#i was going somewhere with this but landed... here

[rootedinrevisions]

Since Forever

SUMMARY: After a harrowing near-death experience in the sky when a routine training exercise goes wrong, you and Jake are forced to confront the unspoken tension that's always simmered between you. With a crash landing and a moment that changes everything, the line between squadmates and something more begins to blur.

A/N: Thank you to the person who sent this request in! I'm sorry it's been like 3 weeks since you sent it in, but hopefully, it's worth the wait! Hope you enjoy it! xx

WARNINGS: Angst, Mutual Pining, Plane Crash (Smoke, Impact, Head Injury, Blood), Cussing

WORD COUNT: 3.6k

TAG LIST: IN COMMENTS

If you would like to be added to any of my Tag Lists please feel free to comment, send an ask, or send a DM and I'll be happy to get you added! Below are the fandoms I currently write for.

Glen Powell: Himself (RPF), Characters He's Played

Twisters: Tyler Owens, Boone, Scott, Javi

Top Gun: Maverick: Rooster, Hangman, Bob

Marvel/MCU: Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers

WWE/Wrestling: Cody Rhodes, Corey Graves, Damian Priest, Drew McIntyre, Finn Balor, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Kevin Owens, L.A. Knight, Pat McAfee, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins (if there is someone you're thinking of from WWE and they aren't on the list feel free to ask! There are so many guys on the roster that these were the ones that came to mind.)

The dry California air carried the hum of activity on the tarmac, the heat shimmering in waves off the asphalt as you stood in your flight suit, clipboard in hand. The roar of jets echoed in the background, a familiar symphony you’d grown accustomed to over the years. North Island was as bustling as ever, a mix of old faces and new ones prepping for the upcoming training exercises.

You were focused on your pre-flight checks, meticulously going over every detail on your clipboard. Attention to detail had always been your strong suit, something that had earned you respect in the cockpit and plenty of snide comments from one particular squad mate.

“Still babysitting that clipboard, Ace?”

You didn’t have to look up to know who it was. Jake “Hangman” Seresin’s voice was unmistakable—smooth, cocky, and always laced with that infuriating Texan drawl.

“Still babysitting your ego, Bagman?” you shot back without missing a beat, your eyes remaining on your checklist.

From the corner of your eye, you saw him saunter closer, his helmet tucked under one arm, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. Jake had a way of walking that oozed confidence, like he owned every space he entered. It was both maddening and, if you were honest with yourself, slightly impressive.

“Touché,” he drawled, stopping a few feet away. “But seriously, Ace, you’ve been doing this long enough to know the damn thing’s not going to sprout wings and fly off without you.”

You finally glanced up, arching a brow at him. “Says the guy who spent fifteen minutes arguing with the crew chief yesterday about the ‘perfect’ alignment of his seat harness.”

“That’s called being thorough,” Jake replied, unfazed. “You should try it sometime.”

You rolled your eyes, turning your attention back to your jet. “Is there something you actually need, or are you just here to be a pain in my ass?”

Jake’s grin widened. “Can’t a guy check in on his favorite squad mate?”

“Favorite?” you echoed, snorting. “You must be losing your touch, Hangman. Last time I checked, I was the one gunning for top marks on this run.”

“That’s what makes you my favorite,” he said smoothly, his tone dropping just enough to make your stomach do a small, unwelcome flip.

You hated how he could do that—how he could make the simplest comment sound like it was loaded with a thousand unspoken things. It was part of the tension that had simmered between you two for years, a strange, undefined thing neither of you had ever acknowledged out loud.

“Well, don’t get too comfortable,” you replied, setting your clipboard down. “I’ve got a jet to fly, and you’ve got an ego to stroke somewhere else.”

Jake tilted his head, his green eyes glinting with amusement. “Careful, Ace. One of these days, that sharp tongue of yours is gonna get you in trouble.”

You stepped closer, narrowing your eyes at him as you adjusted the strap on your helmet. “And one of these days, Seresin, you’re going to realize that not everyone is impressed by your southern charm.”

For a moment, neither of you moved. It was like a standoff, the air crackling with the kind of tension that was all too familiar between the two of you. Then Jake stepped back, a soft chuckle escaping him as he raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Fair enough,” he said, his grin still firmly in place. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He turned and started walking toward his jet, his gait as cocky as ever. You shook your head, exhaling slowly as you tried to refocus on the task at hand.

Damn him.

Even now, years after you’d first met, Jake Seresin still had the ability to get under your skin in a way no one else could. And despite the irritation bubbling in your chest, you couldn’t entirely shake the small, secret part of you that liked it.

* * * *

The sky was a perfect blue—no clouds, just an endless expanse stretching out in front of you. It was supposed to be a simple exercise, just another day in the air, but your instincts had been nagging at you all morning. Something felt off.

You were flying at full throttle, running through the mission parameters, your fingers lightly grazing the controls as you focused on the task at hand. In the distance, you could see Jake’s jet—smooth and precise, cutting through the air just like always. You kept your distance, the tension between you two still palpable, even miles above the earth.

Then, without warning, the engine sputtered.

"Shit," you muttered under your breath, eyes flicking to the gauges. The warning lights blinked red, and your stomach dropped like a stone. The engine—your primary engine—locked up.

“Ace, you copy?” The crackling voice of your Captain came through your comms, sharp and urgent. “What’s your status?”

You took a steadying breath, trying to keep your pulse under control. The jet was starting to lose altitude, slowly at first, but it wasn’t going to be slow for long.

“Engine’s locked,” you said, voice tight. You glanced down at your instruments again, hoping for a miracle. “I’m losing power. Going down.”

 Jake’s voice exploded through your earpiece. “Don’t do anything stupid, Ace. You hear me? Eject if you have to!”

The words felt like a slap in the face. He was always the first one to play the hero, always telling you what to do like you were some rookie.

