#i'm just so sick of the 'it was all a facade' crowd

[leapinarmadillo]

even when they're tributing him, i feel like there's a lot of resentment from the motown camp towards mj. Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross (at least DR really stressed her love for him though)... it's like, well he went off and did his thing. i guess a lot of mentors feel that way when they were in the early part of someone's career. but you expect them to have enough maturity to not express it publicly or hold too much against their mentee. like i thought it was unnecessary of BG to mention "questionable decisions on his part" during his EULOGY. you can be truthful without highlighting negativity, especially if you're honoring someone.

i just don't feel warmth from almost anyone who was with him a lot when he was a kid. even his family a bit, but that's a whole other can of worms. Diana, yes. Stevie, yes. but it's frustrating sometimes to see this special, miraculous child (ages 0-50), and feel like 'why doesn't anyone LOVE him?' it's more complicated to know and love someone irl, i know that. and people express love differently, especially if they're in the public eye. but man........ can someone just gush about the kid...... don't you just LOVE him???

[lelengerine]

pairing. haechan x reader

synopsis. under the light of a lamp post, maybe love isn't so lonely after all

genre. mentions of bruises, a lot of mixed signals from hyuck + comfort (it's a little messy ngl), cussing, friends to ???, no specific pronouns used, not proofread, lmk if there's anything i missed!

wc. 1.9k words

notes. hilu…! i’ve finally gained motivation again hehe so u can say i'm back somewhat :> it really does feel nice writing again TT likes and feedback are highly appreciated <3

m.list

you trudged along the dimly lit sidewalk, each step amplifying the dull ache in your heels. it had been a long night of forced smiles and polite conversation—your third blind date this month. the universe seemed to be testing your patience, and you were beginning to wonder if you had any left. the conversations felt hollow, the people you met like fleeting shadows, their words empty and their intentions hidden behind a facade of politeness. tonight's date was no different—another self-absorbed narcissist who only paused his monologue long enough to take a breath before launching into yet another tedious story about himself.

you were utterly sick and tired.

the vibrant atmosphere of bars and the energetic crowd you once thought would lift your spirits now felt suffocating, leaving you more alone and out of place than ever. it was a sharp contrast to the hope you had felt earlier in the evening, and the reality of your disappointment weighed heavily on you.

your feet throbbed, bruised from the heels you'd worn in a futile attempt to feel confident and put together. the bitter taste of the evening lingered, a reminder of yet another failed attempt to find something meaningful to cling on for a while. desperate for some relief, you stumbled toward the nearest convenience store, drawn by the promise of fluorescent lights and the comfort of solitude. the harsh glow overhead made the aisles feel cold and unwelcoming, but you ignored it, grabbing a pack of band-aids from the counter as if they could somehow patch up more than just the blisters on your feet.

as you reached for your wallet, a familiar hand appeared beside yours, placing a few cups of instant ramen down alongside your purchase. the sight of him made your heart lift, even in your weary state.

“rough night?” his voice was gentle, laced with concern as he paid for the items. you looked up, meeting haechan’s gaze, and despite everything, you felt a small spark of comfort.

“do i even need to answer that question, hyuck?” you replied with a soft, tired chuckle. you tried to keep it light, but the exhaustion was evident in your eyes, in the way your shoulders sagged under the weight of the night.

“is it a crime to ask questions of concern in this day and age?” he retorted with a smirk, though his eyes softened as he took in your worn expression.

“i’m afraid so,” you teased back, though your smile was faint.

haechan snickered quietly, taking the paper bag of paid goods from the cashier. he gestured for you to follow him outside, and you gratefully accepted, the cool night air a welcome change from the stifling atmosphere of the date you had just escaped. as you both walked to a nearby bench, you couldn’t help but notice how his presence grounded you, making you feel a little less lost.

sitting down, haechan reached into the bag and pulled out the pack of band-aids, his movements careful and deliberate. it was such a simple gesture, but it felt like a lifeline in the sea of disappointment you were drowning in.

“so, why the long face?” he asked, his tone genuinely curious as he began to unwrap one of the band-aids.

“shitty date,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. you watched as he gently lifted your foot onto his lap despite your initial reluctance. his touch was surprisingly tender, the soft glow of the nearby lamp post highlighting his features in a way that made him seem almost ethereal. somehow, the thought was enough to distract you from the sting of the evening’s failures.

haechan’s expression softened even more as he worked, his gaze focused solely on you. “i told you not to go on those anymore,” he said, a hint of reproach in his voice.

“i know,” you admitted, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. his touch was soothing, and with each carefully applied band-aid, the pain in your feet seemed to fade, though the ache in your heart lingered.

“there are really creepy guys out there, you know? i don’t know what i’d do if—”

“hyuck,” you interrupted, your tone more serious than before, “you’re making it sound like you’d beat them up without hesitation.”

“i would… for you,” he replied quietly before glancing up at you, his eyes reflecting a mix of affection and concern. “how are you even going to defend yourself? look at you!”

“you care too much,” you said, a hint of a smile on your lips, though your voice betrayed how much his words meant to you.

“i care the right amount,” he countered, his voice steady but filled with warmth.

“no one else would put on bandages for me aside from you,” you confessed, feeling a pang of vulnerability as you spoke. it was true—people often tiptoed around boundaries, but with him, those lines always seemed to blur in a way that allowed for solace and confusion to swirl up within you.

“then maybe everyone else should learn from me,” haechan said with a small, triumphant grin, though his eyes remained serious.

“hyuck,” you began, hesitating as you tried to gather the courage to voice the thoughts that had been gnawing at you. he let out a small hum to let you know he was listening, busying himself with peeling another band-aid out of its packaging. “please tell me if you only mean to lead me on.”

his expression shifted to one of shock and bewilderment, his hands freezing in place. “how did you even come to a conclusion like that?”

“i know you’re probably just being a good person, but… you care for me more than others do. you make me feel special, like i have a place in your heart—even if i know that isn’t truly the case and i’m only being hopeful.”

haechan’s eyes searched yours, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause. “you think that’s all this is?” he asked softly.

“then why does it feel like we’re always dancing around something?”

haechan’s gaze was steady, his hand resting gently on yours. “maybe we are. but if there’s one thing i’ve learned, it’s that love isn’t always easy or straightforward. sometimes, it’s about finding comfort in the moments when you’re together, despite the uncertainties.”

as the night deepened, the air between you both seemed to shift. the loneliness that had weighed so heavily on you earlier began to recede, replaced by a quiet connection that felt more real than any conversation you’d had in recent weeks. haechan’s presence was a comforting reminder that, amidst the loneliness and the search for something meaningful, you had found a spark of something genuine.

with a soft sigh, you leaned closer to him, finding solace in his proximity. “maybe love is lonely sometimes,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper, “but tonight, i’m just glad it’s not so lonely with you here.”

“me too.”

[fandoms-x-reader]

Inside a Horror Game (Part 2)

Requested By: @deludedprime

Word Count: 6,644

Warnings: Asmo's is suggestive.

Part 1 - Part 3

"No, I'm not."

The words echoed in their heads like some kind of sick joke. They all did their best to process it; but, they couldn’t. They couldn’t understand what had happened to turn their precious human into the menacing being standing in front of them now.

��I’m glad you figured it out. The innocent act was getting a bit old,” you continued with a small chuckle. Your facade was crumbling, taking the image of their Y/N with it. 

“Where the hell are they?!” Mammon asked, taking a few steps forward. He snapped. Someone took his human and he was not having it. “They’re in here with me - begging me to let them go. To not hurt you,” you replied.

You watched as anger quickly overtook their features. Their fists clenched as they stared at your image with hatred. Were you in pain? What did this being do to you to overtake your body like this? 

“Oh, have I struck a nerve?” you asked, the smile never leaving your face. You were relishing in the pain they were in. “Let them go,” Lucifer demanded. It was something they were all thinking, he was just quicker at voicing it.

“You sound concerned now, but I wonder how long it’ll be before you turn on them. It’s just a matter of time. Angels, demons, and humans weren’t meant to co-exist. Soon, you’ll find the urge to kill them stronger than any urge you have to protect them,” you replied.

“That would never happen,” Satan stated, his words filled with venom. His voice was unwavering. He meant it. As did every other person in that room. “Let's see what happens when you’re tested,” you replied. 

In a swift motion, walls started forming around the group. They let out small shouts of surprise as the ground rumbled and shook. They all did their best to keep their footing as you used the walls to separate them into different rooms. Inescapable rooms.

"Now, the fun begins."

Lucifer opened his eyes as soon as his surroundings stopped moving. However, when he did, he found himself in the Demon Lord’s Castle. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion as he looked around the room. He was in the Great Hall and it was filled with lower-level demons.

As he walked past them, he noticed they were all staring at him. Suddenly self-conscious of his appearance, Lucifer took a look at his clothes and noticed he was dressed in fancy attire, every detail in its proper place.

He continued to walk through the crowd. He wasn’t sure where he was going. It was as if his body had a mind of its own. He came to a clearing in the crowd and stopped in his tracks, his heart skipping a beat at the sight.

Diavolo stood there, a large smile on his face when he saw Lucifer. You stood next to Diavolo, smiling just as brightly. “There’s our guest of honor,” Diavolo said in a cheery tone, before motioning for Lucifer to come join him.

Lucifer did as he was asked, standing in between you and Diavolo. You smiled at him with a genuine smile, gently taking his hand in yours.

He looked over at you, his dark eyes connecting with your loving ones. “What is this?” he asked you, barely above a whisper.

“Isn’t it obvious?” you asked him. Lucifer tried to remain stoic as he shook his head no. You leaned in closer, your other hand resting on his upper arm. “We’re here to celebrate you Lucifer,” you replied.

“More so, everything you’ve done for all of us,” Diavolo chimed in. Lucifer turned to face him and Diavolo said, “I’m giving you the official title of second-in-command. After everything we’ve been through together, no one deserves this title more than you.”

You leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek, causing a small blush. This is everything he’s ever wanted. He was being recognized - respected - by the entire Devildom. Not only that, but he had you by his side the entire time.

“Oh please.”

