#i wanna shake them like fireflies in a jar

[alcordraws]

silliest kids in the whole world

[some-pers0n]

Know When To Hold Em'

Fandom: WoF

Characters: OC Heavy, but Blister makes a small appearance :)

CW: Nothing

Summary: A couple of dragons are hanging out and playing a game of poker. Right when they're about to finish however, a young dragonet walks in with a stash of money.

Word Count: 2.0k

A/N: I was originally just gonna keep this for myself and the Wiki, but honestly I really like this headcanon and I'm showing it to you all.

Mulga sipped his brightsting cider, glancing back up to his fellow guards. "So, whatcha gonna do?" He tapped his talons on the table. "Gopher, you're looking a bit rough there."

"Hm? Me? What makes you say that?" he replied, wiping away that slightly nervous expression to a forced, overly-confident grin.

"I dunno, just saw you shaking in your claws a little." He looked at his pot, only a couple of coins left. "Not much there, huh."

A moment of stillness before the SandWing sighed. "Fine. I fold." He slid his cards back to the dealer.

"Atta' boy. Probably best for you right now." 

"Oh shut up..." Glare grumbled.

Mulga relaxed his shoulders a little. It was supposed to be a nice little night after all, or at least one where he could make some cash off of these dragons. The three of them had a rather boring day, so they decided to come around to Gopher's uncle's friend's cousin's tavern for a nice of gambling.

It was a run-down and rustic hole-in-the-wall type of shack. Dark and dreary with a couple cracks in the roof, showing the night sky above. It was lit dimly by candles and jars of fireflies. It smelt of dust and age more than anything. The dealer once mentioned how this place had been around since the foundation of Scorpion Den way back when, and Mulga believed it.

The cards in Mugla's hands were made from clay, hardened with time and age. The numbers and inscriptions of kings and queens, while worn and hard to see in the dim light, held a charm to them with their homemade nature.

That and also he got one fire hand. A pair of twos, with the remaining ones showing up in the drawn cards. Four of a kind. Hard to beat that. He was sitting there comfortably, knowing that he could do just about anything. Of course, Glare could always have another trick up his wing, but he had doubts. Right on his smug face held the same worried glint in his eyes that any experienced poker player could sniff out. 

"Alright," the dealer said. They flipped over the final card, the river, and it showed a simple, disposable seven. 

"Check." Glare tapped the table.

"Check." Mulga revealed his hand. "What'dja have there, then?" Mulga smiled.

Glare furrowed his eyebrows. He practically threw his cards down. A measly five and a three.

"As predicted, I win. Again." Mulga grabbed his earnings, pulling it over towards his section. A heap of gold coins, glittering in the candlelight. Oh, they were just beautiful. A wonderful sight for such sore eyes.

"So, what do you wanna do? Play another round? Maybe you'll get lucky this time."

"I dunno," Gopher muttered. "I'm getting kinda tired. I don't think Topaz'll like us being out here for too long-"

"Who cares what the captain thinks? It's the night out with the boys. Real dragons. When's the last time you've both been out like this? A couple of months at least, huh?"

"...fine. Sure. One more game." Glare grumbled. "But that's it. You aren't taking any more of my money, snake."

"I don't know. Like I said, maybe you'll get lucky this time around. Win big. All luck's in the cards, no?" Mulga gave a toothy grin.

"So," the dealer began, "are we all in agreement? One more round?"

"Yeah, why not," Gopher said.

"Definitely." Mulga nodded.

"Mhm..." Glare scoffed.

"Yes, one more round would be nice." A voice came from behind. Mulga leaned over, blinking in surprise when he saw who it was.

A little dragonet. She couldn't have been older than two years. Her pales looked white in the low lighting, with black diamond patterns trailing down her neck and all the way to her tail. Her scales were well-kept and free from the dust and grime you'd see on regular dragonets. 

Yet, her eyes... There was something about them that Mulga couldn't place his talon on. Something off. The same pitch-black that all SandWings had, but there was a serpentine quality to them that, strangely enough, made the atmosphere in the room thicker.

"Where'd you come from?" Glare asked. "You aren't supposed to be in here."

"Oh, apologizes for coming in so suddenly. I saw you three were wrapping up and, well, I wanted to simply play a round. See how to play."

"This is a tavern, missy. Younglings like yous aren't supposed to be in here." The dealer sighed. "It's late. You should be getting sleep."

"Oh, pleaseeee... I promise it will be quick."

"I don't think I can exactly-" The Dealer was cut off by the heavy sound of a bag being lifted up and onto the playing table. The dragonet had tossed a bloated sack up there, the little drawstring around the top loosening. Inside was a treasure trove of polished coins and even a couple of precious gems. Diamonds, rubies, even a few emeralds spilled out along with the golden doubloons.

"I want to play," she repeated, her voice much colder and firm in tone.

The fellow dragons looked at each other. This kid can't be serious, right? She probably just coloured a bunch of rocks to be like this. Maybe they're fake or something. But, the more Mulga looked at them, the more he could tell that, no, this was genuine. What kind of dragonet could get all of this stuff? Perhaps she nicked it all from dope. Even then, was she really going to bet with this? That seems far too stupid. 

Which played exactly in Mulga's favour. All he needed to do was win one game and he would get some of these earnings.

Mulga laughed. "C'mon, kid. I think you deserve a seat at the playing table." He traced a circle in the spot next to him with his barb.

"Thank you, sir," she chirped. She had to stretch her neck to even properly see the dealer's table. She tapped on the edge of it. "May I have my cards?"

"Ight, so, now we're playing." The dealer shuffled the deck, spreading out two cards to each dragon. Mulga glanced at his. A four and a nine. Looks terrible from the get-go, but perhaps there'll be something later on that makes work of it.

He had to play this round. The chance for any of those gems was too much for him to ignore.

"Excuse me," the dragonet asked. "What do we do first?"

"Oh, you show your cards to everyone," Glare said.

"I know I'm not supposed to do that!" she snapped. "But...what next?"

"Well, you call. Calling means that you want to play this round with the cards you have."

"Oh. Call?" she tapped her talons on the table. "I saw you doing that earlier. What does it mean?"

"Courtesy. Just a lil' thing you do." The dealer answered. They looked back to the others. "So, what now boys?"

The three SandWings looked at each other. One by one, they all called. They were all in this for the money. They threw in a couple of coins for the starting bet and finally began.

The dealer pulled three cards out for the flop. A jack, a nine, and a seven. Okay, he's got a pair now. That's something of note.

Mulga looked at the other dragons. They were sweating coconuts, looking at the giant pile of gold and crystals that the dragonet had. He chuckled lightly as he threw in a couple more coins. "Betting five."

"Call." Gopher threw in the same amount.

"Raise to ten." Glare threw in ten coins.

Finally, they all looked towards the dragonet. She looked so confused and innocent. "I put in money now?" she asked.

"Yes."

"All in." She pushed the bag forward.

Mulga nearly spat out his drink. She was betting it all? Everything in that bag? Moons above, he had just hit the jackpot! It took every fibre of his being not to start laughing.

"...alright then." The dealer pulled the turn card. A ten.

"Going all in as well," Mulga said. He pushed his pile of coins towards the bag, staring the dragonet right in the eyes. "What'll it be for the rest of you?"

"Folding." The both of them said in sync. They tossed down their cards. All that's left was Mulga and this small, tiny dragonet.

"Check," she said.

"You're staying in, huh?" he asked. "I mean, you could fold like the rest of them."

"I don't want to."

"Alright then. Whatever you say, little lizard."

Finally, the dealer pulled the river. A jack. 

"Check." Mulga grinned.

"Check." The dragonet tapped on the table.

He chuckled. "I'm sorry," he said, flipping over his cards. He had a pair of nines. "What do you have there then?"

She flipped over hers and Mulga's heart dropped.

It was a queen and nine.

"A straight," she said with a smug, cocky grin on her face. "I do believe that beats your measly little pair." She grabbed the bag, stuffing her earnings into it. "Thanks for the game, but I'll be leaving now. I think my mother would be upset to see me out this late." She giggled.

"No, wait, hold on!" Mulga hissed. "You don't get to leave with all my money. That was supposed to be mine! You tricked me!"

"Tricked?" She tilted her head. "I don't believe I tricked you. Luck's in the cards, is it not?" And with that, she turned away and walked out the tavern's door.

"Blazing scales," Glare laughed. "What kinda kid was that? Managed to sweep ya of everything."

"I-" Mulga blinked. Who even was that? What kind of dragonet just waltzes into a tavern, takes every last coin he has in one round, and then leaves? Where did she get the money? Where are her parents? Who even is she?

----

Princess Burn was just about to put the finishing touches on this new project when she heard the sounds of wings flapping from behind her. She put down her scalpel and turned around, wrapping her barb around her talons. "What is it now?" 

She looked out the window to see a dragon approaching her tower. A bag was clutched in her talons and a confident, wicked grin was painted upon her face.

"For moons sake, Blister!" she snapped. "You know you're not supposed to be out this late!" She backed away, letting her get through the window.

"Yes, but does that really matter?" Blister touched down. "Look." She dropped the bag, letting its contents spill onto the floor. "Just from using that one little diamond of yours, I've managed to score this in a single night." She smirked. "Thanks for that, by the way."

She sorted through the pile of coins, picking up the largest diamond out of all of them. "Remember, I get a fifth of it all because of it."

"Oh, of course! I wouldn't forget about that part." 

"Why do you even do this?" Burn asked as she picked up a talonful of coins. "It doesn't mean anything."

"I think it's funny." Blister picked up a ruby, looking it over. "You haven't seen what it's like. All these dragons convinced that I'm helpless and have no idea what I'm doing. Then, right when they think they've won it all, shark them. Take everything for what they've got."

"...fun."

Blister scoffed. "You wouldn't get it. You think cutting up insects and rats and hanging them on walls is fun."

"Taxidermy and pinning insects is not 'cutting them up'," Burn said defensively. "And, like you said, different strokes. I like fighting and researching. You like...doing this." She motioned to the bag.

"Mh-hm. Well, when I'm queen I know I'll be the richest of them all."

"I'm still the eldest. I'll be the queen."

"We'll see about that." She grabbed the bag and walked out of the room. "Thanks for your help," she said as she closed the door.

Burn grumbled. She was thankful to have some coins, but it still bothered her how Blister went about doing this. There was something to her that wasn't quite right, and she definitely knew she needed to keep an eye on her at all times. Sooner or later, she's going to plot something against their entire family, and by the moons will Burn do everything to keep it from happening.

[sideofcalimary]

Flowers of devotion

Spiderman: .. what's this?

Deadpool: It's called a bouquet. And before you think I stole it, I have a recite

Spiderman: and you're just.. giving it to me.. why?

Deadpool: The flirting thing doesn't work so I thought you'd be more receptive if I courted you like an old timey gentleman in a British movie

Spiderman giggles: And these roses AREN'T soaked in the blood of your enemies?

Deadpool: Well you won't let me kill my enemies, so Spiderman shakes his head and takes the small bouquet of roses: This is really sweet but it's gonna take a lot more then this to woo me

Deadpool: Yeah but hard to get is such a fun game~

Spiderman: I just don't wanna give you false hope. I mean, isn't being friends enough? Deadpool: I'm a greedy motherfucker

Spiderman: but you're also a soft hearted one

Deadpool: only for you

Those words were said with such softness that it genuinely surprised spiderman. He sighs. Deadpool was difficult to pin down Spiderman: not just me. You're a kind person, Dead. People are starting to see that

Deadpool: doesn't mean I don't want your undivided attention

Spiderman: You know you're acting for the impossible, right?

Deadpool: Nothing's impossible for me, BugBabe Deadpool leans down so they could be eye level. Spiderman holding the flowers to his chest as he stares into those white lenses

Deadpool: mark my words. You'll have your eyes on me and only me

Spiderman snorts: How psychotically romantic of you

• • •

Izuku sits staring at the roses he places into a box. He wished he could display them but he knew they'd cause suspicion

As he places the lid on the box and slides it under his desk, his eyes drift towards a photo hanging on his wall A small photograph of him and Katsuki as children. Scraped knees, dirty clothes and messy hair. Katsuki proudly holding a jar of fireflies with Izuku staring at him in awe

Izuku: My eyes have always been on him...

[late-to-the-party-81]

Sharp Edges

AN: A quick comfort drabble for the lovely @krissy25

Un-beta'd, divider by @firefly-graphics, mood board by me (I own none of the pics - if anyone knows the credit for the bottom left, let me know - Pintrest was being an arse)

Check out my master list

WC: approx 800

CW: Descriptions of Anxiety symptoms, Nomad Steve being a caring boyfriend, Fluff

The front door banged closed and you couldn’t help but jump. Your heart was racing, your head was spinning and everything felt a little bit too sharp around the edges. You turned towards the noise, arms clasped around your own waist, teeth biting your lower lip to suppress a whimper.

“Hey, sweetheart!” Steve’s baritone voice travelled through the apartment, and whilst that felt like a balm to your soul, the jangling of his keys in the bowl jarred, like nails down a blackboard. You sucked in a quick breath, then another, your fingers twisting into the fabric of your hoody. You should answer, but the words stuck in your throat, threatening to choke you, and this time you couldn’t stop the small noise that escaped you.

Steve was by your side in an instant, his hands gently taking hold of your upper arms. 

“Sweetheart, what is it?” 

Your mouth opened and closed as your thoughts raced but refused to coalesce into an actual response. All you could do was drop your head to his chest as he wrapped his arms around your shaking body.

This wasn’t the first time Steve had witnessed you having an anxiety attack, but it had been a while since the last time. You usually kept it under control with a regime of medication and meditation, but things had been building up over the last few weeks; work, family issues, social responsibilities and the feeling of dread in your gut had got stronger and stronger. It hadn’t been helped by the fact that Steve had been gone on a mission the last two nights. You knew it wasn’t his fault, but his absence, the lack of his calming presence, had set your delicate mental state spiralling.

Steve steered you over to the couch, settling down and pulling you onto his lap and you nestled your head into the crook of his shoulder, the familiar smell of his tac gear comforting. One of his hands rubbed up and down your arm whilst the other settled on your hip, pulling you in close and secure to his firm chest.

“I missed you, Bub. It all getting on top of you, huh?”  You nodded against his chest, and felt him drop a kiss to the top of your head.

“Taken your meds today?” You nodded again.

“Good, girl. You wanna go take a bath, or stay here, like this, for a bit?”  You clutched onto him tightly.

“H..h...here.” You had to force the word out, hating the way that your anxiety made it hard for you to verbalise properly.

Steve hummed in response, wiggling to get more comfortable on the sofa. The hand rubbing your arm left you for a moment as he reached out for the remote control, quickly turning the TV on and flicking through the channels. He stopped when he saw an episode of Gravity Falls, playing. He knew it was your comfort show, the ridiculous high-jinks never failing to get you smiling, even when you knew every plot twist off by heart.  Placing the remote down on the cushion beside him, his fingers, now free, sought out yours, twining them together and placing your joined hands on your laps. As you watched, you slowly relaxed into his embrace, the warmth and security of his large body, the scent that was so uniquely ‘Steve’ washing over you in waves, soothing your frayed nerves. Every so often he’d drop another kiss to your head or temple, or lift your joined hands to brush his lips over your knuckles, small, non-verbal declarations of his love and devotion. Your heart-rate slowed as your ‘lizard-brain’ lessened its strangle-hold on your body.

