#it feels abandoned on friday nights by itself

[fluentmoviequoter]

Mom and Dad Are Still Fighting

Part 2 of The Bradfords

Pairing: Tim Bradford x fem!cop!wife!reader

Summary: After a long night, you're grateful for Lucy and all she does for you. You continue protecting her from Tim's attitude, even though you're lying to them.

Warnings: mostly fluff, brief angst, threats and robbery. typical rookie stuff.

Word Count: 1.4k+ words

A/N: I love this dynamic!! Two Bradfords caring about Lucy in their own ways is so fun to write (and being married to Tim is a dream by itself). I will continue abusing Chenford gifs for this storyline lol.

“Good morning, Mom,” Lucy calls as she enters the bullpen. 

She passes you a cup of your favorite drink, and you look at Tim quickly. He tilts his chin to the side, and you nod once. You’ve been talking without speaking for years, and you’re more grateful than ever for your silent language.

“Thank you so much, Lucy,” you say.

You pull her into a hug that lasts longer than usual. She couldn’t know that you had a long night and needed this today: the drink and the hug. Hence, your shared ‘did you tell her?’ ‘no, she just cares’ look shared with Tim.

“Where’s mine?” Tim inquires with his brows raised.

“I, uh, I didn’t know your order,” Lucy says carefully. “Sorry.”

Angela calls for you, and you thank Lucy again as you walk away. Tim watches you go; he knows you aren’t feeling great and appreciates Lucy’s care on your behalf.

“Thanks, Chen,” he says.

“For what? I didn’t get you anything.”

“You should know that caring about her is the same as caring about me. At least as far as I’m concerned,” he answers. “Now get ready.”

Your long night catches up to you quickly. By your mid-morning break, you’re feeling tired and stressed. The worst part of what you’re feeling is that you haven’t told anyone why you’re feeling it. Tim stayed up with you most of the night and held you to comfort you, and while you appreciate it, it only upsets you more because he did it without asking why you needed it.

“7-Adam-19 requesting backup,” Chen calls over the radio. “11351; suspect in possession of heroin and oxycodone.”

“Dispatch, attach me to 7-Adam-19’s backup call,” you request.

You drive to the address dispatch provided and hope your day improves after seeing Tim again. When you arrive, the suspect is cuffed and in the back of Tim’s shop as they search his car for other drugs.

“Hey,” you call as you exit your car. “What do you need?”

Tim looks at you as Lucy says, “Suspect escort and search assistance.”

“I can do either. Let me know what you want me to do,” you offer.

“Suspect escort, please,” Tim answers. He tips his head to the side, and you walk to the sidewalk with him.

“Are you okay?” he whispers.

“Yeah. So, you just want me to get him to booking?” you reply, brushing off Tim's concern.

“Please. Will you tell me if you stop being okay?”

“Yes, Tim. I’ll, uh, I’ll see you at lunch.”

You turn away from Tim and move the driver in custody into your shop to take him back to the station. Tim and Lucy abandon their search to watch you leave.

“Is she alright?” Lucy asks.

You turn a corner, disappearing from Tim’s view, and his jaw tightens. He couldn’t get an answer from you, and now Lucy thinks he knows everything in your head. Tim refuses to show worry, so he lets his concern come out as anger and annoyance.

“That is not your business or an appropriate topic to discuss while we are on duty, Chen. Focus,” he replies.

Lucy nods and returns to the search of the car, but she’s beginning to feel just as stressed as you and Tim. You all care about each other and moving around in circles like this won’t help.

“Goodnight, Luce,” you call as you walk beside Tim to go home.

“Hey, do you want to go to dinner with me on Friday?” she asks. “Just to catch up, hang out?”

“Yeah, that sounds fun,” you answer with a smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Tim grumbles beside you, and you’re convinced it’s because he didn’t get an invite.

“We’ll have breakfast Saturday,” you promise him.

Lucy laughs behind you, and you wave over your shoulder as Tim spreads his hand across your back and leads you toward his truck. You know he’ll hold you close again all night, even if you don’t ask, because he comforts you without pushing you. When or if you want to talk about it, he’s ready to listen, but he knows what it is like to need room, and he’d never take that from you or force you to tell him anything before you’re ready. He’s amazing, and you wish you could share what is bothering you, but you can’t put any more people in danger.

When dispatch alerts you to a call in your area, you accept it, hoping to get your mind off everything. The officer reads Lucy’s apartment building address, and your stomach drops. You tell dispatch to attach Bradford and Chen to the call before hitting your lights and sirens to get there as fast as possible.

The apartment building, for the most part, has been ransacked. Doors are broken, windows broken and locks picked, and residents’ belongings are strewn through the halls, but nothing appears to be missing. Tim and Lucy arrive a few minutes after you do and meet you on Lucy’s floor. Her apartment is trashed, but she can’t see where anything has been stolen.

You lead Tim through the other side of her apartment before stopping suddenly.

“Tim,” you whisper. “Someone called me a few nights ago… They threatened to do something to Lucy, and I think this was it.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks.

He looks over your shoulder to ensure no one is listening before giving you his complete attention.

“Wade knew, but he said that you and Lucy shouldn’t know because the threat was vague, and it would just put you on edge.”

“That should have been my decision!”

“Tim, I’m sorry.”

Tim’s eyes soften before he nods. “Is that what you’ve been so upset about? You were worried about Chen?”

“Yes,” you admit softly. “But this looks planned, intentional. They only went into certain apartments, and the stuff thrown everywhere was an afterthought.”

“Someone was looking for something,” Tim agrees.

“But what?”

Tim looks around before yelling, “Chen! Get in here!”

“Yes, sir?” she asks as she enters.

“What do you have in here that someone would be so desperate to get?” he asks.

“I don’t-“

“Don’t tell me that you don’t know. Think about it, Lucy. What would someone risk their freedom, their life for, and do this kind of damage to hide?”

Lucy taps her fingers against her thigh as she thinks. Your surprise phone call didn't provide information about what they wanted, so you stay quiet.

“Well?” Tim pushes.

“Give her a second to think,” you scold. “She didn’t ask for this, she’s not the criminal. Be nice.”

Tim clenches his jaw. In his mind, she may as well be the criminal. She led someone to her apartment, to you, and you’ve been worried because of her. His annoyance and need for answers is justified.

“Wait, I got a necklace at a police auction!” she says suddenly.

“You bought jewelry at a police auction?” Tim asks. “Last boyfriend really that cheap?”

You elbow Tim and shake your head. “Leave her alone.”

“Who buys a single necklace at a police auction?” he argues. “A car, a trailer, sure. But one necklace?”

“It was expensive,” Lucy defends.

“Which means whoever wants it is probably the one responsible for the police having it,” you deduce. “I’m going to go help them search the upper floors. Tim, be nice. Lucy, look for the necklace, please.”

You walk into the stairwell and find yourself face-to-face with a Humphrey Bogart wannabe in a ski mask. It takes less than thirty seconds to get the cuffs on him, and based on his surprise, he thought he had already outsmarted the cops with the widespread burglary distraction.

After you pass him off to another officer, you return to Lucy’s apartment and let them know he’s in custody.

“Bradford, why does my suspect have a black eye?” Wade asks over the radio.

“He threatened Lucy,” you answer quickly. “But, who knows, maybe he already had that. He was wearing a ski mask, after all.”

“You hit him for threatening your puppy, station kid, whatever you call her?” Tim asks with his brows raised.

“Thanks, Mom,” Lucy calls from her bedroom.

“We’re leaving,” Tim announces. “Good luck finding your criminal necklace.”

“It’s pretty!” Lucy yells as you walk out.

“I need a nap now,” you tell Tim.

He nods and says, “I always need one after working with Chen.”

[enhayaya]

MINE

Synopsis: vampire!enhypen x vampire!reader. They've found you after you left. They knew you wouldn't be gone long. But they weren't expecting the tables to turn like this.

WC: Approx. 4.5k

Warnings: mild violence, use of chloroform, biting, let me know if I should include anything else

A/N: The last of this mini series! I'm glad I actually completed it. I hope you enjoy! Btw, the 'creature' is the monster from the concept cinema :)

Part one / Part two

࿐ᬊ࿐

Your footsteps are light, making no noise as you dart between the trees. You move so fast your feet barely touch the ground, giving the leaves beneath you no opportunity to crunch, the sticks no opportunity to snap and give you away. You almost got caught. Luckily you noticed the sleek black cars before they noticed you. The sound of sirens rings out, echoing through the night air as you keep running. Someone tipped off the authorities and now they’re all on your trail—The police trying to find young Y/N, the poor girl that went missing. The government trying to find their newest supernatural prisoner and test subject.

You slow to a jog as the sirens fade away, your hideaway coming into view. It took you a week of wandering to find this place. An abandoned hunting cabin nestled at the foot of the mountains. Far enough in to be secret but not too far in to be a hassle.

You march up the steps and grab the key from your coat pocket—the previous owner had been kind enough to hide a spare under the cushion of the swing chair on the porch. You unlock the door and step inside, shrugging your coat off and throwing it over the hook on the wall. You flick the light switch and collapse into one of the chairs at the small dining table. You exhale, leaning your elbows on the tabletop and running your hands over your face.

Grocery shopping isn’t as easy as it used to be. Mainly because it no longer involves a supermarket but rather lurking in the dark parts of the nearby town and waiting for an innocent victim to walk past. You miss the days when you craved chocolate and not blood.

You pick up the remote sitting on the table and turn the TV on. You weren’t expecting there to be reception out here when you first arrived, but apparently the previous occupant needed the screen just as much as you do. You cross your arms as you listen to the news reporter gush about some new animal shelter that has opened. You’d never really been one to watch the news. It was always either death and crime or useless stories about viral videos doing the rounds on the internet. ‘Feel Good Friday’ as one marketing team had captioned it. But now, it was how you kept track of them.

You straighten up as the reporter’s voice takes on a more serious tone and a new headline comes on screen. ‘GOVERNMENT STILL SEARCHING FOR ESCAPEES’. Apparently, authorities have received no new leads and are still scouring the cities near the research centre. Good luck. On your way out of the woods where the men were hiding, you realised it had to be on the opposite side of the state to where the labs were. You’d considered ringing the hotline and telling them where the vampires were. Let them get caught and be hauled back to a government facility. But then you decided that was too easy. Why let the humans get them when you could take care of them yourself?

You stand up and enter the kitchen. There’s a newspaper clipping stuck to the wall. A photo of the vampires a few months before they escaped. They’re bound to chairs, arms tied in a complex rope trap as they stare at the camera, their eyes radiating instability and danger. Protruding from the wall, penetrating right through the picture, is a knife. More than half the blade is submerged in the wood. You’d put it there last night in a fit of frustration.

There was one problem that had made itself known since you’d left.

You wanted to go back.

It was a pull. A tug in your gut, in your chest, that urged you to return to them. It was a craving to be near them again, a need to be in their presence. It was driving you fucking insane. You didn’t want to go near them again unless it was to finish them off for what they did to you. But there was something deeper, more instinctive that felt otherwise. And you couldn’t get rid of it or shut it down, if anything it was getting worse the longer you were gone.

Upon researching vampire lore and reading through at least fifty sites and sources, you found that a few theorised that vampires shared a bond. A bond that kept them together, created a tight-knit and loyal group that would do anything for each other. A survival thing, maybe. These people theorised that the bond was especially strong between a vampire and any newborns they’d created.

Your blood simmered when reading that line. Those bastards. They knew that no matter what happened, you’d stay with them. Or go back if you left. You refused to give in. No matter how badly you needed them, you wouldn’t be the one crawling back.

You’d bring them to you.

When delving through the internet to crack the mystery of your urges, you’d also managed to find the address of the vampires’ hiding spot. You’d contacted the operator for the area and it turned out there was a landline connected to the house. You’d smiled at that, not believing your luck. You’d written down the number on a scrap of paper and left it on the kitchen counter, right below the picture you’d put up a few days earlier.

Smirking, you reach for the phone on the wall. You pick it up and dial in the number the woman had given you. You hold it to your ear and wait.

It rings once.

Twice.

Three times.

Four.

The phone clicks. You can hear the soft rustle of someone breathing on the other end of the line.

“Knock, knock,” you say playfully into the receiver.

There’s a moment of hesitation. “Y/N…? That you?”

