#i was about to put Glee in there that's how bad i was forgetting things

[zuzuzuko]

10 Characters / 10 Fandoms / 10 Tags

tagged by @fancyfade

DC: Damian Wayne/Robin

Marvel: Clint Barton/Hawkeye

Bleach: Hitsugaya

Avatar the Last Airbender: Zuko <3

Yuri!! On Ice: Victor

Legend of Zelda: Zelda!!!!!!

Fullmetal Alchemist: Roy Mustang

My Hero Academia: Todoroki

Death Note: Near

A Song of Ice and Fire: Daenerys

tagging: @dangerousdan-dan @cosmicpuding @sukidude @batbaffle @armed-with-a-waffle-iron @sizzlemourner @kovacs-on-ice @glummar @damianbugs @blurrilines

you don't have to do this obviously but if you wannaaaa

[travelling-wanderer]

💜:Hey(I'm new in your blog)

I have a little request about Jax x Reader: What if Reader ignored Jax causing him to get kind of angry about it and Jax goes into Reader's room and finds Reader diary (Reader not being in the room).

(Do it if you want)(^w^).

・﹒・ jealousy, jealousy - request

Other Request by anon: **konck** **knock** **knock** Headcanon de Jax the amazing digital circus or jelouse....? Sorry i don't good with inglish :"<

Summary: You had hung out with Kinger quote often, he had become someone who you felt bad for and wanted to make sure he never felt alone. You wound up genuinely enjoying his company and had become good friends with. However- Jax didn't like that. He had found and taken your diary and had read from it just to show how much he wanted your attention.

Warnings: None

Pairing: Jax x GN!reader

Notes: Hello! I got 2 separate requests and combined them into one since it seemed fitting!

The Digital Circus had very few members, yet you always found someone to interact with here, whether it was Gangle or Kinger, but you never felt too lonely. However, you did keep a small diary to keep yourself sane, writing down thoughts and what happened during the "day" helped to keep you grounded here and from truly going insane. But it was private of course, you wanted absolutely nobody to read it under any circumstances. You always kept it in a chest right in front of your bed along with a few other items that you grew close to and wanted to keep.

You especially didn't want one person to read it- Jax. He was someone who would use that shit as blackmail against you and force you to do things you definitely would not prefer to do. Mainly considering you jotted down the possibility of forming a crush on him, it wasn't a sure thing, just a "maybe" thing. He often antagonized everyone and was a huge asshole, but there was just something so tantalizing about him, you couldn't help but want to learn more about him and spend time with him. 

So, naturally, you ignored him, in fear of actually crushing on him and making it obvious nonetheless. Nobody could blame you as he was the most deplorable out of everyone. You ignored his taunting, his smug smiles, his pranks, you ignored it all in favor of remaining neutral to his mischievous self. Jax didn't say anything about it, but Ragatha worried that you would eventually break from letting him get to you after a while. It was quick to reassure her that that would not happen, that you were stronger than he was. 

However, you were worried when he would eventually break from your lack of reactions to his behavior. Jax was most likely angry from it, but he wasn't acting any more aggressive than how he normally was. He was probably internalizing it until he couldn't one day and you were not looking forward to that day. But that was a later problem as right now, you were helping Kinger build an awesome fort for "protection", making it big enough for the both of you. He was supposedly here the longest, so since he held on this long without being abstracted, he was losing an even bigger grip on himself in this new reality. The chess piece became a good friend to you though, even if his memory and spatial awareness was completely shot.

"Ok let me add one more block here!" You placed a big, yellow block on one side that was open, smiling at how the fort was slowly coming together. Kinger often preferred small pillow forts just for him, but you both occasionally would build larger ones to fit you both.

"Oh that looks wonderful!" He sounded happy as he clapped his not-attached hands in glee, enjoying your presence and "creative mind" as he puts it. He slid over- doesn't have any legs so he just floats- and examined your current area, humming. He then looked over to you, suddenly screaming in fear and fell down on the colorful ground. It was sad, he did this so much because he forgets who he was just talking to and who was right next to him.

"Kinger its alright its just me" You smiled softly as you extended your hand, him grabbing it and you pulling up. You never dared to get mad at him, never allowing any mistreatment of him as his mind was similar to one with Dementia. Unfortunately, the one person here that often didn't enjoy being with anyone was Jax. The amount of times you scolded him for scaring Kinger and he didn't care at all. Went in one ear, out the other as they say. 

"Sorry…what were we doing? OH right, the fort!" Chuckling, you looked at the probable old man as he struggled with simply having as normal of a time here as possible. Besides that, everything was going well as you handed him some red blocks to make a chair when the familiar sights of a tall, lanky, purple, red overall wearing rabbit came through and stared at you.

"You, with me, now" Jax spoke and he was absolutely pissed off, his usual expression of a smile was replaced with a serious one. How dare he try to order you around? Stood with your hand on your hip, you raised your eyebrow as he stood there, expecting you to just go with him.

"No" You didn't have time for his shit, you were having such a fun time being with Kinger and he was not going to ruin that for you. Scoffing, he walked closer with arms crossed and stared you down as he was taller than you was. You weren't afraid of him, there were more things to be scared of here than a simple bully that got dealt the same fate as you.

"Yes, now, I mean it" At the same time, the chess piece came back and stared at the current interaction, eyes wide. His posture became curled up as if he was trying to make himself smaller, not enjoying that Jax was in his safe space.

"Am I uh…interrupting something?" He asked nervously, glancing back and forth. You were about to say no and to tell Jax to f off when he spoke first.

"Everything is fine, Ho-ha, now leave since Mx. "I'm staying" won't" One death glare caused Kinger to rush off in fear, causing you to get so angry. Stomping up to the rabbit, you said nothing for a few seconds as you sized him up, staring at him with a scowl.

"Why are you so fricking demanding all the sudden? And stop-" 

"Calling him Ho-ha. Yeah I don't care. Stop hanging out with him anyways" The rabbit plucked the teddy bear you placed on a pillow and started to boredly play with it. Ripping it from his hands, you gently placed Mr. Cuddles back on his rightful throne and pushed  Jax around towards the exit.

"Ah, now I wouldn't do that Mx." He said, just knowing he was smirking right now.

"And why not?" You stopped right before he would have been pushed through the door when he chuckled and out of nowhere, a very familiar book appeared in his hand. Your diary! Swiping at it, he unfortunately was too tall as he held it above your head, making you jump, curse your height!

"Give it back Jax! Seriously give it back now!" Jumping didn't help at all as he turned around and stared you down, holding it up at its highest point. Growling, you grabbed his arm and pushed it down, earning a "hey!" as you managed to snatch it back from him.

"That's mine thank you very much" You huffed and flipped through the pages, making sure everything was in working order when he said something you would not expect.

""Jax is a rather…interesting fellow. He is rather charming, but also a very rude person, I do not know how to feel about him, yet I want to be close to him"" A large smirk showed on his face with a knowing look, knowing he got you right where he wanted you to be. That bastard quoted from your diary!

"Say, you seem so utterly fascinated by me, why are you hanging out with Kinger instead of me?" He asked with an inflection that was hard to get a read on at first, however, it didn't take long for you to put the pieces together. He was completely jealous. But why? This was Jax you were talking about, who knew anything about him?

"Wait…are you…jealous, Jax?" Hook, line, and sinker. Sputtering, he faltered before a face of anger took place.

"I am absolutely NOT. Don't be delusional" He scoffed, deflecting the fact that he was indeed, very jealous as he crossed his arms and leaned to one side, looking away from you.

"Oh really? Then you wouldn't mind if I brought Kinger back in then! Oh Ki-" Jax covered your mouth, a blessing for him since if you didn't have one, he wouldn't have been able to stop your yelling for the chess piece. You ripped his arm away from you and walked out of the fort, no longer seeming fun to be in anymore, maybe you can build a new one after this asshole leaves.

"Ok I AM jealous. Are you happy now?" You were now outside of the fort, Kinger nowhere to be seen. Jax stood in front of you as he rolled his eyes, not happy with admitting that he was jealous. But why was he so jealous of you just hanging out with Kinger?

"No, because you somehow broke into my room and stole and read my private information!" Huffing, you hid your journal behind your back as you stared him down. 

"Why are you so jealous, Jax?" He was the one in control, now it was time for YOU to be in control now.  You spoke confidently as you walked closer to him, getting into his personal space. 

"Because-" He matched your confidence for a few seconds before pink dusted his cheeks, he went silent for a few seconds, trying to figure out what to say as his eyes drifted everywhere but you. His black eyes finally landed back on yours and he took a deep breath in, and then out.

‘It’s because…I like you ok! That’s…that’s the only reason!” He raised his voice but not to the point of yelling as he curled in on himself, crossing his arms and holding them tighter than usual, he was scared. Slowly walking up to him, you smiled softly as you laid your free hand on top of his.

“It’s ok Jax, I won’t tell anyone. Not unless you want everyone to know you’re a big softie?” You teased, causing the rabbit to grumble as you stood on your tip toes and kissed his cheek. He froze, not expecting it in the slightest as you pulled away. The temptation to be snarky even as a joke crossed your mind, but knew he had issues being vulnerable, so instead, you smiled as you called for Kinger to finish the fort as Jax stood there like a deer in headlights

[harlowtales]

Jack needs Y/N more than he realizes when jealousy gets the best of him

18+ ONLY - Adult Themes

***Use of all names is purely fictional

“Where the fuck are you going Y/N?” Jack said surprised to see you packing. He just got back from recording in LA and was going to take a few weeks off.

“I actually made some friends and I’m heading off for a weekend in the country!” You squealed with glee, but Jack did not have a smile on his face. “…and nice to see you too sheesh.” You said rolling your eyes and pushing past him to get to your closet. You were forgetting your crocks and hoping to find a spot for them in your open and overflowing suitcase on the bed.

“No the fuck you aint.” He said like a domineering father.

“Awwww Jackman you’ll be fine without me for 72hours.” You said cheerily finally getting your suitcase closed by sitting on it.

“72 fucking hours ain’t a weekend last I checked.” He said grumpily

“You’ll be fine.” You said ignoring his exasperation and checking the group chat for any updates on who was picking you up when. Jack was a tad dramatic anyway so you didn’t really take him seriously at the moment.

“Not very professional coming from my assistant” he mumbled now distinctly in a bad mood.

“I’m not your assistant. I’m a house guest remember?” You responded now getting irritated that Jack refused to give you any titles in his life whatsoever. Long story short, something happened one night that you both agreed should not have, and had not happened since.

You were renovicted from your apartment as the building was being turned into fancy condos so Jack offered you a place to stay until you found another place. While staying with him you started helping Kat with some work and his team realized how good you were at helping him stay organized. They offered you a job and Jack said no. He was developing feelings for you and didn’t want to mix business with anything more complicated personally. This caused major tension as you felt he was unfairly blocking you from an opportunity and you had a huge fight. He wound up confessing his feelings and makeup sex didn’t make up for anything as he still would not define your relationship.

You were still helping Kat as now an unpaid intern and Jack felt that one night was a mistake and he needed to focus on his career so nothing happened again. He would lay in his bed alone trying to shake the memory. So many nights he texted you to come to his room but deleted it. You both talked about when you would leave and you told Jack about your other plans but he put a stop to that and said he could find you other opportunities and for you to stay in Louisville.

To say you fell hard for him was an understatement. The whole situation was confusing and you didn’t realize how much it was draining you. You started writing a book but having to move short notice derailed the whole thing. You had a publisher waiting and were panicking. Jack suggested you stay until you finished it. He believed in you and didn’t want to be the cause of you loosing your focus either.

This limbo with him had become your new normal. Stolen glances across the breakfast table, incidental brushes passed in the hallway never amounting to little more than frustration but both of you were dedicated to your dreams so didn’t cross the line again. You had to avert your eyes when he would be rushing to get ready drinking tea and checking his phone while fresh out of the shower in a towel around his waist and wet curls.

He had to do the same seeing you prance around in a tank top and sleep shorts with a bonnet on and fuzzy slippers. The way he wanted to bend you over sometimes was too much. In a weird way though you two became happy roommates. There was only one thing Jack wanted and that was for you to be around when he was in town. He said this was for work purposes but it was because he missed you so much when he was away. To see you packing now when you knew he was back made him downright angry.

You hadn’t done it purposely but you had made a new group of friends in the writing community in Louisville and everyone was going on this retreat to work on projects in an idyllic Kentucky country setting. Jack didn’t like there were guys in this group. Sensitive types that were accomplished authors. Just the type that you could bond with intellectually and leave him forever. He knew conversation was your love language so even while he was away he called often but felt like he didn’t have what it took to really stimulate you mentally like those guys.

You felt like you were starting to slip away and maybe it was for the best because nothing was possible with Jack anyway. This one guy in the group Jason was so engaging and you were looking forward to his reading circles and getting to know him this weekend. Jack knew how much you liked Jason’s new novel. He felt so jealous every time he caught you curled up with pups reading it.

“You really like this Jason character huh?” Jack said one night as he had his feet up watching soccer and you were deeply immersed in Jason’s book. He felt like swatting it out of your hands.

“It’s such a moving story. I hope to be half as good as this” You said wistfully smiling showing your one dimple and pushing up your glasses which drove Jack crazy.

“I have no doubt you’re way better than that.” Jack said disdainfully of Jason.

“I’m honoured to even know him. Want some popcorn?” You said cheerily getting pups off you and heading to the kitchen. It was one of your more lazy days at home and you had no idea that Jack was in heaven there with you. He would occasionally glance at you and smile while you were reading wishing you could lay on him and he could hold you giving you kisses on the top of your head as he watched the game. He snapped out of his delusion with the Jason conversation.

“Hey missy did you write at all today?” He would often chide when things he didn’t want to think about crept in or uncomfortable feelings.

“Nope. I’m chilling today.” You said happily taking a huge handful of popcorn. Jack promptly ripped the bowl away from you.

“You want to be as good as some dork Jason? Get off the couch and go to your room and write” he said firmly.

“Fuck you.” You said defiantly grabbing another handful before heading for your room. You knew he was right but didn’t like his bossy tone.

He settled in with pups with a smile on his face knowing he had disrupted your time with Jason’s book and knocked it off the couch for extra enjoyment.

Fast forward back to now. He felt a tightness in his chest with anxiety creeping in. “Does Kat know you’re doing this?” He questioned

“Doing what?” You said distractedly with air quotes as you texted Emily you were almost ready.

“Y/N.” Jack said trying to get your attention “I need details. You live here, and I kinda feel responsible if anything happens to you.” He said concerned

“Jack it’s all good. Emily will be here in like 15mins don’t worry there’s going to be 20 people there. Jason is leading the whole thing for up and comers like me and I’m so excited to learn from him. I really need his advice.”

“You won’t be up and cumming at all at any point on this trip understand?” He said looking down on you every bit asserting his 6 foot 3 frame.

“Relax alpha male” You said touching his chest in a way that made him raise an eyebrow and tingle. Old Jack would have you on your back so fast it would make your head spin, but he had matured and just hoped one day when he had more time for a relationship he hadn’t permanently fucked it up with you.

“I’ll see you in a few days. Only call me in an EMERGENCY. Got it? And look after my puppy.” You said roughing up pup’s curly fur and kissing her while she panted joyfully in Jack’s arms. Emily texted she was downstairs. You gathered your things and stepped into the elevator that opened up directly into Jack’s penthouse.

“You’re upsetting pups but have fun.” Jack said cradling her as if protecting her from your cruelty.

You breathed a deep sigh of relief as the elevator doors closed. Jack was passed clingy now and totally dependent on you. “Well pups it’s just you and me here this weekend. Or does it have to be?” He said picking up his phone and scrolling to see what ex would answer and come over, but that didn’t feel right. He decided to order dinner since you weren’t there to cook a home cooked meal and write some new stuff. A song about a girl he couldn’t be with but couldn’t leave.

PART 2

Jack was miserable the entire 3 days. Nobody could get him out of the house. He sank into a place where he just wrote songs in the dimly lit studio. He rejected offers to play soccer, to go to the Hub and DJ, to hang out with one of his exes who was just “checking in” that he easily could have had swing by and scratch his itch. The problem was he had nothing to scratch. You were on his mind heavy and he couldn’t shake it.

