#in the distance you hear david: ASHER.

[brainrotcharacters]

Asher swims in his wolf form and then hunts Babe down before shaking off the water

[geordikisser]

PART 2: pregame: the smash tournament

☆ a/n: gender neutral language, suggestive language + domestic life. ☆

parings: david + angel, milo + sweetheart, asher + baaabe + sam + darlin' & lovely + vincent [ different povs for each ]

☆⃞ previous parts ┆1 :3

babe, angel, darlin’ and sam all approached the door. sweetheart already eager with milo besides them. “can we go?” they chirp eagerly. darlin’ giggles as they grab their coat from sweetheart. “uh-hm!” darlin’ smiles in response as they begin to unbutton their shirt. sams eyes widening. “jesus on a stick darlin’!” he gasped as he immediately jumps to cover them. their brow raising. “huh? o—oh right!!” they snort as they immediately re-button up their shirt. “forgot our company, my fault.” as they awkwardly scratch their neck. babe chuckling along side with angel.

as darlin’ made their way out the door, the others could hear the transformation in the process. milo was holding sweethearts hands as they jumped around excitedly. milo’s brows furrowing at them. “acting like you never rode a werewolf before.” he mutters in a low tone to sweetheart. sweethearts smile dropping within an instant. sam couldn’t help but chuckle in response to milo’s jealousy. darlin’ lets out a bark as they walk up to the front door, everyone taken aback. “always forget how big your wolf form is.” angel admits as they pet their fur. “and how soft your fur is.” darlin’ nuzzling into the touch as they lower themselves for babe & angel. babe squealing as they gently mount darlin’ along side with angel. darlin’, with ease lifts themselves up without any trouble.

“jesus. that’s some core strength for ya.” milo cringed, feeling the back pain for darlin’. darlin’ sticking their tongue out, indicating their smile. milo throws off his coat and tosses it to sweetheart. “tryna get a ride with your big strong man?” he smirks as he bares his snag tooth to them. sweetheart biting their lip followed up with a smile. “i got a better idea.” they giggle as they slip on milos coat and picks up milo. milo yelping as they are gone down the street in an instant. sam watching them zip away in the distance, milo’s cries for help following. sam chuckling as he scratches behind darlin’s ear. “you take care of yourself. don’t over do it. we’ll meet you there.” he smiles as darlin’ licks his wrist in response. sam is gone within an instance as darlin’ begins to trot away.

sweetheart and milo make it there first then sam is short to accompany them. milo saw stars and what remained above as sweetheart was just having fun as their boyfriend was loosing the light behind his eyes. “is he dead?” sam asked with a smirk. sweetheart analyzing milo for a quick second and shrugging. “probably.” they giggle as they drop milo. milo letting out a grunt as his butt hit the floor. sam laughs as he helps milo up, looking around the quad. most places were closed around this hour of night so finding an open subway here would be less than likely. “sam?” a familiar voice calls out as he whips his head to see vincent! and his mate besides him. “vincent, haven’t seen you for a minute.” sam chuckles as they shake hands. “and you. how you been.” sam asked with a smile. lovely sighs as they shrug. “how would you be if your boyfriend hated you.” they pout as vincent grips the bridge of his nose. sam laughs nervously, looking at vincent confused. “did i—?,, miss something?,,” he asked vincent as he shakes his head.

“lovely, just because i wouldn’t love you as a caterpillar doesn’t mean anything.” he groans as lovely gasps. “MEANS NOTHING? ok.” lovely begins shuffling their feet across the quad and then back to vincent and then a spark of electricity buzzes throughout vincent’s body. “OUCH— lovely,,!!!” he growls as lovely giggles and gets a head start. “bye sam!! bye milo!! bye sweetcheeks!!” as their electricity burned on across the concrete. “sweetcheeks?” milo growls at sweetheart as they gave a generous smile. “hah?,,” vincent shaking his head. “see-ya sam. got a brat to grab.” he snickers as sam nods. “glad to see you happy, vin.” he smiles. “you as well, i’m dying to meet this mate of yours.” vincent smiles as he waves sam off and is gone within an instant. darlin’ making it over shortly as babe and angel hop off their back. “hey guysss!” babe smiles as angel is wearing one to match.

darlin’ stretches as they began to retransform back. they groan, scratching their neck. “you doing ok?” sam asked darlin’ as they nod. “mhm, they weight nothing.” darlin’ smiles as they stretch to touch their toes. “what’s the plan every-pony?” babe asked as angel has to double take to rehear what they said. “every what?” babe turns their head to angel. “every-pony! like mlp!” babe restates as angel just has this disappointed look upon their face. “alright. where we going?” angel asks as sam thinks. “well i doubt a subway is opened at this hour. so-,,” everyone suddenly fell silent. “hows bout a jersey mikes?” milo suggests as darlin’ jumps to agree quickly. “yes please!! let’s go!! i know everyone’s orders.” they giggle, jumping up and down in pure excitement. “ok darlin’ calm down!” sam chuckles as they grab their hand, only causing darlin’ to grab sam’s hands with both and shake it aggressively. sam taken aback from this began shaking alongside with it. “alright, let’s go then!” babe cheers as the 6 of them walk around the district area to find the subway first. “yep. closed” sam sighs as they find their way to the jersey mikes. barley closing, darlin’ runs inside and begins to order.

sam barely had time to call for them as he sighs with a smitten look on his face. “you’re so corny, sam.” milo smirks as he glares at him. “oh please. let’s go before i say something i regret.” sam rolls his eyes as he slips his coat off, entering alongside with babe & angel, milo & sweetheart following behind shortly. sam slips darlin’ coat over their shoulders, making sure their cozy and warm (& to prevent them from getting a cold,,,) “your total is 78.98$.” the thrilled employee says as darlin’s face truths place. groaning, angel pulls out their card and hands it to the cashier. “thank you, your order is number 68.” handing them the receipt. darlin’ huffs as angel takes the receipt as the two walk away. “i had it covered.” darlin’ pouts as angel rolls their eyes. “like the fear that washed over your face at the total? funnyyy,,” they smirk, shoving darlin’ gently. darlin’ scoffs as they walk towards sam, hugging him closely. sam wrapping a arm around their waist, pulling them in even closer. “miss me already?” he hums sweetly as darlin’ nods. “missed you more, baby.” he kisses their head gently as babe & angel side eyed each-other. “do not start you two.” sweetheart snorts as they burst into laughter.

picking up their orders, babe rummaged through the bag to make sure everything is correct and where it needs to be. “ok, we are ready, wanna head out?” they turn to darlin’ who is asleep in sam’s arms. “i’ll be out with this one, you four will be ok right?” he hums as they nod. “i got this one and you zip around like the—,, fucking time bender you are.” milo gesturing to sweetheart. “got it sugar! we’ll meet you at home?” sweetheart hums as sam is off and away. the four venturing off home. milo and babe begin talking about asher as they walked home. “then, he got his head stuck in a jar,,, never thought id see that ever.” babe snorts as milo has a fucking hoot, almost choking on his sandwich. “when we were younger, asher got stuck on top of our neighborhood tree and when he fell, he rolls down the hill into the lake and turns into a wolf and doggy paddled out.” milo smiles as babe giggles. “sounds about right.” babe sighed as they admired the moon. “asher is so—,, special,,” babe smiles. “yeah, we noticed.” he sneers as babe shoves him. earning a chuckle from the brunette. “oh shut up!! like you’re any better!!” as they arrived home, david is scolding sweetheart and angel for something. “it’s been 35 minutes? what did we miss?” babe asked as angel turns to them slowly. “oh do we have a surprise for you.” they grin, face as pale as darlin’s earlier, maybe even more.

[dominimoonbeam]

Holding Out for a Hero - 9

The Asher/Darlin/David bodyguard au continues!

Fic from the start is here on ao3. <3

tags: idiots in love, communication is a problem, past abusive relationship, getting together

Holding Out for a Hero - 9

David woke up slowly to the discomfort of a small bed on a tour bus. His bunk was dark even though it had to be day out by now, that thick accordion curtain holding back the light. He scrubbed a hand over his face, leaving it over his mouth when the previous night came back to him, pressing a smile into his palm.

Darlin had kissed him and so had Asher. Everything still had that edge of unknown to it that he was eager to smooth out but at least it was going the right way. They liked him and he liked them. He reeled on that for a minute, feeling like his whole world had changed even though, somehow, nothing really had. They were still on tour, still camped out in the bus, still friends. It was just…more.

He heard the tap of keys on a laptop and knew that Darlin was already up.

He hesitated in a way he never had to get out of bed before, wondering what parts of their relationship had changed and what parts hadn’t. He pushed that hesitation away with the privacy curtain and rolled out of his bunk, landing on the floor and stretching, squinting against the daylight in the bus.

Darlin was there at the dining table, laptop up and an assortment of binders and notebooks spread out. They were still typing, eyes on the screen, but they smiled when he looked at them. “Morning,” Darlin said.

David bit the inside of his lip to try not to grin back like an idiot. “Morning.” He clawed his hair back from his face, retying the messy knot. Darlin had one of his hoodies on, something they’d done a hundred times before but he’d never let himself dwell on why he liked the sight so much before.

They took a sip of their coffee and then put it down, to the side and closer to him on the table than where it had been before.

David took the handful of steps down the tour bus to the table, picking up the offered cup and turning it to drink from the same spot where they had.

Asher wasn’t there, not at the table or on the couch.

He glanced back at the bunks.

“I think he’s still asleep,” Darlin said to their laptop.

David nodded, taking another drink. Asher’s bunk curtain was closed. He put the mug back down and went to the kitchenette and the coffee machine. “Hey Ash,” he called over the hum of the moving vehicle. “Do you want pancakes for breakfast?”

Nothing.

Darlin stopped typing, gaze cutting up to look past David at the quiet bunks.

His heart squeezed. No way Asher was ignoring him… but maybe he was pretending to be asleep to avoid something awkward? He definitely didn’t want this to be awkward or for Asher to hide. He closed the distance and drew back the curtain, ready to face whatever it was head on.

The bunk was empty.

David blinked and then looked around like he might have somehow missed Asher in the limited space available. He even leaned to the side to look into the narrow bathroom and shower. “Where the hell is he?”

Darlin stared. “What?” They got up but then stood there, because how could they help search when there was nowhere to search?

“He’s not here,” David said, surprised by his own panic. How could Asher be gone? They were on a moving tour bus!

He reached into his own bunk to grab his phone, hitting Asher in his contacts and holding it up, half expecting to hear the ringing somewhere around him. He didn’t.

Asher answered.

“Good morning, sunshine,” Asher practically sang, music playing on his end of the call.

David clutched the phone tighter, somehow relieved and more confused than ever. “Where are you?”

“Huh? Oh! I’m up front with Jimmy.”

“You’re…” David turned, staring at the front of the bus, at the wall. Beyond it was a cab and a driver, he knew, but he couldn’t get to it from here.

“We made a pit stop for gas and I got some snacks. Jimmy’s up here on his own so I figured I’d keep him company.”

David took a few more steps toward the front of the bus. Asher was in the cab with the driver. He was okay. At least, David figured he was? Had he even met the driver? What the fuck was going on? “Asher…”

The bus honked twice and Asher laughed on the phone. “Do you need us to get you something?” he interrupted, his smile in his voice.

Us? “Ash,” David tried again, feeling like something was caught in his throat. What the fuck? “We should talk…”

“About what, boss?” Asher asked, his voice still so easy and smiley but with that sudden attention like maybe he’d messed up on a job.

On a job.

Boss.

David felt like Asher had just thrown a bucket of ice water on him.

“Nothing,” David said, grinding his teeth on the end of the word.

Asher’s breath caught a little, like he was going to laugh but it choked off. It sounded… hurt? “Okay,” he said suddenly, smiling again. “Let us know if you need us to pick you up anything!”

Us again.

David grunted and hung up. He pressed his eyes shut.

Darlin tugged his phone from his hand before he could throw it. “Where is he?”

David clenched his teeth and pointed at the front of the bus. “Turns out he got out at a gas stop and is hanging out with the driver.”

Darlin gaped. “That… The gas stop was only a few hours after we went to bed last night.”

David winced. That did not make him feel better. So, Asher hadn’t been able to sleep and had taken the first opportunity to run?

No, it wasn’t exactly running, was it? He was giving them space, just like he’d said.

Darlin pocketed David’s phone, touching his arm. “He’s okay up there. James is a good guy and it’s not like Asher couldn’t handle himself if he wasn’t.”

David shook his head. That wasn’t the point. “He thinks we’re back here fucking and he’s giving us space.”

Darlin blinked, a splash of red invading their cheeks but not stopping the ghost of a smile. “I mean… We could be…”

David shivered at the way those words sent a cascade of feelings and desires through his body and then a wave of guilt and regret from his heart. He wanted Darlin. He had wanted Darlin for what felt like his whole damn life. But the idea of hurting Asher made him feel sick.

Darlin must have read it on his face because their smirk fell and the squeezed his arm. “He thinks you’re rejecting him…” they realized. “That we’re rejected him,” they corrected uncomfortably because they hadn’t had nearly enough conversations about this yet.

David wanted to call him back but he hesitated, because the way he’d called him boss and talked to him had made something grow uneasy in his chest. Asher worked for him. Technically so did Darlin, but he and Darlin knew exactly where each other stood. Had Asher felt uncomfortable? Had he felt pressured in any way?

David sat down on the couch and dropped his head back against the cushion, thinking over every second of last night’s interactions.

Darlin sat down next to him, his phone still in their hand and the other on his thigh. “What did he say?”