“Ah, Jakey. You were supposed to say, ‘who’s there?’”

“Didn’t have to. I’d know your voice anywhere.”

“Then why’d you have to ask if it was me?”

“Because I couldn’t believe you’d call. Do I even ask how you got this number?”

“By good luck.”

He chuckles. “Of course you’d give some smart-arsed answer. So, what makes you call this fine evening, sweetheart?”

You sigh softly. “I think I made a mistake. Leaving. They almost caught me today. It made me think maybe Jungwon was right. Maybe I’d be better off sticking with you guys.”

“You want to come back?” You can hear the frown in his voice. But also a tinge of hope.

“That’s the thing. I would, but I’m scared they’ll find me if I go on the move now.”

“Okay. Where are you?”

“A hunting cabin in the mountains. Near Riverine.”

“You got a decent way, didn’t you?” You hear a smile in his tone. “We can come get you, bring you back here safe and sound, yeah?”

“You’d do that?” You make your voice sound a little relieved, like you’re in need of help and you’d be ever so grateful if they gave it to you.

“Of course. We’ll see you in a few days, sweetheart. Stay safe.” He hangs up.

You put the phone back in the cradle with a triumphant grin. Your eyes land on the knife in the wall. You wrap your hand around the handle and pull it out, studying the blade thoughtfully. You chuck it in the sink before ripping the picture off the wall and scrunching it up, tossing it in the bin.

“See you soon, boys.”

***

It wasn’t difficult for them to find you. Although there were no footprints or signs anyone had been here in the past decade, your scent was everywhere. That sweet smell that had always enticed them. It lingered on the trees that you’d walked by, acting like a trail of breadcrumbs leading them right to you.

“You reckon it finally got to her?” Riki speaks up, breaking the silence.

“What?” Jay asks, looking over his shoulder as he walks beside Jungwon, leading the way.

“The bond.”

He chuckles. “Absolutely. Whether she likes it or not, it’d be gnawing at her every day. It was only a matter of time before she caved.”

“She was pissed last time we saw her, though,” Sunoo says. “You really think she’s moved on this quickly?”

“Honestly?” Heeseung joins in. “I don’t care if she has or not. She wants to come back. That’s all that matters for me. I’ve missed that woman. Can’t wait to see her pretty face again.”

“It wouldn’t hurt you to think with your head for once, Heeseung,” Jungwon teases with a smile.

The others chuckle as Heeseung laughs and bumps his shoulder.

The hunting cabin comes into view. It looks how you’d expect an abandoned cabin in the woods to look. The log walls are covered in moss and lichen. The wooden planks that serve as steps are sagging slightly. The tiles on the roof are coming loose.

Jungwon makes his way up the steps first, careful not to tread too heavily. He tries to peer through the windows but the glass is too dirty and the blinds are down. He goes to grab the front doorhandle and pauses. It’s already open, resting against the doorjamb. He frowns, looking over his shoulder and signalling for the others to wait. He slowly opens the door and slips inside.

It’s dark and quiet. Your scent hangs in the air, almost overpowering. As Jungwon’s eyes adjust, he can see the place is small. A tiny kitchen with a dining table and two chairs set up next to it. A sofa, coffee table and TV in the corner acting as a living room. Two doors, probably leading to a bathroom and bedroom. You’re not here. No one else seems to be either.

He turns on the light and it flickers to life, washing the main area in a dim yellow hue. He inspects the other two rooms, making sure they’re clear before swinging open the front door. “She’s gone,” he calls.

The others frown, looking at each other.

“Seriously?” Jake says.

Jungwon nods. “No sign of any struggle. It looks like she just got up and left.”

“Is there anything saying where she’s gone?” Sunghoon asks. “A note or something?”

“Hold on.” Jungwon goes back inside, his eyes scanning the room. They land on a piece of paper on the kitchen counter. He picks it up. It’s a note. The handwriting is messy, like you were in a rush.

“I can hear police sirens. I think they know I’m here. About 100 metres north of here, there’s a path. Follow it and you’ll find a cave. I’ll be there.”

***

They actually fell for it.

You tilt your head slightly, almost unable to believe that this could be so simple. Yet here you are, crouching and concealed by shadow on one of the naturally formed platforms in the cave, looking down and watching as the boys climb through the jagged entrance. The moment they cross the threshold their scent hits you. Strong enough to make your head spin. Even from up here, you can smell it clearly. It’s a combination of all of them: fresh but woody with hints of spice. Finally seeing them again has your heart picking up pace, but you maintain your composure, tightening your hold on the glass bottle in your hand to ground yourself and watching silently.

“Jesus…” Jay mutters, his voice echoing against the rock as he looks around. “How are we supposed to find her in here?”

“She can’t have gone in far,” Jungwon says. “There are two tunnels. Let’s split up. Don’t go in too far, and don’t take any detours into smaller shafts.”

“There’s no need.” Your voice rings throughout the cave and they look up, frowning.

“Y/N. Where are you?” Jungwon asks, taking a step in your general direction.

You come forward and sit with your legs hanging over the edge of the platform. Your arms are behind you as you lean back, hiding the bottle in your right hand. You wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise. “You actually came. You really are dedicated, aren’t you?”

“Don’t act so surprised,” he says, the corner of his lips lifting up. “You were the one who called us.”

“I did. But what if I hadn’t? Would you have come looking for me?”

“What do you think?”

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes’.”

“Enough talking,” Heeseung says, stepping forward. “Come down from there and we’ll take you home.”

You look down on them and a slow smile spreads across your lips, revealing your fangs. “Why don’t you come get me?” you tease.

“We don’t have time for games, Y/N.” His voice is stern. “Come down.”

“You love having power, don’t you?”

“What are you talking about? Get down—”

“You think you have me in the palm of your hand. That you’re the one with the upper hand, just because you turned me. What, did you think that the bond would make me yours for the taking? That because of it, I’d submit and accept that I was yours?”

Heeseung’s jaw clenches as he glares up at you. “Are you done?” he asks, voice low.

You smirk knowingly. “I’m just getting started.”

You toss the bottle you’ve been holding and it lands with an echoing shatter. Loud but delicate. Right at their feet. The boys look at it in confusion, then back up at you as you cover your mouth and nose with your scarf. You see realisation dawn on Jungwon’s features before he staggers and falls to his hands and knees. Jake coughs and tries to make a break for it but collapses a few feet away from the entrance. One by one they drop like flies until they all lay on the cave floor, unconscious.

You climb down from the platform and walk between them, checking they’re actually knocked out. You crouch beside Sunoo and see the bite marks you left on his neck are still there. You smile, your thumb brushing over them. Seeing your mark on him has you feeling a sense of satisfaction… and possession. Deep down.

You stand and grab him under the arms, hauling him up with ease thanks to your new strength. You drag him toward one of the tunnels. Going down, down, deeper into the cave and the secrets it keeps.

***

Sunghoon wakes first, gasping for air. An earthy scent invades his nostrils and he can taste it on his tongue. His clothes stick to his skin and it’s cold. Wet. Goosebumps rise along his skin as he pulls himself upright, his fingers raking through sludge. Breathing hard, he looks around. Light bleeds through cracks in the rock ceiling. As his eyes adjust, he sees stalagmites rising from the ground like teeth. Pools of cloudy water, patches of smooth dark rock interrupted by patches of grey mud. His eyes search for the others. Through the dark, he can make out a few mounds scattered here and there that look like bodies. He crawls through the mud towards one of them. As he gets closer, he can tell it’s Sunoo. He shakes his shoulder.

“Sunoo, wake up.” His voice is rough. “Sunoo. Come on, man.”

His eyes flutter open and he groans. “What—”

“She tricked us.”

“What?”

“She didn’t want us to come get her, it was a trap.”

Sunoo sits up, his eyes widening as he looks around. “Where the hell…?”

“We must still be in the cave.” Sunghoon looks around again. “There’s gotta be a way out. She had to have gotten us in here somehow.” He gets to his feet, almost losing his footing as he stands. He holds out a hand to help Sunoo up. “Come on, we have to find the others and get out of here.”

“Why would she trap us in a cave? It doesn’t make sense.”

“I don’t know. There’s gotta be more to it. Maybe there’s something down here. Poison, a fucking monster, I don’t know.”

“Sunghoon!” Jay’s voice penetrates the stillness, close by. There’s a splash to their left. They turn to see Jay wading toward them through the waist-deep murky water. He climbs up onto the rock. “What’s going on, man?”

“Y/N.” Sunghoon’s voice is low, simmering. “Look, we have to get the others and get out. I don’t know what’s going on here but I don’t trust this place for a second.”

There’s the sound of footsteps squelching in the mud. A tall silhouette comes toward them, its movements strained like it’s trying to move quickly but can’t.

“Sunghoon?”

The silhouette staggers under a ray of light and Riki comes into view. Drenched. Arms caked in mud. He looks relieved. Jay steps forward and grabs his arm, steadying him.

“Good to see you guys,” Riki says with a small smile.

Jay claps him gently on the back. “Good to see you too.”

“Alright, let’s go,” Sunghoon says, leading the way forward.

***

They don’t know you’re watching. They’re cautious of this cave. You can tell by the way they move and the way their gazes dart around at the quietest noises. But they’re not observant enough to realise you’re just a few feet above their heads, once again. You watch as they make their way across the cave in search of an exit. Too bad they’re going in the wrong direction.

They’re all together again now. Everyone that was lost has now been found.

Perfect.

You turn to the creature lingering just behind you. It’s one of the many things this cave hides. You stumbled across it while you were exploring. You were scared shitless when it emerged from one of the tunnels. Towering over you with bony clawed hands and jagged teeth, its blue eyes glowing and a mysterious black smoke curling around it. It looked like a walking nightmare. But you soon learnt it was harmless. Just as curious about you as you were about it.

You nod at it. “You know what to do.”

It lets out a low grumble, which you’ve learnt means something like a ‘yes’. It turns and disappears down the tunnel.

You look back at the boys below, smiling wickedly. Was this next part exactly necessary? No. But you were going to enjoy watching it unfold anyway.

***

Jay senses it. The change in the atmosphere. The air gets just that little bit colder. There’s a charge in the air, illusive but tangible, prickling the hairs on the back of his neck. He tenses and holds an arm out, signalling for the others to stop walking. They frown but come to a halt.

“What is it?” Jake asks quietly.

“Something’s not right,” Jay replies, looking ahead warily.

His eyes narrow as he thinks he sees something in the shadows. Something that’s somehow darker than the black. A vague outline. He swears he sees it move. Just an inch. Suddenly, two blue orbs appear in the shadows. Glowing unnaturally bright, hovering high above their heads. Jay takes a step back, staring wide-eyed at them.

What emerges from the shadows is something that looks like it’s crawled from the depths of the cave. Something born and raised in darkness. The kind of monster a child imagines under their bed or a traveller swears they see in the forest before it disappears with the blink of an eye. Its head is too big for its lanky body. Its all teeth and claws and horns and bumps. Its radiant eyes fixate on Jay. It moves quick, before he can react, and its claws connect with his arm, sending him flying several feet and landing on the rocky ground with a thud.

That’s the others’ signal to run. They take off in different directions, shoes slipping on the mud. Riki stumbles but catches himself with his hands, not slowing down as he runs for one of the pools. Jake pulls himself up onto one of the shelves of rock protruding from the wall. Jay gets to his feet and runs, wincing as pain shoots up his ankle with each step.

The creature sets its sights on Jungwon, who’s running alongside Jay, telling him to keep going. It reaches out an elongated hand and grabs the back of his shirt, yanking him backwards. It throws him into the wall with a rumbling growl emanating from deep in its chest. Jungwon slides down the wall, dazed. He lifts his head and sees the creature stalking toward him. He quickly gets to his feet but it rushes at him before he can run again. Its nails, sharp as daggers, rake across his cheek. He hisses and brings his hand to the wound. He reacts on instinct, his fist swinging up and connecting with the monster’s jaw. It howls. Then it grabs him by the neck and tosses him aside.

The monster switches targets, approaching the pool that Riki ran for. At first glance he can’t be seen, but it can smell him. He’s submerged, hiding somewhere deep under the water.  The creature walks into the pool and looks around slowly. It reaches out and its fingers brush against something. It tightens its grip around it and pulls. Riki appears, thrashing as he breaks the water’s surface, gasping for air. The monster looks at him for a moment before dunking him back under water, holding him in place by his hair. Riki twists and struggles, only managing to surface when the monster lets him. It’s unexpectedly strong. It holds him under once more, but this time it doesn’t relax its grasp. It keeps him there. Keeps him under until his lungs start to burn and he’s screaming, thrashing desperately.

