#i think the first time a bat spoke to him he was a bit sleep deprived or something

[rainpunk07]

hear me out, danny speaking russian (dc x dp hc)

so i was just watching a video about space, right? allegedly, turns out if you (an american) wanna board the international space station you must speak russian fluently since the only way to get there is by a russian shuttle and pilot (nasa apparently ended their own shuttle program way back when??) (don’t quote me on this)

so picture danny learning russian at a relatively young age for the sole hope of going to space and such, and it coming out every once in a while when he’s mumbling or something like that (it’s basically second nature to him)

so danny ends up at gotham for whatever reason (demon twins, reveal gone wrong, idc, they’re all cool) and he wants to start anew, so he pretends to only speak russian?? ig?? it’d make for some funny/interesting BatFam interactions i suppose

i don’t know where i was going with this but i want to read prompts of danny speaking russian

[the-witch-of-one-piece]

Morning Sex 18+ Ft: Draken, Hakkai, Shuji, Taiju, and Ran Resident of @enchantedforest-network TW: Morning sex, suggestive theme, suggestive language, penetration, fingering, masturbating, making out, mutual masturbation

Taiju

 

Your dreams began sweet but ended a bit more sinfully when opening your eyes you could see your husband still sleeping. Seeing his chest rise up and down, he looked like a masterpiece. Biting your lower lip your hands began to rub his hard chiseled abs they began to travel lower and lower going underneath the band of his briefs finding his cock. You slowly began to stroke his cock. With just a few strokes you heard a low throat groan coming from him. His eyes half opened, his eyes fixated on you. “What do you think you're doing?” “Playing with what's mine.” you playfully spoke to him. Your lashes batting at him then back at the covers moving as you were stroking his cock. He looked at the time and Sunday services started in an hour and a half.  “Waking up with such sinner thoughts like the little slut you are.” letting out a lower growl. 

Pushing off the covers and removing the briefs from his lower extremities. “You love fucking this little slut. Doesn't that make you a sinner as well?” you cooed as you rub the tip of his cock that had pre-cum. 

“I guess we are lucky we have a little bit of time before the services. But it doesn’t give me enough time to fuck the sins out of you my way.” Taiju looked down at your hand reaching the back of your head gripping a fist full of your hair. “I wanna see how much of a little slut you can be before we have to get ready.”

Hanma

“Ba-be  I- I mmmm ngh shit~~~ i need to get ready.” you couldn't even get the words out of your lips. Your hands were pressed on your beds as you were bent over. “You think I could resist you walking all nice clean for me.” He trusted hard a few times making you gasp for air. “They wouldn’t mind you being an hour late or two.” 

Hanma was getting a good view of his cock sliding inside of you. He saw the ring of cum at the base of his cock. You were simply enjoying every ounce of his cock being rammed inside of you. This wouldn’t be the first time you were late because of him. It definitely wouldn’t be the last time either. He leaned over his tongue sliding up your back till he reached your shoulder placing a sweet kiss. The soft panting coming from him, his hands grasped onto your breast. His body was already glistening with sweat as his body pressed against your back. “Fuck it this your third time being late? You don’t need that job now, let daddy take care of you.” he purred in your living you could hear the menacing chuckle coming from him. “Your only job right now is to take all of my cock inside of you.” Draken

He is the first one to walk up but he is too comfortable to get out of bed. His head is buried into the back of your head. He got a whiff of your shampooed hair “Babe get up.” he grumbled with his eyes closed. “No” you mumbled in a groggy tone. “It's too early….” “It's 7, come one get up.” he slightly opened his eyes to see the time on the alarm. “You get up then I will get up.” you weren’t gonna get up not until he did. It was a bit hard at first because his arms were wrapped around you. 

You felt his hand sliding up your stomach passing your breast where his hand applied slight pressure to your neck. That woke you up instantly then heard his voice in a low husk tone “You can be such a brat sometimes” his hand traveling to your lips. His index finger parting your lips. You began sucking on his index finger. You shifted your body, turning your head around the lazy expression on his face. His hands rested on your hip before his hands began to travel to your lower extremities. He began to the fabric where your cunt was. “I’m up.” you softly moaned. “Oh you are now?” a cocky smirk on his lips as he continues to rub your covered cunt. The more he had friction he noticed you becoming damper.

“I need my dose of vitamin D kenny.” you cooed as his hand went into your bottoms and he began to rub your swollen lips. 

Ran

The king of sleeping was in dreamland before he felt some slight friction against his groin. You did tend to move a lot in your sleep you were not consciously knowing what you were doing. His cock started to become harder. He let a low groan out. “Shiiittt.”  He wanted you to wake up. “Honey.” 

“Hmmm?” you heard his voice close to your ear. “Ran what happened?” you yawned not fully being awake.

“You have woken my friend with all your movements in your sleep..” his cock pressed against your ass. “Don’t you think it’s fair to take care of the problem you created unconsciously or not?” his lazy voice echoed in your ear. “Your right Ran.” you turned around your hand reaching for his cock and began to stroke him. You felt his cock pulsating in your hand as you continued to stroke his girthy cock. Hearing the soft moaning coming from him as his hand caressed your cheek his press latched onto yours. His hands sliding into your panties, he did waste time as his two fingers began to fuck your cunt. You began to pump faster the more he began to finger fuck you. 

Hakkai

 Hakkai’s throbbing member slid deeper inside of you, your walls squeezing around his cock. On your side, you were gripping the sheets. One leg was lifted slightly supported by Hakkai’s hands as the other hand was around you, his fingers messing with your sensitive clit. Everything you were feeling was just intensified. “Kai~~~.” Moaning his name out loud you could hear his panting in your ear. As he slowed down his thrusting, he let out a low groan. He barely arrived early in the morning after being overseas the last few weeks. Not even an hour of being him your both ended up in the bed you both shared. 

 “I missed you so much .” Raspy tone feeling warm breath hits the shell of your ear.

“I -I missed you too Hakkai~~.” You said between each moan. “D-don’t stop just like that~~” whimpering as the tall slender man's cock still slid in and out of you.

“Fuck.”..letting a long groan out loud as his thrusting was becoming a bit sloppier. In your tone and the way your pussy was tightening around his cock you were close to coming.  Turning your head towards him you could see him flexing his jaw and just for him to see the lewd expression on your face the sound of his cock thrusting hard into you... The warm cum filled your pussy up once again as you both locked eyes with one another.

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[aprocessionofthoughts]

Sleepy Summons

whumptober23 day 29- scented candle fandom- dp x dc TW- none summary- Danny just wants to go to sleep

ao3 masterlist

Dick was kind of embarrassed. But at least everyone would be embarrassed with him. If they made it out alive.

Look, they had thought it was a simple cult, but apparently there was at least a little magic at play, because they had managed to capture not only Dick, but also Jason, Tim, and Damian.

Batman was supposed to be on his way, but he had been out of town so it might take him a while. Dick just hoped these cultists took their time with the summoning. 

The cultists began to gather around the summon circle which had been lined with candles.

Well, it looked like they wouldn't be that lucky today.

The chanting started and the candles glowed brighter as the chal lines glowed green. Then suddenly a figure appeared in the center of the circle.

Dick stared for a second, unsure if he was actually seeing what he thought he was seeing.

There was a boy, maybe between Damian and Tim’s age standing in the center of the circle.They had black hair and blue eyes, and were holding a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The boy blinked at the cultists around him and looked over at the tied up bats.

“Ummm….” The boy said.

Some of the cultists shifted and started muttering among themselves.

Then the boy sniffed the air. “Are those pumpkin spice scented candles?”

“They had a sale.” one of the cultists said.

“Shut up, Jerry.” the potential leader said.

“No, no. I like it.” said the boy. “But now I'm hungry for pumpkin pie.”

“Me too.”

“Shut up, Jim. We’re not making conversation with the foul demon.”

“Wos, okay. I didn't think I smelled that bad.”

“Shut up.” snarled the lead cultist.

The boy held his hands up, accidentally squeezing the toothpaste. He stared at his now toothpaste covered hand. “Look what you made me do.”

“It doesn’t matter.” the leader gritted his teeth. “I summoned you–”

“Actually, it wasn’t just you that summoned me.”

Dick could see the leader trembling with suppressed rage. 

“As the leader of this group, I command you to obey my orders.” 

“But, like, dit you get to be the leader through a cote or did you just appoint yourself.” the boy said, ignoring him.

“He kind of just appointed himself.” said one of the other cultists.

“Dud, that sucks. Are you guys really willing to put up with this?”

“Shut up!” the leader screeched.

“No, he’s right. I want to vote for our leader. What do you guys think?”

Several of the other cultists nodded.

“I vote for you, Freddie. All in favor?”

“Aye.” said everyone but the leader who was spluttering with anger.

“You can’t do that! I’m the leader! I gave you all the leader !”

“But we gathered all the ingredients and drew the circle!”

The boy spoke up again. “What do you guys even get out of this?”

There was silence for a moment.

“You know, I actually don’t really know. What about you Jerry?”

“No. What about you Linda?”

“I just thought we were going to get drunk or something.”

“Demon, I command you to be silent!” the leader said, looking like he’d finally had enough.

The boy glared at him. “First of all, I’m not a demon. Second of all, I don’t feel like being quiet. And third of all, I was finally going to get to sleep on time when you guys summoned me. So, I’m sure you’ll all understand that I'm a bit peeved. And lastly,” the boy stepped out of the summoning circle and the cultists scrambled back. “You were fools for thinking that you could control creatures from the other side of the veil. Most of them would kill you, but since I already showered and don’t feel like washing blood off of myself tonight, I’ll just leave you for the bats.”

The boy's eyes began to glow a bright blue and his hair moved in a nonexistent wind. Frost began to sweep from under his feet toward the cultists. Ice climbed up their legs and crept up until it completely covered them.

Then the boy turned toward them.

Dick swallowed. He hated the occult. He just hoped that whoever this was would leave them alone. He had said he’d leave the cultists for the bats, but still, you could never be certain with the occult. This being was probably not even human.

The boy stepped forward and Dick tensed as he reached out and touched Tim on the shoulder. The ropes holding him fell to the ground, and the boy repeated the process with all of them.

When Dick had removed the tape that covered his mouth he asked, “Who are you?”

“Look,” the boy had rolled his eyes, “I’m tired and I don’t have time to play twenty questions with you right now. If you want, you can just ask your sad trenchcoat man about the Infinite Realms, and also, tell him to stop selling his soul. It causes a lot of paperwork.”

With that, the boy disappeared.

------------------

Damnny groaned as he appeared back in his bathroom. He abandoned his toothbrush and toothpaste and rinsed off his hand, before heading to his room and collapsing on his bed.

He’d deal with all the problems that summoning caused tomorrow. Or next week. As long as Clockwork didn’t say anything, he could take his time.

[writtensweethearts]

Sweet Nothings

Read part two here: Unspoken Confessions Pairing: Eddie munson x GN!reader Enemies to lovers ? word count: +1k CW: mentions of blood, death, lmk if i missed something A/N: this is my first time posting a blurb or a piece in general for the public, please be kind and i hope you enjoy!

“God, I swear if you die on me I’ll kill you.” he chokes out angrily, but it lacks any heat. You grin up at him, watching his chocolate eyes fill with tears. 

You suddenly wonder why you hadn’t seen him. 

The barely there freckles, mud splattered cheeks and wild curly hair, the different shades of brown in his glassy eyes. 

His harsh words a complete opposite of his gentle hold, you watch as his fingers push against the angry open wounds of your stomach, trying to keep the blood at bay. The crazed look of his eyes as he darts his head around, waiting for Henderson, another bat, anything. 

“Calm down pretty boy, least you can do is say some sweet nothings to a dying girl.” 

You watch in slight awe as his eyes find yours, tears finally spilling from his lash line, wondering if maybe this time you’ve pushed him too far.

“Don’t say that shit,” he hisses, “you’re not dying. Not on my watch sweetheart.”

You smile at that, the nickname lacking it’s usual mocking tone. 

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep Munson. You know better than that.”

If he responded you can’t recall, eyes drooping, sleep evading you, the noise of the Upside Down drowning out.

You rouse from the gentle shake of your head, Eddie’s ringed fingers grasping your chin

“Come on, you’ve got to keep your eyes open.” Voice pleading.

“What do I get in return?” He scoffed at that but it comes out more like a breathy sigh of relief, taking your snarky response as a sign of hope. He realizes his response comes a second too late.

You stare at him, eyes a bit dazed and mouth pulled taut, a strange air lingers filling the empty space from a missed witty remark. He can’t help what he says next.

“Don’t ever do that again.” Now you’re the stunned one.

“What?” “I don’t need you saving me princess, look at where that got you.”

You frowned at that. Shit, Eddie thinks he’s struck a nerve. Maybe it wasn’t the right thing to say, even if you were the girl he’s bickered with for over a year now, constantly exchanging snippy remarks. Maybe he would’ve been able to give you those sweet nothings you’d asked for earlier, had he felt confident enough to say them. But the humid air of the Upside down and the feel of your sticky, warm blood coating his hands has made him angry. Angry at Hawkins for dragging him into shit like this, angry at the Upside Down for existing and upturning his life, angry at himself for allowing you to be at the center of it all. 