You watched Mabel kiss and cuddle her pet pig, and as the end credits started to roll, Steve broke the silence between you.

“How’s that brain of yours doing, Bub?”  You turned your head to look at him, eyes bright with unshed tears.

“B..better now you’re b..back. How… how was the mission?”

A broad smile lit up his face, visual evidence of how happy he was that you were able to speak again.

“It was fine. Sam and Bucky bickering as usual, when they weren’t ganging up on Peter. Bad guys caught, and only a few cuts and bruises. I’m sorry I had to go though. If I’d realised how everything was building up for you…” 

You pressed your fingers to his lips and shook your head with a small smile.

“Not your fault. Can’t put your life on hold just cos my brain… my brain…” You stopped mid-sentence, brow furrowing as you tried to find the word that slipped from your mind, as intangible as a wisp of smoke. You gave up searching for it, knowing it was useless, and just sighed instead.

“I love you, Bub.” Steve leaned forwards and rubbed his nose against yours, the soft strands of his beard brushing your cheek.

“Love you too, Stevie.”

“Take-out and more cartoons?”

“Sounds perfect…”

Tag list: @christywantspizza @jobean12-blog @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky @tuiccim @beelicious-barnes @yarnforbrains @sidepartskinnyjeans @maladaptivexxdaydreaming @bodeckersdiamonddoll @turbolisedcomet @goldylions

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

Hypnotic Stirrings: More Like Deja Vu

Summary- 4k Nick Vaughn x Pregnant!Reader. Nick has a vivid dream, but was it all just a dream? Meanwhile, you are with your sister, Lisa just trying to make sense of everything that has happened since that night at the party.

Warnings- Suicide attempts with a gun. This is an 18+ only blog.

A/N- I'm so sorry to anyone waiting for this chapter earlier this week. Thank you all for being so patient. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read, comment, and/or reblog this series. We are getting closer to the end now, just a couple more chapters after this one. Thank you to @bradfordbantams for offering to beta this project. Dividers made by @firefly-graphics, Thank you babes for the specialized ones! I love them.

Chapter Three / Masterlist

PAINT IT BLACK!

Nick jerked awake, falling off the couch onto the hardwood floor with a groan, having landed on his back.

“Fuck” He muttered while trying to breathe through the sharp pain of landing on one of Jack's toys and the jarring effect of his body slamming into the floor. Blinking himself awake, he gave a groan while hefting himself into a sitting position, looking around the quiet living room. “Y/N? Jack?” He called out but silence greeted him. Pushing himself back onto the couch cushions, he peers out the window behind the couch, but you're not out on the front stoop either. Grabbing his phone, Nick peered at the time.

10:17 AM glared at him, meaning he slept in much later than he was used to. Given how late he had stayed up the night before after the incident with Debbie, Jack and the missing girl he now knew to be named Samantha, he didn’t finally pass out till just before dawn, hoping to see or hear from Samantha again. Any sign that he wasn’t crazy.

It was both a relief and further aggravation to Nick getting these answers. First knowing that Samantha was a real person and not some unsettled figment of his or Jack's imagination relieved the stress. But then it went to another question, why was she here and what did she want from him and Jack?

Rubbing at his temple, feeling the start of a headache, Nick made his way to the kitchen to grab the carton of OJ from the fridge. Just as he was taking a swallow, he stepped back into the living room to see his front door swinging open. Expecting to see you making your way in, or hear Jack call for him, the last thing Nick expected was one of his neighbors' sons just stepping into his house.

But that is what happened. Adam stepped through his doorway and paused in the living room. It startled Nick, half inhaling his swallow of orange juice at seeing Franks' son standing, uninvited in his living room. “Uhh, what's up Adam?” Nick asked cautiously. At first, the teenager didn't seem to notice him, staring off in another corner of the room, but then he tilted his head in Nick's direction, waving at him.

“Come on, you know you wanna.” A seemingly friendly smile crossed his face when he turned and disappeared back out the front door. Nick set his orange juice down before poking his head outside his front door, calling the teens' name.

But he wasn’t in the street and Nick debated just letting it go as he glanced towards Frank’s house, expecting to see Adam making his way home, but no one was in the street. Shaking his head at the weirdness of it, he started to close the door. But goosebumps went up his back, the hair standing on the back of his neck as a sinking feeling started in the pit of his stomach. Why did Adam come in his house like that?

Curiosity got the better of Nick, wondering why Adam would do such an out of character thing, especially since it was ten am on a Thursday, so he should be in class right now. Making quick work to look around for his shoes, he found them under the couch when his phone beeped, notifying him of a message from you. Nick glanced quickly to see what you had written.

Took Jack to Lisa’s, do you want anything from the store?

Nick shoved his phone in his pocket without answering. Stuffing his feet into shoes, he skipped down the stone steps and glanced up the street with a bit of heavy unease as the eeriness kept building in his chest. It was hard to explain the feeling he was having, like a sense of something bad happening. The tingles started at the back of his neck and extended to what he was sure were goosebumps on his arm. On his way towards Frank's house, he bypassed the mail lady who greeted him although he had never met her before. “Nice day! Heard we might get some rain later though.” She tilted her head back, glancing at the sun above. “But not a cloud in the sky, I swear those weather people just be guessing all the time.” A couple houses down, german shepherd raced at the end of his fence barking. These small everyday things settled in Nick's mind, commiting to memory.

Nick flashed her a smile and a slight nod. “Sure seems like it's gonna be a nice day.” Giving a slight wave of goodbye as he passed her, the dogs barking still echoing.

He still felt on edge for some unknown reason, unable to ration for what reason he was having a sense of doom while he went up the front steps to Frank's house. His foot hovered at the concrete step while looking up the stairs to the porch. Adam was again standing in the doorway, looking the same as before, like he was looking at Nick, but not really seeing him.

“Come on, you know you wanna.” Adam said before stepping out of the doorway.

“What the fuck?” Nick muttered as he went up the stairs now. “Adam? What is going on, why were you at my house?” He stepped into the cool interior of his neighbors house to see Adam standing with his back to him, the kid whipped around, the sly grin on his face. “Cool right… you wanna see it?” He held up a pistol, making Nick reach out a hand in a stop motion, his eyes wide as he took in the gun the kid was brandishing.

“Yeah… Umm… cool.” He stuttered out, trying to keep the situation calm. “But how about you put that down? Where's your dad? Is he around? Or your mom?”

Adam paid him no mind, cocking it and pretending to look through the sight of it, aiming slightly towards Nick. “It's my dad's.”

"Fuck, ADAM! Point that elsewhere." Panic rose sharply at the gun pointed towards him, Nick glanced around the room to see if they were alone before making slow motions backward to try and get away from the teenager. He had to get out before Adam accidentally pulled the trigger. Nick turned around to take those next few steps back out the door when he felt something wrap around him, pressing over his face and drawing the air out of his lungs. His hands whipped up, trying to push it away from him, gasping for air while stumbling backward.

I SEE MY RED DOOR,

I MUST HAVE IT PAINTED BLACK,

Screamed in his ears, the lyrics hammering away at him as the film seemed to suck into his mouth, his hands unable to yank it away. Through the haze of plastic he heard the loud boom of the gun going and a spray of red slamming all over the film covering his face. In a panic he slammed back, falling to the floor with a crash as he gasped for air.

And Nick’s eyes opened, gulping for air as he shot up to a sit, clutching at his chest. Deep breaths filled his lungs in a panic, and his living room was shining bright with the late morning sun. In his panicked state, he thought he was still in Frank’s house, which he shot up, looking around in panic till the familiarity settled in.

His happy family pics with the three of you were on the mantel, his instruments were in the corner along with his records, he glanced back over his shoulder to see Jacks' toy right in the middle of the floor, which right now his back was protesting having landed on.

Warily, he picked up his cell phone to see 10:17 on the screen of his phone. "Fucking Christ." Nick muttered to himself as the realization that it was just a dream finally cleared his mind. Nick's mouth was dry as sandpaper while he went to go grab his orange juice from the fridge, calling out your name and Jack’s, but there was no answer in the silent house.

Once he had the carton and satisfied his craving, he went out onto the stoop to sit on the front steps, let the sunshine drive away the bad recollections of his dream.

Right now it was mostly fuzzy, Nick would have to think hard to remember it clearly, and he didn't want to. Instead, he tilted his head up, let the sun wash on his face and soak it in. Doing anything to wash away the heaviness of the last few days.

The past few days have been rough on him, certainly hard on you for sure. It was starting to catch up on everyone Nick thought to himself as he recollected your face last night before you could mask it, the fear that was in your eyes as you heard Jack whisper to him about not wanting to scare Mommy anymore.

It tore Nick, having you feel any kind of fear in the place that was meant to be the safe place for all of them. Not to mention he didn't want to stress you out with the pregnancy. This was supposed to be a happy time, a time both of you getting to enjoy your pregnancy, expecting a baby in the home, talking about things like fixing up the spare bedroom with a crib, changing table, and toys. Have you discussing what color you wanted him to paint the room, what mobile you wanted hanging, what names were acceptable choices. This was supposed to be a happy time at home.

So far none of that happened, which Nick made a silent resolution that would change today. Almost on cue, his phone chirped with a message and Nick dug it out of his pocket.

Took Jack to Lisa’s, do you want anything from the store?

His breath quickened, that exact message was in his dream, he swore up and down it was. A voice greeted him from the street as the post lady started up his steps to hand him the mail. “Nice day! Heard we might get some rain later though.” She tilted her head back, glancing at the sun above. “But not a cloud in the sky, I swear those weather people just be guessing all the time.” A woman he had never met before, but he recgonized her immediantly, a hot trigger in his mind.

Booming barks from a couple houses down turned both their gazes towards the fenced-in yard, the german shepherd had his front paws thrown over the top, barking constantly at them. Nick clutched at the mail, retreating back towards the house.

“I gotta go.” He turned abruptly inside, the mail lady shaking her head at his odd behavior as she went down the steps.

Inside Nick ditched the mail on the coffee table while glancing under the couch to find his shoes.

Just like in his dream.

Grabbing at them and yanking them out, he muttered “Oh hell no…” confusion and panic at the oddity of it, he was staring at his shoe. "This isn't happening... it can't happen. Nicky you are fucking loosing it man." Nick started to chant outloud.

A crack that sounded like a gunshot not far away. “Adam!” Nick didn’t even bother with his shoes, racing out the door and rushing down the steps to run down the street towards Frank's house. His flashing by sent the dog barrelling at the fence again which Nick paid no mind to. “Adam?!” He yelled as he started up the house's steps and ran at the door, trying to open it. It was firmly locked, which he pounded on with jarring smacks of his fist. “Hello! Open up!”

Nick skipped to a window and peered in to see the teenager face down on the living room rug, jerking as blood pooled around him and a pistol laying in his limp hand. Nick's hands smacked against the window before grabbing a potted plant and smashing it into the glass, doing his best to get it all out of the frame to crawl through. The bits of glass dug dangerously into the balls of his feet as he shoved himself through, wincing and gasping at the pain, but he hobbled over, trying to feel for a pulse while pulling out his cell phone. With jerking stumbling fingers Nick clumsly dialed 911. Some of Adams' blood smeared across the screen as he pressed it to his ear. His palm fell back to the wound side of Adam's head, trying to stop the blood from escaping.

It was a rush of words from Nick when the operator finally answered. “Please send help, Adam… god damn it, he shot himself!"He rambled off his address with the explicit instructions of how many houses down Franks' was.

You sat at Lisa’s table, your hand wrapped around a steaming mug of some kind of herbal tea that Lisa swore by for nausea. “Then once we got home, it was fucking chaos Lisa. This girl was accusing us of keeping her sister hostage. Jack was claiming to see her, and fucking Nick. Nick just won't let this go. Never came to bed, just on and on half the night about Samantha.”

Lisa patted your arm sympathetically. “That’s the other woman, right? The one he claimed to see.”

“Yes! But there is no one there Lisa, he doesn’t even know what the fuck he saw. I just…” You tilted your head back, tears welling in your eyes which you tried your best to blink away frantically. “It's like we're all going fucking crazy in that house.”

Lisa snorted a bit, folding her arms across her chest. “Y/N, you got to deal with this. Find out what is going on in your home.” You shot your sister a look and she kept going without stopping. “I mean, you are talking about a ghost right?” you shrug at her and she yet again never paused. “This shit doesn’t just happen without a reason. So find out what she wants. Worst comes to worst… my greatest fears are confirmed.”

“What's that?”

“That Nick is actually crazy.”

You sobbed out in a scoff, swiping at your eyes. “Nick isn’t crazy Lisa, Jesus.”

“Come on, you just said you all were crazy there.” She leaned forward, stealing your mug and taking a sip from it for herself. “We are all a little bit crazy, Y/N. But at least now Nick is finally interesting.”

You can't help but giggle at your sister, which she returned with a laugh when Jack came running into the room, making airplane noises with one of the toys he brought. He paused for a moment, tilting his head over his shoulder and nodding. “Mommy, Daddy needs us to come home.”

You compose yourself a bit more before answering Jack. “Why is that kiddo?”

He shook his head. “He just does…”

Your phone started ringing and Nick's name flashed across the screen, making you swipe at the speaker button. “Hey honey, we are just about to-”

“Y/N, I really need you to come home please.” His tone wavered on the phone, you and Lisa passing a concerned look.

“Baby what's wrong?” You question with concern in your tone.

“I just really need you to come home Y/N.”

You move to a stand, grabbing your coat. “I will be right there Nick.” You hung up and turned apologetic to your sister. “Sorry-”

“Don’t be.” All of Lisas joking from earlier gone after the phone call. “You want me to keep Jack and bring him around later?”

“Would you? I just don’t know what's going on.” Your tone cracked a bit, feeling like you were just barely holding it together with all the stress from the past couple of days. “Or what I will be walking into.”

Lisa reached over the table to give you a quick embrace of support. “Go find out what's going on. Jackie and I will hang out till you let me know to bring him home."

Jack, who witnessed all this went over to you, giving another hug. “It's okay mom, I'm a big boy. Daddy needs you now.”

You bent to brush a kiss on your son's head, unsure of when he had grown up so much. Giving a reassuring smile and a swipe to your eyes as you composed yourself, you grabbed your purse and went out the door.

“So… Kiddo, what do you say to grilled cheese for lunch today?” Lisa asked, trying to gauge her nephew's mood, but he beamed at her as if he was the happiest boy in the world, exclaiming it was his favorite.

Nick stood a ways away with his neighbor landlord, Harry, watching the family's tragedy unfold. The street was blocked with an ambulance and a couple police cruisers, barriers had been put up to keep the crowd back. Frank could be heard inside screaming. “Save my boy! Help him.” Then silence as the gurney was rushed out the front door, the teenager strapped down as his body almost seemed lifeless covered in his own blood, Frank sobbing as he followed him till his wife came running through the crowd, her own wail piercing over everything else.

“It's a damn shame… the kid had a bright future.” Harry said solemnly next to him as they loaded the whole family into the back of the ambulance, the sirens starting to scream in an announcement that they were leaving.

“Has, he's not gone yet Harry.” Nick said solemnly. A few officers milled around to calm the crowd, one approaching the two of them.

“You were the one who found him, right?”

Nick gave a nod, giving a vague description of what had happened. He couldn't tell the officer anything of what happened in truth. That he basically dreamed it before it unfolded. The thought of it still was creeping him out.