The others come running. Without a second thought. They rush for the monster and try to get it to release Riki. Punching, pulling. Nothing. It barely reacts. And it doesn’t let go. Riki is still fighting but his energy is draining. There’s not much time left.

“Stop.”

A voice rings out over the chaos and the panic. Clear, firm. The creature loosens its grip instantly, looking up to where the voice came from. Riki climbs out of the pool, coughing violently. Jungwon kneels beside him, making sure he’s okay.

Everyone looks up.

You climb down from a cavity in the wall. In a place of raw mess, you look polished—graceful in the way you move across the cave floor with ease. The boys’ hearts hammer when they see you. With anger, but also with a small sense of relief, seeing familiarity in the unknown. You smile at them, still that mischievous grin rather than a genuine, warm smile. You stand in front of the pool and the monster steps back, coming to hover behind you.

“Hello, boys.”

***

You take in their dishevelled appearances. Clothes soaked. Skin caked and splashed with mud. The cuts and tears in their clothing and on their skin, blood staining the edges. Mixed emotions swirl in their eyes as they stare at you. They’re tense. You can sense the fear lingering in their systems, the adrenaline still flowing through their veins.

Sunghoon’s fists are clenched. “You crazy bitch.” His voice shakes. Not obviously, but you pick up on it.

“I wish I could blame it on you, but really, I think I was always a little crazy. You just unleashed it.”

You move closer, standing tall over their hunched figures. You crouch beside Riki, your fingers ghosting over his chest as he catches his breath. He stares up at you, his eyes fluttering shut but he forces them open. He grabs your wrist, and you can’t tell if it’s to prevent you from touching him or to prevent you from pulling away.

“If you disappear again, I swear to god,” he says hoarsely.

You chuckle. You run your hand over his chest and your thumb rubs over the skin exposed at his collar. “What, did you miss me?”

“Trust me, I wish I didn’t.”

You know the feeling.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. And neither are you.”

You pull gently, helping him to his feet. Then, without a word, you push down on his shoulders, making him kneel. You walk around him, standing behind him and looking at the others.

“Down. All of you.” Your voice is low, leaving no room for argument.

You’re expecting resistance. Confusion. But they comply, looking at you intensely while they sink to their knees.

You run your fingers up Riki’s neck, threading them gently into his hair, nails tickling his skin. It’s an absentminded gesture, one that sends a shiver down his spine. You feel him twitch slightly under your touch.

“I didn’t want this,” you say quietly, as if musing to yourself. “I wanted to get away from you and not look back unless it was to see you fall.” You lean down, your lips brushing Riki’s ear. “But there just had to be a bond.” You press a featherlight kiss to his neck, just below his ear, your lips barely coming into contact with his warm skin. “You knew I wouldn’t be gone for long. But I bet you didn’t think the tables would turn like this, hm?”

You straighten and your hands drop from Riki’s shoulders. You come up behind Sunghoon, squeezing his arms gently. He sucks in a breath and you can feel how tense he is. You lean down to whisper in his ear. “Loosen up a bit, sweetie. You can try stay mad at me all you want, but we both know it won’t last long. You love me too much.” Your nails glide up and down his arms as you press a soft kiss to the back his neck.

You move on, standing behind Jungwon. “I was in denial at first. I should hate you for turning me. How could I want you? But then I realised this isn’t some curse and you didn’t take away my life. You gave me a new one.” You crouch down and plant a kiss at the junction of Jungwon’s neck and shoulder. “Thank you for that.”

Jungwon turns his head just enough to look at you out of the corner of his eye. “You’re welcome,” he murmurs back.

You smile softly and it’s the first smile that isn’t laced with hidden intentions. Just amusement. “I decided the only way was to stay. But there’s one thing you need to know. I’m not yours.” Your teeth find Jungwon’s ear and bite down softly. “You’re mine.”

Your hand slides up Jungwon’s chest and up his neck, not applying any pressure, just holding his head still. “You’ll do anything for me. Protect me. Die for me if you have to.” It’s not instruction. It’s what you all know to be true. “And in return, maybe I’ll give you my heart. Eventually. But if not, you’ll still have my loyalty. What do you say?”

You feel Jungwon’s Adam’s apple bob under your palm as he swallows. “Yes.” The word is solid. Maybe he acknowledges this is the only way you’ll let them have you, maybe he doesn’t care. But either way, he’s sure.

You look up at the others. You’re met with nods. A tilt of the head. They’re sure too.

You tilt Jungwon’s head to the side, exposing more of his neck. You place a kiss over his pulse point. “Mine,” you whisper, barely audible. Then your fangs sink into his neck, claiming him as yours.   

࿐ᬊ࿐

likes and reblogs appreciated ♡୨˙୧ ©@enhayaya 2025

[serenpedac]

2024 Writing Roundup

Thank you @lykegenia for the tag <3

words posted: 28703

additional words written: Around 40000 words, most of which are for the poly AU and Ava's car racing AU.

grand total of words: ~69000

fandoms: The Wayhaven Chronicles, one Dragon Age oneshot, and some writing for Yael for our GURPS campaign.

highest kudos: Tales of Fate and Fortune, though that's ignoring the oneshot collections, as well as 'when words', since those only had parts added this year and it's impossible to separate the kudos.

highest hit oneshot: featherstone. Again, this is without counting the oneshots in collections (I know it's not ideal to put those into a single work, but it's better for me).

new things I tried: At first, I wanted to say it was writing Adam/Nate, but since I wrote them specifically for the polymance AU, I'm going to say writing a poly-relationship. Relationships in various forms have been on my mind a lot this year, and I think that's reflected in my writing.

fic I spent the most time on: Including words that are not yet posted, it's the poly AU main fic: touching, tangling, intertwined.

fic I spent the least time on: For Gold and Glory (and Good Wine) --- Just a silly little fic about my Warden and Rook meeting.

favorite thing I wrote: The latest chapter of when words fall silent. It's a scene that I've been thinking about for years, yet putting it on paper was quite hard. It feels good to finally have it written down, though. The writing itself may not be my best (I'm finding it very hard to judge this chapter), but each and every part is there for a reason, and I just have a lot of feelings about this chapter. Here's an excerpt (cw: mention of death):

Dappled sunlight plays across the ground, creating patches of light and shadow and everything in between. A few early butterflies flutter between the tall grasses in splashes of citrine and dusky orange. Nate’s sigh is carried away by the wind rustling through the birch trees scattered across the land, their leaves a soft, light green against the silver of their slender trunks. The place is beautiful. What he wouldn’t give to not be here. His hand goes to his chest, inadvertently, finding the ribbon pinned there. Its frayed edges brush against the tips of his fingers, a reminder of the life torn away before it had a chance to be lived.

favorite thing(s) I read: Since the Friday rec lists focused on Wayhaven, let me put down some other things here:

before you can kill the monster (you have to say its name) by @/inquisimer --- A rewrite of the DATV quest with the Gloom Howler. Isseya is such a fascinating character and Veilguard's handling of her disappointed me, so I'm very happy to get to read this fic that focuses on giving her nuance!

Rosemary and Citrus by @/lykegenia --- Lykegenia's writing is always a pleasure to read, and this Rook/Lucanis fic is no exception. It's wonderful to get to dive deeper into the characters.

Number 5 by stardust_and_sunlight --- A Doctor Odyssey fic set the morning after that one night, with the Max/Tristan content we deserve (also looove Avery's role at the end here).

Remembrance of Earth's Past (The Three-Body Problem trilogy) by Liu Cixin --- Putting these books on here, because my summer was defined by them. As frustrated as I may have been with some parts of it, it's a story that had me in its hold for months and left its mark on me.

writing goals for 2025: Finish 'when words'! Getting better at finishing longer fics in general, tbh. I tend to start fics and then abandon them, which is something I want to work on.

new works:

Farah/Gabi

Meet-cute Neon Pink Tulsi Yellow Like the Summer Sun

Yael/Nate & Susan/Nate (how did I write/post so little Yael/Nate this year?!)

Stockings Tales of Fate and Fortune

Poly AU (Yael/Nate/Adam)

written by your hand featherstone let me show you touching, tangling, intertwined

Other

Metamorphosis A Touch of Friendship For Gold and Glory (and Good Wine)

Tagging forward anyone reading this! And also (no pressure): @evilbunnyking, @nerdierholler, @wayhavenots, @nat-seal-well, @nsewell, @itsmistyeyedbi, @serial-chillr

[spicywarl0ck]

Hey. Happy Friday.

“Its okay, I couldn’t sleep anyway.” looks like fun. And as I seem to be on a FenHawke kick recently and your list states you're also a FenHawke fan I think I have to go for them.

Happy Friday, and thank you for the ask! I know it's been a while! I'm still trying to work my way out of writing block and light burn out. But I had so much fun writing one of my favourite ships <3 @dadrunkwriting Before reading this: Mention of loss (Dragon Age 2 canon story line) Pairing: Fenris/male Hawke Length: 782 Rating: T

Fenris couldn’t sleep that night.

His body had been tossing and turning for hours, crumpling his bedsheets underneath his feet as they started to wrap around his legs. The flames had long given way to the dimly burning ambers, leaving the fireplace cold and abandoned as a whisk of chilly air touched his exposed shoulders.

He sat up in bed, his white hair a wild mess as his green eyes stared motionlessly at the wall.

Hawke wouldn’t go out of his head. The image of the man, bent over the lifeless body of his mother had burned itself into his mind. 

He had seen Hawke being vulnerable often. There had been the incident at the Deep Roads with his brother, the guilt written all over his face when he pushed Carver into becoming a Grey Warden to prevent his death.

Yet, they all knew they had only postponed the problem, and that Carver’s cure might also be the one thing killing him one day.

And then there had been Bethany. Hawke rarely talked about her, but Aveline mentioned the gruesome death of his sister and how Hawke blamed himself ever since. It had happened before they even entered Kirkwall, which had been years ago by now but even Fenris could see that the weight and guilt were still heavy on Hawke’s shoulders.

A sight escaped his lips when he finally freed himself from the sheets as he sat up.

There was no use attempting to sleep, and he secretly knew what to do but Fenris also hesitated. He and Hawke weren’t exactly on good terms at the moment. Sure, they tried not to let that one night come between them, but Fenris couldn’t help but to feel guilty whenever their gazes met.

It had been him leaving Hawke behind that night and things between them had never been the same since then.

But he couldn’t let that stand between them. Not tonight. Not while Hawke sat in this big estate, alone because everyone from his family was either dead or gone. How could he allow himself to leave Hawke alone in that? He who had lost so much himself and who knew he destroyed the slightest chance of happiness by walking out that one night?

Fenris got dressed in a matter of seconds, not bothering to fix his messy hair or to get his full armour on before he walked out. It wasn’t a long walk from his home to the Hawke’s estate, but he felt more nervous with each step.

Was it inappropriate to show up at Hawke’s doorstep in the middle of the night? Would Hawke even want to see him or would it only add more hurt?

His eyes focussed on the Amell crest as he paced in front of the wooden door, his heart pounding fast. This was ridiculous. He was stalling for no reason, his discomfort getting in the way while everything he truly wanted was to be with Hawke.

Yet, all of his thoughts halted when he knocked at the door.

It took ages until someone answered, or at least he felt that way as he waited in the dark of Hightowns streets, counting the minutes until he heard the sound of approaching footsteps, followed by the creak of the door and Hawke’s face.

He looked tired while every fibre of Fenris's body fought against the instinct to touch the man.

“Fenris?” Hawke looked startled, his hair equally messy as his while his body was clad in a burgundy tunic. “Is something the matter?” he added swiftly as concern replaced the confusion in his amber eyes.

Fenris snorted. Showing concern for others while being deeply hurt was such a Hawke thing to do.

“No. Nothing happened. I just…” The elf paused, searching for words as he partially lost his courage.“I’m sorry. I know it’s late. I shouldn’t have bothered you.” he added swiftly, chastising himself. What had he thought? That he of all people should comfort Hawke? He was probably the last person the mage wanted to see.