“Hunny Urban called me and said you’re in a funk. Want to talk to your old mom about it?” Jack’s mom said in her loving way when her son was in a low mood.

“Naw I’ll be fine I just…I need to just be more my own man.” He said reflectively

“Who is she this time?” His mom said completely unaware of the whole dynamic but had suspected Jack and you had something happen at some point. She just knew her son too well. You were completely what he was looking for and it bewildered her why you weren’t a couple already. “Did you and Y/N have another argument? Hunny you know she’s headstrong but she’s an intelligent girl. You’re a writer you get it.”

“We didn’t have a fight. She’s a good roommate.” Jack said dismissively

“Ok I’ll pretend that’s the truth.” His mom said

“She just…she doesn’t understand certain things, like it’s not important to her, she just flounces around foot loose and fancy free ya know? Like her book is due and she’s reading another book by some fucktard author she’s crushing on. Makes no sense. She lacks discipline ya know?” Jack said way more than he wanted to.

“Oh I see.” His mom replied pensively. “She’s a fly by the seat of her pants kinda gal but works for you for free tending to your business everyday but she’s not responsible. As I understand she cooks too with her busy schedule that revolves around you and looks after the dog? Is it maybe this little crush on someone else your issue?”

“You know what? I need to focus and she needs to focus. She could never be my girl because I need someone so opposite to her. I mean the other day I walked in on her feeding pups extra treats and singing and dancing with her like what?” Jack said critically but obviously in pain missing your sweet goofiness.

“Wow sounds like a real bad situation.” His mom said rolling her eyes on the other end but Jack could feel it.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me mom.” He said defensively. “It doesn’t sound like a big deal but it is. You know what? As soon as she gets back imma tell her she needs to find somewhere else to go because this ain’t working. I can’t even have girls in my crib anymore like a normal man.”

“So she’s away? And where’s all these girls in your crib as you say.” His mom asked. She had a way of talking to Jack that made him come to his own conclusions.

“Mom don’t start.” He said “She’s irresponsible. She knows she’s supposed to be here when I’m here. It’s unprofessional for her to just bounce and be out in god knows where countryside retreat or wherever the fuck she went with his Jason loser. So he’s written a few books. Does he have platinum records? Does anyone know who da fuck this guy is?” Jack fumed his anxiety on full display.

“Wait. Y/N is on a writing retreat with THE Jason Meyers??? Hunny this is great for her! He’s a 4 time New York Times bestselling author! This could be Y/N’s big break!” His mom said excitedly

“You know, why am I even talking to you? I gotta go pups is hungry and needs a walk.” Jack said using his dog as an excuse to get out of a conversation that was bringing up all his insecurities.

“Ok hunny I’m here if you need me I love you!” His mom said cheerfully

Jack was so frustrated nobody understood him. The walk with pups did him good and he went to the gym to work off some steam. He felt much better and was lying on the couch drifting off when he heard the elevator doors open and you rustling around. He jumped up and startled pups who ran to greet you. “Hello pupsy wupsy!” You said so happy to see her.

“Hey.” You said cooly to Jack

“Sup” He said ultra casually, not moving from the couch.

“It’s ok don’t move to help with my suitcase.” You said sarcastically as you struggled with it down the hallway to your room.

“Wasn’t planning on it.” He said after you lazily snuggled in a blanket.

You had a great time, but wasn’t going to tell Jack about the offer you had from Jason to read your manuscript and pitch it to his publisher to get you more money and way more exposure. Jack didn’t seem to like Jason and it would only put him in a pissier mood than he already was these days. You decided to stay in your room away from him and got comfortable in bed so tired from the long drive.

You heard a soft knock on your door. “Come in.” You called out as you changed channels on the TV.

“Does my breath stink or something? Why you didn’t come out of your room?” Jack asked sitting on the bed. He was waiting for you to tell him all about it.

“Jack. Leave me be please I’m exhausted, and no time for whatever mood you’ve been in.” You said honestly

“Y/N can we talk?” He asked softly. You immediately knew it was important by the scrunch in his brow.

“Of course are you ok? I’ve been concerned. You’re always so supportive and the minute I have this big opportunity to network you’re so down on me. Did I do something wrong?” You asked looking him directly in his warm blue eyes

“Y/N….this thing we’re doing… or not doing…I can’t do it anymore. While you were away I had a chance to think and talk to my mom and ummm, I hope we can still be friends but…” He hesitated

“Say no more. I’m as good as fucking gone. Lucky I haven’t even unpacked because I won’t. I’m out. If I can just sleep that would be great and then say no more. I’ll leave in the morning.” You said completely done at this point. “Get some other flunkie to watch your dog and make your breakfast, and schedule your life. I have things to do in MY LIFE!!!” You yelled and burst into tears. “…and fuck any deals. Fuck Jason fuck Kentucky!”

“Whoah whoah whoah what? Fuck Jason what happened? Did he…did you guys…”

“No. Jason is engaged to a ballet dancer he is very much spoken for. I just admired him and his work.” You said now a teary mess. “He offered to read my book and pitch to his publisher but fuck all that now. Every time I get something good I have to move again. I hate it here!!!! Kiss my ass bluegrass!!.” You said now full on bawling.

“Y/N that’s fantastic!!” Jack said but realized what he had done and how he had been making you feel for months. “I’m so sorry I’m a complete fool.”

“You’ve always got me on some rollercoaster. I’m the fool!” You said hitting him now in frustration “Get off my bed! Your bed…what the fuck ever! I don’t fucking care anymore!” You yelled but Jack interrupted you with a massive tight hug and you collapsed in his arms so weary from fighting him and this “arrangement”.

“I can do no right with you. You’re sooooo fucking bossy!” You said but it felt so good to be hugged by him, to feel his warmth.

“Y/N please I ain’t that bad, am I?” Jack asked kind of knowing the answer.

“So bossy.” You restated calming down now and blowing your nose.

“Ok damn. I get it I’m bossy.” He said partially offended but knowing he was hard on you because he didn’t want to wind up in bed and in love. You had the potential to hurt him more than he could handle. With both of you distracted with work it was his hope it would prevent anything from happening “Kiss my ass bluegrass is next level though that was too far.” He laughed.

“I was wrong.” He continued “I can learn from you and relax sometimes and I been an asshole pushing you. I thought you were hung up on Jason and I couldn’t take it. I was a shell of myself when you left. I barely left the condo.”

“Are you serious?” You said between sniffles. “I was literally only gone for 3 days. You’re kind of pathetic”

“Thanks.” He said sarcastically “I’m just so dependent on you now and that’s my fault. If you want to leave and find a real relationship I can’t hold you, but if you give me a do over I would really really love that and I would show you I love you because I do. I realized how much the last little while so I amped up being a hard ass to run from my feelings. Matter fact, I got you something months ago and been too scared to give it to you. One sec” He said and disappeared. He returned with a jewelry box and gestured for you to take it.

You froze. Was this happening? “One minute this man was ready to kick me out and now a damn near proposal?” You thought with your head pounding from all the crying and screaming. You waited for him to open the box.

Inside was a blinding diamond fountain pendant and chain. “Welcome to team Private Garden Y/N, my new Senior Assistant. I hope a salary of $150,000 a year is helpful and Kat now reports to you. I hope the title permanent live-in girlfriend suits you as well. No hiding, this our shit now and everyone will know. You cool with that?”

“Well…I don’t know I might be on a book tour but I’ll see if I can pencil your little job offer in.” You said lifting up your hair as Jack placed the stunning piece around your neck. The fans seeing that symbol of being team PG was going to send the internet into a frenzy but for now you were savouring this moment.

“Take it or leave it, but please never leave me and pups again. I had left over pizza all weekend.” Jack said tackling you and planting a deep kiss on your lips with pups barking excitedly.

“Wow. You are so sad.” You said teasing him and kissing him with his full weight on top of you, he started to rise and you knew it was the time you both had wanted for so long. You turned off your bedroom light “Oh Jack” you moaned.

@itsyagirljaz @okaaay-mice @ride4harlow

[romanoffsbish]

A PR Nightmare

Scarlett Johansson x F!R

Warnings: Drugs(the happy gas), Gaslighting(ex).

"Scarlett Johansson is my wife!” you groaned, slamming your laptop shut in the hopes of forgetting, but the embarrassing clip is now engrained in your mind. Your now ex was so jealous of your crush on your celebrity boss that she thought it best to post your drugged up form announcing it to the world.

So high on the laughing gas from your wisdom teeth procedure you'd failed to notice the camera in your face as you rambled on about the blonde starlet, not that you'd have done much of anything in the state you were in. Martha betrayed you, and all the trust you once held for her flew out the window with your relationship. She pleaded with you to let it go, that it was just a harmless joke, but the email you got requesting for you to meet up with Scarlett, Kate and HR told you it likely wasn't.

——

Now, all you wanted to do was to curl up in your bed and sob for days. Snuggling your tuxedo kitten impossibly close, while eating every unhealthy snack known to man. Your associated leave only lasted a few days, and the looming meeting was scheduled for tomorrow.

Quitting wasn't sounding so bad to you, but then you felt a cool breeze, remembering that living in the city wasn't cheap, and if you were to have no income lined up to replace hers you and Toby would be foraging on the streets.

"Wish me luck Tobes.," the cat lazily meowed from atop your chest, and you thanked him with a few head pats before letting a restless sleep win you over.

—

Scarlett was in her office tapping away on the computer, in an hours time she'll be on a zoom interview to address the silly issue at hand. Then a few hours later she'd be meeting you in person for the very first time, you were one of the many social media consultants on her team, and it wasn't a shock she never met you.

Doesn't mean she hadn't seen you before, her interested gaze always lingered on your form too, finding it humorous that you were so focused on getting the products lined up with the rooms natural lighting. When you were focused on that, she was focused on how that same light gave you the glow of an angel.

This video of yours might've cause a subtle uproar on the internet, but she couldn't be bothered by such a thing when it got her that much closer to you. Especially with the clear knowledge that the attraction here is mutual; The Outset sales booming is just a bonus.

While Scarlett typed away in a state of glee it was very much a polarizing experience for you. Clammy hands reached for the main entrance door, and after a few tries you'd managed to get in the building just to trip over an obvious box.

"Get it together Y/L/N," you grumbled as you wiped the dirt off your now wrinkled clothes, "Perfect, now she can think I'm a slob too."

You trudged up to your locker to put your bag away, and hopefully fix yourself up a bit. There was a group of your coworkers there, almost as if they were in wait, because instantaneous snickering occurred as you filled their view.

Ignoring them was easy enough, you'd never cared much for them anyways, so you just glared their way before making the dreadful trip up the elevator where ignoring the urge to vomit up your iced coffee was harder to ignore.

Especially when the metal doors slid open, showing you in a state of obvious duress, your fingers were aggressive as they massaged at your aching temple, and you were muttering words under you breath, you honestly looked insane. Which is why when the soft clearing of a throat was heard you froze up like a statue.

Stood before you was Scarlett Johansson, her hand on the shoulder of her co creator, and the CEO of The Outset—Kate, whom of which you were familiar with as she loved to be on the inside of a lot of the company's media promo. The older woman was smiling at you softly, her eyes dripping with sympathy, and you weren't sure how you were still standing on your feet.

"Miss Y/L/N, I wasn't expecting you for another thirty minutes, but lucky for you I'm free now," Scarlett spoke, tone even, but you could see amusement flickering in her eyes.

"I however have to go handle an emergency, something to do with legal, so it'll just be the two of you as HR only gave a form for you," Kate continued as she brushed passed, and suavely swapped places with you in the lift.

Kate's smiling face was like a lifeline in the moment, so when the doors shut you nearly collapsed to your knees. A meeting with the woman alone, the same one you embarrassed online, and who sometimes signs your checks.

You weren't sure it could get much worse, but boy were you wrong because as soon as you sat down the blonde had your video queued up, "Shall we watch this together? Or are you equally as aware of the contents as I am?"

"I-I know what was said,” you hung your head in shame, completely missing her sly smirk.

"I'm apparently the 'hottest thing since baked lasagna,” Scarlett read off a quote pulled from the unbearably long video, though she kept her voice level you could see the amusement in her eyes, and via the small side smirk she obviously tried to suppress. "But wait, at one point you mentioned that if given the chance you'd gaze into my brilliant green eyes for hours on end, but you've yet to even look me in the eyes."

"Am I being fired?" you managed to ask her the looming question. "Should you be Y/N?"

A heavy sigh left your lips as you clambered to your feet, "I'm sorry for the all the trouble I've caused you Miss Johansson, and I'd just like to thank you for the opportunity to work under you." The blonde's brows furrowed, she was genuinely shocked at your outburst, "Wait!"

Your hand paused on the handle, and you twisted your upper body to face her. "You're not being fired, as I've been told, and quite frankly as I've seen you're one of our better employees, and it would be a disservice to let you go over something so silly," she slowly moved from behind her desk as a means to approach you, her hand settled atop your arm and your breath hitched in your throat.

"That being said." You felt uneasy when she spun you the rest of the way to face her, it felt like your stomach was doing somersaults with the way she was smirking at you—at you, not near you, no, it was designated for your eyes. "You've caused quite the stir around the world, so my team and I think it'd be best if you were my next red carpet date, for the public appeal."

Scarlett watched as you swallowed thickly, so she softened her smirk, and squeezed your shoulder in a comforting way. "It would be good for The Outsets image, we'd basically be in on the joke, or more so getting ahead of it." You found yourself even more confused by her phrasing, and maybe even a bit hurt. "Joke?"

Scarlett internally smacked herself, she'd been nervous when she spoke, even if her confident smirk said otherwise, and now she has to find a way to make sense of her likely hurtful words. "You said I was your wife, is that not a joke?" Your eyes immediately looked away from hers at the pointed call out, "No, yeah, it was..."

"Exactly, but maybe if you play your cards right it could be your eventual reality," she winked, short circuiting your brain with the words and flirty gesture to the point of stunned silence.

"Just think about it Y/N, no pressure, but I'd be doing a disservice to myself if I didn't say I'd be the luckiest person on that carpet if I had a pretty thing like you hanging off of my arm."

At the sight of your soft, nervous smile the starlet felt her nerves settling. "Ok, I'll do it." Blinded by her excitement she pulled you into a hug, and fortunately for her you melted into it. "Perfect, my team will be in contact then, and I'll be seeing you around the office pretty girl."

—

True to her word, Scarlett sought you out the very next day after reading through your file. Kate and her had decided awhile back to do there best to connect with the staff on a more personal level, and in doing so they'd asked you all some really random questions. Nothing too personal, it was very surface level, like: what's your go to take out meal, or favorite game?

After reading how much you loved to play Uno, and eat at that small Italian restaurant up the street she immediately sent her assistant out to collect all that she'd need, and now she was in the elevator on her way down to your floor.

"Good afternoon Miss Johansson."

When your manager announced the arrival of your starlet boss you tried to shrink into the void, but it was to no avail as she was here for you. The toned legs slipped into cherry red high heels before your face said as much, "Hi."

Scarlett chuckled as you greeted her knee, her unbelievably soft hand reached down to help you to your feet, and with the force she used it made you stumble into her awaiting embrace.

"Oh, you're falling for me all over again?" she teased quietly with a whisper against your ear before she straightened the both of your bodies then began to walk away, heels clicking as she spoke, "We have things to discuss, come on."

After a moment of bewildering, you looked up to John who looked to you concerned, "Go."

Scarlett bit back her chuckle at the sight of you haphazardly rushing to catch the elevator, as if she wasn't patiently holding it open for you, and admiring how pretty your soft pout was.

"I'm sorry Miss Johansson," you rushed out, but she quickly stopped you with a hand on your lower back, causing you to freeze as a shiver ran through you, "Call me Scarlett."

As the both of you exited the elevator onto her floor you walked in tandem, her hand never left your back until it was pulling the chair out for you to sit down. Scarlett Johansson was proving to be quite the gentlewoman.

"So, you're probably wondering why you're here," she playfully quirked a brow your way, and watched as you nodded meekly, "Mhm."

"Well honey, I don't think it's proper me taking you out as my date without a proper sit down," she started while dolling out the take outs full of pasta before you, serving you a piping hot plate of fettuccine, while she had spaghetti. "There's also the discussion of whether we'll want to match, so we'll have some clothes for you to try on delivered in the next hour or so."