It should’ve been him. He’d jumped off the boat, diving into a world unknown, fighting away demonic bats, and risking his life for the good of the world. He’d been ready to let it all go, but you’d come in, chest heaving, Steve’s bat swinging. The two of you on the same team, for once. And it wasn’t until the last bat was down, when he’d turn around yelling and celebrating victory, that he’d noticed. You were holding your stomach, arm dropping the bat you’d held so tightly seconds before. He watched, dumbfounded as you lightly pulled your shirt, revealing large, gaping gashes all across your abdomen. Eddie would never forget the haunted look in your eyes as you dragged your gaze up to his, your body wobbling as you forced yourself to stand still, as if you didn’t want him to see you weak. 

In that moment the world was a blur, he’d called your name hoarsley, afraid, afraid you’d respond with a small pain-filled voice rather the boisterous, mocking tone you used whenever you spoke to him. Afraid to see you, larger than life you, growing weaker and smaller and so unfamiliar.

And yet here you were, his knees digging into your back as he tried to hold your limp body up, looking at him with the same fire in your eyes. This, this is what he’d been wishing for, hadn’t he? But there was something unusual about your gaze, if he hadn’t known any better he’d have said you were hurt by his words.

You blinked, head turning to the side and Eddie cursed. He didn’t know how to act with you, behind all the mean words and heated arguments, he wasn’t sure how to move forward. So here you were, blood soaking through your clothes, onto his, and he was spewing ungrateful words to the girl who’s losing her life from saving his. A girl he’s never been able to properly behave around, a girl who, behind her back, he’d watched fondly with honey coated eyes. 

“I.. I’m sorry.” He mumbled out, your eyes snapping back to his, “God I’m so so sorry.”

His voice wobbling as reality began to settle in, “It should’ve been me. It should’ve. I’m repeating senior year and not for the first time, I’m being hunted for murder, and you. You’ve got such a big life to live, a great one, and I just-” His rambling comes to an end as you’re fingers gingerly swipe a stray curl behind his ears.

“Hey.” You smile up at him, and God, if it didn’t make Eddie’s heart want to burst at the sight of it. “It’s okay.” You watch him, his eyes doubtful, his hands never leaving you as he keeps pressure on your wounds, “I mean come on, I had to, you’ve got to get back and show them you can make it through highschool. Thought you said this was ‘your year.’” 

He laughs but it’s all watery and choked, and it makes your chest hurt in an unfamiliar way. It’s getting harder and harder to fight the sleep taking over, the lofty sound of Eddie’s voice whispering the sweet nothings you’d playfully asked for, dreams of a better life, swearing on his heart that he’ll get you out of this hell hole, safe, alive. You send him a sleepy smile, knowing he’s making more promises he can’t keep, but his eyes are shining with tears so you return the gesture and whisper another, “It’s okay, Eds.” before you let his voice lull you to bed.

[steddieas-shegoes]

Read Supportive Uncle Wayne Series Part 1 first :)

————————————————————————

Eddie and Steve slept for hours, while Wayne sat waiting. He kept a few crossword puzzles by his designated chair for the times he sat with Eddie, but this time, he couldn’t focus on anything but the way Steve and Eddie kept moving closer to each other in small ways in their sleep.

He’d considered waking Steve up a few times just so he didn’t have to watch his back and neck bend at such an impossible angle.

But god, he was resting.

Wayne wasn’t interrupting any sleep that boy got.

But he watched them both curl into each other incrementally, barely moving, yet always closer together every time Wayne looked at them.

Steve’s face was almost completely buried against Eddie’s “good” hip. If you asked Wayne, he didn’t have a good hip, he just had less stitches on one side.

Eddie’s right hand was placed in Steve’s on the bed, and his left hand was holding onto Steve’s hair for dear life. Like if he let go, Steve would disappear entirely.

From what Wayne knew of Steve so far, he wouldn’t be going anywhere unless he was physically forced.

Eddie’s body was relaxed, the drugs constantly flowing through the IV probably keeping him from experiencing any major pain. He had more stitches in his body than a sweater, and Wayne had no idea how he would heal physically or mentally from any of what happened.

But Wayne was honestly more worried for Steve.

Steve, the boy who had been exhausted since he was a small child, the boy who had refused medical care to make sure Eddie wasn’t alone or scared, the boy always secretly ready to let someone down.

He knew Richard Harrington. He knew how much of a showboat he was, how he never did anything unless it benefitted him personally or led to financial gain. Wayne even remembered shortly after Steve was born, he took an ad in the newspaper for a nanny who was willing to work ‘most days of the week and some nights, minimum wage, cooking and cleaning expected.’ Within a week, Richard and his wife Anne, were gone more than they were home.

Wayne wasn’t much for socializing or he probably would have caught Steve out and about with the nanny often. God knows Richard and Anne weren’t going to run errands.

But looking at the young adult in front of him, he had to think maybe it was a good thing Richard didn’t dig his claws in too deep. He knew if he had, Eddie would have been sitting alone right now, and Steve would be at some Ivy League college becoming something he didn’t even realize he didn’t want until it was too late.

Eddie visibly tensed, his body suddenly going rigid.

Steve was awake and fretting over Eddie before Wayne could even stand up from his chair.

“What hurts? Is it your side? I was hurting you wasn’t I? I’m sorry, Eds, really. I didn’t…”

“Steve. Please shut up. I wanted you there.”

Wayne noticed when Eddie spoke, his voice was raspy from disuse. He was still tense, but he was forcing a smile for Steve’s sake.

Wayne wasn’t having that. No matter how much Steve cared about Eddie, and Eddie cared about Steve, he wasn’t about to let either of them lie about their health.

“I’ll go get the nurse.”

Steve and Eddie both turned to look at Wayne when he spoke, cheeks red with embarrassment.

“Oh, didn’t know you were here.”

Eddie was still forcing a smile, but now it was pointed at Wayne like he wouldn’t see how fake it was.

Like he didn’t know all of Eddie’s tells since he was 13 and trying to hide how scared he was about living with him.

Wayne didn’t respond, just left the room to grab Janet, who sat alone at the nurse’s station during calmer periods in the chaos.

He hurried back in while she got the doctor on staff to see that Steve was helping Eddie adjust himself a bit in bed.

“Damn bats, Jesus Christ!”

Eddie let out a loud yelp and Steve froze.

“What was that?”

“What wasn’t it at this point?”

Eddie was breathing heavily, and his heart monitor started beeping more frantically.

“Son, you need to sit still until the doctor gets in here.”

Wayne wasn’t about to watch him hurt himself more and it didn’t seem like Steve knew how to make it better or stop him on his own.

“My side hurts like this.”

“I think your side will hurt any which way you try to be.”

Steve placed a hand on Eddie’s cheek, gently turning his face so he was looking at only Steve.

“You can be still for a minute, right? For me?”

Wayne’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline.

“Yeah.”

Wayne’s jaw was practically on the floor.

He’d been in charge of Eddie for 7 years and had never once been able to get him to listen the first time. Not a single time.

Before he could say anything, the doctor came in, followed by a handful of nurses, including Janet.

Janet sent him a smile, but hurried over to stand next to the doctor at Eddie’s bed.

“Well, Mr. Munson. You sure are lucky.”

“I’ll feel a lot luckier when I’m not in pain.”

“Where does it hurt?”

Eddie glared at the doctor. Steve glared at Eddie.

“Mostly my side. My chest hurts a little and my left hip and leg are sore.”

“Your left side is in pretty rough shape. You’ve got about 298 stitches holding you together.” The doctor checked his pupils and his heart rate before continuing. “Go ahead and start another morphine drip, same dose as before.”

The doctor turned to Wayne.

“He’s probably going to sleep the next dose off over the next 24 hours, so you can head home. We’ll call if he wakes up earlier.”

The doctor turned to Steve, deep frown on his face.

“You, too. He needs rest.”

Steve was refusing to make eye contact with anyone at this point and Wayne was almost certain he knew why.

Steve’s father wasn’t known for being a particularly kind or loving man. One wouldn’t have to think too hard to come to the conclusion that he was harder on his son than anyone else. The doctor was speaking to him in a way that would have made Wayne’s hackles rise for Eddie, and they did for Steve too.

“I think Steve should stay.”

Wayne wasn’t going to let either of his boys go without each other if it meant they’d get some sleep.

“We do recommend that Eddie have very limited visitors.”

“If I may,” Janet spoke up. “Steve’s been here the entire time and it hasn’t affected Eddie’s sleeping. We can’t be everywhere all the time so it would be nice for someone to stay with him and come get us if he wakes up again.”

The doctor gritted his teeth together but gave a single nod before exiting the room. Most of the nurses followed behind while Janet made herself busy playing with the buttons on Eddie’s IV pole.

“Thanks Janet. What’s that doctor’s problem?” Wayne asked as he made his way to the bed.

“He came in while you were downstairs and saw the um, sleeping arrangement. He wasn’t too fond of you seeming so close.”

“We can be more careful,” Eddie mumbled, body slowly relaxing into the bed.

“Or he can just deal with it,” Janet shrugged.

She sent a wink to Steve, then turned to Wayne.

“He should be feeling a lot better now. Right Eddie?”

“This is way better than the stuff I have.”

Wayne shook his head, but couldn’t help but smile at his nephew’s antics.

“I won’t ask questions I don’t want the answer to,” Janet said as she walked out of the room. She turned to wave and then closed the door to give them all some privacy.

Wayne looked down at Eddie.

He was so pale. He’d lost so much weight in the last week, and he barely had any to give to begin with. His hair was dirty and greasy, and despite Steve and Janet giving his face and arms a wipe down, he still had dirt under his nails.

Wayne didn’t know the details of what happened. They said it was earthquake related, but he knew better. He knew if this was just an earthquake, Steve wouldn’t have stood guard by his bed for days on end.

He was just glad Eddie was alive and awake.

He placed a hand on his right shoulder.

“I’m glad to hear your voice, kiddo.”

Eddie’s eyes were glassy and his smile was much brighter than before when he responded.

“Glad you hear my voice, too. Have you met Steve? He’s my boyfriend. Or maybe not? I want him to be though. Do you think he likes me?”

Wayne looked over at a bright red Steve, then smiled down at Eddie.

“I think he likes you a lot, kid. You get some rest. Steve will still be here when you wake up, alright?”

“You too?”

“Sure.”

So Wayne stayed, and Steve stayed. Wayne watched them both as Eddie slept.

Steve didn’t fall back asleep. He looked like he needed to, but any time his eyes started to slip shut, he shook his head and widened his eyes trying to fight it.

“Steve?”

“Yes, sir?”

Wayne watched as Steve’s body curled in on itself defensively.

“None of that. You can call me Wayne.” When Steve nodded, Wayne continued. “Whoever you are to Eddie, I hope you know you’ve got me, okay? I know Eddie must like ya a whole lot for him to say any of what he did regardless of the drugs in his system. And you must like him a whole lot to not leave his side this long. But you gotta get some rest, son.”

“I take naps in the chair sometimes.”

“A nap ain’t rest. Especially not if you’ve been through war.”

“I…”

“You don’t have to tell me. I’m sure I shouldn’t know. But I been there. And I’m not lettin’ ya suffer the way I did when I came home.”

Steve’s eyes were watering and Wayne knew if he watched this boy cry, he’d be done for.

So when Steve’s first tear fell, Wayne got up and joined Steve on the other side of the bed, pulling him out of the chair and into his arms.

Steve was injured, and hadn’t had proper medical attention or pain medication, but he ignored it to fall apart in Wayne’s arms.

“That’s alright now. Let it out, son. Let it out.”

Wayne felt a tear fall down his own cheek. He couldn’t have possibly predicted this moment, but he knew he was meant to be in it.

He was meant to be here with Steve, providing something the boy needed for a long, long time.

He was meant to be someone for Steve the same way he was meant to be someone for Eddie.

[mid-80s]

steve's new apartment was all but comfortable.

or rather, steve and eddie's new apartment.

steve had finally convinced eddie to move in with him after a long back and forth of pros and cons. he even offered to pay for the whole damn thing so eddie wouldn't have to worry about potentially getting a new job (the car shop he worked at barely paid him enough to scrape by in school). steve hated living alone, but the dorms on campus were full and robin already had one that was paid off by her scholarship.

they eventually came to a compromise. steve would pay electricity and water, and eddie would pay for the phone and groceries. it was fair.

but it also meant no furniture.

or decorations.

re: the uncomfortable apartment.

the only substantial furniture the men had were beds and desks in either room, a promise of saving for at least a couch lingering in the air each time someone steps through whats meant to be a living room.

but it wasn't too bad, within the almost four months they had lived together, steve and eddie had grown a odd connection that challenged the one of steve and robin. it had come to a point that they rarely slept alone.

eddie had stumbled into steve's room one night around their second month in the apartment, clutching his neck and sides with bags under his eyes that almost perfectly matched steves own. he couldn't breathe let alone talk, but steve didn't need any words for him to rush over to where eddie had crumpled on the ground and hold him until his breathing slowed and face was near dry.

eddies voice was dry and sleepy by the time he spoke again, lifting the comfortable blanket of silence that hung over them as steve held eddies head against his chest from where they sat on the floor. "i don't know how you do it man." things even as simple as the cold air in their apartment sent him back to the slimy ground of that cursed place, the blood filing his mouth as the bats had their feast.

steve uses the hand stroking eddies curls to scratch his head a bit, relishing in the way eddie melts into him. "do what, eds?"

"sleep. eat. function like normal human being. its been a year and i still can't can't sleep without feeling like i'm dying again."

"they'll get better. they won't go away, but they'll get better. mine did for a while after my first go around. it takes time." steve rests his head on the wall behind him. "you don't think i'm in the same boat as you are right now? but i have to be here, so no one falls off the deep end. thats what i'm for."