“Don’t tell me what to do, Seresin,” you snapped, teeth gritting as you struggled to maintain control. You banked hard to the left, trying to level out, but the jet was sluggish—too sluggish. It was dropping faster now, and the ground was coming up at you way too quickly. “I’m not ejecting.”

“I said—” Jake’s voice broke through again, but you could already hear the Captain cutting him off.

“Ace, listen to me. You have two options right now,” the Captain said, his tone firm, no room for negotiation. “Eject, or try to bring her in. But you don’t have much altitude left.”

You had a split second to make a choice. The sky was shrinking, the earth creeping closer with every heartbeat. Your mind raced—ejecting would be easy, sure. But it would cost you the plane, and it would mean another mission down the drain. And there was always that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you had to rely on someone else to pull you from the wreckage.

You focused, blocking out the voices in your comms, focusing on the controls, on what you could do.

You had one good engine. It wasn’t ideal, but you had just enough altitude to make a hard landing. If you timed it right.

“I’m landing this bird,” you said, your voice steely with determination. You could feel the sweat building under your helmet, your pulse pounding in your ears, but your hands were steady. “I’ve got this.”

“Ace!” Jake’s voice came again, a mix of frustration and panic threading through his words. “You don’t have the altitude—”

“Shut up, Seresin,” you cut him off, your jaw clenched as you took a deep breath. The ground was closing in fast now, the harsh reality of the situation crashing over you. You had seconds to decide how you were going to do this. You could almost hear your heartbeat in your throat as you worked the throttle, pushing the remaining engine to its limits.

“Ace, eject now!” Jake was practically shouting now, but you didn’t have the time to argue. You were already lining up the rough terrain, calculating the risks in your head. You’d done it before—this was just another challenge to overcome. “If you crash—”

“I said I’ve got this!” you growled, pushing the throttle forward and making a last-ditch effort to pull the jet back into some semblance of control.

The sound of the engine was sickening now, almost wheezing, but it was still holding on. You could feel the nose of the plane dip, and you knew it was time. There was no turning back now.

You aimed for the small strip of flat ground, mentally calculating the distance between you and the crash site, praying to every deity that you could pull this off.

The jet dropped faster.

Your stomach lurched.

You could hear the voices of your team—your Captain—fading in the background, their instructions turning into static. All you could hear now was the roar of the engine, your breath, and the sound of your own heart pounding in your ears.

And then the wheels hit the earth. It was harder than you expected. The jet groaned under the strain, the fuselage screeching as you fought for control. The wheels bounced once, twice, and the jet jerked to the side as you fought the controls with everything you had left. The impact was brutal. You slammed into the seat, the world going black for a split second before your mind jolted back into reality.

Your head throbbed, a sharp pain searing behind your eyes. You blinked rapidly, trying to focus, but everything felt off. Dizzy. The pain was sharp, but you couldn’t focus on it now.

Your hands still gripped the controls like you were trying to hold the whole world together. You could feel the tension in your neck, the tremor in your hands.

And then, the voice you hadn’t realized you were waiting for came through your comms, strained and desperate:

“Ace, talk to me. Are you okay?”

You were silent for a moment, trying to find your bearings. The crash had knocked the wind out of you, but you had to focus. You had to focus.

“I’m... fine,” you gritted out. Your vision was blurry, your head swimming, but you needed to keep it together. “I just need to—”

The world went black for a few moments. The crash had been rough, everything moving too fast, and then you were suddenly weightless, disoriented, and struggling to remember how you had even ended up in this situation. The impact had jarred you, rattling your body so hard you weren’t sure which way was up. The cockpit was filled with smoke, the once-pristine view of the sky now replaced by the harsh, metallic scent of burning fuel.

You could hear the sounds of the control tower in your headset, distant voices now muffled and indistinct. Your head throbbed, dizziness clouding your thoughts. Something was wrong—you were wrong—but the panic started to subside as your mind tried to latch onto something, anything familiar.

The sound of a plane's engines revving pierced the air, and that was when you realized you weren’t alone anymore. Jake's voice cut through the haze.

"Stay with me, Ace, I’m almost there" he barked, his tone uncharacteristically sharp, the usual cocky bravado gone. His voice was full of urgency, tight with a level of fear you hadn’t expected to hear.

You managed to open your eyes, the world around you spinning, but through the haze, you saw his plane descending in the distance—he was landing, landing without permission. Your heart skipped a beat, knowing he was disregarding protocol to get to you.

Within seconds, Jake's jet was on the ground, its wheels screeching as it touched down, and he was already sprinting toward you. There was no waiting for rescue teams, no giving orders. It was just him, and you.

Your chest was tight, your breath shallow, and for a brief moment, you wondered if it was all just a nightmare. Then, through the haze of your spinning mind, Jake’s face appeared—his eyes wide, his expression frantic as he reached the wreckage.

Without hesitation, he pulled open the hatch, the cockpit door groaning under the force. He didn’t hesitate, didn’t waste a second. He carefully pulled your helmet off of you. His eyes moving to the blood that was caused from the impact. His hands then started working to undo your harness, fingers shaking as he snapped the straps free, pulling you into his arms before you could even comprehend what was happening.

His breath was frantic, like he was holding it in, waiting for some kind of confirmation that you were really there. That you were still alive. And in that moment, as his arms wrapped around you, pulling you into his chest, the world started to stabilize. Your breath came in shaky gasps, your head pounding as the dizziness slowly began to fade.

You blinked a few times, trying to clear the fog from your brain. The weight of your body felt heavier than normal, your limbs still stiff from the crash. But it wasn’t just your body that felt like it was slowing down—it was your mind. Everything was racing too fast, the adrenaline still pushing you into action, but in Jake’s arms, there was a moment of stillness. A second where nothing mattered but the fact that you were safe.