“Thank you,” you gestured to the pasta when she looked to you curiously, “No problem love.”

Scarlett was enjoying her time with you, she was getting to know you like she’d always been tempted to. Learning silly things like your favorite color, animal, or dessert, she even knows your go to comfort movie and snacks.

It was a serene moment until the team she hired to pick your outfits showed up to break it. There was a rolling bar full of various items, a mix of suits and dresses so you could choose whatever made you the most comfortable.

“So, tell me darling, shall we match? Because I have a dress to match any outfit you choose.”

It wasn’t hard to pick after she said that, you went with the deep red option, because you had always adored Scarlett when she wore red. Scarlett beamed at your choice to match, then she was working hard not to drool, because you looked rather delectable in the red yourself.

Neither of you realized how long you’d been together until you were leaving her office with your belongings in hand as the sun had nearly sunk below the New York skyline. You entered the elevator and pressed for the ground floor.

“So, Y/N, what made you apply to The Outset?”

You smiled softly, “I have always enjoyed the art of advertising, and I needed money so when I saw the attached salary I was sold.”

“It’s okay, you can say it was because of me,” she teased, stepping closer, only causing you to stumble backwards, “Not everything I do is because of my silly crush on you Miss Joh—.”

“Y/N, for the love of God, call me Scarlett,” she whined as the doors opened, thankful to be in a empty building as the work day already ended.

The rest of the walk to the street was in silence, you too busy overthinking audibly mentioning your obvious crush, and the blonde was in the opposite state, internally beaming at the words.

“I’ll get you Friday at six darling,” she placed a hand on your lower back, and shifted you into an embrace you couldn’t avoid, “Be ready,” she smiled at you, then ushered you into your car and waited until you were buckled to leave.

——

It was quite shocking to you when a car pulled up and had Scarlett in the drivers seat. You’d been expecting her to arrive with a driver, but you didn’t question her outwardly, instead you settled into the passenger seat, and in for a long ride since she made sure to make it hard with that innocent hand placed on your thigh.

Scarlett’s driver was at the edge of the event, and so as soon as she assisted you out of the car she was passing off the keys to Ricardo.

“If you get nervous, don’t hesitate to tell me,” she squeezed your hand for emphasis, then once you nodded she pulled you onto the red carpet where you’re met with blinding flashes.

Scarlett saw the way others at the venue looked at you, as if you were fresh meat for them to pick off of. It infuriated her beyond belief that anyone would so much as look at you while you were on her arm, but to try and speak to you?

It was ludicrous, and she wasn't having it.

Scarlett pulled you closer by the hand on your waist, then when a new wave of paparazzi came up to photograph the two of you she knew she needed to send a clear message. "Hey, Y/N?"

You hummed nervously, far too thrown by the hustle and bustle of a red carpet to speak, but you also turned to her with a nervous smile. The way she was staring at you, as if you were a glass of Chardonnay she intended to devour in one gulp, only served to intensify the nerves that were coursing throughout your body.

"Fuck it," Scarlett didn't exactly plan for this, but she was desperate, so she cupped your left cheek and pulled you in for a kiss, and to her luck and honestly, surprise, you instantly were reciprocating the gesture, eagerly if she may.

The crowd woo'd, and beyond the flashes they began to shout at her for answers, and this was when you pulled away with a terrified gaze. Scarlett ignored her responsibility as a star, and pulled you to a secluded corner so that she could make sure you understood that was a real kiss, and not a devious little PR stunt.

As soon as you were out of sight you ripped your hands from hers, it broke her to see you look so hurt, watching as you hastily retreated, wrapping your arms around yourself for the much needed comfort, "That was mean..."

"Y/N—"

"No, I-I get it, okay? I embarrassed you with the video, and now you're just returning the favor. It doesn't make it any less cruel."

"No Y/N, please," Scarlett had never been so desperate before, she's dated her fair share of people, but none ever as enticing as you, and she hadn't even properly asked you out yet, "This, everything up until now, was real."

"Scarlett, you're an amazing actress..."

"No!" she stepped forward, trapping you against the wall, "I wasn't being malicious Y/N, I kissed you because that's what I wanted to do, it's what I've wanted to do for months on end."

“Months? But my video is only two weeks old.”

Scarlett snorted, “I noticed you before that.”

For a brief moment the space was silent, the dirty blonde watched the way you processed her words with relative amusement. The way you smiled bashfully, with your eyes cast down had her falling even deeper into this crush.

“So you like me? The kiss was real?”

Scarlett reached out with a soft hand to cup your left cheek while her other hand wrapped around your neck. She caressed your cheek, offering you a sweet smile before she used her hold on you to pull you into a deep kiss.

The kiss was building up fast, her hands were roaming your body in sinful ways, and you were reacting with breathless mewling. It was only when a frantic young man rushed in to the once private space to look utterly relieved at your compromising bodies that the kiss ended.

“Miss. Johansson, and guest, you really need to be getting to your seats, the shows starts soon.”

Scarlett’s face tinged pink once she noticed the hustle and bustle on the red carpet had indeed dissipated, “Thank you, we’ll be right there.”

The blonde then grabbed your hand and pulled you towards the entrance with familiar ease. She seemed tense, so you tried to lighten the mood, “If you want to give this a PR twist we can get married for real, we can go to Vegas,” you teased your new lover who softly snorted in response, “Y/N, that sounds like a nightmare.”

“All publicity is good publicity Scarlett.”

Once you crossed the threshold into the dark entryway she spun you around and into her hold so she could whisper, “There’s no need to rush this Y/N, I’ll make you mine, I promise.”

Then with a swift kiss to your cheek, and a firm grip on your hand you believed her completely.

You will become Scarlett Johansson’s wife.

——

3,126 Words

❤️ Kaitlyn 🥰

[giggly-squiggily]

Ahh, does it make me cringefail if i talk about Franky twice in a row? Can you blame me? (You don't gotta write anything if you don't wanna! Just figured since we're sharing and all.... (ノ´∀｀*))

Considering his history with finding a partner, once he (somehow) sweeps [Y/N] off their feet, you bet he's gonna be boasting about it! EVERYONE is hearing about how awesome his partner is, how sweet they are, how skilled they are, etc etc..

ESPECIALLY Loid.

He tries to make it a competition between the two of them against Loid and Yor, but nobody else in either party really cares...

~💫Forgetful Anon (i guess we're sticking with that!)

(Headcanons to Dabbles: OFFICIALLY CLOSED)

Forgetful, my friend, my ally, my Franky-centric dabbler who brings me and the Fuzz so much joy; you are the farthest thing from cringe and this HC is truly precious! I love Franky both being so stupid in love and also just ridiculous it's a hilarious combo and I'm happy! I've gotcha covered! :D

“Hey there, Forgers! Have you met (Y/N)- wait, of course you have! They’re my partner now!” Your boyfriend announced with such glee- like a child who got their dream toy on Christmas morning. It was utterly adorable, if not a bit embarrassing.

“Yes, Franky. You’ve told us that- repeatedly.” Loid tsked with a small sigh, no real malice in his voice as he gave you a smile. “It’s always a pleasure to see you, (Y/N). I hope the trip here wasn’t too bad in this weather.”

“Oh no, it wasn’t bad at all! I’m used to this kind of thing.” You laughed as Anya ran over, taking your hand and bringing you to Yor. The three of you went about to the living room as Franky puffed his chest with pride.

“Aren’t they just amazing? Tough as nails, but sweet as candy! How’d I get so lucky to meet them?”

“Through me. And the agency.” Loid reminded, softening as he watched the informant swoon, head over heels in love. “You really do like them, huh?”

“Like? I’m so in love, Loid! I’ve never met anyone like them! They’re talented and smart and considerate of my time-” He paused briefly on that one, side eyeing Loid before continuing. “They always make me feel like I’m important, even when their plate is full.” He leaned in his arm as he watched you chat with Yor and Anya, laughing and smiling without a care in the world. “I owe you one.”

“You really don’t. I didn’t expect this to happen, but I’m happy for you both. Truly.” Franky eyed him suspiciously, but found no lie. He smiled after, lightly punching Loid’s arm.

“Say- we should do a double date soon. Maybe I can teach you the ropes on how to properly woo your lover~”

“No thanks.”

“Come on, I’m basically an expert on romancing people now!”

“You really aren’t, and I think I’m doing just fine with that.”

“I-” Franky raised his brows, not expecting that. Loid seemed to stiffen at the accidental confession. “No way, you’re-”

“Fuzzy head! Papa! Come play with us!” Anya’s cries of joy reached out to them, a pack of Bondman playing cards in her hands. “(Y/N) brought me a present!”

“We’re gonna play old Bondman! Is-is that what it’s called?” Yor asked as you grinned, lifting a shoulder.

“Sure- let’s go with that. Franky, you’re on my team.”

“Be right there, gorgeous! Winning couple reigns supreme!” He cried, laughing like a gremlin as he ran over. Loid shook his head with weary amusement, joining the party as Franky kissed your cheek.

He might be a bit of a show boater with this kind of thing, but his feelings were true. Franky clearly loved you, and to Loid; that was worth putting up with his informant’s antics.

[sweatandwoe]

it's chicken.

zhongli with a cute waitress that keeps letting him have meals for free cause they get to making googly eyes at him for so long they forget to ask for money

you're too good to me @chickenparm

Warnings: Zhongli x GN!Reader, Fluff, Crushes (it's just very cute), a bit of awkward!Zhongli and awkward!reader, and Chef Mao being a bro

-

"How big is his tab?"

You blink, setting down the dishes you were bringing in. It only takes a moment to follow Mao's gaze and find who he was searching for.

Zhongli.

The handsome man from the funeral parlor, who always seemed to be short on mora.

He's facing away, strolling down the street away from Wanmin restaurant, his hair moving slightly in the wind. Both wrists are crossed over his lower back, hanging just above his hips. You look away when he glances back, almost like he knew someone was watching him. The golden eyes were far too pretty.

Slowly you glance at Mao - he's got an odd spark in his eyes and his lips are twitching. Though he's leaning casually against the counter, close to the serving window. The oven is off and now he's going lax and sated with the day coming to a close.

Your fingers twitch, moving to the sink. "It's zero."

"Zero?" There's a tone, near glee when he speaks. Though Mao is shaking his head when you sneak a glance at him, fingers drumming against the stone counter. He gives a low whistle after a moment. "You've got it that bad, huh?"

You turn on the sink, frowning. "Mao-"

"I'm not judging!" He raises both hands, moving over to sling a washcloth over his shoulder. "But he comes in once a week and never pays, you'd think he'd get the hint."

You frown. It's quite known that Zhongli had been paying for most things with money given by that Fatui leader, or putting it on his tab. He could've paid for it with that other man's money, but he always looked a little off-set when he could only give that. A little out of place, uncomfortable.

So you had simply stopped asking. Not really hoping for anything in return, you just got the benefit of being able to see and talk to him once a week. He was always kind, thoughtful and would go on for ages about all sorts of history when you asked him. And the small loss of one meal a week in your wages was well worth his company in your mind.

When Mao nudges you, you give a shrug and then hand him a bowl to dry. "I don't think he feels that way about me, and I... I just want to be his friend, if nothing else."

There's a quiet that settles between you both as you settle into the rhythm. He doesn't ask about it again that night or the next few days, but there's a spark in his eyes and a slight smirk curling on his lips. Pestering him about it brought nothing, only for him to drop the ball.

"I want you to come in late tomorrow."

You peer at him, as he locks up the restaurant and he's faced away from you. "Late?"

He turns, wiping his hands over his thighs and tucking the key away. "Yeah, I want you here for the dinner rush, I'll pay you the same don't worry about it. Xiangling wants to help with waitressing tomorrow, and you know I can't deny her anything."

That was a lie. Not the denial part, he always spoiled his only child, but Xiangling wanting to help wait tables instead of cooking was a lie. She'd always help out at the restaurant, but her father had always trained her to be more on the culinary side of things.

Still, you don't argue in case maybe he did want some father-daughter time. Xiangling wasn't always in Liyue anymore and she had come home two weeks ago. And besides you were getting paid for it.

Your skin just wouldn't stop prickling with anxiety that he had something planned.

The reason became clear when you show up on the day, only to find Xiangling wearing an apron, already helping customers at the main table and counter while Mao is busy serving up food. It's not too busy, surprisingly. But what is a surprise is a small table you can set up in the back alley, looking over the river.

And at who was sitting at it.

You glance at Mao, who peers at you through the serving window with a wide grin. His eyes crinkle when you begin to sputter.

"I am not going-"

"Oh, yes you are. Your duties tonight are to go have fun. You've earned it." He shoos you when you try to move to the kitchen, to the point of closing the door and calling for Xiangling. "Customer for the back table!"

And she appears with her father's smirk on her face and spear in hand - and you can't really say no now. Marched over to the table, where you can see him. He's staring off into the river, both hands on the table, eyes slightly wide. There was a glaze lily between both hands and he looked far more tense than you had ever seen him.

When you approach, he stands so quickly that his legs hit the table and he's using his geo vision to stabilize it before everything on top wobbles into the river."I'm sorry-"

"It's okay-"

You both pause, staring at one another. Xiangling makes a sound that is quickly silenced, but you're sure it was almost a giggle. She's rushing off to deal with the other customers.

And then you're both left alone.

Zhongli still has both hands on the table, leaning over slightly from where he was standing. After a moment, he takes the glaze lily in hand and gives it a fond look, before turning his gaze on you. "I brought this for you."

"You didn't have to." The words slip from your mouth, but you're moving to accept the gift. Your cheeks are warm, and your palms are sweaty against the stem. "It's beautiful."

His lips part, but he glances away and closes his mouth. Whatever he wanted to say, it makes his cheeks go slightly pink. He moves to untuck your chair, and you sit. Once he joins you, you both settle into the most awkward silence you've encountered on any date before.

Date? Was this even a date?

The silence stretches on, and you're almost certain Mao had told Xiangling to not take your drink orders until you were talking. You slowly set the glaze lily in your lap, not wanting to damage the soft flower. Then you glance at him, not looking at you, his fingers drumming slightly against the table. The pink on his cheeks was still there. He almost seemed anxious but that was because he probably wanted to leave. You don't dare to think of what Mao had said to the poor man.

"Zhongli," he glances up at his name and you pause. His eyes were the shame shade of Mora coins, including the slight shine to them. "I don't know what Mao said to you but, you don't have to be here if you don't want to be."

His fingers settle, and then his shoulders sag a bit. "I'm not here because Chef Mao forced my hand."

You blink, and your own cheeks get a little warm. "Oh."

"He was the one to suggest it," he does admit, folding his fingers together. "I realize, while I had been studying history I had forgotten an important aspect to take in."

"What would that be?"

"Culture." He shifts, and his cheeks go a little darker. "Courting, specifically on how to start to engage in it."

Oh.

Oh.

Your body relaxes, a smile twitching on your lips. "You wanted to ask me out?"

"Yes. But I had no clue how to, I've never courted someone before." He admits with ease. His smile is small, and the crow's feet growing under his eyes stand out a little more from it. "Not many have been interested in seeing me romantically. I'm not used to it." One hand reaches across the table. "But I am interested in you."

Your fingers settle across his own, watching as he lets out a small breath at the touch. "That's good to know. Because I am interested." You pause. "In you, I mean."

"I understand." But the same way you find his awkwardness in this endearing, he seems to feel the same way with you. It's easy then to fall into your familiar rhythm, though he asks more questions about you now, leaning in to catch your every word and asking questions. He makes you snort once and he smiles widely at the noise.

Mao watches you both from the back window, before glancing at his daughter. "How long has it been since you sat them?"

She smiles, eyes twinkling. "An hour."

His face splits into a wide grin. "Knew it. You can go ask them for their drinks now." He smiles to himself watching his daughter skip outside, to get the order. Once she's gone, he lets out a breath, eyeing them out the window.

They had better make her the flower girl when they got married. Of course, Mao would be the best man, because he'd have to guide Zhongli through it. But he wouldn't mind.

Seeing his two lonely friends smiling tenderly at one another, eyes full of joy, is far worth the cost of two meals and some of his time.

[weiying-lanzhan-fics]

Turn Left by kianspo

Second time reading. Love this story so much!

