#it was really to come back around and play the other side of the crossover ;;v;;

[knivestothroats]

In The Woods Somewhere + Professional//Victim Crossover AU

@victimeyez and I like to play with our OCs together like dolls. We came up with a number of ways Tommy ends up with Fletcher but this is a "my mom sold me to one direction" type AU where Fletcher buys Tommy to basically replace Buck.

CW: long term captivity/human trafficking, withholding food (in past), physical violence, burning, dubious consent sort of, guns in places they shouldn't be

read In The Woods Somewhere here || read Professional//Victim here

Scene 1

Tommy hadn’t experienced a thunderstorm in years.

It rained sometimes when he was on his way to a client, but having lived in a basement for the last five years, he had forgotten their intensity. How loud the incessant, arrhythmic rainfall echoed down from the roof. How lightning could suddenly illuminate the whole room in a flash. How he could feel the house shake with the roar of thunder. Or maybe it was just him shaking. He felt like a dog on the fourth of July. 

It was stupid, after everything he’d been through, to be afraid of the weather.

A bright flash through the window again, followed shortly by a crack of thunder that he could feel in his chest. They were getting closer together. 

There’s no way Tommy could sleep. He was sitting up in his bed in his new home, knees to his chest with his arms wrapped around. 

As much as he loathed Caius, he did provide comfort at times. It was twisted, but it was something. Fletcher… he wasn’t sure about. They had been more reserved so far, treating him with a sort of casual amiability. But Tommy was well aware how Fletcher reveled in inflicting pain. He just hadn’t figured out yet when and why they shed the wool to become the wolf.

Another flash. Tommy tried to brace himself, but he still jumped at the thunder.

Tommy swung his legs off the bed. He stared at the door for a second before going through into the hallway. It was still strange to not be locked in.

He walked gently down the dark hallway. He knew where Fletcher’s room was - they had pointed it out on his first day with a strict do not enter.

Tommy stood outside Fletcher’s bedroom door. He rubbed his hands over his arms. 

This was ridiculous. Going to Fletcher for comfort? Like a child waking up their parents after having a bad dream? During a thunderstorm of all things. He should just go back to - 

Flash. Crack.

Tommy knocked on Fletcher’s door. He tried to listen for movement over the sound of the rain. They probably hadn’t even heard him over the din. Maybe he should knock again, or maybe he should go back - 

Fletcher opened the door, wearing just a t-shirt, gym shorts, and bed head. They squinted at him in the dark.

“What?”

“I’m sorry,” was the first thing out of Tommy’s mouth. “I, um. I can’t sleep and, um…”

Fletcher was silhouetted as their room lit up. The thunder followed so quickly behind, rumbling through the house, that Tommy didn’t have time to count. 

Fletcher saw Tommy flinch hard, drawing his shoulders up by his ears.

“You’re scared of thunder?”

Tommy felt his face redden, in spite of himself. He should be incapable of embarrassment at this point, after all the humiliation he was put through, but he just felt childish.

“Alright, come in,” Fletcher said with a yawn, moving aside to make way. “Don’t try to kill me in my sleep.”

“Really?” Tommy asked, perking up. He took a hesitant step into the room. “Can I, um, do you mind if I share the bed?”

“Yeah I assumed that was what you were asking,” Fletcher grumbled, shutting the door behind him.

Fletcher took their side first, and Tommy took the other. He laid stiff in the bed, making sure they had a gap between them. Tommy had wondered if sharing the bed would come with a cost, putting himself in a vulnerable position within Fletcher’s grasp. But Fletcher had turned their back to him, sleeping on their side.

He was still on edge. Was sleeping beside Fletcher really better than being alone?

There was a flicker of lightning, followed by a grumble of thunder. Not as loud this time, but enough to make Tommy nervous. 

Tommy turned on his side as well and carefully scooted over until his back was brushing against Fletcher’s. He held his breath, but they didn’t react. 

Tommy could feel their warmth seep into him. He let out a slow breath. It was definitely better than being alone.

~

Fletcher had managed to tune out the storm into white noise, but they were a light sleeper, forever on edge. They opened their eyes in the darkness, listening to Tommy murmur and shift in his sleep.

Fletcher rolled over and draped their arm over Tommy’s middle.

“Shhh,” they hushed gently.

Tommy’s shirt had ridden up, and he whimpered when Fletcher made contact with his skin.

Fletcher tensed up at the noise. Tommy was definitely asleep, but that whimper was perfect. They wondered if he practiced it for his clients. It was difficult to resist the urge to wrap their arm tight around him and squeeze, trying to elicit the sound again. 

Fletcher moved their hand over Tommy’s bare torso. They could feel his ribs too distinctly beneath his skin. Caius and the others probably had him skipping meals. Whether to keep up his waifish victim aesthetic, to keep him weak, to punish him, or just from neglect.  Fletcher figured he would put on weight quickly here. He was going to need to, if he was going to keep up with the work Fletcher had for him to do around the lodge. 

~

“Get up.”

Tommy gasped awake as a hand jostled him from his sleep. He looked around quickly, getting his bearings, and saw Fletcher leaning over him.

“I’m getting up, you can’t stay in my room alone,” Fletcher said.

“Oh,” Tommy rubbed his eyes. “Right. Okay. Thank you… for letting me sleep here.”

“Uh huh,” Fletcher said. “I’m making breakfast.”

“Do you want me to help?”

“Mm, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay… do you want me to make your bed?” Tommy offered, trying to show his gratitude.

“No,” Fletcher said flatly. They gestured to the door. 

“Right, sorry.” Tommy hurried out of the room. “Um, would it be alright if I took a shower? Or do you want me to wait?”

“All yours, bud,” Fletcher said, closing the door shut behind them. “Just don’t take too long. You want to get the breakfast while it’s hot.”

~

Tommy turned the water up as hot as he could stand. It staved off the chill that seemed to linger in the lodge. He allowed himself a few moments to just stand under the stream after he had washed, but Fletcher had told him not to take long, and he didn’t want to push it.

Tommy dried and dressed quickly, scrunching his hair with the shirt he had slept in and finger-combing it out of his face. He made his way to the kitchen, which was already calling his name with rich, savory smells.

Fletcher was standing at the stove, stirring one pan with a spatula while another sizzled away next to them. 

“What smells so good?” Tommy asked, trying to peer into the pans.

“Onions and bacon, mostly,” Fletcher said.

“Do you need any help?” Tommy offered.

There was a pop, pop as a pair of bagels sprung up from a two-sided toaster.

“Yeah, grab those bagels for me and add butter and cream cheese. There’s plates in that cabinet, silverware in that drawer.”

Tommy moved swiftly to do as he was told. 

When he had plated them, Fletcher carried over the first pan.

“Okay, get out of my way.” 

It was said lightheartedly, but Tommy still leapt back.

“Just take a seat,” Fletcher nodded to the kitchen table. “It’s ready.”

Tommy sat down and watched as Fletcher assembled the plates, but their body was blocking his view. It wasn’t until they set his breakfast down in front of him that he was able to take it in. 

Scrambled eggs with multicolor peppers, strips of bacon, a sausage, and the bagel he had prepared.

He couldn’t believe how much his mouth was watering.

“It’s veggie sausage,” Fletcher said. “I only had a couple left. Oh - you want coffee?”

Tommy looked up at them wide eyed. Fletcher had told him on the first day that he could help himself to food in the kitchen, but he had been too afraid to touch their coffee maker. Even when there was a pot already made, he had been too anxious that he wasn’t supposed to take any.

“Yes, please.”

“How do you take it?” Fletcher asked, getting a mug from the shelf. It was designed to look like a can of Campbell’s tomato soup. 

“A lot of sugar and cream,” Tommy said. “Please. If you don’t mind.”

Fletcher heaped two spoonfuls of sugar into the mug and then looked in the fridge. 

“Mm, I just have oat milk right now.”

“Okay, that’s fine, thank you,” Tommy said, even though he had never tried it before.

Fletcher splashed some into the mug before pouring the steaming coffee on top. They gave it a stir and set it down in front of Tommy.

Tommy hadn’t touched his food. He stared at the spread before him, not quite believing it was really for him.

Fletcher settled down across the table with their matching meal and began to eat.

“I don’t know where to start,” Tommy said in a small voice.

“Eggs,” Fletcher provided.

Tommy scooped up a forkful of the scrambled eggs and took his first bite. 

It wasn’t just peppers, there were onions and cheese mixed in as well. The texture was perfect - they weren't dry or runny. 

“Wow,” Tommy said. He followed it with a long sip of coffee. It wasn’t as sweetened as he would have made it for himself once upon a time, but it was hot and rich and maybe the best cup he’d ever had.

He might actually start crying. 

“The secret is cream cheese,” Fletcher said, gesturing to his eggs with their fork. “And to scramble it in the pan. How’s the coffee?”

“So good,” Tommy said. “Thank you.”

“Mhm.” Fletcher started to pile their eggs and bacon onto the bagel. “How often were you being fed before?”

“Um, twice a day, usually,” Tommy said. “Sometimes… less.”

Fletcher nodded. “Figured. You need to start increasing your caloric intake. I need you to do work around here and I don’t want you passing out after an hour in the garden.”

Tommy took a bite of the bagel. The layer of butter under the cream cheese felt so indulgent. 

“If it means I get to eat like this every day, I am more than happy to oblige,” Tommy said.

“Well, I’m not cooking every meal for you,” Fletcher said. “But I want you to eat.”

I want you to eat.

Even if it was to work him like a dog, it was so much better than being worked like a dog on an empty stomach. Despite Fletcher’s generally cold aloofness and passing threats, despite having been the victim of their bloodlust in the past, Tommy felt oddly cared for.

He took another bite of the eggs and hoped he could get Fletcher to teach him how to cook like this.

Scene 2

Fletcher had their sleeves rolled tightly up above their elbows. On their hands they wore black disposable gloves. Tommy watched as those hands deftly sectioned the chickens into pieces, their well-sharpened knife effortlessly cutting through the flesh. 

Tommy had to let his eyes drift away. He watched Fletcher’s arms instead. They tended to hide their form under layers, but every time they rolled up their sleeves, it revealed their muscle tone. Tommy wondered why they didn’t show it off - most people would. He noticed as well, as he watched, that Fletcher had some lighter lines on their skin - old scars haphazardly slashed into their arms. He imagined them getting into knife fights. He imagined them holding someone down by the throat with both hands, arms tensed, as their victim clawed at their skin to no avail.

Fletcher moved the chicken pieces into a bowl of marinade. Spice bottles were cluttering the counter around it. 

Fletcher covered the bowl and set it aside. They cleaned up, discarding their gloves and disinfecting their work space. 

Tommy had been tasked with washing the potatoes he and Fletcher had harvested from the garden. Fletcher had asked him to take his time, making sure each one was free of dirt in the divots, as they wouldn’t be peeling them. He was worried, when Fletcher turned to him, that they would be angry he hadn’t gotten through the whole crop, but they merely began to take from the clean pile and start cutting them into chunks. 

“When you’re done with that can you go through the green beans and just make sure to snap all the stems off?” Fletcher asked.

Tommy nodded. “Sure.”

They had picked the beans together as well. It felt nice to be doing something actually productive for a change. 