"Don’t you ever do that again," Jake muttered, his voice trembling despite the tough exterior he always wore. His words hit you harder than any of the physical pain, and you felt a strange, overwhelming wave of emotion rush through you. It was as though all the walls you’d both built over the years had crumbled with one unspoken truth. Jake was scared, and in this moment, it wasn’t about flying, or missions, or protocols. It was about you.

You barely registered that you were leaning into him, your chest falling against his as you came back to yourself, your body reacting without thinking, your mind still spinning. His hands were gently running over your back, soothing you, grounding you, even though you could feel the anxiety still vibrating through him.

“J-Jake,” you stuttered.

"I'm here. I’ve got you." His words were a soft mantra, repeated over and over as if he needed to hear them as much as you did.

You shook your head, trying to clear the fog. 

“I... I’m fine,” you said, your voice shaky as you pulled away slightly, lifting your head from his chest. But the moment you tried to step back, you felt his arms tighten, keeping you close. The intensity in his gaze was enough to make you stop moving entirely.

“No, you’re not fine,” he shot back, his voice low but full of conviction. His hands still rested on your back, holding you steady, like he wasn’t going to let go anytime soon. He wasn’t just holding you. He was holding you like he was terrified of losing you.  “You scared the hell out of me, Ace.”

You swallowed, feeling a weight in your chest you hadn’t been prepared for. The vulnerability in his words was jarring. He had never let his guard down like this before. But there it was—raw, unfiltered concern.

The words stuck in your throat, but somehow you found yourself meeting his gaze, feeling the space between you two close, the tension palpable. 

"Since when did you ever care about me like that?" The question slipped out before you could stop it, more of a breathless thought than anything.

Jake froze, his hand still on your arm as he stared at you, his jaw tight, eyes searching yours. For a moment, the world felt suspended in that one breath between you two. He didn’t back away. Instead, his face softened, his expression caught between frustration and something deeper, something he wasn’t saying.

“Since fucking forever, you idiot,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion, almost a growl.

Jake stepped closer, his hand slipping from your arm to the back of your neck, his thumb brushing the skin there in a rare, intimate gesture. The contact sent a jolt through you, and suddenly, nothing about this situation felt like just another close call. This felt like something else entirely. Something you couldn’t ignore any longer.

“I thought I was gonna lose you today,” Jake murmured, his voice low, steady now but still thick with emotion. His forehead rested against yours, his breath mingling with yours. “I can’t lose you, Ace. I don’t think I’d make it.”

The weight of his words landed heavily in your chest. The truth between you two was finally out, raw and real. You swallowed, trying to hold back the lump in your throat.

“I’m not going anywhere, Jake,” you whispered, your voice hoarse. “Not without you.”

Jake sighed and then asked you again, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you said, your voice softer now. You still felt the ache in your head, the sharp sting in your chest, but it wasn’t nearly as important as the way Jake was looking at you now.

His hands slid down your back, lingering for a moment longer than necessary. You could see his jaw clench, the words stuck somewhere between his teeth, and then he shook his head.

“Are you? You sure as hell didn’t look fine in that damn cockpit,” he muttered, his voice low and tight. “You could’ve—You’re the closest thing I’ve got to family out here, Ace," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "I... I don’t know what I’d do without you." His words were a stark contrast to the cocky bravado he usually carried. This was real, and it was raw. "You don’t get to put me through that again, got it?"

You swallowed hard, your heart beating so fast it felt like it might explode in your chest. All the tension, all the unspoken things that had hung between you two for years, were now laid bare in the open. There was no hiding anymore. No pretending like you didn’t feel it, too.

“Jake…” you started, but the words wouldn’t come. 

Instead, you pulled him down into a kiss—soft at first, tentative, but it was as if something broke open between you. You felt the fear, the relief, the longing all tangled up in that moment. His lips moved against yours, a little desperate, a little shaky, but it was real.

When you pulled away, you were both breathing heavy, eyes still locked, both of you trying to process what had just happened.

“I don’t know what this is, Jake,” you whispered, your voice trembling just slightly.

“I don’t either,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair as if trying to pull himself together.

The words hung between you two, thick with meaning. You didn’t know what was going to happen next, but for the first time in a long while, it felt like maybe you didn’t need to figure it out all at once.

You both stayed there, in the middle of the wreckage, still alive, still here—and for the first time in a long time, that was enough.

But then, all too soon, reality crashes back in.

A voice from outside the cockpit, sharp and professional, cuts through the intimacy of the moment like a splash of cold water.

“Hangman! Ace!” The search and rescue team has arrived, and the urgency in their voice snaps Jake out of his daze. “We need to get them out of there, now. Base is requesting immediate transport.”

Jake pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against yours as he takes a deep breath, like he’s trying to steady himself. His hand still lingers on your waist, the warmth of it grounding you, but his eyes betray a hesitation—reluctance to let go of the moment.

“Come on, let’s get you out of here, Ace,” he mutters under his breath, almost to himself as much as to you.

You nod, feeling your heart hammering again, but for a different reason now. His gaze softens, and there’s a flash of something unspoken between you—a promise, maybe. You can’t quite find the words for it, but you feel it deep in your bones.

The medics are waiting outside, and with one final, reluctant glance at you, Jake starts to lift you away from the cockpit. With his steady presence, and one arm around your waist, he helps you out of the cockpit.

“Easy now,” he murmurs as he guides you down, keeping you close to his chest as if he can’t bear to let you out of his arms just yet. “Take it slow.”

As soon as your feet touch the ground, the search and rescue team rushes to assist you, but Jake doesn't let go immediately. His fingers linger on your arm, his gaze flicking between you and the team as if he’s weighing something—like he’s not quite ready to leave you in someone else’s hands. He hesitates, looking like he wants to say something, but the team is already ushering you toward the waiting helicopter.