“You were just walking by when you heard the gunshot? Why didn't you just call us first? If it was an intruder, you could have been shot.”

Nick was about to defend himself when Harry snapped. “This man probably saved that boy's life and you are really gonna question him about it?”

It was after that the officer claimed to have had everything necessary while passing off a card to Nick with a ‘just in case you recall anything more’.

Things started to clear out, Harry and Nick walking back towards their own homes when Nick paused his landlord. “Quick question, did that girl who disappeared, Samantha… Did her family ever live in our house?”

“Samantha… Samantha who?” Harry gave a slight shake of his head, trying to place the name. “Nope, I bought that house abandoned and fixed it up with Kurt’s help. When he wasn’t busy with school and games.”

“Samantha, I was told she disappeared a while ago from the area. She was maybe 16?” Nick continued to push but Harry gave a shrug, then called his son over from a group of milling kids nearby, all clearly upset about their peer. Kurt jogged up, his eyes bright with unshed tears, shoulders hunched while he joined the men. “Yes?”

“You remember that Samantha girl? They ever find her?”

Kurt seemed to perk up. “Debbie's sister? No no… think she ran off.”

“That’s right!” Harry exclaimed, giving a shrug as if that answered Nick’s question. “Girl was a runaway, from what I remember, she was always a bit… off?”

Kurt nodded in response. Nick knew that she was no runaway, not with the times he had seen her through his house. Which she never lived in supposedly, so why was she haunting him and Jack of all people? They didn't even know her.

“Why are you asking Nick? You weren't even in the area when that girl took off.” Harry questioned, and thankfully Nick didn't have to make up any excuse because you chose this moment to swing the car into the single-car driveway in front of the house. You rushed to get out, seeing the trio standing a bit down the street.

You jogged down to see Nick with splatters of blood on the front of his shirt. Your eyes widened in panic. “Fuck, Nick are you okay?” You rushed to him, bursting up the small group. Nick glanced down at himself in confusion.

“Yes, I'm fine Baby. It's not mine. Talk to you later Harry.” You walked alongside, confused as to the atmosphere on your little community block and why Nick would have blood on his shirt, much less anyone else’s. “It’s Adam’s. He shot himself.”

You gasped as you two went back inside, Nick pulling the shirt off and immediately tossing it in the washing machine in the kitchen. You set your purse down loudly on the table, stunned as you watched him toss in detergent and flip the dials to start it.

“Why, how… what happened?” You stuttered out. “Oh god… his parents.” You muttered while sitting heavily in the kitchen chair.

Nick was a bit silent as he shuffled back to the table and sat across from you. You couldn't miss just how tired he looked, maybe as tired as you felt. Your hand shot across the table, palm out and he mirrored the move, weaving his fingers with yours.

“I know… Frank lost it. It was fucking terrible. I heard the gunshot and broke in through the window.”

“Thank god you heard it Nick. If you hadn’t, who knows how long Adam would have been there without help.” You gave a small squeeze.

“That’s not even… I saw it, Y/N, kinda.” Nick lifted his gaze from where he had been staring at the table.

“What do you mean you saw it Nick?” Your brow furrowed.

“Like in a fucking dream. It was all weird, I felt like I woke up and Adam was just standing there saying like “Come on, I know you wanna see.” or some shit like that. Then there was the mail lady, she remarked all about the weather, the dog barked down the street, you sent that text asking me if I wanted anything from the store. I went to Frank's to ask Adam what the hell he was doing. The kid had a gun, said it was his dad's and pointed it while looking through the sights.”

You were on the edge of your seat listening to this. “Then what, Nick?!”

His grip tightened on you, causing you to yank your hand away and rub at your fingers. Nick started talking animatedly with his hands then, getting caught in telling the rest of his story. How he felt like he was being smothered by thick plastic, music blaring, the jarring way he fell off the couch and knocked the wind out of himself. “Then that all happened again, I knew it Y/N, it was all happening just as I saw it.”

“Not exactly Nick, you didn’t see him shoot himself in your dream. Just point that gun while looking through the sights.”

Nick scowled slightly, his hand shooting through his hair to brush fingers through it. A sure sign he was getting agitated. “Close enough Y/N.”

You felt deep dread fill you, studying Nick once more. Over the past few days so much had just changed with him, with all of this Samantha business, now the dream. “Nick, I think… I really think you should talk to someone.”

He pulled back himself, his face darkening mistrustful at you. “What?”

You reached out for him once more, but that barrier between you two in those few words had been set firmly in place. You felt it, the way his features closed off to you. Tears pricked your eyes at feeling the distance.

“Nick, you are scaring me baby.” You confessed. “Ever since Lisa did that thing, you have been off. It's only been a few days, but it's just getting worse.”

“I'm not crazy Y/N-

“I'm not saying you are a baby, but something is going on. The stuff you are telling me, that's not normal.” You tried reasoning with him but Nick was pulling further away from you, slamming the chair back and stomping towards the fridge, grabbing the orange juice container for himself.

“I'm sorry I said anything Y/N.”

You made a move to follow him, crying a bit harder. “Nick don’t do that, I'm just telling you what's going on in my head. I'm scared for you.”

“Don't do what Y/N?” He shouted a bit louder while walking away.

“This, you get upset and shut down, try to isolate yourself.” You shouted back now.

Nick turned back to face you, slamming the carton of OJ down with an agitated grunt. “I'm right here, I heard everything you said.”

“And you are not even going to acknowledge what I said?” You marched up to him till you were standing right in front of him. You refused to let there be a gaping space between the two of you, you loved him too much to let this just go. “I'm worried for you Nick, I care and love you and it scares me to see you spiraling like this. Have you been sleeping?”

Nick inhales slightly in some defeat, the anger seeping from him seeing how worried you were. “No, not really.”

You take a step closer, your hands sliding up his bare chest and curling around his neck. “Not since that night, I can see how tired you are, Nick.”

“I can’t, not really.” He admitted and let his hands move to your hips, fingers curling into your curves to hold onto you. “It's just been nightmares.”

“I thought so. You and Jackie, you two are so alike. You two are in this little world right now and I’m just having to watch it happen.” You pressed in closer, Nick enclosing his arms around you while you buried your face in his chest.

“I wish I had the answers Y/N.” Nick admitted, his hands trailing up and down your back. “Where is Jack anyway?”

You lift your head to look up at him. “I left him with Lisa, sounded like trouble when you called, so she offered to bring him home later.”

“Hmmm… Good.” Nick looked thoughtful. “How about we let her keep him for a bit longer?” He kissed your forehead. “I think you and I need to get out of the house for a bit.”

You gave a little smile and nodded. “I think I would like that Nick.”

[drabbles-mc]

Nightfall

Angel Reyes x F!Reader

Inspired by Day 19 of the July Prompts: fireflies

Warnings: alcohol, language, light angst

Word Count: 2k

A/N: I really had no plan going into this fic and it completely took on a mind of its own. Truth be told I’m not totally sure what this is haha. Something in me is telling me I need to continue this storyline but I have no idea what I would do with it lol. I got a little into some feelings while writing this but I hope you guys enjoy it! xo

Angel Reyes Taglist: @helli4nthus​ @angelreyesgirl​ @starrynite7114​ @queenbeered​ @sincerelyasomebody​ @sadeyesgf​ @thesandbeneathmytoes​ @appropriate-writers-name​ @tomhardydallasstarsgirl​ @sillygoose6969​ @beardburnsupersoldiers​ @louisianalady​ @gemini0410​ @paintballkid711​ @chibsytelford​ @yourwonkywriter​ @sesamepancakes​ @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead​ @plentyoffandoms​ @georgiaaintnopeach​ @twistnet​ @garbinge​ @bucky-iss-bae​ @enjoy-the-destruction​ @withmyteeth​ @encounterthepast​ @lilacyennefer​ @rosieposie0624​ @mylittlelonelyappreciationtoo​ @mijop​ @xladymacbethx​ @blessedboo​ @holl2712​ @lakamaa12​ @masterlistforimagines​ @luckyharley1903​ @kkim120​ @toni9​ @shadow-of-wonder​ @black-repunzel99​ @crowfootwrites​ @redpoodlern​ @lexondeck​ @mrsstevenbuchananstark​ @berniesilvas​ @lovebishoplosamiguelgalindo​ @amorestevens​

The air was warm still despite the fact that the sun had set a little while before. It was just you and Angel sitting on the back steps at his house. There wasn’t a whole lot to see back there, but it was nice to not be looking directly into the next row of houses. You were mirroring each other’s position—leaning forward with your forearms resting on your knees, beer bottle loosely held in your hands. Neither of you had said anything for a little bit, content to just listen to the sound of the wind blowing and the scattered noises of whatever critters were brave enough to come out at night in Angel’s edge-of-civilization neighborhood.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been somewhere so quiet,” you finally broke the silence.

He chuckled, “Oh yea?”

You nodded, taking a sip of your beer before continuing, “Moved from one apartment complex to the next with my family growing up. Traded in one city for another over and over again. It was never quiet—there was always some kind of chaos happening.”

“There’s still chaos,” he smiled and playfully bumped your shoulder with his.

You laughed, “I guess. Just, you know, different kind of chaos. It’s nice to not have chaos at home.”

Your tone was light enough but he could see the faraway look in your eyes and he knew that you were thinking about all the different homes and lives you lived growing up before you somehow landed in Santo Padre. Truthfully, he had always wondered how it came to be, but he never had the courage to ask.

“Hey,” he started, a tentative hesitation in his voice, “I was, uh, thinkin’ tha—”

His sentence was cut short by the sound of your gasp, followed by you eagerly setting your beer bottle off to the side and jumping up off the steps. His brows furrowed in confusion as he stood and followed you down off the steps, his long legs easily and quickly closing the distance that you’d put between the two of you. The dew on the short, unkept lawn slicked the bottoms of your bare feet but you didn’t care. Angel saw the smile on your face as you headed towards the tree-line and stood back to watch what you did.

“This is gonna sound stupid,” you were speaking to him despite the fact that you weren’t turning around to face him, “but I’ve never actually seen these in real life.”

“Seen what?”

“Fireflies,” you got closer to the edge of his tiny little yard as you tried to guess where the little creature was going to blink next.

“Really?” he sounded genuinely shocked.

“Something tells me that they hate the city chaos as much as I do,” you chuckled as you reached, trying to cup one in your hands and failing.

“EZ and I used to catch these little fuckers all the time when we were kids,” he found his place next to you.

“Yea?”

He nodded, “Yea. For the longest time I wanted him to smush one and use it as face paint on me but he never did.”

You laughed and shoved him lightly, “That’s awful!” you paused, “Why didn’t you just do it?”

���’Cause that’s fuckin’ gross. I don’t want dead bug all over my hands,” he chuckled.

“Just all over your face?” you raised an eyebrow, shaking your head before returning to the task at hand, “How’d you do it?”

“What?”

“Catch them.”

You could see the focus take over his features as he looked around, trying to find one, “Gotta try and see their fat little bodies when they aren’t lit up,” he brought his hands up, expertly cupping them around something that you couldn’t quite see, “Because if you try to catch them when they blink they’re already gonna be gone.”

He nodded for you to come closer as he lowered his delicately cupped hands. A smile spread across his face when he saw the excitement in your eyes. He partially opened his hands at the top so you could peek in, your eyes lighting up as you watched the tiny creature blink inside the enclosed space of his large hands.

“Wanna hold it?”

You shook your head, “I wanna catch my own.”

He smiled, nodding his head, “Alright,” he opened up his hands and it took off into the night, blinking every so often as it got farther and farther away.

Angel was content to stand back and watch you walk back and forth along the perimeter of the little plot of land that passed for his backyard. He crossed his arms over his chest, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips as you tried again and again to catch one of the little bugs. Each time you came so close, but not quite close enough to succeed. He noticed that you weren’t getting frustrated, though. And, honestly, he had the feeling that you had completely tuned out the rest of the world. He could’ve been trying to talk to you the entire time and you wouldn’t have heard a single thing.

He heard the snapping of a twig underneath your foot and realized that you were halfway into the trees on your expedition. The thought of you running barefoot through the little spit of woods was entertaining, but the last thing he wanted to happen was you splitting your foot open on something. He walked over and slid his hand into yours, giving you a slight tug and bringing you back to reality.

You allowed him to back you up a little bit before picking a new target to focus on, one that hopefully wouldn’t evade you like the last few had. Your eyes had adjusted better to the darkness, and you figured this was going to be your best shot at it.

You slowly crept up on one, like the sound of you was what was going to scare it away. Angel was biting back a chuckle as he watched you crouch slightly, feet moving slowly and deliberately across his lawn. You spread your arms wide, hands cupped in the optimal bug-catching position. Your face was contorted in focus as you slowly but surely brought your hands closer together.

Connecting your hands, you gasped as you spun back around to Angel, a giant smile on your face as you ran over to him, nearly slipping and falling in the process. He chuckled as you skidded to a stop in front of him, practically bouncing on the balls of your feet.

“I think I got it!”

“Take a look, querida,” his tone was softer than you expected it to be given your excitement in the situation.

You opened your hands just the slightest bit, and were greeted with the yellow glint of the firefly in your hands. You squealed, cupping your hands back together. You looked at Angel expectantly, “Do you have a jar I could put it in?”

He smiled, ��I’ll see what I got,” he pressed a light kiss to the side of your head before walking back towards the house.

He reemerged a minute later with a mason jar and a paper plate. He held the jar out to you, “Put it in here, then I’ll flip it and set it on the plate.”

You nodded, trying very carefully to get the bug into the jar without it flying away. You quietly clapped your hands together when Angel flipped the jar over and set it on the surface of the little table on the deck. You immediately sat down, crossing your arms on the table and resting your chin on them. Angel sat down across from you, elbow propped and chin set in the palm of his hand as he watched you watch the firefly.

It flitted around the jar, not landing, but not bumping into the sides either. Angel saw the wonder in your eyes and while he found it endearing, he also felt a heaviness settling on his chest that he couldn’t quite explain. There was an innocence in your expression and your excitement that directly juxtaposed itself with all the things he knew that you were capable of, things that you probably had to go through to get to the point where you were at now.

“So what did you do?” he finally asked.

“Hm?” you raised your eyebrows but kept your gaze fixed on the bug in the jar.

“In the city. What’d you do for fun as a kid?”

Your eyes flicked over to him for a moment, trying to gauge his emotion, “Not a hell of a lot,” you answered honestly.

Your mind flashed back to tiny little one-bedroom apartments, loud neighbors, sirens blaring down the street. It was hot, but not the way it was in Santo Padre—back then the heat felt heavy, and filthy. You had nowhere to go, nothing to do but wait for something else to happen that made you all pack up and move to the next place that felt exactly like all the others.

Angel saw the tears gathering in your eyes and he knew that you didn’t notice them. He could see it in your eyes that you were somewhere else entirely as your eyes followed the bug inside the jar. He didn’t know what to say, if he was even supposed to say anything in a moment like that. He was about to reach out and rest his hand on your arm when you sat upright, shaking your head slightly as you blinked away the tears.

You could see it on his face that he was going to try having a conversation about it all, but you weren’t up for that just yet. You watched the firefly in the jar for a few more seconds before placing your hand on the bottom of the jar, curling your fingers around it. Taking a deep breath, you lifted it up and watched as the small bug found its way out and took off, leaving nothing but a trial of blips in its wake.