When they were done, Fletcher dumped the potatoes into a big pot of water but didn’t light the stove. They sighed, looking at the clock and chewed their lip a moment.

“I should’ve started this earlier. I’m already starting to get hungry,” Fletcher said. “I just want everything to be done at the same time.”

Fletcher shook their head like they were hoping the thoughts would fall into place. They took a baking sheet and returned to the chicken, laying the pieces out.

“I’m done,” Tommy said from his spot at the table with his bowl of beans. He swept the stem pieces into his hand and got up to dump them in the trash.

“Ah-ah!” Fletcher waved their hand at him, causing Tommy to stop abruptly. “Compost.”

“Right, sorry.” Tommy ducked his head.

“Just give the beans a rinse and then you’re done for now,” Fletcher said. “I’ll call you back when it’s ready.”

It was a while later when Fletcher called Tommy back into the kitchen. He was sitting out on the back deck, just feeling the sun on his skin and listening to the birds, when Fletcher opened the door and leaned out.

“I need your help,” they said.

Tommy jumped up and followed them in.

“I forgot to make fucking gravy,” Fletcher growled. “I just need you to mash the potatoes for me while I whip this up. And just shake the pan with the green beans occasionally to move them around.”

The kitchen was hot now, and Tommy quickly shrugged off his sweatshirt before taking over the potatoes. Fletcher was mixing ingredients when there was a thud above them, followed by an indiscernible shout, followed by, “Fletcherrrrr!”

“Jesus Christ,” Fletcher rolled their eyes. “Okay in like two minutes you need to take the chicken out of the oven and check it. 165. Don’t forget to shake the pan.” They rattled off instructions as they marched out of the kitchen. 

Tommy kept an eye on the clock, rolling the beans in their saute oil. They looked kind of brown? He looked closer, not wanting Fletcher to come back and find them burned. Hm, no, he was pretty sure it was whatever they were being cooked in. Balsamic maybe? There were chopped onions in with it as well, and those similarly looked a little brown but not burnt. 

He checked the clock again. Okay, two minutes. Tommy looked around the counter, seeing the thermometer but no oven mitts. There was one pot holder laying out, and he folded the towel hanging off the oven door to go with it.

The tray was heavily laden with the chicken, heavier than Tommy expected it to be. He tried to adjust his grip so it didn’t tip backwards, but his adjustments shifted his fingertips off the towel. 

Tommy quickly pulled his hand away from the heat. Now holding the tray with one hand, it began to go sideways. Instinctively he tried to catch it, only serving to touch the hot metal again. This time, his brain - desperate to keep him from making the same mistake a third time - drew back his hands completely and the tray clattered to the floor, scattering the chicken. 

Tommy’s heart leapt to his throat. He dropped to his hands and knees and picked up a piece of chicken, dropping it immediately.

It’s hot, it’s all fucking hot, he berated himself. He started using the towel to scoop up the chicken. He didn’t know what to do with it, so he piled it back onto the tray. His heart was beating so loudly in his ears he didn’t hear Fletcher’s footsteps. It wasn’t until he saw their boots that he looked up.

As if they had materialized before him, summoned by his fuck up, Fletcher stood glowering down at him. They held a bloody rag in their hand from whatever they had been dealing with upstairs.

“I’m sorry,” Tommy said. “I’ll… I’ll…” Fix it? How was he going to fix it?

Fletcher closed their eyes and dug the heel of their palm into their temple. 

“Do you have any idea the amount of effort that went into this dinner?”

“I know, I’m sorry-” Tommy started again.

Fletcher cut him off. “You don’t know. I had to drive an hour and a half just to get these chickens. Every time I have to leave the lodge it’s a fucking ordeal. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but there’s not much around here. I can’t run to the grocery store without making a day of it. I can’t order fucking take out to fix this. You do know how long this took me today to put together.”

“I do, I know, I’m sorry, I’m sorry-”

Fletcher reached down and slammed Tommy’s head against the cabinets. 

“Stop fucking saying you’re sorry! I know you’re fucking sorry! What happened?”

Tommy held his head, trying to blink his vision back after it whited out.

Fletcher crouched down on their haunches and grabbed Tommy by the front of his shirt, giving him a quick shake. 

“Hey! What the fuck happened?”

“I, uh, I burned my hand…” Tommy said, keeping his eyes low. He held back another “sorry.”

“You burned your hand?” Fletcher repeated unsympathetically. “Where?”

Tommy glanced up at them and hesitantly opened up his hand to them. Fletcher grabbed his wrist with more force than necessary.

“You think this is a burn?” They snarled. “I’ll show you a fucking burn.”

Fletcher took Tommy’s hand and pressed it down against the still hot metal pan.

Tommy screamed and Fletcher allowed him to jerk his arm away. He cradled his hand to his chest, tears escaping from his eyes.

Fletcher stood again, looking down on him.

“Don’t bother getting up. You’re going to be scrubbing the floor.”

Fletcher turned around to storm off, only to see the three trainees leaning around the doorway to observe.

“The fuck are you looking at?” Fletcher snapped.

One held up their hands and made themself scarce.

“Does this mean there’s no dinner?” Another asked.

“There’s potatoes,” Fletcher grumbled. Then they suddenly turned back and dashed to the pan of green beans, taking it off the heat. They inspected the vegetables, ignoring Tommy sniffling on the ground, trying to scoop up the chicken with one hand. “Yeah, these are fine. There’s also green beans.”

Scene 3

Tommy had experienced more types of pain than he could count, but burning was usually off the table to clients. Too much deep tissue damage. It was scary to think that his hand may never be the same. And if it was to recover, it was going to do so at the slow, agonizing crawl of natural healing. 

Tommy did his best not to flinch as Fletcher applied the cream to his burns. He just had to suck air between his teeth and not complain. 

“How’s it feel?” Fletcher asked once they had finished wrapping the gauze. 

“It stings,” Tommy said pitifully. “It feels like I’m still being burned. Do you think… do you think it’s going to be okay? Eventually?”

“Well, if you want to give me the information of that doctor you used to see, I’m sure he can give you a magic healing potion or whatever the fuck. Once I decide you’ve suffered enough.”

Tommy’s stomach flopped. He would take a burn any day of the week if it meant he never had to see Sam again.

“Please don’t take me back to him,” Tommy begged softly. 

Fletcher raised an eyebrow, but said no more on the subject. They peeled off their gloves.

“Then here’s how it will go. It’ll hurt, and then it will blister, and then the blisters will pop. You have to keep it clean so it doesn’t get infected. If you find yourself unable to do simple tasks because you can’t use one of your hands, you can come find me…” Fletcher took his chin in their hand. “And beg for my help.”

~

Tommy slept with his hand cradled against his chest. There was a brief moment of peace when he awoke before he began to feel the throb of the burns. 

He kept his arm close to his torso as he walked to the kitchen, trying to think of what he could make for himself. Surely he could manage a bowl of cereal with one hand.

The box was easy enough. Tommy got the milk from the fridge. Oh yeah - oat milk. He held the container between his arm and his side, twisting the cap off with his good hand. Looked like milk.

He thought about pouring some into a glass to try, when Fletcher walked in, carrying dirty dishes to the sink.

They glanced in Tommy’s direction, then away, saying nothing. 

“I can-” it came out quiet and hoarse. Tommy cleared his throat and tried again. “I can wash those.”

“Can you?” Fletcher asked without looking back at him. 

“Um, I can, well, I can try…” Tommy offered. 

Fletcher turned to face him now, leaning back on the counter. “If you drop something, and it breaks,” they said, “I am not going to be happy.”

Tommy paled. “Is there - is there something else you would like me to do?”

“Not really,” Fletcher said. They walked out of the room. 

Tommy wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do. They hadn’t told him not to do the dishes, just not to break them. And if he misinterpreted their response as a no, and they came back to find that he hadn’t washed them, they might be angry.

His strategy for washing dishes with one hand was to lay them in the sink, scrub them there with one hand as best he could, and then move them into the stream of water.

It took longer, and was more awkward - they kept sliding around - but he was able to do it.

When Tommy found Fletcher next, they were out behind the lodge chopping wood. He watched them raise the axe over their shoulder and swing down on the log, cleaving it easily in two. 

“Do you want any help?” Tommy called out, keeping his distance.

“No,” Fletcher called back, setting up the log again.

Tommy hesitated. “Is there anything you would like me to-“

“What the fuck did I just say?”

Chop.

Tommy left them alone the rest of the day. He kept to his room, trying to give Fletcher space now that they had made it clear they didn’t want him around. For a while he tried to read, but he struggled to find a comfortable way to both hold the book and flip the pages. He ended up pacing the floor, filled with anxious nerves that urged him to do something.

He had been having such a… if not good, unquestionably better time here than he’d had with Caius and the rest. This was a bad turn. It didn’t have to be like this. He just had to make it up to Fletcher somehow; get back in their good graces

He had tried to make himself useful around the house without much success. It was true that what he could do would be limited while his hand was injured. Which meant he had to rely on other skills to make himself useful.

~

Everyone else had gone to bed. It was just Fletcher sitting on the couch, illuminated only by the fluctuating light of the TV screen. They had a beer in one hand, resting on the arm of the couch.

Tommy approached slowly, tugging on the hem of his shirt with anxiousness. Fletcher didn’t acknowledge him, even when he was standing in front of the couch. He kept to the side enough not to block their view.

It was only when Tommy lowered himself to his knees that Fletcher said, “What?” without taking their eyes off the screen.

“I’m really sorry about the dinner,” Tommy said. His stomach rippled with anxiety.

“I know,” Fletcher said flatly. “You’ve said.”

Tommy swallowed. He hesitantly leaned in and nuzzled his cheek against Fletcher’s leg.

Fletcher finally looked down at him.

“I would like to make it up to you.”

“How’s that?”

Fletcher said it flatly. Disinterested, still annoyed. There was no flirtation nor cruel amusement in their voice. 

Tommy swallowed. Was this a bad idea? Or was he not making it obvious enough? Most people would jump on him at the mere suggestion. 

Tommy put a hand on Fletcher’s knee and ran in gently up their thigh. Not far, not overstepping. Just trying to give them the right idea. He looked up at them with his best wet dog expression.

“Okay,” Fletcher said. 

They set their beer down on the end table and shifted their pose, spreading their legs a little more. Tommy dutifully shuffled in between.

Nothing you haven’t done before, he told himself. It’ll be better afterwards. 

“Close your eyes.” Fletcher said. And once he had, “Open your mouth.”

Tommy opened his mouth, sticking his tongue out a little. He waited, listening to Fletcher shift on the couch. Probably opening their pants. A click, that must’ve been their belt buckle. 

What entered his mouth was too big, too hard, too metallic. 

Tommy’s eyes flew open as the barrel of the gun forced his jaw wider. He tried to pull back, but Fletcher snatched a fistful of his hair and held him in place. 

Tommy whimpered that beautiful whimper, but it was more rounded, more frantic.

“Breathe through your nose,” Fletcher said.

Tommy squeezed his eyes shut and followed the order. He tried to breathe deep and slow through his nose. He tried to keep his tongue down as far as he could, to not gag and to not taste the oiled metal.

“I want you to look at me now.”