David shook his head. “He’s acting… normal, I guess. Maybe…” Maybe he misunderstood? No. Asher had told him he liked him and it had been there in the way he kissed, but he’d also made it clear he wasn’t going to mess things up between him and Darlin, like he was an interloper—like he and Darlin hadn’t been at a standstill until he showed up.

Darlin gave his thigh a squeeze. “Okay. Well, we can’t do anything now unless you want to talk this out over the phone. We’re supposed to stop again tonight and then we’re staying at a hotel and doing some interviews before hitting one of the summer festivals.”

David nodded, trying to take all of that in. He couldn’t do anything about this until tonight at the earliest. He was so close and he couldn’t even really talk to him. He wanted to get this done, for better or worse. He wanted to talk it out and just know where they all stood. Most of all, he needed to make sure Asher understood where he stood, because Asher hadn’t been a test run at something or a matchmaker to help get him together with Darlin…even if technically yes, he had done that…

Darlin frowned. “I’m hanging onto your phone. You should make us breakfast and try not to take your frustration out on my pancakes.”

David rolled his eyes weakly but nodded and got up.

-

Darlin watched him grind his teeth and head over to the kitchenette.

They went back to their desk and put his phone down beside their laptop before picking up their own.

-We’re going to talk about this. They typed out and texted Asher.

The message was received almost immediately and the bubbles appeared as he started to reply.

And then they disappeared, no reply sent.

[starlitangels]

Consequences

Darlin’ and Asher interactions were everything I needed. Enjoy a Circa late 2017-early 2018 fic! 1.8k words

—

“—mean, c’mon. What was David thinking? Like, sure, he’s a young alpha but he’s responsible. But Ash for beta?” Christian was saying as he and Miguel walked past on their way to their seats for the pack meeting. “He should have at least picked me. I’d know what I’m doing.” Milo, standing directly opposite me, went stiff. Our eyes met and flicked to Asher at the same moment. He’d been standing between us.

A worry line creased between Asher’s eyebrows. Those warm amber eyes fell to the worn-down carpet.

I clenched my jaw and balled my fists. I turned to go after them. A hand snatched my wrist. “Tank, don’t,” Ash said quietly. I twisted to look at him. He was still staring at the floor. “They’re not worth the fight.”

“I think you underestimate what I find worthy of a fight,” I growled.

I broke out of his grip and stormed across the meeting room.

“Tank—” Asher tried again. I dodged and slipped between Milo’s parents after Christian.

When I reached him, I shoved him hard in the back. He whirled around with a snarl. “What is your problem—mutt?” he spat.

I scoffed. “Oh—my problem?! What is your problem, prick?” I retorted. “If you’re gonna say something like that about your pack beta, you should at least have the dignity to realize it’ll have consequences.”

David stepped into the corner of my vision, but a fair distance away. Eyes locked on my... conversation. He wouldn’t intervene. Not yet anyway. He was still finding his footing as a 24-year-old alpha—was he 24? I couldn’t remember—and didn’t know how to balance on the line between alpha and best friend.

I didn’t have that problem.

“I didn’t say anything,” Christian said.

“Really? You’re gonna give me that excuse? You grew up in a pack of shifters and you think I wouldn’t hear you? Give me a break. You can’t honestly think I’m that stupid, can you?” I squared my shoulders. “Now. Go on. Say what you said straight to my face and take the consequence like an adult, yeah?”

“What, does the pack beta need you to fight his battles for him?”

“You are such a childish bully, you know that? An argument like that shows extreme immaturity—so, yeah, David was right to not choose you. You’re a moron. Please repeat what you said about my friend so I can give you what’s coming to you.” I glanced back toward Ash to see Marie and Colm each holding one of Milo’s wrists to keep him from joining me. Ash was standing behind the Greer family with his head down, warm black curls hanging loose in the air off his forehead.

David stepped closer. “Tank. Back up,” he said quietly. “Now’s not the time for a fight from within the pack.”

“Did you hear what he said about Ash?” I growled. David’s expression faltered for a moment. He hadn’t. “I’d be happy to repeat it.”

“Sit down. Both of you. We have a meeting to start,” David ordered.

I bared my teeth and snarled at Christian before stalking over to my place in the circle by Milo’s family. Ash padded quietly to go sit next to David. My blood boiled as he sat as far away from David in his chair as he possibly could. Six months ago, he’d sit as close as possible and practically drape himself over David’s shoulder while goofing off.

Now he sat with his head ducked, hands wedged under his legs.

My blood boiled.

I spent the entire pack meeting glaring at Christian with a low growl building in my chest, but never audible. That Australian prick never met my eyes. In fact, took great pains to avoid doing so.

I felt Milo nudge me a couple times, like he was trying to get me to stop glaring, but he never said anything more than a whispered, “Tank,” that I ignored.

After the meeting I leapt from my chair and followed Christian out of the building and into the parking lot, shoulder checking him hard as I stormed past him and whirled to face him. “How dare you talk about Asher that way?” I spat. “He does nothing but care for this pack—where do you get off being such a prick?”

Christian faked a pout. “Awww. The two left behind by their parents are banding together now, are they?” he mocked.

Magic surged through my body, half-shifting me enough that my teeth turned to those of a wolf’s and my snarl was feral and animal. “Don’t. You. Dare.” My nails were claws when I balled my fists. “I chose to stay in Dahlia when my parents moved back to Washington—and so. Did. Asher. Because we love this pack. It’s our family too. The family that matters the most to me. So try me one more time and I’ll put your throat in my teeth.”

Christian painted that stupid arrogant smile on his face. “You can try,” he said. He moved to step around me toward his car, patting my shoulder.

I grabbed his wrist and twisted, locking his arm behind his back and kicking one foot out from under him, knocking him off balance. I kept his face from hitting the asphalt but didn’t care that I spilled him down onto his front on the ground.

Then I shifted, keeping one paw planted on his wrist on his back. I growled low in his ear.

The door to the building burst open. “Tank!” Milo shouted. I heard Marie calling my name and Colm telling me to calm down. I ignored all of them.

Christian wrenched his wrist out from under my paw and shifted himself, twisting beneath me to snap his jaws at me. I huffed out my snout. What an idiot—baring his underbelly and his throat to me.

I lurched to attack both weak points, my teeth closing over his neck. His whole body locked up. What’s that about “try?” I taunted down the mental link. I think you forget I can wipe the floor with you—doesn’t matter that you’re older than me when I’m better than you.

Christian growled. You got the jump on me.

No I didn’t. I’ve given you plenty of warnings tonight to keep your guard up. It’s not my fault you’re can’t pull your head out of your own ass to know when someone else is fed up with your bullsh—

Enough!

I let go of Christian’s neck in time to twist and see a massive black wolf with green eyes burning like fire leap clean over all three Greers and land hard—but smooth—on the asphalt between them and me and Christian.

David.

I kept my teeth bared and didn’t climb off Christian. David, he’s mocking your choice, I snapped.

David stepped right up to both of us and shoved me in the shoulder with his head. Remember your place, Tank, he retorted.

I climbed off Christian. Reluctantly. My place—is between this prick and Asher, I spat before shifting back to human form, whirling, and stalking toward the pack. Several of them took a few steps away from me. Like they always did. I grabbed Asher around the shoulders in a hug before dragging him toward my motorcycle. I popped the under-seat compartment open and handed him my spare helmet. “C’mon,” I said. “We’re leaving.”

Asher just held the helmet for a long moment, staring at it, while I put mine on and swung my leg over the bike.

“You coming, Talbot?” I asked.

Asher scrambled to get the helmet on and climbed on the bike behind me, putting his arms around my waist.

David was back in human form. “You are not dismissed, Tank!” he shouted as I gunned my engine to life.

I revved the bike and hit the kickstand with the heel of my boot. “Kiss my ass, Shaw!” I called before peeling out of the parking lot. Sure David could shift and keep up with my bike for a while, but he wouldn’t risk covert like that. He was the alpha now. Too responsible or something.

Several blocks away from the building, I turned when we stopped at a red light. “Where do you want to get ice cream?” I asked.

“What?”

“We’re getting ice cream. Where do you want it from?”

“I heard you the first time. I just wasn’t expecting that.”

“Okay. Where we going?”

“Remember that parlor like down the road from Max’s Rustic Pizza?”

“Say no more!” I beamed. The light turned green and I pushed the bike back into motion before giving the engine much throttle.

The tension in Asher’s muscles eased out a little the longer we drove, and soon enough we found ourselves on Moon Valley Lane. Max’s was bustling, like always, but the parlor was quiet. It was a weeknight. I wasn’t surprised.

I killed the engine and hit the kickstand into place. “Whatever you want. My treat.”

“That’s a dangerously open-ended invitation.”

I snorted. “You had a bad night and you’re my friend, you ass. I’m not great at making people feel better with words. Ice cream is the best alternative.”

He laughed as we both climbed off the bike. “... Thanks, Tank. This... this really means a lot.”

“It’s just ice cream.”

“No. I... I mean... y’know. Standing up for me. Christian’s not worth it.”

“Oh I know. But you are. You’re my friend.” 

I grabbed the door by the handle and held it open for him. He stayed out of the way as someone stepped out. “Oop. Sorry. Thanks,” a low voice with a Southern accent and a vampire’s aura said before stepping swiftly out of our way toward a bright red truck. Ash ducked into the parlor. I cast one last glance at the vampire’s back before following after him.

—

“Wasn’t that the turn to get to mine and David’s place?” Asher shouted over the wind.

“Yeah?”

“Why didn’t you take it?”

“You’re coming over for a sleepover!”

He started laughing. “Why am I not surprised?”

Back at my apartment, I dragged the mattress from my bed into the living room and started pulling the cushions off the couch and loveseat. “C’mon. Like we used to when we were in school.”

Asher joined me, lining the cushions up. “You’re so mad at Christian that you’re having a sleepover with me. He must have really pissed you off.”

“He did. No one gets to talk about my friend like that and get away with it,” I replied.

He chuckled. “Thanks, Tank. Really.”

I shrugged. “What are packmates for? You’re my brother, Ash. And damn anyone who says otherwise straight to Hell.” I gave him an affectionate noogie. “Now I just need to go find wherever I stored my spare blankets.”

Ash laughed.

—

Edit, Tag List: @zozo-01 @thegoldenlittlerose

[autisticempathydaemon]

What song are you fixated on at the moment? What lyric or verse, and why?

High Enough by K Flay, because it's quite wordy and kinda fast, so when I don't stumble over words or get them wrong, it feels so good. Also, I just really enjoy listening to it.

What is your Enneagram type?

I just did the test because I had no idea. Apparently I'm a 5.

Do you love gargantuan Youtube video essays, and if so, which is your favorite and why?

Yes and no. I love hearing people talking about things they're passionate about, but I have ADHD so it needs to hold my interest for an extended period of time, which isn't always easy. I quite like Jenny Nicholson's, except for the Star Wars ones.

Tell me about your childhood imaginary friend.

I don't actually remember anything about them, only my mum telling me as an adult that they were twins, one boy and one girl.

What is your go-to way to fall asleep?

Curled up, listening to Adam being his sadistic, chaos gremlin self.

If you had to change your name, what would it be, and why? (In tandem, if you have changed your name, why did you pick that one?)

Growing up, I read a book with a character named Starr and kind of wanted to change my name to that. These days, I can't say I love my name, but can't think of anything else I'd change it to.

What is your favorite of Redacted’s audios, and why?

Maybe Regulus's, especially the newest one (the thought of having somebody in my head and never having any space to myself kinda terrifies me, but I also like the idea, because hell yes, he could absolutely kick those intrusive thoughts to the curb. Also, the parts where he starts revealing his true feelings about stuff via the random "demonic" voice just does something to me).

Although the Adam storyline, especially Sadistic Vampire Kidnaps You (both for the sleep aid factor, and just general I really enjoy listening to it) will probably always be my absolute favourite.

What Redacted boy holds no appeal to you, and why? Like, not the one you hate but the one who you don’t get the hype for. (I won’t judge, I promise.)

Sam. I think he's got so much love from Redacted fans that I'm almost burnt out from it. Also Milo, David and Vincent a little bit, for the same reason. I still listen to and enjoy their audios, but they'll never be my first choice to listen to, and it's very unlikely I'd relisten to them.

Tell me about that one book/movie/tv show you know all the words to.

Idk, I don't rewatch or reread things enough to learn the words to them. Maybe Buffy, because I was hardcore obsessed with it when I was younger, but nowhere near knowing all the words level.

Which Redacted boy are you platonically attracted to? Like- forget dating, which dude do you want to be your best friend?

My first thought was Hux, although I would totally date him, if we were in a universe where he was, y'know, real, and not dating Damian.

Maybe I should've said Asher. As much as I adore him, I don't really think about him in a romantic context.

Do you have a go-to thing you ramble about when you’re tired, and if so, what is it? (For example, my boyfriend knows I’m ready to sleep when I start talking about space.)

Since I'm pretty much always alone, I have nobody to connect the dots on that. Maybe I should ask my cat, hahaha.

Tell me your go-to gas station and drink combo.

I don't drive, and don't live within walking distance from one. If I did, it'd probably be something sweet, and a drink, preferably something frozen and/or bright blue

Tell me about your favorite playlist at the moment.

My going to work musical playlist that I've compiled is all killer, no filler if that's what you meant.

What’s your guilty pleasure media, and why?

Boyfriend asmr, and I mean traditional asmr, rather than the audio roleplays. I've been very single for a long time, to the point I don't even know if I could actually date, if (by some miracle) some weirdo did find me attractive.