Find it entertaining (foul jokes with a corpse!), sarcastic (LZ is the best!), heartwarming (brother love), and endearing! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

And heartbreaking - poor LZ has to go through a lot in this one. Absolutely worth a read - such a great story of pain but eventual happiness.

Quotes:

He goes to sit by the wall, not too close to a few other beggars. They all give him looks anyway, some call out, something loud and nasty. He ignores them. He wouldn’t know how to answer and has no energy to try.

He sits with his back to the wall, trying to maintain proper posture. He doesn’t have an empty bowl to put in front of him. Monks in Guanyin temples are known to share food with the beggars sometimes when they have some to spare. Xiaoxiao hopes this might be one such order. He’s willing to eat off the ground if it comes to that. He’s not picky.

He sits with his eyes closed, but no one approaches him, not the first day, and not the second. He doesn’t know if others managed to get food. He thinks he’d heard some commotion at some point, but his mind is drifting too much. He’s beginning to lose words, and what few remain refuse to form into concepts.

The only thing he’s consistently aware of is the soft amber glow in his lower belly. With what senses he can feel it, he doesn’t know, but, with his eyes closed, he can see it curling down below, burning steady but weak, and getting weaker. He’s suddenly overwhelmed with sorrow for it. In his mind’s eye, it’s like a tiny, soft animal, trusting and defenseless, like a kitten or a bunny. It’s kind, he feels. It’s kind and caring, and he’s supposed to protect it, and he can’t. His eyes burn, but he can’t produce tears.

————

Xiao Yanyi has zero desire to bow to him, but of course follows both the rules of politeness and his shixiong’s lead. The Jin disciple’s gaze slides from one to the other, and his mouth twists in derision.

“Sure, no problem, I can let you in right now,” he tells Xiao Xingchen, not bothering to return the greeting, despite being here to represent the hosts. His eyes slide over to Xiao Yanyi, and he scoffs. “But he can forget about it. Face like that, people won’t know if he’s hunter or prey.”

He laughs at his own joke, and the Wen disciples join in, gleefully parsing Xiao Yanyi’s appearance.

“What do you think, a ghost of a murderer?”

“No! A lech done to death by a jealous mistress!”

“Ha! I wonder if he’s like that underneath his robes! Maybe she didn’t just stop at his face!”

Xiao Yanyi realizes he’s frozen in place. Distantly, he wonders at it. It’s not like this is something he wasn’t prepared for or anything new. What is this paralysis? Why can’t he say a word?

Xiao Xingchen’s smile has slipped, but he’s trying to rally, ignoring the other youths and addressing the Jin disciple.

“This is my shidi. He’s a cultivator, same as I am. You can’t turn him away simply because of his appearance.”

“Can’t I?” the Jin disciple scoffs. “That he’s no beauty is his bad luck, but how’d he get them scars then? They look awfully like someone’s tried to carve a warning into his ugly mug. Was it an executioner or a butcher? What if he’s a murderer who got away? And I’m supposed to just let him in?”

Xiao Yanyi hears his own voice, though he can barely control his throat as he says, “I am no murderer.”

“Really?” The Jin disciple leans back in his chair obnoxiously, eyes narrowed in malevolent glee. He’s been bored stuck with this job, Xiao Yanyi realizes. He’s been spoiling for something like this. “Prove it then. Strip where we all can see. If there are no embarrassing brands on you, then maybe I’d let you in. But if there are, the guards are right here.”

“Young Master Jin—” Xiao Xingchen starts, frowning, but the Jin youth isn’t listening.

“Come on, stop pretending to be some blushing maiden!” he taunts. “If you’ve got nothing to hide, strip so we can all see!”

Noise is rising in Xiao Yanyi’s ears, the same overpowering, ringing sound that had been such a plague on him back in his days at Madam Ji’s brothel. Fighting resentful spirits is one thing, but this type of attack is debilitating, too much. His vision is becoming spotty, and he’s losing control of his body. He can vaguely feel Xiao Xingchen moving closer, and yet not close enough, afraid to touch him. Xiao Yanyi is drowning, surrounded by people and all alone.

Suddenly, a clear cool voice cuts in.

“What is going on here?”

————

“You don’t want to tell me?” Wei Wuxian pouts. Pouts. “But I’m very trustworthy! Huh. No, wait, never mind that, I know who you are!”

Xiao Yanyi stares.

Wei Wuxian is grinning at him, alight with his discovery. “You’re that cultivator who cleansed the entire river valley further upstream! They told me in the village. I rushed over here when I heard about the flood—ripe time for water ghouls and all—and they told me I might as well not bother going further up, that some cultivator in white, with—uh, with a distinguished face, had already cleansed the entire basin. I just didn’t expect you to be so young!”

Xiao Yanyi bows his head slightly. He didn’t miss Wei Wuxian’s near-slip, and he can’t say he feels any better about the hasty edit. After such a long time, he should be used to it. Why does it still hurt every now and then? Why can’t he learn to not let it?

“But this is perfect!” Wei Wuxian barrels on, oblivious. “After going to that place, I didn’t think there was a match for me in my generation, but now you’re here. This is brilliant! Want to work together to get the rest of the ghouls?”

Xiao Yanyi blinks, tripped up again.

“You… wish to work with me?” he asks, feeling his way. After all, working with him would mean staying close to him and his ‘distinguished face.’ Surely, this bright young cultivator could not have meant—

“Yes!” Wei Wuxian beams. “You can make it up to me for ruining my perfect ambush—no, it was perfect, I’ll accept no arguments on it! But uh…” He rubs the back of his neck with a rueful grin. “Maybe, we can think of a new plan. For the sake of originality only, obviously—can’t just be living off old masterpieces. What do you say?”

Xiao Yanyi stares at him some more, unable to utter a word. Slowly, he nods.

M, 204k

Summary:

“Make me so ugly that no one will ever want me,” he says. “Please.”

Or: Lan Wangji is kidnapped from the Lan Clan when he's still a small child. He retains no memories of his real identity, and only knows himself as a servant at Madam Ji's brothel. When the clients begin to look at him with interest, he finds someone to curse him and take away his true appearance, and with it any chance of ever finding his family.

(Not a brothel fic, that's only the starting point. A Wangxian story. A Twin Jades story.)

[spaceorphan18]

Can you select your favorite Glee songs per season, and also your least favorite?

Hmmmm, so this isn't that easy since I love a majority of the music on the show. I'll give you a selection for each season, but please note that a) these are my opinions and b) there are many answers, this just happens to be how I'm feeling in the moment.

Season 1:

A personal favorite performance: Rose's Turn

An objectively 'best of' performance: Bohemian Rhapsody

A bad song done well: Run Joey Run

A song that's performed well that I don't like: Physical

A questionable song choice by the writers: A Man's Man's Man's World

Season 2

A personal favorite performance: Get Happy/Happy Days

A subjective 'best of' performance: As If We Never Said Goodbye

An objectively 'best of' performance: Songbird

A good performance of a song that I always want to fast forward through: Papa, Can You Hear Me?

A song everyone loves that I don't have any feelings for besides noting it is a good performance: River Deep, Mountain High

Best Warbler Song (because if I didn't mention them, there'd be rioting in the street): Somewhere Only We Know

Best Original Song that is racist when you listen to the lyrics: Hell to the No

Best Original Song that isn't racist when you listen to the lyrics: My Headband

One of the best goddamn things the show ever did but it's related to Christmas so people forget about it: Baby, It's Cold Outside

Song that I probably like least this season, despite the fact that this season really doesn't have any 'bad' performances: I Follow Rivers

Oh, excuse me, a bad performance of a good song: Candles

Season 3

A personal favorite performance: I Have Nothing

An objectively 'best of' performance: I Will Always Love You

Song I think is good but the internet discourse and obsession is beginning to ruin it for me: Rumour Has It/Someone Like You

Song that is good by I don't like watching it in context: Cough Syrup

Favorite performance by a Glee Project Winner: Pinball Wizard

Best use of a capella not sung by the Warblers: How Will I Know

Song that reminds me why I don't listen to hard rock: Hot for Teacher

Song that is really missing the point: I Kissed a Girl

Another questionable song choice by the writers: Ben

Cringiest performance: La Cucaracha & A Little Less Conversation

Contender for least favorite performance of the show: Dinosaur

Song I enjoy but hate how it's used on the show: Tongue Tied

Best song not used in an episode: Glory Days

Season 4

A personal favorite performance: Just Can't Get Enough

An objectively 'best of' performance: O Holy Night

A goddam master class in acting through song: Teenage Dream

A song I'll listen to unabashedly every time it comes on, I don't care what you think: Call Me Maybe

A song I'll listen to unabashedly every time it comes on, I don't care what you think 2: Let's Have a Kiki/Turkey Lurkey Time

A song I'll listen to unabashedly every time it comes on, I don't care what you think 3: Mamma Mia

A song I always play for my nieces and nephews: It's Time

A song that probably isn't good but I laugh every time I hear it: Whistle

Most creative use of handling a performance in a quite a while: Torn

A song that I really just cannot stand to listen to on its own: Locked Out of Heaven

A questionable song choice by the writers: Gimme More

A questionable song choice by the writers 2: Gangnam Style

A questionable song choice by the writers 3: Baby Got Back

A questionable song choice by the writers 4: Creep

Song that is going to put me asleep for a thousand years: A Thousand Years

Possibly most irritating song done on the show: You've Got to Fight For Your Right (to party)

Song you didn't know they covered, but it was done by a third group and is actually good: Rainbow Connection

Season 5

A personal favorite performance: Rockstar

An objectively 'best of' performance: Make You Feel My Love

A personal favorite moment of the entire show: All You Need is Love

A song that's really hard to listen to due to post-glee tragedy: If I Die Young

A song that is not my actual least favorite song of the season: Blurred Lines

A song that is my actual least favorite song of the season and possibly the show: The Chipmunk Song

A song y'all hate and I don't think it's that bad: What does the fox say

An underrated song because it's sung by a newbie: If I Were a Boy

A song they redid that was better than the original: Toxic

A song they redid that was worse than the original: Raise Your Glass

A song that is absolutely gorgeous even if the lyrics are crap: Lose Like Me

A song that everyone's tired of but I'm still not: Don't Stop Believing

A song I like dancing to: Pumpin' Blood

A song I don't like but love the performance of: Love is a Battlefield

A song that seems like a happy ending but is really foreboding when you listen to it: Pompeii

Season 6

A personal favorite song: Somebody Loves You

An objectively 'best of' song: Some Day We'll Be Together

Song that makes the best use of Kurt's lower register: Home

A song that I'm shocked they hadn't sung earlier but is spot on character wise: Bitch

Best song by the new newbies: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow/Head Over Feet

A song that is totally meta: Hey Ya

Song that made me fall a little in love with Jesse St James: Listen to your heart

Song from the 80s that they really didn't need to bring back: My Sherona

Song from the 80s that they really didn't need to bring back 2: Hey Mickey

Song from the 80s that they really didn't need to bring back 3: Father Figure

Song that doesn't make sense after their day has come: Our Day Will Come

Song that I wished they had done in a different context: Daydream Believer

Song that tells you Glee was insane the whole time: Final Countdown

Best Song written by Darren Criss: This Time

Song that made me sad because it's over: I Lived

<3

[ghouletteanon]

"Show me how you do it when you touch yourself.”

mountain/dew please

Thank you for the prompt Chi!

I wanted to explore the idea of Dew being insecure about putting his needs and wants first and this is the result.

Prompt #15: “Show me how you do it when you touch yourself.”

~600 words, Dew thinks Mountain fucking him is just fine. He doesn't come from it, but it's fine. Mountain disagrees.

Rated M.

Dew sighs. It's not that it's not enjoyable to have Mountain on top of him, making him feel so safe and small as the massive earth ghoul pounds him into the mattress from behind. It's nice, it's fun and Mountain is really into it so Dew should be fine.

It's just that it's just fine. He likes it when Mountain seeks him out specifically, and there’s something special in being thrown around and put into place that Dew finds addicting, but the act in itself is just fine.

When Mountain finishes inside him, filling him deep and locks them together with his knot, Dew is still not anywhere closer to an orgasm than when Mountain started fucking him.

Mountain hugs Dew close as he carefully moves them both so they can spoon on the massive bed. Dew looks down to see Mountain's hand splayed over his belly, and Dew shivers at the contrast. He is mentally counting down how soon Mountain's knot will take to come down so he can escape and clean up in the bathroom without insulting Mountain's performance in bed. Mountain is insecure about a lot of things already, Dew doesn't want to add to the list.

"Dew…" Mountain mumbles into Dew’s nape, the name hanging like a question between them.

Dew doesn’t trust his voice not to reveal his thoughts, so he only replies with a chirp.

"You didn't come, did you? You never do when we fuck."

"I can take care of it later. You got distracted, it's fine." Dew is grateful Mountain can't see his face as he tries to keep his tone neutral. "I'm not your fucking problem."

Mountain lets out an unamused huff at the pun. "You sort of are. I want to know how I can please you just as much as you please me."

"I don't need your fucking pity." Heat spreads over Dew’s body as he fights to keep himself calm and cool and collected. He wants to claw himself out of this, even if he knows he physically can't without hurting both of them. “And you’ve got me off before. I don’t need to come when you fuck me, it’s fine.”

"I don't want to be a bad lay for you. Please, show me how you do it when you touch yourself? I want to know what you actually like, not what you do because it’s fine." 

Dew is oddly touched, but he hesitates. What if Mountain decides it's too much of a hassle? Dew sighs and confesses into the crook of his arm. "I'm warning you. I can't come from penetration only. Not on my own, not with a partner. And I might be too sensitive right now for it to work right now."

"We can do it later. I just want to be good for you, Dew."

"Right back at you, big guy." Dew feels Mountain hugging him close and Dew welcomes it. He covers Mountain's hand with his and intertwines their fingers. It's nice and awfully domestic. "Just saying now before you regret it. It's a whole thing so you have to take an afternoon off. Worshipping yourself a ritual of self love like Papa used to say."

"Nema to that. You show me yours and I'll show you mine," Mountain kisses every part he can reach, making Dew laugh as his goatee tickles his sensitive underarms.

---

Dew forgets about the night and Mountain’s offer, memories lost in a haze of intimacy prompted by Mountain’s post-nut clarity and the chaos of living on the road and constantly working. But when they have a day off Mountain shows up at his hotel room, eyes full of glee and anticipation, carrying a bag that Dew later finds out contains Mountain’s favorite toys to use on himself.

It's a great afternoon.

[yourlocalartsonist]

ROTTMNT Moths Fly In Packs - Chapter Three

A/N: HEY IM ALIVE. I am so sorry it’s been two literal weeks I got stuck in a rut and then like couldn’t figure out how to write from there for the life of me 🫠 BUT HEY I figured it out eventually and Ngl I think this chapter turned out pretty fun and cute! It is the first time I wrote Mikey for a long period of time and a little bit of Donnie too so like, apologies for any OOC moments. I’m still learning TvT But yesyes, enjoy the read and thank you for your time <3 Also I’ve decided Mikey and Salena’s duo name is gonna be Pink Tangerine anyway byeeeeeeeee

Next Chapter

Previous Chapter

Chapter One

Disclaimer: Chapter involves light manipulation, light sexual harassment, curse words, and violence. If you’re sensitive to that stuff, scroll past and stay safe <3

The mushy brown grub splat down on my tray.

I stuck out my tongue in disgust. School lunch might honestly be the worst thing known to man, the bar is so low the devil plays limbo with it. Yet somehow this school still puts everywhere else to shame.

I overheard from some of the upperclassmen a while back that the food used to be on par with others, apparently it got worse after they hired a new lunch aid. No one ever told him anything, though. We’re all way too scared of him.

We sat down at a table and I began poking the food with my fork, mentally preparing to stomach it down. Jaiden looked at me with similarly dead eyes from our meal.

“God, this is so gross. I get that this lunch is supposed to be healthy and all but sometimes I’d rather just eat burger grease.”

That was the second reason I never said anything to the lunch aid. As much as I shit on the food, it’s actually healthier than the usual microwaved fries and stuff. I’ve noticed the effects too, ever since I joined Roosevelt High last year my body admittedly felt much less sluggish.

“Well, food is food. Let’s just be grateful it’s even human food at this point.”

They giggled and scoffed. “Yeah, barely.”