“I’m coming with you,” he says, voice firm.

“Jake, you don’t have to—” you start, but he interrupts, his tone brokering no argument.

“No. I’m staying with you.”

The hum of the helicopter’s blades is loud against your ears, but everything else seems muffled as you lie back on the stretcher, still reeling from the crash and the kiss that’s left a strange warmth in your chest. The medics are busy around you, but you can barely focus on them, your mind still racing, spinning from the events of the last few minutes.

The moment Jake climbs in beside you, his presence fills the space. He doesn't hesitate, sitting down next to your stretcher and taking your hand immediately, his fingers curling around yours like it's the only thing tethering him to reality. His face is tight with worry, but the way he holds your hand gives you a strange sense of comfort, something steady amidst the chaos.

The medics move quickly, checking your vitals and assessing your condition, but you can barely register it, your heart still thumping in your chest as the adrenaline from the crash ebbs away, leaving you exhausted. One of the medics starts to remove your flight suit, carefully peeling it off your shoulders to get a better look at any possible injuries, leaving you in nothing but a thin tank top that clings to your skin.

You feel exposed, vulnerable, as the cool air brushes against your skin. It’s an unsettling feeling, but Jake’s hand is still in yours, and when the medic starts to prod at your ribs, you squeeze his hand instinctively, a shiver running down your spine.

“Hey,” Jake murmurs, his voice low and soothing as he leans in closer, his gaze never leaving you. “Focus on me, okay? Look at me.”

His voice is calm, reassuring, and even though you're still reeling, his presence is grounding you, pulling you out of the haze of discomfort and medical poking. His thumb rubs small circles over the back of your hand as the medic continues his examination, but Jake doesn't flinch. He doesn't pull away.

“Just look at me,,” Jake repeats, his voice steady. “You’re fine. I’m here.”

You manage to meet his eyes, and the intensity of his gaze sends a strange warmth flooding through you, cutting through the nervousness. In this moment, it’s just you and him, as if the rest of the world has faded away. You want to say something—tell him that you're okay, that you don’t need all this attention—but the words get lost in your throat.

Instead, you hold onto him tighter, needing him to keep you tethered, to keep you from feeling so exposed and raw.

The medic moves on to checking your head, and you wince at the touch, the sting of pain making you flinch. Jake immediately leans forward, his hand tightening around yours as he shifts closer.

“Easy, Ace,” he murmurs. “You’re okay. Focus on me. That’s it.”

You nod, trying to focus on his words, trying to push the discomfort and the questions swirling in your mind to the back of your head. His presence is like a lifeline. His voice is the one thing that makes you feel like you’re not alone in this. Like you're not just another casualty.

“Once they’re done poking and prodding, we’re going to get you something strong to drink,” Jake says softly, the corner of his mouth quirking into a half-smile as his thumb brushes against your hand once more. “And I’m not talking about water. I’m thinking something a little more... celebratory.”

A part of you wants to laugh, but you're too exhausted, too wired from the whole experience. Still, there's a glimmer of something in Jake’s eyes now, something more than just the mission or the tension between you. There’s something new in his gaze, like a shift, and you feel it too—this unspoken understanding between you both that things are different now.

"You're gonna be the death of me, you know that?" you murmur, your voice hoarse from the adrenaline. "One minute, you're flying like a maniac, and the next, you're talking about taking me out for a drink like it's a... date."

Jake’s grin widens slightly, the kind of smile that only happens when he’s completely unguarded. “I’m thinking it’s more than a date, Ace,” he replies, squeezing your hand again. “Maybe it’s a... celebration. You know, to celebrate you not getting yourself killed.”

His tone is playful, but there’s something real behind it, a tenderness that wasn’t there before. Something that’s been waiting to come to the surface for a long time.

The helicopter ride drags on as the medics continue their work, but Jake stays by your side the entire time, never letting go of your hand, his steady presence like a quiet promise that he’s not going anywhere. His words from earlier echo in your mind, and you realize that, for the first time, you don’t feel alone. Not with him here. Not after everything you’ve been through.

When you finally land back at base, you’re still a little shaky, but the thought of what Jake said—of what he hinted at—keeps you grounded, keeps you looking forward to what comes next, whatever that is.

[razorblade180]

Ekko Location

Ekko:*thousand yard stare*….

Caitlyn:(Should I tell him? No, false hope doesn’t do any good. Especially in this case.) *looks left*

Giant mural of Jinx

Caitlyn:….Ekko?

Ekko:What could you possibly want after everything?

Caitlyn:Hopefully, an olive branch. I have to tell you something but you have to promise to not get your hopes up, or tell Vi. This is something I’m trusting with you specifically.

Ekko:And how in the world did I get such an honor?

Caitlyn:Because if it wasn’t for one act of kindness, I’d be in your shoes right now.

Ekko:…What do you have to tell me?

xxxxxx

One month later. Somewhere across the water, in a nice quaint land known for its view of the ocean and mountains, a cloaked girl bobs her head to music as she roams the back alleys streets without a care in her mind.

Jinx: 🎶Do you ever wanna catch me?Right now I'm feeling ignored. *turns corner*

Jinx:So can you try a little harder? I'm really getting bor-

Ekko:*cloaked* !?….

Jinx:…..(Just when I thought I’ve wrangled all the voices. This is a low blow, me.) *closes eyes* (Just gonna breathe in and-)

Ekko:*grabs her wrist*

Jinx’s eyes immediately shoot open to see him right in front of her. She starts looking back, forth, everywhere; her thoughts trying to rationalize this moment because what do you mean he’s real!?

Jinx:Y- wha- how? How!? Fuck everything else. How?

Ekko:Let’s just say someone offered me a little hope. Honestly it was more like wishful thinking.