"steve." eddies voice is still drowsy, like he's falling in and out of sleep. "it's not all on your shoulders."

steve doesn't reply. soft silence fills the space as eddies breathing slows. his face is wet now too.

"i know." his voice is shaky, the words to quite reach his mind as he kisses eddie on the head.

"i know, eds."

[gadriezmannsgirl]

Could you do one about a honeymoon with gavi; just fluff

Honeymoon Bliss -P.G

Summary: After a wedding there's the honeymoon

“Señor y Señora Páez”

You were it. You officialy were la Señora Páez. You were married to the love of your life, Pablo.

With only 24hrs of marriage you knew you’d never get tired of being called by your new last name and it was even better hearing it fall from your, now, husband’s lips, introducing you as his wife to everyone.

You smiled again, walking side by side, hand in hand with Pablo as you both admired the beautiful Palawan, already making up plans to explore the whole Isle and it’s beauty while you guys were given a little tour from one of the guide of the hotel you were gonna stay in for a whole two weeks.

“Your suite” The man said with a loving smile, letting you both in

“Oh god” You let out admiring the beauty of it.

It had a top to bottom corridor glass door, which gave you the perfect view of the sea and the sand combined with some trees and nature. The room itself was big and modern with some wood furniture around; it had one big bathroom with a combination of white and brown colored tiles, TV, couch, a table for you both to eat outside and other inside, the bed was extremely big and perfectly done.

In one of the bedside table there was a small bouquet of flowers and some balloons that read ‘Newlyweds’ along with your wedding date and initials. So simple and yet so gorgeous. It was already the perfect place and perfect honeymoon you could ever imagine.

You smiled pointing the little fact to Pablo who smiled, kissing your cheek.

“Welcome and congratulations” The man said with a smile after finishing the little tour “Please, contact me or any of the staff members if you ever need anything”

“Muchas gracias” Pablo said nodding looking around “I think we’ll be good for now, though” He pulled you closer to him, pecking your lips

The man nodded smiling and left you alone in your suite. You hugged Pablo and kissed his left shoulder

“Thank you” You said softly with a smile

“You don’t need to thank me, amor” Pablo smiled back at you “You deserve it, I deserve it, we deserve it. It’s our time” He spoke softly looking directly into your eyes “Wanna lay down for a bit? We have been going around since we woke up, sleeping in an airplane isn’t the best thing and yesterday we didn’t batted a single eye” You smiled remembering the last night events

After the long lasting party, you went directly into your room and declared your love for each other for the first time as husband and wife. It was a bit rushed, full of excitement but still filled with love and passion, today, for a whole two weeks and for the rest of your lives, you had all the time for yourselves.

You took a deep breath, grabbing his hands that were at your waist and guiding him towards the bed with you, humming “Yes, we can sleep in for a while” You agree nodding, you turned you both around and pushed him into the bed, straddling him “But we’re not leaving this bed today” Pablo’s hands were at your waist and instantly smiled

“You read my mind, preciosa”  

… ... ...

It had been one week and five days since you’ve been here in your honeymoon and it was the best one weeks and five days of your life. Being close to your husband, spending time with him with zero stress and work, no social media and just being normal; you even joked that Pablo hasn’t furrowed his eyebrows ever since you both got here, of course he had to deny it.

“Yes, I have”

“Liar”

“I literally just did when that hijoe’puta was checking you out”

You had laughed hard at that before reassuring him, he was the only one you were interested in and pay him attention to.

There weren’t enough words to describe how wonderful everything was, both of you getting to know the Isle, the Filipino’s culture, a bit of their language and even their food that you’d definitely try to do back at home.

“I wish we could stay here for the rest of our lives” You said softly not wanting to interrupt the quiet atmosphere between the two of you. After a whole day swimming, being on a boat, walking around you decided it would be good to eat outside, your reasons leveled up when the tour guide mentioned a fire and cultural dance.

After eating the delicious dinner, you both headed towards the fire, watching the Filipino’s dance whilst also watching the beautiful surroundings.

“Sí, sería muy lindo” You heard Pablo speak into your jaw, leaving kisses there “We can if you want to” You hummed lightly leaning more into him.

“Tempting” You smiled and stayed in silence for a few seconds “But we love Barcelona way too much” Both of you laughed lightly

“Even if you don’t know how to speak Catalan properly?”

“Shhhh” You put your hand on top of his face feeling him laugh “Don’t say it too loudly, it’s my secret” He grabbed your hand and took it away from his face “I can understand it tho”

“¿Estás segura?”

“Cállate” He laughed

“I’m so fucking glad you married me” He spoke, hands caressing yours

 “Well… I didn’t had much of a choice, you know?” He squeezed you a bit letting out an ‘Oye’ “I’m kidding, I’m kidding” You giggled “I’m glad you married me too. I love it. I love you and I love us, I also love the fact we’re slowly progressing in our relationship, our lives together” You spoke turning around enough to face him

“I love it too” He said “Soy jodidamente suertudo en tenerte” You smiled “I’m lucky for you to choose me to be yours and I’m lucky that you to accept be mine, to be your husband, your life partner and your everything for the rest of our lives. You don’t have any idea of how much I love you and feel about you” You felt a few tears swell up to your eyes

“I do have an idea” You whispered “Because I feel the same way”

°°° °°° °°° °°°

Taglist: @gaviypedrisbride @stuckinaf4nfiction @elijahslover

[atmilliways]

Wrong On The Money (21-22)

part 21 & 22 of ?? | 691 words | Teen+

Blackmail fic on Ao3 | on tumblr

Summary:

“If things start to go south, I mean at all,” Steve had said, looking directly at Eddie, “you abort. Okay?” Things start to go south, and Eddie cuts the rope.

Two chapters today, partly because they're both pretty short but mostly because this is the bit where I get to be cruel, but not so cruel that I leave it like this for more than a day. (There will be a happy ending, I promise.)

21.

“If things start to go south, I mean at all,” Steve had said, looking directly at Eddie, “you abort. Okay?”

-

Things start to go south, and Eddie cuts the rope. 

-

“Draw the attention of the bats. Keep ‘em busy for a minute or two.”

-

It’s been longer than that. But if Eddie doesn’t draw them away from the gate then those things are going to get out and go for Dustin, too. 

Dustin, who is screaming at him not to go. Too late to turn back now, though. 

-

“Don’t try to be cute or be a hero or something. Okay? You guys are just decoys.”

-

Eddie slams out the trailer door and scrambled for the nearest bike, careful not to let the butt of his spear catch in the spokes as he gets it up and moving. This is the stupidest, most suicidally insane thing he’s ever done. 

-

“Absolutely,” Eddie had replied. “I mean, look at us. We are nooot heroes.”

-

He remembers those words as he pedals for his life. But that he remembers after he falls, and fails to run, and turns to face the gathering swarm, is Dustin. 

Dustin asking about Wayne every once in a while, all serious, but brightening whenever there was good news. 

Steve talking about Dustin being upset, with a twinge in his own voice that suggests Steve wanted to fix it for the kid. Can’t bring back a dead dad, but keep a friend’s uncle from dying? Sure.

Dustin wanting him to think that Steve is a good guy now, and not even being wrong. 

For that little butthead, Eddie braces the butt of his spear and raises the last remaining shield—the one Dustin had made. He faces the bats with a scream.

22.

“I mean, look at us. We are nooot heroes.”

-

Steve is dead tired. His neck hurts even more than after the bats, to the point where talking hurts a bit. He wants to lay down and sleep for a week somewhere bright and cool and clean—or, barring that, at least somewhere quiet. 

Nothing is quiet right now, because Dustin is screaming and Eddie isn’t moving and none of it’s and Steve has to fix it. 

-

“We are nooot heroes.”

-

CPR. He still remembers how, from lifeguard training. 

God, there’s so much blood. It’s all over Eddie’s face and gets in Steve’s mouth, the worst parody of a first kiss. 

-

“Nooot heroes.”

-

He can’t run well. Not weighed down with Eddie in his arms, after how he’s been thrown around tonight, on so little sleep for so many days. He tries anyway, careful not to stumble on vines or the bodies of fallen bats, because they need all the time they can get. Eddie needs bandages and new blood and probably stitches—needs a hospital. 

“Steve,” Dustin wails, limping behind him supported on either side from Robin and Nancy. “Steve, is he going t-to. . . .”

“He’s not,” Steve calls back, so firmly that he can feel Robin’s eyes on his back as though she can see and judge all his secrets. 

-

“I mean.”

-

Getting through the gate is agony because it takes so goddamn long. But Nancy is right, they can’t risk making Eddie’s injuries any worse. It has to be done carefully.

-

“Look at us.”

-

Steve floors the accelerator on the RV. Beside him Dustin curls up tight in the passenger seat, stripped of his bloodied ghillie suit down to a hoodie and jeans, favoring his injured leg. Poor kid looks like he’s still trying to catch his breath. 

Eddie is laid out in the back with his belly and side chewed open all the way up to his left cheek while the girls try and apply tourniquets as best they can. 

This is Barb all over again. Not the blood, just—Eddie could go at any moment, and there’s nothing any of them would be able to do about it. 

The tremors in Steve’s hands are disguised by his tight grip on the wheel. He doesn’t tell anyone; no one else can drive this fucking boat, and if they’re not driving then Eddie dies. Steve can’t handle any more death on his hands. 

-

“We are nooot heroes.”

[laugtherhyena]

Playlist listened to while writing; https://spotify.link/WzxvdTKBCJb

Holy shit dude, the ceo of rei angst wrote some rei angst what the HELL!! We have to kill her guys she cant keep getting away with this.

Anyways im gonna be writing about a lot of these nerds. I just love rei. This is really rushed and I am really sleepy so it is not my best writing.

Also i cannot write teruya so you will habe to ppppUT UP WITH IT.

Warnings for like. Violence and my attempt at writing a breakdown.

-

Rei held the rusty pipe like a baseball bat, swinging for a homerun as she smacked off the head of someone she once knew. Someone who had abandoned her long ago.

The rotting head of what used to be her mother rolled on the ground, sickly green skin squishing against the ground and stared up at her with lifeless eyes.

“I didn’t want to see you again like this,” Rei hissed as her chest heaved, “i wanted to see you staring with regret as you saw your daughter on top of the world. I didn’t want to kill you or see you dead.”

That had been the second time she had run into her zombified mother. The first, she had been a coward, unable to kill her and her father– the two people she hated most, the two people who had abandoned her and left her on the streets.

Where had all her rage gone that time. When had she become soft.

-

Midori clung to Ryutaro with all the strength in her frail body. “My brother,” she whispered, “i saw my brother’s corpse down there. Kakeru… he… they got Kakeru… they killed Kakeu…”

He didn’t say much in return, but he did pat her hand briefly– the only comforting action he could manage while carrying her.

“I see a store up ahead. Let’s stop by there for supplies.” Keisuke pointed out to the leader of the bunch.

Setsuka patted the clown on the back and gave him a smile. “Sounds good, lead the way. Maki, do you need me to carry Yamaguchi for a bit?”

Midori wrapped her arms and legs around Ryutaro a bit tighter at the suggestion, very much attached to the guy who had found her and saved her from zombies.

“I’ll be fine until we reach the stop.” The blonde nodded his acknowledgement to the bluenette, forcing a smile as he struggled to catch up.

The group walked in silence for a bit, the only sounds being the orchestra of distant zombie groans.

“Miss Yamaguchi,” Hikaru said after bit, his tone fatherly like usual, “may I check your pulse soon? And may I check if the swelling on your ankles has gone down?”

“Yeah, that… sounds good. Thank you, Uncle.”

-

Kanata removed the bandages from Ayame’s arm gradually.

“There isn’t any sign of infection, Hatano. Kinjo and Maki are still out, so… uhm… can I get you something to eat?” The surgeon spoke softly as she stared at the sprinter.

“I’m not hungry…” Ayame mumbled.

“Inori!” Tomori slammed the door open, her eyes sunken from lack of sleep, “i think i got bit. Check! Check, please!!”

Kanata bit back a sigh of exasperation and forced out her cheerful smile. “Of course. Where do you think you were bit this time?”

“My ankle. They went after my ankle so I couldn’t run! They’re going to eat me. I’m going to die, aren’t I? Oh, god, I’m going to die!” The cheerleader’s words were jumbled together and practically nonsensical. She grabbed onto Kanata’s shoulders as she spoke, her nails digging into the other’s lab coat and pressing her skin uncomfortably.

“Miss Tomori,” Kanata winced, “please let go of me. I will check your ankle, but I am sure you are fine.”

“I’m not fine!” Kizuna wailed before glaring accusatory daggers at Ayame. “If you… if you hadn't gotten yourself bitten! If you had just seen that bitch for what she is! We wouldnt be doomed! You’ve doomed us all!”

Ayame took the words without fighting back. What had been the point in fighting anymore? Kizuna was right. She had doomed them all.

“Miss Tomori, please… Taira had us all fooled… if Miss Hatano is to blame, then so are the rest of us…” the blonde murmured. “Please sit down so I can check your ankle…”

-

Mindless. Kinji was mindless. His faith had only been able to spare him for so long.

His teeth were decayed now. His skin was green and purple and yellow. His eyes were dull. His cheeks were sunken.

It was incredible that his mind stayed intact long enough for him to bury as many as he did. The only bodies he didn’t put 6 feet under, the only bodies he couldn’t handle burying, were those of the people he knew.