Trying to distract myself from how squishy my mouth felt at every bite, I focused on Jaiden instead. They don’t really emote often, they’re the type of person to have a resting-bitch-face 24/7. But of course, one of life’s greatest ironies was blessing Jaiden with one of the heartiest smiles I’ve ever seen.

For a moment their lips curve, their forehead wrinkles, and their tooth gap is on full display. Eyes shut, all their thoughts were too focused on whatever brought them so much glee, completely forgetting to worry about how they looked or were being perceived. I wish they could be like that all the time.

“Hello? You’re staring at me like a creep again.”

“I know, I know. I’ll stop.” I rolled my eyes, knowing they didn’t actually mind.

“You really should smile more often, though. You’re gifted with such a pretty smile but you never show it off, Jay.”

It went quiet. Before I could spend too long worrying if I said the wrong thing, they broke the silence.

“Hey, can I talk to you about something?”

“Is that even a question? You know you can tell me anything.”

“Well yeah but…it’s kinda relationship related.”

Oh dear. I straightened up and focused all my attention on them. I may be ass at understanding romance but by god, I still tried my best to help Jaiden with theirs.

“So…Was he distant again?”

“I mean, yeah technically. But it’s not even just him anymore, I haven’t been the best at reaching out either. I don’t want anyone else to know this so you better keep it a secret.”

I nodded and they continued.

“I guess I just can’t find any reason to catch up with him. He barely talks to me, stopped complimenting me, and I just can’t like him like that when it feels like he doesn’t even remember we’re dating. I haven’t felt happy with him or confident or anything cause he doesn’t! Talk! About! Me!”

“Ah y-yeah, that’s…that’s pretty bad.”

“He knows how I feel about this stuff. I’m worried he’s not into me anymore. I haven’t felt beautiful in so long because of him. I feel invisible Salena.”

I thought back to our old school. Jaiden had a huge crush on one of our classmates and miraculously got asked out by him just a year later. It was quite the celebratory moment, we stayed up for hours gushing about it over the phone that night. That memory still makes me feel warm.

“What are you gonna do now?”

“That’s what I don’t know. I’m not sure what to do or how to take all of this. Nothing really feels the same anymore.” Their face fell back to its usual deadpan stare. “Honestly, I’m wondering if it would be better to just break things off.”

“…Well, whatever happens, I’m here for you.”

We sat in awkward silence. I wish I was better at comforting people. Jaiden isn’t a huge hugger either so I can’t even try that.

“By the way I…I think I’m starting to like someone else, actually.”

Their voice was barely above a whisper. Before I could ask who, a tray slammed down between us.

“Hey, guys - Jaiden move over a bit - what’d I miss?”

“Hey Zane!”

“Hiya Zane.” I gave him a small wave and Jaiden and I made room for him between us.

I started zoning out a bit while Jaiden and Zane caught up with each other. My mind wouldn’t stop thinking about what Jaiden said. That they like someone else. I mean, it’s not a wild idea considering how they and their boyfriend barely count as a couple anymore but still. Last I checked, Jaiden pretty much loathed the kids in our grade and neither of us get crushes that easily so I wonder who actually got their heart all soft.

I jumped from a sudden sharp pain in my legs. Jaiden and Zane’s conversation paused as they redirected their attention to me and my agony.

“Hey dude, are you okay?”

“Yep! I’m fine, just been working my legs a bit too much I suppose!”

Damn it Leo and your stupid persuasiveness.

What he promised would only be a “weekend thing” turned into an “almost every night thing”, leading to my legs cursing me out from how much pain consistent parkour brings them. Worst part is I can’t even blame him entirely, I’m a druggie for dopamine and caved in at the first mention of doing it more often.

“Are you sure you’re alright? Your legs keep hurting lately. Do you need painkillers? Or do you wanna go to the nurse? I can take you there!” Zane reached out and grabbed my hand.

I could feel the hair on my arms rising for the wrong reasons. Panicking, I pulled my hand back and rushed to reassure them both I was perfectly okay. Thankfully, we moved on and Zane started to ramble about some guy in his class annoying him today.

Or at least, he moved on. I was still trying to recover from the contact. I mean, this isn’t the first time he’s held my hand, our friendship was always very physically affectionate. But I just haven’t been able to handle any touch from Zane for a while. I hate that everything feels so different now knowing that he likes me. It’s not like he can control it, why do I have to be so weird about it? A little hand-holding shouldn’t get such a repulsed reaction from me.

I decided to stop my brain’s downwards spiral and calm myself down. I took a quiet breath and joined back in the conversation.

I caught Jaiden glancing at his hand. They were quieter than usual after that.

***

I walked out the building as the school day ended, the afternoon sun lit up the schoolyard. The weather was getting pleasantly warmer as spring truly settled in.

Zane walked beside me with a lollipop in his mouth as we both waited for Jaiden. The two of them have an elective today but Jaiden had to run a quick question by the teacher and told me to keep Zane company for the time being. I had my own plans but it’s no biggie, all electives start ten minutes after school ends so we’ve got time. I already let Mikey know I’d be running a little late.

“I know I’m not Mr. Sunshine or anything, but I’d be lying if I said it isn’t gorgeous out today.”

“Hm? Oh, yeah, it really is!”

“...You’re still thinking about Jaiden aren’t you?”

“Y-yeah sorry.”

I could tell Zane was getting a bit irritated. My attention hadn’t really been on him much today, I just couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong with Jaiden. I know they don’t really talk much but they got abnormally quiet after lunch even for them.

“I told you they’re fine Salena. I even checked in twice for your sake.”

“I know it’s just… Nevermind, you know me, I get paranoid easily.” That’s only half true. I’m paranoid but I’m not stupid.

“Hey actually, I was wondering.” He leaned closer and started playing with a loose strand of my hair, prompting me to lean away “Jaiden seemed really tired today so maybe they’d wanna go home early and rest. Do you want to-“

“I’m here.”

They stared at us with a frown on their face. Their voice was monotone. It was always monotone but usually it’d have a bit of charm mixed in with the whole dead-inside vibe. Something wasn’t right.

But no matter! They’re both here now and I should honestly get going. Zane’s here with them so I can worry about Jaiden tomorrow.

“Great! Seeing as you two are ready to go, I shall take my leave as well. Bye guys!”

“But-“

They cut him off. “Bye Salena.”

I don’t know what I did but something definitely happened with Jaiden.

Even though I didn’t manage to fully suppress my thoughts, the walk to the alley where we agreed to meet drifted my attention back towards the beautiful sunny day. The sky was cloudless, a soft spring breeze. For once the air wasn’t clouded with the stinging scent of garbage and car smoke and instead smelled fresh. Woodsy even. Don’t really get a day this perfect often here. It must’ve been fate for today to be the day I’m actually spending time with one of the guys.

Thanks to Leo’s reassurance that night, I gained some confidence and took his advice on talking with them more often. Mikey was definitely the most receptive to that. He and I bonded pretty quickly due to us being the same age and having a similar (and superior) artistic taste so obviously I had to say yes when he asked to hang out, even if it took a while for our schedules to line up.

I did one last scan to make sure no one was around before texting Mikey of my arrival. He popped out from behind a dumpster, eyes matching the bright blue sky.

“Hey hey hey! Ready for the world’s most epic hang out ever?”

“Hell yes I am! I’ve been waiting for this all week! But uh, you’re 100% sure being out in public during the day won’t be a problem considering…this whole situation?”

“We’re fine, chill. No one will recognize me with my super amazing Raph-approved disguise on!”

…His disguise was a hoodie and pants.

I mean, I guess it is New York so no one will probably care enough to notice. Or care even after they do notice. I think I’m just a little nervous since it’s my first time out in public with him.

Besides, his fit was on fire! He wore a cropped orange hoodie with white accents matched with baggy, light cargo pants. He actually looked a little taller from the pairing, maybe I should take fashion tips from him. He did remind me a little of those orange-and-creme popsicle sticks though.

I heard thumping in the distance and cocked my head to hear better.

Clomp, clomp, clomp.

Footsteps? Loud, heavy ones. They remind me of…

“Mikey, you have to hide! S-someone’s coming!”

“But I’m disgui-”

“Trust me just go!”

As he jumped back behind the dumpster, Zane came around the corner and found me leaning against the wall pretending to be on my phone. I mentally high-fived myself for the spot-on guess.

“There you are.”

“Hey! Did you need something?”

“Oh, no. Or well, yeah actually but first, what are you doing next to a garbage bin?”

“I’m waiting for my friend. We have plans today.”

“W-what?” His brows furrowed, pained eyes pierced mine “Plans? With who? Jaiden isn’t even free today.”

“I have other friends too, Zane.”

He scoffed and shoved his hands down his pockets.

“Like, who? Druggies?” …Homie what the hell?

“What kind of people are you friends with that have you meet up with them here?”

“Uh, why are you getting so mad anyway? I’m just meeting up with someone.”

“Well, I don’t want that someone to be dangerous! I’m just looking out for you.” He sighed. “And also because I was gonna ask if you wanted to hang out with me today.”

Confused, I stared back at him. “But you and Jaiden have an elective today? The one I just left you two at?”

“Yeah and I told Jaiden I was gonna skip. It’s a nice day, I wanted to be with you. Looks like I did all that for nothing.” Another sigh.

“Oh. I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know- Wait, hold on, you left Jaiden?” Oh god. I subconsciously started biting my nails. “Zane, they were already visibly upset today! They need someone with them!”

Stomping my feet, I tried searching for a solution. I couldn’t just cancel on Mikey, we’ve had this planned for so long! But I can’t leave Jaiden on their own either. They have certain tendencies and I can’t risk that again. Ugh, everything would’ve been okay if at least Zane was with them!

“Zane, you have to go back. Jaiden needs company and I’m busy today anyway.”

“Don’t panic so much, they said they’d be fine.”

“And you believed that? You know they’ve lied about that before. Several times before! They didn’t seem okay, I need you to be them.”

“But I want to be with you. Not Jaiden, you. You can’t expect me to just control these things, Salena.”

This dude! Why is he being so difficult?

Okay, calm down Salena. Not a time for anger.

“I-I know, but it’s just one day. Jaiden’s your friend, too. And besides, you’ll both have fun this way!”

My attempts to shoo him away changed his angered face. He suddenly looked so disheartened I can’t tell if it was better or worse. I’m a little annoyed he left Jaiden on their own but he must’ve planned this out for a while if he seems this disappointed. I guess I’d be upset too if I was in his shoes. Though I also would’ve asked the other person ahead of time but different people, different mindsets I suppose. I softened my tone.

“Hey, Zane? I promise we’ll hang out tomorrow. I’ll make it up to you. And we can even call when I’m done, okay? But right now Jaiden needs you. And I need this. Just…can I please have a few hours away today?”

He looked at me, conflicting eyes switching between both of mine. Third sigh, more whispery than the others “...Fine, you know I can’t say no to you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He pat my head, slightly ruffling my hair “Don’t forget to call me when you’re free.”

Hearing the heavy steps fade as he got farther and farther away, I let out the biggest exhale of my life as my body slumped over.

“Ooh mama, that was rough.” Mikey, somehow already next to me, matched my relief. “Does he always act like that?”

“Well, ‘always’ is a strong word…”

“And you’ve never told him how you feel about it? Never, you know, put down boundaries?”

My eyes scampered around to focus on anything but his face while my body shrunk. Guilty as charged.

He sighed and whipped out a pair of round glasses, swinging his arm over my shoulder “So, I know Dr. Feelings is supposed to be on vacation for the day, but since you’re a friend you get special privileges!”

“Um…D-Doctor who?”

“Tell me about this guy, Salena.”

After recovering from the reveal of his secret therapist mode, I told Mikey about Zane and our friendship as we made our way to an ice cream parlor. According to him, talking about your feelings is always better with a sweet treat to distract you from your crushing crippling depression.

“Wait wait, before we start, what flavor?”

“Oh, chocolate obviously.”

His eyes lit up as he happily hummed “A person of culture! Begin~” He handed me a chocolate cone and got the same for himself.

I felt a little guilty for using him on a day we were meant to relax but at the same time, the thought of having someone to talk to about my weird dynamic with Zane made it weirdly hard to resist. Plus, Mikey just has a very calming presence to him, one that makes it so easy to open up and word-vomit your entire life story to.

Still, I tried my best to not overshare and disrespect Zane’s privacy so I kept things brief and broad, only mentioning what I felt was note-worthy. And probably better to keep his crush on me hidden for now, at least.

Instead, I briefed him about Zane’s home life being the classic “rich kid with absent and narcissistic parents” trope and how much his older brother, or better known as the golden child, emotionally abused him growing up. I could sense Mikey softened a bit at that.

I mentioned Zane’s anger issues, habitual bullying, fear of abandonment. His slowly-developed kleptomania. I told him about the people Zane hung out with and of my secret disapproval of them. If Zane seems bad, those guys make him seem heavenly.

And lastly, I talked about our unlikely friendship. How he gradually became nicer to me. How he told me how different I was to him the day I asked why he stopped bullying me. How unexpectedly sweet and protective he can be.

And how scared he’d get sometimes that one day I’d just ditch him like everyone else did.

“That’s awful! It must’ve been hard for him dealing with all of that.”

“It was. That’s why he’s so clingy towards me. He feels like no one understands him the way I do or even wants to try.”

“I’m guessing that’s why you deal with it.”

I quietly nodded. “I know he can be a bit much sometimes. But I don’t ever want to leave him. He’s like family to me, it just wouldn't be right if I abandoned him.”

Mikey smiled at me “Yeah, don’t worry, I get that.”

He took another bite of his cone and stared out the window. He looked strangely timid, I’ve never seen Mikey so mild-mannered before.

“Do you remember when I told you about our dad Draxum?”

“Oh yeah, the sheep guy! You mentioned he had a ‘bad boy’ phase. Heh, ba-a-a-a-a-ad.” I giggled to myself mimicking a sheep as Mikey looked at me with horrific disgust.

“Leo must love you, doesn’t he.”

“Oh hush, it was funny. Anyway, you were saying?~”

“Well during his ‘insert ruined joke here’ phase, Draxum used to try to kill us like at least once a week. He went on and on about wanting to ‘destroy humanity’ and ‘protect Yōkai kind’ and we were made to do that.”

We started walking outside as he continued his story.

“But, my brothers and I could never. We love humans, I mean you guys literally invented art! And even though Draxum made us, he wasn’t attached enough to not brutally murder us for that disagreement. He threw Leo off a roof once, too.”

“Sorry, what now?” It’s making sense now why Leo was so careful about me not falling when we hang out.

“Yeah, I felt so bad! I mean, Raph gets to see something as cool as that happen but I’m stuck being used as a tug-of-war rope for a giant spider lady! The universe can be so unfair…”

“Your priorities are confusing but go on.”

We made our way on to a roof to enjoy the city’s view. Mikey went on a tangent about all their adventures stopping Draxum and the poorly-named Foot Clan from assembling this mythical shredding monster guy. Whoever named these guys needs originality lessons.

“Then after they finished making the Shredder, they betrayed Draxum. They only wanted to use him so the armor thing would work. And I know that we’re supposed to hate him and stuff, but I felt really really bad for him.”

I thought back to how I felt every time someone I thought was a friend ended up stabbing me in the back “Honestly, I would too. Villain or not, betrayal still sucks.”

“Exactly! And to make matters worse, I found him living on the streets later! He’s a wanted criminal in the Hidden City and had nowhere to go in New York. So obviously, I set him up with a nice, top tier home and helped him adjust to humanity. My brothers doubted us a lot but he’s doing great now. He even has his own job as a lunch aid!”

His bubbly smile dropped as he looked off to the distance. Up until now, Mikey’s been pretty animated when he talks, using his hands and sometimes whole body to enhance his speech. Right now though, he was still. Very still.

“But back then, sometimes even I thought I was crazy. I was trying to change a guy who’s fear-response was genocide, that’s not an easy thing to do. So many failed attempts at getting him to like humans, so many failed attempts of him trying to throw kids when they got on his nerves. Don’t get me wrong, it’s more than worth it in the end but when you’re actually doing it? It’s so exhausting.”

Exhausting. I never realized how fitting that word sounded until he said it. Exhausting.