And whatever else you think tells me about who you are!

I'm literally crying while typing this, and can't think of anything else. Sorry for the trauma dump, if I didn't want to know your answer so badly, I'd just delete and forget about it. 💙

This one took me a second- I was really staring down the Redactedness brackets- but when I saw it, it dawned on me so clearly and so resplendently. Ollie would be so wonderfully perfect for you.

Little things first- I think y’all would have a good time together, because it seems like y’all would like each other and the same things. Like, I can absolutely see Ollie having had a Buffy phase at some point. (He had a crush on either Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Borneanaz, or both. Probably both.) He’d love the same video essays you do and would be more than okay with pausing it or speeding it up if the attention span isn’t spanning.

Big things second- I think Ollie would be so good for you? Your being a Five and what you said about Regulus makes me think the sweet, unempowered type is just what you need. No magic, no tragic backstory, no possibility of having your mind read or wiped- just a darling man who loves you, your cats, and Star Trek.

Song:

You know I wanna be your light/ In darkness, how you find me just in time/ To tell me what I needed to hear/ So if you don't know what you need/ You can leave it all to me/ I don't want you worried 'bout a thing/ I know you'd do the same for me

I love Ollie and the domestic, little ways he shows his love and support- he’s just a wholesome dude, and he’s a sleeper favorite of mine for that reason. This song fits in my head because it reminds me of his sweetness and how far he’s come and matured and how dependable and loving he’d be as a boyfriend and life partner for you.

Runner-Ups:

Aaron was a pretty close runner-up, because I loved the idea of pairing you with someone unempowered and stable. (Ollie, I liked more because of his energy and lighthearted nature; also Aaron also strikes me as a Five, and I don’t typically do same Type pairs.) Huxley, I also love because of his steady, sweet but jovial nature, but I really got stuck on someone unempowered for you by this point.

Note: I’m so sorry I made you cry and you like literally didn’t trauma dump at all you are so fine and good honey

Read this post and send me an ask if you’d like a match-up of your own! 💌

[bowandquinn]

Beware of An Angel

Part 2 of Night Night, Mutt.

TRIGGER WARNING: MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH(S), SURVIVOR'S GUILT, EXTREME VIOLENCE, REFRENCES TO PAST TRAUMA

(tags: ofc @angel-noaxod bc this is based off of their idea and @darlin-collins bc yes)

There stood a figure, over the slain body of a vampire. The vampire had gone rogue, just like Quinn. Quinn. The man, no, not man, creature that had killed their mate. They pulled out a pocket knife, cutting the monster's fangs out. 

“This’ll go great on my mantle. Thanks for the addition, leech.” They pocketed the bloody teeth, the rain beating down on their trench coat. They were soaked head to toe. They ran back through the forest, feeling eyes on them. They heard growling in the distance. 

“Shit-” They hissed, slipping and slamming into a tree. They stopped, the sound of bushes rustling in the distance. 

Fuck. They thought. They held their breath, not moving. There was a familiar noise, the noise of a shifter shifting back. What the fuck? Were some shifters chasing them? 

“Do you have eyes?” There was a familiar voice, the Boston accent striking them. Milo. Milo Greer, gamma of the Shaw Pack. No, beta of the Shaw Pack. Ash was the Alpha now. 

“Mhm…” Another voice responded. Milo’s mate. Stealth. British accent, has to be them.

“Okay, on three. One, two-” Milo whispered before Angel bolted, grabbing onto the branches of trees and swinging. They had picked up some tricks since they became a vampire hunter. They were surrounded though, they picked up around 6 recognizable voices. Milo, his mate, Asher, Tank, Sam, and Christian. 

See, they knew they were fucked once Sam caught them. He tackled them, slamming them into the ground. 

“I’ve got them!!” He shouted, 4 wolves and the stealth running towards his voice. A blood red bandana was wrapped around their face, obscuring their facial features from the people around them. The shifters became human again, the sounds of bones cracking made Angel sick to their stomach. Ash looked different, so different. He had taken on the rugged alpha look, sporting David’s leather jacket. His hair was longer too. Milo, he looked the same besides the new scars. Christian, he still was just as fucking annoying looking. Sam looked older, somehow. 

“Pull the bandana down, Sam.” Ash commanded and Sam did so quickly. A small gasp left Sweetheart’s mouth once they saw who it was. 

“That’s…” Christian’s voice trailed off. 

“David’s mate.” Tank uttered in complete disbelief. Angel waved to the best of their abilities. 

“Hi guys.” They smiled and their sharpened canines caught Milo off guard. “You a vamp killer now?” He asked, watching their every move carefully. 

“Ever since… You know. I’ve been one since I saw David die.” They fought back the urge to cry. They missed their mate so dearly. 

“I’ve never heard of an unempowered vamp killer…” Christian mumbled, loud enough for Angel to hear. 

“Seems you still haven’t slammed some fucking sense into Chrissy here, huh?” They snarkily remarked, ignoring the snicker that came from Sweetheart. They could feel Asher’s eyes on them. Scanning them, investigating them.

“You really did put Quinn’s teeth on a necklace.” Asher mentioned, completely derailing the conversation. 

“His head’s mounted on my wall.” Angel said, in all seriousness. Tank laughed. 

“You do?” They said through a fit of laughter. 

“Yep, it’s in my kitchen.” Angel smiled. The laughter seemed to calm their nerves a bit, before remembering they were pinned down by a vampire that was 10x stronger than them. 

“Back to the point.” Sam said, stiffening his grasp on the human. 

“Why are you killing vamps?” He asked, his voice rough. 

“Revenge.” “Why?”

“You know why, Sam. A vampire killed my fucking mate. I find it to be my job to kill all of them. To make them all pay for Quinn’s wrong doings.” They spat, their voice strong but still quivering. 

“I know this is a corrupted system and shit, but that doesn’t mean you can go around killin’ other species to the point of extinction. Do you know how many vamps have become mass-makers because of you, alone?” Sam was calm, he didn’t even sound mad! Angel was silent.

“I know you’re hurt. I really do know. But you can’t be doin’ this, you’re lucky it was us. Because if it was anyone else, they would’ve either killed you or gave you to the Department. They would’ve done way worse than just shoot you.” He loosened his grip, watching their eyes fill with tears. 

“Killing Quinn wasn’t enough. I needed the closure somehow. I wanted them to feel the pain I feel.” Angel felt the tears roll down their cheeks. Pathetic. Weak. Human. Quinn’s voice rang in their head. Sam let go of them. Instead of running, they curled into a ball on the forest floor. Sweetheart kneeled beside them. 

“Hey, hey. It’s okay. We aren’t gonna turn you in. I’m not going to turn you in. I understand.” Their voice was soft, it made Angel feel safe… 

“I want you in our pack.” Asher stated and Angel sat upright. 

“Are you sure? Cause you don’t have to do this out of pity- I promise. I’ll be okay-” They sputtered, frantically trying to make their point. 

“Calm down. I want you in our pack. You would be a good asset. Would you like to be an honorary Shaw Pack member?” His voice was stern and serious. They knew he meant it. He wouldn’t have asked if he didn’t mean it. 

“Yes.” Angel responded. Asher offered a hand to them, which they graciously accepted. 

“Welcome to the Shaw Pack, Captain.” He joked. They smiled softly. They had their family again. 

Angel sat beside Asher in the massive truck. They cradled a bouquet of honeysuckles in their arms. A familiar sight appeared as the truck took a left. 

“Dahlia Empowered Cemetery.” Angel mumbled. They had visited this cemetery at least 60 times in the last 6 months. It was tough without David. He was always taking care of them, making them happy. Life was horrible without their mate. They used to talk about David like he was still alive. No one ever corrected them. Why would they? Everyone hated the sad look in their eyes. Angel came to terms with his death about two months after. There was no more Davey. There was no more David Shaw. There was no more of the man they were going to marry. He was gone. After they realized, that’s when they started killing. In the past 6 to 7 months, they had killed off nearly half of the vampire population. By themselves. It impressed Asher and the pack, in all honesty. It was surprising. An unempowered human, killing that many vampires. Within 6 months, nonetheless.

“Hi Davey.” Angel knelt in front of the grave, leaving the bouquet on the step. They stared up at the massive wolf statue. 

“I miss you so much. God, it’s so hard to live without you. I’m back to eating bad shit and ramen again. And every time I do I hear your voice saying “Don’t eat that, Angel. Have what I made.” everytime. I miss you everyday. I miss you when I close my eyes, I miss you when I cry, I miss you when I eat, I miss you when I write, I miss you when I speak. Everyday I wish that I could have one more conversation with you. One last hug. One last kiss. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you, my love.” They sobbed. Ash leaned against the truck, watching as tears filled his eyes.

“I’ll never love someone the way I love you. I could never share a bed with someone again. I could never stare into someone’s eyes. It’s so hard to hear the word “Angel’ and not think of you, Davey. I could never love someone the same.” They were choking on their tears. 

“Ash found me. He’s here with me. He’s wearing your leather jacket.” They laughed, gargling in their tears. 

“You would’ve hated that he’s copying your style.” Ash smiled, laying a hand on their shoulder before sitting next to them. 

“Hey buddy. I miss you too…” His voice was soft. This was the softest Angel had heard his voice since they reunited two weeks ago. 

“Your mate is right. Everyone misses you. I could never live up to you, David. I could never be David Shaw, the gruff and great pack alpha. As much as I want to live up to that standard, I don’t think I will. You were one of a kind, Davey. You deserved everything but death. I wish I could’ve..” His voice faltered. Angel wrapped an arm around him, laying their head on his shoulder. 

“I wish I could’ve killed Quinn faster and saved you. I hate myself everyday that I didn’t save you. I don’t deserve this title. I don’t deserve to be alpha. You deserve it. You were perfect, Davey. Perfect.” Tears slid down his cheeks as he leaned into the other. 

“I miss you everyday. I miss bothering you. I miss your lectures. I miss you. I miss my best friend.” He choked on every other word, the emotion he held was so strong. This was the first time anyone had seen Ash cry since his death. 

“Thank you for making me into the man I am today, David Shaw. I am forever grateful. I am forever grateful that we met. You have changed me. You saved me. Thank you.” His tears hit the cement as he weeped. His best friend. He just wanted his best friend back. 

“Thank you for coming with me, Ash.” They said on their way back to the den. Asher gripped the wheel as they made a sharp right turn. 

“It was… Nice to talk about it. To him. And around you. You understand the most out of everyone.” He stated. Angel smiled a bit at the last part. 

“I go nearly every day. Everyday until you guys found me.” Angel confessed, looking out of the window at the dreary sky.

“I’m always willing to go with you.” He vocalized, making the person to the right of him smile. 

“Thanks, Ash. It means a lot to me. You were his best friend and I know it means a lot to him too. Even if he’s…” They didn’t have to finish their sentence, he knew what they meant. 

“I want you two to go find these two people.” Ash showed a picture to Tank and Angel, who just blank stared at him. 

“Hey, uh, Ash? This is a demon and freelancer. Are you sure you want us going after them?” Angel commented. Tank nodded in agreement. 

“They betrayed the Imperium. They told us to send our best two soldiers to find them.” The alpha stated. Angel smiled softly. Best soldier. They’d only been there for 3 weeks, so that was an honor. 

“Okay, Asher. We trust you.” Tank nodded to their alpha, following behind Angel as they grabbed weapons.

“Be careful, Captain!! You too, Tanker!” Milo shouted after them, making the two laugh. Tank held the photo and a map Ash had handed them before they walked off. 

“So you’re telling me we’re in a society with literal magic, but there’s no magical weapon to kill demons? Ridiculous.” Angel scoffed as they hauled the weapons into the large gray truck. Tank cackled. “I’ve been saying that since I entered this job, captain. It’s absolutely stupid. Like there’s bullets made for specific elementals but no demon knife??” They complained, opening the driver side door. 

“Absolutely stupid, honestly. Tired of having to stab them in random places till it kills them.” They rolled their eyes, giggling.

“Ash just hands us weapons and goes “Here guys, go attempt to kill this entity not even the Department knows anything about!!”” Tank snarkily replied to the other, relishing in their smile. Angel never smiled much around the pack. Unless it was Tanker or Ash. Never Christian, or Milo, or Amanda, or Arden, or Sam. Only them. It made Tank feel special in a way. 

“There’s no fucking way Ash gave us a physical map. With no directions. Bitch, at least give us a GPS. Or an address.” They squinted, trying to read the tiny words in the dark. They even put on Sam’s reading glasses to help (they didn’t). 

“Captain.” 

“Yes?” 

“I think we’re lost.” 

“You’ve gotta be shittin me.” Angel whipped their head to face the wolf, who had a sheepish look on their face. 

“This is technically your fault, you’re the one with the map!” Tank accused, trying to defend themselves. 

“Oh, don’t you pull that shit, I did the best I could!!” Angel bickered, closing the map angrily. 

“You should’ve done better then!! This is some fucking dirt road, not the District 4 warehouse!!” Tank yelled, not noticing the truck slowing significantly. 

“Why are we fucking slowing down??? Shouldn’t we be turning around, asshole??” Angel shouted, turning an accusing look at the other. 

“We have a flat tire, dickhead. Now there’s two, great. Look at what you’ve done!” They exclaimed, opening the car door. 

“C’mon, let’s go fucking check these tires out.” Tank scowled as Angel stuck their tongue out. 

“Now there’s three! How the fuck did you-” Tank’s voice abruptly stopped. 

“Tank?? Why’d you stop talking?” No answer. 

“Dickface!! Answer me!!” Again, no reply. 