Jinx:Ekko, that’s not a “how” at all! You left Zaun to chase wishful thinking? That’s alone is crazy, but not as crazy as you actually finding me! I could’ve gone in any direction and stopped anywhere yet somehow you’re right here searching in the correct city? Gasps Did you put something in me?!

Ekko:What? No! Jinx, we used to spend literal hours talking about all the places we wanted go; the sight ls you wanted to see. Sometimes you rambled so much I never got a word in to say mine!

Jinx:So you’re telling you just remembered all that ramble and started flying to the places I yapped about!? Who the heck remembers stuff like that!?

Ekko:Me!! Since when have I ever forgotten anything!? Especially stuff about you!?

The girl was too stunned to speak. Ekko told no lies and he had a point, however, what the hell? How was she supposed to respond to that? She told absolutely nobody that she was leaving and left no trace, yet somehow wishful thinking from probably the world’s most annoying enforcer and childhood memories was enough for Ekko to find her in a little over a month. Jinx could only squint at him in disbelief. Sure, she could definitely break free of grip and make a break for it, yet this moment only gave her the strength to exhale tiredly before him.

Jinx:Anyone else know?

Ekko:Nope. You think people have time to chase hypotheticals?

Jinx:So you just left??

Ekko:Told them I needed some air. Had to move quickly. You don’t exactly stay in one place for long.

Jinx:…..Alright. Out with it. I know you have some rehearsed lecture and rant you’ve prepared in case you actually somehow weren’t crazy and found m-

Ekko:*hugs her* I can tell at you later.

Jinx:You really just might be crazier than me.

Her entire body relaxed as she finally put her arms around him. Despite all odds, he really was right here. Leave it the Boy Savior to yet again foil her schemes.

Jinx:At this point I should call you Ekko Location or something.

Ekko:I this point, I should put a fucking bell on you.

Jinx:I’d still get away.

Ekko:And I’d find you again.

Jinx:Heh, yeah. *hugs tightly* You would, wouldn’t you?

[colorquest]

~☆~

D: Hey, hey, how much you wanna bet I can jump from the ladder to that chest without getting hurt? D: I'll land on all fours. M: I'm not sure I really want to bet anything on that, D... S: If there's anyone who could do that, it'd be you Debbie. D: Okay both of those answers are useless to me. D: Vilmr can you at least pretend you don't believe I'll make it so I can rub it in your face when I do? V: ... 🔆 D: Vilmr? S: You look deep in thought Vilmr, what's on your mind? V: I am just starting to wonder... V: If maybe we should ask Maja, if we should be streaming this. D: Are you serious. M: Do you mean from a legal standpoint, or...? V: I am thinking more about our karma. V: What if we are attracting bad company, observing this as skeptics? D: Well then you shouldn't have to worry because you're not the one seeing it. V: I can worry for your safety too, you know. S: It's nice of you to worry for us Vilmr, but I think it's alright. D: Yeah a million jillion people have seen eclipses before and ended up okay. D: Probably. D: I mean how else would we be here right now. V: Mmh... V: Maybe...

S: Oh hey, I know we can't tonight, but... S: You know what'd be fun tomorrow night? D: What? S: We should play night tag again! 🔆 S: Since the moon's so new it'll still be extra dark out. S: I know how much you like night tag Vilmr! V: Only if it's not in the woods this time! V: I hate it when Debbie hides in the trees. V: We can never find her! D: Hey okay, nobody ever said it was against the rules. V: Well I want it to be against the rules now. D: Pssh. D: Not my fault I'm super smart and think like, five steps ahead. S: Well, we could fly down somewhere more wide open if Yuan is around tomorrow night? D: Fuuuuuuuck yes, I'd be so down. M: Oh, I don't think I can tomorrow. S: *gasp* S: Oh my gosh right, tomorrow is your first night at the comic shop isn't it? M: Yeah, but I don't mind if you guys go ahead without me! D: Excuses, excuses... D: If you're scared of getting owned just say so. M: You got me, D. M: My job is just an elaborate ploy to avoid losing at tag. S: Well maybe we could save it for another day and go comic shopping instead? :> D: What the heck, are we gonna be shopping for like, hours? D: We could still play night tag, like, we can do both-- OH! D: Ohhhhh, if we do go though, Michael you BETTER remember to bring that hat. M: Haha, of course D.

S: *yawwwwwn* S: Vilmr, you still seem pretty agitated, are you that worried? V: What do you think? D: I'm not even gonna get innnnnnto this anymore! D: Honestly I think it's just so stupid silly. D: If you don't even believe in this stuff for real, what is even your reasoning this time? V: Debbie, just because I do not worship a moon god does not mean I do not believe in bad karma. V: With or without gods, things are always at play in this universe. V: It is not stupid, not to me. V: What happens if it really is a bad omen? V: What if we're doing something really dumb right now? V: Just to say you got to see it? D: Jeez Vilmr, you gave me your cell so you could avoid talking like this! D: I might as well be replaying Maja's voicemail, you two sound so similar. V: You are impossible! M: Vilmr, we're not the only ones watching this livestream.🔆 M: I'm seeing there's at least another fifty on the same page. M: Do you think they're in trouble too? V: Yes, I do. V: I'm really starting to think this stream shouldn't be up in the first place. V: There is a reason why this eclipse is in such a remote part of the planet. V: Think about it. V: The only places this can even be observed at all are either in the middle of the emptiest ocean in the whole world, or on the furthest edge of all of Halvma. V: Nobody even lives there. V: It's almost like nobody's meant to be seeing this one. S: What do you think is going to happen, Vilmr?