But what was the point?

-

Yuki held his stomach as he choked up and spat out the last meal he had, beans that had barelt even begun to digest.

“Urgh… gross…” he mumbled to himself.

Shinji was away at the moment, scouting out for the next safe place for them to go and likely trying to find his family in the process.

The lucky student fought back envious tears. At least they knew there was a chance that Shinji’s family was alive– they found his mother, Aiko, brutally murdered in the Maeda household. Her corpse was bloated and rotted when they found it.

The sight still haunted his dreams. He couldn’t even keep.meals down since he saw it.

-

Mikako peered into her brother’s lab. He hadn’t eaten in quite some time, nor had he slept.

“Yamato…” she whispered hesitantly.

He spun around with a dart ready in his hand. He only lowered it after he registered it was her.

“Mikako, I’ve told you to leave me alone. I need to find a cure, or no one will be safe.” The inventor turned back to his work and threw a crumpled up piece of paper to the side.

“I’m sure someone else is searching for a cure, Yamato. Why not try to make a vaccine? Some sort of immunity would help while someone else finds a cure.” The exorcist suggested.

Her brother didn’t seem to have heard. That, or he was ignoring her.

“Ah… nevermind.” She straightened her back and spun on her heel to hunt down their other classmates.

For the newcomers, Satsuki was putting on a performance– juggling empty bottles and broken gadgets whilst telling jokes. That could not be safe, but Haruhiko seemed to have his eyes on her.

The bunker door heaved open, and Teruya’s team came in, carrying boxes full of food and other supplies.

“We’re back with dinner!” The merchant shouted.

Mikako rushed over to take the box from him.

“Thank you, Otori, this should be good for at least a week. You and your scavenger team did good.”

He grinned at her and handed his box over. “Thanks! We uh…” he hesitated, “We saw Taira and Maeda… err… Utsuro? On our flight back… they looked like they were heading somewhere… dunno where…”

She bit her tongue and nodded thankfully at him. “Thank you for telling me.”

-

Thats it. Im hungry good bye.

Aw yeah infection Au moment! I do remember you saying a while back that you wanted to write something about Rei in this Au and MAN her part has gotta be my favorite out of these little snippets.

I really like taking a look at how a bunch of the cast is doing, seeing the way you wrote them in those situations was pretty fun! It reminded me how much i like the idea of Setsuka's like group with the 6.5 cast and how Kanata probably wishes she has a degree in psychology to properly deal with Ayame and Kizuna (she may feel as if she's not doing enough for them seing as her kindness can only bring her so far when dealing with their turmoil)

[ceciliasthings]

You're one of the only people I know who write for eugene and I had a fic idea in mind 😭 idk why more people don't write for him he's such a cutie pie BUT ANYWAYS.

Eugene x fem!reader who have been dating since like s5 and Eugene finds out reader is pregnant during his savior era (it's his kid btw) from Gabriel. I imagine Gabriel tells him this like when Eugene was yelling at him when he was in the hospital bed. And Eugene gets all antsy and goes to find her once the saviors are able to get out of the sanctuary and he gets all emotional and crap once he sees she's got a bit of a belly bump. Ty <3

•Moments of Calm Before the Storm • (1/2)

Summary: it's only been a few weeks since the terror that negan put you through, you and Eugene still have memories of those horrible days and if for one night you two forgot everything tonight just for a moment....

It's been three weeks since you saw your friends brutally killed by Negan.It was one of the worst feelings you've ever felt the worst of all was not being able to protect Eugene he was on the other side looking at you with fear you didn't know if he was afraid of you being chosen or of himself being killed,When it was all over you crawled over to where he was hugging him as tight as you could.Things have been weird ever since that happened he's been distant and doesn't want to pick up any weapons anymore,You two were having trouble sleeping every time you closed your eyes you had flashes of Abraham and Glenn Getting beaten up by that bat and you over there next to Eugene not being able to do anything these pictures make tears come to your eyes.

-y/n are you awake?- He puts his hand on your waist over the covers.

- Yes....- you turn to him staring at his face

In all the time you've been together you've never seen him like this,During the day you would focus on the solar panels you would try to talk to him but he would give short answers it worried you but you couldn't force him to talk about it.

- I'm sorry...- He says quietly as he places his hand on your head

- Why are you apologizing? - this snapped you out of your trance you expected him to say anything but "sorry" was the last thing on your mind

- for not protecting you that night...That night when you were with me in the trailer and when we watched the sunset for a whole 35 minutes, It was the best of my life But then the saviors surrounded us and I saw you getting hurt by those guys... I stood there and I couldn't do anything! -He says sobbing he sits on the bed running a hand over his face which is wet with tears.

It gives you a lump in your throat to see your loved one blaming himself like that, your next action is to hug him while he cries you can't help it and shed some tears too.When you managed to calm him down, he was lying on top of you with his head on your chest.

You pat his head, he seems to squeeze you a little tighter you kiss his forehead and then say- Eugene..it wasn't your fault..if I wasn't there who knows what they would have done to you? - your heart stops for a moment thinking about the cruelest possibility that existed for you..- They could have killed you...- As he spoke of this, your eyes filled with tears-If I could go back I'd do it all over again, I'd get in that trailer with you, watch the sunset with you and... I'd get beat up by those suckers with you

As you say that he looks at you with a surprised expression.

- are you serious ? - he asks with wide eyes

- yes dear..i would do it all over again- you say calmly as you caress his face.

He gives a slight smile it was the first time you had seen him smile since that day, and then he brings his face close to yours and kisses you,The feel of his lips touching you was comforting he runs his tongue all over your mouth it seems like he's forgotten what it was like to kiss you..he places his hand gently on your face as he takes your lips, when the two of you break the kiss to breathe you can see that he is flushed,you run your fingers lightly over the stitches you gave him he shudders but soon gets used to it and runs his hand over your wrist.

- does it still hurt? - you look at the stitches attentively.

- A little... - he says softly then he looks at you - but when you touch it it feels like the pain disappears..

You smile and lean down to kiss his spots first you kiss his forehead then his eyebrow and then you kiss the bruise he has on his lip, you give him a peck but then he pulls you away for another kiss with passion..you end up on top of him you get lost in the kiss that when you see you are sitting on his waist..You want him but you're afraid of hurting him you ask him.

- are you sure? I don't want you to get hurt I know you have bruises on your arms and legs

He wraps his hands around your waist you shudder at his touch his hands are warm- i'm sure..god i want you so much..

You smile as you get rid of your pajama bottoms you run your hands lightly through his underwear feeling his bulge he sighs at your touch as you feel his cock get harder, without even waiting you pull it out and position it at your entrance, you hear Eugene's breathing get heavy with it he's looking forward to feel you...You soon start to go down slowly on his member, careful not to be so rough, you let out a moan while doing this..

- God... this feels so good..- Eugene says as he arches his head back now he runs his hands over your thighs- You make me feel so good....

Upon hearing this you go down and up faster, letting him feel all of your insides you place your hands on his chest while you do this the expression he makes is priceless, his eyes are shining his mouth is half open and his face is more like a red band looking like a sunburn, you feel his breathing get heavy because of your hands on his chest.

- oh Eugene...- You arch your head up as you feel his member reach its "happy spot"

You go faster as you feel his member pulsing inside you, you feel that he is close and that it won't last long so you speed up the movements you are getting closer too.

- y/n! I love you so much..- he squeezes your waist while closing his eyes- y/n y/n Y/N!

He screams your name as he comes inside you it makes you reach your point too, you feel him release all his load inside you, when you finish you lie down next to him out of breath and kinda tired,But just thinking about that being the only good memory in three weeks makes you have a goofy smile on your face.

- wow that was good... - you put your head on his chest-I hope I didn't hurt you or open any points in this.

He laughs as he runs a hand through his hair playing with it- you didn't hurt me..in fact I think you did the other way around haha- he kisses you on the forehead,you two cuddle for a long time until you fall asleep Eugene covers you and kisses you on the lips and then settles down to sleep too you two fall asleep in each other's arms.

- Eugene? - you wake up and it's still night but you don't see him by your side, worry soon takes over you.- Eugene?!

After saying that you hear the front door closing and you hear footsteps going to your room when the door opens and he has a serious expression.

- I'm here y/n ..- he lays down on his side and puts his arm around his waist- I went to answer the door ..

- Who was it?- you ask snuggling next to him.

- nobody important I just see that I'm going on a run tomorrow..don't worry I'll be fine..now let's go to sleep it's kinda late..- he says in a calm and reassuring way as he kisses your back.

You just nod your head and close your eyes for the first time the image of Glenn and Abraham being killed no longer appears but happy moments you have with your boyfriend, but who knew that a simple lie could change everything?.

Notes: Sorry if this sucks and if I haven't been very active, unfortunately writing fanfics doesn't get me grades lol but I'll try to be more active here on the blog and for the person who asked for it, sorry for so long and I promise the second part won't take so long :) I hope you like it

[scarletsaphire]

Paulina has been feeling rather under the weather since after the school dance, but its nothing that some rest, relaxation, and an expensive trip to the chiropractor can't fix. Right?

---

For Phantasy Phest day 3 Wings/Scales @phantasycentral

The first few days after the school dance, Paulina was... dazed. That was the best way to put it. It felt like she was watching herself go through the motions of the day. It wasn't like possession; her body still do what she wanted it to do, still acted and spoke like she did. If she had been fully in control of herself, she probably wouldn't have done much different. Maybe a few extra comments about Manson's absolutely hideous "new" necklace (it already looked rusty and bent weird, so there was no way in hell it was actually new) but overall, nothing would really change.

Paulina came back to herself sometime on the third day after the dance. It would have been disorienting, to go from so distant and weird back to normal suddenly, but with the ache in her back, it was even worse. It started relatively minor; somewhere just below the normal aches and pains of period cramps, just between her shoulders. With just a few seconds of batting her eyelashes, her daddy had booked a private appointment with a chiropractor, and had called the school to let them know she was sick. 

She could have gotten through the school day just fine, but she wasn't one to look a free day off school in the mouth, or whatever that saying was. It would have been a nice day; the chiropractor appointment wasn't until later in the day, so she was planning on going back to sleep until noon, redoing her nail polish, and doing a nice extensive skin care routine. She'd barely been able to sleep an extra thirty minutes before the pain between her shoulders woke her back up. By that point, the pain had progressed from the dull, annoying ache to a near stabbing pain. Much more annoying, much more painful, but still manageable. Paulina busted out the heating pad and herbal tea, and settled in for an uncomfortable day.

By the time her chiropractor appointment rolled around, Paulina was only keeping tears of pain from falling through sheer power of will and determination to not ruin her mascara. She couldn't get herself to sit up straight on the car ride there, the bumping of the car seat against her burning shoulder blades so painful she'd nearly bit clean through her tongue. The chauffer had shot her a few worried glances through the back mirror, but one angry glare reminded him of his place. 

Paulina left the chiropractor's wishing she had never come. The man's first, gentle touch had her yelping in pain and him humming in confusion and consideration. "You have some nasty knots in your back," he had said, probing at the sorest spot even as Paulina flinched at the contact. "I normally only see this type of thing in older people with very stressful jobs. Has anything happened lately that might have caused this? Any stress at school?"

"I didn't realize my father was paying you to ask me about my day," Paulina grumbled. "Are you going to fix my back or not?"

"Of course," he'd said. "I just thought that-"

"You aren't getting paid to think," she snapped. "Just make it stop hurting!"

He hadn't spoken the rest of the appointment, instead trying to massage Paulina's back in a way that didn't make her vision cloud with pain. He failed. Paulina ended up walking back to the car hunched over and her hair covering her face. She'd ran out of willpower somewhere during the appointment, and her mascara had run, just like she knew it would.

As soon as she got back home, Paulina headed straight to her room. She placed the heating pad, the only thing that had offered any kind of relief all day, on her back, and laid face down into her mattress. It helped, at least a little bit.

Paulina passed the weekend in almost the same position, only moving to eat, use the bathroom, or turn up the heat on the heating pad. She'd passed the temperature she normally had it at the first night, and had maxed it early on Sunday morning. Despite the fact that it was burning hot, the pain was far much worse when it was lower.

Paulina was frankly exhausted by the time Monday rolled back around, but she couldn't miss school today. Not only would it be bad for her image if people thought she could get like, properly sick, and besides all that, there was cheer practice that evening. She couldn't just miss that if she wanted to be a flyer this year. Her back still hurt like hell by the time she was getting in the car to go to school, but it was manageable. Frankly, it was nothing compared to what it had been over the weekend. So Paulina grit her teeth, applied some pink sparkly lip gloss, and made her way into Casper High with a beaming smile on her face.

She'd managed to make it to third period, flying on the concerned wishes of her friends and followers, all saying that they were so happy she was back and cursing whatever illness befell her on Friday. She might've been able to make it longer, if the school hadn't shook with what the student body was beginning to recognize as the tell tale signs of a ghost attack. In their mad rush to evacuate the school, someone had bumped Paulina right in the shoulder blades, right between where the pain was most severe, and she'd collapsed to her knees. 

"Polly? Come on Polly we need to go!" Star had called the moment she saw Paulina fall, but she was rushed away in the stampeding crowd. Paulina couldn't straighten, couldn't even move. All she could do was curl further in on herself and squeeze her eyes against the searing hot pain throbbing through her back. Every beat of footsteps sent another pulse of pain through her. She grabbed at her hair, pulling on it, trying to shift her focus to a smaller pain. All her tugging did is end up with handfuls of her hair in her fists, and a stinging sensation to accompany the rest of her pain.