“Augh, fuck it. I’m coming to your side!!” They yelled, hoping it snapped Tank out of this bitchass joke. Once they got the other side, Tank was nowhere to be seen. 

“Tanker? Dickhead?? Bitchhole?? Where are yo-” Angel was cut off by something slamming into their head, making everything go black. 

Tank’s eyes fluttered open, their head pounding and their eyes aching. “Aww look who’s awake!!” A voice coo’d, making Tank shrink back. The floor was freezing and were there chains on them?? Where were they? Why did it smell familiar? Angel was startled awake by another one of the people. “What the fuck??” Their voice was groggy. When they opened their eyes, it was dark. 

“Tank, where are we?” They sounded scared. They were scared.

“Yeah, Tank. Where are you?” The man sneered. 

“Charlie?” Their throat was dry. One of Quinn’s minions. Captain didn’t get to him yet?

“Nico?? Is that you too?” Their voice was shocked. Some of their closest friends from Quinn’s little toys… 

“Hi, mutt.” Nico spat on their face. They were taken aback. 

“The fuck do you want from us, Dickhole and Bitchhead?” Angel was annoyed, they just wanted to do their job and get home. Sure, they were fucking shaking in their boots, but this was annoying. Charlie walked around to the other side, which was where Angel was facing. He bared his fangs, attempting to frighten them. They laughed in his face. 

“If you’re trying to scare me, it won’t work. I have plenty of teeth from the creatures of your kind on my mantle. I don’t really have the space for yours, too.” They remarked. Without warning, there was a sharp pain in their neck. He had bitten them. Why did it hurt so bad??? 

“Get them asleep, I’ll deal with this one.” Nico grabbed Tank by the throat, slamming their head back against the pole. Angel kicked, trying to get Charlie away from them. 

“This’ll only hurt a little bit, Angel.” 

“Those are the rules, got it, mutt?” Nico pulled them by their hair. 

“Yes.” Tank replied almost immediately. When Angel woke, their head was pounding and the right side of their neck extremely sticky.

“The human’s awake.” Charlie mumbled to Nico, who smiled wickedly. Angel silently prayed to whatever thing would listen. “Just let me be with Davey.” They mouthed, making sure to face away from the vampires. A wish never hurt anybody, right? Wrong. 

“Grab the human and the wolf. Take them to the arena.” A booming voice commanded over the loud speaker, making Angel’s ears ring. They said nothing as they were lifted up out of their bindings and carried. See, while Angel was passed out, Tank had made a deal. Kill them, they get to live another day with their mate, Sam. No matter how much Angel meant to them, they weren’t gonna waste away in here when they had the chance to save their life with Sam. Angel didn’t know this, though. Even in their normal state, Tank majorly overpowered them. Tank had nearly a foot on them as well. They were horribly weak, they would barely last five minutes like this.

The vampire chucked Angel onto the hard cement floor. This was no arena, it was a fucking dungeon. They handed Tank a baseball bat. 

“Go fucking wild.” The voice said again and Angel winced. They could barely walk, much less get away from them. 

“It’s okay, captain. Come here.” Tank said in a soft voice, almost convincing them. “N-No, please. You don’t have to do this, Tank…” They choked on air, trying to scoot away. 

“I do actually. You matter but not as much as Sam does to me.” They swung the bat, purposefully missing their head. 

“Wha-What??” They kept scooting back, their hands cut and raw from the cement. “If I trade your life, I can keep Sam. Bye bye, Angel. Have fun in hell with David.” They swung the bat, slamming it into their head. They loud out a loud scream before knocking out. Tank repeatedly slammed the bat into their head until their was a maroon liquid forming in a circle around Angel’s head. They were dead. They’d be at peace. They were with Davey now.

[redacted-dear]

💛~angel gets kidnapped~💛

🖤this was so much later then it was supposed to be but we all know why I am here. I'm here to spread joy and pain threw the hearts of my David simps and angel Stan's. I have 2 versions of this fic I wanna do, one is this one. And the other one has badass angel so. If you guys like this one I'll post a angel being a badass version. This one is also gonna be from David's pov unless there's a title that says otherwise. Beware writing gets kinda shitty towards the end, mite redo it🖤

~summary~💛angel gets kidnapped by Quinn in Quinn's attempts to hurt the people closest to darlin. David's faced with the hard choice between going against every impulse in his brain to protect his pack, or saving his mate and the person he loves most.💛

🖤~spoilers - new audio~🖤

He had said goodbye to them this morning. He had work, a pack meeting today. One that when it got interrupted by Asher and milos mates storming into it David would have been annoyed on the best of days. But he wasn't annoyed today. That was replaced by a aching fear.

Milo and Asher's mates had stormed into the meeting. At first glance it wasn't normal but they seemed fine. Till you caught the sight of the gashes, the wounds, that covered the two. Sweetheart basically holding babe together as babe is crying. It was no mystery to why much of the pack, first of which being Milo and Asher ran to there aid.

That's when the dread set in. Angel had been with them today. Angel had been with them.

David without fully thinking made his way threw his pack, his family, to get to the 2 mates still bleeding, but less.

Sweetheart was the first to look up at him. They almost looked ashamed. And that's when David knew angel wasn't ok. His angel, was not ok.

"Quinn-" was all babe managed before a pained whine broke the sentence.

"Quinn attacked, I tried David, I really did, but he got them, their alive... unconscious probably, but alive." Sweetheart tried to selvage what they thought we're their mistakes.

Tank grabbed David's shoulder. "We need to go before anything happens David"

David looked at tank then the 2 mates of his respective pack members.

He hated the fact that he was even considering not going after Quinn. That he was considering throwing his mate out like a scrap for the wolves. He hated that, that was the only analogy he could think of in the moment.

David watched his pack. The people he grew up with, his family. He knew they would follow his lead no matter what choice he made here. He knew that tank would grumble and groan but would eventually concede.

"David, stop thinking about about us and start thinking about them" Asher snapped his fingers infront of David's dazed face.

"Its something I have to-"

"No. Ya don't" Milo says still attached to his mate much like Asher.

Without another thought David's making his way out of the office and too his car. Tanks not far behind much like many members of the pack. They all find there own cars well tank takes purchase of David's passenger seat now eliminating the places they needed to look off a mental check list outloud.

Tank finally gets to a small abandoned house on the outskirts of Dahlia. David drives like hell. He know Asher must be in the car behind him with Milo, there mates most likely with the rest of the pack for protection so the two could back him up.

When they find a spot for everyone to park a good distance away to approach unnoticed David's the first out of the car. Tanks not far behind.

He's not thinking as strategically as he should but he plans it much like he would a security gig.

Asher flanks him, the rest stay perimeter and wait for a signal.

David makes it just outside the houses door before hearing a voice. A voice that has to be Quinn. Then the voice of his mate.

The voices is shrill, panicked even. But still sharp. Its his angels voice.

And that's all it takes for David to shift and throw himself into the house.

He lunges for Quinn, his teeth bared. Asher's grabbing angel, trying to untie them.

David shifts. He's sat atop Quinn. Quinn's giving a sly smile. As if he's won. As if David had given up.

David had only begun.

Quinn began to struggle under David till David's hand grasped Quinn's shirt and David's other fist was now making several hits to Quinn's face. A ward. A reminder.

That they are his mate.

You mess with them. You mess with him.

It surprisingly took tank to pull David off the now unconscious vamp for David to fully come back to his senses.

But then he saw Angel, rested against their car with Sam healing any wounds.

And he knew he wouldn't regret beating the daylight out of Quinn anytime soon if it meant he protected the person he loved the most in this world.

His angel.

[lostinanothersmemories]

Okay okay! you can hold off the execution. I’m hoping i didn’t hype this up too much tbh

Traitor angel part 3 finale! you can find part one and part two here

tw: emotional distress, mentions of bad parents, mentions of taught fear, non consensual telepathy (later consented)

They felt exhausted, tired, empty, whatever synonym can be stirred up for absolutely shattered. It feels like their eyes can’t even close too sore from sobbing, despite being near silent with their cries they always find a new glass of water outside the door. Their favorite glass, the one they’d complain if David used.

They didn’t listen into conversations, most of the time they stayed in bed covering their head with the pillow wishing they could wake up from this nightmare, wishing that they hadn’t of hurt him.

They don’t hear the new voice enter the house, or Tanker inviting them. They don’t hear David immediately asking “What are you doing? Who is this? Would you just leave it Tanker?”

“That’s one too many questions big guy. This is Milo’s mate coworker…one day I’ll learn peoples names I promise. But anyways they are a telepath and you have a mate who’s lied and you want the certified explanation.” He pauses realizing they are suggesting listening into his mates thoughts without their knowledge, without their permission. Suddenly the weight of the choice makes him feel even heavier than he has with the sleepless nights and the long moments of staring at the shut door of the guest bedroom. He walks past the both of them making his way to the kitchen to get a drink of water hoping to wash all this away. “I’m surprised it’s you.”

”You shouldn’t be,” they argue immediately. “Asher is great but he thinks you need distance that you need time.” He fights the urge to tell them to get off the counter as they sit up on it, “Milo thinks you need a plane ticket for one. ‘Manda wants to side with them, desperately wants an explanation.”

He leans back across from them, “And you?”

“I know what it looks like when someone doesn’t love you. I also know that people make mistakes, but that they wouldn’t hurt you not once they fell for you. So from the person with the worst romantic history of the pack, there’s a reason. And knowing you you won’t ever let them slip through your fingers until you are absolutely sure.”

“It’s creepy, how much you pay attention to everyone.”

”Call it a trauma response, I’m still right.”

”Okay, we can do it.”

“Hey Professor X we have the green light!”

He’s terrified as he’s walked through what will happen, the line directly drawn into his mates mind letting him hear. Tankers pushed a chair beside him not quite touching but within arms distance, it’s a comforting distance even if he had to shove their feet off his table. He gives a nod when the telepath asks for final confirmation that they have his permission and feels it suddenly all at once, crushing guilt, regret, self-hatred, and fear.

Just tell him the truth he’ll believe you, right believe “Oh hey by the way my parents raised me to hate and fear exactly what you are but you were just so pretty when I met you” that’s a great idea really fantastic. Just spare him the pain of having to throw you out, book a plane ticket to somewhere far away and leave a note telling him you’ll be safe. Right cause right now you absolutely should just take more control out of his hands. I did everything right…I thought I did everything right. I burned every piece of information I gathered before I gave it to them…but I still betrayed his trust.

As had been explained to him David begins receiving images in their mind as well, their first date. Them still in that outfit that had him near drooling the whole day tossing official documents into a fire, hands shaking. Pausing on the page of him clipped together information on him information that never found it’s way to ETS. Resignations signed, jobs searched for in Dahlia.

He doesn’t deserve this. He never deserved this. You did this. You hurt him.

David can’t hear it, the way their sobs are getting louder despite their best efforts.

You hurt him. How could you? All he ever did was love you and you hurt him, you hurt his family. You-

He breaks out of their mind when Tanker shakes him pointing over to the door, “They’re crying. I don’t want to push you to a decision, but it’d be a good time to hold them if you-.”

They don’t get to finish their sentence when David is out of his chair fast enough to nearly send it to the ground if Tanker hadn’t of grabbed it quickly making his way to the door.

They startle when the door slams open David in too much of a rush to get to them to open the door gently “David-“ they start trying to hide away the tears.

He says the first words that come to mind, ”I love you.” Pulling them nearly off the bed all together with a hug cradling their head into him. “I’m sorry I love you. I don’t want you gone, I want you here, please stay.”

“But after what I did.” They pull back to look at him, only for him to cup their face so gently in his hands.

“You were scared, you learned, you grew, you protected my family…Tanker brought a telepath.”

”You heard-“

”I’m sorry I just I wanted the truth. I questioned if I could trust you anymore.”

”Don’t apologize. Do you think you can trust me now?”

”Of course I do. But I’m not letting you stay in this guest room a moment longer.” He doesn’t let their feet touch the ground carrying them to their room finding their house empty besides from them already. “You said your parents didn’t have the same beliefs as you and that’s why you didn’t talk to them…is it about the empowered world?”

”My parents have worked for them long before I was born, I grew up going to company parties. Even got my first job as a secretary, I believed them with all the horror stories they told me. Nepotism got me a job in the field too, just simple stuff at first. Watching from a distance and then on my second ever job you approached me, honestly I was terrified at first I thought you were gonna drag me out back to rip me to shreds. So I played dumb and then you started blushing and stumbling over your words and god I had never met someone more adorable. And before you say “I’m not adorable” you are. Enough to make me question those years of being taught you were the monster in the night. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, to be honest I don’t think I ever would have told you. I wanted to throw the whole life I had away to have a better one with you, and that’s not fair to you. I should have told you, I’m just scared of losing you.”

”You aren’t going to lose me angel, it’ll take more then a rough past to do that. But if you happened to drop your parents address somewhere I know a pack of wolves who have a grudge.”

Their laughter brightens the room back up, “I don’t want them in danger but I promise if the opportunity comes up to exact a bit of revenge I’ll offer it up happily.”

”I love you angel.”

”I love you too Davey. I always have, I always will.”

[unhappyriver]

Asher headcanons!

-The biggest gossiper

- knows every one of his neighbors business, nothing escapes him

- Sasha the woman with the flower print door is having her 3rd divorce! Bam, Asher knows and is on his way to tell Babe (good for Sasha though she deserves better)

- The second Asher hears sirens going off outside the window you best know he is hurriedly turning off all the lights and is peaking through the blinds to see what’s going good on

- Babe makes fun of him for it but is right behind him making him tell them what’s going on (los dos son pinches chismosos)

- Asher acts the same way with the pack. He likes to visit the teens of the pack to find out all the latest pack gossip

- The second Asher comes home he goes “Baaabe, guess what I just found out!?!”