Tommy slowly opened his eyes. Fletcher was staring down at him impassively.

“Don’t try this shit with me again.”

Tommy couldn’t nod, so he did his best to make an “Uh huh” noise. 

Fletcher withdrew the gun. Tommy doubled forward and hacked. His mouth was left with an awful taste.

“Don’t spit on the floor,” Fletcher said. They picked up a magazine from the cushion beside them and slid it back into the gun. “Go.”

Tommy clamored to his feet and ran off. He managed to get to his room and close the door before fully breaking down into sobs, sliding down to the floor.

He had just been trying to make things better.

~

Tommy cried himself to sleep. Nothing new. He had just hoped to break the habit. 

He shuffled into the kitchen in the morning, and froze when he saw Fletcher sitting at the table, nursing a mug of coffee.

Tommy dropped his gaze quickly. He tried to decide quickly whether he should leave now, or grab some food and then leave. 

“Hey,” Fletcher said. It was softer than Tommy expected. “Sit.”

No running now. Tommy drew out the chair across from them and sat down, still avoiding their gaze.

“I recognize… that I have been harsh,” Fletcher said.

Tommy slowly lifted his eyes towards them, trying to read their expression. Was this a trick? Was he supposed to tell them he deserved it all? Was he supposed to believe them, and be lulled into a false sense of security?

“I didn’t give you a concussion, but, you know, the head can be tricky. And your hand…” They looked for the words. “I try to - I want to keep you in working condition. Nothing that’s going to really put you out of commission for a while. So that probably won’t happen again. Not to your hands. And the gun…” Fletcher ran a hand over their face. “The gun was a lot. That was uncool of me because, you know, gun safety rules.”

Tommy’s mouth was hanging slightly ajar. Was this an apology? At least, as close as Fletcher could get to one? He had expected something closer to, I recognize I’ve been harsh, but if you behaved I wouldn’t have to do these things.

“I know how it feels to have a gun on you,” Fletcher continued. They were the one to look away now. “And I… forget, I guess. That most people aren’t used to it. Can’t shake it off.

“Look, I’m not… not gonna say it will never happen again, but it probably won’t be this bad most of the time. Plenty of days will go by without incident, I’m sure. But I am… a violent person. I have violent tendencies, and I get angry. And I’m not trying to curb these tendencies because I enjoy indulging in them. So…” They tapped their knuckles on the table and shrugged. “That’s the situation. We’re square, for now. So you don’t need to be skulking around anymore. And… nevermind, I was going to say something mean.”

Tommy shifted uncomfortably. “About last night?”

“Yeah.”

“What, I’m not your type?”

Fletcher chuckled. “I was going to say when I want to take sexual advantage of you, I’ll let you know; you don’t have to initiate.”

“Right,” Tommy muttered, looking down again.

“I’m joking,” Fletcher said. “You can tell from my lighthearted expression.” They pointed at their face, purposely putting on a grumpy look. “Anyway, I’m planning my lesson for today. Might have to throw you around a bit for the demo. Nothing personal.”

“Oh,” Tommy said. “Okay, um…”