Paulina didn't notice when the crowd dispersed; the pulses of pain continued, only getting worse and worse in severity. She also didn't notice the person saying her name until she felt the hand on her shoulder, causing her to shudder in pain. "Paulina!" A voice accompanied the hand. Paulina cracked her eye open, but everything was blurry. She could vaguely make out black and purple, but it wasn't clear. "Paulina now is not the time to be a drama queen. You need to move."

The hand wrapped around Paulina's arm and tugged on her, pulling her out of the fetal position. Whoever it was must have torn her shirt; a loud ripping noise echoed through the hallway. Paulina would have been angry, if the cool air hitting or skin wasn't so refreshing. It didn't get rid of the pain entirely, but it did get rid of at least some of it. "Oh shit. Ok. Didn't expect that," the voice said. "Ok, um. Cool, I can handle this. I'm just gonna..." The hand left her arm, before wrapping around her waist. "One, two, and lift!" 

With a soft grunt, Paulina was lifted off of the ground. It definitely wasn't the cleanest job; Paulina could hear her (Paulina's head was clear enough to tell that whoever it was was a girl. Maybe Star came back for her?) labored breathing, and Paulina's...something was dragging along the floor. It wasn't her feet; she'd wrapped those around this person's waist not long after being lifted. It wouldn't make sense for it to be her hands, with how she was being carried. It was an odd feeling; she couldn't remember ever experiencing anything like this. It was nice, whatever it was, and every brush against the cold linoleum sent pleasant chills into her spine that helped lessen the pain more and more.

Paulina was dumped on the floor, and the whatever it was that had been dragging was pinched beneath her. She yelped, and shifted the appendage out from under her. 

"Ok, so those are definitely yours and not just like. Glued to you or whatever. Good to know." Now that the pain in her back was fading, Paulina's brain was able to work at least a little bit more. Whoever this was definitely wasn't Star; Star could lift her, of course, she needed to for cheer, but Star didn't talk like this person. "Can you hear me, or have the clouds you're always walking in blocking your ears?"

Paulina sent a quiet prayer that she had heard that wrong. Anyone but her. Anyone but her. Anyone but... Paulina opened her eyes. Sam was crouched next to her, the standard look of disdain mixed with something that Paulina might have thought was concern, if it wasn't Sam. Paulina closed her eyes, groaned, and leaned her head against the wall.

"I feel like I should be mad about that," Sam said. "But if the roles were reversed, I'd probably do the same thing."

"Just go away, goth freak," Paulina said.

"Nope. Not gonna happen," Sam said. "Not with whatever all this is going on."

"Why, you trying to get blackmail or something Manson?" Paulina sneered. "Newsflash, but no one is going to believe you over me."

"I think you're the one who needs a newsflash."

"And what does Miss Small, Dark, and Gloomy have to tell the gossip queen of Casper High?" 

"You have wings." Sam delivered the line without a hint of a joke in her voice, which would have been concerning, if Sam wasn't always so monotone all the time.

"Oh ha ha," Paulina replied, opening her eyes just to glare at Sam. "You really think I'm going to believe a lie as obvious as that one? Puh-lease."

Sam didn't answer. Instead she grabbed next to Paulina, hand brushing against sensitive not quiet skin, and pulling the appendage up into Paulina's line of sight. It was, in fact a wing; a thin membrane stretched across a boney frame. It was a soft, warm pink color, almost a peach; and it shimmered in the fluorescent lights of the room. It looked fake. Paulina wanted to believe it was fake. But she could feel Sam's hand against it, could feel how it stretched from how Sam was pulling it. 

Paulina opened her mouth, trying to figure out some kind of retort, or at least some kind of reply, but coming up short. "I guess Miss Small Dark and Gloomy can tell you something you don't know." Paulina tore her eyes from her wing to look Sam in the eye. She was smirking.

"Of course you're enjoying this," Paulina said. She went to grab the wing away, but before her hand could reach it, it had pulled itself away, responding to her thought. "My life is over!" She couldn't keep the hysterics out of her voice. Why should she? She was a freak now. Even more of a freak than Manson and her weirdo friends. Paulina thought she could have a little hysterics. As a treat. 

"Oh come on, its not that big of a deal. You're still alive, which is more than some of my friends can say."

Paulina burst into tears. "I don't want to be one of you weirdos!"

"Whoever said that you'd be welcome with us?" Sam asked, crossing her arms. Paulina cried harder. Sam uncrossed her arms, to hover them around Paulina. She didn't seem certain of what to do. That was fair. Paulina also didn't know what to do. 

"It's ok, I'm sure we can fix this!" Sam settled on eventually.

"Who is this we?" Paulina said. 

"You know what that's a very good question!" Sam said. "It's uh-"

Whatever she was going to say was lost under the sound of someone else's echoing voice coming from the wall. "Hope you're in here Sam, because I got hit something nasty. I think I can see the sandwich I had for lunch."

"Um, we're busy!" Sam called, but she was too late. The ghost boy had turned around the corner. 

"I thought we agreed this was my bleed out bathroom!" he said. He was proving his point; the cut across his stomach was bleeding a concerning amount, and there was a pool of bright green ectoplasm pooling under his feet.

"Where else was I supposed to take her? She grew wings, Danny! Wings!" Sam grabbed Paulina's wing to prove her point.

"Hey!" Paulina shouted. "Don't just grab me like that!" She tore the wing back out of Sam's hands.

"You do make a fair point," ghost boy said. "But can you stitch me up first, and then we can deal with the wings?" He offered Paulina a far too familiar, sheepish grin. "Sorry, but I'm starting to see stars, and not in the good way."

"Fine, sit down." Sam reached into her backpack and pulled out a (medkit?). Ghost boy sat down on the tile floors of the bathroom, leaning backwards for Sam to get easier access to his wound.

Paulina narrowed her eyes at the two, wheels turning in her head. The two were comfortable with each other, which was weird enough, but especially since it wasn't just the comfort of necessity. They had talked like friends. And hadn't the ghost boy come in looking for Sam? She even knew his name! Danny. 

The alarm bells went off, and she nearly hit herself in the head. She didn't blame herself for not seeing it earlier; she did try very hard to look at the losers as little as possible, but it was clear as day. Sure, their hair color and eye color were different, but everything else? It would be impossible to miss. Danny Fenton, Sam Manson's best friend since 4th grade, was bleeding ectoplasm on the bathroom floor.

She should say something. Paulina knew that she should. She didn't. If Fenton was the ghost boy, then this "we" Sam was talking about was the two of them, and maybe the techy nerd too. Maybe they could help her get rid of these things; she wasn't about to risk it by revealing that she knew. 

[envihellbender]

Michael and Gerard Keays, pre and post Distortion ?

Characters: Michael Shelley, Gerard Keay (The Magnus Archives)

Content: Doorkeay (Michael x Gerard), parental abuse reference, distortion Michael

—

Pre-Distortion

Gerard awoke a little disorientated at first, he saw white washed walls that weren’t from his flat. It took him a moment to realise he’d stayed the night at Michael’s. He groaned and shuffled around in the bed, or rather the mattress on the floor. He was wearing his Cannibal Corpse t-shirt and his boxer shorts, his skinny, freckly body curled up under the thick, warm duvet to see Michael next to him. He stretched and rubbed his eyes, yawning.

“G’morning, Gerry,” Michael mumbled, he smiled sleepily at Gerard, reached over and ruffled his hair. It felt strange for them to be in bed together, Gerard thought, it was nice… but having the first time he because he had a minor breakdown caused a guilt-filled twisting in his gut like he was overstaying his welcome.

“Morning,” Gerard responded as he curled up a little smaller under the duvet. “I’m… Sorry for just showing up last night.” He spoke quietly, and barely opened his mouth. The springs in the mattress were old and weak, and the lack of a frame mean his joints had begun ache. He’d have to get some pallets, he thought, something to prop it up. He couldn’t help but think about Michael sleeping on this then sitting at a desk for most of the day, he couldn’t have that.

“Don’t be sorry! Much rather you came to me rather than just… suffered,” Michael said. He stroked Gerard’s over-dyed black hair and pushed it behind his ear. He went to kiss Gerard’s forehead, but instead he met his lips when Gerard looked up and surprised him.

“I didn’t know where else to go, don’t really know anyone else. Definitely don’t know anyone else who’d… get it,” Gerard mumbled. He shuffled over in the bed and rested his head on Michael’s chest, smiling contentedly as he felt a too long arm wrapping around his shoulders.

“Do you wanna talk about it more?”

“Not much else to say. Came home. Found my flat had been broken into. Had a flashback. Had a panic attack. Came here,” Gerard reiterated awkwardly before burying his face into Michael’s chest and breathing in the smell of his sweat.

“Do you know who it was?” Michael was always so eager to help, and it always baffled Gerard.

“Huh?”

“Who broke in?”

“Oh! Dunno.” Gerard yawned and rubbed his eyes. He paused as he buried his face in Michael’s chest, trying to hide his awkward embarrassment. “Didn’t stick around to check. Couldn’t bring myself to go in. I mean. For one thing my bat was in the inside.”

“Well. Hopefully-” Michael bit his lip thoughtfully as he paused. “We’ll check it out. Together. With a bat. Whoever it is will be gone by now.”

“Maybe,” Gerard began pulling on his hair ask he stared off onto space distantly. “I just… what if it’s my mum? What if she comes back?”

“Then… maybe, I guess-” Michael paused thoughtfully. “We can go over, pack a bag, and come back here.”

“Yeah?” Gerard swallowed around a lump in his throat.

“Yeah. Your mum won’t find us here, Gerry. Promise.” Michael kissed Gerard’s forehead, wrapping both arms around his shoulders and giving him a long, loving squeeze. “If she does then we’ll just have to find somewhere else.”

“We?”

“Mhm. We.”

Post-Distortion

Gerard knew it was happening, sort of. He’d been prepared and was fully aware there was nothing he could do. Michael was changing, no one knew when he’d be back, and after the fact he might not even be Michael any more. The quiet flat him and Michael shared felt all encompassing, smothering, and empty. Every single corner reminded him no one was there, he had Cannibal Corpse blasting from the battered iPod touch on the docking station to try and cleanse the place. To try and trick his brain. If there was sound he wasn’t alone. He shook his hands as he walked, shaking them up and down and moving his fingers to the music as if he was playing guitar. He felt the change instantly, it was of the entire space had morphed around a new being.

Gerard stopped where he was pacing, facing the large The Dillinger Escape Plan poster on the wall, he tried not to look at Michael’s many, beautiful drawings. They hurt his chest now. He slowly turned round, and he looked directly at Michael. It was definitely him, they all said that Michael would be dead now but Gerard knew that wasn’t entirely true. In front of him was a Distortion wearing Michael’s face and behind his black pools for eyes he could feel the original Michael twisted up inside of him. It was like they had merged together. He didn’t know if it was a result of his mother’s experiments that he knew that or if it was something else entirely… He just knew. Michael had grown a couple of inches, his fingers lengthened and his hair was wilder, curlier, like literal spirals. As he stood he flickered in and out of existence, like a television losing its signal and showing grey static and different bars of colours.

“GerArd, yOu are Here,” Michael said finally breaking the silence, his voice pained and elongated. The emphasis of each syllable strange and the pitch and tone had so far made the humans he had interacted wince. Sasha had seen him and spun on her heel and walked away, after flinching and grabbing her head. Gerard on the other hand just looked and stared, his green eyes widened and watering slightly as he stood up as straight as he could and try to make his arms stay still. Michael could tell he was shaking even though he was repressing it. Michael could see the slight distortions in the air around them, the molecules were preparing to move around Gerard’s hand until they didn’t.

“Michael,” Gerard said quietly. “It is still Michael, right?”

“It Is MichAel SheLLY and Me.” Michael sounded a little bewildered as he spoke, as if the question confused him. “wE are One Being Now. He is mE and I Am HiM.”

“So… Michael Shelley is still there.” Gerard’s green eyes widened hopefully. Michael tilted his head, his neck bending a little too far.

“In A SenSe.”

“Could I speak to him?”

“I suPposE,” Michael mumbled. He took a deep breath as a pained expression crossed his face, his image distorted and flashed in and out of existence similar to television static. He crackled and displayed multicolour bars, until he slowly became more human and settled in it. Gerard let out an audible sigh and a sad smile as he saw his Michael in front of him. Without think he jumped forward, wrapping his arms around Michael’s waist and buried his face into his shoulder.

“Michael!” He gasped. Warmth and care filled Michael’s body. The Distortion has become baffled and curious by this, Michael holds Gerard gently, burying his face into his collar bone, feeling delighted by his long lanky body engulfing Gerard completely. “Are you… are you okay?”

“I’m … I’m me,” Michael Shelley said, his voice mode even and stable. “I’m…It hurts. Transforming. Shifting. But. My old body hurt too. My old brain hurt more than my current one. Michael- the other Michael, picks up the slack. I guess.”

“You don’t have to stay like this, you can- I don’t- not if it hurts you-”

“Wait. Boyfriend. Do you… You still want me?”