 “No. It’s alright. You’re not bothering me.” A smile crept up on Hawke’s face. “I couldn’t sleep anyway,” he added, the shadow’s under his eyes telling as much. “Do you want to come in? Have a glass of wine?”

“Yes.” As curt as the elf’s answer was, he noted the relief washing over Hawke’s face before he stepped aside to welcome him in.

There wasn’t much he could do for Hawke and he knew there was nothing he could say to make up for the man’s loss. But he could be there for him and listen, just offering his presence.

And maybe they would be fine eventually. 

[calif0rnia-lovers]

daydream look.

pairing: steve harrington x sinclair!oc

author's note: I have so many unfinished harrington stories. Sharing this one. It's unedited, but I hope you enjoy it. I just needed Steve head over heels over someone other than Nancy.

sum: On a Friday night, the streets of Hawkins, Indiana, bustled with activity. Yet, inside the local video rental store, Steve Harrington found himself stuck behind the counter, drowning his pangs of envy with a half-melted slushie as he watched the vibrant energy of the town pass by. However, his mood quickly shifted when a familiar face stepped through the door—a pretty girl whose presence had always left the usual charmer a bumbling mess.

The scorching sun beat down mercilessly on the streets of Hawkins, Indiana, casting shimmering waves of heat over the asphalt. Inside the refuge of the Family Video, Steve Harrington found himself ensnared behind the counter, the oppressive heat seeming to stretch time itself.

The tiny fan behind the desk whirred weakly, offering little relief. Steve's shirt clung to his skin, and beads of sweat glistened on his forehead as he attempted to cool himself with his half-melted slushie. The rapidly melting bittersweet concoction of cherry and lime provided a fleeting respite from the sweltering temperatures, but it did little to alleviate his growing sense of restlessness.

The store, usually a hive of activity, lay deserted, its usual throngs of patrons seeking solace from the heat elsewhere. Steve couldn't help but envy those lucky enough to enjoy a refreshing dip at the local pool while he remained trapped behind the counter, counting down the minutes until closing time.

Just as Steve's boredom threatened to consume him entirely, the jingle of the door interrupted his thoughts. Stepping into the store was a vision straight out of a John Hughes film—Yasmine Sinclair. Steve's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her.

Known affectionately as Yas by her friends, unfortunately, Steve hadn't made it that far yet. Hell, according to Robin, he's not even an acquaintance.

"You're just the creepy older guy who stares longingly at her from the bleachers every Friday night," she'd always tease, her sarcasm dripping like honey.

Steve would usually retort, but deep down, he knew she was right. He's just the guy who can't seem to form a coherent sentence in Yas's presence.

He'd expected to see her still dressed in her Hawkin's cheer uniform. It was Friday night after all. Instead, her long black hair, meticulously braided was pulled into a high ponytail, swaying as she glanced over her shoulder at the sounds of a mother attempting to wrangle her three rowdy boys. Steve loved it when she wore her hair up. It led to no possible obstructions of view, allowing the world to see her natural beauty, her radiant smile, and the warmth of her deep chocolate eyes. Despite the sweltering heat, she looked perfect. Not a single sign that just an hour before she was running laps to end cheer practice.

How could she look that beautiful when he was a sweltering mess?

The corners of his lips turned into a smile at the sight of the cropped Thriller T-shirt. Steve's eyes passed over the high-waisted acid-washed shorts, admiring how they hugged her curves in all the right places. They traveled down the length of her legs, lingering for a moment on the pair of poorly tied white worn Converse.

"Have some dignity, Harrington," Robin's voice broke through his reverie, her tone laced with amusement. Her gaze followed Steve's as he watched Yas hold the door open for the family of four. "You're practically drooling."

Steve tore his gaze away from Yas, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks.

"Shut up, Robin," he muttered, abandoning his slushie on the counter. He quickly glanced at the nearby monitor, checking to see if his teeth and tongue were stained from the icy treat. Satisfied that he appeared presentable, he straightened up.

But Robin was relentless. "You know, if you ever want to actually talk to her instead of just ogling from afar, I'm here to help," she offered, her smirk evident even in her words.

Steve turned to shoot Robin a playful glare, but she merely grinned in response, unfazed by his attempted intimidation. She'd lost track of the times she witnessed Steve Harrington's daydream look in the presence of the pretty Hawkin's senior.

"I do talk to her," Steve protested, his voice laced with mock indignation.

Robin raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Oh, my bad Harrington, I forgot you do," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "It's just so painful to witness, I try to sear it from my mind. Like that time you told her she had the most graceful roundoff backhandspring you'd ever seen? Classic."

Steve's cheeks flushed crimson as he recalled the awkwardly landing compliment he had blurted out as Lucas stopped his sister to let her know he was catching a ride with Dustin and Steve.

"Alright, alright," he conceded, his grin sheepish. "I didn't realize you were cataloging all my lines. Geez."

Robin snorted with laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. The pair watching Yas cross the store, eyes passing over the options Family Video had to offer. "That was a line?" she exclaimed, her amusement evident. "First piece of advice, Steve: never use it again."

Steve sighed, adjusting his work vest with a self-conscious shrug. "I'm just rusty," he muttered, his cheeks still tinged with embarrassment.

But Robin was relentless, her teasing knowing no bounds. "Well, if you ever need some pointers on how to actually hold a conversation with her, you know where to find me," she offered, her smirk widening.

Steve rolled his eyes with a playful smirk as Robin concentrated on turning the fan in her direction. "Thanks, Robin," he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind. But, I don't need any help."

Robin's lips curled into a playful smirk. "Aren't you still single, Casanova?" she teased, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.

Steve's grin faltered for a moment before he countered, "Weren't you just asking me how to ask out Vickie?"

Robin gasped in mock hurt, her hand darting out to ruffle Steve's hair. With practiced ease, Steve ducked away, hastily smoothing down his tousled locks with a sheepish grin.

"Hey, cut it out!" he protested, but Robin's laughter echoed through the quiet store.

As Steve watched Yas pause to admire the "new releases" shelf, a pang of nervous energy surged through him. Glancing over at Robin, he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

"What help would you be willing to give? If I was looking, hypothetically?" he queried, his gaze flickering with uncertainty.

Robin shot her best friend a mischievous glance, her eyes dancing with amusement. With a sly grin, she deepened her voice and called out, "Need help, ma'am?"

Steve's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he turned to shoot Robin a glare, but she had already vanished into the maze of shelves, leaving him to awkwardly lean against the counter. As Yas's gaze swept across the store, her eyes finally settling on him, Steve's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but wonder if Robin's teasing had inadvertently set something in motion.

"Welcome to Family Video, where every night is movie night!" Steve's voice, tinged with a hint of charm, filled the air, echoing against the shelves lined with VHS tapes. His gaze met hers, his once natural gift of charm beginning to dissipate as she started in his direction. "I'm Steve."

His ears reddened as the nearby stacks snickered.

Fuck, Harrington. Steve could practically feel Robin's telepathical remark smacking him against the back of his head. She's got you bad, huh? Just abandon ship!

"Hey, Stevie," Yas greeted him with a giggle, her warm smile sending a flutter through his chest. It was a nickname he'd hated over the years, putting an end to it the second anyone dared to mutter it. But, hearing it from her lips? It sounded heaven sent. "I missed you at the game last night."

Steve's heart skipped a beat at her words, caught off guard by the unexpected mention. Despite his efforts to appear composed, a subtle tremor betrayed his nerves as he stumbled over his words. A nervous habit, his fingers sought solace in the tousled locks of his hair, a gesture not lost on the beautiful girl.

"Yeah, I was here," he sighed. "But I'm sure you looked great," he quickly amended, the sight of her growing smile causing him to do tbe same. "I meant...you did great," he chuckled, his voice softening as her gaze briefly dropped from his to her fingers.

"What can I do for you today?" Steve finally managed to ask, his voice a mixture of professionalism and genuine curiosity, his eyes lingering on Yas, eager to assist her in any way he could.

"I'm looking for a movie for date night," she explained, her eyes scanning the rows of movie titles with a thoughtful expression. "Something exciting, a bit of romance, but not too much," she added with a playful grin, "I don't want him to throw up." She paused, a hint of hesitation flickering in her eyes before she continued, "Oh, and nothing too scary because I can't handle blood and gore."

Internally, Steve's heart sank at the thought of Yas picking out the perfect movie for a date with another guy. A pang of jealousy surged through him, followed by a wave of insecurity as his mind raced through a list of potential suitors. There were a lot. Nearly every guy in Hawkins was enamored by the beauty of the eldest Sinclair. He quickly pushed aside the intrusive thoughts, forcing himself to focus on Yas's request.

Yas's request hung in the air. Steve found himself studying her intently, his mind running through the catalogue he'd spent the morning reshelving. She turned to find him lost in thought, a rush of warmth creeping across her skin as she caught his gaze.

Yas opened her mouth to add more, but Steve's eyes lit up with such fervor that she couldn't help but pause, her words momentarily forgotten at the sight of his grin.

Steve's eyes lit up as he spotted the perfect option. "Got it," he exclaimed with newfound confidence before darting around the corner to retrieve the film.

Seconds later, Steve returned, a triumphant grin lighting up his face as he held up the VHS tape. "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark," he announced proudly, presenting the tape to Yas with a flourish. "It's got everything you're looking for – excitement, romance, and just the right amount of danger. Plus, it's a classic!"

As she accepted the tape, her fingers brushed against Steve's, sending a jolt of warmth coursing through him. Her fingers delicately tracing the cover as she examined the bold illustrations.

"A classic, huh?" she remarked, her voice tinged with intrigue as she turned the tape over in her hands, her gaze lingering on the unfamiliar image of Indiana Jones.

"Yeah, definitely," Steve replied with a nod, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "It's one of my all-time favorites. You know, there's this one scene where Indiana Jones has to outrun a giant boulder in a booby-trapped cave –"

Yas's eyebrows raised in interest as she listened to Steve's animated explanation, her lips curving into a smile. "Wow, that sounds intense," she commented, her gaze flickering with amusement.

"Yeah, it starts off with the action from the very beginning," Steve continued, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "And there's this moment where Indy swings across a chasm with his whip – it's classic Harrison Ford at his finest!"

Yas nodded along, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as Steve rambled on about the film. Despite her initial reservations, she found herself drawn in by his infectious passion for the movie.

As Steve finally caught himself mid-ramble, he cleared his throat awkwardly, realizing he had been going on for far too long. "Sorry, I tend to get carried away when it comes to movies," he admitted sheepishly, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

But Yas just laughed, the sound light and melodious. "No need to apologize," she reassured him with a smile. "I appreciate the recommendation. It sounds like the perfect choice for our date night."

Steve's heart skipped a beat at her words, a rush of warmth flooding through him. "Yeah, I think you'll really enjoy it," he replied, his smile widening as he handed her the tape.

As he took in the smile on her face, he couldn't help but notice that for a moment, time seemed to stand still as they shared a fleeting connection. Heart pounding in his chest, Steve attempted to lean casually against a nearby shelf, aiming for a suave demeanor. However, in his nervousness, his hand grazed a stack of VHS tapes precariously balanced on the edge. With a clumsy fumble, he knocked over a few tapes, causing them to clatter to the ground with an embarrassing racket. Cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Steve quickly bent down to pick up the fallen tapes, hoping to salvage some semblance of composure. But the damage was done, and he could feel his cheeks burning as he attempted to recover from the awkward mishap.

"If you're looking for something else," he started.

Before Steve could finish Robin emerged from the shelves with a smirk, her eyes dancing with mischief as she teased Steve.

"How about you clean that up," she remarked with a pointed look at the mess on the floor, before pressing the tape against Steve's chest. "I'll take it from here, partner," she announced, her tone laced with humor as she draped her arm over Yas's shoulder, leading her away into the maze of shelves.

Steve watched them go, a mixture of relief and curiosity washing over him. He lingered for a moment, listening to their fading laughter and catching snippets of their conversation in the distance. With a shake of his head and a sheepish smile, he turned back to the counter, reorganizing the stack in his hands.

As Robin led Yas through the stacks, Steve discreetly passed the time, leaning casually against the counter as he pretended to rearrange some tapes. He strained to listen in on their conversation, his heart skipping a beat every time he caught Yas's melodic laughter.