V: I! V: I do not know. V: But it feels like something bad. V: The air is biting all around me, I can feel it. S: Vilmr, I don't mean this in any sort of judgemental way or anything, but... S: You tend to say these kinds of things about a lot of things. S: And things usually end up alright. V: Ah, but see you fail to realise, you use the keyword: "usually." V: As in, not always. V: Sometimes, things still go bad. M: ...you do seem to have some pretty impressive foresight from time to time, I have to give it to you. V: Thank you. D: Okay well nothing's gonna stop me from watching this, sorry not sorry. D: If it means I'll die, at least I did it watching something cool, right Samantha? S: ... D: .........Smumantha...... S: Well now I'm nervous! V: And there is good reason for this! D: Well duh, you scared her into feeling that way! D: -_-!!! M: Okay, I know I complimented your foresight just now Vilmr but I really do think it's... a bit of a stretch? M: This time, I mean. M: Like, uh, aside from the fact that this might be legally dubious, D: enough with that already we gettttt it we get it. M: I think we'll be okay. M: It's not like we're actually seeing it in real life, you know? M: It's just a projection of it, after all. S: Oh, I guess that's a good point. D: Literally such a good point, probably the best point you've ever made actually Michael. V: Blughghhhhhh...

D: It's already about to start anyways, huhuhuhUAHAH!!! S: Ahhh no okay I'm still scared! M: It's just a video Samantha, nothing divine about that! V: Maja förlåt miggggggg... D: No turning back now, scaredyturds!

<[Last] || [Next]>

[rita-repulsa-ke]

Reincarnation

"So, reincarnation."

"Yes?"

"How does it work?"

"No idea."

"…What do you mean, no idea?"

"Not my area. People die, then they get reborn. I only handle the first part."

"But I have been other people?"

"Your soul has been other people. You've only ever been yourself."

"So can you tell who my soul has been?"

"Nope."

"Hmm. So when I die and get reincarnated, you won't be able to find me?"

"Oh. No. Wait, did you want me to??"

"…Stop looking at me like that."

"That's very romantic, beloved."

"I was just, I was only curious."

"You won't have to worry about it anyway."

"What? Wait, why?"

"Um. No reason. Nothing. Forget I said that."

"Rioooo."

"…sacred mystery?"

"You cannot say that every time you don't want to answer a question. Real answer, please."

"…Not everyone is reincarnated."

"Now we're getting somewhere. So what happens to them?"

"That actually is a sacred mystery, Ags."

"Fine. Who chooses whether they're reincarnated or not?"

"Same answer."

"Mmhmm. Why do you look so guilty about it? Is that also a sacred mystery?”

"I don't look guilty."

"My sweet, you are a terrible liar. Is it possible that you've got some say in the matter?"

"…maybe…"

"And you don't want me to be reincarnated because you would lose me? Something like that?"

"…are you going to call me creepy?”

“Maybe—wait, does that bother you?”

“Sometimes.”

“Oh! Well, in that case, definitely. I stopped because I thought that one wasn’t landing.”

“…Agatha.”

“You’re over here making choices about my afterlife. I can call you creepy.”

“…does it really bother you?”

“Would it change anything?”

“…”

“Creeeepy.”

“Beloved, can you, for once in your life, pretend you are capable of taking anything seriously?”

“Well, what if I said, with all seriousness, that I wanted to be reincarnated?”

“…don’t say that.”

“So you want me to be serious, but also only say what you want to hear?”

“…Yes?”

“Tell me what happens if I’m not reincarnated, then.”

“I can’t, it’s a—��

“Yeah, yeah. Sacred mystery. Will you be there?”

“Yes.”

“…Good enough, then. I’ll take it—Whoa! Uh, hi, that was fast, did you want somethin—Rio, wait, I like this dress, don’t—“

“AgathaAgathaIloveyou.”

“Right, yes, I’m glad, but let’s calm dow—“

“Love, stop talking.”

Sometime much later

“Never mind. I’ve changed my mind. I want to be reincarnated.”

“…please tell me that is you not taking anything seriously again.”

“Could be.”

“Agatha…”

“An eternity of this, huh? …honestly, sounds pretty nice.”

“…”

“…did you just grow a tree? Just now?”

“I got excited. And I assume you don’t want to…”

“Again?? Noooo, no, I’m good. It’s a beautiful tree.”

“Ags, I really love you.”

“I know.”

“…”

“Heh. Love you.”

“Mm. Forever and ever.”

“…creepy.”

[katieaki]

My ✨ post-apocalyptic Lesbian Cowgirl Mailman choose-your-own adventure✨ has just updated! Read it here for free on my Patreon and vote in the poll! Here is a guide to get you started, the summaries of each part of the story thus far, the complete collected text, and FAQ, all in one place. They have everything you need to know about Lou, her requited-but-complicated love, the religious assassin who just beat the tar out of her, the worst person she's ever met, and the ill-advised journey she is on! There is also a discord where Pony Express readers from all across god's green internet can gather, here!

✨Read the update for free on my patreon & vote on what happens next! ✨Excerpt below the cut. (Spoilery!)

Once, while everyone else was working, Shiho led Lou by the hand to a storage shed that was tucked discreetly behind a natural undulation in the landscape. They were laughing and whispering and watching over their shoulder to make sure no one else saw their escape. Lou watched behind them as Shiho eased the shed door open. She gasped in surprise and shut the door quickly. Before she did, Lou caught a brief, painful glimpse of Artie’s back, ass, and arms, muscles rippling, thrusting into Tsuneko, whose legs were wrapped around her waist. Lou felt like the floor fell out from beneath her, like the split seconds between being thrown from a horse and hitting the ground, stretched out for what seemed like an eternity. The pain was coming, she knew, and all she could do was try to land in a way that would minimize the damage. She stared at the hastily closed shed door in front of her. She thought that there was a strange, high-pitched sound coming from somewhere, a bird crying, maybe, before she realized her ears were ringing. She caught her breath, which she hadn’t known had been knocked out of her, but her next exhale tried to come out as a sob. She tried to cover it with a clearing of her throat.