- huge animal lover!

- can’t pass a dog without giving them a little pat on the head

-unless of course, they’re a service dog then Asher just gives the dog a grin and a little wave

- best buds with Aggro, the cat adores Asher

- The second Aggro gets a whiff of Asher, Aggro comes running to greet him

- Although Asher loves animals, he is not a big fan of insects

- Asher is part of the mentally ill club of people who fear butterflies 😔

- it comes from a traumatic event that happened when he was 11.

- it was a warm summer day, Asher, Milo, and David were playing tag outside with Marie supervising. Asher was having the time of his life laughing away as he ran from Milo when a butterfly came out of nowhere and flew into Asher’s mouth. The poor boy could never see a butterfly the same way again.

- now whenever Asher sees a butterfly he gives it a small glare before making sure to create some distance between him and it

- This never fails to make David and Milo laugh

[lightninghikaru]

Finally got Chapter 5 of Little Rascal done!!! 

tw: Panic attack, past trauma

“Asher? Milo? Rascal?” David called out through the bond. Running as fast as he can towards the howl.

“David, I think Rascal’s having a panic attack. We haven’t been able to snap them out of it and shifting makes it worse.” Milo responded. “That damn truck that always backfires made a sound like a gun shot and I think it triggered them.”

David finally found them thanks to Asher’s howl. Milo gestures to where Rascal was as he steps into their view.

“Please… It’s me… I’m not a monster… Please… don’t hurt me…” Rascal continues to whine. It broke all of their hearts to hear them like this.

“Rascal.” David said softly. They are all surprised to hear the whimpering stop. “Do you recognize who I am?”

They all wait for a response. “D…David?” It was a question, as if they didn’t believe it was him.

“I’m here, can you come out?” David asked.

“No!… not safe… he’s out there… he’ll hurt me…” Rascal whined. They inched further in trying to obscure themselves completely.  

“You’re not alone anymore. You have a pack now. Asher and Milo are here. We’ll keep you safe.” David said lowering so he could see them. Asher and Milo follow his lead so they could see all three of them. They look at the wolves in front of them. Their pack.

“We want to get you out of here and to safety.” Asher added,

“No one’s going to mess with ya while the three of us are around.” Milo said.

They inch close to the opening, sniffing the air contemplating. It was quiet while they waited. None of them wanted to push them and make them retreat back into the small hole. None of them could fit in there so unless they decided to rip out the entire tree it was going to be a waiting game. After they have completely cleared the hole, Milo slowly slipped behind them blocking it so they couldn’t get back inside.

They watched how much Rascal frantically looked around. Their entire body shaking. “Remember what Cam taught you. Count your breaths evenly.” Milo directed.  

Taking in a deep breath for four seconds, holding it, then letting it out for four seconds. Repeating it while Milo guided them. “Can you shift?” David asked receiving a whine, he knew they didn’t want to shift back. But he didn’t want them to hide in their wolf form out of fear. “Let me take you home.”  

They reluctantly shift back as Asher and Milo quickly do the same. Asher pulls off his shirt to cover up Rascal’s body from the elements. David shifts back holding his arms out until Rascal approached. Letting him pick them up as they could no longer hold back the tears.

This was the first time they cried. Before only letting out whimpers, but now they sobbed. Holding onto David and burying their face into his shirt. “Let’s get back. The others are probably freaking out.” Asher said as David nods. Milo walks first being sure there was nothing David could possibly trip on while they made their way back to the house.

Hearing them continue to sob and whimper was heart wrenching. Cam warned them Rascal would probably get worse before they would get better. But seeing it was another thing. Something none of them were prepared for.

“Ya hear that?” Milo asked as they all stop. Focusing on the noises of the forest. In the distance they heard cries of all of their names.

“Angel?” David said first before he could see their silhouette further within the trees looking around desperately.

“Rascal! Milo! Ash! Davey!” He herd them yell, their voice hoarse as David began to pick up his pace. Trying to bridge the gap between them.  

“Angel!” He called out so they could hear him. They turn seeing him carrying Rascal and running towards them as fast as they can.

They didn’t see the tree root sticking out.

“Shit!” Asher ran over to them seeing David’s panicked look at seeing his mate trip and faceplant into the ground hard. Watching closely as Asher helps them to their feet. “You alright?”

“What happened? Are they okay? Are they hurt?” Angel asked as Asher brushed the leaves off them while David and Milo caught up.

“Idiot! Why the hell did you come out here?” David growled checking them over making sure they themselves weren’t injured anywhere.

“You ran off! What was I supposed to do? Just wait there not knowing what was happening?” They snapped back before stopping seeing Rascal still sobbing in David’s arms. “Rascal?”

David feels them flinch in his hold; the cries soften as they turn seeing Angel look at them worried. Why were they covered in dirt and looking at them like that? Was that their fault?

“I’m sorry…” It came out almost as a whisper. All of their eyes go wide at the words. Rascals first words while not shifted.

“Shhh, you did nothing wrong!” Angel was the first to snap out of the shock trying to keep them from devolving back into sobs. “Let’s get you home.” They nod the them before curling back into David’s hold with a shiver.

“Let’s go before you two catch a cold.” Milo suggested as they continue their track back to the house.

---

Stealth and Babe waited in the backyard. Babe was pacing back and forth. “Should we have gone after them?” They asked,

“No, If the others came back then no one would be here to help if something bad did happen.” Stealth reassured.

“What if they get lost…”

“Then David and the others can go back and look for them after Rascal is safe.” Stealth reassured.

They knew Stealth was right, but that didn’t stop their worrying. But they finally let out a sigh of relief when they see all of them leave the trees. “They’re back.”

Stealth moves over seeing all of them, their focus going to Rascal in David’s arms. Both of them dash over to join their mates and they all move back inside. “I took the food off the stove.” Stealth reassured taking Milo’s hand seeing how worried they all were.

“Are they hurt?” Babe asked as Ash shakes their head.

“Not… physically.” Asher answered as he closes the door behind them.

Angel moves over to the couch before reaching for Rascal. David leaned down so Rascal could easily get to Angel. They let him move them into their arms but whimpers the moment David walks away. “I’m just grabbing a blanket.” David said wrapping both of them up before sitting down next to them.

“We’ll stay right here until you feel better.” Angel said. Rascal gives them a nod before tightening their hold around Angel.

“Go over everything.” David said.

“We were running around when we heard that old truck backfire nearby.” Asher said.

“Rascal was already in that old fox den before we realized.” Milo added, “Nothing we said to them got through.”

“And when Milo shifted to give them a familiar face it only made it worse.” Asher said.

“Hence the howl. Good thinking.” David said sounding relieved. He watched as Rascal slowly continued to relax in Angel’s hold. Eyes fighting the urge to sleep. “You shouldn’t have gone out there.” He said sternly looking at his mate. “I know you were worried. But what if it was Quinn? You know what he’s capable of…”

“I’m sorry… I wasn’t thinking.” They apologized. “Would you believe me if I said it was instinct?”

David lets out a huff before kissing their forehead. He can’t fault them; he was just as worried. “For now on please don’t run into potential danger. If anything were to happen…”

“I promise I’ll try to restrain myself.” Angel said half as a joke. David lets out an annoyed growl, but it stops when he notices Rascal fell asleep.

“Let’s get them to bed.” David said as he scoops them up in his arms and the two of them head to their room.

“Sweetheart, I know you can’t speed up your investigation. But if there’s anything I can do to help…” Milo said.

“I’ve been able to narrow the list of kids around their age named Sky.” They said,

“How many do you have to go through?” Asher asked,

“147…” They said with a heavy sigh. “And that’s after I narrowed it down to the Dahlia region. I’m waiting for my contact in the Dahlia police station to get me more information.”

“When they were in their attack, they said something… He’s out there…” Milo said, venom in his tone. “They’re afraid of someone specific.”

“If we can make sure they know that person can never hurt them again. It could give them some closure.” Babe said.

“If only it were that easy.” David said as he returned to the room. Tossing a new shirt to Asher. “Angel is staying with them just in case they wake up. They didn’t want them to wake up alone.”

“That’s a good idea.” Asher said.

“Later we should think about starting to get Dump involved. If the one Rascal is afraid of is an unempowered, they are a liability. And the faster they aren’t a threat the better.” David said.

“I’ll get on it right away.” Stealth said as Milo huffs.

“You can do that tomorrow. It’s late Sweetheart.” Milo said as David nods in agreement.

“All of you get some rest. We’ve done what we can for tonight. And with the entire pack I’m sure we can help them.” David said.

---

David saw them all off before returning to Rascal’s room. Angel was in bed with them holding them close. He could hear the whimpers of another nightmare. “Looks like they’re back.” Angel said.

“Not surprising after what happened.” David said climbing into the bed next to them. “How’s your ankle?”

“A little sore, but not bad.” They said shifting to get closer to him.

“If it hurts in the morning I’ll give Marie a call to have a look at it.” David said kissing their neck before reaching over and petting Rascal’s head.

“Davey… They spoke.” Angel said struggling to hide the small bubble of excitement in their tone. “I know you said they speak through the bond. But…”

“That was the first time they spoke out loud, yeah.” David said. He wished it was under better circumstances but hopefully this means they will start to talk more. Hopefully, they can get more information and help them move forward.

“I hate that their first words to me were an apology.” They said.

“Let’s hope it’s not just a one time thing.”

---

The following morning Rascal woke to Angel still holding them. Letting out a heavy sigh. They didn’t feel rested at all. Eyes felt swollen and throat was parched. Tugging on Angel’s shirt to try and wake them. They shift a bit but don’t wake.

They let out a small whine as they try to wake them up again. David quickly sits up hearing them and looking over seeing them awake. “Hey Rascal. How are you feeling?” He asked softly.

“Th…thirsty.” They said hoarsely letting out a quiet cough.

“Hold on,” He said climbing out of bed. David gingerly tugs Angel’s arms away before picking Rascal up. Hearing them let out grumbled protests as he began to leave the room.

David takes them to the kitchen getting them a glass of water. Rascal looks down at the large shirt they were wearing, it smelled of Asher. They remembered now…

“Hey,” David was kneeling in front of them wiping newly forming tears away from their eyes. “Focus on me alright?” They nod as he hands them the glass of water. “Drink. You need to get hydrated.”

They do as he said drinking the water as he patted their head. “Davey?” Angel calls out,

“Kitchen.” David calls back hearing slow footsteps towards the kitchen followed by a yawn. Quickly glancing down to their ankle the moment they were in sight. It was definitely bruised but they didn’t appear to be favoring there other leg.

“You left.” Angel grumbled tiredly.

“They needed water.” David said. Angel walks over to Rascal with another yawn before patting their head.

“Feeling any better Hun?” They asked.

“Tired…” They mumble still drinking water. Angel’s eyes widen and look at David before quickly turning back towards Rascal before they notice the shock on their face.

“Well why don’t we get you some food and then we can rest on the couch?” They offer. Rascal gives a nod putting the empty cup down. They go and sit at the table while David starts cooking and Angel begins to set the table.

Rascal reaches down to grab their necklace, but it wasn’t there. Letting out a confused whine looking around for it. “What’s wrong?” Angel rushed over seeing then gripping the shirt they were wearing. “Oh! Hang on I think it’s in your room.” They run into the hallway. Coming back with Rascal’s necklace and handing it to them.

“Thank… Y…You.” Rascal coughs. Their voice sounded so strained from lack of use.

“Don’t force yourself to talk.” David said bringing over another glass of water. Rascal nods and takes a sip of water while Angel pats their head. They hum to the contact as they nod.

---

They sat in the living room after eating. Rascal had curled up next to Angel and fell asleep on their lap. “Do you think they’d like to learn to swim?” They asked.

“Not sure, they were rather against baths.” David said as they roll their eyes.

“I mean… I know a lot of dogs that love swimming but hate bath time.” They chuckle hearing Rascal let out a long sigh in their sleep. “It’d be something to do while I wait for the books to come in.”

“Books?” David raised an eyebrow confused. He didn’t remember them ordering anything.

“School books. They are behind in at least a year of studies. Once they are in a stable place mentally they should get back into school. Someone their age should have friends.” Angel looks over at David who was staring at them dumbfounded. “What?”

“That’s… Angel I didn’t realize you were thinking this far ahead.” David said.

“They’re pack now and that makes them family.” Angel said. David leans in kissing them passionately. He was overwhelmed with pride hearing his mate say that. To know they feel for Rascal as deeply as he did was reassuring that they were doing the right thing.

---

They worked tirelessly after the clock. Scouring all records for any clues to who Rascal’s family might be. They had narrowed down the search further. Focusing on genetic details, blue eyes, Ashy brown hair. The list continued to shrink. Down to 50 Sky’s that match those details.

Milo told them after they got back to their apartment and settled for the night that Rascal spoke. They don’t want to push them and possibly trigger another attack but if they could just get their last name. Even if it’s just the first letter. It would hasten their search.

“Investigator…” They jolt not expecting anyone else to be here this late. Their commanding officer looked them over concerned. “I thought you already worked your part of the overtime.”

“I did sir.” They say internally panicking. They hoped he wouldn’t try to gleam further into what they were doing. “This is just a pet project of mine.”

“You’re not looking into Shades again are you? I understand your report explained they acted out of the ordinary…”

“No sir, with how rare a Shade is already I don’t have anything to go off of without more evidence.” They explained.