“That sounds like a literal nightmare. Especially without any external support…” Oh god this was hitting too close to home. Abort! Abort!

“Wanna know what kept me going?”

“Yeah?”

He turned towards me. His blue eyes were illuminated by the sun. Actually, there were some new spots on his body that were glowing, too?

“Draxum made us. He was family to me. It wouldn’t be right to just abandon him.”

Oh.

He turned back to look at the sky. “I know you care about Zane and I can empathize with that so I’ll say this as nicely as I can… ZANE IS A WHINY PIECE OF SHIT.”

I forgot how loud Mikey screams oh god.

“He’s clingy, he’s rude, he called me a druggie for choosing to meet up in an alley, I mean what’s wrong with either?!”

“Micheal my ears, please.”

He took a deep breath and by the grace of heaven itself he calmed down.

“Look, I don’t know if you can help Zane the same way I helped Draxum. Some people don’t want to be changed, that was my biggest fear with Drax. But that’s not my point.” He put a soft hand on my shoulder, the tone of his voice sounded different. “What I’m saying is, I get it.”

My throat felt itchy. I hadn’t heard words like that in years. Having someone say they understand me, not being judged or getting weird looks for feeling the way I do. And I can’t even help believing him, after everything he’s told me it sounds like he meant it. I don’t really know how I feel right now. But then again, maybe I don’t have to know.

We stayed in comfortable silence listening to the city below.

There weren’t too many people out right now, everyone who had been outside enjoying the nice weather before were returning home from shopping or leaving cafés. Not many cars on the street, either. All in all, a nice and peaceful day.

Until, of course, it wasn’t.

A giant pink food truck with a weird stake on the top raced by definitively over the speed limit. Another large vehicle following it. It was green with a disk on the back, it kinda looked like a shell? Or maybe I’ve been talking with turtles too often-

“The Turtle Tank?”

“YOU GUYS HAVE A TURTLE TANK?!” Oh my stars! They just keep getting cooler every day I see them!

“And Meatsweat’s truck!”

“Oh, it’s Mr. Oinkerton.”

In the distance we could hear a familiar angry voice screaming vulgar words at the pig mobile through an oversized megaphone. How’d Donnie even get in this situation?

“So like…should we check in on him?”

“Nah, Dee’s probably fine.”

“Okay fair, but he’s partaking in chaotic activities without us.”

“...You know what, I like the way you think! Come on!” He rolled up his sleeve revealing a black band on his wrist and excitedly spoke to it as we both started running to catch up with the trucks.

“Hey Dontron! Why’re you on a chase with Meatsweats?”

“Mikey? You can see me? Are you in proximity?”

“Yeah! We can see you from the rooftops. I’ll wave!”

“Ugh, good I could use the help, Meatsweats upgraded his stupid truck so now it’s too fast to keep up with! Listen, he kidnapped some guy off the street and I don’t know what he’s gonna do so if you could assist-”

“On it, Dee!”

Seeing Mikey speed through the roofs was astounding! He bounced from building to building, doing flips and spins whenever he could. He looked so graceful while doing it, too. Kind of reminds me of ballerinas. Compared to him I was a heaving mess in the back. I’m faster than I was before, that’s for sure, but still had a really hard time keeping up with him. I’m starting to think Leo went easy on me…

But compared to the car chase down below, even Mikey could barely keep up.

“Man, Donnie wasn’t kidding when he said the truck got upgrades. Meatsweats was never this fast before.”

“Mikey, how long are we just gonna tail them? We’re not really getting anywhere like this.”

“Well we can’t run fast enough…” he looked at Meatsweat’s trying to fight Donnie off, leaving the back door to his truck wide open. His eyes lit up “But we can fly fast enough! I’ll swing you!”

Donnie’s voice returned to the comms “Mikey where are you? Could really use that help right now!” Meatsweats was starting to close the door.

Seeing this in my excited adrenalined nature, I rushed to approve the plan. “Okay, let’s do it!”

One of his nunchucks wrapped around me and my legs left the ground. I cut through the air getting flung right into the truck, somehow not breaking any bones after crashing in. Probably should have thought about that before.

I looked out and met Donnie’s panicked glare. “SALENA?!”

“Hi Donnie!” The door shut and my attention turned toward Meatsweats and a terrified boy with a bag covering his head in the corner.

“Who the hell are- oi, you’re the annoying lass from before, aren’t you?” Oh damn, he remembers me. “What’s with you and ruining my dinner plans?”

“Wait, dinner plans? You’re gonna eat him!?”

He looked so unbelievably offended at that, because of course it was such a stretch to come to that conclusion “What are you, stupid? I was a human before getting mutated. I was a world renowned chef, Rupert Swaggart!”

“Your name was Rupert? Ew.”

“SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!” Oh right, this is a hostage situation.

“Sorry, sorry, distractions. So what you’re saying is, you’re not gonna eat him?”

“No, of course not, human meat is an atrocious flavor.” That’s a relief! “However, they make a lovely meal for mutant livestock. And now I can feed twice the amount.” Oh.

He charged at me with his enormous tenderizer and I quickly got up and prepared my body for the attacks.

Go left! Now right! Right again! DUCK! He’s so swift with his strikes it’s almost too much for me to handle. I tried looking for any openings out but it was useless! All the doors are locked and he’s blocking the switch.

“How come he gets tied up but I have to be killed now?”

“Personal grudges.”

I got backed into a corner and narrowly avoided a butcher knife thrown straight at my head. Whatever greater force is keeping me safe, I owe you my life.

Wait! He threw a knife!

Genius struck me as I pulled the blade out from the wall. I charged at him, getting all my energy ready for the blow. Meatsweats chuckled.

“Aww, you really think you can fight back with a tiny cleaver?”

“Not quite.”

Instead of the slice the idiot pig prepared for, I planted my foot firm on the ground and swung the sharp blade to the left, smashing right through the window.

“What the-”

Perfect! Now to take care of the swine.

I darted around the room taunting him, now being the one to control where he’d strike. My heart was beating at the speed of sound, legs quick and light. My reflexes took over completely. It’s crazy to say this but I feel like I’m really in my zone!

Once I annoyed him enough to turn his blows even more aggressive than before, I ran right behind him, clinging on to his back. He took the bait and smashed down. The metal hammer hit him smack dab on the head as I dodged away, knocking him out.

Cutting my celebrations short, I rushed over to the boy and helped him up. He flinched at my touch, the bag still blinding his sight.

“What’s happening?!”

“Your rescue, that’s what. Now, come on!”

I helped him avoid the loose shards on the bottom while getting his body out the window. I stuck my head out and yelled for Donnie, who was still right behind us relieved to see me in one piece.

“Donnie I’m throwing him out the window, tell me when Mikey’s ready!”

“I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WERE RESCUING ME!”

After getting the thumbs up from Donnie, I pushed the boy out to the streets and sure enough, Mikey’s chains caught him and pulled him up to wherever he was on the roofs.

I heard a grunt behind me. Meatsweats was awake already? God I can’t believe I was scared I actually hurt him.

I scampered up to the roof of the truck. Unfortunately got jumpscared as the vent flung open and Meatsweats tried going through it. My bad for wanting to catch my breath, I guess.

“Salena jump!”

I took his suggestion and ran forward, avoiding the grimy mutant pig, and leaped over to the tank. A hole opened up and allowed me inside with Donnie looking back, setting the tank to autopilot and checking me for any serious injuries.

“So which one of you dum-dums thought it was a brilliant plan to send the untrained non-mutant human into the murderous chef’s vehicle?”

“Oh, was that bad?” Well, at least it’s over now.

Mikey’s voice came through Donnie’s own hand wrap. His were larger than Mikey’s, covering his entire palm compared to Mikey’s wrist bands.

“Donnie! Is Salena okay?”

“Physically or mentally.”

“Yepperoni. I’m right here, Mikey.”

“Phew good! And uh, by any chance, are you guys still following

Meatsweats?”

“Uh, I’m about to stop the tank, why?”

He nervously laughed “So um, you know the person we just saved right? Apparently he had a really important USB with him and he thinks it fell out in the truck…”

“OH COME ON!”

And so the chase continues as we scrambled to find answers.

“Are we really going to keep tracking Meatsweats for a USB drive? Who even uses them anymore!”

“He sounds super panicked so it must be bad, Dee. What if it’s something dangerous?”

“He’s a teenager, Micheal, why would he have dangerous intel?”

“Aren’t you two teenagers?”

“We don’t count!”

“How do we even get it from Meatsweats’ truck?”

Donnie switched over to the control manual and got a bunch of missiles ready “That’s it! I’m going lethal!”

Mikey’s face appeared on the monitor “Donnie don’t! You could destroy the drive thingie.”

“But my moment…”

“Donnie!”

Red lights started blinking, warning about the tank’s declining gas.

“Fine but we’re running out of time, what else can we do?”

“Want me to jump back in?”

“Do you want to die?”

“Sometimes.” They stared at me wide-eyed as I had the dawning realization “Oh wait that was rhetorical, wasn’t it?”

I forced my three brain cells to try and be useful.

C’mon, brain. Think, Salena! Think!

I saw the cleaver I still had in my hands and got an idea.

Bingo!

“Donnie! Drive to his right!”

“What? Um okay. Wait, where are you going!?”

I climbed back out the hole on the top. “When I count to three, stop the Turtle Tank.”

“CAN ANYONE COMMUNICATE THEIR PLANS WITH ME BEFORE IMPULSIVELY JUMPING IN?”

I threw my hair back letting the rushing keep it out of the way.

“Ready Donnie?”

“No.”

I aimed the cleaver for the front right tire and began counting “One…”

Pulled my arm back, getting ready to throw “Two…”

I took a deep breath. Arms don’t fail me now. I swung forward and felt the handle leave my grasp.

“Three!”

The tank jolted to a stop, knocking me forward. Donnie came out and helped me to my feet.

“You good?”

“Well, I’m alive so.”

We looked up and saw the blade successfully puncture the tire, sending the truck skidding to a crash at a light pole.

“Great Galileo, you actually did it. I’ll confess, I’m impressed!” Is this what validation feels like?

The round tangerine joined us not too long after with the boy strapped to his back and came running towards me.

“Salena, you were amazing!” Validation and a hug on the same day? Have I been blessed?

“Hey can someone get this thing off my head now?”

I looked at the boy, then at the horrific scenery behind him. “Uh…maybe we should get to a less chaotic place first.”

Mikey handed me the USB he found in Meatsweats’ truck. ”Sorry our day got interrupted Salena. You can always come back after helping him!”

I was about to agree but felt a buzz on my skirt pocket. I took out my phone and saw a pestering text from my aunt as well as the time being 5:00pm.

“I would but, I should probably get home anyway. You guys okay with um…all that?” I pointed to the passed out pig in his broken down truck.

Donnie pat my head with one of his extra robot arms “No probbles, we’ll take care of it. You’ve helped enough.”

I guess he’s always been nice-ish to me but still didn’t expect affection from him.

I saw him and Mikey chatting while cleaning up the mess, Mikey beaming as Donnie ruffled what would’ve been his hair if he had any. I smiled. Maybe I just never looked close enough at Donnie. Seems like he’s always been this way.

I lead the boy away from the mutant havoc and into a more public area before taking the bag off his head.

“Are you okay?”

He blinked and I studied his features a bit more. Dark eyes, short black hair, and round glasses. “Yeah I-I think. Thanks for saving me.”

I handed him his pen drive and after a few more thank-yous, he left. As promised, gave Zane a call. He didn’t pick up though. I shrugged it off and started walking back home. What a day today has been!

Next Chapter

[masespace]

monday | 20 october

pretty sure the last time i cracked this bad boy open my balls hadn’t dropped. it was the end of middle school and you were determined to make your high school experience different…

well it’s senior year now, and sorry to past mase but i’m not sure that i did what i thought i was going to do. to future mase… i dunno, but hopefully things work out better for you.

everyone always says that teenagers think that the world is ending, that our feelings are magnified. maybe it’s the hormones. i don’t know. but this it doesn’t feel like an exaggeration to say that i never thought that shit was going to be this bad.

to catch future me up in case that one time i got drunk at a party does come back to bite me in the ass, or i develop alzheimer's like meredith’s mom let’s do a quick run down.

congrats, you definitely managed to make the cheerios, and sue was even worse a human than you heard. she might actually be a worse person than when you joined the squad freshman year. doesn’t matter. all those summers running drills paid off. so congrats on that. you even helped put a couple more national title trophies in the mckinley trophy case.

the glee club was revived your freshman year so all those summer karaoke nights also paid off… unfortunately the new directions aren’t nearly as dedicated as the cheerios. sure, there’s definitely talent and it’s only safe to admit it here, some people might actually land a spot on broadway. 

if they are gonna win anything it won’t be with you because you definitely quit...

you sorta came out… thankfully it wasn’t a big thing? those incest jokes never really went anywhere and the half of the people that didn’t think you were banging your sister already assumed you were some flavor of queer. thankfully the parents haven’t found out yet… unsure of how they’d handle the whole thing. so it’s pretty important that you don’t forget about this journal future mase so i can find out how that goes for you…

you only sorta came out for a boy. a cute boy. but that crashed and burned because as you already know… you’re cursed. it sucks, but that’s life and so i’m already over it. or as over it as i can be while everything is still fresh. i’m sure the me that’s reading this in the future is even more over it and is laughing at everything that went down… hopefully it feels funny by then.

you sorta got your wish of being more independent.

congrats! started with that job at vinyl destination… it’s hell and you definitely weren’t paid nearly enough. still, it was time away from home in a place that always smelled like dust no matter how much clearing you did.

this should be under the cheerios section, but i guess this is what i get for writing in pen… but even the cheerios doesn’t feel the same as it used to. maybe it’s temporary because we’re as good as ever despite everything that’s happened there…. i’m not worried about the alzheimers snatching those memories because they’re just too juicy… but still… 

i spent a lot of time wanting to be seen as something other than just a twin… as a person, but all of the things i’ve used to give myself identity feel too small. i don’t want to say that i’ve out grown them… but more than ever i feel adrift. getting to tick off another day closer to graduation is the highlight of my day, which sounds even more depressing when i allow myself to admit it. it seems silly to think that getting out of ohio will really be the thing that fixes all my problem when i’m look at pages of hopes that just getting to wmhs would be the thing that fixes me. maybe i’m not fixable and i’ll always be a little broken. somehow being broken in a place that doesn’t know i’ve always been this way feels more reassuring, like it won’t matter as much… i can be like the caricature of a 1940s actor that gets a lot of work done and disappears into hollywood with a made up name and a made up story and all of america will play along because nobody ever really cared about the person… now more than ever disappearing feels more and more like perfect escape.

i’m going to try and be better about keeping up with this… not so much because it was cathartic, but it did give me something to do. 

i don’t think that i’m going to keep them though. maybe winding up like meredith’s mom would be better than remembering how it felt to stay up late and feeling this miserable.

mm.

[libraryledge]

A Part of My Story (A Reimagined Tale Set in the World of Wonka) Chapter 5

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of someone groaning. Groggily, I opened my eyes and was surprised to see Willy sitting crossed legged on the ground, across the room with a frustrated look on his face. Last night after I’d added more plot points to my story, we sat together by the small window, and I read what I’d written to him. He’d fallen asleep with a dopey smile plastered on his face after hearing about Charlie finally earning enough money to buy sweets from the local shop. 

However, this morning that glee seemed to have dissipated as he was sulking in the corner of the room. 

“Willy, what’s the matter?” I asked him in concern.

He sighed and showed me an empty glass jar. “The little orange man came back and took my entire batch of Silver Linings! I knew I should have put them back into my case.”

I stifled a giggle as I watched him pout. I was relieved there wasn't something more serious amidst.

“Are you sure that you didn’t eat them in your sleep?” I asked gently.

“That’s what Noodle said, the last time this happened, but I would never do such a thing!” Willy said defensively.

I couldn’t help it and had to let out a small laugh at his face, which was adorably contorted in protest. 

“Ok then. I believe you, but you have to admit that a little orange man sneaking into the room with the sole intention of stealing your chocolate is a bit of a wild story,” I said to him.

Willy looked at me and slowly cracked a smile. “Yeah, even by my standards, but it’s true and one day I’ll prove it to you.”

“I have no doubt that you will.” I replied sincerely.