Something resembling a smile was tugging at the corners of your mouth as you set the jar back down. You drummed your fingers along the glass sides, lost in thought again. Angel watched as each emotion crossed your face, and he wished that he could get a glimpse of what was going on inside your head.

“It’s alright, you know,” he said, dragging you back to the present.

“What?”

“You can…you can be honest with me. If shit wasn’t good you can tell me that. You’re not gonna scare me off. I get that family can be…rough.”

You chuckled dryly, “Rough. Right.”

He could see your walls going back up and he knew that there was no getting to the bottom of it tonight. Reaching, he placed his hand on top of yours and gave it a light squeeze, “I’m glad you made it here.”

You could tell by the look in his eyes that he was being sincere. Taking your other hand, you placed it over his, “I’m glad too.”

“If you think that catching fireflies is fun,” Angel smiled as he shook his head, “One time EZ came home with a whole fuckin’ hare.”

“A what?”

“A hare. Ears were this big I fuckin’ swear,” he held his hands dramatically far apart to indicate the size the animal’s ears has been.

You laughed, shaking your head, “I don’t believe you.”

“Ask him next time you see him,” he got up and grabbed both of your beer bottles from the step and handing yours to you before drinking from his own, “Pops was pissed.”

“I can imagine,” you smiled.

As you listened to Angel tell you other stories of antics that he and his little brother got into, you felt the heaviness of your own memories beginning to subside for the time being. It was easy to get lost in the way that Angel’s eyes crinkled slightly when he laughed and smiled, the way that he spoke with his hands. You pressed the bottle to your lips as you listened, your eyes straying every now and then to the fireflies flitting around in the background, blinking in and out of existence.

[kayssweetdreams]

Camp WonderDream Part 7

After dinner, all of the kids had gone back outside. It was nighttime now, the moon shone bright, and the stars twinkled above them. Hakim snapped his fingers and a few campfires lit for them. Leo had gone and tried to figure out the blind spots of the camp, when he had accidentally bumped into someone "Oh! Sorry again!" Emma's voice said from the darkness. Leo waved it off "It's alright, I couldn't see right." He told her. A small light made it's way above them, and to Leo's surprise, the light was a small jar of Fireflies.

"Hey, would you wanna hang out with us?" She asked. Leo's eyes turned towards the forest, and then back to her. He knew he would be hindering his own escape plan if he went with her...but she did seem nice, even if things were weird at this camp. He shrugged. "Alright" he said. Emma smiled and grabbed his hand and ran over to a campfire pit. What Leo didn't see however, was that the jar of Fireflies was Hakim in disguise. He chuckled as he saw the kids run to the Fire pit before he snapped his fingers and disappeared.

When the two of them got closer to the campfire, Leo could see more children around it, one of which was the blue haired boy from the mess hall. "Leo, this is Yuri, Haoyu, Cass, Claris, Elliott, Will, and Helen" Emma introduced. Elliott smiled "Hey! I remember you from the mess hall!" He said. Leo looked confused, until he remembered that he was the one that called Chef Saltbaker. "I remember you too!" Leo said, shaking Elliott's hand. "Let me guess, First night?" Haoyu asked, roasting a marshmallow.

The blonde haired boy slowly nodded "Yeah, I'm actually gonna leave in a week." He said. Cass looked a bit disappointed "You wanna leave?" She asked. Leo nodded "Yeah...It's just a bit...much for me." He told her "I mean, the Counselors, the kids, the whole 'camp is in another world' thing." He explained. "Yeah, but hey, it beats being stuck at home with a sour singing instructor." Claris said "Or being ignore by everyone in summer school." Yuri said. Will looked up at him "We have been coming here for a while, like 4 years." He said.

Leo was in shock, they've been coming here for 4 years? "Really? But Balan told me that some of the kids tried to leave. " He said. Cass chuckled "Oh! Some have, you aren't the only camper here ya know." She said. "Gregory, Shay, and Tyler had tried to hide in the woods up until the end of summer. They lasted a good 2 weeks until Moondrop and NiGHTS found them." Helen explained. Leo pondered. Maybe if he hid in the woods long enough, he could get a way back! But how could he stay out that long without anyone noticing him, since the Counselors weren't exactly human?

A growling voice snapped him out of his thoughts "It's Bedtime Children, Time to sleep, Don't be Naughty..." Another robot said. He shared a resemblance to Sundrop, only he had a blue paint job, as well as a star patterned night cap and pants...and had glowing. Red. Eyes...

The robot had begun to get closer to the children, but they didn't see the robot due to their backs being turned. Leo began to grab Emma's hand and tried to pull her to somewhere else. "Leo! What are you doing?" She asked "We gotta go! Terrifying robot closing in!" Leo told her. Elliott looked behind him, and saw the robot standing above him "Oh! Hey Counselor Moondrop!" He said cheerfully.

Leo stopped pulling Emma's arm to process what Elliott just said. "Did you say...COUNSELOR Moondrop?" He asked. Yuri nodded "Yep! He stands guard of the camp while Balan sleeps." She said "And it's time for you to get some sleep as well..." Moondrop growled. Haoyu nodded "Alright, We're going." He said, taking a bucket of water, and dumping it into the pit, dousing the flames.

"Alright! See you in the morning!" Helen said cheerfully. "OK! Good night!" Everyone chirped before heading off to the cabins, go sleep for the night. Leo watched as they all walked off "That means you too...new Camper..." Moondrop said from behind him. The blonde boy jumped back, terrified of how fast Moondrop could move...without him hearing. "A-Alright, I'm going...where do I go?" He asked The robot. Moondrop pointed in the direction the kids went. Leo gave a nervous smile and carefully ran away from him

When he was far enough away, Leo grimaced, if Moondrop was on patrol, how could he get into the woods?

This is a story inspired by @julili 's VERY adorable camp pic! I hope you enjoy AND go check out her work!

[lemonlushff-iy]

smmahamazing: Indigo Hues

Thanks for the request @smmahamazing! HERE YOU GO BABE! Wanna know what's going on? Click HERE!

“Summers at home,” she mused, shaking her head. “There was a wide open meadow behind our house, where I grew up. It wasn’t huge, but...it was big enough. When I was a kid, I used to run out into it with my father.”

Her tone was soft, and her eyes were distant as she moved her hand across the wall. Inuyasha couldn’t help but wonder if something had happened to him?

“It was beautiful out there...If I close my eyes, I can still hear all of the crickets in the darkness, and the frogs from a pond,” she smiled wistfully. “But the meadow would fill with fireflies, and when you ran into the field, they would part for you, just like these little dots.”

“That sounds nice,” he breathed tenderly, and she looked up from the wall to his eyes. They were molten lava...and so close to her face...and getting closer…

“It was,” she nodded, turning her head away from him, trying to ignore the erratic beating of her heart thundering in her rib cage. “We could spend hours out there just chasing them and trying to put them into jars...I didn’t realize how cruel that was as a kid, but...It was fun. I’d always come back covered in bug bites though.”

“It’s because you’re so sweet,” he reasoned. “They only go after the sweet ones.”

“You’re quite the flatterer.”

“Am I,” he teased, and she looked back up at him.

“I think you are,” she reaffirmed, jumping slightly when his hand brushed against hers.

“Is it flattery if I’m just being honest?”

She wasn’t imagining this. She couldn’t be. Not when he kept doing things like this.

Kagome bit the inside of her lip, unsure of what she should do. She liked him. A lot. He released these little butterflies in the pit of her stomach, and she hadn’t felt like this in...a long time. This racing in her pulse. This thudding of her heart. He made her breath catch in her throat and he made it hard to think about doing anything other than throwing him against the wall and kissing him senseless…

But…

She couldn’t.

She needed to be a professional, no matter how hard he made it to be one.

She watched as his face furrowed, and he pulled away from her.

He wasn’t sure what she was thinking, but he knew that he didn’t like the scents she was giving off. One moment, her cheeks were bright red and she was responding positively to his flirting, and then next...her scent was confused and regretful and sorrow…

That wasn’t something he wanted to smell when he was trying to make a move on her. He wasn’t going to guess what was going on, but he did know that he couldn’t get that A on his homework today. Not when she was giving him mixed responses.

If he were a braver man, he’d just ask her. He’d be blunt, and he wouldn’t try and play games...But he wasn’t a brave man, because up until this moment, he hadn’t considered something.

Was it possible that she was his soulmate…

...But he wasn’t hers?

Obligatory @clearwillow @eringobroke tags!

[cottoncandyjester]

Y/N does call Ren him back. And now going on another date, Y/N does bring him a gift. It's a cute beetle charm. (It's not an actual beetle. It's like those gems.) Y/N holds Ren's hands for the date.

Sounds like a perfect date

Ren fell off his bed in shock at the sound of his phone ringing and he scrambled to grab it his hands shaking. “H-hello?” He mumbled out and was not expecting your voice.

“Hey! Ren it’s y/n, I had fun last night how about we have another date?” Your sweet tone made the male heat up his face turning red as he tried not to totally freak out. “A-a-another d-date? I-I- um- y-yes!” He stammered out shyly biting his bottom lip while trying to keep his emotions in check.

“Great! I’ll text you where to meet me see you soon!” You hanged up and ren let out a shaky sigh trying to process all this information. He grabbed a pillow and buried his face in it.

“Did you hear that they wanna go on another date..what should I wear? What should I do with my hair? Ah! Should I get them a gift!? Like what!? A jar of fireflies? No no...bugs are a no!” Ren was ranting to his spider who could care less about his issues before getting ready.

It seems you wanted to get ice cream which wasn’t a bad idea though he was late once again now panting softly a purple gift bag in his hand. “I-I’m so sorry! I had to run across t-town and.. here!” He shoved the box to you watching you opening it up showing a shiny gem ladybug necklace

“L-ladybugs represent true love s-so I thought you would like it. But if you don’t I’ll take it back! Oh does it look awful!? I’m so sorry I’ll-” you couldn’t help but laugh which caused him to stop and gaze at you curiously.

“We really are the same huh? Here!” You cheer out handing him his fist. His eyes softened at the sight before he opened it only to smile at the sight of the beetle charm necklace. The glittering jewel made him chuckle lightly before he slipped it on only to marvel at how beautiful it looked.

“Y/n, thank you” he spoke confidently gleaming with joy. When you two both sat down with ice cream you listened to him rant about the newest bugs he caught one of those being a beautiful butterfly he would love to show you.

You learned a lot about him, like he hates sour foods, likes birthday cake ice cream, and hates vegetables. He learned a lot about you two, the date was great.

You two decided to take a late night stroll that ended with going to your place for cuddles and the sweetest of kisses. “Y-y/n-“ ren whines out as you sat on his lap kissing along his neck and face lovingly your fingers in his thick curly hair.

“You’re so cute” you purred out kissing down his neck making hickies along his neck hearing him give out a shuddering cry his breathing getting heavy. “please, this is too much I can’t handle it- ngh” Ren whined out simple kisses along his jaw making his head spin

“W-wait! What does this make us?” He asked out scared for the answer. You looked at him with a smile before pressing a soft kiss on his cheek. “Well I suppose you can be my boyfriend if you want?” You cooed causing him to shudder his hands flying to cover his mouth his excitement growing to the point of no return. He gave a shaky nod now trying to muffle his shaky moans as he felt his underwear become a lot more stickier though he didn’t say anything our if embarrassment.

Your boyfriend..ren liked the sound of that.

[anonymous0writer]

I Wanna Be Yours II JJ Maybank

Author: @anonymous0writer​

Requested: Yes!

“I love you songfics, can you do another one with JJ, but this time with the song "I wanna be yours" by Arctic Monkeys?“

Warnings: Nothing. Maybe one swear word and a tiny bit of smoking..

A/N: Ahhh, I love writing angst :) lol I hope you like this anon!!

Tags: @jayjaymaebank @rudys-pankow @maaybanks @everydayimfangirling @outrbank @thelocalpogue @decap-quadrant @ahhireallydontknow @never-ever-too-many-fandoms @kylosleftbuttcheek @insanitysparkles @divcrdown @youfookendonut @dpaccione​ @outerbanksbro  @jjs-housekeeping​ @teenwaywardasgardian​ @traumaflavouredjuulpod @magnuolia @sarapage89 @emsma11 @bxbyyyjocelyn​ @teamnick​ @jjmbanks​ @thesurfingsnail @lulubutton34​ @obxsummer​ @katiaw2​ @poguecollins​ @notaninstagrammodel​ @danicarosaline​ @timmyswrld​ @gmwlover100​ @koufaxx @bellaguarneri​ @diverrdown​ @drewswannabegirl​ @lordsagittarius​

Lyrics look like this

I wanna be your vacuum cleaner Breathing in your dust …. You call the shots babe I just wanna be yours

Day faded around you, the heavy cloak of the starry night falling around you swiftly, enveloping you in nightfall. The only bright light in the blanket of darkness was the flickering flames of the dying fire. The orange wisps of flame licked the sky in a desperate attempt to get free. It crackled and popped as embers floated around you, light little fireflies in the night. They danced around your legs and lit up the sand under your bare feet. Laughter and cheers filled the air, heavy and intoxicated. 

Five teens sat around the fire, the flames casting weird shadows dancing over their sun-kissed skin. Their faces were split into wide, drunk joy and eyes lighting up with the intoxicated haze of awe. You stood at the edge of the coals, them shining brightly back up at you, furious in their simmering. The dark, burnt coals and the pure heat of deep oranges and angry reds fuming under them. The sight was intimidating, but you, with your determined eyes and drunken mind were quite a force to be reckoned with. Your breath caught and your eyes zoned in on the end point. Your finger curled into a fist and you drew a deep breath before you darted forward. 

Bare skin danced over the smoldering coals. They were fast but not fast enough, the sizzle of burned skin and the flash of white-hot pain in your feet sent you farther over the coals. Dancing painfully but carefully, picking your way rapidly over the fiery embers. And then you were done. Hurting feet finding haven in the cool, soft sand, digging. Your pent up breath escaping your lips and your eyes betraying the hurt coursing through your blood. But the whoop you let out masked the hurt, adrenaline still strong in your veins.

JJ’s cerulean eyes found yours, both a calming feeling and a stir of wild chaos releasing in your chest. The feelings were weird in their own right, but JJ had both of them spilling in your chest. He lit you up in ways that scared the living shit out of you. The butterflies in your stomach were stomped out as you broke the eye contact. You didn’t like the feeling the butterflies brought. It was almost like heaving on an empty stomach over the toilet, alcohol trying to leave your system. You knew what the butterflies meant, and that's exactly what made you turn the boy away time and again. 

Feelings weren’t your forte, never mind love or falling for someone. And no matter how much you didn’t want it or were terrified of it, you were pretty sure- as much as you could be- that you were falling for JJ Maybank. And you didn’t want any part in it.

JJ’s lips turned down slightly, his dimples fading from his skin, the only sign that he was upset. He craved your attention and the ways your eyes seemed heavier than any other gaze. He loved the way you laughed, eyes lighting and your nose wrinkling. He loved the way you talked, slower, but intense enough to have you on the edge of your chair even if you’re talking about your day. He loved your attitude, and the way you walked and the way you laughed at his comments. He loved everything about you. He loved you.

You whooped, the calls breaking the silence of the night. Soon all five of you were screaming and cheering, the screams erupting into the air. The fire seemed to glow brighter at the fierce calls of happiness. 

