new guys?”

“Yep!” Sevenset looked to them.

Without warning, Echo’s hand appeared, grabbing Fives by the jaw and turning his head to the left. “And you’ll never guess which one of us is named Fives.”

Fives swatted his hand away, Echo ducking the half-hearted attempt to put him in a headlock. “I am going to kill you,” he growled at his batchmate’s stupidly smug expression. So he liked the number; he had a good reason to like the number!

“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with it, come on,” Sevenset smiled. “You and Loops can match.”

Loops turned his face so the tattoo on his right cheek was visible. An infinity symbol? Stylized number eight? “First thing I did when I got the chance.”

“How’s ARC training treating you two, then?” Do-si-do asked with a smile.

Fives glanced at Echo. “Not too bad,” he answered with a shrug.

“Yet,” Echo added.

Sevenset smirked and nodded knowingly. “Emphasis on ‘yet,’” he agreed. “Right about the three- or four-week mark, you’ll really start regretting some life choices.”

“You survived, though,” Trees pointed out. “Can’t be that bad if they managed to drag you over the finish line.”

“I do have more than one personality trait, you know.”

“Whaaat?” Do-si-do shook his head. “Can’t believe you’re more than your carefree facade. Actually upset now.”

Sevenset raised an eyebrow at him, but Do-si-do ignored the silent challenge and just blew him a kiss through the screen. Sevenset had mentioned he and “number two” had started this group, and now Fives could indeed understand they knew each other pretty well.

“Wait,” Loops spoke up. “What’s your name?” He gestured a little vaguely towards the two batchmates.

“Oh.” Echo straightened up a bit. “I’m Echo.”

Loops waved at him.

“Is this everyone?” Fives asked, looking to Sevenset. He had mentioned the group wasn’t “complete” yet, but he hadn’t expected it to be this small.

The other four shook their heads. Sevenset answered. “No, there’s still the commander, but we don’t pretend to know when or if he’s gonna show. The others--number one, number nine, number four, and zero--we haven’t found yet.”

“And Commander Fox wants nothing to do with us, thanks to Sevenset,” Do-si-do added.

“Also true.”

Echo’s confused expression matched the questions Fives had in mind. He didn’t know Commander Fox’s number off the top of his head. Echo probably did. He’d known the captain’s and Commander Cody’s like that. But… there was another commander? They turned to look at Sevenset together, although two different questions came out of their mouths.

“What commander?” Fives asked.

“You asked Commander Fox?” Echo said at the same time.

They didn’t get answers. Well. Not explicitly. A fourth hologram appeared beside Loops, Trees, and Do-si-do. The single pauldron denoted rank. The full kit of black armor, helmet included, didn’t give many other details. So. That commander. Whoever that commander was…

Next to him, Echo tensed, just barely, but Fives could read him too well to miss it. He looked over. Fives recalled his batchmate’s reaction to meeting the captain and Commander Cody for the first time. They had reputations, they had stories, and Fives had been right with him in that sense of awe--aside from the whole… being invaded by commando droids… thing that had been happening at the same time. And right now Echo kind of looked like that. But his expression had none of the subtle reverence Fives remembered. More… fear? Not quite. He’d seen Echo scared. Who was this guy? And why couldn’t Fives place him?

“Hey, Commander,” Do-si-do greeted, like there was nothing strange about a commander in all-black armor appearing on their holotable. None of them had even gone to attention. That was a little odd.

The commander folded his arms across his chest and grunting a nonverbal reply. His visor landed on Fives and Echo. Again, Fives saw Echo’s whole body stiffen in his periphery. “New guys?” the commander eventually asked, his voice sounding an awful lot like Alpha-17’s gruff speech.

“Yep,” Sevenset nodded, not even addressing him as sir. “This is Fives, that’s his batcher Echo, and you have magically chosen to appear right when they started asking questions about you.”

“These the inseparable ones?” This man had absolutely no variation in tone, and it was going to get creepy.

“Looks like it,” Loops replied.

The commander stared at them for a few more seconds, before giving another wordless huff and looking away. “No one’s inseparable.”

Fives did not like the chill that sent down his spine, despite the words having, as before, no discernible emotional tone. Behind his back, his hand tightened around the opposite wrist, the dull pain momentarily distracting his mind from the commander’s implication. Glancing to Echo, he saw his brother’s jaw clench, his mouth pressed into a line as he stared down the holograms. Fives shuffled closer until their shoulders and arms touched, feeling his brother lean into him.