Then, as if he hadn’t been moping in the corner a minute earlier, Willy quickly stood up and asked me. “What are your plans for today? Are you going to write some more?” I saw him cross his fingers behind his back as he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet.

“Actually yes.” I replied, secretly finding it endearing to see how he’d developed a soft spot for my stories. “Are you headed back to town to sell what’s left of your chocolate?”

“You know it! Tiddles is already having a ball down stairs, quite literally as I’ve now added a bouncy ball incentive on the Wonka Washer.” he said, grinning at me. 

“And tonight” he said lowering his voice “You and I have an important mission to complete. Don’t forget!” he said as he tipped his hat at me and skipped out the door.

I smiled as I watched him go. He was a quirky man, but I knew that there was never a dull moment when I was with him, so I couldn’t wait to see what awaited us tonight.

I spent the day whittling away at my manuscript. I had many ideas buzzing around in my head that I wanted to jot down, yet I felt there was something missing from Charlie’s story. Until I could figure it out, I was certain that Mr. Doux-Amer would not be interested in reading it. 

It was well past sunset and I was gnawing at the tip of my pen contemplatively when I heard gentle footsteps enter the room.

“That’s bad for teeth, you know. I take oral hygiene very seriously.” a voice said from behind me.

It was Willy, who had arrived from the town square and was standing in the doorframe, watching me intently.

I chuckled. “This is coming from the man who sells sugary treats for a living,” I replied with a smile.

“Oh, but the ingredients I use are very unique and the chances of getting cavities is quite low if you brush and floss each day.” Willy said cheekily.

I shook my head in amusement. “Have a good day at the Galleries Gourmet?”

“It went alright. Made a few sales from my remaining chocolate. I will admit that it was rather lonely without you there.” Willy said sincerely.

I smiled at him and said, “Funny enough, I can relate. Time goes by so slowly when there is no one to bounce story ideas off of.”

Willy smiled at me. “Then, you can share your story ideas with me as we head to the zoo. Are you ready to go?”

I nodded. “I’m certainly curious to see what is in store for us tonight.”

“I promise you won’t be disappointed.” he replied, and I knew he was right.

We managed to sneak without Mrs. Scrubbit’s knowledge because Noodle grabbed her attention by complimenting her “fancy new hair-do”. Frankly, it didn’t look any different than it usually did, but it was a clever diversion that allowed Willy and I to make it out the door unseen.

We raced past the shops, restaurants, and cathedral until we made it to the zoo. It was just about to close for the night. I watched as couples holding hands and parents carrying children made their way out of the facility. 

“So what is your plan exactly?” I asked Willy, wondering how we were going to make our way to Abigail.

Willy pulled out a cane, much like the one that the elderly, or those who need extra support to walk used. However, I noticed that the handle was decorated with brown paint, and its shape resembled a piece of chocolate. Willy tapped the top of the cane with his pointer finger, and I watched in awe as the chocolate shaped piece slowly opened to reveal a small, colorful gift box.

“This will be our key to get in. I just need to find the right person to give it to,” Willy said, examining the people around him.

“What is it?” I asked curiously.

“Inside is a chocolate that I call, ‘A Big Night Out’. One taste of this and the recipient will have the effects of spending a night out on the town,” he smiled at me playfully. “Follow along.”

Willy took my hand and began to speed walk to catch up with a security guard that was monitoring the area. “Excuse me sir? Which way is the giraffe exhibit?” he asked.

The guard looked at him and replied. “I’m sorry sir, but the zoo is closing for the night. You’ll have to come back another day.”

Willy contorted his face into an expression that looked like he'd eaten too many sour lemon gumdrops. “Oh what a shame!” he squeezed my hand before continuing. 

“I’m sorry dear we traveled all the way here from America, and it seems that we won’t be able to see the giraffes on our honeymoon after all.” he said, as I shot him a bewildered look with my eyes. He winked at me, as if to say “just go with it”

“Oh my. How horrid! I absolutely love giraffes, and we need to head back home tomorrow, so that means I’ll never get to see one up close.” I said, pretending to wipe away a tear with my free hand. I  cringed internally at how ridiculous I sounded. I knew there was no way that the security guard would buy the act.

“Don’t cry, miss.” the security guard said in alarm. He checked his watch and then said. “Five minutes.”

“Excuse me?” said Willy, whom I noticed was biting his lip to prevent himself from laughing at my outburst.

“I’ll let you visit our giraffe, Abigail, for 5 minutes. Only because it’s your honeymoon, and I’m sure you two want to make the most of this romantic trip.”

“Oh! Thank you sir!” I said gleefully. “I’ll be sure to tell our children all about you!”

The security guard shook his head and said, “It was nothing.”

Willy let out a chuckle, but masked it with a clearing of his throat. I squeezed his hand to get him to stop. “Here. This is for you as a token of our gratitude,” he said, pulling out the box containing the chocolate and handing it to the guard.  

“Oh! Thank you. Now you two hurry and enjoy the giraffe exhibit, but only for five minutes, lovebirds.” he said.

“You got it sir! Let’s go my sweet gumdrop” Willy said, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he looped his arm with mine for effect. We hurried off towards the exhibit, and once we were out of earshot, Willy burst out laughing.

“Ok what just happened?” I asked, catching my breath.

“I think we convinced a security guard that we are madly in love, and that our children will consider him a hero.” Willy said with an amused look on his face.

I ran my hand over my face and groaned. “Ugh! It was a spur of the moment improvisation! A heads up would be nice next time you pretend to be my husband.” I said still cringing at the interaction with the security.

“Next time?” Willy asked me between snickers.

“Knowing you I won’t doubt it, my sweet gumdrop.” I said finally giving in and cracking a smile.

“Touché.” Willy said with a chuckle. “Anyway, the chocolate should be taking its full effect on him now, and don’t worry it's harmless. It just replicates the effect of needing to call it a night after one too many drinks.” He winked at me. “I should know.”

“If you’re this unpredictable under normal circumstances, I can’t imagine what you’re like after a big night out,” I replied.

Willy shrugged. “To be fair, I’ve only experienced that once, and it wasn’t for me. However, it was a wonderful inspiration for my chocolate. You get champagne, red and white wine, and whiskey all in one bite.”

 I chuckled. “Ok then, hurry. Let’s go see Abigail.”

Willy smiled, and took my hand once more, a habit that he was beginning to be comfortable with, and honestly, I didn’t mind. We managed to sneak into the giraffe unclosement unnoticed, and unharmed. However, Willy nearly got nibbled by a tiger because he couldn’t read the sign and mistook it for the giraffe exhibit.

“We really need to speed up those reading lessons.” I said letting out a breath of relief, after surviving that near death experience.

“I’ve nearly been eaten by loads of things, but none of them got more than a nibble,” he replied, clearly unfazed by the incident.

“That is not the boast you think it is.” I replied as we eventually made it into the enclosement, and I came face to face with a giraffe.

“Maybe not, but I bet this will impress you.” he replied, as he let go of my hand, took his hat off, and pulled some small green candies out of it. It still baffled me, how this man managed to store so many surprises inside of it.

“They’re acacia mints. Very soothing, and I learned that giraffes love them.” Willy declared proudly. I didn’t bother asking how he knew that, but considering his extensively wild resume, I didn’t doubt that this wasn’t the first time that he’d been in a situation like this. He handed me several of the mints and instructed me to stick my hand out towards Abigail. Nervously, I followed his lead.

“Don’t be shy. It's alright,” he said encouragingly to me, and despite the surreality of the situation, I trusted him. Abigail, who was majestically towering over me, leaned her long neck down towards the mints. Her tongue tickled my palm, and I giggled.

“Animals seem to like you. You must have what they call in Spanish, “sangre dulce,” he said.

“Sweet blood?” I asked with a smile. My family background is from Latin America, so the phrase was familiar to me. “That reminds me of what my mom used to tell my sister and I.”

Willy tickled Abigail under the chin, and replied “You talk about your family often. Where are they now if you don’t mind me asking?”

I sighed, watching the giraffe eating the mints, without a care in the world. “They’re in Nicaragua. I had to leave them behind when I traveled here to London. My sister is about Noodle’s age. She was too young to make such a long journey, so she stayed with our mother back home. Until I met you, my sister was the only one whom I’d read my stories to. She is my motivation to keep chasing this dream, amidst the setbacks.”

Willy gave me an understanding look. “I’m sure she’ll be really proud of you no matter where life takes you. My mom is my inspiration to keep going. Maybe milking giraffes is not what she pictured I’d do with my life. However, I know she’d be proud of how far the love for chocolate she instilled in me as a kid has taken us.”

I nodded. It was nice to have someone my age to talk to about this. Willy knew that dreams were something one had to work for, and they weren’t just handed to a person. Despite it all, he never lost hope and would go through the wildest adventures to see his ambitions come into fruition. 

“I've only known you for a short period of time, but I have no doubt that you’ll make a big impact on this world. You’ve already left a memorable impact on mine, and for the record milking giraffes isn’t such a crazy thing, especially if it leads to more of those delicious chocolates of yours.” I said with a smile.

Willy’s green eyes stared at me for a second. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. Then, he quickly directed his gaze back towards Abigail, as he smiled and replied “Alright then, let’s hop to it! I don’t really know how long the effects of Big Night Out Chocolate will last, so that guard may soon come searching for these hopeless romantics.”

I chuckled. Maybe we weren’t romantics, but we certainly weren’t hopeless. Something about Willy gave me a reassuring nudge in the right direction to chase my aspirations. As I watched him sit on a tiny stool to milk the large giraffe, I couldn’t help seeing the contrast between them. That is how I felt: small in a big world. Witnessing him approach Abigail without fear, it gave me the courage to not abandon my dream. Sure, I’d been rejected and isolated so many times in my life, but something inside me told me that there was a story here waiting to be written. Nothing that couldn’t be tackled with courage and perhaps a bit of chocolate.

[teen-antisocial]

SPEAK NOW

TRACK ONE

MINE

FINN HUDSON X READER

READER IS QUINN'S SISTER

ANGST

Set during 5x3

“Hey Finn” your soft voice spoke, sitting in front of Finn's grave, placing two flowers in front of the grave, roses. It was his favorite flower. “I was thinking last night, I know you told me to stop, but I couldn't help it” you joked, with a sad smile, a tear slowly making its way into your eye, and a lump making its way into your throat.

“anyway I was thinking about the first time we met, well before you joined Glee club, “you were in high school working part time cleaning tables, you lied to me to make yourself look cool, remember? didn't you say something like “I left a small time never looked back”

You laughed to yourself as you remembered what happened the week after. He walked into the choir room, looking sweaty as ever, coming back from the locker room. How you didn't remember he was the quarterback when you saw him at that cafe is something unbeknownst to both you and him.

“And do you remember I was flight risk with a fear of falling, wondering why we bother with love if it never lasts”

“Oh and then when we finally hit second year of glee, and you and me did that duet. Back when we were Brad and Jannet in Rocky Horror. We went back to yours to practice every night. And then we kissed. Then we got together” A smile crept on your face as you remembered what happened. A tear finally fell. “I say, ‘can you believe it?’ as we're lying on your couch. we must have been together for a year by that point. The moment I can see it.”

You pictured the scene, Burt and Carol had gone on a date to the movies. Can't remember what they went to see. Kurt had gone to see Blaine. “Yes, yes, I can see it now!” You say more clearly remember everything. How you missed it.

“this is gonna sound ridiculous but do you remember, we were sitting there by the water? You put your arm around me for the first time. if I'm been honest you made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter.” you put your hand on the grave, looking at the stone with pain in your eyes. “you are the best thing that's ever been mine.”

You slowly stood up and brushed off the dirt that sat on your knees. “Talk to you later, Finn. I miss you, and I love you.”

After that, you went back home. When you walked in, you didn't take your shoes off or your coat. You just went upstairs and laid on your bed. You missed Finn more than anything in the world. You turned to your side and were met with a photo of you and Finn after graduation.

You were on his back. He had one hand keeping you up while his other one held up his hat. You had an arm around his neck and your other one holding your hat. Both of your smiles were beaming with joy. Your entire lives were in front of you. A week later, he was in the military, while Sue employed you to help with the cheerleaders. Flash forward, and we're taking on the world together, it said on the bottom of the Polaroid, with the date on the bottom. All in Finn's handwriting.

There was a box in the corner of your room, filled with all of the things you left in Finn's room. There was a draw of your things in his room. The same room he would learn your secrets and figure out why you're guarded. He said “we'll never make your parents mistakes”

Everything was working out so well, until you realized how bad the world was. And how much pressure is now laid on both of your shoulders. Not to forget that Finn got let go by the army. So when you moved in together, you thought it would be perfect but you had bills to pay, you both had nothing figured out. And it didn't help that you were both making just over minimum wage. But when it was hard to take, this is what you thought about.

“Do you remember, we were sitting there by the water? You put your arm around me for the first time. You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter. You are the best thing that's ever been mine” you spoke to the picture, looking at Finn, remembering a new memory “and do you remember all the city lights on the water? You said you saw me start to believe for the first time. just remember you made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter. You are the best thing that's ever been mine, Finn.”

And you remember that fight, 2:30am, you could almost see it in front of you. You sat up and looked in regret. Regretting everything you said as everything was slipping right out of our hands. So you didn't say anything you'd later regret, you ran out crying, and he followed you out into the street.

You slowly walked over to the window and pictured the end of the fight. You remember, you braced yourself for the goodbye, cause its all you've ever known. Then he took you by surprise. He said “I'll never leave you alone”. A smile formed on your face as you started crying more. He said “I remember how we felt sitting by the water and everytime I look at you, it's like the first time. I fell in love with a careless man's careful daughter. She is the best thing that's ever been mine.”

You started crying more and lent against the window frame. Every memory hit you like a wall. “Hold on and make it last. Hold on never turn back” his voice echoed through the house. You turned around and saw Finn's old flannel. Carefully, you sprinted over to it, and picked it up. Holding it closely to your chest. “You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter” you cried “you are the best thing that's ever been mine”

“Do you believe it?” Finn's voice echoed, it's what he said before you went on stage to sing we are the champions before graduating. “We're gonna make it now!” And you can see it. You can see it now.

if you want to support this account; please like and follow, maybe even repost and go look on my AO3 and Wattpad - both under the name teen_antisocial. and if you're feeling up to it, please buy me a coffee but please don't feel pressured to.

MASTERLIST

SPEAK NOW MASTERLIST

[kittynomsdeplume]

Writer Tag Game

Thanks for the tag @morganlefaye79 and @thedastrash.

Do you write in order?

For one-shots, I usually do. Beyond quickly noting down one or two sentences that might have already formed as I was thinking about a concept/prompt.

I hate it though, this compulsion I have to write linearly and I've been working to try and break the habit. To allow myself to skip over parts i'm having trouble with and come back to them later.

For multi-chapters fics though, I might have random bits and pieces in each chapter written if there is a set piece that I know is going specifically into that chapter.

Do you start with something in particular?

The beginning!

Generally when I'm starting, I might only have a vague idea of what the overall piece is going to be. I might know the beats I want to hit, but not exactly how I'm going to depict them.

Sometimes I might have just a very vivid moment, something I want to show, or even some lines of dialogue that the whole piece evolves from, so they might get put down first, but then I need to go back and think, well, how did they get here? And that's usually the point where the seeds are lain for a very simple concept to blow out into a 10K word fic 😑

How fully formed does your writing come out on the first try?

I would say it's fairly well formed. Another bad habit I have, where I struggle to move on if each sentence doesn't sound quite right. Eventually I get frustrated enough to carry on, usually. I am getting better at just letting go and keeping the momentum going, but it's ridiculous how easily I fall into old habits.

I'm always annoyed at myself too when I realise I've been sitting agonising over something for thirty minutes, and every time I'm like, 'Oh, you should just move on!'. It always seems like this novel thought too, like I've never considered the possibility before.

I feel like all the sensible things I've learned over years of writing, just completely disappear from my head when I'm deep in the midst of writing.

How many drafts do you go through?

Pssh, I really have no idea. I have a tendency (and it's probably a bad one), to write a bunch of stuff and then come up for air. At that point, I sit back, go back to the start and read everything over, editing it as I go.

I also do this frequently when I'm really stumped and can't figure out how to move the story forward.