Lucifer’s attention snapped to Mephistopheles who had suddenly appeared in front of him. “As if you would be the second-in-command. If anyone deserves that title, it’s me,” Mephisto stated smugly, adjusting his attire.

“Is that jealousy I hear Mephisto?” Lucifer asked, a small smirk resting on his lips. “It’s reality, Lucifer. You’re in a dream and you need to wake up,” Mephisto stated. “A dream?” Lucifer asked. 

In the same amount of time it took Lucifer to blink, his surroundings changed. You and him were standing on the balcony of the Demon Lord’s castle, overlooking the Devildom. Your hand was still interlaced with his.

You turned to face him and he watched as the lights of the Devildom reflected on you, creating a somewhat technicolor appearance. He wondered how you always effortlessly looked so stunning.

“Do you know why Diavolo chose you as the second-in-command?” you asked. Lucifer stayed silent. He wished he knew the answer, but he couldn’t come up with one. It’s true he’s stayed loyal to Diavolo and that he and his brothers served an integral part in both the development of RAD and in running it.

But, he still had more to prove before he believed he deserved the title of second-in-command. Lucifer was zoned out in his thoughts until your voice brought him back. “It’s because Diavolo respects you,” you stated, finally answering your own question.

You gently brought your hand up to his cheek in an intimate gesture. “Everyone respects you, Lucifer,” you added. Lucifer took in a deep breath and you smiled when his eyes flickered blue for a moment.

“Lucifer. You need to wake up. We don’t have time for this!”

It was like a slap in the face as Lucifer suddenly remembered before. Lucifer looked at you. He was so sure that you were standing there next to him. He could see you, he could feel you. He felt the contact when your lips met his cheeks earlier and he felt the warmth of your hand as it touched him.

But, suddenly, the more he looked at you, the more images of someone else flashed in his mind. Images of someone who liked you, but wasn’t you. Lucifer closed his eyes, using all of his strength to gather his bearings.

This isn’t real.

Your once beautiful and supportive image turned into one of malice as you moved to attack Lucifer. He let out a small gasp before swiftly dodging the attack. His eyes were wide as you were mere inches away from him.

He stared at you as you pouted at him. “Awe, you’re no fun,” you stated, suddenly disappearing into thin air.

Lucifer let out a small breath of relief at your disappearance. “So, that’s how we beat them,” Mephisto stated and Lucifer turned to face him. “All we have to do is find a way to resist them before they attack,” Mephisto finished explaining.

Lucifer nodded his head, silently agreeing with him. But worry soon began to fill him as he thought about the fact that you were going after everyone else, and he wouldn’t be there to protect them.

He wondered who you were going after next and he hoped that whoever it was would be strong enough to resist your temptation.

Mammon woke up in his version of Heaven.

He was in the middle of a casino, a pile of his winnings in front of him. Other demons surrounded him, recognizing his greatness. You were at his side, pressed against him as you cheered him on. 

“That’s another win for the Great Mammon!” the dealer announced and he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. You wrapped your arms around his torso, a happy laugh escaping your lips and he wrapped his around you in return, pulling you closer.

Your laugh was addictive, and Mammon could spend every minute of his life listening to it. And since the current thing making you laugh was Mammon’s win streak, he was determined to never let it end. He would play until his hands fell off if that’s what it took to make you always laugh like that.

Mammon grabbed the dice in his hands and took a deep breath. He began to shake them in his hands when a strange presence suddenly made him hesitate. He looked up from the table and saw someone who looked very familiar standing in front of him. He was across the casino, too far to completely make out. But, he swore he saw him. 

“Was that Barbatos?” Mammon asked. “Hmm?” you questioned, your eyes demanding his attention again. Mammon shook his head. “Nothing,” he replied, refocusing on what was presently happening.

“Come on, let’s try that table,” you suggested. Greed overtook him at the prospect of winning even more and he let you lead him over to a different table. Mammon tried multiple rounds and won every single round. He had never had such good luck in his life. “Ya’ must be my lucky charm,” Mammon told you, keeping you close. He could smell the fragrance you were wearing, and it helped ground him. It helped him remember who he was winning for.

He couldn’t remember a time he felt so happy - so loved. For once, everyone around him regarded him in a high respect. No one made him feel inferior or like he was nothing more than scum. And he had you all to himself, with none of his brothers there to take you away from him.

"Wake up, Mammon."

The voice echoed through Mammon’s mind and his eyes snapped up to see Barbatos yet again. “Hey, do ya’ see that?” Mammon asked, barely above a whisper. “I don’t see anything,” you replied before looking at Mammon, he was still staring at the same spot, but there was nothing there now.

“Hey, Mammon, why don’t we call it a night?” you asked him, taking his hands in yours. Mammon slowly agreed, nodding his head before letting you lead him out of the casino.

Mammon felt the sharpness of the cold breeze and he remembered being outside, but the next thing he knew he was in his bedroom. Did he black out? Had he even had anything to drink that night?

He was sitting down on his bed, still wearing the same clothes he had on at the casino. “You’ve had a long night,” you told Mammon, gently helping him take off his jacket. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

You noticed his disoriented state and gently ran your fingers through his hair before placing your lips on his. Mammon leaned into the kiss, his heart racing at the contact. Mammon’s eyes flickered gold as he pulled you into a deeper kiss. He could kiss you a million times and it would never be enough.

“This isn’t real!”

Mammon’s eyes quickly opened as he gently pushed you away. This time he fully saw him standing there. “Barbatos?” Mammon questioned. “Mammon, that isn’t Y/N,” Barbatos stated. Mammon looked back at you as memories started flooding his mind about where he had previously been and everything that happened within the video game.

Mammon jumped to his feet as his dream world began crumbling around him. Barbatos stood next to him and you stood in front of him. He was devastated to find out his dream world was fake and the nightmare he had been in was a reality.

“Wouldn’t this have been enough for you?” you asked him, your head turning to the side. You looked genuinely sad. “It woulda’ been…but Y/N wasn’t real,” he replied.

Within moments, you disappeared, leaving Mammon with Barbatos. It made sense why he was there. He was the opposite of Mammon. As a butler, he gave every part of his being to serve Lord Diavolo and ensure the satisfaction of everyone else. Mammon was the opposite. He wasn’t a giver, he was a taker. 

Mammon collapsed down to the ground when you left. He couldn’t help but feel guilty. He told you he would protect you and he let some evil force overtake your body. He didn’t notice the signs early enough. Maybe he could have prevented this from happening.

No. Way.

Levi couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Had he died and gone to the Celestial Realm? Levi excitedly looked around the large store he was in. It had everything an otaku would ever need. 

Manga lined one wall, completely covering it. Every single manga ever written had to be on that wall. Levi looked over the titles, getting excited whenever he recognized one. Another wall was filled with video games. The number of them nearly matched the mangas; and nearby was a computer where you could order any game they didn’t have.

In the opposite corner of the room, a living room was set up. There was a large couch there with an impressive gaming setup. The lighting was dim for games, but there was a lamp that he could turn on if he wanted to read instead.

And next to that was a snack center that had any food or drink he could desire. Surely this had been an invention of his imagination. A place so perfect couldn’t exist right?!

But, even if it was an otaku’s dream world, it still had something pretty important to him that was missing.

“Levi,” you called out and he immediately turned in your direction. His eyes widened when he saw you. You were cosplaying as one of his all-time favorite anime characters, the outfit accentuating all of your features flawlessly.

“Do you like it?” you asked him, taking a couple of strides closer to him. Levi immediately blushed at your question, his eyes refusing to look away. Every time he tried, he couldn’t help but take another look. “Y-You look great!” he stuttered out. You caught him completely by surprise.

You smiled at his shy behavior and took his hand in yours. “I have a new game for us to play,” you told him with excitement as you led him over to the couch, turning on the TV. Levi paused at your words. Hadn’t you guys just started a new game recently?

Maybe he was misremembering.

You handed Levi the controller and sat down next to him on the couch, your leg brushing against his as you got comfortable. “Ready?” you asked him. Levi nodded his head as he shifted positions a bit.

“What’s so great about sitting on a couch?”

Who the heck?! Levi immediately looked around the store. Who was there? He couldn’t find anyone, but he swore he heard someone talk to him just now. “Hey,” you said, placing your hand over his. 

Levi turned back around to look at you. “Sorry, I thought I heard something,” Levi replied. You rubbed his arm in a comforting way before turning your attention back to the game and pushing play.

You and Levi were on a team together, but your character had died. So you sat there, nervously watching Levi as he took on the boss. You watched as Levi swung one more time, defeating it with the move. You let out an excited shout as you threw your arms around Levi, placing kisses on his cheek. “That was amazing!”

Levi was completely flustered at your acts of love and words. He was frozen in place, scared to move and lose your touch. Had you always been this affectionate toward him when he was gaming?

“It wasn’t that impressive.”

Okay, who was talking? Levi once again looked around the store. “You didn’t hear that?” Levi asked, looking in every corner. Was someone hiding in there? “No, I’m sorry,” you replied. Levi turned to face you once again, but when he did, he realized the two of you were somewhere different.

You were standing with Levi in a tunnel made of glass as water and sea creatures surrounded you. How did the two of you get to the aquarium? And, more importantly, how did you know he’s always wanted to take you to one?

You interlaced your fingers with his, wrapping your other hand around his upper arm. Levi tensed up at first but relaxed into your touch. You looked up at him lovingly, and he felt himself getting entranced by your gaze.

“Levi, would you stay here with me if I asked you to? Where no one else could get to me and take me away from you?” you asked him, your eyes genuine. Levi was surprised by your question but his eyes flashed orange nonetheless. He couldn’t imagine anyone else being here with you, loving you the way he loved you. He wouldn’t stand for it.

BANG

Levi let out a shocked shout as the sound of an explosion rang in his ears. He opened his eyes and noticed you were still standing in front of him, but this time in a stone room. He looked over to his right and saw Thirteen standing there, a used trap in her hand. She made the explosion.

“I didn’t know how else to wake you up,” Thirteen stated nonchalantly. Wake him up? Levi looked at you and understood what she meant. Of course, none of it was real. There’s no way an otaku shut-in would have actually won you over. The two of you had started a new game together and he wanted to stop playing. 