“Oh! Is this about that rogue vamp? The one that cause that incident last Halloween? His name was Whin or something?”

“Quinn sir…” They said, “And yes, I want to get as much information on him as possible. I understand this isn’t a priority for the department, but I beg to differ.”

“Hence why you’re researching after hours.” He lets out a sigh. “I get that this is personal. But don’t burn the candle at both ends. You’re a good investigator and we don’t need you accidentally getting yourself killed following a lead.”

“I promise I’ll be careful.” They said beginning to pack up their stuff. He nods to them before walking away. They grabbed the remainder of their stuff and messaged Milo that they were on their way home.

[dominimoonbeam]

Practice Makes Perfect - 5

the no magic college au continues! from the start over on ao3.

david/asher, milo/sweetheart, huxley/gavin?, characters are showing up... who knows what will happen at this point! everyone is getting kissed. I don't have any control over this.

tags: communication issues, drinking, misunderstandings, light angst, don't drink and angst people!

Practice Makes Perfect - 5

Asher felt like he’d had the air knocked out of him when he looked over and saw David talking to one of his exes, their hand on his arm and their bodies lightly swaying together, his head ducked to make up for some of the distance between their moving lips and his ear.

The beautiful, nerdy, goth guy he’d been dancing with grabbed his arm. Asher stared at those pretty eyes past thick liner. “You okay?” Vincent mouthed against the music pulsing in the room around them.

Asher smiled and nodded, but took a few steps back. “Bathroom,” he mouthed back.

Vincent smirked and started to walk with him.

Asher laughed and touched his chest, shaking his head. “Seriously. Gotta pee,” he said and when the other guy looked embarrassed, he quickly grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him close, kissing him hard. Asher had always liked kissing. Kissing was good. Kissing was fun. Everything else was just… too much.

Asher was too much.

He smiled and Vincent smiled back, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes, like maybe Asher’s hadn’t and he was worried? What a sweet guy. Asher hoped he found someone fun.

He ducked away, into the crowd and down a hallway. He bumped into walls. He was drunk.

When he was this drunk, he’d usually find David and start whining, maybe get a piggyback home.

That wasn’t an option tonight.

Fuck.

He’d made everything awkward. And he knew exactly how he’d done it. He’d been too much. Like always. He always said too much, showed too much, gave too much away too fast.

He bumped into another wall. This time big hands grabbed his sides and straightened him back up, turning him through an open door into a room. A bedroom. Not his bedroom though, he didn’t live here. He wanted air.

It took him a second to realize those hands were still on him, breath against his neck. “Was lookin for you,” Johnny slurred.

Asher rolled his eyes and shot an elbow back into the guy’s side.

Johnny stumbled, his back hitting the door and successfully knocking it shut and blocking it. “What the fuck?”

“What the fuck?” Asher parroted, rolling his eyes. “You need to learn to flirt, dickbag.”

Johnny smiled, still leaning against the door. “You can teach me, and I can teach you—”

Asher held up a hand. “Thanks but no thanks.” He looked around and found what he was looking for. An exit. He opened the window and sighed in relief at the cold air.

“What are you doing?” Johnny yelled.

Asher flipped him off and slipped out the window, landing on the grass beside the house. He closed the window behind him and then stumbled away from the building, stretching.

The air was colder than he’d expected but it was a relief. He walked toward the glow of the paths leading toward the dorms on this side of campus. He had messed up with David. Really messed up. He gave up his march partway and dropped down into the grass. He just needed a minute. His head was spinning. Fuck. He rolled onto his back and watched the clouds his breath made, and then settled his focus on the far away stars.

He could hear the muffled music from the party and the laughter, far away like the stars.

Would David go home with his ex? Or would he bring them back to their dorm? Shit. Asher wasn’t sure he could handle hearing that tonight. He’d been such an idiot to think it was anything more than what they’d said from the beginning. They were fucking around. They were practicing. It wasn’t anything.

He closed his eyes.

Maybe sleeping on the grass would be better than going home tonight. Yeah. Yeah, he could do that. He was so tired and he barely even felt the cold.

“You okay?” a voice woke him up before he’d realized he’d been falling asleep.

Asher blinked at the stars. Were they talking to him? No… That definitely wasn’t a thing… He rolled his head to the side and squinted at a shape on the sidewalk under a lamp. He held up an arm and offered a thumbs up. He was fucking great. He was in love with his best friend and his best friend was probably fucking someone else right now and he was the pathetic lump wishing it was him.

“Shit,” the voice said, like he’d read his thoughts.

He realized then that the music and voices were gone. How long had he fallen asleep?

He was cold now.

The grass squelched under the other guy’s sneakers when he stepped off the path, walking closer.

Asher groaned and tried to get up, clearly this dude wasn’t going to leave it alone… Only he barely managed to roll onto his side. It felt impossible to keep his eyes open and his head hurt, his skin hurt, everything hurt and he was so fucking cold…

Sleeping on the grass in Fall was officially a shitty idea.

The stranger huffed like he heard that thought too. Oh shit, was Asher talking out loud? The stranger crouched in front of him, blotting out the light. “Can ya get up?” he asked.

Asher grinned, dropping his head back. “You have a pretty voice…”

The guy smiled a little shyly. “Yer just drunk.”

“Both things can be true.”

He offered his hand. “Come on. Let’s get ya home.”

Asher sulked but took the hand. “Do we have to?”

-

The party was mostly stragglers and the crowd that would be crashing in the house. It was well past three, but David couldn’t find Asher. He never took off like this. He was goofy as shit when he was drunk, but he always came to David when he was ready to bail.

“So?” his ex sulked by the door, jacket on and ready to go. “He’s a big boy. I’m sure he’s fine.”

David ignored them and started searching the house, calling Asher’s phone over and over hoping to hear the ring but getting nothing. He checked every single room, including closets and bathrooms. His ex stormed off with their friends. Good, they could walk them home while he looked for Ash. He even kicked in a door when the guy on the other side refused to open up for an impromptu search, but Asher hadn’t been in there either.

“He’s not here,” Darlin said, drunk but pretty damn focused anyway.

“Where’s that art guy?”

“What art guy?” Darlin asked.

David curled his lip. “The goth one. The one he was dancing with?”

“Vincent. He went home a while ago.”

“Alone?”

“I don’t know,” Darlin’s voice steadily raised with his. Anyone unfamiliar with them would definitely think they were arguing, anyone that was familiar would know this was exactly how they sounded when they talked.

“Do you know where his place is?”

Darlin blinked. “Are you joking?”

David stared back.

Darlin raised an eyebrow. “Why? You want to bust his door down at three in the morning because Asher might be over there?”

David waited.

Darlin shook their head, grabbed his jacket and threw it at him. “Let’s go. Asher is probably asleep in his own fucking bed back at your place. And if we stay here any longer, we might as well sleep here, and I don’t fucking sleep in frat houses.”

David hesitated only another second. They were right. Asher was probably back at their place. Maybe this was his way of punishing him for what happened earlier? David pulled his jacket on and let Darlin open the door for him, walking with them on the paths back to their building. He dragged his gaze around the dark stretches of grass between buildings and walkways, looking for any signs of him.

“Stop freaking out,” Darlin snapped, like they could hear his thoughts. “Asher can take care of himself.”

David frowned. He didn’t want Asher to have to take care of himself. He did that. He had always done that.

He took the stairs because he couldn’t wait for the elevator. Darlin whined but followed him, leaning against the wall while he unlocked the door to his apartment.

Just as he opened the door to the dark room, his phone rang.

David pulled it from his pocket as he shouldered in, answering.

Darlin turned the lights on and flopped down on the couch.

“Hey. Sorry, my phone was on silent,” Asher said, sounding sleepy.

“Where the fuck are you?” David growled, since he wasn’t home.

“Do you want some water?” a voice in the background on Asher’s side asked. David didn’t recognize it. Was that a southern accent?

“Yeah, thanks,” Asher answered the other person with a smile on his voice before going back to his conversation with David. “I’m crashing at a friends’, so the apartment is yours tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He yawned. “Night, David.” He hung up.

David glared at his phone.

Darlin was watching him from the couch, arms curling behind their head like a pillow. “What the fuck is going on with you?”

“Nothing,” he snapped and then sighed, shoving his phone into his pocket and dragging a hand through his hair. Asher was fine. He was sleeping at some stranger’s place, but he was fine…

Darlin narrowed their eyes, stifling a yawn. “So, are we fucking or sleeping?”

He shot them a look. They were stretched out on his couch, eyelids half-closed. “I’m too angry to fuck.”

Darlin smirked, eyes closing. “That’s not a thing.”

“It should be,” he grumbled, locking the door and turning out the lights. He brushed his teeth and got ready for bed, coming back to the living room to toss a blanket over Darlin.

He stopped in the hall at his bedroom door, looking at Asher’s across the way, where they’d been making out earlier that day. Everything had been so good and then it had come crashing down. And why? Because Asher liked him? No, because David had pulled the brakes at the mention of it. Fuck.

He went to bed and pretended he’d be able to sleep.

-

To say that the slow ride across campus with Sweetheart on the back of his bike was the best part of his night, wasn’t an overstatement. It was, in fact, probably the best part of his month. It was mind-blowing. He’d never imagined this would happen. Sweetheart hated his guts. But there they were, pressed against his back, their arms around his middle and fingers latched onto his jacket.

He’d meant what he said, of course. He would have walked his damn bike beside them if they’d refused to get on. There was no way he was going to leave them to walk that long road alone in the middle of the night. What if something happened to them?

He parked. They lived in the same building. Which made it easy to walk them to their floor without it being weird, since he was on the next one up. They handed his helmet back to him.

“Not so scary, right?” Milo smiled.

Sweetheart frowned like they weren’t ready to go that far, but they waited for him to walk together to the building. “Thanks,” they said.

It surprised him how that one word dropped so quickly from their lips made his heart sore.

He grabbed the door for them and they looked suspicious but also did that thing again where they bit the inside of their lip to keep from smiling.

“So, do you want to meet up on Monday?”

Sweetheart jumped, almost missing a step before collecting themself. It was awkward and adorable. “What? Why?”

Milo grinned. “The project… We’re partners, remember? We should probably talk about it.”

Sweetheart nodded, curling their arms against their chest the way they would usually hug books. “Oh yeah. Yeah, sure.”

Milo grabbed the door to their floor and held it for them.

They side-eyed him again, like they thought his manners were a sign of him being up to something.

“So, Monday. Lunch?” Milo asked.

They dug their keys out of their pocket, nodding. “Okay. Sure. Text me?”

Milo waited, shoulder to the open stairwell door. “I don’t have your number.” He took his phone out and unlocked it, holding it out to them.

Sweetheart stared at it for a second, as if trying to find the trick before finally making a sharp tsking sound and taking it from him. They punched in their number and passed it back. “Night.”

Milo stayed at the door while they walked down the hall to their room. He looked at his phone. They’d put themself in as #1. He sent a quick text, their pocket chiming down the hall.

They had their door open but paused to pull it out and look at it before shooting him another almost-smile before ducking inside.

[themonotonysyndrome]

Redacted verse - Badass Listeners Headcanon

We have some pretty badass Listeners in the Redacted ASMR worlds so I wanna have a shot at making a list on how exactly the Listeners are amazing. Some are inspired from Canon and others are from video games, movies and whatever else. 

These are not the entire cast of Listeners. Just a few that I’m somewhat familiar with!

-

1. Angel 

Bubbly and silly but physically protective over David behind his back. Their Dad taught them how to fight and was a delinquent during their time in school. So much so that they were a champion at underground fights (their stage name was Berserker) - they know exactly how and where to hurt opponents that are twice their size, physically. However, they settled down and quit the rings after deciding that they wanted to go to university. Their protective instinct surfaced after being with David, and their street brawler side accompanied it. By the way, David is not aware of this side of his Mate. 

2. Babe 

A smart cookie! They're exceptionally skilled at manipulating events to their advantage using gambits and information that rely on subtlety and misdirection. Especially when it comes to words, which is why Asher's little pep talk to them worked wonders. They would never do this out of malicious intent - just something that could help out their loved ones if circumstances arise. During that Halloween incident where David got a call from the Department for Asher to attend the classes about covert, they already have a plan on how to get Asher out of trouble even from what little information they knew about the magical world. It's more than enough.

3. Sweetheart

Can throw knives, darts, arrows with crazy acute accuracy and strength. Throwing darts was their childhood past time and from there, they occasionally upgraded to small blades. Now, they use this skill to catch enemies off guards or support Milo from afar. Yes, this means they're also good at archery and can be a potential sharpshooter with a sniper.

4. Darling 

In terms of who is the strongest (physical-wise) in the Shaw pack, they're the third; below David and Asher. So they're one of the main bruisers in the pack. They're the juggernaut. In gaming terms, they play the role of the Tanker. They're good fighter and can be ruthless when push comes to shove. They also highly respect David as an Alpha and silently support him in this sort of way: "If my Alpha wants me to jump, I ask how high. Not why." David has to consider thrice whenever he hands them an assignment because of how devastating they can be when left alone.

5. Lovely

Their favourite subject was human biology back when they were Non-Empowered. After attending classes at D.A.M.N as an Electro Energetic, they're wondering if they could manipulate the electric nerves of a human body. And who knows? Maybe once they thoroughly mastered their powers, they could use that to control anyone who tries to harm Vincent without having to resort to violence.

6. Bright Eyes

Super good at math. Especially counting their odds and probabilities with 90% accuracy. They always win during every gamble because they know where the dice would fall and the exact number of cards their opponent holds. When in a pinch, they can count their probabilities of survival and, from there, figure out how to save themselves.