So depending on the length of the story, and how much trouble I had getting it all down, I might have been over it five times, or fifty times before its done.

The one benefit to this though is that, when I am finishing up the end, or the last tricky passage that I was struggling with, I know that the rest of the fic is probably pretty solid by that point. It's a nice relief to know that I can just publish the story and finally forget about it 😆

Tell me about your process?

Pretty simple to be honest. Have obsessive thought - furiously type obsessive thought into document. Then spend days, or a month in abject agony, trying to build a coherent narrative around that thought.

Sometimes I'll be reading shit posts from fandoms I don't even know anything about, and I'll have a thought like, 'Oh that's such a blorbo vibe.'

Truly though, so many of my fics begin with a thought like, 'Wouldn't it be funny...' and I imagine some truly bonkers, crack nonsense. So then I start writing it, cackling with glee, and somewhere along the way I think, 'Wouldn't this be better if they were suffering?'.

I also spend an absurd and probably unnecessary amount of time researching all manner of things. Again, I'm always annoyed with myself at the end of this process too, because its hours and hours of deep-diving on some topic, which ends up being like three words in the final fic 😅 Or even worse, all that time spent and then I go, 'Ahhh, ya know, I changed my mind, I'm not even gonna mention this particular thing in any event.'

No-one really needs to know the type of flora that grows at a specific altitude, in mountainous regions, during a certain period of the year and in a particular hemisphere/geographic location - IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR SMUT FIC KITTY! 🫣

Researching other people OC's however, is never a waste of time. I need to absorb their essence before I can even contemplate writing them. Otherwise I just get extreme anxiety and can't write anything at all.

As to the nitty gritty, I am 100% a pantser. I don't really do outlines or anything. I have the concept in my head and I just sit down and start writing it. The only notes I would make are if there is very specific plot points, or details I need to remember. Say like the age of a character, or the time of year its set, or something significant about a location etc. Sometimes, dialogue for a later scene has formed perfectly in my head and I don't want to risk forgetting exactly how it went, so that gets noted down.

Beyond that, I don't always know exactly how a story is going to play out, I just feel it out as I go.

I actually sat down and outlined a whole long-fic once, and by the time I was done, I no longer had any compulsion to write it. Knowing what was going to happen sort of robbed me of the excitement of discovery so... I try to avoid over-planning fics now because I don't want that to happen again 😅

Tagging: @sidhelives | @charlatron | @noire-pandora | @rosella-writes | @dreadfutures | @isk4649 | @queenaeducan | @cleverblackcat | @pikapeppa | @charmcity-jess

[thinkingfandoms]

My opinion abt Glee main cast

Rachel I really couldn't stand her from the beginning: I understand that her character has her own "depth" and I love her friendship with Kurt but she’s a spoiled little girl who steps over her friends just to get to the top. Her voice is beautiful, undoubtedly, but it gets boring by the 10th song you hear.

Finn I never realized how much I liked him until he died. Looking back you see how important he actually was to the club and to the series. He did some mischief and I still don't understand how he put up with Rachel, but he's adorable. His brotherhood with Kurt was beautiful. Interesting voice but nothing great, although some of his songs are iconic.

Mercedes She's the queen. Probably one of the few characters I just love. She has been a good friend to everyone, and personally a good girlfriend to Sam. If you talk about her voice obv it's in top 5, it's just divine. She deserves all her popularity.

Artie My favorite little guy- you don't understand how much I love him. He never gave up and found something he really wants to do and for that I'm so proud of him. His voice is super underrated.

Kurt Seeing him grow up and go from "the bullied gay guy" to being a Broadway star ALSO because he's gay makes me super proud. I don't talk about his relationship with Blaine just bc I would never finish. He's a total fashion icon. His voice? I fell in love with it from his first audition and it's my second favorite.

Tina Uhuh I don't know honestly. She has changed so much during the series that I'm not even sure who she's anymore. She's not a bad character, her voice is nice, but not iconic.

Quinn As it should be, I hated her in the beginning. Sometimes she did crazy things while other times she was super nice and kind. In the end I liked her growth. Nice voice, but not so much above Tina's.

Brittany I love her immensely. Although I'm still very confused about her sex and love life, I knew from the start she would end up with Santana eventually. I love those two lesbians. Hands down one of the best dancers in the series. I was hoping they would show more of her dancing.

Santana What I like most about her is that she's consistent with herself. She's bitchy from start to finish, but at the same time she manages to maintain a kinder side. Let's face it: without her Rachel would not have survived NY. Hers is another unique voice; every one of her songs is top 50.

Mike Despite being a main character I always forget about his existence help- Character growth is almost nonexistent(?) Neither good nor bad. Best dancer ever.

Puck Love of my life. I've loved this idiot from the beginning bc I've always known he had a heart of gold. He deserves someone who really loves him (no hate for Quinn). I've never been able to get used to his voice, but I have to admit that some of his songs are wonderful.

Blaine He is my protégé. If I hear even one negative thing about him I might kill someone. He has been traumatized as much as Kurt and that is why I love how he takes him under his own care even before really falling in love with him. He has a heart of gold and deserves the best. Obv his voice is my absolute favorite, did it need to be said? All his songs are iconic.

Sam I really liked when in s4 started to being more important, he is a good character. I like how he's always in the clouds but still manages to be serious if he wants to be. His friendship with Blaine is too good, definitely a shame they didn't get engaged at least once. Nothing to say about his voice.

Will Great professor undoubtedly, but sometimes I wanted to punch him so hard. His relationship with Emma is super sweet, but it got heavy at one point. I like how he took Finn under his wing. His voice? Thank you but no.

Sue At first she irritated me so much, but I realized almost immediately that she was a good person. She only disliked Will, and I don't blame her. She did a lot as a character (like getting Klaine back together) and is the best rival the club could have.

Rory Special mention for the most underrated voice in the series. And also for the most underrated character. He deserved so much more screen time. His cover of Home is one of my favorites.

[knybits]

A Murder of One

Chapter:

25

Summary:

Revenge (You've all been waiting for this)

Previous Chapter | Origin | Next Chapter

Tanjirou doesn’t stir for a whole week. 

Akiko isn’t surprised, and she’s honestly used to this by now. No offense to the love of her life, but she has other things that are in dire need of her attention. 

For starters, Nezuko. 

Akiko has taken blood samples and sent them to Tamayo, with a vial for herself to study, and she’s done as normal of a physical that can be done on a demon. 

Nezuko’s speech pattern is odd in that she’s basically a parrot, like the one Akiko got to see at a zoo in Europe. And Akiko doesn’t appreciate how Inosuke just toys with her. 

“Inosuke, no bad words please.” Akiko sighs as she continues to write some notes down on Nezuko, but the boar man continues to do as he pleases. 

“Akiko! There you are!” A familiar voice greets, and Akiko is met with the Forest Pillar. Her little sister Ayame isn’t with her, which can only mean that Aoi is taking care of her because a Pillar meeting is being called. 

“Don’t forget me!!” Miyuki pops her head in from the door, then quickly makes a beeline to Nezuko. 

Akiko raises a brow, “My crow didn’t inform me about a Pillar meeting, so I’m assuming I’m not invited?” 

Chiyo waves her off, “No you’re definitely invited, we just wanted to come and get you!” 

“Yeah! What were the Upper Moons like? I’m here for the inside scoop.” Miyuki then shuffles closer to Akiko with glee as the physician leaves her desk. 

She can see Goto and a couple kakushi itching to leave by the entrance, so she promises to provide as much detail as she can. Though there isn’t much for her to say, since she didn’t actually fight the Upper Moons.

With all the catching up the girls have to do, the journey to the Ubayashiki estate feels shorter. Everyone has already gathered upon their arrival. 

Sanemi gives Akiko a glare, and she still doesn’t know why he dislikes her so much. But Miyuki cuts in to immediately start her bickering with him, and they both take a seat next to each other. 

Akiko would sit with Chiyo, but that requires sitting near Giyuu, so she opts to sit in between the only Pillars that like her: Shinobu and Kanroji. 

The meeting commences when Amane walks in with two of her daughters, but motions for Akiko to stay when giving the news that Oyakata is too weak to attend the meeting himself. 

As the meeting drones on, Akiko zones out. A bad habit, and quite rude, she knows, but she can’t help not paying attention when she was already at the event that they’re discussing. 

It’s only when her name is called (and thank the gods she snapped into reality when her name was called the first time) that she pays attention. 

“Would you care to weigh in on the mark requirements?” Amane’s voice is soft, but there’s a good foundation to it. 

Akiko nods, “The Mist and Love Pillar had abnormally high temperatures, 39 degrees Celsius and above. With heart rates of around 200 beats per minute. These are the only conditions that coincide with Tanjirou’s mark conditions back at the Red Light District,” she concludes. 

“Wish we got all of that before Kanroji started with her nonsense,” Sanemi grumbles, and Obanai makes a move to put him back in his place. 

“Sanemi.” A stern word from Miyuki. 

He grunts, moving on, “Well it sounds simple enough.” 

“Simpleton,” Giyuu states, and a fight almost starts between the two. 

The meeting adjourns shortly after, Amane leaving for the Pillars to discuss among themselves. Akiko decides to leave too, as it’s not her place to discuss Pillar things when she’s not a Pillar. 

She waves the few friends she has amongst the Pillars goodbye, then leaves with a kakushi to go back to the Butterfly Estate. Upon her arrival, she sees Zenitsu has come back from his mission. He seems unharmed, but asks for Inosuke’s whereabouts. 

“Why do you need to know?” 

“Welcome back, Inosuke!” Nezuko says to Akiko, and the pieces click in her head. 

“If I tell you, I’m creating more work for myself,” Akiko mumbles to herself, batting Zenitsu’s hand away when he tries to grab onto the hems of her hakama in a desperate plea. Akiko quickly makes her way to the medical ward, her eyes lighting up upon the sight of her awakened fiance. 

“Akiko! You’re back!” Tanjirou pulls her close from his bedside, giving her a gentle kiss to her forehead. His new katana is by his bedside, and Akiko blushes when she notices that Haganezuka and Goto are still in the room. 

She bows her head to the two, “Sorry, I didn’t know we were with company.” 

“If you guys are like this all the time, I want a different room…” Genya groans in the bed next to Tanjirou, effectively shutting Akiko up with a fierce blush as Tanjirou laughs out an apology. 

“She’s been worried about me for a week, so we’re not always like this!” 

“Lies,” Goto comments, and Akiko shoots him a glare. 

Akiko doesn’t have to tell Zenitsu where Inosuke is though, because with the amount of sound Inosuke creates while crashing through the window and yelling, Zenitsu is sure to hear him on his own. 

“STRONGER! STRONGER! STRONGER!!!! WE’RE GONNA HAVE A SUPER HARD TRAINING SESSION NOW!!” 

It’s at that moment that Akiko’s crow flies in through the massive hole in the wall, landing on Tanjirou’s shoulder to give her some space. There’s a letter tied to its leg, and Tanjirou carefully unwinds it before handing it to Akiko. 

Instead of listening to Inosuke’s crazy rambling, Akiko reads the contents of the letter out loud. About how there is now a “Pillar Training Session” that will commence for demon slayers, and they must report to Uzui Tengen’s estate for their first bout of training before moving on to the next Pillar, the Mist Pillar. 

When Akiko reaches the contents pertaining to herself, she reads it over in her head. She’s to head to the Ubuyashiki estate and meet with Shinobu and Tamayo, where they will work together to create something to cure Nezuko and defeat Muzan. But she’ll also be on call to help treat the demon slayers that get beat into particularly bad shape during the training. 

When Goto makes a move to take her to the estate, she lifts her hand and stops him. 

“There’s something Tanjirou and I have to take care of before this.” 

—-

Tanjirou is scared shitless of his fiancee. 

Tanjirou can’t really remember a time where he was ever truly afraid of Akiko. Maybe afraid for her, but never of his fiancee. 

“Hello grandmother. I hope your health has been its absolute worst.” 

Yeah, Tanjirou is shaking in his spot right now. He’s sitting seiza style next to Akiko, head bowed in a respectful greeting. But Akiko's look of hate is seething enough to burn the house down. 

Higuchi pays no mind, sipping her tea in disinterest. She had request that Akiko take some time to reconsider her request to revoke her family name. So far, things aren’t looking too good for Higuchi. But if Akiko leaves the family, there will be no one else to continue the bloodline. And Higuchi can’t have that.

But surely there’s no way Akiko will actually follow through with her threat. 

Because sure, Akiko is abrasive and thinks with her heart and not her head, but she’s also a spoiled rotten little girl that can’t bear the harsh reality of the outside world. Without the family’s money or title, she’s just a mess waiting to explode. 

“Of course you’re as rude as ever to your grandmother. I don’t know who you take after the most. Your mother or your father-“ 

“Don’t you dare bring them into this.” Akiko slams her cup of tea down onto the tatami mat, scalding tea water splashing over her hand. Tanjirou holds it quickly to help ease her pain, but she doesn’t seem to notice the pink patches nor how her hand shakes even in Tanjirou’s hold. 

Higuchi sighs in disappointment before waving her hand in dismissal, “Well? What did you come here for now? An apology? Money?” 

“I’m here to revoke myself for this household.” 

Akiko’s eyes do not waver. They bore into Higuchi’s own soul, and the elder shifts a miniscule amount in discomfort. This does not go unnoticed by our protagonist, so she pushes forward. 

“Remove my name off the family register. Burn all remnants of me. Pretend I never existed. I don’t care. This will be the last time you see me.” 

“Hah! And where will you go? You good for nothing brat, you better choose your next words carefully.” Higuchi sneers scornfully, but it’s Tanjirou that steps up.

“Respectfully, she will be a Kamado, grandmother. Akiko and I will marry, just as we have always planned. Just as it was written from the day of our births. She will be my wife, and I will care for and love her as I always have. And I will do so with or without your blessing.” 

Ah, now Akiko can feel Tanjirou’s hand. She squeezes it back lightly, and Tanjirou squeezes her hand back as well. 

Her eyes shift slowly to the burning hearth that separates the two parties. In it, she can see bits and pieces of paper that was spared, and her smile eerily grows with each passing moment Higuchi takes to think over the two’s words. 

“You know grandmother, I’ve always loathed this house. Just because the shogun favored our family decades ago and granted us this estate, you hold your head so high it floats in the clouds.” Higuchi stares at her (I suppose once) granddaughter, having not played her own move in this war. But Akiko continues. 

Because all is fair in love and war.

“I would leave this house now if I were you. I’ve always seen it in my dreams, burning and taking every ounce of dignity and respect away with the flames.” 

“My love, what are you-“ 

It happens so fast that neither Tanjirou nor Higuchi could stop her. 

Akiko leaps forward, grabbing the fire poker before flinging as much burning coal towards the paper shoji doors. They light almost instantly, and Higuchi stares in absolute horror as her title begins to burn to the ground. 

Just as Akiko is about to grab even more coal, Tanjirou lifts her by the waist, begging her to stop. Akiko doesn’t even fight back, instead looking at her grandmother with a sickening smile on her face. 

“I wish you the absolute worst health. That you breathe in this smoke and feel the way I have felt every moment I am in this house. That this fire will burn all remnants of me, just as you had done to Tanjirou’s letters for me. You should have left Tanjirou and I alone. This is all your doing.” 

Higuchi doesn’t protest when Tanjirou grabs her as well, hoisting the two women over his shoulder and rushing out the estate. Household staff are rushing around, yelling of the fire and doing their best to tame the flames. 

But it’s not enough. The house catches so quickly it’s as if it was waiting to burn to the ground. Or maybe Akiko’s burning will is what expedited the flames.

Tanjirou is able to bring the two outside, and Goto and another kakushi are standing in shock by the front gate. Their eyes are wide and if their mouths weren’t covered then Tanjirou would have seen them gaping wide open. 

This isn’t what they signed up for when Akiko requested they take her to her home estate. 

Even Higuchi can do nothing but watch. Her staff start running out when they realize that nothing can be done, and the townspeople slowly start to gather. 

In Akiko’s eyes, Tanjirou can only see pure joy. They reflect the strong flames, glittering and glistening and despite the strong smell of soot eminanting around them, Tanjirou can smell the wave of relief that washes over his fiancee. 

Tanjirou is scared shitless of his fiancee. 

she a lil cray cray