"Ya'll have a great selection here," Yas commented, her voice echoing softly through the rows of shelves.

"Yeah," Robin agrees. Clearing her throat, she speaks slightly louder. "Steve knows this place like the back of his hand. He introduced me to this one film last week, and I loved it," Robin continued, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. Pulling the case of the shelf she passes it to Yas.

Yas studies the cover as she leans against the nearby shelf.

"I know he's oozes textbook pretty boy and all, but actually Steve knows his stuff," Robin added with a chuckle, her tone warm and admiring, punctuated by a playful smirk. "Yes, some of his choices are a bit... questionable, but his heart's in the right place."

Steve felt a surge of pride at Robin's comment, a pleased smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He continued to feign interest in the tapes before him, his ears tuned in to every word they spoke.

"You two seem really close. I always see you together at the games and stuff."

Robin chuckles softly, shaking her head. "Yeah, practically joined at the hip," she says, her tone light. "But, you know, just friends, if you were wondering."

Yas's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, a faint warmth creeping across her face as she follows Robin's gaze to where Steve struggles to put together a cardboard stand-up. "Oh, I see," she says, her voice carefully neutral.

Robin flashes her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, he's a great guy," she says, her tone genuine. "And definitely available, if you catch my drift."

Yas nods, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "Got it," she replies, her eyes lingering on Steve for a moment longer before returning to Robin. "Thanks for letting me know."

Robin nods, her smile widening. "Anytime, Yas. Steve's a catch, that's for sure."

With that, the two girls return to browsing the shelves, their conversation shifting to lighter topics as they continue their search for the perfect movie.

"Thanks, Robin!"

"Anytime, Yas!" Robin called back with a grin. She waited until Yas's back faced her to shoot Steve a thumbs up.

Steve caught the gesture, his attention drawn away from the comic Dustin had given him to "culture" himself. With a quick movement, he pushed off the counter, hastily closing the comic and clearing the surface to make room for Yas.

Yas smiled as she approached the counter, a stack of films cradled in her arms. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she surveyed her selections.

"Wow, that's quite a haul," Steve whistled as she set the films down on the counter with a soft thud. "Looks like you've got quite the movie marathon ahead."

"Yeah, Robin had a lot of suggestions," Yas giggled. She shifted the films in her arms, her fingers brushing against the colorful covers as she arranged them on the counter.

Steve began to ring up the movies, stealing glances at Yas as she studied the candy behind the counter. "So... got an idea of which one will make the cut for the date?" he asked, hoping to keep the conversation going.

Yas glanced up with a playful smile, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Oh, definitely."

Steve's eyes flickered to the Indiana Jones cover on the counter, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "No way," he laughed, shaking his head in disbelief.

Yas raised an eyebrow. "What? You don't think it's a good choice?" she teased, her tone light and playful.

Steve rolled his eyes with a grin.

"Well, I suppose if all else fails, at least I get to look at Harrison Ford," Yas quipped, a playful smirk playing on her lips.

Steve chuckled, feeling the warmth of Yas's laughter fill the space between them. "I guess you've got a point there," he admitted, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

As Steve focused on bagging her movies and counting her change, Yas leaned forward resting her elbows against the counter as she leaned forward, her full attention on him.

"So, what time do you usually close FrIdays?"

"Midnight," Steve winced. His eyes scanned over the empty store. "But, we might close early tonight. I'm thinking ten."

"Any big plans since you're getting out early?" Yas asked.

Steve glanced up, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "Uh, not really," he replied, Robin rolling her eyes at his obliviousness.

Yas smiled softly, her fingers brushing against his as he handed her the change. "Well, I was sort of hoping you'd make a detour to my place," she said, her voice trailing off teasingly as his eyes met hers. "My parents are out of town this weekend—some work conference for my dad—so I'm stuck babysitting Lucas and Erica. But if you're not too tired, you could swing by and we could kick off that movie marathon."

Steve's eyes widened in realization as her words slowly sank in.

"Yeah, that would be cool." A grin spread across his face, the action contagious. "I'll handle the snacks."

"Sounds good," Yas gathered her bag, her gaze lingering on Steve for a moment longer. The smile on her face growing as Steve grabbed two boxes of the candy she'd been eyeing a few moments before. "See you later, Stevie."

"10:30," Steve replied, his smile widening as he watched her leave the store.

As the door clicked shut behind Yas, Robin emerged from the shelves with a mischievous grin.

"See you later, Stevie," she teased, her voice ringing out in sing songy tone.

Steve chuckled at her teasing, shaking his head in amusement.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Robin," he retorted, his grin widening. "But guess who's got a date tonight?"

Robin's eyes widened in mock surprise. "No way! Stevie's got a date?" she exclaimed, feigning shock.

Steve rolled his eyes at her dramatics, but couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, I do," he admitted, his voice tinged with excitement.

Robin's grin softened into a smile as she clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, you better not keep her waiting, then," she said, waving towards the shelves. "You better start cleaning if you plan on closing on time."

Robin leaned against the nearby shelve, her eyes flicking over Steve's attire with a playful smirk. "Let's close at 9:30," she declared, her tone filled with amusement. "You definitely need to go home and change."

[uhohbestie]

There Are Monsters Nearby [Chapter 8]

🏜 Pairing: Grian/Scar

🧟‍♂️ Tags: zombie AU, zombie apocalypse, lovers to exes, slow burn, eventual reconciliation

📖 Summary: The day after Scar breaks up with Grian, the dead come back to life. Knowing that venturing out alone is a death sentence, the sudden onset of the apocalypse forces them to stick together despite the tensions between them. In the wreckage of the world, they're forced to survive side-by-side, coming to terms with the fact that—try as they might—there's still no one they trust more than each other.

Chapter 8 - A decent night in the storage unit is disturbed by some unexpected company. Grian has a close call, Scar has a good aim, and the heat of the moment lends itself to making some assumptions.

📝 Words: 9,218

🔗 Link: Read Chapter 8 on AO3

—

The sunlight beats down, hot and unforgiving, leaving no shadow of doubt that Scar has left him here. The reality of it flares terrifying in his mind. Grian manages one unsteady step forward, not sure which direction he should run without a partner by his side, when suddenly something grotesque grabs him from behind.

It’s the backpack that saves him, the bulk of it meaning that the bite aimed for the vulnerable curved part in the crook of his shoulder falls short. Rancid spittle lands on his cheek, gnashing jaws making Grian’s gut twist. His assailant is larger than him and incredibly strong, its rotting arm grasping to seize him around his middle in an attempt to pull him back closer so it can get a proper bite.

Grian doesn’t think to yell out. Can’t form a thought at all. There’s no calm serenity or placid acceptance of his fate—all he feels is fear so strong that he chokes on it as he’s pulled back, back—

A voice cuts in, loud over the rasped groaning in his ear.

“Grian! Down!”

He doesn’t hesitate, legs buckling as he drops himself to the ground. Uncoordinated undead fingers grasp at him clumsily, but aren’t able to get a secure hold. He doesn’t have time to brace himself. Has no idea what’s coming.

A millisecond later his eardrums reverberate with the loudest sound he’s ever heard.

It takes a moment to collect himself, his body shaking, pushed to its limits as he struggles to open his eyes.

The first thing he sees is the ghoul, collapsed on bent knees next to him.

It’s been shot once. Clean between the eyes.

—

Another Friday another chapter of zombie au! We leave the storage units behind, but great news for abandoned shooting range enthusiasts everywhere.

You can read the whole story thus-far linked below!

You may not rest now, There Are Monsters Nearby (on ao3!)

[raedacted]

fanfic tag game!!!

rules: share the first lines of ten of your latest fanfics (or up to if you have less!) & tag 10 people. i was tagged by @rebelpeas :)

i dont even think i have 10 mutuals so i humbly tag @kateinator @definitelynotshouting @masterash and anyone else who wants to hop in

i do NOT have 10 latest works so enjoy a handful of fanfics and original works

1. elegy for a starving passerine

barbie: diamond castle

Alexa’s village is one that no one has heard of, on a road that has no name, and she is no one. There aren’t many who are important enough to be anything more than what they do. There is the baker, the innkeeper, the tailor, the shepherd. The gardener Alexa. In other such towns this might be an insult. So few people live on these cobbled and dusted roads, surely it would not be difficult to learn the name of your neighbor. But times are hard. The wind has turned cold and neighbors do not often last long enough for the novelty of names. Only Liana holds the honor of being known.

2. albedo

barbie: magic of pegasus

They have lost. The kingdom its rulers and the rulers their kingdom. Fathers their sons, mothers their daughters. Lost sight. Lost hope. Annika, too, has lost. But she still skates.

3. prodigal child

original work; rewrite of my dream smp fanfic

Jesse is covered in blood. The blood on his feet is his, drawn by rocks and burrs that catch easily on his exposed skin. He had to abandon his shoes when he crossed the four hundredth mile of his journey, the clasps broken and soles worn off. He discarded them on the side of a dirt road, wrapped his feet as best he could in fabric torn from his shirt sleeve, and pressed on. The once-white cloth is now black and red and fraying. Jesse suspects it won’t be long before it comes undone, too.

4. the things that never happened

original work; rewrite of my dream smp fanfic

This is how it ends. Somewhere in the woods, the world is swallowed by mountains, low and rolling, old as the dirt and trees that blanket them. A setting sun washes the early autumn foliage in shades of red and black. Cracked asphalt cuts through the scene, the faded paint as uneven as the pavement itself. And in the passenger seat of a car with worn leather seats covered in stubborn alcohol stains, Jamie wakes up.

5. drink of my blood (in remembrance of me)

original work

There’s something in the mountains. Beyond the little farmhouse tucked away in the valley fields where the livestock roam, past the treeline at the foothills that’s always shrouded in mist, through the oak-hickory forest that creeps up the incline and swallows the valley. It’s hiding. Watching. June can feel it. She’s never seen it, but she’s heard it. When she rounds up the sheep into their pen on warm summer nights, when the sun retreats below the horizon to make way for darkness, the wind blows across the field and carries a voice to June's ears. Usually it’s a formless cry, like a wail of pain or low, solemn grief. Sometimes it almost sounds like a man calling for help. Sometimes it says her name.

6. the gift of prophecy comes with a terrible price ($300 plus tax)

gravity falls; aged-up au

Dipper Pines is a lot of things. A scholar, a dreamer, a twin. However, none of those titles matter more than the one he bears at exactly 8:23 p.m. on a Friday night in early November in his tuition-funded, one-room Los Angeles apartment. Dipper Pines is drunk.

[the-hinky-panda]

Something Witchy: Blackbird, Delaware

Title: Something Witchy

Rating: Explicit

Summary: You're a physical medium and chaos magician that is called in from time to time to help consult on some X-Files. You've lived your life seeing into another world and believing in things you can't see. What happens when you fall for the die hard skeptic Special Agent John Doggett?

Blackbird, Delaware

The house is in the middle of nowhere. John never thought the state of Delaware was big enough to have a “middle of nowhere” location and yet, here he is. At least, he’s not alone. Monica was convinced there was something paranormal out in the woods of Blackbird. A few teenagers were coming back from visiting an abandoned farmhouse with scratches, quills stuck in their skin, and then they would have the most insane run of bad luck until the next group would go out there into the woods. 

But Monica wasn’t feeling well, having succumbed to the flu that was making its way around the office. When he had called her, she had suggested having you accompany him on the two hour drive up to Blackbird to investigate the house. After looking at the case file, she thought it could be another Elemental or possible demon, both of which you would be able to assist with handling. She had been impressed with your reading at the McLeary farm and had apparently visited your shop a few times since then so her faith in your abilities had grown. 

Not to mention, John hasn’t been able to get you out of his mind since that case. The waves of your dark hair as it falls over your shoulders, your dark eyes that somehow radiate warmth. That unique scent of lavender and thyme that follows you. In the last week, he’s started dreaming about you. He can’t remember any specific details from the dream, just that you were there. He could hear your laugh, feel your warmth next to him. When he woke up, the smell of lavender and thyme was on his sheets. 

And he didn’t mind it. 

“You said the teens are coming home with cuts and bruises,” you ask him from the passenger seat of the car, “and quills?” 

“Yeah. Like porcupine quills but…” 

“But they’re not. Delaware doesn’t have porcupines. The state doesn’t have the appropriate ecosystem for them.” 