Fletcher was already up, carrying their coffee out of the room. “Get some breakfast,” they reminded him. “Three meals a day.”

~~~

hm i kind of thought our taglists would overlap more. good luck everyone.

@suspicious-whumping-egg @whumpyourdamnpears @generic-whumperz @lonesome--hunter

@whumplr-reader @theelvishcowgirl @sunshiline-writes @dont-be-gentle-please @galesgallery

@2in1whump @sparrowsage @apokolyps @whumpinggrounds

@morning-star-whump @leviiio @alexmundaythrufriday

@defire @jumpywhumpywriter @watermelons-dont-grow-on-trees

@light-me-on-pyre @slighlydisturbedbeans @dislexiher @paperprinxe @desert-dyke

@just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @burtlederp @whatwasmyprevioususername @cursedandtired

@whump-only @misspelledwitch @redstainedsocks @thehopelessopus @im-just-here-for-the-whump

@thatsthewhump @aqua-blogging  @utopian819 @whumpinggoodtime @pretty-face-breaker

[baby-alien11]

Blurb: Abigail Premiere (Y/N Ulrich Universe)

taglist (open): @volturi-girl-imagines @dessxoxsworld @camiesully @ethanlandryluver @nowitsmissing @aliciacat20 @gabbylovesreading @nikfigueiredo @itsaaliyah2

A/N: this was inspired by the video of some of the Scream cast going to see Abigail and support Melissa, hope you like it

Ever since Melissa unjustified firing from the Scream franchise for speaking against the genocide in Gaza, your support and love for your half fictional sister increased even more, along side her new projects, specially Abigail since she talked with you about the movie a lot (without spoilers), and when the trailer dropped your excitement for the movie was bigger

When the premiere day of Abigail arrived, some people of the cast including your dad, Matthew, Mason, Tony, Dylan, Liana, Jack and you, and since you love to coordinate your outfits with the ocassion, you chose to wear a long sleeved dress, along with black high heels, your Baby Vamp ring, a black clutch, your hair straightened, a glittery smokey eye make up and red lip gloss

Arriving at the event, none of you wanted to take the attention from the main cast, all of you went direct to the teather, and grab something to eat and drink during the movie

"I can't wait to see the movie", you smiled grabbing your popcorn and drinks, "And I really hope it makes more money than any Spyglass movie"

"Specially Scream 7", Jack mentioned

"Specially that, and I can't believe they offered me to be head of the VFX make up, like, the audacity"

"They were fools thinking you were going to accept it"

"Besides it ended good with the last one, except for the part where you die"

"So you don't care that Ethan would go around killing everyone?", Jack joked knowing your answer

"Absolutely no, Ethan defender for life, it's a Ghostface loyalty, the Ghostface princess needs her Ghostface prince"

"Kids, come on!", Matthew exclaimed from the entrance of the cinema, "We don't want to sit apart from each other"

"We're coming!", you exclaimed back, "I'm bitting my tongue just because I don't want him to block me again on insta"

"It would be like the third time"

"Yeah, and I don't want that"

Entering the cinema both of you spotted the Scream family group sitting with them in the two seats they guarded, and also Skeet with your purse who took it while you were getting the snacks; when the cast went on stage to say a few words about the movie, you filmed the entire thing and cheered the most when Melissa spoke

And at the end, it become one of your favorite scary movies and also gave it five stars in letterboxd

"I'm so fucking proud of you", you said to Melissa after the movie while hugging her, "And I love the movie, like every other project you've been"

"Having your support means a lot to me", Melissa responded, "And I can't believe you watched the entire Club de Cuervos and in spanish with english subtitles"

"I mean, you are in there, and it helped me with my spanish"

"Tell me a phrase you learned"

"Me vale madres", you said with a bit broken spanish

"Okay, let's go to meet Alisha"

"Yes, Matilda's crossover", you exclaimed since you played that character in one of your school plays and she played it in the musical adaptation

[avastrasposts]

The Pilot and his girl - ch. 3

So I have a clear plan for where this fic is going now, yay! I've outlined about 13-14 chapters and we're gonna do a little bit of TLoU crossover down the line so expect a Joel/Tommy cameo at some point :) I also decided on a title finally so it's now offically The Pilot and his girl

I'll add warnings as needed but there's only fluff in these first few chapters, playing around with our sweet Frankie.

(oh, btw, for anyone who notices, I know "chamo" is Venezuelan, but I love the expression, maybe the chef is from Venezuela :) )

Taglist: @pimosworld

Chapter 4

It’s not until Denny drives past in his truck and honks loudly that Frankie and you finally break apart, you’re giggling into Frankie’s neck as he waves at his boss and from the corner of your eye you see Denny give Frankie a gleeful thumb’s up through the window.  

“Maybe I should take you somewhere nicer than an airfield,” Frankie says and pushes back a strand of your hair. He’s got his hand hooked around your shoulders, behind your head, and the other still on your cheek. He’s warm and solid pressed up against you, the warm metal of the car at your back and him in front. 

“I don’t wanna break the mood,” you smile at him, “but I’m really hungry. Do you wanna have lunch since our breakfast was cut short?” 

“I’m fucking starving,” Frankie confesses with a grin. “There’s a small place nearby that does really good tacos if you like that? They’re really good and they’re usually quiet during the day.”

“Tacos sounds awesome, I haven’t had any in ages.” 

“Ok then, let’s get some tacos in you,” Frankie pulls you in for a final kiss, which turns into another long, slow exploration of each other's tongues until Frankie’s stomach rumbles loudly in protest and you start giggling pressed against his lips. Frankie reluctantly lets go of your bottom lip and glances down at his small belly. 

“Traitor,” he scolds it and reaches behind you to open the door to the truck, giving you a hand inside. 

…

The taco place really is nearby, less than ten minutes later Frankie pulls into a small parking lot next to a green park. Across the road is a small cluster of buildings, one sporting a big chilli pepper and the sign “El Chibiski” in bright colours. 

“I thought we could get some food and then eat in the park if you want?” Frankie asks as he parks the car and pulls off his hoodie, you copy him and leave his green one in the truck. 

“You’ve got this all planned out, it sounds like a great idea,” you say as he jumps out of the car and quickly comes round to your side to open the door. “You’re never gonna let me open this door, are you?” you smile as he takes your hand and you step down. 

“No, never,” he grins and closes it behind you. 

The taqueria is almost empty, the lunch rush over, and the smell that hits you as Frankie opens the door is mouth watering. As if on cue your stomach rumbles and he chuckles as you look at the menu over the counter. 

“Got any recommendations?” you ask him, “I definitely want some pastor but it all looks good.” 

“The carnitas are my weakness, and the gringas.” He points to two dishes on the board. “I say we get all three and some bistec ones too and just share everything, seeing as they don’t have fries on the menu.” He says the last thing with a grin and a quick glance at you. 

“I guess that means you’re getting a second date, Morales,” you huff in fake exasperation, “should’ve known you had ulterior motives.” 

“Oh no, you’ve seen right through my clever plans, cariño,” he giggles as you give him a playful slap on the shoulder. He gives your hand a quick squeeze, smiling under his cap, before stepping forward to order, adding a couple of bottles of water too. 

You watch Frankie chat in Spanish to the guy taking the order, exchanging jokes as he relays the order back to the kitchen. It sounds like Frankie comes here a lot by the way the chef greets him too when he spots him through the open order window. It’s an easy atmosphere and it’s nice seeing Frankie’s relaxed manner with the staff. You can only see him from behind but his head falls back as he laughs loudly at something the guy behind the counter says, and the chef yells a response from the kitchen, making them break out into more laughter. There’s something about seeing a guy you’re dating be liked by others, like a little green flag popping up. But to be fair, so far you’d seen no red flags around Frankie. He seems to be exactly what he looks like; a friendly guy, a little bit shy sometimes, but easy to like and easy to be around, a warm personality that seems to shine when he’s comfortable and in his element. You find yourself smiling as you hear Frankie laughing again, he makes you feel good, even though you’ve known him less than twenty four hours.  

When he comes back over he's got a big grin on his face, still chuckling from the jokes at the counter. 

“They always tell the dirtiest jokes,” he says, “I’m too embarrassed to translate them,” he smiles as he sits down in the chair next to you. 

“You know I speak Spanish, right?” you smirk at him and his eyes widen in shocked surprise and his neck immediately starts turning red, his cheeks tinged with pink. 

“¿Tú hablas español?” 

“Not a word, but seeing you blush was totally worth the lie, you’re so cute.” You can’t help touching his flushed cheeks. 

Frankie bursts into rumbling laughter as he grabs you and pulls you closer, chair and all. “Cheeky girl,” he grins and takes hold of your chin before kissing you softly. You kiss him back with a smile and his scruffy beard tickles your cheek when he moves his lips and presses a soft kiss just below you ear. 

“Maybe I should teach you some Spanish,” he murmurs, his breath hot against your skin, “so I can tell you exactly what you do to me when you’re this close.” He presses his lips to the thin skin under your ear again, letting his tongue slip out for a taste of the salt before kissing it again. Your breath catches in your throat as a shiver runs down your spine, heat pooling between your legs, creeping up your neck. When Frankie leans back he gives you a cheeky smile. “Now who’s blushing, hermosa?” 

You hook a couple of fingers into his t-shirt and pull him in for another kiss and he comes willingly, still with a cheeky smile. 

It takes a few more minutes, you’re lost in your own bubble with Frankie, but when someone loudly clears their throat next to you, you reluctantly lean back and look up. 

“Chamo, enserio?” The chef is holding out a take away bag for Frankie, grinning down at him, and Frankie gives a little embarrassed shrug and takes the bag while the chef gives him a friendly slap on the shoulder, smiles at you and retreats into the kitchen, waving at Frankie’s “Gracias”. 

Frankie calls out a goodbye to the guy behind the counter as you leave the restaurant, his hand seems to automatically fall to the small of your back now, and you cross the street to the park. The park isn’t big, but big enough so that when you walk towards the middle the noises from the street and the city are muted. Frankie stops by his truck and pulls out a blanket from the backseat and when you find a shady spot under a big leafy tree he shakes it out for you both to sit on. 

The smell from the take away containers makes your stomach rumble as Frankie pops them open and when you finally get to bite into a taco with pastor meat you moan and let your head fall back. 

“This is so fucking good, Frankie,” you groan and go for another bite, missing how Frankie’s hands stops trying to pick up one of the carnitas as his eyes go dark, fixed on your mouth. He swallows and shifts on the blanket, looking down at his food again. 

“Yeah, they do the best Mexican in town, we go there for lunch a lot since it’s so close to the airfield.” He grabs his taco and keeps his eyes on it as he takes a big bite, trying to ignore the way you moan again at the taste. 

“I can see why you like it, I’d be here every lunch if it was this close to my job,” you say, trying to catch some juice that’s running down your hand. 

“I go too often to be honest, I think the carnitas are directly responsible for my old man’s belly,” Frankie looks down at his midriff and pats the small soft swell under his t-shirt, “definitely not as flat as it was in my 20’s.” 

“I like it,” you say, “can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but…it’s kinda sexy on a guy, something soft when you’re all hard angles and muscles everywhere else.”

“You think my old man’s belly is sexy?” Frankie is looking pretty pleased about your confession. 

“Yeah, I do. And stop calling it an old man’s belly, you can’t be that old?” 

“34, and I’m already going grey,” Frankie scrubs at his beard, where there’s a few strands of grey with the dark brown. 

“Oh yeah, you’re ancient.” you smile and touch your fingertips to his few grey hairs. “A whole two years older than me.” 

“I nearly had a panic attack when I saw the first grey one,” Frankie says, “but my friend Pope has loads and he’s younger so I try not to worry.” 

“I think you look really good, Frankie, with or without grey hair,” you reply and he looks over with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling in that way that makes him look so soft and sweet. 

“Thank you, hermosa, and I think you’re probably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” 

“Frankie…” you blush and can’t even make yourself look at him as he continues to smile at you. “I’m serious,” he says, “you made my heart stop when you smiled in the bar last night, and you weren’t even looking at me.” 

You’re too overwhelmed by his attention to even find your voice and just blush even more like a fool while you pretend to pick another taco from the boxes. Your heart is racing at a hundred miles per hour and you can still feel Frankie smiling at you, his half eaten taco in hand. 

“Fuck!” Frankie suddenly sputters out. You look up at him and see a large drip of juice from his taco trickling down his white t-shirt. “Damn, I guess I was pushing my luck with the tacos after the cherry pie,” he grumbles and gratefully takes the napkins you hand him. Wiping at the stain only makes it worse, spreading it out, and Frankie soon gives up, accepting his now stained appearance. “Can’t take me anywhere,” he gives you an apologetic smile and finishes off his carnita. 

It’s easy to hang out with Frankie as you share the remaining tacos, sitting close to him on the blanket, talking about movies. He’s making a list of horror movies for a future date and your loud protests make him laugh as he lists one movie gorier than the other. Finally you force him to have the last carnita, your stomach already full, and as he bites into it you tip backwards onto the blanket. 