Sevenset looked between them and the holotable before taking half a step sideways towards them. “Okay, Commander Dark and Angsty, maybe don’t scare away the new guys? Thanks.”

The commander’s helmet tilted up ever so slightly--probably rolling his eyes--but he stayed quiet.

“And that,” Sevenset went on, turning to Fives and Echo, “is Commander Sixes, AKA Commander Death, and yes, he is always like that.”

Finally, it clicked in Fives’ mind. He knew about Commander Death, he just hadn’t seen any images of him. Sithspit, no wonder Echo had reacted like that. The Death Wings were downright terrifying by word-of-mouth, and that--that was their commander.

And these guys were just… chatting with him. They chatted with him… regularly. Sevenset didn’t even call him sir. What in the nine hells…?

The commander’s visor went to Sevenset. “How are Colt and Havoc? Haven’t had a chance to comm them.”

“Mm? Oh. Commander Colt’s just got out of medical. Commander Havoc got out a couple rotations ago.” Sevenset shrugged. “That’s all I’ve got.”

Fives had seen Commander Havoc during training yesterday. He’d walked a little stiffly, but from what he’d heard about his injuries, walking at all was pretty damn good.

“Did you ever find number nine?” Loops asked. “In the two-twelfth?”

“Eh…” Sevenset held up a hand palm-down and tilted it back and forth. “Sort of. I got confirmation he is in with Commander Cody’s boys, and that his name is Nines, but that’s all. Never got eyes on him or a frequency, or I would’ve patched him in.”

Echo opened his mouth, then closed it. Fives nudged him to speak. He’d already drawn attention from Loops, Trees, and Do-si-do anyway. “Well, just--Torrent works with Commander Cody’s men more often than most. We could keep an eye out for him.”

“Once we’re back with the company,” Fives added.

“Oh yeah,” Sevenset nodded. “Totally. Thanks.”

“Any word on the others we’re looking for?” Trees asked.

Sevenset shook his head. “No luck with number one over here. Still haven’t found any cadet with that number.”

Do-si-do added, “The ninety-first has leave in three weeks. My company will be on Coruscant for about a ten-day. Anyone else?”

“I’ll check,” the commander said, reaching out of frame for something.

While he was silent, Loops put in, “Well, the Wolfpack won’t be off for another month and a bit.”

Trees nodded. “The forty-first is still on for another two months.”

“And obviously the three of us aren’t going anywhere,” Sevenset said, tilting his head towards Fives and Echo. “Gotta say, that is one thing I miss about being in the Guard. Can’t see everyone when they’re on leave.”

“The one-eighteenth has leave in about a month,” the commander finally reported. “Should overlap with the ninety-first for a few days. Maybe you can find zero in there. My fighters have a mission with the Nova Corps coming up, too. I’ll see if I can find number four.”

A smug smile appeared on Sevenset’s face. “I thought you once said you weren’t our recruiter, Commander.”

The commander stared at him for half a moment, then answered, “The Marines won’t have leave for another six months. You want to find number four? This is how you do it.”

The ARC nodded, his smile never changing. “Okay, alright, I get it. We won’t tell anyone you like us.”

The commander huffed quietly, then muttered, “I’m still surprised Alpha-17 didn’t beat that attitude out of you over there.”

Echo smirked. “Well, at least that means there’s hope for Fives.”

Fives shouldered him. “Hey, I haven’t done anything.”

“Yet.”

Sevenset grinned at Fives, who found himself returning a small smile. Trees pinched the bridge of his nose. “Maker help us, there’s two of them.”

“Something wrong with that, Trees?” the ARC replied with mock severity. Fives would admit, he did like Sevenset. He liked seeing a higher ranking soldier maintain a lighter sense of humor. Most of the Teth survivors in Torrent had a dark streak--Coric might have it the worst, actually, and it was rubbing off on Kix.

“Nothing wrong, just means I’ll have to explain to my medics why my blood pressure’s so high.”

Do-si-do and Sevenset laughed, and Loops smiled. The commander just shook his head. Yeah, Fives could get used to this.

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Edit: I FORGOT TAGS @nl13 @darth-void @glubtheflyingfish (sorry i missed you in part 1) @blsmjoon @23-bears @theultimatesandwich @peacefulwizardfox @alamogirl80