“I’m not going anywhere, not when you’re still here,” Gerard said, his lashes were wet with tears and his cheeks were sore red… it was obvious seeing Michael this way hurt. But at least he was free now. Gerard buried his face into Michael’s chest. “Come on. I don’t mind, I just want you not to hurt anymore.” Michael let out a relieved sigh and let his body return to normal, his arms lengthened and his hands become elongated and had too many joints. As he relaxed, Michael wrapped his too long arms and hands around Gerard, when he buried his face in the chest that felt both cold and warm, that felt like a gentle massaging static against his cheeks, it didn’t hurt. For anyone else it would. In fact, it felt just like before.

[akwolfgrl]

Part 18 LFT

Zoro left the box of cat stuff in the boys' room before he headed towards the galley where he knew Sanji was. He had heard the blond singing. He didn't know Sanji could sing… unless you count those sexy moans as singing. The cat was curled around his neck, purring loudly, reminding him of what was at hand now. Zoro thought cats were supposed to be aloof, but this one had walked right up to him and climbed up his leg. The damn thing had rubbed its head against his own before batting at his earrings. Zoro had gotten lucky. He had stumbled into a book store where the lady working there had been of great help. He was nervous. He didn't give people gifts, but he was just following Nami’s advice.

Zoro watched from the galley window as Sanji moved things in his cabinet around. Zoro opened the door and stepped inside.

A mighty tempest grew

The banshee cried "turn back!"

But our resolve was true

And pointed bow ahead and shouted

"We'll break threw"

The jaws of hell can't hold us back

There's nothing that can keep us from The Shadow

Zoro leaned against the wall, his hand coming to scratch the cat perched along his shoulders. He watched and listened as the cook sang a smile upon his face, a new large strange pot sat upon the stove.

“I didn't know you sang, you should do it more often,” Zoro wasn't here to rile him up this time. His voice was softer than normal, trying to prove he wasn’t here to cause chaos.

“Wow! You're back early! I thought for sure you'd be in a bar getting drunk somewhere,” The blond didn't bother turning around, but Zoro could see his ear turn pink. “Ah well, I did grow up with a pirate, Ussop bought it up, and I realized how much I miss singing with everyone,” Curly closed the cabinet gently before turning towards him. With one raised curly brow, he asked, “What's with the cat?”

“He’s for you, I figured since you're busy guarding against Luffy you could use help guarding against the smaller pests,” Zoro reached behind him and slid a hand under the cat's belly, its claws sticking to his shirt. “Oi, will let go of me.” Sanji laughed, Zoro didn't think he had ever heard the other man laugh before he wanted to hear it again. He turned back around and dug through the fridge.

“Need some help Marmio? We had a ship cat on the braite, she used to keep the mice and rats at bay. She had died of old age a week before I met all of you. She would sleep with the old geezer,” Sanji shut the fridge door and turned back around with a small fish in his hand. He made a tounge clicking noise and tapped the counter with his fingers. That cat left him for Sanji. “Here you go kitty,” Sanji knelt down to feed the cat, letting it sniff his fingers before getting a head butt then deciding the fish in his hand was more interesting.

“What were you singing? I never heard that one before,” Zoro asked.

“It's one that Zeff and his crew made up, it's based on a ship they ran across in the grandline, it's a ghost ship with ragged black sails,” Sanji spoke while petting the cat.

“Speaking of the Grand Line… I got you a gift,” Zoro took the book out of his haramaki.

Sanji looked up at him, a blush spreading across his cheeks as he stared at him in confusion. “A gift? A gift for Me? Why would you get me a gift?”

“Because I like you dumbass, why else would I get you a gift? Here take it,” Zoro held out the book. What was wrong with Sanji that he couldn't just accept a gift, was this the first time someone gave him a gift? Blondie finally stood up and took the book from him.

“Gathering in the Grand Line,” Sanji read the title out loud before flipping through the book. “Thank you Zoro.”

“Your welcome Sanji,” he says rubbing the back of his neck a bit flustered.

“I don't feel like a thank you is enough, how about I show you my appreciation instead,” Sanji smirked at him before putting the book down and stepping closer. “I think I should finish that blow job from the other night that you so rudely interrupted~”

***

Zoro stumbled out of the galley, his legs still shaky from Sanji’s blow job skills. They were absolutely repeating that experience at a later time.

“Well I see someone did a good job at gift giving,” Nami was smirking at him from where she sat on the railing, right on Sanji's spot. “Now go take a shower there’s clothes waiting for you on the coach along with roses, I couldn't get Sanji's favorite followers because they only grow in the north sea. You have a reservation at ADKT so hurry up. You are so lucky I'm so nice, Zoro!” Zoro glared at her and resisted the urge to say something back, because she was unfortunately correct. “So what did you even get him?”

“A cat and a book about gathering in the Grand Line,” Zoro wasn't about to admit that he had some help in picking out the gifts.

“A cat? Really?” Nami sighed. “Let me guess he loved both gifts. I guess you're secretly a big softy under that scary muscle mass.”

“Hey!” Zoro complained about being called soft.

“Just a big ole teddy bear,” Nami teased him with a wicked grin. “Does Sanji know what a big ole softy you are?”

“Shut up!” Zoro yelled before stomping away to shower, Namis laughter trailing behind him.

[steddieas-shegoes]

For the requests: traumatized steve & eddie going to a wolf sanctuary and eddie watching steve basically live with the wolves in their area. And the one wolf,the one that hated everyone, the one who meaner and didn't get along with anyone to its cruel abusive situation (perhaps it was raised from puppyhood and onwards by people who used it in dogfighting, before it was rescued, that wolf, goes right up to Steve and sits by him. Giving him comfort. When Steve has bad nightmares he goes to that wolf's pen and they sleep cuddled together bc that wolf also has nightmares. (It can also be a wolfdog)

AS ALWAYS YOU COME THROUGH WITH SOMETHING FUN AND CREATIVE AND AS ALWAYS I MAKE IT EMOTIONAL AS SHIT!!! I was feelin' some type of way yesterday and started on this at peak emotional upheaval, which is really something I don't recommend. As many things tend to do, this got away from me and I think I could've still let it keep going, but I had to cut it off. Hope you love it!!! - Mickala ❤️

-----------------------------------------------

It was Robin’s idea.

She knew therapy wasn’t working. She knew firsthand that the nightmares, especially Steve’s, were impossible to handle some nights.

She stayed with him enough after the Russians to know he was averaging four hours of restless sleep on a good night.

And now that he’d seen the horrors of the Upside Down, and Eddie almost dying, and Max almost dying, and the guilt of just existing, they were worse.

Eddie had them, but he was usually able to calm down relatively quickly, usually even fall back into a dreamless sleep after.

His problem was just seeing the bats everywhere, even when he was awake. A large bird would fly by and he was ducking for cover like a bomb would be dropped on him. He’d hear screeching, sometimes even just kids yelling at the park, and he’d have a panic attack.

Drastically different problems, but Robin said this could help with both of them.

So Steve and Eddie stood outside the wolf sanctuary, staring at the front office entrance where they were told to check in.

They glanced at each other, waiting for the other to make the first move.

It’s not that they were scared. They’d been told about the process on the phone in great detail, the sanctuary director answering all of their questions in a friendly tone.

She’d said that the wolf sanctuary had been used as a form of therapy for people for years now, though many psychiatrists didn’t consider it an appropriate treatment.

Considering Steve and Eddie had been seeing a professional psychiatrist for months now with no progress and serious weight loss and migraines from their prescriptions, they were willing to give this a fair shot.

But their fear that it wouldn’t work kept circling through their minds.

If this didn’t work, they weren’t sure what else they could possibly try.

That was terrifying.

They were supposed to stay for a month, with the option of extending the stay if they felt they needed it.

It was expensive.

But this was on the US government, and Eddie was always quick to spend their money for his benefit.

Steve was just along for the ride.

They walked in together, both nervously looking around at the chairs and desks, bookshelves, pictures of wolves and mountains on the walls, and one small, gray-haired woman at the front desk.

“Oh, aren’t you two precious! Which one’s Steve and which one’s Eddie?”

“I’m Steve,” Eddie smirked as he held out his hand.

Steve smacked his arm.

“He’s Eddie, and he’s probably gonna be this way the whole time. Sorry in advance,” Steve told the woman.

“This is wonderful! You’ll be fun to have around. I’m Fran, I run the front office. I spoke to you the other day on the phone a bit about the check in. Are you boys ready?”

They both nodded.

She clapped her hands together in excitement.

Steve could tell Eddie loved her. She was full of theatrics like he was, every word punctuated by an exaggerated movement.

“First, the boring part. We did some of the first part over the phone, but these packets need to be filled out completely and given back to me. You can have a seat anywhere to do those. When that’s done, I’ll show you where to bring your bags so you can unpack and get comfortable. We can do a tour before dinner.”

She placed the packets on the desk in front of her, then took two pens out of a mug and placed them down too.

“If you have any questions, let me know. You two are just the cutest!”

She walked through a small doorway a few feet behind her desk and they grabbed the packets to start filling them out.

The first page was basic personal information, which had been filled out already. The second page was emergency contact information and how they were referred. But the third page is where it got difficult.

It has questions like “What is your worst memory?” and “Who is the person you would most expect to protect you in a life or death situation? Why?”

And while Eddie and Steve could probably answer those easily from terrible experiences, there was a lot they weren’t allowed to say.

So they just stuck with the official government stories for any and all Upside Down related parts, which was most of them.

Fran bustled back in, two steaming mugs in her hands. She set them on her desk carefully and then walked over to where Eddie was sitting.

“How’s it going?”

“Good. Almost done,” he smiled up at her.

“And you, dear?” She asked Steve.

“Good. I’m sorry I write kind of slow.”

Steve’s face was red, like he was embarrassed. Eddie watched as he focused on the paper in front of him, his hand moving slowly across the paper.

Steve’s concussions had a lot of lasting effects; migraines and one ear that was barely working, the occasional speech delay, and an inconvenient struggle with writing, especially if it was answering questions about himself like this.

Eddie distracted Fran as he wrote his last answer, talking to her about her favorite part of the sanctuary and how long she’s been working here.

He handed the packet to her when he was done, glancing over at Steve to see he was just starting on the last page.

“Hey, Fran, would it be okay if you helped me get our bags from the car while Steve finishes up?”

Steve sent him a grateful smile as he continued answering the questions on the paper.

As he walked with Fran to the car, she touched his arm.

“He’s got a lot going on, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah. He’s been dealing with this a lot longer than I have,” Eddie smiled sadly at her, touching her hand to accept the comfort she was giving and give some in return. “I hope this works for both of us, but I’d be happy as long as it works for him.”

“You care a lot about him.”

It wasn’t a question, and her tone wasn’t judging, but Eddie could just tell. He should panic, he should tell her it wasn’t like that. And it wasn’t for Steve.

But he’d been hiding it for so long, and somehow successfully, he couldn’t lie to her.

“I love him. He doesn’t know how much. I did this for him, mostly. I mean I want it to help me too, but I know he wouldn’t have tried this if I didn’t come and he,” Eddie sighed. “He needs this. He can’t keep going like he has been.”

Fran pulled him into a hug and he did all he could not to start crying.

“He’s lucky to have you on his side no matter what, darling. And I’d bet anything he thinks the same of you,” she said softly.

“I don’t think it’s quite the same. He loves me like a friend, but he’s not…not like me.”

Gay. He wasn’t gay. Or even a little into men. Eddie was sure of that.

Fran pulled away and just smiled at him.

“Okay, then. Let’s get these bags inside.”

They managed to bring everything in in one trip, and by the time they made it back inside, Steve was done with his packet.

“Alright!” Fran clapped her hands together in excitement. “To your room!”

Eddie’s eyes widened.

“Room? Like, just one?”

“Yep! The other room we have for long-term residents is already taken for the next few weeks. Will that be okay?”

She was smiling innocently at Eddie, who knew she knew why he was suddenly panicking.

“That’s fine. We end up sharing a room all the time, right, Eds?” Steve asked as he grabbed his own bags from the floor.

“Uh. Yep. Totally fine.”

“Great!”

She led them out the back of the front office, down the sidewalk that led to a row of small buildings.

“This first building is storage. The next one is the short-term stays, usually people who donate frequently to keep us running, staying for a night or two to see where their money goes. This next building is for long-term stays. That’s you two. It’s split into a duplex, so you’ll have basically a studio apartment in there. Kitchen, bathroom, living area with a sectioned off area as the bedroom. You each will have a key, but keep in mind that the director also has a key for emergencies. The janitorial staff only goes if requested, so let me know if you feel it needs a sprucing up or you need new sheets or anything. Fridge is stocked and gets restocked every two weeks.” She paused as they made it to the steps to the building. “Oh! We don’t technically have a curfew for the guests. You’re adults and we trust you on your journey here. But we do ask that you try to be back no later than 11, as we often shut off many of the trail lights by midnight to ensure the animals have the closest replica of the wild as possible.”

Steve and Eddie nodded, eyes wide at all the information being thrown at them so quickly.

“Your room has a phone of course. You’re free to use as often as you’d like. Pressing 1 gets you in touch with the front office, 2 is for security, 3 is for the director’s office. I recommend calling the front office unless it’s an emergency so we can get in touch with the right people for you. After your tour, you’ll have free reign over the entire sanctuary except for anywhere marked employees and volunteers only. That’s for your safety, of course. We encourage you to be a part of some of the educational tours and seminars that we offer to the general public as well as enjoy time on your own with the wolves. Volunteers are here every day from 9 to 5, and the employees who help care for the wolves stay until 11. We have security here 24/7, but the director usually has a couple people on staff remain after regular hours in case of an animal emergency.”

This felt a little overwhelming, but he could already tell Steve was more relaxed here than he’d been anywhere else since he met him.