JJ grinned and screamed along with you, but his eyes were rapt on you. He loved that out of all of them- even him- that you were only one brave enough to run across the smoldering coals. He loved how you matched him in so many ways. Crazy thoughts and wild actions. Unfiltered mouths, reckless behavior. 

JJ’s joy was muted by the memory of your refusal of his kiss. His lips quirked down as the muscle in his jaw flickered. He finally cast his eyes down, now focusing intently on the fire. He just wanted you. He wanted to be allowed to love you and have you love him back. He wanted you to love him. And he wanted so badly to be yours. 

Secrets I have held in my heart Are harder to hide than I thought Maybe I just wanna be yours I wanna be yours, I wanna be yours Wanna be yours, wanna be yours, wanna be yours

It was hard, harder than you could imagine. The thoughts roared in your mind and your fear was huddled in the cavity of your chest and your throat was clogged with unsaid words.

JJ was sitting in front of you, bruised knuckles and scabbing fingers laced together, mouth pulled into a thin line, his usual bright eyes dulled by the weight of your silence. 

“I-” You started, the words catching in your throat and your breath getting stolen. 

JJ’s eyes flicker up to meet yours, brief and embarrassed. Embarrassed yet again that his heart was out on his sleeve and you ignored it.

But you didn’t ignore it, you saw it and ached at the sight, but you couldn’t bring yourself to answer the desperate call for love. You looked down, unable to even catch a glimpse of the boy before you. But his scent filled your nose, evading your senses. Sea salt and a hint of weed wrapping you in a warm hug. 

You felt like sobbing. Words tangled in your chest, choking you. It hurt to know that this boy was loving you like he’d loved nothing else and you were too scared to reciprocate, but not giving him the words he needed to hear and understand was even worse. 

“I’m sorry,” The words flow past the barricade of the others, moving easily and spilling out of your throat. 

You hate the words once they hand in the air. Hate that they sound fake and forced. And that that’s the only thing that will pass through your lips. You hate the fact that those two words are the most used and overused. And empty. After a while, the words lose their feeling, yet that seems like the only thing you can say.

JJ’s throat bobs. His eyes are stinging and he feels like he’s about to lose it. Either to break something or scream. JJ runs a shaking hand through his hair. It happens every time. JJ comes to you, grin wide, eyes bright and heart clear as day on his sleeve. You ignore it, terror and sorrow closing your throat. His eyes dimming like a light flicked off, and his smile fading from his lips like a ghost. And then you are left to cover up the reopened wound and desperately fail. Just like every other time. And this time is no different. 

So why does it still hurt like barbed wire tightening around your heart when the boy stands and leaves? Why does it feel like the sun has passed behind a cloud, leaving goosebumps erupting on your skin, chills running down your spine and leaving you in the cold shadow of it’s ghost? Why does it feel like your heart is breaking at the same time as your shoulders sag in relief?

And let me be the portable heater that you'll get cold without I wanna be your setting lotion (I wanna be) Hold your hair in deep devotion (how deep?) At least as deep as the Pacific Ocean I wanna be yours

JJ was left cold and alone. Chills settling deep into his bones, not leaving any time soon. A dark moody cloud of regret and heartbreak hovering over the boy. He felt as if he was dancing in the rain, not caring if he got soaked to the bone, the chill entering his body that never left and went inside, unable to warm up or shake off the darker feeling roiling in his gut. And he was left alone. Without Kie and her worried eyes and supportive words asking- no, begging- him to move on. No John B. to clap his back, say his condolences and offer a beer. Even Pope was absent, his wise words and his weak attempts at the joke like a familiar sight.

And of course, you weren’t there, which felt like a slap in the face. Like when it was so cold outside, it made your skin numb, but the slap of skin against skin had his face stinging. He gritted his teeth, trying to ease the pain that seemed almost physical, with the blunt. The half-assed rolled blunt sat loose in his hands. Part of JJ didn’t want to numb himself from the high of the drugs but the other screamed at him. And hey, if it eased it for at least a while, it was worth it. Right? 

Smoke escaped from his lips and the boy was soaring. Cloud Nine looked pretty good from where JJ sat. A small laugh escaped his lips as his eyelashes fluttered against his cheek.

Memories that were more dreams and hopes of the future came to life from the depths of his mind. They came forward and erupted with color and life. Your laugh rang through his ears as you curled into his chest, his fingers brushing through your hair. 

He could feel everything as if his senses were heightened. The silky smoothness of your long locks of hair, the brush of sunlight against your skin, highlighting your eyes. Making them look like pools of gems, shining and paler. He could feel the shift of his shirt as you snuggled against him. The rising and falling of your chest and the soft sound of your breathing hanging in the air. Every detail of the moment blared at him, jarring him into another ‘memory’. 

You danced in front of him, dressed in a white bikini with flowers patterned onto the fabric. Your figure became smaller as your feet carried you to the ocean, giggling and water spraying your legs as you crashed into the serene waters. 

A soft gasp escaped the boy as his pale eyes blinked rapidly, clearing away the cobwebs of the dreams. 

“Jesus,” JJ mutters, hand running over his face. But the only thing in his mind is you. I want to be yours. 

[wincore]

nct dream + fantasy creatures (halloween edition)

note: it is here at last im late but i wrote this in a span of a few hours because halloween is my favourite time of the year! happy spooks everyone !!

disclaimer: everything written here is a work of fiction and is not affiliated with any real person whatsoever. the myths have been slightly tweaked to fit the  story therefore they might not align with traditional beliefs.

huli jing!renjun

you gaze in awe at kun’s words

‘really?’ you ask ‘those really exist?’

‘i don’t know about that, but don’t you go looking for them. they might not be kind.’

you nod your head vehemently 

‘of course not.’

lessons are boring in the village but sitting in the garden with kun and hearing his stories always cheers you up

‘...well, if i were to find one, how would i know?’ you ask

there’s a pause before kun laughs

‘a fox’s tail is not so easily hidden’

you puff your cheeks

that doesn’t help

the breeze is light today, the trees in various warm shades and the frogs sing their lullabies

you could stay here on the soft grass forever if you could

it’s calm and perfect here

but then the bell chimes two and you’re off to class again

you breathe in

you’ve heard of the huli jing before but what you didn’t know is the possibility they might be real

you shudder

you’ve heard far more tales than kun has told you about the fox spirits and their gorgeous tails, all nine of them golden

you know how they pose as beautiful people to lure the villagers out and then rip out their hearts and livers and inhale their essence - their hunger insatiable

but kun says they might not all be bad, some swallow the essence from nature, some might even help people

not all of them are bad

you scoff

who would ever believe monsters could be kind?

the story kun told you was about the old man living by the forest 

he said that the man once fell in love with a huli jing himself and was eventually betrayed

yet he still stays by the forest, praying for the safety of his long gone lover

you breathe out

you think you’ve had enough stories of these terrifying creatures

the breeze has turned cold, you notice, as you run back to class

the night is even colder

‘kun?’ you call 

he should have come back an hour ago

you gulp when you stare at the path to the forest beyond the faded red gates of the shrine

you just need to get to the first clearing - that’s where the woodsman’s settlement is

but what you don’t expect

is to find your brother and the woodsman in arms, eyes trained on a figure sitting lazily atop the cottage roof

and then you see the tails

they’re not golden but they glow pure white, lush and grand 

and although the boy they belong to is rather skinny, they give him a weighted look

you can’t hear them speak from behind the tree but they appear to be in disagreement

kun stands by, his face worried while the woodsman raises his axe

you don’t think you’re supposed to be seeing this

there’s a shout then a yell

then the fox is gone

you look around desperately - what if he’s near you, what if he attacks you?

but you see kun making his way towards the village and stumble into a bush to avoid them

you hold your breath till they pass you

you’ll follow them back at a distance - that’s it. you don’t want to get kun worried now

‘and why might you be here?’

you whip around to meet the boy with golden eyes

you let out a yelp, stumbling backwards only to trip over a shrub and onto the ground

he takes a step forward, crouching to meet your eyes

‘leave’

your heart is hammering but you can’t look away

he’s frowning but he looks absolutely ethereal - eyes, nose, lips and of course, his tails

‘i can feel your pulse, you know? i can lower it if you want’ he speaks softly

his voice is surprisingly civilized for a creature born of wild magic

‘i never ask them to be so fascinated with me’ he continues, his voice still low

you feel yourself drawing closer, your heartbeat no longer erratic

his tails are around you

and they’re as soft as they look, you find when one brushes your skin

‘you’re a pretty one’ he whispers 

his mouth is near yours and you can feel him breathe you in as he keeps his arms on either side of you

‘but i don’t play games with prey’

angel of death!jeno

you focus on the horizon beyond the fields

it’s hard to see when the moonlight is the only guide, night curling around your shoulders

the fog is thick, almost as if it’s smoke

you take a sharp breath

then you fire the first arrow

there are no heroes or villains in war - only victors

you’ve seen far too many die here, innocent souls

but death does not care for that

the battle spills over - the cause forgotten

and yet, people die for it

death might not even be that bad. in fact, he’s pretty cute

your eyes meet blue in the midst of battle and you clench your jaw

you don’t think it’s time yet

contrary to what everyone believes, death is not clad in black but in white

his eyes are icy blue and he holds a bow that appears to be made of grey mist

and would you dare say he’s handsome? 

only behind closed doors in hushed whispers, only to him 

but then again, the angels of death look different to all

and to you, he’s an archer

the soldier beside you falls, an axe to his chest and a pale arrow marked above it

has he marked everyone today?

a white arrow flies past you, the sound leaving an echo in your ears

you turn to find the boy - the angel, messenger, whatever he is - standing by the rock jutting out of the ground

he lazily fires his arrows, all of them hitting their marks

his eyes are brighter at night

the sounds around you are discordant

a cleave swings over your head, undoubtedly hitting someone marked

you drop low, inevitably nearing the messenger

‘are we fighting alongside each other now?’ you joke, your eyes keeping track of movement around you

‘i’m only doing my job’ he says quietly

‘why is it that we always meet, jeno?’

you fire three arrows at a charging swordsman

‘you should tell me that’

you chuckle

‘i missed you, if that makes it any better’ you say

he laughs, the sound otherworldly

it’s quiet between the two of you as the night rages on

‘will you mark me today?’

he turns to you, no particular expression on his face

‘will you run again?’

‘i might unless you tempt me.’

he frowns

there’s a silence that makes you lose your words

his hands are red but none of the blood his and you almost get a glimpse of his sharp teeth and hollowed eyes

‘you can run but only for so long till my arrows find you’

he leans closer, his breath chilling over your mouth and eyes ever glowing

‘i will claim you.’

‘i know’ you whisper, finding your voice again

he pulls back smiling, his teeth sharp

‘i hope you remember me the day you do’ you say before he parts, a low hum tuning its way to you in response

the mist curls around his fingers, the fields almost barren now

you’ve flirted with death before - several times actually

perhaps it’s time you stop running from him

witch!haechan

this is not where you’re supposed to be

this is definitely not where you’re supposed to be

you were running from your friends trying to steal your candy but you might have ran a bit too far 

you aren’t familiar with this part of the neighbourhood at all

you walk around aimlessly - how did you even get here?

the place has gone overboard with the halloween decorations - or perhaps no one’s home

the buildings are lifeless, some of the taller ones faded beyond repair

there’s something eerie about this place you can’t quite put your finger on

well till you run into a boy and make him drop all his books

‘ow...’

he glares at you

‘i’m sorry!’ you say, frantically picking his books up

he narrows his eyes at you as he stands up, as if he can’t quite figure you out

‘is that...blood?’

your eyes trail to your knees, strangely bloodied and bruised - perhaps you hit the ground too hard 

but funnily enough, you didn’t feel any pain until now

‘come on, my house is down the corner. i’ll get you some bandages’ he offers

‘oh, thank you...but i should really be getting home...’

‘it’s okay. you can repay me with your candy.’ he grins, his smile boyish and oddly comforting

you raise an eyebrow

‘alright. you can’t have more than one, though.’

‘aren’t you a little too old to be trick-or-treating anyway?’

‘it’s a uni event. aren’t you a little too old to be mooching candy off someone?’

‘there’s no age limit for that’ 

you laugh as he takes the books from you, leading the way down

‘i’m haechan, by the way.’

‘i’m (name).’

as if the neighbourhood couldn’t get any creepier, the mist here seems to glow green and the fireflies twinkle with a certain malice to them

haechan’s apartment, however, seems to have skipped halloween altogether and jumped straight into christmas

the lights are bright and colourful, with an odd fancy mask hanging from the doorframe

when you give him a look, he pouts

‘i don’t like the dark.’

he seems to be living alone, apart from a small black cat which comes hurling at you the moment you enter

‘woah’ haechan yells, removing the cat from you ‘what did jeno feed you? how are you so heavy?’

you laugh as he puts the cat down, bitterness never so apparent in a cat

the next to greet you is a frog, plopping right on the table by which you’re sitting

you gasp at it’s sudden leap, placing a hand over your heart

‘why do you have a frog?!’

‘excuse me? that’s my dad.’ he calls from the washroom

you shake your head

‘i’m kidding’ he adds later, thoughtfully

your eyes inevitably stop over the wonderfully coloured jars

some seem to have trapped light, some various shades of dark liquids and some shine like molten precious stones

‘you have to pay to touch that.’

you turn around to find haechan with bandages and some antiseptic

‘what are these?’

haechan pauses

‘uhm...juice?’

you tap your foot impatiently 

he sighs

‘okay you got me. that’s trapped starlight. had to travel a lot to find that one. oh, these eyeballs are just candy. i hope. aand that’s the crushed tooth of a kraken, that’s an angel’s elixir. ooh! this one’s fairy milkshake. i’ve got a lot of that, wanna try-’

‘what’

‘do you believe in all this?’ he asks

‘what does it matter if i do?’

he grins

‘what do you say about becoming a witch’s apprentice?’

‘are you kidding me right now?’