He didn’t care about the game anymore. He would play mundane games for the rest of his life if it kept you safe. He just wanted to get you out of the clutches of whatever being decided to possess you.

“Sometimes games are better than reality,” you told Levi with a small smile. He watched as you left into thin air. He needed to get out of here. He might not have been a huge fan of Thirteen’s traps, but he would use whatever she had if it helped him escape.

Satan let out a small groan as his eyes fluttered open. He surveyed his surroundings, noticing he was in a large library. His eyes scanned over the multitude of books that were before him.

“Satan!” you practically squealed, running up to the blonde-haired demon. He was a bit taken aback when you leaped towards him, wrapping your arms around his neck. His arms naturally wrapped around your waist, bringing you closer.

Your scent and touch overtook all of his senses as he embraced you. His heart skipped a couple of beats and you noticed the small blush that coated his cheeks. He let you go after a moment and you smiled at him, telling him, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“I’m sorry,” he replied, he promised himself he’d never take so long to come to you again. “Come on, I picked out the perfect book for us to read tonight,” you told him, overwhelming him with your optimism.

You interlaced your fingers with his as you led him over to the couch in the library. You had him sit down as you grabbed the book you wanted to read. You handed it to Satan and then sat down next to him. Your body was pressed against him as you stretched your legs across his lap.

He wrapped one of his arms around you as the other one held the book. He took a moment to appreciate the closeness of the two of you and then opened it. He took a breath to read but stopped when you turned to look at him.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” you asked. Satan wracked his brain as he tried to figure out what you meant. Suddenly, a white and brown cat jumped onto both of your laps. Satan let out a startled gasp as he looked at the cat with astonishment. 

You gently pet the cat and he watched as it purred before curling up into a ball, lying on top of both of you. Satan stroked the cat’s fur and you smiled at him. You leaned up just a little bit and pressed a soft and quick kiss to Satan’s lips.

“Now we’re ready,” you told him. Satan looked at you lovingly and tenderly as his arm tightened around you. He never wanted to let you go. Satan began reading the book, feeling truly content.

“Satan, stop.”

Satan stopped speaking as his eyes read the word. He blinked a few times and the words were gone. Had he imagined that?

Satan took a breath to compose himself before continuing to read. He read with inflection, taking great care in the portrayal of the story in your mind. He wanted you to enjoy the book as thoroughly as he was enjoying this moment.

“This isn’t right. You know that.”

Satan froze again. He squinted his eyes at the pages, watching the words slowly vanish. What was going on? Satan cleared the thoughts out of his mind. Whatever was happening, he didn’t want it to end his time with you.

He pressed a kiss to your forehead, closing his eyes as he memorized how this felt. He did everything he could to reassure himself that you were real.

“Satan!”

Satan’s eyes snapped open. There it was again. But his eyes were closed that time, which meant that he actually heard it that time. Suddenly, Simeon burst through the door of the library.

“Satan, finally! I’ve been trying to reach you,” Simeon stated. Satan stood up, feeling his rage begin to build. “Simeon, you interrupted a very nice moment,” Satan said, his voice dripping venom as his eyes began to glow green.

“Satan, it’s not real,” Simeon told him. Satan furrowed his eyebrows and Simeon continued, “You’re smarter than this. Don’t let them fool you.” Satan’s attention turned toward you as he began to remember.

None of this was real.

Satan closed his eyes once more to force himself back into reality. This time when he opened them, he stood in a plain, stone room. You stood in front of him. Well, the fake you did anyway. Simeon was right.

“It could have been perfect,” you told him, vanishing from the scene. Satan did his best to forget about the imaginary world. “We’ll get them back,” Simeon told Satan. He looked up at the angel with curiosity.

He wondered what it must be like to always be so happy and optimistic. Satan certainly wasn’t like that. He opted for the broody and moody personality. The only thing that ever really made him happy was…

Satan stopped himself from going down that path. He was going to get you back no matter what it took.

Asmo gasped as soon as the environment he was in became clear. He was standing in the middle of an unusually large boutique. He was surrounded by make-up, shoes, clothes, and other miscellaneous beauty products. Asmo could tell by the look of them that they were all made from his favorite brands.

A few feet in front of him there was a catwalk and above that, brilliant lights shone down on it. Asmo could hear music playing in the background…was that his favorite song?

“Which outfit do you want to try on first?” your voice suddenly rang out. You came into Asmo’s view, stepping out from behind a rack of clothes, a warm smile on your face. Asmo immediately smiled when he saw you. Whenever you were around everything seemed so much brighter.

“What is all this?” Asmo asked, walking closer to you. “Isn’t it obvious? It’s our own private fashion show!” you replied with a small laugh. “So?” you questioned, taking his hand in yours. “Which outfit do you want to try on first?”

Asmo immediately perked up at the idea and pulled you over to the racks of clothes. You turned the music up a bit. You had to have good music or it wasn’t a good fashion montage.

You laughed as you stood in front of Asmo, helping him do his make-up. His hands rested above your hips, bringing you closer so you were pressed against him. Asmo wasn’t necessarily trying to be cheeky with it. He just loved the feeling of your touch.

“So this is what your dream world would be?”

Asmo's eyes widened as he heard a voice. He knew that voice…but whose was it? His mind felt cloudy. He couldn’t quite place who he had heard. But, he looked around the boutique and didn’t find anyone there.

“Okay, and done! Time for the runway!” you told Asmo with an excited smile. Asmo returned the smile as the two of you took to the catwalk. You took pictures of Asmo and he did the same for you when you walked, capturing each other’s best poses.

“And one of both of us for our fans!” you said, coming up behind Asmo and snapping a quick and cute picture. Asmo was surprised but still came out looking fantastic. Something ran through his mind though.

“Our fans?” Asmo questioned. “Yeah, you know the fans of our couple’s account,” you replied, raising an eyebrow. “How can you not remember? It was your idea!” you added. Suddenly afraid he’d offended you, Asmo quickly defended himself.

“No, it’s not that! I remember. Do you mind showing me the account though? I can’t remember which pictures we uploaded to it,” Asmo stated, giving you a sweet smile. “Sure, but it’s mostly just photos of us,” you replied, leaning into him as you showed him your phone, scrolling through the pictures.

Asmo’s eyes widened as you showed him the pictures. Some were silly, some were professional, and some were even a bit risque. But his favorite ones were the happy ones. Ones where you would be on a date looking at each other with such adoration. Pictures of the two of you holding hands, the love radiating through the photo. And, some where he knew someone was taking a picture, and he wrapped his arms around you, holding you close as you both smiled for the camera. The smiles weren’t contrived though, they were images of the two of you laughing in bliss. Asmo’s taken many pictures in his life, but he’s never seen himself look so happy.

“Asmo, if your dream is to make a couples account with Y/N, then you can do that in the real world. But, you need to wake up!”

Asmo closed his eyes to regain his composure and when he opened them again, he was in his bedroom. Asmo’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. How did he get there? He didn’t remember leaving the boutique.

You suddenly came out of the bathroom and all other thoughts left his mind. You were wearing the pajamas he got for you, looking as attractive as ever. Asmo’s eyes sparked pink and he followed your movements as you made your way to the bed, smiling when you caught him staring.

“What?” you asked him, sitting close to him on the bed. You were mere inches away from him and his eyes began to glow deeper. He looked down to avoid your gaze as he tried to remain in control. “Asmo? Are you okay?” you asked, gently rubbing his arm. The contact caused Asmo to jump a bit as he looked up at you. 

As you saw the pink in his eyes, you realized what was happening. “Oh…would a kiss help?” you asked Asmo. His heart rate became unsteady at your words and nearly stopped when you pressed your lips to his. 

He felt like he was going to lose control as the feelings of your lips against his became engraved in his mind. He would never forget the way they feel. You gently ran your fingers through his hair and he shuddered at the feeling, pulling you in for a deeper kiss.

“Asmo.”

He heard it this time, clear as day. Asmo reluctantly pulled away from you to look at the figure who was standing in the room. Asmo frowned a bit as he looked at the familiar appearance of white hair and grey eyes.

“Now is not a good time, Solomon,” Asmo stated in a somewhat irritated voice. Asmo tightened his grip on you to further accentuate his point. Solomon looked sad. He’d known Asmo for a long time, and he could tell how much Asmo wanted this to be real.

“Their not really here, Asmo,” Solomon stated. Asmo looked at Solomon confused before meeting your gaze. Memories began to flash through his mind as he recalled the past few hours.

When he focused his gaze on you once again, you let out a small sigh. “I was really looking forward to seeing where that went,” you stated, taking your leave in a flash. 

Asmo was heartbroken that it wasn’t real. He finally had someone who loved everything about him. He was finally happy. But none of it was real. 

“It can happen in real life. We just have to get them back,” Solomon stated. Asmo nodded, agreeing with Solomon. He had gotten a taste of what happiness looked like and he wasn’t going to give it up without a fight - no matter how dirty he might get.

Beel woke up when his stomach let out a loud growl. He let out a small groan, the starvation pains feeling like his stomach was tearing itself open. How long had he been this hungry? This wasn’t good. If he didn’t find food soon, he would go on an unstoppable rampage.

Things felt a bit fuzzy as he looked around. It must be from the hunger. Beel recognized that he was in the House of Lamentation, and took a couple of steps towards the kitchen. But, he stopped dead in his tracks when the smell of something wonderful filled his senses.

Beel followed the scent to the dining room and saw you standing there, setting a plate of Devil Zebra steaks on the dining room table. Except, it wasn’t the dining room table he knew. 

The room was smaller with dim lighting. The table was smaller, fitting only two chairs instead of the normal ten. Candles decorated the area, creating an intimate setting. Beel could see the countless other plates that you made, knowing his hunger was insatiable.

He felt joy swell inside of him as he quickly rushed to you, hugging you from behind. “Thank you,” he muttered, his cheek pressed against your back as his arms wrapped tightly around your waist.

“There you are! I was getting worried,” you told him, leaning into his touch and placing your arms over his to hug him back. Beel’s stomach suddenly made a large growl and a giggle escaped your lips.

“Come on, let’s eat,” you told him. Beel nodded his head and turned to move toward the table when a familiar voice stopped him.