“I work when they need me, but my home number is by the phone in there for you just in case you need a chat. I retired a couple years ago so I spend a lot of my time at home with my dog. You’re never a bother, okay?”

They both nodded.

She hugged them both, handed them their keys, and started to walk away.

“Your tour will be in about an hour. James is running it today. You’ll love him!”

She was gone before they could even respond, so they looked back to each other and shrugged before heading inside.

The main door was unlocked, but the door inside marked with a “2” was locked. Steve unlocked it and pushed the door open.

The apartment was nice, but small, smaller than either of them had expected.

“Guess we’ll be getting pretty close for the next month, huh?” Steve joked.

Eddie’s heart was in his throat.

He could see the “bedroom” from where he stood. It was one queen sized bed. One.

“Um. Yep. Guess so. I can take the couch,” Eddie rushed out.

Steve clearly hadn’t seen the sleeping arrangement yet or he would have probably offered. He’s a self-sacrificing idiot, so Eddie had to rush to offer before he could.

“What? Why?”

Eddie gestured towards the bed.

“There’s plenty of room for both of us, dude. A month on the couch isn’t exactly gonna help with the nightmares.”

“It looks pretty cozy.”

Steve just stared at him, brows raised like Eddie was an idiot.

He was an idiot, but he didn’t need Steve thinking it.

“Eddie. Seriously. We can share a bed.”

Steve wouldn’t let him win, it’s just not who Steve was.

“Okay, okay! Let’s just unpack so we can go see some wolves or whatever.”

They unpacked in silence, Steve taking the spot closest to the door without Eddie having a choice.

Self-sacrificing idiot.

—--------------

James knocked on their door at exactly 4:00, like he’d been standing there waiting for the clock to change over from 3:59.

“Hello! I’m James. You’re Steve and Eddie?”

They all shook hands and James started explaining things quickly.

James was only a bit older than them, wearing a volunteer shirt that had seen better days, and had the energy of Dustin.

“So! I’m gonna show you the lay of the land, you can ask me questions, I can try to answer them, and then I can drop you off back here so you can eat. The first night can be a bit of an adjustment, so feel free to give me a call if you have trouble. My number is under Fran’s,” James spoke rapid-fire, but not so fast they couldn’t keep up. They were used to that, anyway.

“So to start, everything you guys really need is along this main trail.” He pointed the way they came earlier and then the other direction. “That way leads to our nutrition area for the wolves, which you are welcome to visit anytime during the day to help or feed some of the rehabilitated wolves in the building nextdoor which is the hospital. The hospital is only open to the guests staying here and employees from 12-5, just because much of the mornings are spent performing surgeries or checkups. You’re encouraged to spend time with any of the wolves there in recovery as it helps their spirits much like a person. But if you take the left at the fork in this trail, you’ll be led to other trails. The first one is the wolf enclosures, which I’m taking you to now.” He kept walking as he spoke, moving his hands constantly, big smile keeping Eddie and Steve enthralled.

“We have one specifically for the ones we’ve rescued who are still healing from injuries, and that one is off limits to everyone between dusk and dawn. Many of these wolves are relearning how to be wild and part of that is using the night to hunt. Being in their cage during those times could be dangerous. They wouldn’t necessarily eat you,” he paused to laugh. “But they may take a bite. Now! The second enclosure is where we keep Herald. You can laugh at his name.” Eddie let out a small laugh.

“Herald had a rough upbringing. He was rescued about six months ago from a traveling circus that had abused him for at least a few years. We think he’s about 5 years old, but can’t be 100% certain. He’s hesitant around all people, even the director. He can be very unpredictable, so only the director, vet, and head nutritionist are allowed in there. You’re welcome to visit from the outside anytime you’d like though! He’s shy, but it can’t hurt having people talk to him.”

James was walking pretty quickly, and if Steve wasn’t so in shape, he’d be struggling. He looked over at Eddie. Eddie was struggling a little, but didn’t want to stop or slow down.

“And the last enclosure is for the rest of the wolves. These are ones that may be reintroduced to the wild soon or who may have been rescued without injuries, but just aren’t ready to go yet. This enclosure has a few areas for public access. The first being the feeding area, the second being the petting area. The petting area is only able to be accessed when employees or volunteers are present. The third area is only for guests staying long term such as yourselves.”

James walked them through a gate off to the side of the enclosure.

“This area is my favorite in the whole sanctuary. It’s their den area. It’s not recommended to come alone, and you should always go to the petting area to meet them first, but this area is nice for anyone who wants to feel like a part of the pack.”

“We can go in there?”

“Again, it’s definitely recommended to meet the wolves in the petting area first, maybe feed them a few times to show them you’re a friend, but yes.”

“Huh.”

Eddie watched Steve’s reaction.

This was much more involved than they expected to be.

“So that’s the enclosures! The next part of this trail leads to a walking and biking trail that is a great way to see some nature without having to leave the area. It’s snake season, though, so make sure you know your snake safety beforehand and bring the provided whistle with you in case of an emergency. Volunteers and employees are always within hearing distance during normal hours and can usually respond within 3-4 minutes.”

“Could we go back to Herald?”

Eddie’s head snapped to Steve, who was looking at James with a kind smile.

“Oh. Well, sure. The only other thing I needed to show you was the trail leading to the lake, but we can go back after.”

So James backtracked, Steve and Eddie close on his heels.

They got to the enclosure with Herald, but didn’t see him.

“He likes to hide. Especially if it isn’t close to meal time, he doesn’t usually come close to the fence. His den is hidden away.”

Steve kept walking up to the fence as James spoke, Eddie watching and trying to figure out what was going on.

“Herald? You there?” Steve called gently into the fence. Wolves had excellent hearing, and he’d probably already heard them approach. “You can come say hi if you want to.”

Eddie stood next to Steve, looking out at the area in the enclosure. There was a good mix of forest and empty area, with plenty of things that were probably used as toys scattered around. He watched for any sign of movement, listened for any trotting over.

Nothing.

Steve looked incredibly disappointed, but James walked closer and gave them both a smile.

“Like I said, Herald isn’t very social and it’s nothing personal. He doesn’t even seem to like the director and all the wolves love her.”

But Eddie knew Steve. He knew that he wasn’t gonna let that shit go.

“Alright! Shall we head to the trail by the lake?”

Eddie watched as Steve sighed, but nodded.

—--------------

Steve cooked them dinner that evening, said it helped him relax and that he would feel more at home if he got into a routine.

Eddie wouldn’t complain; He loved Steve’s cooking.

He made a basic spaghetti dish, even toasted some bread and sprinkled some garlic powder on it to make garlic bread.

They sat at the small table by the front door and ate in silence.

“It’s really quiet here.”

Eddie looked up to see Steve staring down at his plate, biting his lip nervously.

“It’s kind of nice though. Peaceful.”

“Yeah.”

Eddie knew what he was worried about.

He was worried the silence would make him have more nightmares instead of less, that he’d be left with nothing to help him if this failed.

“Hey,” Eddie reached over and patted Steve’s hand that rested on the table. “I’m here, alright? You won’t be alone.”

“Yeah,” Steve agreed, only slightly relaxing back into his seat.

—--------------

The next day was relaxed.

They walked along the main trail after breakfast, happy to see Fran again and meet some new people.

They stopped at Herald’s enclosure, but still didn’t see or hear him.

Steve was disappointed, but it was hidden away when they were able to feed and pet some of the other wolves before lunch.

The wolves were all beautiful, clearly well taken care of, and even the ones still in recovery were cleaned, well-fed, and cared for by the team.

Eddie quickly had a favorite: Mabel. She was an “old woman” as the employee at the feeding area said. She was 12 years old, had been brought in from the side of the road after being hit. She had had a broken leg and many broken ribs, along with cuts that needed stitches. Not the worst they’d seen, but due to her being nearly 11 at the time, they didn’t expect her to pull through. She did though, and had quickly become known as the leader of the group. All the wolves respected her, it was clear even to Eddie and Steve. She was the first to the feeding area, the first to the petting area, and would often stand guard over the others as they went into the shared spaces.

She was light brown with gray speckled throughout, her scars visible, but mostly covered with hair.

Steve loved Mabel, too, but he still had his heart set on Herald.

Eddie wasn’t stupid. He knew why Steve was so fixated on him.

Someone who was abused and hidden away and expected to perform every day for crowds of people? Yeah, Steve and Herald had quite a bit in common.

He just didn’t want him to get his hopes up for nothing.

After lunch, they decided to walk over to the nutrition center, maybe learn something new.

It was educational, and fun, and Eddie said multiple times how much he wished actual school had been like this.

The nutritionists let them help set up all the wolves’ dinners, showing them portion sizes for each of the wolves, telling them what the wolves’ favorites were. How they celebrated birthdays for them.

It was fun. Steve even cracked some smiles throughout.

—--------------

That night was rough.

Steve had fallen asleep quickly, much to Eddie’s delight, but it didn’t last long.

Eddie was woken up not long after he fell asleep by whimpering. He glanced at the alarm clock by the bed. 10:38. Barely an hour.

He knew from experience that waking Steve up would just make things worse for him, so he gently set his hand on Steve’s side, the best support he could give right now.

It physically pained Eddie to watch Steve’s face tighten in fear and sadness, whatever his nightmare was this time painting a horrifying picture he couldn’t escape.

Steve had mentioned once that his worst nightmares weren’t even about reliving anything that happened. They weren’t anyone dying, though he had those too. They weren’t even him dying.

They were everyone turning on him, finally seeing he wasn’t worth their time or effort, leaving him alone in that big empty house just like his parents did. He said the worst part was when Robin and Eddie left in the nightmare. When they looked at him with disgust and said he wasn’t good enough for the kids, and he damn sure wasn’t good enough for them.

No matter how many times they told him that would never be true, he still had them.

Ten minutes went by, agonizingly slowly, tears falling down Steve’s face. Eddie was whispering words of comfort, hoping that somehow Steve could hear him, but knowing he probably couldn’t.

But finally, Steve’s eyes opened, the whimpering stopped, and he was no longer hearing and seeing what hurt him the most.

He sat up and wiped his eyes, but the tears kept coming and his breathing was still labored.

Eddie sat up with him, hand on his arm, thumb rubbing back and forth to keep him present.

“I think I need to walk it off,” Steve said, voice wet with tears still to come.

“Okay. Do you want me to come with you?”

Steve shook his head.

“No, go back to sleep. I’ll only be out for a few minutes.”

And as much as Eddie knew that was a lie, and knew he should probably go with Steve, he had to trust him.

He’d be safe. He had to be.

—--------------

Steve walked aimlessly up and down the main trail for 10 minutes, trying to breathe in the fresh air, focus on his surroundings.

It wasn’t working as well as he’d hoped, but it was better than staying in bed and letting Eddie see him like this.

Eddie was too kind, always. He was bright, like the sun and the stars and the moon on a clear night. He was everything. And if Steve let himself be too vulnerable, too much, Eddie would take that light.

He lost track of where he was going, his breaths coming in sharper pants now as he let more tears fall.

A noise made him freeze.

Leaves rustling.

He looked up to see Herald’s enclosure in front of him. And…

Herald.

Herald was huge, much bigger than any of the other wolves they’d seen so far. He was beautiful. Scars along his legs showing that he had been abused awfully before coming here, but the rest of him glowed with health. He was standing about eight feet from the fence, trying to hide some of his body still behind the bushes along the forest line.

Steve slowly made his way to the fence, his hands up to show he wasn’t going to cause any harm.

Herald didn’t come closer, but he didn’t back or run away either.

Steve counted that as a win.

He instantly slumped to the ground at the fence, his hands and head resting against the chain links like they were the only thing keeping him upright. Maybe they were.

Steve closed his eyes.

He was so focused on staying calm, he couldn’t hear Herald approach. But he suddenly felt a cold, wet nose against his head.

He didn’t panic, he didn’t want to scare Herald, but he realized suddenly that his fingers were very much easily accessed by sharp teeth.

He let Herald sniff him, then slowly looked up.

Herald was tilting his head at him, almost as if he was asking if he was okay.

That made Steve sob.

Herald jumped slightly, but then moved so he was completely against the fence, laying down so his warm body could be against Steve’s.

Steve slowly let his hands fall, reaching through the fence slowly to let them rest in Herald’s fur.

He felt the wolf sigh, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yeah, I get it. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone care, huh? You’re so soft,” Steve whispered, knowing Herald was still not completely relaxed around him.

“You tired?”

Steve felt a little silly for asking a wolf a question, but he felt even sillier when he realized Herald had just moved his head up and down. It was probably a coincidence, but the timing was crazy.

“Me too. We should get some sleep.”

Herald huffed and rolled his head back against the fence.

“Want me to stay?”

Herald huffed again.

“Okay.”

So Steve stayed.

He sat down on the ground, back against the fence, and listened to the crickets and the steady breaths of Herald.

He was woken up by Eddie shaking him and a growl coming from behind him.

“Steve! Jesus, I thought you’d got lost or died or something.”

“How long have I been out here?”

“It’s nearly two in the morning!”

Herald was growling behind him, protectively pacing behind Steve like he would find a way to get through the fence if Eddie tried to hurt him.

“Hey, Herald, it’s okay. This is Eddie. He’s here with me. He’s my friend,” Steve said calmly, holding his hand through the fence so Herald could sniff him and see he was okay.

“Steve! Get your hand out of there. He isn’t friendly, remember?”