“I’m so full, Frankie, I’m never eating again,” you groan as you put your hands over your belly, laying flat on your back. You can hear Frankie chuckle with his mouth full and you glance up at his profile. The air is warm in the shade under the tree, the light filtering through the leaves makes a dappled pattern over his body and cheeks but his nose and eyes are still shaded by the peak of his cap. 

“Frankie, come here,” you beckon him and he turns to look down at you as you put your hand on his shoulder. He wipes his hands and his mouth on a napkin, before stretching out next to you, propping himself up on his elbow.

“Can I take your cap off?” 

“Sure,” he replies with a smile, and you reach up and pull it off him. The sun immediately creates a halo of unruly curls around his head and you can see the dark brown of his eyes change to something more amber. Looking at the way the sun turns his dark brown curls golden you reach up and push your fingertips through them, your nails scratching along his scalp as the smooth strands slip underneath your hands. A shiver runs through him and he closes his eyes, leaning into your hands, as you play with his curls, letting them wrap around your fingers and watch how they bounce back when you let go. Frankie sighs and drops down on your chest, resting his head just above your stomach. “Please, don’t stop doing that,” he pleads and you continue to run your fingers through his hair, hearing him moan gently as his breathing slows down. 

You’re not sure when he actually falls asleep but when you hear a soft snore from him you realise he’s in a deep slumber on your chest, one arm thrown across your stomach. Continuing to caress his curls, making them stand on end even more, you close your eyes too and enjoy the feeling of his solid body pressed against your side and warm breaths against your t-shirt. It doesn’t take long before you’re asleep too. 

…

Frankie wakes up first, blinking at the bright light and feeling disorientated before turning his head and seeing you sleeping with a hand in his hair. Your head is tilted sideways, your mouth slightly open and he can feel your chest rise and fall with your gentle breaths. Carefully he pushes himself up so that he can move his arm and slide the back of his hand across your cheek. Sleep and sun has made your skin flushed and he relishes the silky feel of it as he caresses you lightly. 

The movement must have roused you because he sees your eyes move as you slowly blink, turning your head to focus on him. 

“Hi,” he says gently with a smile and you smile back at him, “Hi, Frankie.” 

You yawn, clamping a hand over your mouth and giggling as it makes Frankie yawn too. He scoots up further so that he can prop himself up on his elbow closer to your head and his hand leaves your cheek, caressing down your neck, stroking random patterns over your skin. 

“I guess tacos make us sleepy,” he smiles and you nod, slightly distracted by how close he is as he leans over you, blocking the sun. His curls are even more unruly, sticking up all over his head, and you run your hand over them again, lacing in your fingers into the curls at his neck and pulling him down towards your mouth. He comes willingly, his lips finding yours easily and when he parts them for you, his tongue is soft and eager against yours. The cool tip of his nose brushes against your cheek as he moves closer, deepening the kiss when you let out a low moan against him. Your fingers wrap tightly around his neck and your other hand finds the side of his chest, the warm cotton soft against your palm as you touch him properly for the first time. He’s firm under your touch, bunched muscles as he holds himself up over you and you caress further up his back. You relish in being able to feel the curve of his shoulder, the way his spine dips between his shoulder blades and disappears down towards the edge of his jeans, wishing there was no fabric under your hand. 

You feel his hand leave your neck, graze across your throat and softly brush against your breast as Frankie lets his fingertips trail down along your torso, finding the sliver of skin between your jeans and t-shirt. With a soft grip he runs his thumb along it, grabbing your waist and pulling you closer. 

“Is this ok?” he whispers close to your mouth as his hand caresses under your t-shirt. 

“Yes, Frankie,” you murmur and push your lips against his, tasting him on your tongue as your need for him grows, a louder moan escaping you. Your response makes him bolder and he pushes you into the blanket with a growl, buried against your mouth. His large hand is flat against your torso and you can feel how he wants to move it further up under your shirt, to feel more, grab more, but you’re still out in the open, still in public, and with a groan he pulls back. He slumps down beside you, burying his face in the crook of your neck with a sigh. His hand leaves your skin, instead he rests it modestly on your stomach, over your t-shirt. 

“Tan suave, hermosa,” he mumbles, “When can I see you again?” He pushes himself up on his elbow again, looking down at you with eyes that seem darker. 

“I’m busy next weekend, the wedding,” you explain with an apologetic smile, “but after that I’m all yours.” 

“All mine, huh?” Frankie grins and you wink back at him. “I wanna take you out for dinner, properly, but I also don’t wanna wait two weeks to see you again,” he says, “maybe we can catch up for drinks or something before then? Or dinner if things aren’t too crazy at the airfield, depending on when I can get away.” 

“I’d like that, Frankie, “ you smile at him, “I’ll check with the bride what the plans are for this week so I know what evenings I’m free, I know she had some sort of social events planned and then the rehearsal dinner on Friday.” 

“Wow, she’s going all out with this wedding?” Frankie raises his eyebrows. 

“Yeah, full on everything, rehearsal dinner, actual wedding day and then spa day and brunch on Sunday. I’m going to work on Monday after the wedding to relax…” you sigh, thinking about how drained you were going to be after three days of socialising with a crowd mostly made up of strangers. “Speaking of next week,” you say with a glance at your phone, “I should probably get home and get everything ready for it.” 

“Yeah, sounds like you’ve got an intense week coming up,” Frankie smiles and pushes himself up to his feet before giving his hand to you, pulling you to your feet. “I’d love to see you soon if you can but don’t stress it, there’s time.” 

He pulls you in for a kiss as you stand, wrapping your arms around his neck before sliding his hands down your waist, stopping to tug you closer to him. You press up against him, feeling his belt buckle dig into your stomach and his mustache tickles you as he gently makes you open your mouth to him again. Kissing him feels addicting and when he starts pulling away you slip your fingers into the curls at the back of his head and slowly let your fingernails run along his scalp. He immediately moans and pulls closer again, melting against you. 

It takes you a while to get back to the truck, stopping for more kisses, Frankie’s arm wrapped around your shoulders, and his soft lips so easy to reach up to, his hand sliding up to hold your neck, grabbing your hair and pulling you in for another long kiss while the afternoon slips away. When you’re finally by the passenger door he cages you in against the truck, his hands on either side of your head as you pull him closer, needing more of him. It leaves you both breathless, Frankie shifting his stance when his obvious hard on becomes uncomfortable but it does nothing to hide it. 

“Sorry,” he mutters when he pulls back a little from you, giving you an embarrassed little grin, “it’s difficult to control when you’re so close, hermosa, you feel so good.” 

“Don’t be sorry,” you mumble, pulling him back, “mine’s less obvious but just as out of control.” Frankie groans and drops his head to his chest before taking a deep breath, “Ok, I need to get you home before you say more things like that.” He opens the door behind you, “Get in before I change my mind.” 

…

Frankie drives back to the coffee shop where your car is parked and pulls up next to it, again jumping out and coming around to your door to open it. You stay in your seat until he puts out his hand for yours this time and he gives you a warm smile. 

“You’re learning, cariño, never letting you touch this door.” 

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” you smile back and take his hand and step down. He holds onto it as you walk over to your car, parked just down the street. After you unlock it and put your jacket inside you turn back to him. He’s smiling down at you, his eyes crinkling at the corners and his face is so handsome and warm it makes you wish you could call off all the plans for the week and just spend it with him. 

“I’ve had a really good time, Frankie,” you say as his hand comes up to cup your cheek, his thumb smooth over your skin. 

“Me too,” he says, “call me about next week, I’ll make sure that Denny lets me leave on time any evening you’re not busy. I really want to see you again soon, hermosa.” The last thing he says as his thumb caresses your lips, tracing the outline of them, his eyes flitting between your eyes and your mouth. 

“I’ll see if I can get out of some of all the social events, maybe Wednesday’s…” You close your eyes as Frankie’s beard tickles the side of your neck, his lips moving slowly over your skin. “You’re making it very hard to concentrate, Frankie,” you protest weakly and you hear him chuckle before he pulls back. 

“Ok, I’ll let you go,” he gives you a grin, “I need to start planning our movie date, need to get my dvd of The Shining back, I thought we’d start with that one.” 

Your face pulls into a grimace, wrinkling your nose at the prospect of a horror film and it makes Frankie laugh. 

“Un-wrinkle your face, hermosa,” he rubs his thumb down your nose with a grin, “I won’t really make you watch it if you don’t want to.” 

“Let’s start with something less scary, please.” 

“Anything you want, really,” he replies and you lean into him, kissing him one last time before getting in your car. “Thank you, Frankie, for today.” 

“See you soon, hermosa,” he smiles back at you. 

…

Your week turns out to be more hectic than anticipated and as Friday rolls around you still haven't been able to see Frankie. Between your work, his work and the looming wedding, all you’d managed was a few phone calls late in the evenings when you got home. You’d hear Frankie’s sleepy voice assure you it wasn’t too late when you called him and then his rich baritone would keep you company as you got ready for bed. On Thursday you’d crawled into bed and facetimed him, his dimly lit bedroom making his eyes black as he smiled at your big yawns. You wish you could ask him to come over and just sleep next to you, the ache for him almost physically painful. When you said goodnight and turned off your phone you rolled onto your side, trying to imagine what it would feel like if you had Frankie’s warm body curled around your own as you drifted off to sleep. 

Friday morning you put on your office clothes and pack a bag for the rehearsal dinner; a dress and heels to swap into after work before heading to the very upscale restaurant booked by the groom’s parents. Frankie has sent you a sweet good morning text and you reply as you wait for your coffee to drip down, smiling at his usual lack of capital letters, punctuation or any apostrophes. You’d asked him about it during the week, thinking maybe his phone was broken, and after a few awkward chuckles he’d confessed; he just hadn’t figured out how to do them on a smartphone and now he was too embarrassed to ask anyone. You’d tried to not laugh, his flustered huffs down the phone made you want to hug him tight, and you’d promised to show him how to do it the next time you met. 

“Didn’t realise I’d need a college degree just to type on the phone,” he’d chortled. 

…

You manage to leave work a little bit early and change into your dress and heels, touching up your make-up and hair, before heading out. As you arrive early to the restaurant you find one of your best friends, Sophia, at the bar. She’d missed the bachelorette party and had only just flown in for the wedding weekend, her suitcase still next to her bar stool. She waves both her hands over her head when she spots you and you all but run over to her with your arms outstretched. 

“It’s so good to see you, sweetie,” Sophia says after you’ve both stopped hugging and squealing, tucking her arm under yours, squeezing it tightly. “I miss having you around.” 

“Well, that’s what happens when you move to another continent and decide to marry some random Welsh girl,” you reply. Sophia had married Carys three years earlier and moved back with her to London a year later. “Speaking of, where is she? Not here for the wedding?”

“She is, but she had to wrap something up at work, she’ll be here in time for dinner.” 

The bartender comes over and you both order champagne, seeing as it’s the groom’s parents who will be footing the bill for the open bar. Sophie grabs her suitcase and glass and motions you over to one of the booths. 

“So what’s going on with you? I hate to be the one that asks the obvious question but…anyone new in your life? It’s been ages since..you know who…and I’d love to see you happy with someone.” 

You take a sip of the champagne to avoid answering straight away. You didn’t like talking about the people you were dating too soon, preferring to find your footing and know where it was heading before fielding a hundred questions from your friends. But Sophia was different, she wouldn’t start planning your wedding or pester you to introduce him to her, and she was a solid judge of character. 

“Ok, so…” you start slowly and Sophia lights up, her smile like a thousand watts, “I did meet this one guy last Saturday.” 

“I fucking knew it!” she exclaims, “you looked different, happy different, sweetie.” 

“We’ve only had one date so far, but it was really nice,” you say, smiling at the memory of your Sunday with Frankie. 

“What’s his name?” Sophia asks, sipping her drink. 

“Frankie, Francisco Morales.” 

“Good name, great name, very solid.” Sophia smiles, “I approve of his mother’s choice of name.” 

“Dumbass,” you chide her with a snicker. “He was at the last bar we went to with the bachelorette party, he was there with some friends, and he was so sweet and handsome and kinda shy that I gave him my number, despite swearing to never do that again.” 

“Sweet and handsome is good, what does he look like?” 

“I won’t do him justice at all, but he has brown, curly hair, dark brown eyes and an adorable scruffy beard with a dimple. But his face is just perfectly sweet and soft and when he smiles his eyes go all warm and I feel like I can’t move when he looks at me.” 