“Don’t do it!”

Beel looked around the room for the source of the sound but didn’t see anyone. He assumed he was just hearing things, but even if he wasn’t - nothing could stop him from eating right now.

The two of you fell into a comfortable conversation full of stories and laughter as you both ate. Beel could feel your legs brush against his under the table every so often, and when they did, he couldn’t help the blush he got at the feeling.

When all of the food was gone, you gave Beel a small smile before asking, “Do you want to help me make dessert?” Beel’s eyes flickered red as he thought about eating more food. He quickly agreed and allowed you to take him to the kitchen. 

As he was passing through the threshold, he heard the same voice again. 

"I know you're a demon, but can't you resist a little?"

Beel’s mind was quickly directed to you as you pulled out the pans you would need to cook the dessert. You let Beel choose the recipe and the two of you worked diligently at creating the perfect treat.

Once all of the ingredients were properly mixed, you placed it in the oven. You let out a small gasp as Beel effortlessly lifted you onto the counter. “What are you doing?’ you asked in between laughs. 

You gently brushed off some flour that had gotten on his cheeks. His cheeks were stained pink at the tenderness of your touch and you only made it worse when you placed a kiss where the flour used to be.

Beel carefully pulled you to the edge of the counter before placing his lips on yours. He just wanted to love and cherish you every moment of every day.

“The real Y/N needs you!”

Beel suddenly pulled away from you. That voice - he was sure of it now. It was Luke’s. But why couldn’t he see him? And what did he mean by the real Y/N? You could see the worry in Beel’s eyes as he began putting the puzzle pieces together.

He backed away from the counter, and his settings slowly began to change back into the mundane look of the labyrinth he had been in only minutes before. Beel looked like a sad puppy as he realized the fantasy you created in his mind was just…well, that. An imaginary world.

You looked into his eyes that were full of betrayal and vanished once again, leaving him with the words, “It could have been real.”

As your body disappeared, Luke’s took form in its place. He could finally see him; and, now he wished he couldn’t. It could have been real.

No. It would be. He would make it real as soon as he found a way out of here. He’ll make sure to protect you and never let anything like this happen again.

“Belphie, wake up,” your soft voice called out to him. Belphie stirred a bit but didn’t open his eyes. Whatever he was lying on was comfortable. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to give that up yet.

He felt you press your lips to his nose and his eyes fluttered open. Your face was only a couple of inches away from him, and he blushed lightly as he raised his head. He realized that the thing he was lying on had been your shoulder.

“You were going to miss the meteor shower,” you told him with a small smile. Belphie furrowed his eyebrows slightly and then realized the two of you were sitting in the planetarium. The stars of the devildom stretched out before the two of you. It was amazing how numerous they were and how easy it was to see them. 

“It’s a good thing you woke me up then,” Belphie told you, a small smile forming on his lips. You nodded your head before replying, “I promised I wouldn’t let you sleep through them this time.”

“This time?” Belphie asked. Had the two of you watched a meteor shower together before? Did he really fall asleep and miss it? He couldn’t imagine missing a date with you.

“You don’t remember?” you asked curiously. Belphie shook his head no and you said, “Well, what’s important is that you’re here with me right now and awake.”

“Belphie.”

Belphie’s eyes widened in a slight panic. He would know that voice anywhere. He immediately scanned the area and his heart nearly stopped when he saw a silhouette of red. But, in an instant, it was gone.

“It’s starting!” you said excitedly, pointing up towards the sky. Belphie placed his arm around you and you leaned against him as the two of you watched the meteors begin to fall in the sky. It was a beautiful sight.

Belphie’s eyes trailed from the phenomenon in the sky to your features, taking each and every one of them in. There’s no one else he’d rather spend his time with. You were perfect to him in every way.

“You’re not paying attention to the meteors,” you stated, your eyes glued to the sky as your cheeks began to turn red. Belphie smirked at your remark, knowing he had been caught, but not caring. “Something better caught my eye,” Belphie replied.

You smiled at his words and finally turned to face him, and when you did, he leaned in. His lips crashed with yours as he attempted to convey every ounce of his love for you. His hand gently cupped your cheek, pulling you in closer. 

“Belphegor.”

Belphie physically jumped this time. His mind started to feel jumbled. “Go away, Diavolo,” Belphie muttered. He didn’t know why he was there, but Belphie was not going to let him of all people interrupt this moment.

“Did you say something?” you asked Belphie, your eyebrows knitting together as you looked at him concerned. He shook his head no before replying, “Everything is fine.” But everything was not fine, and he closed his eyes to try and push the Demon King out of his mind and only focus on you.

He opened his eyes when he felt a plush mattress sink from his weight. You and him were lying in the bed in the attic, facing each other. When did the two of you get here? Did you ask to go to bed?

You gently reached out and ran your fingers through Belphie’s hair. He melted into your touch, bringing his body closer to yours in the bed. He rested his forehead against yours, basking in your touch.

“I wish we could be like this forever, Belphie,” you told him and his heart skipped a beat. He wanted nothing more. He would love to lay in bed with you, endlessly loving you in every way you let him. 

“Maybe we could. If we just stayed asleep, nothing would ever have to change,” you told him sincerely, gently moving your hand from his hair to his cheek. You looked deeply into his eyes which were now shining a royal purple that was intensifying the more he thought about it.

“All you have to do is go to sleep. I’ll be right here with you,” you stated. It was so tempting. To always remember the feeling of your touch. To always feel the warmth of your body next to him. To never have to lose you.

You let out a small gasp as a strong hand gripped your wrist. Belphie’s eyes snapped open, nearly avoiding slumber as he became hyper-aware of everything around him. He turned in the bed and looked at Diavolo. 

“What are you doing here?” Belphie asked. Anger and disappointment beginning to build. “You need to get up this instance,” Diavolo stated, letting go of your wrist. You sat up in the bed and Belphegor looked between the two of you.

“That’s not Y/N. Five more seconds and she would have killed you,” Diavolo explained, defending his actions. But…that’s not possible. You were there with Belphie. You had to have been. 

He took in a deep breath as he looked at you. Your sham appearance deteriorating before his eyes. You smirked at the Avatar of Sloth before stating, “Almost had you.” It felt like a knife to the heart.

None of it was real.

“When we find a way out of here, we will defeat you and get our Y/N back,” Diavolo promised, anger raging like a fire in his eyes. 

“Good luck,” you replied, sending him a smile before disappearing for good. Diavolo couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Belphie. He had suffered through so much in his life and this dream was something good. He could see how upset Belphie was for losing what made him the happiest.

Belphie took in a deep breath, not allowing the tricks to get the better of him. Diavolo was right. They were all going to find a way to get you back. He would never stop until they succeeded.

A/N: Well, this is going to end up being 3 parts. I'm hoping to get it out soon!

[irisintheafterglow]

Hey!! Can you write some fluff hcs of katsuki taking you to prom? Thank u so much! 🥰

AAAAAA YES I CAN I LOVE THISSS fun fact i didn't get to go to senior prom because i got sick on the day of :(( but i love any excuse to wear a fancy dress !!!

cw: swearing, implied fem!reader but no she/her pronouns or descriptions, this got super long because i got carried away oops :)) hope you like this!

likes, reblogs, and replies are always appreciated <3

alright let's be honest if y'all don't already know each other, there's no way he's asking first

he'll think you're super pretty but be too proud to break the tough guy facade and make a move first

buuutttt if you're already kinda in with the bakusquad then it's a little easier for him to ask

and by ask i mean just tell you that you're going to prom with him

you're sitting next to him in the common room doing homework and he just goes

"go to prom with me."

"huh?"

"go to prom with me, 'cause who the fuck else you gonna go with."

"you're a royal asshole, you know that?" and then you pack up your stuff and go back to your dorm and he's like wait shit fuck that's not how that was supposed to go fUCK

so then the next day he's like "go to prom with me."

"are you fucking serious-"

"please?"

and this man never says please so you decide to give him a shot

you've thought he was attractive since your first year but didn't think he would be interested

and then, when you became friends, it seemed abundantly clear that he was too busy training and going on missions to have a relationship

when really he's just terrified of losing you if you don't reciprocate his feelings

so after much convincing from the rest of his friends, he mustered up the courage to ask you tell you to go to prom with him

you already know he was in the group chat after the first attempt to ask you going like

"guys i fucked up"

"bakubro what did you do"

"i told them to go to prom with me and they walked away"

"i think you're leaving out a crucial part of the story"

"ok and i said no one else would go with them"

"dUDE"

"IDIOT"

"WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU SAY THAT"

"I WAS FUCKING NERVOUS"

if you don't already have a dress, he's going dress shopping with you

sits in the waiting area of the fitting room holding a stack of glittery fabrics and doesn't give one (1) fuck about it

definitely the type to whistle under his breath when you walk out in ~the dress~

he has no idea what the fuck he's doing so he's a little,,,,abrasive when it comes to shopping with you

"you need shoes? let's get you some new fucking shoes, then."

"that color is hideous. choose something else because you're too good-looking for shit like that."

"d'you think this color would look good with my eyes? no? damn, harsh crowd."

on the night of prom he's 20 minutes early to pick you up

so he just sits on the floor of your dorm in his suit with his arm propped up on his knee while he watches you finish your makeup

he's mentally taking note of the products you use and the colors you like so if you ever ran out, he could get them for you

you come out of the bathroom and ask him how you look and he genuinely feels like he's suffocating because he can't breathe

after like 30 seconds of staring he just

"damn."

is attached to you at the hip for the remainder of the night

i'm not kidding

his arm is around your waist at all times unless you go to the bathroom or he goes to grab a drink

brags about how good you look at any chance he gets

"yeah, see that dress? i helped pick that out, assholes," he says with a shit-eating grin and the rest of his friends are like 👍ok bro

they know how big of a crush he's had on you so they're amused by how smug he is now

if you force him onto the floor to slow dance he forgets all sense of rhythm

keeps stepping on your feet

tells you to move even though he's stiffer than a wooden board

has no idea where to put his hands and can't look you in the eyes without turning bright pink

you kiss him on the cheek and he fucking freezes LMAO

turns over his shoulder and sees his friends with their phone cameras out like paparazzi (he doesn't mind)

asks you out properly at the end of the night and it's not just a command

instead of "get lunch with me sometime" it's

"get lunch with me sometime? if you wanna, you don't need to if you don't want to-"

and then you kiss him! to make him shut up! and he's a feely mess for the next three days straight until he sees you again

if you enjoy my writing and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee on my ko-fi! you can also check out my full masterlist here :)

[mapofthemazeinthemirror]

on camera, off camera

warnings: hurt/comfort, angst?