“Oh gods,” Shiho said. She took Lou’s arm and dragged her away as fast as she could. “Oh my fucking god.”

Lou stumbled along with her. She couldn’t speak– she could hardly think– from the jealousy that had risen to sit heavy, like a stone in her throat.

“I am so embarrassed,” Shiho said. She didn’t seem to notice Lou’s state, wrapped up in her own shock. “Tsuneko is going to fucking kill me.” 

Lou knew, of course, that they’d been having sex. If she let the image come to her in the past, it rocked her with envy like she’d never known, but it was nothing compared to seeing it in real life. She felt like her heart fell through the bottom of her stomach and out her pant leg as Shiho pulled her to the safety of the shadow behind one of the houses.

“I’m so sorry,” she said. Her cheeks were glowing. She took Lou’s hand in hers. Lou felt like there was no blood in her fingertips. “I had no idea.”

“I’m–” Lou said. She couldn’t find her words because all she could think was that it should have been her in there, sweating in the closeness of the room, sweating from the effort and the desperation, crushed under Artie’s weight, her back scraping against the hard-packed dirt floor with every thrust, her legs wrapped around her waist. It should have been her but Artie wouldn’t even allow Lou into her line of sight.

[yoshikoooo]

WIND BREAKER HCS |

Featuring: Kaji ren, Sakura Haruka. Synopsis: You snapped. Similar to how Kaji snaps. Warnings: slight ooc, no established relationship, kinda long, violence ofc, mention of blood, overdose, a lil angst if you squinT.

✩°｡⋆�� 🎧✮Kaji ren✩°｡⋆⸜ 🎧✮

He knows that. after all he have been through that. and still is going through that

Being childhood friends with kaji, he eventually knew that you had a monster inside you too. or maybe much worst than him..

it was one time when you guys were still in pre-school and you snapped at your classmate who was messing with your hair and that resulted to showing that side of you.

and that's where you guys found each other.

although you both have differences.

He uses candies and a headphones to block out the noises to stay human but you? you're a fucking monster who knows how to act sane enough.

you both hated that inhumane side, and with that similarities the both of you got along well.

He did sometimes question how you managed staying sane without any remedy and you simply looked at him blankly.

"Staying sane?" you chuckled softly "You assume I ever was."

and that's where it clicked to him. you were trouble.

you unknowingly met Kaji on the way.

"What are you doing here" the stick of his lollipop shifting between his teeth.

“A friend needed a little help,” you replied. The words felt hollow, you couldn’t bring yourself to explain. “Just wanted to return the favor.”

Your steps halted abruptly, your eyes widening at the sight before you—your friend, crumpled on the ground, surrounded by a group of men. Bruises painted their body in shades of purple and blue, their form barely recognizable.

Your cheerful facade almost cracked, your smile twitching as the weight of rage began to settle. Kaji moved to rush forward, but your hand shot out, gripping his wrist tightly. He glanced at you in surprise, but you didn’t say a word.

You had already lost it.

and he knew.

Within moments, the ground was littered with their groaning forms, some writhing, others motionless. One remained in your grasp, their face battered beyond recognition as your fists continued to rain down mercilessly.

The muffled voices of Kaji echoed faintly in the background, but they never reached you—not truly. you felt a pang somewhere deep within. You’d hit Kaji in the frenzy, hadn’t you? But the thought barely registered, drowned out by the roaring in your ears.

but before you could land another punch, a firm hand caught your wrist mid-air.

and that's where you finally snapped back to reality

“Don’t get in my way, Kaji-kun,” you warned, your voice low and unnervingly calm, a dark smile tugging at your lips.

“Are you an animal…?” his tone steady despite the tension in the air, ignoring your warning entirely.

You tilted your head, meeting his gaze at last. “Well, aren’t we all?” you murmured,

His grip didn’t falter. “You’re better than this, Y/N,” he said simply, his voice soft but unyielding.

His words pierced through the fog, and the strength left your arm. Slowly, his grip loosened, and you let the battered man slip from your grasp, his body crumpling to the ground.

'right.. I'm a human... I'm a human...I'm a human... I'm a human...'

'Am I..?'

You forced an apologetic smile, though it felt hollow. “Sorry… I lost control,” your gaze faltering. Kaji said nothing, the weight of his silence pressing on you.

“I even hurt you…” you added, reaching toward his cheek but stopping short, your hand trembling before you let it fall.

"Don't give me that crap." he started and the lollipop he was crunching at were making sounds. “Get your head on straight.”

He tapped your shoulder lightly, as if to offer some kind of comfort, though the gesture felt awkward coming from him.

The lollipop crunched again as he finished it off, the stick dangling from his mouth. “Now stop standing around like a broken toy. We’ve got stuff to do.”

His words were blunt, but there was something about the way he said them that made you feel less… alone.

you chuckled in defeat.

“You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

ღ¸.🌸´`🌸.¸¸ღSakura Harukaღ¸.🌸´`🌸.¸¸ღ

he met you in the middle of your chaos.

didn't really end well since he had a hard time trying to stop you without trying to hurt you badly.

and when he saw an opening he finally got to make you snap out of it.

you were an easy going person and you latched onto sakura quickly.

the both of you developed some kind of connection after that encounter.

He tries to push you away at first, unsure how to handle your intensity, but secretly grows attached.

poor boy was just not honest

You tried resorting to meds and it somehow did work.

" don't use those white stuff too much you might get overused" he said as he looked away, you simply chuckled "You mean overdosed?"

he blushed intensely "jus' the same!" he huffed as he crossed his arms.

It was late, the dead of night cloaking the streets in shadows, when Sakura trudged home after an exhausting overtime shift at his part-time job. His thoughts were fogged with weariness as he approached his apartment.

As he passed by the rundown playground—a space that barely deserved the name—he froze. The scene before him made his breath catch in his throat.