“Girl, you have a crush on this man, I can tell…” Sophia giggles and clinks her glass against yours. 

“I do, I can’t deny,” you laugh with her. “We kissed on Sunday and, oh my god, I just wanted to take him home and keep him in my bed for a week, maybe two.” You lean back, sighing as you remember how Frankie’s body felt pressed up against yours, his eager tongue slipping against yours as his hand slipped under your t-shirt. 

“So do it, what have you got to lose?” 

“Nothing, but this week has been crazy and the entire weekend is packed. He knows I’m busy so we’re gonna try to meet up for drinks some night next week. But definitely dinner next Saturday,” you take another sip of your champagne. 

“Ok, but what are you doing here tonight, babe?” Sophia looks at you with a frown. “It’s not like you have to be at the rehearsal dinner, bail and go see him instead.” 

“Lizzy would kill me, and if not her than Steve’s mother, they’re paying for this thing.” 

“Lizzy will not kill you if you ditch her for a guy that makes you smile like that,” Sophia points a meaningful finger at your face, you can’t seem to make the corners of your mouth go down. Talking about Frankie has you longing for him and as Sophia pokes you in the side you start giggling, wriggling away from her. “Go see him, call him right now, see if he’s free, and then you go fuck his brains out and come to the wedding as a new woman.” She pokes you again, “Go now, call him. If he’s available I’ll talk to Lizzy.” 

“Ok, ok, jeez, woman, I’m going,” you laugh and push yourself out of the booth. 

You leave the bar area and wander out to the patio in the back, away from the crowd that’s starting to congregate in the restaurant, as you pull up Frankie’s number on your phone. 

“Hey, hermosa,” his warm, rich voice comes through the phone after two rings and you feel yourself smiling. “What’s up, I thought you were at the rehearsal dinner? 

“I am, it’s just about to start. I just wanted to talk to you, I wish we could’ve made time to meet up this week.” 

“Yeah, me too, cariño, I’m sorry I was so busy at work.” 

“No, I’m the one who’s had the crazy week and all the stuff planned this weekend. But I was thinking, maybe I can sneak away from this dinner early and we can meet up, unless you already have plans?”

“I do, I’m meeting the boys for a couple of drinks, but I will most definitely ditch them for you any day.” You can hear the smile in his voice as he gets eager about the idea. 

“Maybe if I stay for the actual dinner here and leave when that’s done? So you can hang out with your friends first and then we can meet up for a drink or something?” 

“Yeah, that sounds like a great idea, we’re going to some new place downtown that Will wanted to try out, and I think it’s pretty close to your restaurant. Send me a message when dinner is done and I’ll come and meet you there, ok?” In the background you can hear someone yell, “Come on, Fish!” and he calls for them to give him a sec. 

“Go Frankie, go with them, I’ll message you when I’m done.” You feel heat rising in your cheeks at the thought of seeing Frankie again so soon. Frankie’s voice is softer and lower, you can hear him walking, his boots scuffing across a hard surface as he replies. 

“Can’t wait, hermosa, I miss you.” 

“Miss you too, Frankie.” 

…

True to her word, Sophia pulls Lizzy to one side during the dinner and explains why you’ll be disappearing as soon as her uncle Herb has wrapped up his rambling speech about Steve mowing his lawn. Both women shoot you wide grins and thumbs up across the room as you excuse yourself while the coffee and dessert is being brought in, fumbling in your bag for your phone to text Frankie. 

You wait for him to arrive just inside the entrance of the restaurant and can’t help but laugh as Sophia’s head pops out from behind one of the large potted plants, looking like she’s in a bad spy movie. 

“What?” she giggles, “I just wanna see this guy who’s got you all smiley. I’ll be totally discreet.” 

“Come here, dumbass,” you say fondly, and she wraps her arms around you in a big hug. 

“Sweetie, I hope he’s all you want him to be, you deserve this.” 

“Thanks, Soph, you’ve always got my back,” you peck her on the cheek and she gives you a smile before glancing over at the big windows on either side of the glass door. 

“Please tell me that’s him,” she mouths, her eyes widening slightly. 

You turn and spot Frankie walking towards the door and your breath catches in your throat at the sight of him. He hasn’t seen you yet and as you watch he smooths his large hands down the front of his dark red button up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off his strong looking forearms. He’s ditched the cap and the evening breeze ruffles his curls, making them escape the attempt you can see he’s made at taming them. He’s got dark jeans on, hugging his thighs and showing off his ridiculous shoulder to hip ratio. Spotting you through the door his eyes crinkle and he gives you that sweet nervous smile. You smile back at him as his hand shoots up and rubs the back of his neck, his ever present awkward little gesture that makes your heart clench. 

You’re about to turn and say goodbye to Sophia when she swiftly steps forwards and opens the door to the restaurant for Frankie. 

“You must be Frankie,” she beams at him, ushering him inside. 

“Uh, yeah, I am, hi,” he stutters, taking the hand Sophia holds out. 

“Hi Frankie,” you say, “this is my friend Sophia, she’s just leaving.” You give her a stern look that she ignores.

“Really nice to meet you, Frankie, I’m so happy I convinced my darling friend here to ditch this dull crowd and call you instead.” She’s still beaming at Frankie, unashamedly looking him up and down as you step closer to him. He seems to find himself a little and gives Sophia a friendly smile before turning his attention back to you. 

“Hi, hermosa,” he says in a low voice as he drops his head and kisses your cheek, his hand landing on your waist and pulling you closer.

Sophia gives you a quick thumbs up and an excited grin before Frankie looks up again. 

“Alright, Mr Morales, take my girl out and show her a good time, you have my blessing,” she croons and starts ushering you both out the door. “Now get going before you get roped into this damn wedding again, sweetie.” 

“Bye, Soph, I’ll see you tomorrow.” you call out as you leave, Frankie’s arm still around your waist. 

You both laugh as you walk down the street, getting away from the restaurant. “I’m sorry about the ambush,” you giggle, “She’s a bit of a whirlwind but she’s my best friend, I can’t deny her anything.” 

“She seems like a good friend, looking out for you,” he smiles. 

“Yeah, always.” You tug lightly at him, making him stop as you turn, looking up at him. “Hi,” you whisper and his arms wrap around your waist. 

“Hi,” he mumbles, dropping his head to your forehead, his eyes warm and soft. He stays still for a few beats but when you reach up for his lips he almost makes you stumble back with how fiercely he kisses you. His arms come up along your back, pulling you in as his tongue frantically licks into your mouth and you moan against him, his fevered advance making your body ache. A few moments pass, his body hard against your own as he seems to need to pull you as close as possible, his hot breath over your skin as he kisses you acutely. Only the loud whoop from across the street makes you break apart. 

“You’re so gorgeous in that dress, hermosa,” he murmurs as he reluctantly pulls back, letting his eyes slide over the black wrap dress and down your legs on display. “You’re always gorgeous but that dress on you…” he trails off, his hands slipping from your waist, down over your hips. His eyes are dark and you feel your own need mirrored in them as he looks up at you again. 

Eventually he takes your hand and starts walking again, “About that drink, yeah?”

You nod and let your breath slip out, slowly exhaling to calm your nerves, squeezing his hand tightly.

…

The night is a disaster. As you let the door to your place slam shut behind you, you slip down to the floor, tugging your heels off as hot tears start welling up. All you can see when you squeeze your eyes shut is Frankie’s furious face as he slammed the man against the wall, the dull thump of his fist against his face, the blood pouring from the battered nose. Sweet, shy Frankie suddenly dealing out violence, dropping the man with two swift punches and then turning back to you, taking hold of your arms, his knuckles still coated in blood, another man’s blood. 

You’d barely heard him as he tried to make sure you were ok. It had been nothing. The man had groped you as you left the ladies, you’d slapped his hand away and he’d grabbed your arm, pulling you around with a leer. Frankie had appeared at your side out of nowhere, the man slumping on the floor a moment later. But it was Frankie’s transformation that scared you, his face had been furious, but as the punches fell it was cold, emotionless, and he didn’t even flinch as blood spluttered from the man’s broken nose. When he took hold of your arms, looking down at you, he had blood on his shirt and you couldn’t look away from it. Frankie’s face was still impassive, only a slight frown, as he asked you again if you were hurt. You stared back at him, pulling your eyes away from the blood, it was on his skin too. Suddenly, severely aware of how little you knew Frankie, you pulled away from him, scared of the man in front of you, of the violence he’d shown. 

Who could be that violent? 

Who would punch a man so hard he didn’t get up again? 

You’d stammered something, telling him you needed to think, to not follow you, seeing the shock on Frankie’s face turn to despair as you backed away, his hands still on your arms, slowly letting go. Turning your back on him you heard him speak your name but you ignored it, the adrenaline in your system was spiking, making your hands shake and your legs move quickly. 

You hold it together in the Uber home but now you’re on the floor of your hallway, sobbing at the unfairness of everything. 

Chapter 4

[lastthroes]

i played at least one version of all tales mainlines and have a lot of faves so in the end rays satisfied me a lot (besides i already like most of the "hated" entries of the mainlines and i'm used to get my food by eating around the edges), but edna is my favorite tales character which brings me back to my wish that they had addressed the earth siblings differently

to circumvent eizen's curse, they pulled out a questionable deus ex machina and did whatever they wanted with the games' lore, then… pretty much never made them interact much anyway? they were never starring on an event together, and after the nor doll event (where eizen spent most of the time avoiding her), the only times you see them interacting are a few lines that can be counted with one hand, a few very short scenes like the summer festival where he comments she looks beautiful in the kimono (her sma) and then reunite with the others; in arc3 (a farewell); the god eaters event at the end (where they basically just check up on e/o for a moment); and the asteria event in arc 4 where edna's possessed so it's not like she can talk either (and it basically ends after she retains her conscience and thanks him after eizen breaks the collar. we don't even know what kind of illusion she was put under like it happens in asteria*)

and yes i know there's this point in where they came to the conclusion of how things had changed from back when they lived together, because eizen had his group and his life and edna had hers too, but 1) this was obviously to not separate them from their main casts and cause trouble writing-wise too much, which i'm fine with, and 2) considering this is a crossover game, and how many times characters got mixed with the casts of different games, it's not an excuse to not have them together in substantial ways beyond a line of an offscreen interaction mentioned by a third person whenever they remember about it, like it happens in the new year event eizen's sma comes from (scene that we never see either), or in the christmas event zaveid got his sma from, he also asks her if she wants to see eizen and edna tells him to just deliver her letter and it just ends there

i'm really just… stumped that they tried so hard to justify edna being able to stay by eizen's side, just to not actually let them be with each other that much in a relevant way anyway? like really, not even an event where they're both bonus characters? there are so many things you can do with their relationship in tir na nog that i just can't understand it. i'd have even accepted something silly and not really plot relevant like eizen freaking out over edna getting a wedding alt like hisui did when kohaku got hers

[pocketmolly]

I love how present Damian is in all of the crisis/events in dc! Like this man is not just Batman's sidekick and it shows I mean of course he won't have the same plot importance as dc trinity or whatever but this guy is shockingly relevant in almost every event (at least in the new52)

1. Dark Knights Metal

The teen titans go to the challengers mountain in Gotham and Damian somehow fucks off from his team (cannon fodder tbh) and ends up inside. There, he meets Green Arrow, Harley, Killer Croc and Nightwing and they fight their way into the (almost?) center. Damian kills dark robin and only through this do the good guys gain the knowledge that enemies can be killed by Nth metal which leads to their eventual victory. (Gotham Resistance)

2. Shadow War

This event kind of centers around Ra's Al Ghul, Talia Al Ghul and Slade after the Robin (2021) so it makes sense why Damian is a major character in it, basically Batman and Robin just kinda hop around trying to stop Talia and Slade from murdering each other. Anyway Damian has a humongous part in the conclusion where he manages to defeat the bad guy himself and Mary Sues his mother into not killing the guy who murdered Ra's. Also this event is kinda goofy where it ends in sunshine and rainbows (Slade is still alive and sets up Dark Crisis) (Ra's comes back as a ghost).

3. Dark Crisis

Dark Crisis gives Damian his little one shot where they portray him as both 12 years old and 34 years old. Anywho, Damian quickly says 'fuck you' to both Jon and Nightwing and goes on his own adventure where his team frees Justice Incarnate (which is the JL of the multiverse) and somehow unlock Dr Light's powers which she uses to stabilise the multiverse??? And don't let the team accomplishments fool you because Damian hacks into a cosmic tuning fork in an ape dimension to find the source of the Darkness??? (Please read Dark Crisis: The Dark Army, it is so good!!)

4. Lazarus Planet