The company push Yeonjun into a PR relationship, romantically linking him to an actress. They are required to be seen and "caught" in public, holding hands, making heart eyes at each other... but Yeonjun has you, so he never does anything too intimate, quietly feeling guilty when he wraps his arm around her waist as they walk together.

He's scheduled to attend a movie premiere—her premiere, of course—and as he poses for the cameras, they request his "girlfriend" join him. They play it up, smiling giddily and whispering together, the photographers clamouring increasingly louder over them. It dawns on Yeonjun, what they're demanding, but he can't—won't—so he smiles and waves them off with a shy facade. But the wall of sound grows louder, angry hands waving over the tops of camera lenses, the white of the flashes blinding, and she's looking up at him expectantly too, and he feels so much pressure that the back of his neck has grown moist with sweat.

Before he knows it, he's swooped down, feeling her sticky painted lips against his, and all he feels inside is cold. He doesn't even have the mind to close his eyes, blankly staring at her perfectly made up eyelids, and he feels her hand on his cheek, a detail too similar and familiar to kisses with you. He pulls away, somehow making it seem natural and not panicked, and the crowd cheer him and laugh at the mark of lipstick left as evidence on his mouth. He should've gone into acting, the way he plays his calm and cool, nonchalant self, no hint of his real emotions in the laugh he produces as he wipes at his lips and thanks the people behind the cameras.

Sitting through the movie is hell. He just wants to get home. He knows you'd have been watching, and even if you weren't, the photos and video would have been all over the internet before the film had even started. He hardly takes any of it in, and he knows he won't be able to answer any questions about it or give his impressions in interviews, so when it ends Yeonjun tells his chaperone he's not feeling well, and they let him slip out the side door to the car waiting for him. It's not that far from the truth—he does feel sick.

Yeonjun finds you in your shared bed, wrapped up tight and bawling. He can tell you've been crying for a long time just from the look of your eyes. 'M sorry, he hushes, so so sorry. He kisses the top of your head, your forehead, your wet cheeks, trying so desperately to kiss away the tears and the pain he's caused. He'd do anything. Thinking about he’d feel in your place, he almost can’t catch a breath. How could he have done this? His heart and throat sting seeing you this upset and knowing he’s the reason, knowing he can’t take it back. Promise, promise it won't happen again, I'm sorry.

written by mapofthemazeinthemirror - do not repost my work in any form

[starlightsearches]

hi star!

i saw from your posts that you were doing some hux headcanons and that you were in disney world (i hope you have a super nice time!! ❤️) and i was wondering if you had any headcanons on hux in disney world??

like if hux could go to disney world in space (and/or was forced to go bc i don’t think he’d go willingly 😆) what rides could be be convinced to go on? which ones would he hate and which ones would he (secretly) enjoy? would he like the restaurants/food or would he yearn for his nutrient bars or whatever tasteless shit he eats in space lmao

or like any other thoughts or headcanons you have to share!!

but also i know this is very specific, so no worries if you don’t have any/don’t want to respond! ❤️

i hope you have an amazing trip!! ☺️

Thanks for the request, my love! My trip was (mostly) wonderful, and I'm so happy to be back home, even if it's freezing here. I hope you enjoy!

Hux is not interested in the idea of an amusement park.

Amusement isn't really his thing, and on top of that, it's a misnomer. Most people here don't seem amused at all.

It's frivolity, really, and he'd never step foot within the same galaxy as this place if it weren't for you.

The more thrilling rides make him sick and dizzy, already unfamiliar with the feeling of real planetary gravity to have it toyed with like this.

But there is something pleasant about the darker, slower ones, and the way you fit yourself beneath his arm, head resting on his shoulder.

They have their own kind of thrill, being so public and still private enough that he manages to steal a kiss or two.

Or three.

Passively impressed with the engineering on some of the rides. He makes a point to reverse engineer how it's done in his own head after each one.

Hux has never even heard of a corn dog. He finds the concept disgusting, but you manage to convince him to take a bite of yours. He lasts about two hours on stubborn will-power before he asks you if he could have one of his own.

Things are much better, after the sun sets, and the crowds ebb. Armitage has to admit that it is rather pretty—with the glowing lights dripping from each facade reflecting back in your eyes. And he's always had a weakness for pretty things.

The fireworks, are spectacular, as well, and not just because you sneak a hand around his waist to hold him close, or because of the kiss you press to the space just beside his lips.

He finally admits, begrudgingly, that he did enjoy himself. But he'd be hard-pressed to find something he wouldn't enjoy, with you by his side.

[the-lights-are-loud]

Betraying Me

I've been told many things.

"It's just a short drive. You'll be fine."

"They'll understand, you have a good reason."

"It looks like it is gonna be a rush today."

"Have you applied to those scholarships yet?"

"Look at all these letters from colleges!"

I know it's happening,

I know I'm being irrational.

But I feel

my heart

Swelling

Shrinking

Breaking

Twisting

Melting

Burning.

Like a pinprick of fire through my chest.

My lungs filled with lava.

"Next up for presentations."

My stomach is in knots and full of butterflies and jumping off cliffs and splat landings. 

My throat feels full of thick cotton, muffling every attempt at life. 

I can’t breathe

Or swallow.

My jaw, wrought and wrapped in iron, 

And the headaches it brings.

My shoulders are as hard as the boulder on my back.

My brain screams into the dark,

Empty,

Void. 

Every scenario runs through my brain at Mach 10.

“Is something wrong? Are you okay?”

I know that I don’t have to worry, but I do. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t worry. I need to know every detail, to have it repeated to me. 

Over and over 

and over and 

over and over. 

Nothing can be a surprise. Surprises are a bad ending, a mistake, a miscalculation. I can’t plan for them. Without a plan, I’m lost. What if I can’t fix the problems around me? What if something really happens and I can’t do anything about it?

My backpack is so heavy, filled with unused defenses. A giant box in my car, unused emergencies. An overflowing mind of unused plans. 

“Why are you so freaked out?”

I have to ask, 

over and over 

and over and 

over and over. 

Do you really love me? Or are you lying just to spare my feelings? Is the care you show me a facade? Am I just a pile of emotions that you have to take care of?

This sense of impending doom, it never leaves. Every approaching milestone, every idea that I can do better, locked behind that growing dark cloud.

“If caffeine makes it worse, why do you drink it?”

Am I addicted to this painful rush, an adrenaline-fueled spark that lights my heart on fire? I don’t want to feel this way, but it’s all I have ever known. Does it help to know that this pressure expands in the same way that it might shrink?

Do you know that my rushing heartbeat makes me panic? Each thudding, thundering pulse is a reminder that I can’t calm down, no matter how much I try. Every time I cry in bed because I can’t sleep each rushing possibility collides in my mind like a lightning bolt, striking the vulnerability in me.

“Stay away from what bothers you.”

When the world is the issue, how can I escape? When everything and nothing drives you to the brink of insanity, would you feel hopeless too? When it’s inescapable, and the world relies on you to function normally, would you not worry?

Am I annoying? Do you get sick of my worries? Do you know I’m just as sick of this hassle that is the attempt to reassure me

my heart, 

my racing beat, 

my mind, 

my crowded thoughts. 

I’ve done these things before. They aren’t strange or new, 

but I still overthink. 

Because 

something, 

Something always goes wrong. 

Why can’t I get a break from my own prison? 

Why can’t this ache fade?

I hate it.

I feel like I hate myself.

This anxious cry 

of my brain 

betraying me.

Masterlist

[angstyaches]

Lobe the “sick or treat” idea!

Here have a lovely 🧹

Thank you for the request, dear! I couldn't choose, so I ran a poll to decide the sickie, and poor Felix was singled out.

Sick or Treat

🧹 motion sickness

CW: theme park setting, rollercoasters, crowds, public emeto.

___

Felix emerged onto the crowded "street", which was adorned on both sides by fake building facades and swarming with the smell of churros and popcorn. He could barely feel his legs, his mouth was stuck in a wide grimace that he couldn't manage to wrestle his muscles out of, and his head was full with an exhilarating rushing sound, as though he had never stopped whizzing along the track or dislodged himself from beneath the restraints.

Mitsuko gave a happy shriek as she bounded after him, leaning on his shoulders with a little bounce.

"One more time, one more time!" she chanted excitedly.

Kazu emerged next, looking a little paler than he had before they'd gotten on, but wearing a faint, blissed-out smile all the same.

"Yabai, Mii-chan," he muttered, glancing up at the board that read '140 minutes' in red neon. He complained to his sister that he didn't want to stand in line for so long again. She started telling him that she'd rather wait in a long line for a decent roller coaster than spend half that time waiting for one of the more childish attractions.

Felix appreciated that they were both making an effort to communicate in English for his sake, and he wanted to weigh in on the discussion, but he couldn't.

Instead, he found himself clutching at the hand that Mitsuko had on his shoulder. The rushing in his head had been pleasant at first, reminding him of the thrill of the ride, but the unrelenting vertigo was becoming too much to bear. The shakiness in his legs began to sprout up through his hips, forming a grip on his insides.

He stumbled to the edge of the fake curb, just about stopping himself from careening into a couple in anime cosplay. He tried to mumble an apology, but instead of words, his mouth was flooded with saliva.

He slipped his hands away from Mitsuko's and pressed them to his knees, choking on a weak cough as bile dribbled from his throat to the 'sidewalk'.

Mitsuko let out a little yelp.

"Fee," Kazu exclaimed.

"I-I'm ok-" Felix cut himself off with a retch, eyes filling with tears as he watched chunks of his limited-edition Halloween churro splatter across the ground amidst a puddle of stomach acid. He'd drank a little blood that morning, but thankfully the dyes in the pastry helped to disguise it.