“You got any ideas then?” 

You smile at him, bright and confident, in the late afternoon light. God, you’re beautiful. “Delaware may not have porcupines but they do have pukwudgies.” 

“Puk what?” 

“Pukwudgies.” 

“The hell is that? It sounds like something teenage boys do to each other in the locker room.” 

“A pukwudgie is like a gnome, it’s a fairy type spirit that shows itself as a small old man with porcupine quills on its back. They can be beneficial to the areas they inhabit but they can also be little tricksters.” 

“So they have short tempers.”

“And they don’t suffer fools lightly. They can follow you home and give you a string of bad luck if you insult them.” 

“Sounds like our suspect then.” 

You give him a surprised look. “Why, Agent Doggett, did you agree with a paranormal explanation of a case?” 

“For now.” He gives you a brief smile. “Until we get up there and find it’s some old, short guy with a pet porcupine that’s teaching some obnoxious teens a lesson.” 

You laugh quietly. “I knew it was too good to be true.” 

He glances over at you, a smile still on your lips and he’s in complete agreement about the situation, of you agreeing to make this drive with him. It is too good to be true. Someone as bright and beautiful as you willing to spend your Friday night driving out into the woods to investigate with him. And the thought passes through his mind, watching the fading afternoon light shine off the soft waves of your hair and that now familiar scent of lavender and thyme fills the car, that he may very well be falling in love with you. 

***

It all happens so fast. 

You and John reach the abandoned house just as the sun is setting. You take pictures of the house, the woods, the front door that is standing open. You think you see odd footprints in the dust that could belong to the suspected pukwudgie and take a few shots of those as well. John moves through the house, opening every door and ensuring that there is no one lurking about on the property. When he’s done, he finds you in one of the upstairs bedrooms investigating what looks to be a pile of pine needles, a kind of bedding for a small creature in one of the closets. 

“Find anything pukwudgie-ish?” 

You can hear the sarcasm in his voice but smile anyway. “Actually, I think I did find something.” 

He comes over to where you’re standing and when you look over at him, you see the door to the bedroom slam shut. Before either one of you can move, you hear the slide of a chair moving across the wooden floor and settle under the doorknob of the bedroom. It happens in a matter of seconds and ends with the sound of small claws tottering off into the house. John runs over to the door and tries to open the door only to find it locked. He slams his shoulder into it a few times but the old wood stays surprisingly unphased. 

“Dammit!” 

You fiddle with the lens of your camera. “Looks like we’ve been pukwudgied.” 

“Okay,” he says, a little breathless. “How do we un-pukwudgie it?” 

“Under normal circumstances, we would provide a peace offering to the creature, nuts and berries mostly. But,” you motion to the door, “we’re stuck until someone can let us out.” 

He sighs in frustration as he pulls out his cell phone and tries to call the Blackbird PD, but that results in another frustrated sigh. “No service. Great.” 

You go to the window and push it up. “I could try to climb out on the roof-” 

“No, no no,” he grabs your arm and tugs you away from the window. “That’s the last thing we need, you falling through the dilapidated roof and breaking your leg or worse.” 

“Alright, no climbing on the roof.”  You wander around the perimeter of the room while John goes back to studying the door. There really is no other way out other than waiting for either the police department to come looking for you or some curious teenager to show up to the house. Not having much else to do, you sit down on the floor and pull up the pictures you took on the digital camera. John gets tired of fighting with the jammed door and comes to sit down next to you. 

“You had something to show me up here?” 

You’re close enough to the closet door to pull it open from your seated position on the floor. “I found a pile of pine needles in the closet. Like it was being used as bedding or a nest.” 

He hums in acknowledgement but doesn’t say anything else. 

“You sound skeptical.” 

“That’s because I am.” 

“Agent Doggett, we are locked in a room in an abandoned house that you personally cleared.” You hold up the camera. “I have pictures of unexplained footprints and found a nest in a small, dark enclosed space. What other explanation is there?” 

“Another explanation? Okay. It’s a big house so I could have missed them when I did the sweep. The footprints could be an animal’s and the pine needles in the closet could be from a raccoon or opossum.” 

“So no pukwudgie? Not even a little bit of possibility?” 

He gives you a mildly apologetic look. “Sorry, but no. Unless you got a picture on that camera of the creature, I’m siding with a flesh and blood explanation of who locked us in here.” 

You nod. “Alright. Photographic evidence. Got it.” 

He actually laughs. “You get a picture of this thing, a good picture of it, and I’ll spring for dinner.” 

“Deal!” 

You sit in companionable silence for a few minutes. The sun has been down for almost two hours and the chill of night is creeping through the dilapidated house. You’re wishing you had grabbed your down coat instead of the thin jacket you’re trying to tug closer around your upper body. John shifts next to you. 

“Here.” 

That’s the only warning you get before John drapes his coat over your shoulders. It’s warm and holds notes of his cologne, cedarwood and pepper. Your hand smooths over the thick wool and images start to flood your mind. Mist is still clinging to the trees, dew is collecting on your shoes. There’s a group of people huddled together in a grassy clearing. You don’t want to see what they’re staring at but you move towards them anyway. As you approach them you can see the outline of a boy lying prone on the ground. Your heart stops and your stomach roils and…

“Hey!” 

You snap back to the darkness of the bedroom and try to blink back the tears that have gathered in your eyes. John has a hand on your shoulder, firm and grounding. You bury your nose against the collar of the coat and take a deep, steadying breath, inhaling his sharp scent. “Sorry.” 

“It’s alright.” He doesn’t sound convinced but relinquishes his grip. 

The pieces start to slide into place and tears come to your eyes again. This man has lost his son. He had been wearing this coat when they found the body. He had been in that field, had seen his son in that condition. And your heart breaks for him. But you can’t just tell him what you saw as skeptical as he is. So you do the only thing you can in the moment and open the coat as an invitation to share it. He gives you a small smile before moving closer to you, your sides pressed together and the coat wrapped around both of you. It’s so comforting, his warmth and solid frame next to you. You find yourself closing your eyes and starting to fall asleep. 

“I’m sorry,” he says after a few minutes of quiet. 

That rouses you. “For what?” 

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings about the…” he motions to the door. 

“You didn’t hurt my feelings.” You lay your head against his shoulder. “In fact, as far as skeptics go, you’re the most polite one I’ve ever met.” 

“Then why’d you start to cry?” 

You take a deep breath, trying to figure out how to answer that question when flashes of light and whispered voices can be seen from the window. Both of you jump to your feet and run over to the window. There are about four teenagers sneaking up on the house, trying to keep their voices down as their bright flashlights bob in the darkness. You grab John’s arm. 

“Don’t tell them you’re FBI.” 

“Why not?” 

“You want them to help us?” 

He nods. 

You lean your head out the window. “Hey! We need help! The pukwudgie locked us in this room!” 

The teens stop dead in their tracks and lift their lights up to the window almost blinding you. “You said the pukwudgie locked you up?” 

“Yeah! Can you help us?” 

You hear the excited twitter of their voices debating on whether or not the creature is still in the house or ran off or they were being tricked. Curiosity got the better of them and they did venture into the house and soon the door was opening with four curious high school students standing on the other side. You thank them for helping while John flashes his FBI badge and tells them they’re trespassing and shouldn’t be there. But since they helped you, he’ll forget about them breaking the law if they leave. 

Once the teens are well on their way back home, you and John climb back into the car and start the drive back to DC. He seems to have forgotten about his unanswered question concerning the sudden rise of your tears and you don’t remind him of it. You’re not sure how long ago the event occurred and if he would even be willing to speak of it. When you reach the suburbs of DC, he asks you where he should drop you off. 

“At the store,” you tell him. “I live in the apartment above it.” 

“That’s convenient.” He gives you a small smile. “For all those late night séances when they run out of black candles and incense.” 

You tut. “You don’t use black candles for a séance. Amature.” 

He chuckles at that and navigates the mostly empty streets of DC to your shop. He gives you a warm “Good night,” and waits until you enter the shop safely. You debate taking a shower, wanting to carry the residual scent of his cologne on your skin. As you lay in bed that night, you make plans on heading back to Blackbird to get that picture of the pukwudgie. 

It’s Sunday afternoon when you download the pictures you took that morning of the three foot tall figure with the rows of short quills on its back onto your computer. You open your email and type in John’s email address, attaching the image. In the body of the email, all you say is: I like Fiorentino’s on 8th Street. 

[hollywoodx4]

SOME sentences Sunday…SEVERAL sentences Sunday…you get the idea.

Have this baby model Crygi that wrote itself yesterday for my dear @thecollectionsof bc I’ve been really holding out on the Crygi lately and I can only say soon or one day so many times before I feel guilty for abandoning my children

———

Crystal shifts her weight between her feet as she stands in line, an exuberant smile on her face. She clutches a magazine close to her chest, occasionally glancing down at it. But she can’t look long, or she’ll lose it right here in the line at this local bookshop between the woman with five beach reads and the young mother and her child balancing stacks of Pete the Cat books in their hands. Instead, she concentrates her energy on living in the moment; the shop smells like robust coffee beans and the undeniable fragrance of books. The playlist is folksy and she recognizes the Noah Kahan song playing because Gigi had been singing it all summer after they’d taken a coastal weekend away just a month before. The trip had been a surprise, and they’d spent an entire day driving up and down the gorgeous, ritzy coastline of Massachusetts listening to lyrics about how everything’s alright when she calls me back. It couldn’t be more true.

Right now, Gigi’s in a timezone five hours ahead of her filming content for a brand Crystal has never heard of but Gigi absolutely idolizes. She’s been working like crazy, but the constant flow of it all has really helped her boost her name. She offhandedly mentions more than once that Crystal can even quit her just in case job now that Gigi has a steady following, but she hasn’t been able to do that yet. She doesn’t want Gigi to think she’s using her for her newfound money (even though they still bulk shop at Costco and get the cheap takeaway they like on Friday nights Gigi is home).

She gets to the front of the line and reluctantly lets go of the magazine, only long enough to let the cashier scan it.

“I don’t need a bag.” She waves her reusable tote in the air, but the magazine just goes right back into her hands. She holds the cover up for the cashier to see and in a loud, giddy voice she announces “This is my girlfriend.”

Gigi’s the front cover of Vogue, an idea she’d held on to since the start of her accidental modeling career and hadn’t stopped thinking about since. She’d told Crystal the moment she’d found out, sobbing on the phone in the middle of LAX. Crystal had met her at JFK with a bouquet of flowers and a sign that read Vogue cover model Gigi Goode.

Now, she gets to hold the magazine in her hand. Everything her girlfriend has worked so hard for in one binding of glossy papers. Well, two-Crystal’s bought one to keep and the other to cut apart so she can carefully frame the actual cover.

She’s absolutely mooning over the photo; Gigi, clad in a beautiful champagne colored dress that she’d made herself from something she’d gotten off the rack. She’d shortened it, added boning, and restructured the entire thing to turn it from Little House on the Prairie to Real Housewives (or something like that; Crystal’s still workshopping the joke). In the cover photograph the old dress hangs in the background like a ghost. The headline? Farewell, Fast Fashion.

“She made this dress.” Crystal points to the photo, turns around so the woman with the romance novels can see the cover too. “She’s so talented, and just the most beautiful soul you’ll ever meet. And this is just…it’s a lifetime of hard work.”

Crystal’s so close to crying now that she has to peel one hand away from her magazines to wipe at the corner of her eye, but she’s not embarrassed. She can’t feel anything but proud.

On her way out (after stopping to show a few other patrons of the book shop, pointing them to where they keep their magazines) she calls Gigi, who picks up on the first ring.

“My brilliant, talented, beautiful girlfriend, I have a copy of Vogue in my hands as we speak.”

On the other side of the phone, Gigi squeals.

“I haven’t seen it in person yet!” Crystal imagines her jumping up and down, her loose curls bouncing and her smile absolutely illuminating the room.

“I’ll send you a picture. It’s incredible, Geege. You look gorgeous. And I might’ve told everyone in the store that you were my girlfriend because I still can’t believe it.”

“Believe it, Crys. You’re stuck with me for life.”

They speak a little bit longer, Gigi reeling as the photos Crystal scoots over on the sidewalk to take of the magazine come through. It’s even better than she imagined, and she’s dying to see it in person.