Even the name of this event screams Damian... This event also starts off in Robin (2021) and is the biggest crossover Damian is at the center of. He starts off as a main antagonist where it's mostly a batfam event. Then, at the climax of the event, Damian is converted back to the hero's side when it becomes an international event. He's basically the main strategist and leader in fighting the god, King Fire Bull. There are a bunch of one-shots where heroes are struggling with new or a lack of powers which is why I say it's Damian's first big crossover event, additionally the entire batfam kind of revolves around him, being literally at his beck and call. The ending is also super sweet where Damian rallies the people of Gotham to revive Batman but he also kind of decided to kill Batman in the first place so that's not so sweet. I think this event, though not extremely well written, gives us a taste of what Damian would be like leading the JL (idk if it was plot convenience but everyone just agreed to following orders from a 15 year old) alongside Nightwing and Jon.

5. Night Terrors

In this Damian is revealed to have control over his dreams (which is crazy btw) and he goes to some monk to learn how to resist sleep? Anyway, while the other heroes are snoozing, Damian gets to team up with Deadman, Sandman and his father's unconscious body. It's the classic superhero story where he swoops in to rescue the two and they get the nightmare stone or something. Truthfully, I'm not too sure why they chose Damian specifically to play this role because I'm pretty sure any other hero would have been an okay substitute but I will never complain about Damian content.

This is just off the top of my head and I'm aware Beast World did happen but that event definitely needs its own post because I just absolutely adore it. Anyway, writers have been pushing for Damian to become a major character in DC and I really really hope he gets to be beside Nightwing and Jon when they inevitably (DC will never let them) take over.

[theminecraftbee]

sorry. okay. things from joe's episode alone that delight me so far, i have literally only watched their episode, i haven't gotten around to anyone else yet this one is just rotating too much:

joe spends the entire first five minutes of this episode trying to come up with as many ways to misinterpret the very little information she has from the compass and grian's base as possible

i actually. hadn't seen the little circuit banners in grumbot' before, or at least hadn't noticed them, thanks for showing them off

joe is mesmerized by the cube.......

the transition between hermitcraft and empires is IMPRESSIVELY smooth actually

grian: "don't look at me!" joe, immediately: "everybody look at grian"

SCATTERED AU REAL?

joe noting that the two most important things about stratos are the neo-classical greek architecture and also that it is floating

joe punching a tree

joe managing to FAIL to punch a tree because he has litematica installed but doesn't know how it works. he broke his arm guys it doesn't punch anymore :(

OLI ORIONSOUND???

oli and joe interacting is EXACTLY everything i had hoped it would be. it's so funny. they're two normal weirdguys interacting in normal weirdguy ways.

joe is just vibing but he gives off such a confused and overwhelmed vibe this whole time (in like, roleplay mode) and it's really funny he's just. nodding along here. sure why not that makes sense

joe and pearl both instantly being like :D I KNOW THAT GUY when they see each other

pearl in scott's hat...

everyone on this side of the pov keeps on repeating to joe that the sheriff here is really corrupt and that's like, very much going to come back and bite them later, isn't it

they go to stratos and find grian and he's just. stealing things. and insisting he's borrowing

grian is WEIRDLY TOUCHED that scott just gives him food and stuff he's like. wait i... don't have to steal? madness

scar and cub are hanging out with joel and in that time scar has discovered that joel is a "chiseled god" and declares he may have better abs than he has. grian thinks this is blasphemy.

scar does in fact wear the hat better

grian and scar IMMEDIATELY die to the gaps in the paths in upper stratos

scott showing pearl the farming goddess temple and badly mispronouncing pearl. pearl being like "wait is this me" but then just like. entirely moving on. pearl, honey,

it's really clear that they did not discuss how canon the life series should or shouldn't be because impulse recognizes scott, scott doesn't recognize impulse, they play it off as impulse not having a beard, lol.

joe just getting increasingly overwhelmed and confused and being like. right that's enough. there's too much happening. i'm just going to leave now. and then she does

he puts a sign on the inn door in chromia... @/joehills do not disturb...

the episode just ends? IMPLYING FURTHER CROSSOVER SHENANIGANS?

THIS ISN'T EVEN EVERYTHING THIS EPISODE JUST HAPPENS TO BE PERFECT FANSERVICE FOR ME SPECIFICALLY,

[peonierose]

Round Robin: Chapter 5 - Don’t call me Angel

Book: OH & TRR crossover

Characters mentioned: Luna Auclair (F!OC - OH), Bryce Lahela (M!MC - OH), Tobias Carrick (M!MC - OH, Maxwell Beaumont (M!MC - TRR) and Bertrand Beaumont (M!MC - TRR)

Words in total: 3,373k

A/N: Masterlist for Round Robin @choicesprompts I’m participating for Round Robin for the 1st time and I really hope I could do the characters justice 🥰

Side note: Thank you so much for helping me with this story and helping me get inspired @aallotarenunelma & @annieruok94 🩷🩷🩷🩷

A few weeks ago…

Luna

The phone rang somewhere in the house while I was in the middle of an art project.

A few seconds later I heard footsteps and when I turned around I saw Bryce appear in the doorway, handing me my phone.

”Who is it?“ I asked and turned to my canvas again.

”No idea some fancy talking guy said he wanted to talk to you.“

”Is he sure he got the right person?“ ”Beats me.“

I furrowed my brow and pushed my dark blonde hair out of my face and accidentally got some teal paint in my hair. Good thing it’ll wash out.

”Hello?“ I wiped my paint covered fingers on a cloth I kept handy when I painted.

”Am I speaking to Ms. Luna Auclair?“ A deep voice with a slight accent can be heard from the other end.

”Yes. And who is this?“ I put the phone on speaker and got up slowly as I took my brushes to the sink to wash them.

”My name is Bertrand Beaumont from House Beaumont in Cordonia. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.“

”Hmm. Sorry doesn’t ring a bell.“ I say not able to resist teasing him. Bryce snickered next to me.

”You’re so mean.“ He mouthed, and I kissed his stubbled cheek, making him smile.

I turned back to the conversation, putting Bertrand out of his misery. Poor guy must’ve thought the worst of me.

”I’m just kidding Mr. Beaumont I know who you are. So what can I do for you?“ I turned off the faucet and put my paint brushes upside down so they could dry.

”I could use your help.“ He sounded hesitant, which made me instantly curious.

”Help with what?“

”We have our PR firm that we founded, and we’re trying to give some people a better public image.“ I took my phone into my hand.

”What does that have to do with me? I’m not a PR person. I have a bachelor's degree in fine arts, and I’m currently teaching art at the University of Hawaii.“

I took a look at my half-finished painting sitting on the easel, and decided to let the painting dry for now. I’ll keep working on it later.

When I closed the door Bryce and I walked towards the backyard, where we sat down in our beach chairs, while Bertrand’s voice kept coming out of the speaker.

”I’m very well aware. But I know you’re someone who’s skilled as an artist. And I know you think outside the box, and that’s exactly what we need.“

”I will need more information than that if you want my help.“ I could hear some commotion before another voice replaced Bertrand's.

”Luna right? Hi I’m Maxwell, Bertrand’s brother. Look, my brother's social skills suck sometimes. I have the cliff notes version if you want it?“

”Um…sure fire away.“

”Alright. A few weeks ago there was a bit of an…let’s call it an incident. Tobias Carrick was caught making out with the daughter of one of the hospital directors of Mass Kenmore. Someone apparently posted it online. Of course, it’s gone viral. The damage is done and he could get fired. Because apparently it’s unethical.“

”Poor Tobias. He’s a good friend of me and my fiancé Bryce so he has our sympathies especially since this a massive violation of their privacy to put the video online. I’m really sorry he’s going through that.“

I looked at Bryce who was as surprised as me to hear about this.

”Both Bertrand and I feel terrible, because Tobias seems like such a great guy and then for someone to swoop in and destroy his image like that. This is actually where you come into play. Let’s just say we’ve tried other people to fix his image, but it didn’t work.“

”Like I told your brother, I’m not a PR person. I have zero experience.“

”That’s not what we’re looking for. I’m talking about your other accolades. You’re not only one of the youngest people to finish your bachelor degree, but one where all your professors had only glowing compliments for you. You also published your own book, called Kala Kala - Overcoming anxiety with the help of art. Very nice read. I loved it, it’s also super colorful by the way. Not only do you teach art at the senior center, you’re an active member at arts on the fence, a non-profit organization in Honolulu, Hawaii. You love malasdas and are allergic to ginger. Should I continue? I’ve got more.“

”I…no…that’s fine. But how did you find out that much about me? Not everything is available online.“ I was wondering how the hell they got my phone number, and all the things in my bio Maxwell just mentioned. Why would they even be interested in seeking out my help?

”Let’s say a mutual, redhead found out about it. She bought some of your art, and she said you could be a good fit. I think the phrase »ovaries of steel« was mentioned.“

I gasped in awe.

”You don’t mean Olivia Nevrakis do you? Because then I’m so in. I’d love to meet her. And of course help out in any way I can.“

I heard a whoop and a sigh.

”Is that a yes?“ Maxwell asked unsure.

”Hold on a sec.“ I muted the conversation.

”What do you think B?“ I asked Bryce and I could see his beautiful face, that I could sketch every single day and not get tired of looking at.

”I mean I’m sorry Tobias is going through this. He’s our friend, but are you sure you’re up for it?“ His brown eyes were filled with worry as he gently caressed my stomach.

”I’ll be fine. Women have gotten pregnant before and have worked until they’ve given birth.“ I said with more conviction than I felt right now.

”I know you’re trying to be strong but okay. If you’re really sure, then I’m okay with it, but the smallest hitch, and we’re going back home. And don’t think of going alone. I don’t care who they are. You’re my fiancé and the mother of my kids. So they better believe I’ll be going with you.“

”I love your protective mode.“

”Out of all the things I’ve said, that’s what you focused on?“

I grinned and then I unmuted the conversation.

”Maxwell? I’m in.“

”Thanks Luna. I promise you won’t regret it.“

”I better don’t. Otherwise, you’ll hear me yell at you.“

Maxwell chuckled.

”You got it. There’ll be a private jet to pick you up. I’ll send you the arrival date. Can’t wait to meet you. From the pictures I’ve seen, you're really beautiful.“

”Careful there Casanova.“ Bryce chimed in, and I grinned as I pushed my hand through his soft brown hair, making him relax.

”No worries, I know she’s taken. We’ll see you soon in Cordonia, bye.“

Before I could say anything else the phone call ended. Bryce and I just stared at the phone and then laughed at how surreal the situation was.

Who would’ve thought I’d meet members of House Beaumont?

Though it looked as if a new adventure was coming our way.

5 days later

So here I was on day five not making any kind of improvement whatsoever.

I’ve tried talking to Tobias, but nothing worked to get through to him.

He acted as if nothing was wrong and there’s no part where he could lose his job. He’s been painted as the bad guy but doesn’t seem to care.

I got up this morning, let Bryce sleep in a little, as I went down to the pool to figure out a new strategy for how to fix this mess.

That’s when I saw Tobias flirting with a woman by the pool.

You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m trying to repair his image, and he’s out here flirting? Oh, hell no!

”Having fun?“ I asked when I stood next to him. Tobias turned his light green eyes to me, focusing on me rather than the woman he was just talking to a minute ago.

As if he wasn’t already good-looking enough, the smile he threw my way made his face even more beautiful.

”Good morning to you too, gorgeous.“

”Sorry buddy but that charm is wasted on me. I’m engaged and I’m expecting.“

”Does that mean I can’t flirt with you?“ Tobias smirked.

”You can. But it won’t have any effect.“ I said and took a towel from the rack and threw it at him.

”Get dressed.“ I said, and he took the towel, but didn't move. He threw an apologetic smile at the woman who was sitting next to him. She slipped him a small piece of paper and left. He watched her walk away and nodded his head in appreciation.

I cleared my throat, and he turned his gaze on me.

”Let me guess you have another glorious idea how to restore my image?“

”You can call it that. You have 10 minutes to get dressed and be back.“

”Let’s make it 15 alright?“ Tobias laughed.

”Now it’s 10 minutes.“

”Does that tone ever work on Bryce?“

”I’m not going to repeat myself.“

”Now you sound like a school teacher.“ He replied but got up. That’s progress I guess.

”Look, I was assigned to give you some sort of glowing makeover for your reputation. If you don’t want it? Fine. I have better things to do.“

Tobias stared back at me, his charm gone.

”Like what? Be all sunshiny? No offense, but don’t you ever have a bad day or get angry? In all the time you’ve been here you’re always smiling and never losing your cool. You’re more like a robot.“

His comment hit me more than I thought it would, so I got up in his face. Which is hard since he’s taller than me, but I made it work.

”Don’t mistake my bubbly personality for being just that. There’s a lot more to my character and my personality than being happy and positive. You don’t know me that well if your words are any indication.“

His eyes widened for a fraction.

”My bad.“

”And that was lesson number 12.“

Tobias rolled his eyes.

”What I don’t get is why they even assigned you to me? We’re polar opposites.“

”You know what’s interesting? In our whole convos, you’ve avoided talking about this whole incident that led up to this moment right now. You keep acting as if you don’t care, and it’s no concern of yours. But you avoid talking about the core problem.“