He whined in annoyance. They had queued for almost an hour to order those churros. The nausea was retreating, though, leaving his belly feeling fluttery and light and hollow.

"Daijoubu?" Mitsuko pouted sympathetically as she carefully reached forward to pry Felix's Snoopy-ear headband from his hair before it could topple over his forehead and into the mess.

"Daijoubu," he reassured her, straightening his back and rubbing at his chin with the back of his hand. He gulped, wishing he had some water to drink. There were water fountains dotted around the park, including in the queuing areas for the more popular rides...

Overhead, park guests shrieked as the rollercoaster came trundling around in a spiral, and Felix felt his grin returning.

"Let's do this one again next."

It took Mitsuko a second to realise what he'd said, and only then did the exhilaration return to her dark brown eyes. "Really?"

Felix nodded.

Kazu gave a frustrated whine, but turned around anyway and led the way back to the end of the line.

[re-mortal]

The delusional nobleman hushed the town and climbed the steps, his eyes shining at the attention he commanded. "Tonight, we celebrate the defeat of the evil king," he started and paused momentarily as the crowd cheered, "and tomorrow, we will wake up to a kingdom renewed. All thanks to our illustrious heroes!"

The crowd cheered louder, and you grit your teeth even harder trying not to feel so sick. The noble kept talking, but you were too busy stewing in your anger and glaring at the old scars dragging along the skin of on your unclothed arms to process his words.

You should've left as soon as you had the amulet. There were better things to do than this.

"…witness the hero restore our great kingdom with the sacred amulet!"

Your head whiped up in disbelief at the gall of the noble and the people to decide the wish you were to make. The expectant faces of the crowd flicked between your face and the amulet around your neck, wholeheartedly believed that it was what the amulet was to be used for. You look towards your companions, and most stared back at you with that expectant look. Albin, your closest ally, couldn't meet your eyes.

He expected the same of you.

All of them expected you to help them MORE.

Suddenly, the hatred that'd been bubbling underneath the surface of your carefully stoic facade overflowed. The legendary sword Day Breaker appeared in your hands and you slammed it down unto the table in a fit of rage, blowing it up into splinters.

"How dare you?" You roared, Day Breaker glowing at the sheer intensity of your will, "I refuse! This wish is mine, and it will not be used to help you miserable lot."

Robyn stood from her chair, the wine she'd previously been enjoying staining her plain blue dress. She, most of all, knew your pain, and she still expected something different of you. "You can't be serious. Dear, I thought you've made your peace with that."

"Made peace-? I've told you time and again, I only went on this accursed adventure to bring my sister back. Nothing has changed, that is still my ultimate goal."

The crowd started to plead, to make their case why you should use the amulet to return the kingdom to its former glory. "Fix our homes" this and "heal our sons and daughters" that. Everyone joined in the attempt to sway you, even your party members turned to you and told you to "just fix the kingdom". It did not matter to you how convincing their words or sincere their desires, you would not heed any of their opinions on this matter.

"Don't think I've forgotten," You hissed poisonously through your teeth, fully addressing the assembled masses, "You killed my sister."

The crowd was taken aback, fear and confusion plastered plainly over their face. Your party members startled and looked between you and the crowd. "W-Well, the king-" some old woman blubbered, tears in her eyes, "my son, too, was-"

"It was the king!" an even older man cried, "we just-!"

"You all really think I'm stupid, don't you? The king had no decree, had no command, had no word, and you all still ripped my sister from my arms." The crowd continued to protest, making excuses, crying, pleading, but you would have none of it. "I remember all your faces, I remember which of you jeered, which ones tore her clothes, which ones threw hot coals at her. I remember which of you bound her hands and dragged her naked through the streets.

"You burned my sister at the stake and cheered." You refused to hide the complete disgust and fury in your voice. They had to know you hated them with every fiber of your being. "I should use the amulet to wish all of you horrific deaths for the way you treated her, but I won't. I love my sister more than I hate you. Mercy is the only grace you will receive from me."

You turned and walked away from the pleading crowd, brushing off the grabbing hands of the desperate few that made the attempt, threatening them with your sword if they persisted. The members of your party did not follow, and you hoped they understood what came next.

The amulet glowed softly as you looked at it, ready to grant your wish. "I don't want to die" was the last coherent thing you heard from your sister. You could only hope that bringing her back would make up for the powerlessness of your youth.

You are the adventurer who went on an epic quest and defeated the evil king, all to gain the sacred amulet and use its one wish to revive your sister. Now everyone expects you to accept her death and use the wish to undo the damage instead. You refuse.

[vitalphenomena]

@hypocratic asked for: [ passionate ] an intense and fiery kiss, expressing raw desire and strong emotion

A SEMI-FREQUENT GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS THAT HE'S SCHEDULED THIS WEEK AS A GUEST LECTURER FOR ONE OF THE UPPER-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY COURSES. Guests are invited to attend. Margot, by sheer force of will, does not get sick on the day in question. She does not miss her alarm. She will be on campus.

She attends the lecture dressed sharply. An Oxford button-up and jeans that fit nicely. Chunky loafers. It's neither too sophomoric and schoolgirlish nor too 'I'm a grown-up!' either. She longs for the day when she does not fret about these things anymore. The lecture hall is massive, damn near an arena. The lecture itself is almost impossible to comprehend. Frustrating—captivating—alluring.

She waits for faculty and students to make pitiful introductions and smalltalk. She stretches out, then makes her approach as he, cane in hand, ascends the stairs towards the exit. It would look like she were accosting him if she weren't so athletic and in control of her body and balance—moving fluidly, gracefully.

"Dr. Chilton. Oh, I should have brought my board and pieces. I'd look ridiculous, maybe, but you're a little behind on your practice. All these speaking engagements getting in the way, making you feel so very important. Maybe even revered. Don't worry, though. I'll help you catch up on the important things. — do you feel special, when you get to speak in front of a crowd?"

Never you mind his answer. Ultimately, she's focused on his eyes, his radiating cockiness. Fuck. Maybe he should always be on his knees for her; it would certainly be less aggravating than this facade. All because he got to be the big man on campus.

She leans close, teetering on the balls of her feet.

"You should have said you were coming." A little sharp. "I could have given you a tour of campus. Actually," Slowly becoming more playful, more forcefully innocuous, "There's a room where they manage the projector and the audio-visual equipment. It can be cool. I'd like to show you."

She leads the way; she does not need to look behind her to ensure that she is being followed. She ascends the rest of the stairs and enters the room she'd referred to. He, firmly, closes the door behind them.

What is this about, again? Raw desire and strong emotion? Well, let me be a little explicit, then, though Margot still speaks in innuendo. Watching Dr. Chilton lecture, authoritative and charismatic and assured, made her so wet she thought she would stain the seat. It also made her consider putting him back in his place. It's early days, their entanglements infrequent but sometimes all she can think about.

Enclosed in a smaller space with him, a space warm from the projector's electric hum and lightbulb, she immediately feels fuzzy and dizzy. She practically collapses into him, arms draped around his neck. He falls back against the door, lets out a noise that she knows she's lucky to hear.

"Do you feel special, when you get to be alone with me?"

He's spoken very little so far; this does not change. Instead, he darts forward to kiss Margot deeply, in that strangely desperate and inquisitive way of his. His hand cups her face.

I missed you goes unsaid, just as he never says Yes or Immensely so or anything else in response to her question. They speak with their hands, their writhing bodies.

She takes him against the door. She will always remember this suit, those trousers (though he had to have them thoroughly dry-cleaned after this affair and didn't wear them for some time). She never forgets an outfit she fucks him in.

[thenextchapterbegins]

To that he just lets out a bout of laughter slapping his knee before letting out a sigh taking a puff of his cigar.

"I love people like you, so self righteous, it honestly makes you worse then me and you don't even see it." He taps his cigar to the side. "Me, I'm honest, working for me is hell, working for me sucks, but its work and if your good and you arent a bitch you might rise up. People like you, oh people like you are truly devils. Your messages and your goodwill. You would sing to a crowd of people about their woes, talking to them in fan interviews like you truly support them."

"You might even do a few charities and actually believe your a good person. But at the same time you'll happily take the money from your concerts, from your merch, from your fans and your fan-meetups. You'll live in nice homes, work in nice businesses and nice offices, you'll eat good food, you'll hire bodyguards. and you'll never have to worry about going hungry or cold. But you'll stand on your soap box and you'll preach, and you will be a platform to those less fortunate to those fucked and they'll listen. They'll listen because their suffering so harshly if a pop singer believes in them then that's just enough to keep chugging along."

"If you really wanted to make a difference you would live modestly, work in cheap offices, you wouldn't walk around without a bodyguard, you would know every workers name and you would pay for each and every healthcare, education and any and every cost when they get sick or injured and miss days." He takes another puff.

"Your concerts would be for free or all profits would go to charties, you wouldn't take a penny and you wouldn't work for a dime because you have so much cash you don't need to take peoples money anymore. Your set."

"You would say greed is horrible because it fucks people over, corporations rule, and corruption is daily. But I would ask what is infinitely worse. knowing your fucked or believing in the facade that your not."

"FUCK CORPO SHIT!"

[kingudon]

Then Do It Yourself

I'm totally projecting onto Logan here. Written in the span of a day btw.

Hurt/comfort

Tw: yelling

<_____________________________________________>

Words bounced across his skull. He couldn't focus. He had to focus. They were counting on him. They always were though.

A knock followed by a gentle call of his name grabbed the man's attention.

"Logan?"

"Come in," he calls back.

Another slips into the room, "I was just wondering if-" the other cuts himself off "Oh, I see you're busy. I'll come back later."

Logan sighed, "You obviously came by for something, so please Patton just spit it out."

Patton was shocked. Logan hardly snapped at anyone unprovoked. Granted Logan hadn't meant to snap at Patton in the first place. It just happened,,,

A tension filled the air and Logan was getting more frustrated as the seconds passed.

"Patton," He pressed.

"Right," This brought him to, " Roman and I wanted to know if you'd be available to look over something we wrote?"