“Two days!” She cheers. “One sleep! And then I’ll be home for weeks and we can cuddle and lay around and I can use my fancy Vogue money to take my girlfriend somewhere with the best dessert in the city.”

“Where’s that?”

Gigi laughs.

“I don’t know! But we’ll have two whole weeks to find it!”

[saralayne]

This Love ~ Part 1 🩵💜

Change Of Heart

Lucy had been on a UC operation for a couple of weeks. No one at Wilshire saw this coming, especially Tim.

Lucy had gotten the tap to go on a long term UC operation. She was able to give Tim a quick goodbye before she left. Tim sensed Lucy was very apprehensive about leaving. He chalked it up to her being nervous about her first operation away. Lucy assured Tim that if for any reason he sounded the alarm she would take it seriously as she promised. Tim fully supported his girlfriend and knows she is not Isabel. This was not the past repeating itself. He trusted Lucy with his whole heart. Tim promised Lucy to go about his daily life and try not to worry every second of the day. She knew that wouldn’t happen but Tim was going to try his best with the notion of knowing he would not fully breath until Lucy was back in his arms. Tim stayed most nights at Lucy’s. Even without her there. He promised that he would be there for Tamara. Tamara was really worried about Lucy leaving in this operation. Tamara had spent her whole life feeling abandoned. When Lucy took her in it was the first time Tamara had a sense of home and family. Tim being at the apartment after work was comforting to Tamara. Not only feeling safe and protected but also not feeling lonely. As much as Tim joked about Lucy’s puppy over the years. Tamara had seeped into his heart and his life. Tamara was not only Lucy’s puppy but also Tim’s.

Tim had adjusted into a routine. It was extremely hard on him not having his ray of sunshine orbiting him everyday. He held onto the notion of knowing she would be with him soon enough. Tim also realized in her absence just how in love with her he was. He had known for a long time. In her absence it had become so apparent to him just how much he loved her. They hadn’t been officially dating that long but he had loved her for so long. Secretly, Tim had spent some of his free time venturing to different jewelry stores, looking for that perfect ring that he knew he would hopefully place on Lucy’s left hand. Sooner than later.

As Tim made his way into work on this Friday morning. He hoped it would be just a normal day. He had been working 12-16 hour days for 7 days and was looking to get some much needed rest. He knew Tamara would probably be hanging with friends but he as promised would be around the apartment in case she needed him for anything. As he walked into Wilshire up to his office, was barely able to place his bag down when his phone started vibrating in his pocket. Grey’s name flashing across his screen. “Good morning, sir” answered Tim. “Bradford, I need to see you in my office”

Tim was confused. Now that he is a Metro sergeant. He rarely reported to Grey anymore. Only under special circumstances. As he stepped near Grey’s office. His stomach plummeted. As he sees Captain Pine, Nyla and Angela. Knowing full well this had to do with Lucy. He felt as if his legs were going to give out.

“Bradford, please sit down” ordering Grey

“I’ll stand. Just give it to me straight. I-Is she ok? Tears involuntarily formed in his eyes

Angela grasped his shoulder with a comforting hand. “She’s ok. Tim. I promise”

Tim had a sense of relief at that moment.

“OK. So what’s going on?”

Nyla stepped in front of Tim. Nyla had direct contact with Lucy’s handler. She would give Tim updates when she could. Tim was happy that there was someone in contact but also a good friend to both him and Lucy.

“Tim. Lucy is walking away from the operation. I don’t know the full details at this point but she’s done”

Tim wouldn’t deny this was music to his ears on one hand. On the other hand, this was very surprising. This has been a dream of Lucy’s for a long time now. Going as far back as when she was his rookie. What the hell is going on?

“WHAT? This makes no sense. Are you sure she isn’t hurt? Something is definitely wrong. She would never just leave in the middle of an operation. Especially her first big opportunity”

“Yeah. Her handler tried to turn this around. Lucy is adamant. She wants to come home. Her cover is still intact. Our biggest priority is to keep it that way. Get her home safely. She is safe in a secluded hotel outside of LA”

Captain Pine quickly interjected.

“That is why I am here, Bradford. I am sending Po and Harris to go and safely retrieve her. Before you start, I’m gonna stop you. This is an order. You are not going. These are unforeseen circumstances and we need to be extremely careful bringing Chen back safely. I know you are aware of this, I do. But you are too personally involved. Which is completely understandable. I need you to stay here, understand?”

“Yes. Ma’am”

Po and Harris entered Grey’s office. Pine gave them final orders before they left the station. Tim had formed a close bond with his men since coming to Metro. Even becoming social with them. All Lucy’s influence at first but he really bonded with his team. In and out of work. Harris placed his hand on Tim’s shoulder. “Hey, Sarg. We got her. We will move heaven and earth making sure she comes back safely. Promise” Tim nodding his head accompanied with a small smile. He trusted his men. He knew they always had his back.

Po and Harris had to go an hour and a half outside of the city. So, they wouldn’t be back for a few hours. Tim tried to distract himself and dig into his mountain of paperwork. As he looked up from his desk. Seeing his best friend and Nyla standing before him.

“Hey, buddy” Angela says

Angela and Nyla making themselves comfortable on the vacant couch in his office.

“This is mind boggling. What the hell happened?”

“Tim, come on. Are you really surprised? murmured Angela

“For real, Tim. I saw this coming. I mean, I didn’t think it would happen in the middle of her first operation but I saw this coming in the near future” added Nyla

“Honestly, she has always wanted this. Getting the tap. It’s been a dream for her” Tim quickly replied

“Tim, my best friend. I love you but you truly are an idiot. Lucy’s dreams have changed. The future she once saw, is not her future anymore. You are”

“You think, that is really the reason for aborting this mission”

“I would put money on it”

“She is my world. I’m so in love with her. I have never felt this way. Not even with Isabel. I have even been looking at rings. I know it’s soon. But I have never been more sure of anything in my life “

Angela and Nyla are both smiling.

“Tim, both Nyla and I along with everyone here at Wilshire have seen this for years. We have been waiting for you and Lucy to see the light for so long now. It’s not too soon. The writing has been on the wall”

All of a sudden, Harris was heard on the radio.

“We have safely retrieved Officer Chen. No injuries. Estimated time of arrival back to Wilshire is one hour”

Tim tearfully pressed down the button on his radio. “Copy. See you soon, Chen” knowing Lucy would have heard his response.

Angela throwing herself in her best friends arms. “Come on. Let’s go into the debriefing room and wait for your girl”

“Sounds good”

Everyone gathered into the briefing room. About an hour later, Harris and Po enter the room with Lucy following behind. Lucy looking tired but happy. Everyone was smiling at the sight of her. As soon as she spotted Tim. All rules were thrown out the window and Lucy was running into Tim’s arms as tears were streaming down her cheeks. Tim tightly grasped the back of her head with one hand and the other cradling her back.

“Hi baby. It’s so good to see you. I have missed your beautiful face” whispered Tim

“Tim, I never want to let you go”

“Luce. You will never have to. Let’s get the debriefing done and then I can take you home”

As everyone sat down with Lucy. Grey began.

“Alright. Lucy. We are all so happy to see you safe and sound. With that being said. Can you give us some details on what is going on? I thought this was something you wanted?”

As much as Tim wanted to hold her while she explained. Always wanting to be her safe place. He knew giving her space and letting her debrief properly was the right thing to do. Still, he stayed close. Leaning on a nearby table.

Lucy glanced over towards her boyfriend before she began.

“Sir. I know this is out of the blue. First, I want to thank all of you for guiding and supporting me. You, Angela and Nyla. Always having faith in me to be a great UC. At first I thought this is what I wanted. I mean it’s always been a dream. A few days ago I was sitting alone in a beated hotel room. It hit me. I don’t want this anymore. For a few days I had found myself losing focus. I had to really dig deep and keep myself along with others safe. I felt a sense of guilt with that alone. So, as I was reflecting on why this was happening as I have never had any trouble focusing before. I knew. I don’t want this life, now or in the future. In the past few months my dreams have changed” looking over to Tim. He couldn’t help but smile. Her dream was him and a life together.

Angela was smiling knowing that she was dead on with her previous assessment.

Grey was also smiling. “Understood” He knew the hidden message in this decision. True love is about sacrifices and this is exactly what Lucy was realizing. Grey couldn’t help but be truly proud of her.

After she debriefed what had transpired in the last couple of weeks. Grey standing up from his chair.

“Alright Bradford and Chen. Go home. I’m sure you have a lot to discuss. Chen take a few days and come back to patrol. We love having you helping keeping the streets of LA safe”

“Thank you sir”

As Tim and Lucy left Wilshire. Hand in hand walking to his truck.

Later at home. Tim was so thankful to have Lucy in his arms again but he needed to make sure this is what she wanted. He never her wanted to feel any regret.

“Baby. I just need to know you’re sure you want to give this up? Your dream?”

“Yes. That’s the thing Tim. It’s not my dream anymore. You are. Our life together. Your my last everything. I want to come to you every night. Even when our schedules are different. Knowing you’re just a phone call away. This is not only the dream but what makes me truly happy”

“I love you Bradford”

“I love you too, Chen. Just so we are crystal clear. You are and will always be my dream. You are the best thing that has EVER happened to me”

“Copy that. You are it for me too. Always will be”

As they settled in for the night. Having a couple sessions of passionate love making. Which of course was mind blowing. As Lucy fell asleep in Tim’s arms. He just stared, knowing that very soon he would be getting down on one knee with a beautiful ring. Officially asking Lucy to be his wife.

[mrxcreepypastamadness]

Friday Night Funkin': Sugar Rush Madness V2!

Hellish Cakeway Heights

Character: JB-BX

JB-BX (False Racer)

#2:

JB-BX (True Form)

About: JB-BX is the main antagonist of Sugar Hallow '85, a new take on the concept of Smile from Sugar Rush 64, heavily inspired by Sonic (PC Port). Sitting within the abandoned copy of Sugar Hallow Speedway., JB-BX takes the souls of those who play the game who dare to challenge her will so that she can "race" with them, If they win, she'll let them go and give the racers their karts back, But if they lose, she'll "play" with them for all eternity.

Powerdown Pre-Lore: Upon reaching the end of Royal Raceway level, you find... Jubileena Bing-Bing?

Powerdown Lore: If her hallow demeanor and stiff movements aren't enough evidence enough, it is now clear this is not Jubileena Bing-Bing. Her huge frame and heavy feminine voice are enough to rattle you to the core, and it's clear she has no intentions of letting you leave alive.

Demise Lore: JB-BX brutally murdered your Girlfriend. But you don't have time to think about that. You have a choice, run or suffer the same fate as her. "RUN"

Fact:

• JB-BX is literally not an EXE at all (It's official), she's a dark spirit that resides in the cartridge.

• JB-BX never intended to kill everyone, but instead make the other racers surrender their racing karts as her collection, in this case she is kind of a bully and a tyrant.

• If she does kill someone, she would either kill those who broke her rules, or mostly Lucia.

• When JB-BX isn't trying to kill someone, she adopts Jubileena's mannerisms around others. So while she wouldn't be invested in a relationship, she would definitely be a gentle lady.

• JB-BX can use power-ups despite them being little to no use.

• JB-BX and MX are quite different from each other despite both of their backstories, she's basically not mindless or stupid for that matter, rough and tough yes, chasing Lucia around with her kart, no, that wouldn't be fair at all at this point, she'll rather just challenge her players into a race that dared to stand up against her, and just win to get her soul prize to play with forever or lose and give the racers their karts back and always keep her word never to bully them again, she's more independent than MX. So don't even try to compare JB-BX to MX.

• JB-BX is aware to Lord X's canon lore to his series JoeDoughBoi mentioned on Twitter (or X) and she feels uncomfortable about it. Despite this, Lord XX is completely different than the canon X. Canonically she, Lord XX and Hypna are Trio Besties, a group of three best friends altogether.

• Cannonically, JB-BX & Lady Rose X are not friends at all, nor do they get along with each other for multiple reasons, referencing to the EXE community itself, JoeDoughBoi's Twitter post of canon things to clarify for the canon X, & the Lord X Vs. MX webseries episodes posted by "dooblajicoo" on YouTube.

• JB-BX has her trusty pet named Cherryamon, she was found as cute, little puppy as she was clearly lost and was abandoned by a heartless previous owner, Cherrymon's origin's are clearly unknown, but a dog such as herself can talk, and it's very rare.