“Oh, please. He just slept by me for hours and let me hold his fur like he was a stuffed animal. He’s plenty friendly.”

Eddie just stared, jaw slack, as he realized Steve was right.

Herald was licking Steve’s hand, leaving his scent on him like he was trying to provide as much protection as possible.

“You made friends with the only wolf here who hates people. Unbelievable.”

“Hey, be nice. He just needs some love is all.”

Eddie nodded. Yeah, him and another person with a name that started with S and rhymed with sleeve.

Eddie’s heart had been racing for the last 15 minutes since he woke up and realized Steve wasn’t in bed next to him or anywhere in the apartment.

He finally took a deep breath, balling his shaking hands into fists and stuffing them into the pocket of his hoodie.

“We should head back inside, Stevie.”

Steve seemed to notice Eddie wasn’t doing so great.

“I’m alright, Eds. Hey, look at me.” Eddie looked at Steve’s face, the way he seemed more relaxed than when he first left after his nightmare. “I’m okay. I must have fallen asleep.”

Eddie took a deep breath, resting his head against Steve’s shoulder as he let it out.

“I thought you were gone.”

“Nah, you can’t get rid of me now.”

“No?”

“Nope. Herald and I are just good friends, but you’re still-” Steve cut himself off, but Eddie wasn’t going to let that pass.

“What?”

“Nothing. Not important.”

“Yeah it is. Tell me.”

Steve seemed nervous, and Herald must have sensed it because he let out a low growl.

“It’s just that you mean a lot to me. Kind of everything, actually.”

Eddie couldn’t breathe.

What did that even mean?

Steve’s hand was suddenly in his hair, playing with the ends the way Eddie did when he was nervous.

“You’re just. I mean, how could you not mean the world to me? You dropped everything to come here with me because you knew I wouldn’t do it alone, Eds. You bring me candy at work even though I literally have access to all the candy I want at the counter. You let me find reasons not to watch the scary movies on movie nights when Dustin picks because you know I can’t handle them. You swim in the pool with me alone so no one knows how much I still hate it. I…you’re just…”

Eddie didn’t let him stutter any more, knowing what he was saying without actually saying it.

He knew what Steve was afraid of, and he wasn’t going to let him be scared anymore.

“Steve. I love you. That’s why I do all that. I love you. I’m in love with you. You deserve more than what I can give, but I can keep giving you all of the love I have, and hopefully that will be enough.”

Steve’s lips were on his before he finished speaking, teeth clacking together at the force of it.

Herald huffed, but they didn’t stop. Eddie didn’t know how he was supposed to now that he had Steve’s lips on his.

He never wanted them gone.

His hands reached up to Steve’s neck, cradling his jaw between them as if he was holding something precious. He was.

“I love you so much,” Steve said against his lips, melting against Eddie.

“I love you, Stevie,” Eddie said back. He planted another soft kiss to his lips before resting their foreheads together. “Let’s go back to bed, okay? We can come see Herald after breakfast.”

Steve nodded and turned to Herald.

“I’ll be back. Don’t hide from me, okay?”

He reached in to give Herald’s head a scratch, and Eddie shook his head in disbelief.

It took less than 48 hours for Steve to have the one wolf in this sanctuary who didn’t like people completely wrapped around his finger.

But Eddie could relate.

Steve’s charm was damn near impossible to resist and now he didn’t have to try.

[youngjusticeslut]

Hey there! How are you doing?? Do you need more suggestions? How about Will's reaction to finding out that Jade is on Rehab Island?

Hi Chica! Love seeing you in my askbox ❤️

--

"I have to tell you something."

The words had broken the comfortable silence between Artemis and Will. Both were in the midst of their domestic evening routine. Will had just finished putting Lian to bed and was now sliding the evening's dinner into glass containers. Artemis was grading papers at the kitchen table. Neither of them usually spoke at this hour; this was an hour for peace, and reflection, and being left alone in their thoughts as they recovered from the day's events. It works for them.

Will looks up from preserving tonight's spaghetti in a container with a bright green lid, confused by the disruption of the silence. "Okay. Is it about Lian?"

"No."

"The team?"

"Also no."

"You okay?"

"I'm fine."

Will nods. "Okay then." With those three primary concerns out of the way, his shoulders slightly relax. "The way you'd said it sounded scary."

Artemis is scared. She'd left Jade on Infinity Island a month ago, and she still hadn't breathed word of it to Will. At first she hadn't planned on telling him. Talking about Jade was a mixed bag of outcomes. If he was prepared, or if the subject was light, he could take it without batting an eye. But sometimes, like when Lian asks them if Jade still remembers her, Will clams up. His complexion turns white, and Artemis knows he has to keep himself together in Lian's presence. She'd find him awake all night afterwards, unable to sleep.

Hence, the prospect of telling Will about their little adventure terrified her. The longer she kept silent, the heavier the guilt sat on her chest, pressing just a bit more every day until she had to force herself to remember to breathe. After weeks of this, she buckled down and decided that she was going to come out and tell him. Tonight.

Artemis stands from the table and busies herself by getting a glass of water. She's stalling, and Will knows it. But he knows her well enough not to mention anything, and gives her space. He places the spaghetti in the fridge and busies himself by starting the dishes.

"Do you remember the mission I went on last month?" Artemis asks, gripping the glass of water in her palms.

"The Metropolis thing?"

"No." Her voice lodges in her throat, unwilling to move. She takes a short breath and sip of water before speaking again. "The one I got pretty banged up on. With Orphan, and Cassandra Savage and Onyx."

"Oh." Will doesn't look up from the dishes, but nods thoughtfully. "I remember. It took you a while to come back from that one. I don't think you ever really told me what happened."

"That's because... I was with Jade."

Artemis hears him stop scrubbing. She waits for him to say something, anything. But Will remains silent. The silence that had once been comfortable is now laced with daggers of tension, threatening to impale their peace at any wrong turn.

"She was here."

This surprises her. By the time Will had returned home that night, Jade had been long gone. Artemis had looked over the house three times to ensure she'd covered up any potential traces that could have led him to believe that Jade was there.

"You knew?"

Will turns off the sink and faces Artemis, crossing his arms. "I had a feeling. I always know when she comes home." His face is a mixture of expressions that Artemis can't quite make out. "But she didn't stay." He lets out a long breath, his eyes clouding over. "She never stays."

"She's on Infinity Island," Artemis blurts before she can register what she's saying and properly stop herself. Something about his eyes, so longing and dejected made her say it. Based on the way he's looking at her now, she knows she should have led into it.

"Infinity Island. Why?"

"Because... I left her there."

"You what?"

Artemis holds up her hands. "I know, it sounds bad. Just let me explain."

And so she does. She tells him everything. The conversation with her mom ("Paula knew?"), the mission, Jade wanting to speak with them but running away once she saw them on the call ("She was there? She was there on the call and you didn't tell me?"), and finally, Infinity Island.

Will is silent for a long time when she finishes speaking. He's angry with her. There's the possibility that he's angry enough to kick her out, so she's mentally preparing for that outcome and bracing herself for his wrath. She's ready for the screaming, too. If someone had witheld information about someone she loved-- if someone, anyone, had kept a secret from her about Wally...

"I can't believe you left her there."

"Neither can I," Artemis admits. "But you hadn't seen her. She was suicidal, Will. She'd gotten to a point where--"

"You had no right!" Will is trembling, his fists clenched so hard they've turned white. "I should have been there, you should have told me."

Artemis scoffs. "I have every right! I am her sister, I know her!"

"And I don't? Artemis, I'm her husband."

The words crash down on Artemis like a bucket of frigid water. In truth, she'd forgotten. The term "brother in law" was so common to her, she'd forgotten what it actually meant.

Will sinks down into a chair opposite her at the table and slides a hand down his face. "I could have done something. I should have been there. You should have told me."

"I know." Artemis agrees, leaning back in her seat. "I'm sorry."

"What were you thinking?"

"I das thinking about you. And I was thinking about Lian and just, I didn't want to hurt you!" It's true. But it's her latest thought that makes her eyes water despite herself. "I wanted to bring her home. I tried, Will. I tried."

Will grabs her hand and squeezes it. There's still anger in his expression, but there's something else, too. Sadness. Understanding. "I know. I want her home too."

[moon-thething]

Jdhrjr hey sorry but I had an idea for another request(the last request you did for me was lovely though! :] /g)

This request is platonic, but I'm also only kinda asking it cuz I'm projecting onto the reader lmao(/hj—also ya don't have to do this if ya don't want to.). But maybe Streber and Kevin(separately anyway) with a Reader(who you can make them see as a bestie or a crush, I dont mind either on ejfjrjr) who usually acts all energetic and annoying, but is actually kinda sad deep down? Like they usually hide it whenever they're feeling bad about something or whenever something is wrong, and usually pretend to be confident as well, but are actually kinda insecure about themself. This is kind of an angsty scenario—but eh.

- Kevin Anon.

Did you really have to call me out like that? Anyway, I'm glad you liked the request :)

Romantic or platonic?: Romantic-ish

Readers gender: neutral

Type: angst/fluff

¡Warning!: I copied the long text on both Kevin's and Streber part because I am too sleep deprived to tye out two separate sentences :(

------------------------------

Kevin

Let set the scene first

The two of you are work buddies, you were the one who was mostly in the back sotriong out candy (since the children were so used to seeing Kevin) and Kevin was the cashier

You two wouldn't talk that much, but by your friends visiting he could see that you had a pretty energetic personality, and he had to admit that it was a little annoying, but over all sweet

He never would've thought you were so sad deep down, he always saw you as this energetic person that wouldn't give a hater the light of day. When in reality you head was quite the opposite

When you two got closer together, he started to hang out with you a little after work (which was really weird, considering all of the stories about annoying coworker's getting together to hang out)

And he saw that you were energetic everywhere, not just with your friends. And he seemed to like that about you, it was just a little thing that made him think the world wasn't as fucked up as it actually is

But, he did notice the little shifts in your tone when the subjects got too dark or were feeling too personal. That made him worry a little bit

But you're a happy person! There's no way you can have any for of negative thoughts! Right?

Wrong

He was flabbergasted when he head you talk about your actual feeling for the first time

My man's got himself an existential crisis rn

Kevin grabbed the money from the mother's hold gently and gave her the change before handing the kid his candy

"Here you go." He said. The kid gave him a smile and thanked him before tugging on his mother's sleeve, dragging her towards the exit

Kevin let out a sigh, walking towards the back to call out to you

"Y/n, c'mon! It's time to close up!" He yelled, watching as she jumped up in surprise

"Oh, yeah. Right away boss." You joked, giving Kevin a salute before running out of the back towards the main area

You flipped the sign to say 'closed' and grabbed a mop as you started to mop the floor. Kevin was the one whipping the register and couters

After a few moments of listening to the radio music, you spoke up

"Hey Kevin?" You spoke. Kevin gave you a hum of acknowledgement as he continued to wipe the counters

"... Do you ever fell empty on the inside? Like, mentally and physically feel like there's a part of you missing that just makes everything more difficult in life? Like, you keep this fake happy mask on when deep down you feel like you just want to crumble up into a ball and sob you heart out, like you just want to poof out of existence just to see if anyone would even care or it anyone would even bat an eye?" You looked up at the end of you speak, only to see Kevin in utter disbelief

His jaw was practically on the floor as his eyes were wide open. If this were a cartoon you were pretty sure you would hear the 'whomp whomp' sound affect

"Kevin, are-

"ARE YOU OKAY?!"

Almost sobbed instead of u

He spoiled you like a prince's for a month straight, thinking it would bring up you mood a little and actually feel like the personality you display in front of others

It was sweet but he was more stressed than ever, making you feel bad about ever revealing your true emotions to him

But hey, it is what it is

Streber

Let's set the scene (again)

You met Streber through a mutual friend, and you just seemed to immediately click

Your personalities were practically identical to one another

The only difference being that Streber was actually happy and you just weren't, but he didn't know that!

You two would always be together and woult act like those two aunts that make perfect harmony when they are together

He absolutely adored that you could match his energy, he felt so complete with you by his side, like you were a missing puzzle piece that somehow managed to appear on a random day

And to say he was shocked when he heard what you actually felt like... Well, you would be correct

He was shocked, heartbroken, understanding, basically just gave actual good advice

You were in Streber workshop, just preparing for the haunted house when all of a sudden you felt a wave of sadness wash over you. And this time you didn't seem to want to keep it to yourself anymore

You looked around to room, only now noticing that you and Streber were alone, before turning to him

"Hey Streber?" You spoke up, he hummed, turning towards you

"What is it?" He asks, talking his head as he waited for you to continue talking

"... Do you ever fell empty on the inside? Like, mentally and physically feel like there's a part of you missing that just makes everything more difficult in life? Like, you keep this fake happy mask on when deep down you feel like you just want to crumble up into a ball and sob you heart out, like you just want to poof out of existence just to see if anyone would even care or it anyone would even bat an eye?" You looked towards Streber when you finished your speech, only to see a heartbroken expression on his face

"Streber, are-"

"I am so sorry."

You were shocked on how serious he was being tbh, you got used to his happy and joky attitude

Now that you see him looking at you with that heartbroken gaze you couldn't help but feel bad, but Streber assured you that you don't have to feel bad about anything and that he is here for you, that he will always be there for you, no matter the situation

As I had previously stated, actually has a deep and meaningful conversation with you

Doesn't treat you any differently but does stay close to you and calls and or texts you more often to check up on you

Overall, a reliable friend/boyfriend 👍