‘wait. let me care take of this first.’

he takes a colourless gel-like substance, rubbing it over your knee with two fingers

and after a few seconds, it’s like there was never even a wound

‘and now...’ he continues, fighting a smile

he proceeds to take a purple potion, pouring two drops over the floor

a black butterfly emerges, its wings burning as it flies up into its own oblivion

he looks up and finally smiles as if to say ‘see? i’m not lying. i’ve got more where that comes from.’

you stay quiet for a while, processing everything

‘why did you tell me this? aren’t you supposed to keep things like this a secret?’ you cross your arms

‘you look like someone who could stomach the extraordinary.’

he laughs

‘it’s okay if you don’t. i’ll make you forget all of this.’

you rapidly shake your head

‘i’ll be your apprentice!’

haechan tilts his head to the side

‘but don’t forget. everything comes at a cost’

you nod

it can’t be that bad

‘i’ll have to come here every night?’ you shudder

‘don’t worry’ he laughs ‘the ghouls and demons here are all afraid of me.’

you stare at him, petrified before he laughs at your face

‘really! you don’t have to worry about them.’

you shake your head, giving him another look

but you see it over and perhaps a little bit of adventure couldn’t hurt

you look at the boy beside you, his caramel skin and honey eyes hard to not stare at

you almost blush when he meets your eyes

you take the vintage feathered pen he offers, no doubt showing off his collection and sign the contract he presents you, your name glowing amethyst violet

and in your excitement you forget to check the contract, the binding contract

perhaps you will, after a few years

when you notice how everyone around you seems to grow old, never seems to  keep up with your energy

when you see your friends get married and have children yet you can’t seem to bother

when your friends are all wrinkled yet you look just the way you did years ago

perhaps you’ll ask to see the contract and gasp

you should have been more observant

after all, in the end, there’s only the witch and his apprentice

elf!jaemin

you don’t think your pumpkin latte is supposed to glow this way

you look to the server and back to your drink

you don’t think he sees it

he smiles and walks away leaving you to your oddly gold pumpkin latte, reflecting the major part of the sunlight right onto your face

you crane your neck to catch a glimpse of the brewer

it’s difficult when his back is turned to you but he looks so familiar

you take a sharp breath when you see his face

jaemin never told you he worked here

you smile to yourself when he almost spills the coffee over

you’re always smiling when it comes to him

ever since you had seen him on campus, there’s been something about him that wouldn’t let your mind escape him

but it’s not just his face or his starry smile and kind manners or the pointed ears - there’s something about him, something secretive

you don’t believe in fairy tales but he just might be one

it was barely summer when he first talked to you

something about an assignment which you didn’t mind lending him

and you found he’s more than all the girls lining up to see him and the same shining smile he gives everyone

in his jokes, in his laugh and the way he speaks and the way he treats everyone

it’s been a while since you’ve had a friend like this

but today he doesn’t look your away, dark circles under his eyes and a drudging rate of work

you figure you should greet him after work, buy him another cup of his beloved coffee

you take the same subway ride home after all

‘(name)?’

jaemin looks surprised, a little starstruck maybe

he smiles

‘how did you know i work here?’

you giggle

‘well...i didn’t. till you made me a glowing drink.’

jaemin’s ears turn red

‘it was- it was glowing?’

‘yeah! it was all golden and glowy.’

‘uhh..’ his voice breaks and he clears his throat ‘it’s a new ingredient we’re testing!’

‘it tasted just fine though’ you assure him

he scratches the back of his head, smiling wide ‘thanks’

you hope you don’t make it awkward when you blush at the way he smiles at you, or when he holds your hand to keep you from getting lost in the crowds

‘really? jeno? don’t tell me you like him.’

jaemin rolls his eyes

your cheeks feel hot as you try to stammer out an explanation

‘i- i don’t like him. i just- i just thought he was sweet to me last saturday, that’s all.’

‘you went on a date without telling me?’ jaemin huffs

‘it- it wasn’t a date!’

‘whatever’ jaemin pouts ‘i can’t believe you like someone other than me.’

you laugh it off, his smile brighter than the stars as usual

it’s hard to not close your eyes too as he rests his head on your shoulder in the lone train compartment

it’s so peaceful like this

‘(name)? can i tell you something?’

you hum in response

‘never mind’ he says, sitting up straight

he looks at you for a long few seconds, enough to make you blush, before tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear

he stands up all of a sudden

‘wanna dance?’ he says with a grin

‘right here?’ you ask, incredulous

‘what? there’s no one here!’

you return his smile and take his hand as he pulls you up into his arms

there’s no music but you hear songs - humming full of melody and sweet words

he laughs when he sees you trying hard to not step on his feet or the focus on your face till it’s finally gone when you get the hang of it

it’s so peaceful like this

suddenly you don’t know where the train leads

jaemin still smiles

‘i like you, you know that?’ he whispers as he twirls you, hands back on your waist to hold you

the dancing never ends

‘i like you too’ you respond, not knowing why

you can smell the flowers growing around the benches, their vines curled around almost everything

you hear the bees buzzing, looking for nectar

there’s moonlight above you, the silver light making jaemin’s hair glow

he leans in, his lips just brushing yours

‘thank you’ he whispers ‘for being truly kind to me’

it’s almost dawn - you can hear the birds chirping and the moonlight wanes

it’s so peaceful like this

you think if it’s jaemin, forever isn’t so empty

you take a step off the train

and the rest is history

zombie!chenle

‘what the heck is going on?’

 you eye donghyuck and renjun at each other’s throats on the floor

you tap your foot impatiently against the wood

‘(name)! renjun brought a zombie. get him out!’ donghyuck complains

you blink 

‘he what’

‘well, what if he doesn’t want to go away?’ renjun retorts

you gesture for the both of them to stop talking when you feel a presence right behind you

you let out a sound of surprise, falling to the floor to find a boy staring down at you

a stitch runs right across his face, his skin paler than normal; his left eye is oddly translucent and his hair is a dim blonde, and overall he looks rather impish

yet he still looks like a boy nonetheless

he bends, squinting at you and you squeak, your shock getting the best of you

a moment later, the three of them burst into laughter

you frown at them

‘what’s so funny?’

you get up and face the boy

despite his ghoulish features, he still has flesh and he looks like a boy as ever

‘i’m chenle!’ he greets you with a grin ‘hyung brought me here. and... uh... i think i broke your coffee table, i’m really sorry about that’ 

his grin changes to an apologetic frown

you poke his cheek and pull back immediately, distracted

‘oh, your skin’s really soft.’

‘yeah, i used to take care of it a lot.’

there’s a pause

‘wait a minute, you did wha-’ you huff, ‘renjun aren’t you scared to death of ghosts?’

‘ghosts, not zombies’ he crosses his arms

‘ghost or zombie, he’s still annoying’ donghyuck grumbles

you sigh at the two of them

from the looks of it, however, they’ve already befriended the boy

when you turn around, you find chenle busy with the housecat, picking her up and scrutinising her

‘what are you doing?!’ you ask, panicking

‘well, it’s been a while since i’ve seen these’ 

he looks at you with a smile so adorable you lose track of your thoughts for a few moments

you cough, pretending your heart didn’t just stop

‘how long have you been dead?’

‘i don’t know. a while, i guess. ooh, do you have a piano? i’ve missed those!’

you shake your head ‘i don’t think we do.’

‘that’s okay’ he grins, eyes strangely sparkling ‘ooh, do you have a basketball court? or a car? or maybe a coffee shop nearby?’

‘there’s one down the block, i guess’ you tilt your head ‘you’ve really missed life, huh?’

before he can say anything, donghyuck calls from the other room ‘hey bighead! we’re going shoppi- er- to the playgrounds or something!’

chenle laughs, the sound piercingly loud but oddly cheerful

you smile without realizing

you never knew the dead could be so full of life

chenle then turns to you to answer ‘of course i missed this!’

you pinch the bridge of your nose but you continue smiling

there’s something infectious about him...and it’s not the zombie part

then again, your house isn’t exactly a stranger to oddities

‘come with us!’ chenle says, grabbing your attention

‘okay’ you agree

you get back to the living room to get your coat, to find renjun lying on the sofa

you need to know this

you turn to him, narrowing your eyes

‘where in hell did you even get a zombie?’

renjun scratches his head

‘you know that old guy in the robes by the graveyard? the one who carries a staff around like he’s about to summon the dead? well, he actually did that.’

‘renjun, we live in the underworld.’

‘oh, right.’

ghost!jisung

‘please just let me haunt you’

‘no’

‘...okay’

you shake your head and groan

‘jisung! see? this is why you never get anything done? ghosts aren’t supposed to be polite’

the boy in front of you scratches his head, his skin translucent and eyes cast down guiltily

‘okay try your puppy form’ you say

‘that’s not a puppy’ he begins but tones down at your stare

he sighs

the big black dog stares back at you, fur curling into mist and eyes glowing red

he growls quietly before it eventually turns into a snarl, his teeth lethal

you yawn

the dog collapses into mist to reveal jisung once more, a rather pouty expression on his face

‘nothing scares you. that’s why this doesn’t work!’

‘you’re just too cute, jisung’ you frown

he blushes, a strange colour on pale skin

‘but i’m supposed to haunt the town. only the old ladies are scared of me. and i feel bad about that.’

you laugh 

jisung might just be the cutest ghost out there

‘i’m thinking...maybe haunting isn’t my thing.’

‘but you’re a ghost! why else would you be a ghost?’

he places his hand on his chin, concentrating on his thoughts

‘i can’t remember anything about who i was. maybe i’m not vengeful’

‘it took you all that thinking to realize th- actually, never mind. maybe you’re meant to enjoy things life has to offer...after death.’

‘honestly, that sounds like a... total killjoy.’

you stare blankly at him

‘sorry, i ran out of jokes.’

you laugh at his awkward smile, patting him on his head like you do

‘well, what are you supposed to do?’ he asks

‘i don’t know. i just talk to ghosts i guess.’

jisung shrugs, sinking further onto the grass

it’s a beautiful night tonight - every night has been sweet to you and jisung since you first met

this town is no stranger to ghosts and poltergeists

of course, no one but you realizes that

some of the ghosts, you make a friend out of, some, you’d rather avoid

and there’s jisung

you didn’t know what to expect when the ghost of a giant black dog suddenly transformed into a sleeping boy

you aren’t even sure what he is, but life’s been better with him around

he accompanies you to school, listens to you throughout the lunch break, makes snarky comments during class (that you’d rather not have) and tells you all the places to find the prettiest mushrooms

it’s the first time you’ve seen a spirit so attentive

usually they just lament over their lost life, thank you for listening and go back to haunting or whatever engages them till they can finally be at peace

jisung is...a little different

for starters, you can actually touch him without diving too deep into the realm of the dead

it’s like half of him is still alive

but the mist grows strong around him

‘how’d you learn to talk to ghosts?’ jisung asks, quietly

‘well, i almost died. then i realized i can exist in both the realms.’

‘that sounds...awful.’

you laugh

‘it’s not that bad. i found you.’

jisung blushes again, you don’t know how. does he even have blood?

‘hey, what do you think happens after you’re done being a ghost?’ you ask

jisung stops glaring at the frog near the creek to meet your eyes

‘are you trying to scare me?’

you laugh

‘just thinking.’

‘i like it here’ he says ‘i like everything even if i feel less than i used to.’

‘that’s good to know.’

jisung laughs, the sound boyish and full of a certain joy you can’t put together

it should be this way

two best friends enjoying their time in a town that never lives

finding new adventures every day 

listening to new songs and dancing to the wind

getting on doyoung’s nerves together (but doyoung, of course, thinks it’s just you)

confusing jeno at the flower shop or hitting renjun with harmless little stones when he’s not looking

you trying to scare jisung (which is almost always a success when it comes to cockroaches)

jisung always putting a smile on your face with how awkwardly he scratches his head and looks away when you compliment him

it’s as close to a friendship as you can get

but you know the truth

you remember that day everything changed

you remember the boy and his pet dog sailing with you, playing around the docks

you remember the storm and how you almost died

you remember letting the rope go and watching the boy sink to the abyss

you remember despair

you remember feeling numb the week after and more

it’s as clear as day

you look at jisung, his eyes closed and his figure resting on the warm grass

this is your repentance

[antwine69]

If beetlejuice and his S/o got into an argument what would he do (and vice versa) to make it up to them or even apologize to them?

Oohoohoo!! Angst opportunity! Thank you, Friend!

Gender Neutral reader!

Fic type deal here!

Kinda angsty, but fluffy at the end, cos I'm a big softie uwu

-----

If your gaze could kill, Beetlejuice would be dead two times over. You glared right into his eyes, standing your ground, even though tears were welling up in your eyes. ``Well, at least I don't go around flirting with everyone I see!`` Beetlejuice roared back, his hair a crimson red, his lips curled up in what could only be described as a snarl. You weren't intimidated, though, still just glaring. ``Showing basic human kindness is not flirting, Lawrence, how many times do I have to tell you that?`` you barked back, crossing your arms. The name "Lawrence" was laced with ice-cold poison, you knowing he would take you seriously if you used it. His posture seemed to shift a bit, but his anger still stayed. ``This is the last time I'll tell you this. Kindness. Isn't. Flirting. Lawrence.`` you repeated. ``I'm going to go to my room until you've calmed down. Don't follow me.`` you added, turning away and walking up the stairs to your shared room. Through the door you could hear a ``Oh walking away, real mature!`` slung after you, followed by an enraged roar and then silence. He must've poofed off to the Neitherworld for a bit. Good.

You leaned on the door, sliding down, the feelings hitting you like a truck full of elephants. What if he left forever? What if the life you built was gone just because of this? You hadn't realised how much you were shaking before you raised a hand to wipe a stray tear. God damn it. You took a deep breath, sniffeling lightly, trying to keep a hold of the anger just long enough to know you wouldn't break into tears when you saw him again. That is... If you saw him again. And there it was again. Warm drops of heavy sadness ran down your cheeks, you trying desperately to hold back, but ending up just letting out a quiet, choked sob. You missed him. You missed him and you hated it.

Suddenly there was a quiet, almost soft knock at the door. You instantly got up, wiping away a tear, your chest hurting from trying to hold back. A quiet ``Babes?`` was heard from behind the door. Beetlejuice. ``What do you want?`` you replied, trying to sound angry, but sadness ran thick through your voice, and your angry front was as flimsy as a tower made out of feathers. ``I uhhh..... Okay, ya know I hate doing this. Just... Come out? Okay?`` he asked, clearly pressed up against the door. He could phase through, and you knew it, but he was respecting that you had to forgive him in your own way by coming out of the room, not him coming in and begging you. You sighed, turning to the door. ``And why would I do that?`` you asked, challenging him at his most vulnerable. A light growl mixed with a sigh was heard through the door, and then a sigh of defeat. ``Fine. Fine! I'll go all mushy... Okay. Because.... You are like... A firefly. You light up the night sky like a star and... You're the only bug I don't wanna hurt cos you're so... pretty and lively and warm. Everyone who sees you is enchanted by you and that's why I get like this. What if they steal you away? What of they put you in a glass jar and trap you forever while you slowly suffocate and your light goes out? I can't let em do that to my firefly...`` He said, his voice going from soft, to lightly angry when talking about other people taking you, back to soft and almost somber. Then there was silence. You blinked, stummed he could even muster up something so.... sweet. A tear landed on the floor, then another, and another. He knew he really fucked up this time, but he fixed it. He fixed it real good. In an instant you flung the door open, running into him, wrapping your arms around him, pressing a kiss onto his lips. You were probably sobbing into the kiss, but you didn't care. Beetlejuice stumbled back a bit, hitting the hall wall. He quickly got the idea, though, happily kissing back. Suffice to say, he was forgiven.

You broke the kiss, your arms wrapped around eachother. He gave a light smile, his hair an emerald green with light streaks of pastel pink. ``So my little Firefly, you wanna go see a movie? I heard the Exorcist was good... I also heard that somebody popped popcorn and might have made some tea.`` he said after a little while of just gazing into your eyes. ``I'd love to, Beej.`` you replied, him easily carrying you down the stairs all bridal style. The rest of the night was spendt watching The Exorcist, as well as other horror flicks, each worse than the last. Soon, you both fell asleep, tired from everything that happened today. Whatever tomorrow brought didn't matter, whether it be another fight or something better, you two were gonna tackle it together.

-----

Oh boy! It's been a while since I've done a fic/oneshot thing! It was pretty fun! I don't usually write angst, but feel free to keep it comin!

See y'all wonderful creations in the Neitherworld! Stay hydrated! Love y'all!

[thiswasinevitableid]

In the Grave

Oct 12th: Dig your own grave.

Note: Consider this a missing scene from Lonesome Moth (between chapters five and six). It can 100% be read as a standalone. It is Not Suitable For you Workplace.

The sun descends with agonizing slowness across the desert sky as the steady ca-chunk of a shovel hitting earth fills the air. 