7. Love

They're built to be a bloodhound and a weapon against the magical communities and empowered creatures. Basically, like Mr. X from the Resident Evil 2 Remake. When they're on a hunt or investigation, absolutely nothing can stop them or made them go off track. They will persistently stalk their targets. Because they're an android, they have enhanced hearing and will head towards your direction if you so much as open a door. They're also equipped with magical sensors, so even empowered creatures will struggle to outrun or hide from them. If anyone tries to hide Marcus from them, there's nowhere on Earth or even Aria that they couldn't find him. (I really like the idea that they’re an artificial Weaver). 

8. Sunshine

Work as a white hacker. They're trained to go after billion-dollar companies and crack through their firewalls and security system to pinpoint weaknesses so their clients could improve them. They could work almost anywhere due to their job, and they help Elliot find out information about Close-Knit from a relatively safe distance.

9. Starlight

Photographic memory and very acute attention to detail. Whenever they make a mistake, they would only do so once in their lifetime because they remember everything they do and decided. Which often leads them to takes some big, risky moves. This helps them and Avior out when experimenting on how they could escape from Blake's bubble.  

10. Freelancer

Was a successor to a conglomerate of various companies that became an empire over the years. They were taught from birth to take over as a business mogul once they graduated from university. So they had a very high-class lifestyle. However, after finding out their magical abilities, they choose to run away to Dahlia and stop all contact with their family and advisers. That includes their financial safety net. Because of their childhood upbringing, they're skilled in any business-related acumen, managing resources and talents, and adapting to changes at a moment notice. Whenever they have to work together with Damien, Caelum, Lasko, Huxley and Gavin, they're the main figurehead (mission control) while the boys act as offence or support (in Caelum's case).

[nicolehampton]

{ OLIVIA O’BRIEN . CIS FEMALE .  24 . SHE/HER }  did you see that { NICOLE HAMPTON } just pulled up in hidden hills with { BRODY ROBERTS } sitting next to them in the passengers seat - isn’t that cute ! you know, for a { LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW HOST & MODEL }, i’ve heard they’re really { SELF-INDULGENT }, but that they make up for it by being so { APPEALING }. i see them all the time on snapchat && yesterday in US WEEKLY i read that they { HAVE  } a son named asher - can you believe that ?!

{ OLIVIA O’BRIEN . CIS FEMALE .  24 . SHE/HER }  did you see that { NICOLE HAMPTON } just pulled up in hidden hills with { DEREK KING } sitting next to them in the passengers seat - isn’t that cute ! you know, for a { LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW HOST & MODEL }, i’ve heard they’re really { SELF-INDULGENT }, but that they make up for it by being so { APPEALING }. i see them all the time on snapchat && yesterday in US WEEKLY i read that they { HAVE  } a son named zeus - can you believe that ?! **zeus is her oldest child

TW: MENTIONS OF ABUSE, DRUGS, LIQUOR

i’ll edit and add zeus and derek into her bio when i can figure out how to piece them in correctly && after i’ve plotted with my pairs xoxo

basic info.

name. nicole janelle hampton. birth date. september 14, 1996. pronouns. she/her. species. rebel child. hometown. beverly hills, ca. sexuality. bisexual. occupation. host of THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH NICOLE HAMPTON & model

physical.

height. 5'1. eye color. green. hair color. brunette/blonde. build. petite/curvey. tattoos. 9. piercings. 8. scars. one on her left upper thigh. style. boho chic. faceclaim. olivia o’brien.

in-depth.

zodiac. virgo. mbti. intp. mental. depression. eyesight. excellent. drug use. some, weed, cocaine, molly. alcohol use. socially. languages. english, french.

basics.

◦ nicknames: nicki, niks, nik, baby, that bitch.

◦ age: 24

◦ hair: blonde

◦ eyes: greenish blue

◦ sexuality: bisexual

◦ family: zeus king (son) age 6, asher brody roberts (son) age 5, noel hampton (older sister) age 25, ivette hampton (mother estranged) age 39, david hampton (father estranged) age 41.

bio.◦ 

Nicole, being the baby of the family, was an angel from the time she was born until around 16. In her infancy she was, as her family praised, one of the most peaceful children they’d ever encountered. Her mother adored her, despite the fact that Nicole was a through-and-through daddy’s girl. Her parents were the head chair members for the CBS broadcasting network. As a result, she grew up loving all things pretty and glittery - and even becoming spoiled in her youth. She was an avid wearer of makeup and spent much of her time playing dress-up with her sister. 

Her parents wanted their children involved in extracurriculars from a young age, forcing Nicole into singing lessons and dance classes which filled much of her free time. To further monopolize on much of Nicole’s childhood, she was ushered into numerous beauty pageants alongside her sister, feeling entirely inadequate whenever the crown wasn’t bestowed upon her (however rare those times were). Through her own interest, she discovered a passion for writing music and its accompanying lyrics. A habit she carried with her throughout her entire life. Nicole had always whirred with creative energy, and constantly cracked jokes.

Nicole’s ambitions and personality unexpectedly shifted when she entered High School. This was where she truly found a way in which to grow into herself. Seemingly overnight (to those around her) she transitioned from a dainty wallflower into a turbulent, exciting, free-spirited (and self proclaimed) wild child. Much to the dismay of her loving family (her mother complaining that she was the source of a near constant “nikki-ache”, or migraine in layman's terms). On her 15th birthday, as if a gift from the universe, she was offered a modeling contract from a renowned modeling agency, Zarzar. It was through her pursuit of modeling that she got a taste, and addiction to the limelight. A year later, on her 16th birthday, she won the title of Miss Teen California. Between modeling and her consistent extracurriculars she continued to foster a stronger tendency to be rebellious and “wild”. She found herself on a never-ending merry-go-round of parties, drinking and sneaking out. With this newly forged nightlife she began dabbling in something more sinister, deciding that the drink simply wasn’t enough, she began finding drugs, another viable rebellion.  ( i mean what good is having family money if you don’t spend daddy’s hard-earned cash on drugs, right? ) Despite being the center of attention, which is what she thought was all she’d possibly need, sweet Nicole also noticed she never truly seemed happy.

Often she struggled with depression as a result of pressure placed on her to be the perfect picture daughter her parents desperately wanted her to be. Even though she was always her father’s little princess, she struggled to find independence, her own footing, and her place in the world.

At the age of 18, Nicole moved out on her own savings due to an on-going struggle with drugs ( mostly cocaine, but she wasn’t really picky...she liked to joke that she abused any and everything equally ) and seemingly never-ending fights at home which caused a considerable rift between her and the rest of the picture-perfect Hampton family. 

That same year, Nicole found a new way to establish herself and maintain her lifestyle. she began stripping at Synn Gentleman’s Club, a high-end strip club in West Hollywood. She’d met many of her current connections while stripping, subsequently cutting off all connection with her family soon after, except for her sister. 

Right before her 19th birthday during a shift at Synn, she was assigned to work the VIP section wherein she met a man by the name Brody Roberts, a reputable ( and darkly alluring ) producer and director, who quickly took a liking to Nicole. It didn’t take long for them to hit it off. he’d frequent the club she worked, getting only a dance. Once the two were done, he’d leave her an egregious tip and venture from the club until the following night. 

The two engaged in this dangerous courtship for long enough that brody became tiresome of this charade and presented Nicole with a devious ultimatum: in order for her livelihood to continue ( ie. getting bestowed large sums of money nightly ) she’d have to renounce her days on the pole for days on his arm (or face immediate termination and blacklisting from any and all reputable clubs within a feasible radius). An offer she couldn’t refuse. She knew he would be able to support her and offer the life she’d once been accustomed to before falling out with her family. 

Soon thereafter, Nicole had found herself living with brody and became his kept woman. her days were filled with a monotony of repetition that Nicole quickly realized she wanted to escape. she’d managed to save enough money to find herself a small place and the day before she signed the lease, she fainted from exhaustion during her morning run and was taken to the hospital. upon receiving bloodwork the cause of her fainting was actually an unknown pregnancy. 

Nine months later, they welcomed a son, Asher Brody Roberts. 

Asher was a difficult baby ( often sick, colicky ) causing additional strain on a relationship which had already nearly met its end. That's when Nicole made her change. It started small, distancing her own finances from that of her son’s father, she then began to dabble in music and amassed a sizable social media following which allowed her to jump-start her career separate from her estranged boyfriend.

Two years later, with meticulous planning and the help of her best friend Olivia and Olivia’s boyfriend Jaxson King Nicole was able to move all of her and asher’s belongings out of the home during a week long shoot that brody was on. 

Nicole did not get a clean nor healthy break from a relationship that had already drained her for the better part of four years. She knew that she had lost part of her formative years (being 18 when she’d met the man with whom she would share a part of her life forever, and stuck until she was 22) to Brody, a manipulative and narcissistic man who she hated to adore. Her heart ached every single time she’d hear his specific text tone, or see his name take over her phone screen. She’d wanted desperately to contact the police, to see what kind of assistance she could get from what she only knew as harassment (ultimately to be talked off the ledge by Olivia). 

Nearly a week after Nicole had made her grand (and melodramatic) departure in the night, she found herself in a meeting over coffee with the man whose bed she’d shared for years. She was anxious and cranky and was met with cold smugness from her counterpart. Brody, a smart and wealthy man, was not going to relinquish his prize without a painful fight. As he sipped his coffee, and with all of the curtness he would bestow upon a perfect stranger, Brody announced to her that if she did not willfully come back - he would charge her with the kidnapping of his son. A toddler.

Nicole spiraled in that very second. She knew he meant it, and she knew that with his power and connections (all fueled by money) he could paint her into the narrative that best suited him, and that would force her to lose custody. With reluctance and all of the self-preservation she could muster, Nicole collected her and Asher’s belongings and returned to the home she thought she’d managed to escape. 

It didn’t take long for Brody to feel comfortable again, thinking he’d created a chess game that he couldn’t lose. He began taking on more projects, longer commitments of his time, while Nicole was left to plot alone with their son. It was during one of these extended periods of Brody-ness bliss that Nicole's wandering eye and coyote-caught-in-a-trap mentality bested her. She’d met another man. 

Theo, the focus of her attention, was the antithesis of Brody: sensitive, kind, wholesome, charismatic and most of all not a blatant narcissist. He was genuinely, unapologetically and irrevocably good. Everything she hadn’t sought out, nor thought she wanted. Yet, everything she needed. Nicole found herself diving headfirst into a hidden relationship. She brought him around her son, whom he was fantastic with, and she knew in that second: she was going to run to him. 

Nicole convinced Theo to contact a lawyer on her behalf so as to not leave a trace that Brody could stumble upon. She found the legal course of action that she could take in order to move herself and Asher out of the home Brody owned, and made her second escape. Straight into the arms and home of her secret lover. 

Brody discovered, to his grand dismay, that he had no legal recourse for Nicole and that he would inevitably have to allow this sleeping dog to lie. The two worked out a custody arrangement that neither were truly happy with, and she found a new false sense of security in their world. 

Having rid herself of the relationship that was hindering her and Theo’s happiness, the two allowed themselves to date. To even make the leap into falling in love. They dated for a little over a year and in that time Nicole’s life had taken a turn. She found the independence she’d longed for, her career took an upturn. For the first time in her life, Nicole was unstoppable. 

After dating for a year, Nicole and Theo decided to get married. The couple took their time planning the wedding, Theo understanding Nicole’s struggles, and hesitancy in regards to marriage. He’d been kind, patient, and loving which prompted Nicole to take the leap during a trip to Aspen. They planned a speedy wedding and everything appeared copacetic until mid-ceremony when the officiant asked if there were any objections and no other than an uninvited guest spoke out. 

At that moment Nicole was faced with a difficult decision: she could marry the man she had grown to love or forfeit him for the man she knew was bad for her… in every sense, two could be hazardous to one-another.

In a moment of panic, Nicole chose self-preservation. Sparing herself the internal turmoil of being stuck with a choice she didn’t feel right, she fled from the altar and in a flash of white disappeared from the church. In her wake, she left behind two shell-shocked men, and a conglomeration of confused attendees. 

During the days that followed Nicole sought refugee on the couches and spare beds of friends who welcomed her and her son while her former fiance packed her things and the memories of the life they were once committed to sharing. 

While still reeling from everything that had transpired during the aforementioned weeks, she had managed to gain a sense of resolve and clarity for the first time in her adult life. She was without a romantic partner for the first time in her adult years, and instead, her life was now solely committed to herself and her son. She got a place for the two of them, somewhere she was proud to call home and make their own. She found stronger footing in her musical career, something she’d been unable to fully dedicate herself to before. And she managed to gather the reigns on her own life, without the assistance of anyone else. 

Nicole had built herself into a woman she didn’t think she’d ever become. Someone who her son deserved. A bright, powerful individual with a life uniquely her own. Who had finally gotten the self-respect to realize she didn’t require a man to get by. That her own tenacity could carry her to places she’d only dreamed.

Granted, in this whirlwind of growth and development, she didn’t avoid a struggle here and there. Namely in the form of waking up in the bed of a man that she didn’t belong with. A man whose son she raised alone. 