Logan simply nodded; not fully conscious of his actions. He really wanted Patton to leave and be left alone.

Patton beamed, "Thanks Lo, you're the best!"

You're the best.

The best..

Best...

Then how come he didn't feel like he was the best? How come anytime they proclaim such it feels like a lie? And how come he still CAN'T FOCUS?!

"Perhaps a break will do me good," Logan mumbled to himself.

He makes his way to the kitchen, leaving the sanctuary of his room. He could Virgil curled up in a corner of the couch, a book in hand. Patton and Roman excitedly talking about their project. Roman spots Logan.

"Oh look who left the lab!" The jab didn't make Logan feel better.

"Not now Roman," He mumbled.

"You ok, kiddo?" Patton's voice full of concern.

"I'm merely tired."

Virgil hadn't said anything, but he to looked to Logan with concern. He really did want to say something, but he also knew Logan. Pressing the matter won't making it any better.

All their eyes stayed on him. The feeling made Logan want hide. He could. He could sink back down to his room. If they stared a second longer, he just might. Unfortunately before Logan had the chance to escape he's being summoned elsewhere.

He reappears to find Thomas in front of him. Logan can feel the frustration building. All he wants is to be left alone. Is that too much to ask? Yes, because when you this bunch you're always needed. Logan puts up his best facade and greets Thomas.

"Salutations Thomas."

"Hey Logan, you got a minute?" Thomas asked.

Logan sighed, "I believe I didn't have a choice in the matter."

A nervous chuckle left Thomas, "Sorry that's the fastest way I know to get you here."

"What was it you needed?" Logan questioned.

"Oh yeah, I wanted to know how next week's filming schedule is going?"

This simple question irked Logan more than it should've. He works on the schedule all the time. This time shouldn't be any different, and yet it is. Logan looked anywhere but Thomas. A new feeling rising under all the frustration and sadness. Guilt.

"I still have yet to finish it," he mumbled.

"How come it's not done? Thomas asked, "You know I need it by Thursday night."

The dam broke.

Logan's attention snapped towards Thomas. His eyes burning with rage, glowing a brilliant amber. A scowl replaced the neutral expression.

"Then why don't you do it yourself?" Screamed Logan.

Thomas shrank, "Aren't I technically-"

Logan cut off the shakey reply.

"No, you are not. I may be a facet of your being, but you are not me. I'm my own person for fuck's sake. Not a robot either. I have feelings, damn it! Just because I say they're the bane of my existence doesn't mean they're there. Why can't any of you see that? I am sick and tired of not being listened to. I deserve respect all the same!"

He was screaming now. Unfortunately, Logan was too blinded by his emotions he didn't notice he was drawing in a crowd. Those who came up to check up on them were horrified. Never has he acted out. Never has Logan cried,,,?

"Are you crying?" Virgil finally spoke.

He stopped. Bringing a hand to his cheek, Logan could feel them. He shocked even himself. Logan doesn't cry, he's never cried. But things always change, don't they?

Zwoop

Orange eyes land on the forgotten project. Anger flares within Logan. A roar escaped him as he swiped desk clear. Locking on the half finished schedule again, Logan snatched it up. His hands worked feverishly to tear up the past work. With a huff, the shreds fall to the floor.

Anger subsidies and gives way to the sadness he felt. Tears streamed down his face like a waterfall. Logan sinks to his floor and sits with his back against the bed.

"FUCK!" He screamed.

Sobs racked through his body as more tears fell.

Knock knock knock

Please go away, Logan enternally begged. The intruder didn't get the hint. A figure entered the room, and surveyed the scene. He let a small hum, but payed no mind to the mess. The snake took a few steps and sat next to Logan. Logan kept his head down, and the other did nothing to force his gaze.

"Would you like me to finish the schedule for you?" He spoke.

"That'd be much appreciated," he sniffles, "Thank you, Janus."

Janus hums again. They both sat in comfortable silence. Logan felt the waves of exhaustion crash into him. Maybe a nap wouldn't hurt right? He leaned to his right, landing on Janus' shoulder. He glances down at Logan, but says nothing. He'll let him have this. Not even ten minutes later and soft snores can be heard from the jam loving man. Janus softly smiles, removing his glasses and tucking them in a breast pocket. He examines the mess around him.

Suppose I can get started on that schedule while I wait, Janus thought. He summoned the necessary tools and gets to work.

[bandofchimeras]

Re: autism, trauma and emotional labor of survival

I've beaten myself into a hollowed out anxious wreck trying to maintain a facade of being decent and likable and cool and what tbe fuck ever it would take for people to keep talking to me, include me in things. Mostly bc i live on the edge of poverty acutely aware of possibly needing to survive or get medical expenses paid via fundraiser. Maintaining lots of points of contact feels vital.

Itdoesn't work, and in fact backfired in then doing vulnerability oversharing honesty whiplash like hey actually, I am a MESS please don't leave me or Now I Really Need Help and like....

that's toxic, and its exhausting and I'm fucking sick of it. But I have to point this out:

when you're traumatized & autistic, "just be yourself" DOES NOT WORK THE WAY YOU FUCKING THINK IT DOES. you can NOT be yourself at work all the time, especially if you want to advance. You HAVE to control your moods, your tone, your sensory experiences, or advocate for yourself in advance. in many places publicly it is dangerous to stim or frolic or even to zone out, much less to meltdown. you don't just get to relax without experiencing a lot of literal uncalled for hate. you will be disliked and people will constantly find problems with you even if you mask. On the internet, you will offend or upset or confuse people.

Its literally inescapable.

So stop pretending socializing can be easy for everyone if they just relax. That's so silly.

When you're autistic and traumatized,, you have to find your people. who understand, accommodate, and love you, who can be honest when you make mistakes without roasting you over the spit. y

To heal, you have to create a really nice and safe space in your own home to decompress and YOU and the other people in your family, chosen or otherwise, determine what that means. Not any arbitrary social rules about Good Behavior. You have to find a big support system.

And not everyone can or does. Not everyone gets there. Especially physically disabled autistic people. Especially trans autistic people.

There's a lot of abuse, codependency, getting stuck, falling in with the wrong crowd, while you try to figure out survival.

And while I don't mean to paint a bleak picture and its very very possible to create a beautiful loving life while disabled, autistic, traumatized....I wish someone had been real with me early on about the risks, and popped some of my idealistic bubbles. Given me a good schooling on red flags, on navigating welfare, on social rules and what to expect from people.

It doesn't just get better.

You have to fight to make it better and even then sometimes...it just is what it is. You're not immune from getting kicked down the drain pipe. Life's like that and yeah. It sucks.

Thats the whole reason WHY being kind is important but being kind all the time will also not always help you survive. Your soul needs protection too. And so....

Its okay to mask. Its okay to study NT society and get along. Its okay to live under a lot of pressure so you can keep yourself or loved ones afloat. Its okay to reconcile with the parasitic selves constructed by your pain. Its okay if you never fully heal because life doesn't stop beating you down. Its okay not to be where you thought you would be or have to make choices you don't want to make to survive. You don't have to be relaxed and full of pleasure and wonderful experiences even if you deserve them, you just have to keep going and carve out time and space for them when you can.

And I'm rooting for all of us to make it out of survival mode and find the goodness that can lift one another up. But it is hard. And for some of us, those very vital social relationships that enable survival are the hardest things to find and maintain while being ourselves.

Some days positivity and hope are nice. But tonight I need to be real. And its okay. It really is okay. If you're alive, fed, and relatively safe....you're doing wonderful. And there is always another chance to connect, or get to somewhere better. But its okay to just be where you are now, too. Even if its alone or in a life you never would have wanted.

Don't give up just because its harder than you expected.

Its not your fault.

[sxrensxngwrites]

“false direction” pt. 2 — cedric diggory x reader

not my gif

summary: cedric and cho are the newest couple in school and everyone seems to agree that they were made for each other. everyone except harry and y/n, who are each pining after cho and cedric respectfully.

tags/warnings: fake dating au, reader is any house but Gryffindor, platonic!harry x reader, reader and harry are both a mess, i low key hate this my bad

word count: 1.4k

part one || part two || part three

masterlist

crossposted on wattpad and ao3

Keeping up appearances as Harry's girlfriend was harder than [Y/N] had originally thought.

It was odd having a boy a year younger than her, one that she had always seen as a brother, guiding her around like a well-intentioned puppy. Not only was it odd, it was awkward.  Harry tried his best to act like the whole debacle was normal, but it was easy to tell that he was put off by pretending to be someone's boyfriend.

He now walked her to class and carried her books. He even held her hand when he felt like someone was watching them. She had begun to hang out with him and his friends on trips to Hogsmeade, and not to mention supporting him at every Quidditch match. It would've been a wonder if Cedric and Cho hadn't seen the two at that point.

The Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor had been all anyone had been talking about all week. Whoever won was going on to play against Slytherin in the finals, and the crowds were eager to see the results.

The same excited chatter filled the stadium as it always did, and the seats were nearly filled to bursting. Blue and silver colored scarfs and sweaters decorated one side of the stadium and red and gold the other. The atmosphere of any Quidditch match at Hogwarts was usually above and beyond, and this one wasn't any different.

[Y/N] had taken her seat amongst the heart of the Gryffindor stands, perfectly posed for her facade of supporting Harry. It wasn't like she wouldn't support her friend if they weren't pretending to be a couple, but she might've been sat away from the action if she wasn't.

To complete the illusion, the girl was wearing a Gryffindor sweater. She had borrowed it from Hermione, although the rumors that were circulating said it was Harry's. She smiled in satisfaction, knowing that if who her sweater belonged to was amongst the gossip this week, then perhaps word of her and Harry's "relationship" had reached Cedric and Cho.

Hermione and Ron sat on her right engaged in conversation, but she herself was studying the faces in the stands and keeping her eyes peeking for the one and only Cedric Diggory. They had sat together once or twice before, whenever Cedric wasn't playing. She remembered the times fondly, even if not many words were spoken. She crossed her heart that Cedric would repeat the past and sit with her, although she knew it was a foolish notion. He would probably sit with the Ravenclaw section to support Cho, like she was supporting Harry.

"Whatcha lookin' for?"