Duck Newton, four feet down in said earth, pauses to wipe his brow. 

“Uh uh now, deputy, don’t you be slacking off. We don’t got all night.” A voice behind him scolds. 

“That’s right.” Says another. 

Duck doesn’t look behind him, and he sure as hell doesn’t respond even though he’s itching to tell them to dig it their own damn selves if they’re in such a hurry. But he’s not foolhardy enough to trade barbs with the kind of men who take pleasure in making a fellow dig his own grave.

He also doesn’t intend on ending up in said grave. Digging is giving him ample time to develop a plan.

When he pauses again he says, still without turning, “don’t suppose either of you are willin’ to give a dead man a drink.”

A clink tells him they are. 

One of the bandits holds the canteen out and Duck takes it. He grabs the man’s arm as does so, yanking him down into the grave with him. The other runs forward to grab his compatriot, and Duck hits him as hard as he can with the shovel, knocking him backwards and out of sight. He turns just as the man in the grave gets his bearings and reaches for his pistol, the deputy catching him in the head with the edge of the metal.

There’s a click from above him and he realizes his error; he won’t be able to strike in time, and all his extra toughness won’t save him if he’s shot at point-blank range.

Bang

He jolts, then stumbles back as the second bandit comes tumbling into the grave, very much dead. 

Duck holds his breath, the soft crunch of dirt growing closer. 

“Hello, lawman.” Purrs a familiar voice. 

Staring down at him with a self-satisfied smirk is Indrid Cold, red dust on his black clothes and the last rays of the sun glinting off his glasses. 

“Cold.” Duck nods.

Still smiling, Indrid kneels down and holds out his hand. Duck takes it, lets the other man help him out of the grave. 

“I had that under control, y’know.” He mutters. 

“No doubt. All the same, I assumed my help would not be unwelcome. Just as I assume you will now try to apprehend me…” His smile falters as Duck steps closer. The deputy puts one hand on Indrids neck.

Then, with the other he grips him by his pale hair and pulls him into a kiss.  

“My, my, not even a pretense of trying to arrest me this time?” The outlaw teases, gently, when Duck finally lets him breath. 

“I’m tired, I’m irritated, and I damn near died. Ain’t in a mood to dance around what I know is gonna happen anyway.” He moves for another kiss but Indrid catches him by the chin.

“Duck, if you are only doing this because you feel it is the inevitable outcome, I shall turn on my heel and leave you in peace.”

Duck sighs, and when he looks into the red lenses he finds Indrids’ eyes patient and concerned behind them.

“That ain’t what I meant. Just don’t have the wherewithal to pretend I wanna do anythin other’n be with you.”

Indrid leans down to kiss him, stroking his cheek with cool fingers. 

“In that case, my sweet, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to my camp?”

It’s a short journey on horseback, Indrid having selected a spacious, hidden cave in an outcropping of rocks. 

“Bringing back memories?” Indrid asks as Duck looks around the hide-out.

“Least I ain’t tied-up this time.”

“Indeed.” Indrid steps behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist, “Unless you wish to be.”

“I ain’t seen you in near a month. You think I wanna spend any of that time not able to get my hands on you?” He spins in the embrace, gripping Indrids’ jacket and kissing a line up his neck. The outlaw cups the back of his head, humming as he presses a kiss to his temple. 

Then he pulls his head back slightly, tongue flicking out as though he’s a cat that’s tasted something unpleasant.

“You’re rather dusty, my sweet.”

“You’re one to talk” Duck thwacks his shoulders playfully, sending a cloud of particles into the air. 

“I may have a solution to our woes. Come.” He takes Ducks hand, leading him back out into the cooling air. Several yards from the end of the outcropping, they come to a stop in front of a pool. Duck reaches out his fingers, feels the heat coming from the water.

“Hot spring?”

“Indeed. It’s quite safe, if you’d care to join me.” He removes his jacket, starts on the buttons of his shirt as Duck tugs off his boots. For once he’s faster than Indrid at disrobing, slipping into the warm water with a sigh and finding a flat bit of rock to sit on as he watches the taller man remove his last shreds of his decency. Indrids’ gun-belt remains within reach of the pool, but Duck knows it poses no risk to him. 

Indrid joins him, sliding in and over so he’s nearly in Ducks lap. He fondly draws a finger along Ducks chest.

“Mmmm, exquisite.” He grins, “and the spring isn’t bad either.”  

Duck puffs out a laugh, then gulps in a breath and ducks his head beneath the water. Emerges, spluttering and cleaner.

Indrid pops up a moment after, shaking out his hair and keeping a firm grip on his glasses. That youthful, vulnerable smile is on his face and Duck’s heart may as well be a jar of fireflies for how much it glows at the sight. 

“You look as though you want something, my sweet.”

“That I do.” He loops his arm around Indrids shoulder, barks a laugh when the outlaw easily pulls him into his lap. Indrid’s hands are cool in spite of the water, and they trace chilly paths along Ducks sides and back as he leans in for a kiss. 

For a time he luxuriates in the simple pleasure of Indrids mouth on his own, the way he hums, the way his tongue gladly yields to Ducks when he slips it between his lips. In the short pauses where they breathe, Indrid keeps their faces close, brushes their noses together with those strange, soft sounds of his. 

Eventually, his lips start a path down Ducks neck.

“I missed you these last weeks.” He murmurs, licking a line on Ducks throat when he bares it, “I dreamt of you every night, a rare occurrence for me.”

“That so? Can’t say I dream all that much, but damn if you don’t turn up a whole lot when I’m awake.” He tangles one hand in pale hair, braces the other on the edge of the pool as the kisses turn to bites. 

“Mmmm, such flattery to know my handsome, strong lawman spends his days thinking of me.”

“Don’t think I ain’t wise to what you’re doin.” Duck grins as one of Indrids’ hands disappears beneath the water.

“And what is that?”

“Sweet talkin me so that I’ll get ha-ohhhh, lord almighty.” Deft fingers grasp his cock, pressing it to Indrids own. 

“Why Duck Newton, I would never tell you that you are the finest man to ever ride the west, or that they very thought of you sets my soul alight, just because I know it drives you wild.” He’s stroking them both slowly, grin widening each time Duck moans. 

“Indrid” Duck moves his hand down to assist but Indrid catches it, places it back on his shoulder.

“Allow me, sweetheart. You’ve had such a trying day, and a man as handsome and hardworking as yourself-”

“Darlin please, you keep talkin’ like that I’m a goner.”

“-deserves to, oh goodness, to lay back and take his pleasure. Much as I OH” he cries out when Duck bites down on his shoulder, “I deserve to watch that perfect face as you come apart in my hand.”

“Fuck, Indridfuck.” He comes with a jolt, Indrid working him through it before coming with a high moan himself. 

As his body shudders in relief and enjoyment, he rests his forehead against the damp of Indrids’ own. Strange as it seems, these are the moments he holds dearest, these pauses between the pursuit, when they ask nor desire nothing from one another other than to hold and be held, hearts beating as one. The moments when he is not a man of the law and Indrid is not a man running from it, when their sole role in the world is lovers. 

Eventually the moment must break, and they climb from the springs and pick their way carefully back to camp. As they dry and settle onto overlapping bedrolls, Duck makes Indrid promise that he’ll at least kiss him goodbye before slipping away in the morning. Indrid says he will. Soon there is nothing left to do but fall asleep, wrapped in each others arms. 

Hearts beating as one.

[conquerus]

🌼 + instead of it being a single flower, it's a flower crown of baby's breath, because REASONS.

he’s babey! give him a flower / accepting.

          sora’s legs pull comfortably underneath him, criss-cross applesauce. he leans back, weight on the palms of his hands, watching the light lift into the sky. it’s not the first time he’s had trouble sleeping over the last couple months, and he guesses it won’t be the last. it’s all right–donald can always take on gummi ship steering, and he can cover the rest of his nap time later on. he’s just… not tired, right now. 

         and forcing it always ends in dreams too strange to think about. blue-grey seeps into the horizon’s corners, and his lungs swell with cold air. it’s nice like this, not too quiet, reminding him a little of a time when fireflies would come around on the islands. when he was young, and had to be reminded not to catch them in tiny jars. 

          sooner than later, the quiet’s cut short by a few light steps. 

          they’re not far, and he turns his head to find riku–who he figures has the same problem. what he doesn’t expect in the same tune is the white band of small flowers in his hands. what he expects even less is the gentle way it falls onto the crown of his head, plopping conveniently over and across the worst of his spikes. 

          it’s so early, he doubts for a second–

          “riku… am i dreaming?” it wouldn’t be such a surprise, if he is. rubbing his cheeks with the palms of his hands and sitting up, he tries to shake off his head. there’s too much clarity for this to be his mind playing pretend. 

          plus, when he takes another deep breath, he can smell the flowers and their warm, faint fragrance. sora closes his eyes, thick lashes fluttering as he blinks back to the sight of his best friend. okay, there’s no way this is a dream. 

          “heh, i guess not! thanks, riku–these are great.” he has to restrain himself from poking at the flowers to sniff them a little closer, and pats the spot next to him instead. “wanna sit for a while? i was just… saying goodnight to the stars.” 

[uberhero-chorus]

📖 any muse!

Sit Down and Shut Up, It’s Story Time

“Gah! This is completely disgusting! Okiru, why are we doing this?”

Myamsar was vigorously rinsing off his dirtied glove in a cool mountain stream, a half-cleaned giant tooth and a small pine branch that served as a makeshift ‘toothbrush’ were tossed aside in the dirt beside him.

“You sissy! It’s just a bit of plaque.” Okiru teased. “Who would’ve known you were such a neat freak?”

“Uh! I hope that by ‘just a bit’ you meant literal layers!” Myamsar hissed. “This is just gross, won’t the piece of its helmet suffice?”

The boys glanced back at the recently slain giant they had been commissioned to take down. According to some pedestrians bordering the outskirts of Patapolis, a few giants had been creeping in and threatening their towns. In response to the little job, a few Heroes and Uberheroes had been pulled from their other jobs and were placed in ‘Hero Duty’ until the little herd of giants had been cleared. The commissioner wanted a “Quick job”, so speedy heroes like Pyokorider, Alosson, Okiru and him had been pulled out of their classes and ferried off to go kill some giants. Thankfully, they were experienced enough to handle giants quickly.The giant Myamsar and Okiru had been tracking had lumbered all the way up a mountain, and chasing it had been a real drain. And while they did manage to kill it, the commissioner wanted physical proof of each kill. And while Myamsar thought a piece of its helmet would suffice, Okiru had thought a canine from the beast would work better. Now, they spent their time wiping away years of filth off of one tooth in a stream.

Okiru scoffed. “Hey, we could’ve pried something else off! Like a fingernail, or some skin, or its-”

“Heeeeyy, let’s talk about something else!” Myamsar interrupted. “You wanna hear something Miss Vee told me before we left?”

This seemed to catch his friend’s interest. “Miss Vee? I thought you didn’t have a class with her.”

“Ah, I don’t, but Wonda, Canno and I volunteered to clean her classroom a tad while she did other work.” Myamsar explained. “She said we reminded her about um... “The Tale of Arye’s Mercy”, she called it.”

“That sounds cool... Well, let’s hear it.” Okiru chirped, picking up the tooth and the pine branch. “I’ll worry about this, you tell me what Miss Vee had to say.”

Myamsar sat down in the dirt, and began the story...

Centuries upon centuries had passed since the incident with the Archfiends and the Dark Heroes. By now, the souls of the Hero Patapons who were transformed into an Uberhero had passed on, their powerful masks had been left behind in the earth.

But at the end of their journeys, they had all been given a choice.To live on for a time, and side with the Dark Heroes, until they decided that they tired of life.To move on, and visit heaven.Or, to sacrifice their soul to undo the stone curse that had befallen their people.

Each choice was heard out, and dutifully served to the Uberheroes, who had sacrificed much to seal away the Archfiends. Yet, no matter how the Almigties looked at it, there was a slight problem.

In every instance, they had willingly chosen to destroy their own soul.

And, in accordance to the laws of the universe, souls were not to be destroyed.

So, Sisika, the Almighty who holds heaven up on bird’s wings, had created a separate realm for these Heroes Souls to dwell in, a “Concept’s Realm”, as she called it. Here, the souls of the deceased Hero Patapons, who were separated from their Almighties, were held.

It was technically not heaven,But it also was not a hell.It was their own realm, where they were held quietly and contently.

The Almighties, now satisfied, felt that the issue had been dealt with. Now, they felt they could returned to their normal duties.All but one Almighty.

Almighty Arye looked out to the souls trapped in the Concept’s Realm, glowing dimly like fireflies in a jar. Day by day, year by year, century upon century, his heart ached for them. For Arye knew that the transformation into an Uberhero, the powerful amnesia that had come with the masks they bore, and all the injuries and grievances their long journeys had caused were not something they had actively sought out.

No, it was practically forced upon them! The Almighty of Swift Justice found that the treatment these Heroes had received for their sacrifices was simply unjust! And it had to be amended.

And so, Almighty Arye called a meeting. He had gathered every Almighty currently in the Godly Realm together for it, as he had an idea.

On the day of the meeting, The Earth and The Godly Realm seemed to stand still as Arye began.

“Many centuries ago, our tribes were frozen into stone after the Archfiends had unwittingly been freed. To deal with this issue, all of us had our souls fused to our Hero Patapons for a time to create an Uberhero. But when their jobs were done, and the Archfiends were all safely dealt with and sealed again, how did we repay these Heroes for their ultimate sacrifices?”

Arye gestured to the Concept’s Realm, which was clearly visible from their location. “We locked them away, like animals in cages! They are not even allowed to enter heaven in their state!”

“Arye,” Tiras, an Almighty of The Swift Winds, interrupted. “You know why they cannot enter heaven. Their souls have been damaged as a result of becoming Uberheroes, they could cause it to collapse.”

“It is unfortunate...” Sinon, an Almighty of Birth and Death, sighed. “But, it was for the greater good. Only an Uberhero is powerful enough to bring the Archfiends down.“

“Hah! Damaged souls, you say?” Arye chirped. “That is why I called this meeting today, you see. I believe I have a solution to that.”

The other Almighties, intrigued, began to speak among themselves.

“You see, it’s simple. If they need our souls to function properly now, why not give them that? Why do we not we all give them a tiny piece of our infinite, immortal souls?” Arye proposed. “With that, they can be stabilized... and they may live again...”

“Live again?” Sinon piped up once more. “I had thought you wanted to give them heaven?”

“Have you not noticed, Sinon?” Arye sighed, gazing at the Concept’s Realm again. “A good portion of those Heroes... They were young, just getting into adulthood... Some of them hadn’t even outgrown their Babypon fluff yet.”

His eye narrowed. “...They deserve a proper life, do they not?”

“...Yes, Arye, they do...” Imri, the Almighty of Companionship added worriedly. “But... The world down there has changed quite a lot since their time. How would they ever adapt?”

Silence fell over the meeting for a time. Until Sinon spoke up once again.“...Reincarnation? Why don’t we place their new souls into expectant mothers? Or into those Babypons born under the Mater Tree?”

“Y-Yes! Fantastic!” Arye cheered. “They can be reincarnated! Sinon, you’re a-”

“Hold on a moment!” Doeg, the Almighty of the Cautious Watch, interrupted. “Not to disrupt the merriment here, but what of the masks? Our souls and theirs means Uberhero, does it not? They cannot be born as regular Patapons with that, or they cannot stay as a Patapon forever! They’d have to find a Mask to wear, to contain that power!”