“Y/N?” he called out, his voice barely more than a whisper, yet laced with disbelief.

Under the dim glow of a flickering streetlamp, you sat amidst a scattered mess of bodies—men beaten and groaning, some eerily still. Blood stained the concrete in dark splotches.

You, however, were unmoving, your gaze fixed on the empty expanse of the night sky. There was no expression on your face, no flicker of life in your eyes. You seemed utterly disconnected from the chaos around you.

sakura was already right beside you and you can't even notice him nor even hear any of his voice that is repeatedly chanting your name.

Finally, he reached out, his hand tentative as it moved toward your shoulder.

The moment his fingers brushed against you, your body moved on instinct. Your hand shot out, slapping his away with a force that made him flinch.

Your eyes met his at last, no longer blank but burning with something raw—fear, anger, or something he couldn’t quite place. It froze him in his spot.

Sakura exhaled shakily, lowering his hand. “Y/N,” he murmured, his voice quieter now, steady despite the unease. “It’s okay. It’s just me.”

You simply stared at him, your silence more terrifying than any words you could have spoken.

Sakura swallowed hard, his throat dry as his gaze remained locked with yours. He didn’t dare look away, though every instinct told him to.

Before he could process it, you were suddenly in front of him, your fist raised, poised to strike. His eyes widened, but he didn’t move, didn’t flinch.

Your fist hovered there, trembling slightly, but you stopped just short of his face, snapping back to reality in the final moment.

The tension in your body drained as realization settled in, your hand slowly lowering.

Sakura’s expression remained calm, as though he’d anticipated your reaction.

Without hesitation, he reached out and lightly tapped your shoulder, a small, grounding gesture that felt heavier than words.

“Sakura…?” your voice wavered as you spoke his name, your features softening for the first time.

He hummed in acknowledgment, his voice low and steady. “I’m here.”

The simplicity of his words cut through the lingering fog in your mind, grounding you in the present.

The adrenaline that had fueled you drained, leaving behind only exhaustion and guilt.

“I…” you began, but the words caught in your throat. What could you say? Sorry for almost hitting him? Sorry for losing control? It felt meaningless.

He shook his head slightly, as if reading your thoughts. “Don’t,” he said softly. “Just breathe.”

The faint groans of the men you’d taken down reached your ears, and your stomach twisted. You took a shaky step back, your breath hitching.

“Hey.” His voice was sharp, snapping your attention back to him. “Look at me.”

You did, your eyes meeting his steady gaze. He wasn’t judging you, wasn’t angry. Just… there.

“Let’s go,” he said, his voice softer now. “This place—it doesn’t need any more of you.”

He turned and started walking, his pace slow enough for you to follow. For a moment, you stayed rooted to the spot, torn between staying with your guilt and moving forward.

But his voice broke through again, this time over his shoulder. “You coming, or do I have to carry you?”

That earned a faint huff of laughter from you, and your feet finally moved. You followed him.

"Thanks sakura kun..."

[bacchuschucklefuck]

doing chibi is a good design exercise bc it forces u to think on shapes n essential details, essentially thumbnailing ur designs. its also a terrible design exercise bc it ends up looking cute no matter what

[evol-astraea]

Riveder le stelle.

Inspired by Divine Comedy, Inferno, Canto XXXIV, line 139.

[august--and-everything-after]

Thanks to someone going back and liking a relevant post, I was reminded that I was talking about cutting my hair short again OVER A YEAR AGO when it was not quite shoulder length. It's down to my collarbone now and I keep fighting with myself about chopping it all off. I think I'm there mentally but the one worry is that I'm job hunting and my mum (( so very "helpfully" )) suggested that potential employers might "judge" me if I have short hair. She couldn't (or wouldn't) explain what kind of judgement she meant but it still worries me. I'm having a hard enough time finding a job as it is so I don't want to put another hurdle in my way if I can help it.

I've been telling myself that I can cut it once I've settled into a job but it's SO tempting to go ahead with it sooner.

[clonerightsagenda]

vynofiron please update us if you find out

Last I heard they were wandering around the area looking for promising looking holes and might try dumping red dye into the street the next time it rains so I will certainly keep everyone posted on the slapstick routine that is my life

[teacup-captor]

DUUUUUDE wtf is this my little pony episode (s1 ep 21 - Over A Barrel) seriously they're showing the native people as eating gross food???? 😭

[umemiyan]

so idk how else to say it other than straight up, but i had a car accident last night on my way home and i’m just happy to still be here with y’all lmao

[icewindandboringhorror]

Recent game related things .. hrmm...

[soldierandawar]

if you ask me, i think everybody is delusional and all the back and forth is for naught when nobody is getting what they want.

in however many episodes we'll be back in the same cycle of new LI, 5-10 episode relationship, and yet another breakup where the words brother, straight, and best friend will once again be used emphatically. maybe even moreso. and at the end of the day, one "side" can cling to the fact that at least their ship went canon and that even though their ship did end it ended with both parties essentially saying i love you and the other "side" will still be....where? both parties are still on screen and close but they're no closer to bumping uglies. all the romance is still in the subtext. it's the same ol game of reading into every scene and look and piece of dialogue to end back up in the same place. we get what we want but it's not exactly what most of us have been hoping and praying for now is it?

like, keep it a buck. we're all losers. and like, such is the life of fandom. we live here for a reason. so. yeah. have fun, i guess!

[priafey]

i had the day off so i spent like five hours doing budgeting. jesus fuck why is everything so expensive

[hua-fei-hua]

at church reading the hymn lyrics like "hey i learned that word from genshin!" and "hey i learned that word from genshin!" and "hey i learned that word from translating song lyrics so that i could write genshin fic!" and "hey i learned that word from genshin!" and finally "omg i learned that word from the king's avatar"