• Despite being the only entity, JB-BX follows palette rules, hence why CFX is blue and exists as her twin sister.

• Sugar Rush Madness is the official JB-BX lore.

• In Sugar Rush Madness; JB-BX is a slave to Ultra G, despite that, if she had it her way, she would not hesitate to break free to separate the amalgamation and make a redemption arc to end it all, and return back to her world and to live a normal life.

• Her favorite Lemonades at Starbucks are Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, Sunset Drink, & Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher.

• Her favorite Frappuccinos at Starbucks are Cherry Blossom Frappuccino & American Cherry Pie Frappuccino.

[twilightmalachite]

Hermitage - Friday

Author: Nishioka Maiko (with Akira)

Characters: Izumi, Shu, Hajime, Mika

Translator: Mika Enstars

"Are you keeping Kagehira to yourself out of loneliness? …Or perhaps, are you captivated by his kindness?"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Winter

Location: Starmony Dorms Room (Ritsu, Mika's Room)

Izumi: Huh? Kuma-kun isn’t here. —Oh, right. That guy’s out traveling for work, isn’t he?

Here you go—there. Phew…

Hajime: Now then, I’ll be returning to my room. Though, I hope that Kagehira-senpai will be back to normal tomorrow…

Izumi: Okay, Hajime-kun. I’ll head back too, then. What about you, Itsuki? Will you be heading back as well?

Shu: No. Since Sakuma isn’t here, I’ll head back after a little bit.

Don’t bother yourselves and go back to your rooms. Leave the rest to me. We’ve already burdened you enough.

Izumi: Hmm? Oh~?

Shu: …What’s that look for?

Izumi: So you are capable of saying commendable things~. I think that’s a first for me. How wonderful!

Shu: Hmph. Wipe that creepy grin off your face this instant. Hurry up and get out of here already.

Izumi: Haah? And I had even gone out of my way to praise you! Sooo~ annoying!

Shu: Oh, did you praise me…? Where, exactly?

Izumi: Well, whatever. I’ll see you later. Let’s go, Hajime-kun.

Hajime: Ah, good night then, Itsuki-senpai, Kagehira-senpai!

Mika: ……

Shu: Phew. —Now then.

(As long as he hasn’t taken it elsewhere, it should be somewhere in this room. Where could it be…)

(—Hm? Ah, looks like it’s on the chest beside his bed.)

(What a relief. If he had taken it to school, it could have been about anywhere.)

(Hm. No matter how you look at it, it really appears to be a normal doll. It hasn’t changed a bit since I bought it in Paris.)

As usual, the modeling is so beautifully done. The creator surely put his heart into it. There are intricate details all over the place.

(But… No matter how closely I look, it really just seems to be a normal doll. Could it really be possible…?)

(That it’s as the owner said, that the doll itself has imprisoned Kagehira.)

(—Well. Either way, I can’t leave Kagehira as he is right now. It’s unacceptable for him to keep causing trouble for others.)

(Right now, I should give it at least a try.)

…Is this of your doing? This situation.

Are you keeping Kagehira to yourself out of loneliness? …Or perhaps, are you captivated by his kindness?

I do not know your intentions. However, I’d like it if you returned him soon.

He’s loud, rambunctious, and he’s even been rather cheeky these days to the point I have to scold him to keep him in line. And when I do, he always puts on these shameful displays of groveling.

But, all those things have slowly built up to where he is right now. And I don’t want him to think he didn’t get that far all on his own.

Because right now, Kagehira is still in the process of finding his true self.

Even if Kagehira and you spend years together, your worlds are different ones. People and dolls cannot live in the same world together. However, it’s possible to at least live beside one other.

You live in a perfect, flawless, and eternal world. I’m jealous, even.

Nothing is lost, nothing decays. Such a perfect world is also the ideal of we Valkyrie. It is a vision held by artists around the world.

However, humans are creatures that change. You could say that it is the very reason we are born into this world.

This change is unpredictable, and always comes with uncertainty.

But, it’s never a sad thing. Because change is the only way we grow.

It’s because our lives are finite that I—that we—put our heart into art that will last for eternity, never decaying.

I’m sure the one who created you believed that very same thing.

You too, are a pitiful child. You’ve always been neglected, and you’ve never been cherished.

It must be lonely and painful. I can understand your feelings to a degree.

Mika: ……

Shu: There’s no reason to worry.

Kagehira will never abandon you. No matter how many times you fall out of his arms, even if his arms break… He’ll pick you up again and he will love you. He’s that kind of person.

So have faith in him. You don't have to hold onto him. Because Kagehira will never let you go.

Isn’t that right, Kagehira? So hurry and return to us soon.

Mika: …Nn… Nn~…?

Shu: Ka-Kagehira?!

Mika: …Bwaah!

Shu: Gyah!?

Mika: —Gya?! A close-up of Oshi-san’s face?!

Nnah~, no matter how beautiful Oshi-san’s face is, suddenly seein’ it up close can’t help but scare me…

—Hm? Huh? Oshi-san, what’re ya doin’ in my room? And why’s yer face look so scary?!

Shu: You are really…! You just woke up, and you’re already running your mouth noisily!

Mika: Eh?! But you’re the one who came into my room, Oshi-san! Why’re you angry at me?

Shu: Well, from the looks of it, it appears you’re doing just fine, yes?

Mika: ? If I’m fine? Me? What’dya mean? I not a single thing’s makin’ sense to me…

Shu: Like I just told you, you’re being noisy! I’ll sew that mouth of yours shut.

Mika: Ehh?! Didn’t ya just tell me I’m doin’ fine?! Yer bein’ real unreasonable…

Shu: Hmph. Don’t think about anything right now, just take it easy. I’ll slowly fill you in on what happened today.

Fortunately, we have time for this much…

[ ☆ ]

← prev | story directory | next →

[hilarywhittle-blog]

Duality

12:30 AM I find myself drifting between the plot of the show on the TV and the thought of your lips against my skin. I just hung up a call with you that lasted three hours, where we spoke so passionately about our musings that it caused me discomfort in the best way. I paced from room to room, encapsulated in your decorous nature, my fingers twisted in the cord of my headphones -- finding anything to keep my idle body busy.

I went about the rest of my evening after that call, letting the conversation marinate before impulsively slicing it open with hyperbole. By the time I reached my bed, I couldn’t shake you. I found myself reaching for my inner thighs, past the point of controlled lust and into a rush of turbulent endorphins. A landscape where my fantasies run rampant.

There was nothing but silence between each soft breath, imagining you against me, grazing my hips, pressing the heat of your body into mine. My mind tangled in reality and fantasy, lust disguised as love -- an abandonment wound parading around in sheep’s clothing. I know I’m not the best pussy he’s ever had, but god, it felt good to make him say it. I know the only capacity in which he can receive me is physical… but the desire to romanticize makes the orgasm feel superior.

As I bring my body down from the climax of imagination and yearning, I start thinking about a woman’s ability to live in the duality of emotion, and how I don’t believe a man could ever truly understand that. To let yourself drift into a sea of what-ifs without letting it distort the non-fiction of what’s actually happening -- that in itself is powerful.

But we rarely speak of it. We keep it tucked away to avoid being labeled delusional, obsessed, hysterical. Because to men, a woman in lust must also be a woman in love. And a woman who speaks openly about the primal desire of playing inside her own fantasies? she becomes a woman men fear; because they cannot comprehend the very real truth, as my girl Ray BLK puts it: "I only want you when I’m lonely, on a late night, on a Friday, with some high-grade.”

[wickedsrest-rp]

The Chimera

NEIGHBORHOOD: The Pines

Tucked away in an inconspicuous thicket sits your run of the mill abandoned cabin, dilapidated and clearly not maintained… or is it? There’s something a little suspicious about the care that has clearly gone into the path leading to the bulkhead on the side of the cabin, and there’s even little solar-powered outdoor lamps stuck in the ground lining the path. That’s weird! If someone is feeling brave enough to check it out, the bulkhead will deposit them in a dark, musty basement. From there, people have to know what they’re looking for in order to find it: a stacked washer and dryer, so old they look like they could crumble at any moment. But, when the start button on the dryer is pressed, something will hiss and pop open – it’s actually a door in disguise! Waiting on the other side in a small room is a bouncer, who screens everyone by giving them a good sniff before letting them inside.

MORE INFO:

The bouncer is a bugbear with a particularly fantastic nose – he can smell whether someone is a shifter or not, and if they aren’t, they’re told to leave. If they get uppity, he’ll give them the fright of their life that’ll likely keep them from ever coming back!

The bar itself is a serpentine slab of obsidian, beautifully carved in a way that seems to almost make it ripple in the low light, as if it were alive. It’s dotted with barstools that are irregularly spaced and differently sized to fit patrons of all shapes.

The only way to find out about the speakeasy is by word of mouth: it won’t show up on any maps, and they don’t do any kind of advertising of their own. 

Unfortunately, this has become the prime hangout for the pack known as the Shiftskins. They’re loud and unruly but they tip extremely well, so the bartenders haven’t decided to ban them… yet. 

The enigmatic owner of this bar is known only as The Host, and no one is sure exactly what kind of shifter they are. They can be found lounging in the rear of the establishment on certain event nights, but aren’t quick to make conversation with patrons.

The most popular type of event is the Creature Feature Nights, held every Saturday to spotlight a specific type of shifter for that evening. Patrons who are the matching type that night get a discount on drinks and a chance to show off any special talents they might have relating to their species in a little stage show: a chameleon lamia, for example, could demonstrate their ability to camouflage with a series of increasingly difficult backdrops, or a werewolf could howl and hit that impossible high note that makes everyone’s heads rattle. The Creature Feature also provides drinks and dishes themed around the chosen shifter species and a bar-wide trivia game about myths and lore surrounding that species. 

Sirens are especially fond of the open mic nights, which are every Tuesday and Friday.

EXPLORE THE PINES

[the-firebird69]

There are a couple of things that we are going to mention about these people that need to be discussed they are disgusting losers and are messy with our son because they don't know how to do things correctly and we are going to have to stop them. I'm sending out this message a lot it's an emergency here in Florida and on Venus and wherever our people are these idiots are becoming too aggressive and they are screwing around with people to no end that we have to stop them and it's time to do that and we need them to hell away from everybody it sucks so damn bad we want people to know stuff no we're gonna have to do this and stand annoying. Right now we are going to stick it to them and we are going to force them to hear what we're saying.

--there are reports the eastern hamisphere lost to itself more or less the psuedo emire is at forty percent. the morlock struck and are hit by it too. they are down thrity percent of theri force...is out. bja moved large armies into position in the east and all day herre but at night there and filled areas. giant armies. trump tries heavy and is defeted each time. now it is daytime. and he will try he say and bombs. big conventinioal he will get teh idea trummp says. they flow in in the west now...into the tunnels and topside and at al the stashes and caches ...yes. and tons of troops and he readies more. is evill but the bass arenot thaat huge. now trump reacted sent for troops and hits some but is mostly whiped out and now aabout one hour ago sent for huge branches and tons came in...as they formed. pulling from all parts and to duty and they are. areas in teh midwest emptied today fully to go to the stashes and caches and both parties...the psuedo empire sat high adn dry and in some cases fled. half th time now they leave. mac proper dont come in. we invade now. and in the first band we are in about half of what was there no it is 15% f the territory, as they abandon it in an order. tommorrow mabye 20% more and they go up north. to the upper midwest to the stash and cache therre. and move it too. we suspect at this rate the midwest firsst band will be ours by friday if it continues and we feel it will. more shotrly

Thor Freya

big news good for me and we see him smile too and finally and hell and they fight now. in the west in ernest and shall call man more here and true they say it huge numbes are up and in the first band. the tennessee band. huge bunches move yes that band. nd more shortly will keep in touch and they say it Thor and Freya and we hear and rejoice good. they suck.

Hera

and they try thier stoneships nah but theysit and heated and are down to about 8% plus and will be out in a few hours if not sooner. thankfully. a lot of work went into thi moment but man what aggrevvating aholes. and time consuming. we use it.

now there are more actoins so we print

Thor Freya

Olympus

Zues Hera

[aflawedfashion]

Is syfy so lacking in sci-fi shows this year that Killjoys is playing after the Hunger Games.... no other original programming to go with it?