“Well, down below, they’ve just started to uncover the many masks of not only the Uberheroes, but also the Hero Patapons as well.” Arye brought up. “Some have actually claimed the mask’s powers for some time, and their families have held onto them... We shall place some heroes with them, to ensure that they might wear their own mask again.”

“As for those that have not been found yet?”

“Haha! Doeg, my friend, have you forgotten? We are Almighties! We can weave the strings of destiny between our fingers!” Arye chortled. “This will work, it is what they deserve! A long, happy life on earth. They must have their second chance!”

““HEAR HEAR!!”“

And so, an agreement was reached among them! One by one, the Almighty Patapons gave the souls of the Heroes a fragment of their eternal souls, and sent them down to Earth to be reborn.And finally, Arye was pleased. Justice had been given to these young souls at long last.

As Myamsar wrapped up the story, Okiru had successfully cleaned the giant’s tooth free of plaque. Satisfied with his work, he had the fang dried off on the fabric of his combat uniform and stuffed it into his backpack.

“...Fun story.” He commented. “I didn’t think Miss Vee would really know so much... Um! About uh... Stories surrounding the Almighties, that is.”

“Hm. Miss Vee is um...” Myamsar scratched behind one of his ears. “She’s... A bit weird. I think she even said that their little meeting took place only thirty or so years ago, and that some of the Almighties had their heroes reincarnated about... Seventeen years ago...”

“...Hmm...”

Feeling awkward, Myamsar shook his head lightly and snickered. “It really makes you wonder what she really has in those ‘soda bottles’ she brings all the time?”

“Hah! I want to believe it’s soda, buddy!” Okiru laughed.

They headed down the mountain together, physical evidence of the giant’s death in their backpacks.Though, Myamsar couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps... Vee wasn’t completely crazy after all.

And maybe... Vee’s story was really true.

[b1a4seeyou]

“Promise of Protection” (Zen x Reader)

Summary: Feeling lonely is one of the reasons for a person to hang around with someone they trust. That’s what makes you to visit your childhood friend. Until lately, he’s gotten busy with his work and the loneliness overwhelms you inside. What will you do for those feelings to go away?

Genre: Maybe considered angst but it’s mostly fluff.

Rating: None

Note: Finally finished writing this. A late @mysmesecretvalentines gift for @angelsdoexist ! Picked out the ‘firefly’ prompt because it’s much easier for me, I guess. This is a childhood friend AU, just a heads up haha. And I recommend you reading while listening this song here to add up the mood! I hope you enjoy! /o/

“Hey, Zen? Do you want fried eggs instead?” I asked him. “Nah, I think that should be enough.“ As he looked up from reading the script. I prepared simple french toasts as breakfast for the both of us. I placed our plates and sat across from him. Once he saw the food, he folded the corner of the page he’s reading and set it aside, “Thank you for the food.“ Then he started digging in. “Mmm! It’s so good! I never have any doubts on your cooking, MC.“ I’m glad that he loves my cooking. It’s the least I can do every time I came to his place.

Ever since I started living alone, I can’t help but feeling a little empty inside despite there’s no one to talk to or help out the chores. Luckily, I happened to live nearby Zen’s place, my childhood friend! We’ve been known each other since we’re neighbors. Knowing him, his handsome and odd features attracted people’s attention, he was well-known in the neighborhood! But sometimes he was looked down by certain people, and that’s where I came in! I was his protector on every negativity and supporter of his dream, just like any friend would do. And now, he’s an actor of a musical play like he always dreamed of. Back to what I was saying, Zen let me stay for a few hours or sometimes sleepover in his place so I could get some company from the loneliness. Him being generous is the Zen I know very well. So as repayment, I helped him out with some small chores and help his practices.

We both chatted about our days while enjoying our meal. Zen’s stories never gets bored about getting the main role and how people reacted to his skills and looks. That’s so Zen. A day without complimenting him is a sin to me. Haha, kidding. Once we’re done with our meals, I was just about to take his plate but he held out his palm, “Uh uh uh! Let me do this.“ He then took mine and went to the sink, “No, wait, Zen. Let me do it!“ “Nope, you’ve done a lot for me already. Let me help this out for once.” “But-“ “No buts! You know, I sometimes feel bad that you have to do everything for me. So let me help you out, okay?“ And gave me a playful wink and a chuckle. The fact I suddenly felt hot on my cheeks, I realized that I can be read so easily. I know he just playfully did that but I can’t help feeling that’s specially for me. Yeah, it’s pretty obvious. I’m developing feelings towards my one and only best friend. And the more reasons why I kept coming here. Even though I’ve been keeping these feelings, I’m afraid if we don’t have any mutual feelings. Feeling friend-zoned is much more painful than being rejected. And the fact he kept saying there are a lot of pretty actresses and fangirls came to him, the jealousy inside me just kept growing. But I rather let this friendship continue on, rather than making ourselves awkward if it didn’t work out well.

We both cleaned the table and after he finished washing the dishes, he went back to his seat and continue reading the script. While he doesn’t notice my attention on him, I observed his expression whenever he tries to imitate a certain line. His gifted acting skills is what made him special, adds up with the hardwork. I smiled to myself, thinking I’m really lucky to see him everyday, even though he has a fan club. He paused for awhile then suddenly his expression changed, as if he remembered something. “Oh, MC. I just thought you should know, my schedule might gotten a little tight so I may not be home or some sort.” “Oh. I see.”, I replied, a little disappointed but tried to hide it. “Well, you are an actor. Tight schedules are pretty common these days haha. So don’t worry, I’ll let you know if I do come by.” “Are you sure? I don’t want to keep you waiting for me. I’m not sure if I’ll get back-“ “It’s okay. I don’t wanna bother your work, Zen. You’ve worked hard to get that role so I think you should focus more on it. I’ll just...come by and help you clean your apartment.“ I laughed it out, though it was just a cover up from my disappointment. He heaved out a sigh, “If you think that’s okay with you, then I’m fine with it. You have the spare key so you can drop by whenever you want.“ I gave him a salute pose, making him laugh. Seeing him smile makes me happy but it hurts, knowing he won’t be here if I do give a visit. I shake my head, letting out those bad thoughts and having my hopes on seeing him again.

The next few days, I came by to his apartment after my work shift, with the key in hand and opened the door. “Heyya, Zen! I’m-“ Then I realized, this place is a little quiet with no presence of living. I entered his room, calling out his name several times but no response, until I saw a small folded paper on the dining table. I unfolded and read its contents.

“If the person reading this is MC, the director called us to stay in the theater for practice reasons so I won’t be there for a few days. You can stay in my apartment if you like. Just make yourself at home!

PS: Don’t force yourself to come by. And make sure the door and windows are locked. I’ll get worried if something happens to you. ;;”

He must have known that I’ll be coming here since, well, I do come here pretty often. I’m guessing this must have been planned the last few days. The folded lines can be seen quite well. I sighed. Alrighty then! I have decided, I’ll stay here for the night! It wouldn’t hurt since he did said so himself in the note. I did some personal things like eating, browsing the Internet, a little cleaning...But, it doesn’t last for 3 hours. After a quick shower and dressed, since I brought some here before just in case if I did plan to sleep here, I was humming and about to open my mouth but once I opened the door to the living room, my expression dropped. Right, he’s still not home. I sighed and fell down onto the sofa. I thought that maybe if I stayed here, I could at least feel his presence and lessen the loneliness, but it’s the same from staying alone. “Maybe I’ll text him? Letting him know I’m here.“ I stood up and grab my phone on the desk. I opened a messenger app and see if he’s online, but to no avail. The sadness gotten stronger inside me but I shake it off and text him.

And just like that, I dropped my phone to my face and sighed. My chest is hurting from not seeing him. At least let me see him once before he went of to the theater. I..miss him. I miss his voice, I miss his jokes, his laugh, his undying narcissistic self. I miss all about him. Even though it’s only a day, I wanted his presence so I could fill this need for him. Even though my heart is screaming at me to confess, I still don’t have the courage to even say those 3 words. I rolled on the sofa, having these complicated thoughts in my mind is frustrating. Maybe getting some night fresh air could do the trick. Thankfully my clothes are appropriate for an outside walk so I grab my cardigan and head out. Aaaand locking the doors and windows, I don’t want Zen to get worried about it.

A few miles away from the apartment, there’s a central park with a beautiful scenery so I walk towards it and take a stroll. There aren’t any people in this park, probably because of the busy construction nearby but it doesn’t bother me much. It’s night time so not much people are coming here anyway. Walking further to a pond, I stood nearby a tree, admiring the sparkling lights from the water with the images of the moon and stars. Tonight’s a beautiful night, would be more special with someone you love. I heaved out a sigh and spotted a bench at the back so I sat on it. I covered my face with both of my hands, mumbling whatever I want to let it out. As I looked up from my frustration state, my eyes widen as a tiny floating light came to view. My eyes then came to focus on the pond, a swarm of tiny lights are floating in the park. I looked around, never expecting fireflies coming out with my current state. I held out my palm and a firefly landed on it without any hesitation nor fear. Suddenly, I recalled a distant memory from the back of my mind.

“Look! Fireflies!“, a little girl exclaimed while she tried to catch one. “Hmph! Where are you going?! Come back here!“ The girl shouted with determination filled inside her and chase after the one little bug. “MC, don’t run too far!“ A voice of a boy called out to her as he joined along the chase. “Your parents will get worried.“ “Don’t worry! It’s gonna be A-Okay! Zen, help me out,“ She then told him to try catching at least one firefly and put it in a jar. Both of them were energetic and determine to catch one, until then, “I caught one! MC, look!“, the boy ran towards her and showed the jar with a firefly in it. “Uwah! It’s so beautiful!“ “Well, not as beautiful as you, MC!“ “Z-Zen!“ “But you are! I’m not joking. Even though you beat up those mean baddies and scared them away, you’re still beautiful and awesome!“ He said with those sparkling eyes. MC was a little flustered with his compliment so she grinned and thanked him. “Oh, but what are we gonna do with this? We’re not gonna keep it forever, are we?“, little Zen said as he looked at the poor creature trapped in the jar. “Nope, let’s keep it for a night! Oh! How about you sleepover at my place? We can watch it together. Once it’s morning, we’ll let it fly away to its home!“ “Oh, that’s a great idea!“ The both of them asked their parents for permission and headed to their houses. Little Zen came to her house with the jar in hand and went straight to her room. They both laid futons on the floor and placed the jar between them. Once little MC turned off the lights, the light from the firefly emitted even brighter like the stars above. “Wow, it’s so pretty!“, she exclaimed in awe. Little Zen had been quiet for some time, admiring little MC’s excited expression. He took a deep breathe and said, “Hey, MC. Can I say something?“ She looked up from the jar, “Sure. What’s wrong?“ “I-. I wanna become stronger and protective like you. You’ve been protecting me ever since and I don’t wanna be a weakling like the others called me. Once I become a man, I wanna protect you from any danger and be by your side like you did for me.“ Little Zen’s eyes stared into hers as she was in shock. “I promise. I’ll save you from anything that’s on your way. I wanna be the man you can depend on.“, he continued. Little MC was still quiet, then suddenly a smile appear on her lips. “If you want to be a man, you have to grow up first. We’re still kids, but let’s protect each other to make it fair.“ “Promise?“, he held out his hand and pulled up his pinkie. “Promise.“ Then they both crossed their pinkies as locking their promise.

“Promise...“ Now that I remembered it, that was a really distant memory, we both might have forgotten about it. The firefly might have been the reason for it. That said, the little creature on my palm started to fly away, joining its group. Then, a thought came to mind. What if I catch one of them like last time and showed to Zen like it’s a welcome gift! I nodded at that thought and stood up to catch one of them. This may sound childish but no one’s looking and this is just only once so I followed the firefly and tried to catch it. Using my hands is the hardest but determination is in my veins, no one can stop me! A firefly bluntly flown passed me so this is my chance! I quietly tiptoed to the firefly and my hands already raised to catch it but suddenly, my foot slipped on a slanted part and fell into the pond. I haven’t realized that I’m near the water! I gasped for air, screaming for help, knowing there’s no one in this area. My eyes started to blur and before my eyes were closed, a blurry figure came to me. I can hear the water splashed, the figure was here to save me. I can feel the grass on the ground, brushing my hands and my abdomen being pushed. “Come on, MC. Wake up!” Seconds later, I spitted out the water and coughed. I sat up, still coughing and looked up at the source of the voice. “Z-Zen?!“ “Oh, thank god. Oh you got me all worried right there.“ I-It’s Zen?! But isn’t he supposed to be-? Zen noticed my shocked expression so he covered me with his coat and started explaining, “I happened to take a stroll here. I read your messages, saying you’re staying at my place and thought that I could come back. The rehearsal was finished, thankfully so I can finally get to see...you....“ He scratched his cheek with embarrassment but he shook his head, “Then I heard a scream nearby and...” He sighed and put his head on my shoulder, “I’m just relieved that you’re okay.“ He suddenly looked up to face me with his worried expression, “What were you thinking?! If I weren’t there, y-you could have....“ He stroked bits of my wet hair as if it’s the most precious thing and touched my forehead with his while sighing. “God, you made me so worried. You’re lucky I’m here, I thought I might lose you.“ “I-I’m sorry, Zen. I was just...trying to catch them.” “Them?“ I pointed towards the fireflies. He was looking up in awe and a smile appeared, enjoying the view, “It’s beautiful, but...what for?“ “Remember the promise we did when we were kids?“ “Promise? ......Oh.“ His face was in shocked and he suddenly covered his mouth in embarrassment, “What about the promise?“ “I thought that maybe if we could be like those days, I might actually get closer to you.“ “Look-“ “The truth is-!“, both of us said in sync. “You go first.“, I said. “Oh no, no! Ladies’ first.“ “Alright, alright.“, I chuckled, “I...hope you don’t mind me saying this. I don’t wanna make things awkward but I’ve been holding this feeling for a long time and the more I’m keeping it, the more painful it gets. So, Zen.....I...I love you, ever since that day.“ I said it, I just said it! But his shocked expression told me the answers already, “I-I know you don’t like me either but I just can’t help it so-“ He suddenly embraced me in his arms, completely surprised on what this means. “God, I thought I was gonna say it. Damn, that was embarrassing.“ “W-What do you mean?“ He broke our embrace. “You remembered the promise, right? About me being the ‘man’ for you? I thought I already proved you enough. Letting you stay in, keeping you safe even though I’m away. But then again, I thought to myself, that isn’t how you protect her. So I thought, maybe I could stay in the theater for awhile, trying to understand what does protect means to everyone. Then, after I saved you, I finally understand. Protecting is making the person you love safe from any danger, no matter how small it is, and stay by their side forever.“ He cupped my cheeks with his hands and leaned his forehead on me, making sure I have enough warmth. He then whispered, “From now, I promise, to protect you however I can so you won’t get hurt anymore.“ “Hehe, alright, Prince Charming. But, question. I thought you knew how protecting means.“ “You know kids with their determined sayings without knowing what they meant.“ “Pft, come on. You’re not that blunt.“ “Alright, alright. I do know what it means but seeing you like that, I don’t think I’m not letting you go.“ He nudged our noses, pouring every affection to show that he, “I love you, MC.“