She practically jumped out of her own skin when she heard Cedric's voice. He definitely wasn't supposed to be in the Gryffindor cheering section!

"Uh—just watching everyone warm up." [Y/N] covered, her face flushed.

Cedric nodded and turned to look down at the pitch. Luckily, both teams were actually running drills on the pitch before the match began. Cho was currently weaving up and down the field, preparing to catch the snitch. Harry was also on the field, although currently in a huddle with the Weasley twins and Oliver Wood.

[Y/N] looked up from the Gryffindor team and back at Cedric.

"If you don't mind me asking, what brings you up here?" She asked, her palms slightly sweaty.

Cedric chuckled. "I came to sit with Mikey and Curtis like I usually do, but it seems like they decided to clear out." He shifted his glance from the field and onto the girl in the Gryffindor sweater.

"I could ask you the same." He joked, giving the girl a nod. "Last I checked you weren't a Gryffindor."

[Y/N] laughed at that one. She gave the handsome boy a shrug.

"Well I—"

"Wait, lemme guess." Cedric turned his entire body away from the pitch and towards the girl. His brow furrowed and he rubbed his chin as he pretended to theorize. "You and Potter."

She gave him a nod, and watched as he shook his head.

"I'm gonna be honest," He laughed as he leaned over the railing of the stands. "I didn't wanna believe it when I heard it."

What was that supposed to mean? [Y/N] looked at him once more, her own brow furrowed.

"How come?"

"Well, I consider both you and Harry my friends. It just caught me by surprise when I heard about you two being a couple. I didn't know you two really knew each other."

The same could've been said for him and Cho.

"Yeah, we'd talked before. He asked me out to Hogsmeade about two weeks ago." The lie came out of her mouth like clockwork. She'd been telling the story that she and Harry had made up for the past week and a half, but she couldn't help but feel slightly upset telling Cedric. She'd been waiting all this time to plant the seed of her master plan, but it didn't feel right.

"Enough about me." [Y/N] quickly said before her disappointment could seep through the cracks. "What about you and Cho?" She attempted to wag her eyebrows, another sorry attempt to seem lighthearted.

Cedric laughed. Although, one could hardly call it a laugh. More so, he let a puff of hair blow out of his nose.

"We broke up."

Merlin's beard.

[Y/N] stared at Cedric for longer than she'd like to admit. Did she hear him right?

"What happened?" She caught the words flying out of her mouth before she could stop them. "If you don't mind me asking, that is."

Cedric looked up, and the girl next to him could only imagine that he was focused on one of the tiny flags atop one of the Quidditch towers. He exhaled, and [Y/N] could only think about how handsome he was.

"We jumped into it too fast, I suppose. We agreed that we worked better as friends." Cedric looked back down at the girl in the Gryffindor sweater and gave her a smile. "No hard feelings at all, you know?"

Said girl nodded, and suddenly felt very sick to her stomach.

"Let me know what love's like, because I'd love to know."

***

[Y/N] quite literally had her face buried in a book on the library table. Her cheek was flush with the pages as she groaned for about the fourth time this hour.

"How could we be so stupid?"

She picked up her head only to throw it back down onto the book once again.

"Why'd you let us do this, Hermione? You're supposed to be the smart one." She continued.

"If I remember correctly, both Ron and I tried to warn you against it." Hermione didn't bat an eye at the girl next to her, and continued to shuffle through book after book.

[Y/N] flopped her head to the left to glare at Hermione. "Hush up."

"So you mean to tell me that not two weeks after you two begin your fake relationship, Cedric and Cho are already broken up?" Ron was leaned up against a bookshelf with his arms crossed, a smug look on his freckled face.

"Yes, exactly that. You don't have to rub it in." Harry grumbled from another chair at the table, his own face propped up against his arm.

"And what's stopping you and Harry from 'breaking up' and getting who you fancy?"

"Because, Ronald." [Y/N] flew up, the bridge of her nose red from where it's been shoved against the book. "The entire castle just found out about Harry and I last week, and it doesn't reflect well on either of us to break up with each other just after Cedric and Cho did. It'd be obvious that we were faking the whole time!"

"Sounds a bit complicated if you ask me." Ron gave a mumble and turned his back on the group, clearly done with the whole ordeal. Whether [Y/N] liked to admit it or not, she was making this more complicated than it needed to be. Sure, her and Harry's egos might be a bit wounded after, but she'd have to toughen up and swallow her pride.

"What are we gonna do, Harry?"

"We've got to end this fast, before it gets too out of control." He nodded. "Before Cedric and Cho change their minds." He joked.

"So it's decided," [Y/N] said to her partner in crime. "You need to break up with me in front of the whole school."

"Agreed."

[gunsmoke-snakeoil]

That Smile

Arthur X Reader

Contains Spoilers

First of all, I want to say how extremely grateful I am to reach a little under 140 followers!! I am absolutely astounded by all of your support!! I never ever would've thought that something I did would attract this many people! I cannot thank you all enough! I am so touched! With that said, I'm very sorry for my little absence as of late. School had gotten out a little over a month ago and I went back to full time at work. Because of the pandemic, work has been absolutely draining in all aspects. Despite that, I've been trying to push through the exhaustion to write. Finally (and I mean FINALLY) I have gotten someplace!! Enough about me. I hope you all enjoy this little piece! Stay safe, healthy and be well!! -K

That smile

He's seen it before, just glittering in the flickering light emitting from the orange hissing flame of the campfire. Happiness tugging it up just enough to reveal your teeth. When some comment from John rippled through the few bodies gathered, your smile grows wider and a laugh gently passes your lips. And then those eyes, they crinkled and sparkled when they lit up with happiness, accompanying the sweet gesture of your soft lips.

Your smile was gorgeous. But the beauty exemplified when your eyes met his. Your cheeks grew hot, turning pink under his watchful gaze. You bit your lip, turning your eyes to the fire; watching the flame lap at the wood and glowing embers. He loved that. Loved the way you gestured love by fluttering eyelashes and dusted pink cheeks. A smile of his own grew past the hardened soil of his heart and warmed his cheeks ever so slightly.

That smile when you prove a point. A few simple words slip from your lips before you whip around proud and knowing. He loved the walk that followed; confident, self sure, holding an whimsical air of victory. He'd admire you, playing dominoes with Hosea and challenging anyone and everyone to a match of five finger fillet. He thought he died when you challenged him in a shooting match. He was confident, and you pointed it out when his chest puffed up eager for the challenge. "don't get to big for your britches Morgan," you chided, pulling your revolver from it's holster and knocking down bottle after bottle like your bullet was a magnet. The gathered crowd couldn't help but baffle, picking their loose jaws from the dirt as you walked back swaying your hips.

That smile after you had cried. It was quiet, no teeth showing, eyes still puffy and tears still clinging to your lashes. But when he made you laugh; choking and tight while remnants of sadness still pressing your chest. His heart fluttered. Like a leaf he would shake, watching your hands wipe away any signs of sadness from your face. The small smile after, warmed cheeks with a gentle sparkle of love in your eyes, sent his mind through a loop. Your head laying on his shoulder while you closed your eyes and let out a sniffle made his heart rate speed up.

That smile when it had been long, when hope seemed to fall by wayside and despair followed close behind. Long sleepless nights cured by a single shout and a rush of tears accompanied by much needed words of love. The leap in his arms, kisses filled the skin that grew cracked; shedding away his strong facade. Like bandages they repaired his broken heart and reminded him of what the world really felt like in his arms.

That smile when you saw he needed it. His own heart grew heavy with anguish and worry. With one little gesture and a sweeping of your grinning lips on his, you took his burdens and pressed them to your shoulders. When he was unsure, head on a swivel, you'd smile like he was your everything. Stars seemed to pale when they were next to your eyes. Then the words in sickness and in health truly meant something deep to him. And when his chin hit his chest, your fingers rose his eyes to the sky. Never give up, be the man I know you are.

That smile, that knowing smile. Eyelids drooped, while tears followed after. His fingers knotting in yours while you bore your weak gaze into his. It was small, hurting, but holding the faith that he would do everything he was meant to do. It whispered I love you as the dark cloud came down. And he returned it, whispering: "I love you too."

Your smile held him as the pain went numb and rose with the sun.

[abs0luteb4stard]

I care so little anymore that I want to do something to destroy my life.

I'm so tired of everything. I don't think I've ever not been exhausted with existing.

I just want to be locked away in jail or dungeon. Just let me waste away. I don't want to be in the world.

Everything I am is just this surface gesture. I'm just empty. I hate every haggard breath I take.

I just want to burn my life away.

I want to be remembered as someone awful. Some stupid idiot that was nothing. Just make their 'clever' judgements and never truly understand the person.

Because I'm not "good", that's a facade, but at least I admit it. Too many people like to be these virtuous ball-sniffers. I'm not even "satisfactory" in the world. I'm a point of ridicule and to be used.

I'm just a human being. I'm not anyone's idea of anything positive. I just am. But I'm seemingly everyone's idea of the negative, including me.

I never did anything for goodness or kindness. I did it for praise or a return kindness. A handshake or a hug or a 'how do you do'.

I never did a selfless act. Too many people pretend to be selfless, giving change to some bum on a corner or whatever. But they act like they did it out of the kindness of their heart. They did it because they had any audience. Because they wanted approval.

Every goddamn person does what they do for approval. You think it's for any other reason, then you're in denial.

I'm sick of this entitled fucking season. People are fucking stupid. They're crowding your space, or hurriedly dealing with your presence, edging you to the side, but hey, all's forgiven because it's Christmas.

Bunch of fucking human waste.

Yeah... they're the sane ones. I'm the one with the problem. "That's a fine attitude to have for Christmas!"

Lock me away in some fucking black site Area 51 prison. Because the sane people are giving me their sane cooties. Making me crazy.

Lobotomize Me. Make my personality null and void. Render me blank. Erase me. Disconnect me from the outside.

I became what I hated. The world changed me for the worse. I'm broken down. There's nothing left in me. Just self-destruction.

And there always room for more levels of corruption, decrepitude, cruelty and wickedness. Run it all down.

If you're in a deteriorating orbit anyway, might as well do your best to fall as far as you can.