[poetryofchrist]

Second edition of The Hebrew Bible and Its Music now available

Have you ever wanted to hear the Hebrew Bible with its original tone of voice restored?  I remember on the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, we had a reading at the Cathedral from end to end over several days. It really is a big book. The musical signs in the Hebrew text seal the emerging word that is uttered by the generations from the beginning to the common era. No one knows for sure where these signs came from. They appear out of nowhere, a fully developed and sophisticated set of hand signals, sometime in the 8th or 9th century of our era. Are they only 3 times the age of English translations? It seems unlikely that anyone would invent a notation for hand signals when new musical ekphonetic notations were already beginning to appear at the same time. (See the article on neume.) Many years ago, (1997) I did some reading with neumes on Patmos with an orthodox choir. I was not trained in reading them or in reading Greek at the time, but I could sing the drone part for which the priest was very glad since others were not used to this kind of harmony.

Bob and Sue MacRae joined us on our last week in Turkey. We went together to Greece where we read the Apocalyse out loud for a blessing on the very ground where it was written 1902 years ago. Here Bob (MacDonald) by the good graces of Mr. Loukas, got to sing with the cantors from the Orthodox parish of Scala - a special treat for one who reads neither Greek nor their musical notation. Mr Loukas guided us in the holy places. Father Simeone, a monk from the Monastery of St John the Theologian, was also our host. We will remember these days always as a very special gift to which these two men of our day gave a personal touch. [Father Simeone gave us Turkish delight in the library in the presence of an ancient manuscript of the Gospel of Mark!]

The accents of the Bible predate neumes by some distance. The suggestions are that they emerge from a history parallel to that of the ben Asher family who created the Aleppo Codex. The history is fluid and unknown. What is unmistakable is that the accents form a coherent system of music if only one has the key. Ten - not so many years ago, having begun my study of the Psalms, I was presented with a key to the music of the accents at Oxford in 2010. Since then, I have remained in touch with Susan Gillingham, the convener of the conference, and David Mitchell, who presented the key. Over the past 10 years, I have been fitting the key into the lock of the Hebrew Bible and have been unlocking the text piece by piece. The evidence is in the blog, and in the 12 volumes I have published over the last 7 years. Is it worth the time to put the key into the lock? Opinion varies. When you put a key into a lock, the people standing on the porch with you (sometimes not at a respectful distance) have various responses. Some are fearful, some are impatient and want to know down the door, some describe the door and its filigrees. I have discovered responses time and again. An early discovery is here where I discuss responses to a paper on Academia and Psalm 114 and its traditional tune, tonus peregrinus. I have time to discover more. Readers of the blog will know that I have drafted all the music of the Hebrew Bible, an estimated 150,000 bars of music, perhaps 5,000 pages of music. Clearly I have put the key into the lock of the whole Bible. By putting the key in, the door is still standing and I have removed all the walls. You can still admire the filigrees on the door, and you can enter in to hear the music any time and use the cantus firmus in your compositions. I has taken me a full 10 years of daily application to do this work. It deepens understanding. It mutes error. It makes you speechless at times as it should. Though we have music, there is and must be time for silence as well, for the space between the notes. But it is not a five-minute exercise. Who wins in this contest? History will judge, if there is a future history, or we will judge in the present. My judgment is that it has been worth it. We have scarcely begun to undo the damage of the past 400 years caused by the imposition of the punishment paradigm onto the text by the 16th century translators. Music does not punish. Neither does God. Discover how to read and hear the Hebrew Bible and its music. My close translation for the music is now available in its second edition. My next posts will continue this reflection. from Blogger https://ift.tt/2Ucbdkj via IFTTT

[sarah-alex02-blog]

Plot Twist

There we sat in our favorite park. It was a bright sunny day, though the air just didn't seem right. But I was with her, so I knew it was all okay. You could say that she was the love of my life. My eyes were definitely set on her. The wind was sailing through her bright ginger hair contrasting against her pale porcelain-like skin. I gazed into her deep blue eyes and it felt as if I was lost at sea. The freckles that covered her face was like a puzzle that I have seemed to solve one too many times. 

A dog’s uncontrollable barking suddenly snapped me out of my gaze and I realised my angel had tears streaming down her face. I noticed that people kept staring at us weirdly but I decided to shrug it off since they were probably just concerned about my precious Violet. Her bright blue eyes were now dull holding a red tint as her hands trembled.”Violet, babe are you okay. What’s wrong?”, I gently spoke as I held her cheeks to wipe away the tears. ”Asher, there’s something I have to tell you.” My heart dropped as if a ball and chain was weighing it down.”Yea babe?”. My blood runs cold as I nervously await for her response. “Do you remember the party that happened at Janet’s house?” I nod slowly as she continues to speak, trembling with each syllable that flows out of her mouth.”When I left you to go to the washroom... these two guys dragged me into Janet’s room and started to do things that I didn’t like.”My heart started to ache with anger and sorrow as she paused and started to choke back her tears. I tilted my head towards the ground as a tear starts to stream down my face, not wanting to show her my vulnerable state and the emotions I feel towards her. She frantically wipes her tears as she continued her story.”I was so drunk that I was going in and out of reality, feeling so helpless as their cold hands were touching my body.”I hold back my tears as I grab a hold of her. “Babe, babe it’s okay. You don’t have to continue.” I hold her head towards my chest as she clenches onto my shirt finally being able to release all her emotions.

The rest of the day felt like a blur as I spent the rest of the day making sure she’s okay as I didn't want her to be alone at this time. It was around 9:30 p.m. when I dropped her off at home giving her a kiss goodnight, and telling her she was strong. As I was leaving, I felt a gust of wind and noticed how dark and dusty her house seemed. I turned around not keeping it to mind as her parents always seemed strange. I walked down the final two steps when I heard a crunch beneath my feet. I shifted my gaze downwards as my eyes settled upon a dried flower wreath. Crouching down to read the ribbon, “Be..lo..ve...? Oh whatever.” Ignoring the weird tingly feeling I felt trying to read to ribbon, I started my trek back home. The only thing that came to mind was my angel Violet. “How could someone be sick, violating someone, stripping them of their dignity. She was intoxicated, could barely walk, she gave no consent.” The more I thought, the angrier I began to feel. “I should have been there. I shouldn't have left her alone. I should have been her protector, but I let her down. Never again. Never again will I allow this monstrosity to happen to my muse. For her to ever feel that violated.” 

My footsteps finally lead me back home, as I sulked up the stairs. As soon as I opened the door I was halted with my parents questions. “Asher, where have you been. Do you know the time?”, my mother exclaimed. “Calm down it just took me longer to walk Violet home.” “Violet? Um son are you feel okay? Did you take your pills today.”,my father asked worried. In an angry tone I answered “Yes my girlfriend. Violet. Fuck those pills, they make me feel all out of it. I can’t even see Violet when I take those damn pills.” “Phil, it’s happening again,'' my mother whispers, only angering me more. She slowly comes over to me grabbing my arm trying to take me up stairs. “Honey let’s get you to bed, and maybe tomorrow we can go back and see Dr. Richard.” “NO! I’m not going!” I yell pulling my arm out of her grasp. “Son that’s enough, come on let’s go upstairs” “NO STOP GET AWAY FROM ME, that’s it”. I march over to the front doors, yanking it open as it slams against the wall creating a hole. “ASHER, ASHER” I hear as I sprint towards the forest, needing to be alone. 

Unable to run anymore, I crouch down to catch my breath, I realized I wasn’t anywhere near home. Deciding to take a shortcut through the cemetery, I followed the muddy path towards the place I’m supposed to call “home”. As I walk through the cemetery, I saw a flash in the distance, my curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to follow it. As I got closer, I hear the jewels placed on the tombstone calling my name, begging me to touch it. I trace my finger across the name, “V.I.O.L.E.T L.A.W.R.E.N.C.E”. I froze, falling backwards as if I was hit with a ton of bricks. My eyes blurred with flashes and old memories. “AAHHH”, I yelled clenching my head. It was too much. 

I started sobbing as that night at Janet’s replayed in my head. I realized that when she got raped in that room, she didn’t come out of there alive. I start to imagine her piercing screams calling,“Asher! Asher!” but no help came to her. Had I not been playing beer pong with the boys, maybe I would’ve heard her screams for help. I lie on the ground, unable to move, as sadness takes over my body. I start to cry and wail like a baby wanting his mother’s breast milk.”My girlfriend was never there. She’s dead.”

Narrator: David was so traumatized when Violet died that he always pretended in his head that she was alive, and eventually that became his reality. Him comforting her about what happened actually took place in his head, not in real life. It’s how he wanted the situation to end off, but unfortunately the situation wasn’t in his favour. A mix of guilt and sadness has taken over his life and his mother gives him medication so that he can try and live a normal life, but recently he stopped taking them. He starts to realize that he was all alone in the park and that’s why people kept staring at him weird. It all started to add up when he remembered the dried flower wreath on Violet’s front door step. “Beloved daughter. That’s what it said, `` said Asher to himself as he continues to lay on the ground, helpless and drained of all his energy. He thinks about her smile as well as her beautiful ginger locks. Everything they could’ve been. May Violet rest in peace.

[lostinanothersmemories]

Great now I can't stop thinking about Darlin' meeting their younger self. I'm gonna go cry in a corner.

🌧

It’s been on my mind for so long but thanks for the opportunity to torture them

tw: mentioned underage drinking, suicidal tendencies/thoughts, implied very rough childhood

They were groggy already the headache pounded through their head. They needed a drink or at least something to take the edge off. Their surroundings were unfamiliar setting off every instinct to get ready for a fight. To figure an escape before they could lose a fight. Carefully they slip off the bed as silent as can be crouching in the darkness carefully padding over to the door. Pressing their ear against the door they can hear voices mostly men.

"David, I know but is this really the best option?"

"Yeah, we didn't know them when they were this young, they won't even know our names if we introduced ourselves."

"There is no better option. Are we supposed to put them just out on their own?"

"Neither is awake right now we still have time to at least try to find someone, anyone they would know."

"Milo there-there isn't anyone. Ash

Weird people and their weird conversations...Ultimately finding that door to be a bust considering they know it's a bad decision to walk up to strangers. Only to hit a trash can beside the door. The voices go still, fuck, they book it ignoring the thumping of their footsteps. Slipping under the bed with ease and pulling the blanket to hide them further.

Only one pair of footsteps enters the room sighing when he sees no one. "I know you don't know me but I'm not here to hurt you." Liar, "I can prove it if you come out." Trap, "Listen Tanker-uh I mean-well you never liked me calling you by your name. Something about it being too personal. I took it to heart when we were younger, I'm not gonna break that trust I had to earn by doing something you said you didn't like. Truthfully I don't know what to do, you have no idea how much I hate saying that but I'm clueless. You-"

They flinch when he steps closer, cursing their rebellious body. "Okay, it's okay. I won't come closer. Are you hungry? Hurt at all, I don't want you in pain." He's a good liar, a weird liar but a good one. It makes them want to talk.

He stands quickly when another pair of shoes go by the door. Another flinch raises through their body, "Milo wait just give them distance."

The other speaks too quietly for them to hear. "Okay, okay. I'll take care of it."

"I'll be right back okay?" He speaks softly. They take a breath waiting for the two to leave the door. It's wide open, the only opportunity they may get. They sprint for it abandoning the shelter of the bed only to find another by what they hoped was the front door. A turn and they meet the kitchen, a block of knives right within reach.

He's noticed them though, already calling out for the "David" they heard earlier. They back themselves against the wall unwillingly a knife held close to their chest in case someone tries to grab them.

The same shoes approach again, consoling the one who spotted them, "Asher it's okay. I'll handle it." He kneels down matching their height, "Hey there. I'm glad to see you aren't at least too injured. I don't want you hurting yourself could you set the knife down."

Shaking their head they grip the handle tighter. "It's okay if you don't want to you've gotta be terrified. I just can't let you run off though okay? It's dangerous out there."

Their eyes narrow, "I know I probably seem dangerous as well. You know probably would have been a bit helpful if you had told be just about anything about you." He pauses almost sorrowful, "Gabe would have been better at this."

They have babysitters handed off one after each other since they refuse to move or give up the weapon. They introduce themselves, David was the first the one most willing to talk and try to get them to respond, Milo who talks about his cat too much, Amanda who shows them card tricks, Christian who's far more quiet then the rest mostly saying things that make no sense, Asher who tries to get them to laugh. Asher is the one who makes the mistake. Sits against the wall instead of in the doorway moves off to the side long enough for them to run past. He hand reaches out only to meet metal before they run away.

They don't see the other one coming, only feel a hand around their chest another grabbing the hand with the knife. Despite their screams the one they can't see walks them back into the danger. "Stop it," they near growl. "Screaming and crying wouldn't help you know better than that."

It only makes them start kicking. They barely pay attention to the others but see their eyes wide. They know they hit a sensitive spot when their breath hitches and they freeze for a moment. They don't get pushed back into a corner but set not so gently on the couch. Their voice softly spoken by the one that stopped their flight. "I know you're freaked out you just gotta give me a second you brat." They finally see them, no NO. Their fight kicks up against

"I don't want you you gave me away!" They sigh but keep them sitting despite their attempts.

"Not your parent, kid. Unfortunately family resemblance is a stronger fighter then we are. Go on look, no amount of genetics gives the same exact hand scar."

Cautiously they stop fighting and look gently lifting their hand to compare the two. "I'm not gonna bother with the whole wolf and magic talk but congrats there is magic. You are the result of a stupid fucking demon messing up something that is above my paygrade to understand."

"You are me?"

"Well technically my time so reverse but sure whatever you want kid."

"But-I don't, I-" Tears well up despite their efforts. "I don't wanna have to fight anymore." It breaks the dam in them tears streaming down their eyes trying to hide from the strangers around them. They are pulled into a hug by the older version of themself their hand rubbing their back. It's weird, unfamiliar, but nice. "It's alright, it gets easier. I promise it's not much longer now."