Tobias crossed his arm.

”Please enlighten me.“

”You’re not a bad guy. But you’d rather have people believe you’re a dick then let them think you have a heart. That’s interesting.“

”Are you done psychoanalyzing me?“ His voice sounded more and more irritated.

”If you think that we’re done? Then you don’t know me at all. We’re just getting started. Get dressed. And don’t be late. If you’re not down in 5 minutes I’m leaving. So dealers choice.“

”Fine, I'll go get dressed. Doesn’t mean this conversation is over.“

”Now it’s 9 minutes.“ I said and watched him quicken his steps while I sat down and enjoyed the nice view of the ocean.

10 minutes later…

”What is this place?“ He asked without really seeming to pay attention.

”It’s called a room. With walls and windows. And sometimes there’s even a door.“

He snickered.

”I know what a room is. I meant what are we doing in this room?“ He looked at all the cans of paint I had people assemble for this exercise.

”That’s the fun part. Team building exercise. It’s also pregnancy safe, which is a plus.“ I grinned, but he just looked at me and didn't reply.

”The point of this exercise is to let go of past hurts. Look at it this way, you can just let all your anger out. I like to call it angry painting.“

I take a can of paint, open it and see the color coral crush. I took it and threw some at the wall.

Tobias regarded me and I handed him another can, he took but stared at it as if it’s been touched by Medusa herself.

”Do you even know how to get angry?“ He looked at me skeptically as he kept holding the pint can in his hands.

”Excuse me?“

He opened the can of paint and a soft canary yellow joined the coral crush tone on the wall.

”Look, all you’ve said is how I have a heart and I don’t let others see it. But you don’t even know me. How do you expect me to trust you?“

”Is this finally the heart-to-heart you’re giving me? One that the others failed to get?“

”Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to partner up.“ He set the can down and was about to walk away.

”Giving up so soon? That’s a shame.“

”What?“ He stopped and slowly turned my way.

”I know you’re the type of guy who likes to do things rather than sit around and talk.“

”You’ve been paying attention? I’m shocked. Everybody knows I’m competitive, that's not a secret.“

”Of course I’ve been paying attention. You know I have bad days and angry moments too. I’m not just some blonde bimbo, who can’t count to three. I notice a lot more than people think.“

”Such as?“ He raised his eyebrows daringly as he leaned against the door frame.

”When you get nervous you bite your lip and clench your left fist. Which would lead me to believe you are left-handed.“

I kept going.

”Whenever I ask you a personal question or try to tackle the issue, you laugh it off, meaning you’re not ready to talk to me or improve your image. You think it’s fine and it doesn't need any polishing. If people don’t like you or think you’re a dick that’s on them.“

Tobias doesn’t say anything.

”I’d wager you’re someone who likes to do things his way or the highway. You don’t play well with others because you like to be in control. It’s hard for you to give anyone even an ounce of your trust because you believe trust is earned. You said it yourself I don’t know much about you, so why should you trust me? So did I get any of that right?“

Tobias didn’t say anything. He didn’t even move a muscle.

”Your silence indicates I got something right.“

”Even if you did get it right, it doesn’t mean I need your help.“

”So what you’d let your image get destroyed and let others decide on the narrative rather than trying to fix it? That doesn’t sound like the Tobias I got to know.“

”I can’t control what people think.“

”Maybe not. But you can let them see that there’s more to you. Do you know what I see right now?“

”What?“

”Someone who’s been hurt in the past, and now you’re hurt again. But you’re trying so hard to bury those feelings that you’re drowning in them.“

”Sounds like a therapy session.“ He mumbled.

”Art is therapy. Did you know I basically got bullied out of the art gallery I worked at in Boston?“

He shook his head. By the look in his eyes I could tell I got his attention.

”I had no idea, but I’m sorry to hear that. Why did you get fired?“

”I quit. I’ve been struggling with anxiety for years. And they’ve seen me as someone they can demean and push around. My voice was snuffed out. I’ve always seen art as freedom, choosing to make art work for you. Art has helped me find an outlet, find my voice. Let me be creative and put paint on a canvas when I can’t name my own feelings.“

He rubbed his neck as if uncomfortable by my word vomit.

”I had no idea. And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a dick. I just…“

”You needed to vent so you let it out on me. I get it. We all lash out when we’re angry. Usually at the people we’re close to.“

”But you seem so calm and composed. You and Bryce never even fight. You’re so perfect.“

I threw my head back and let out a laugh. Making it echo from the walls.

I turned back to Tobias who was looking at me as if I grew another head.

”Do you really believe that? Of course Bryce and I fight. We have disagreements all the time. But we’ve learned how to handle them. Even if we don’t speak to each other for days, it doesn't mean we hate each other. But it means hey I need space I’ll talk when I’ve cooled off. We found our rhythm. We love and understand each other.“

He sighed and sat down, leaning on the wall that was just covered with paint, he winced when he realized it, but he didn’t sit down somewhere else.

”What a mess I’ve created, but maybe you’re right.“

”I must have a fever, or did you just say I’m right?“ I grinned and he smiled back.

”No you heard me correctly. You’re right. I’m scared to end up alone. So that’s why I pushed Chloe away. The woman from the video. We’ve gotten pretty close, and I don't know I panicked. I mean whoever took the video had no right to do that, but I guess people judge me and say how I’m sleeping with her because I’d like to get to the top. But that’s not true. I like the job I have. I have no desire to work in an office. I love working with patients. Hearing them tell me what’s wrong and finding a way to make things better for them.“

”Could it be that you’re scared you won’t measure up? Wanting to prove others wrong? You’d rather be the one who ends a relationship rather than the one who gets his heart broken?“

”Yes to all of the above.“ He nodded.

”Alright. That’s something we can work on.“ I said with renewed energy.

”How? We can’t just fix this mess in a matter of days.“

I smiled softly at him.

”No. But we can slowly build towards improving. You know there is a Hawaiian proverb my grandma always uses: A’ Ohe Pu’u Ki’eki’e Ke Ho’a’o ‘Ia e Pi’i.“

”Uhh…meaning?“ He asked.

”No cliff is so tall it cannot be climbed.“

”I kinda like that phrase.“ He said thoughtfully.

”Yeah it’s beautiful. You know what else? You’re not broken. It just means you haven’t figured out the right formula. I don’t want to turn you into someone you’re not. I just want you to realize that if you keep pushing people away who’d like to be in your life you’ll end up all alone. And that’s not what I want for you. You’re smart, funny and good-looking. Don’t let it go to waste.“

Tobias shook his head as grinned at me.

”You know? Now I understand why Bryce fell for you.“

I grinned at him.

”I told you so. There’s more to me than you might think.“

”I can see that. Also, please tell me I’m not the only one you boss around. At least tell me you do that to Bryce too.“

”Oh trust me I do.“ I laughed again because it felt as if we reached a good point. And I’m glad I could get him to open up.

I can see a big grin forming on Tobias face and I already knew there’s something snarky coming.

”Also I did get something right on the first try.“ He grinned.

”Let me guess how to do sex right.“ I sighed.

”No. It was actually how to pick friends. Maybe after we solve this mess I can try and restore some of my friendships.“

”You got this Carrick.“ I slapped his arm.

”Now you sound like Lahela.“

I winked at him.

”Now what?“ He asked after getting up.

”Now we slowly improve your image. With me by your side things can only get better.“ He laughed out loud and we continued to throw paint at the wall. We might’ve not solved everything, but we’re getting there.

[eimoonie]

Soo... like, Genshin impact crossover Bocchi the rock! crossover Honkai:star rail (hsr) HEHE

For genshin imagine (Modern Au, Band Au)

Xiao x GN!Y/N

(IM SO SORRY i dont remember the person who drew this, i hope the s/o who drew it saw this, come here bbg 🫶🏻)

You've known Xiao for being the quiet kid in high school yet you didn't know that Xiao has another side that he wont show to anyone beside the people he felt comfortable with.

You have a fond in music but you cant play any instruments, eventually you found a underground livehouse called "Starry"

Starry was recommended to you by a friend of yours. Starry wasnt so far from your house, its better to get there with a bike or on feet. You were extremely clueless about the live house. in fact, you didnt wanna be inside a band all you want to do is just get a job. You cant rely on your parents who give you little allowance that why working in a place that also plays music is the place to work at.

You just work as the bartender, and no serving alcohol! That was the rule given by the manager, youre underage to be drinking AND serving alcohol.

The manager informed you that a well-known band will be performing, "aye-aye captain, i will make sure to work hard!" You said to the manager, you dont really take yourself seriously.

The backstage crew was setting up the instruments and testing it while you clean up the remaining glasses that was left by a certain band, you saw a similar young lady that goes by the name of bocchi. She slowly sneak to the table that you had just clean up and searched around it, "are you looking for this?" You pointed out a ticket "Hm, yea, thank you." Bocchi quickly rush out with the ticket.

"~what a seemingly nice girl." "Are you washing up the glasses?" The manager took a glance at you, "yup! I've done everything that was on the list." You said, "good, take a minutes break soon the audience will come in." You nodded and sit back, drinking banana milk that you've snuck away, soon the bell rang and you went to the ticket table and wait as the audience came in, you chop the ticket and let the audiences in."Thank you for coming!" You said as the last audience come in, you sighs as reliefs.

You noticed another pink haired lady, that came in with a camera, the girl is no other then March 7th. your, well-known for photography, best classmate in school , "oh, hey March 7th!" You called her out, "Oh! Hey, whats up Y/N." March 7th points her camera to you and took a shot, you chuckles "Aha! Nothing much, just working here as a bartender." You were cutted off by a certain instrument playing,

The song : Fever (By enhypen) playing, The crowd scream as the band went in, the song playing chills you down as you went in the bar just straight away from the stage, you look at the band playing. You saw someone who was familiar. It was your classmate, Xiao. Xiao's has a better style outside in fact hes still wearing the same black hoodie that he wears to school. You slightly blushed at the look of your quiet classmate, "Oh, Xiao. So secretive as always." Talking about the fact that he is secretly inside a band—The crowd screams as it was Xiao's verse.

You wanted to be noticeable so you raise your hand high enough for Xiao to see, you wave to him.

He saw you and got embarrassed real quick. even if you cant see him, you know he's flustered. You chuckles to yourself, white light flashes multiple times as in people taking pictures, Xiao was already flustered but he didnt messed up a single time.

After the show ended, you went to backstage and visit Xiao with the most smugly face you have, "D-dont look at me like that." Xiao stuttered but he managed to show some confidence.

"I can't look at you now..?"

[jessamine-rose]

Hello! i think u wrote somewhere in ur blog that all the genshin yanderes fanfics r in the same universes right? :o If u dont mind me asking, what do u think would happens if the darlings meet? I hope its ok to ask this <3

Read my Yandere! Harbinger fics first!!

Read the second Darling Crossover here~

Aahhh thank you for asking this, Anonie!! I had originally entertained a darling crossover, but I never got to it lol. It’s much funnier to imagine the Harbingers comparing each other’s relationships xD

Here are some bullet points on the darlings’ dynamics!! I also wrote a short drabble featuring some special info ;>

✿ Damsel/ Capitano’s Darling ✿

♡ Damsel is the newest and most “mysterious” darling. She doesn’t really care about the other darlings and only treats them with basic politeness. After a few words of acknowledgement, she avoids further socialization by reading her books or sticking to Capitano’s side  -.-

♡ She isn’t fond of Kitty’s attempts at socializing, but at least the latter respects her comfort zone. After Kitty loses her Vision, Damsel can only pity her…..but then again, doesn’t she look more happy and at peace? It is better if they resign themselves to their fates.

♡ She is absolutely afraid of Dottore and his Assistant, so she often avoids them. She is unnerved by how the couple interacts with her, almost as though they are analyzing her. It is a shame given Assistant’s knowledge on plants and ancient literature.

⬩ Kitty/ Pantalone’s Darling ⬩

♡ Kitty is the friendliest darling among the three. As a Harbinger’s spouse, she finds it important to establish social connections with her fellow darlings. It could potentially benefit Pantalone’s relationship with his coworkers, after all  >:’0

♡ She has a hard time interacting with Damsel because of their stark differences. Extrovert vs. introvert, sheltered vs. independent, wealthy vs. commoner, craves attention vs. keeps to herself……at least Damsel seems nice and unproblematic.

♡ She has a better relationship with Assistant. On the rare chance that they meet each other, it is the latter who initiates a friendly conversation. She is envious of the fact that Assistant can directly work with Dottore and see him everyday.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ Assistant/ Dottore’s Darling ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ

♡ Assistant is the oldest darling among the three. Given her Fatui position and individual accomplishments, she finds it interesting to think about the other darlings’ passive roles. Upon hearing about their marriages, she considered asking Dottore for a change in their relationship status  <3

♡ She, like everyone else, is curious about Damsel’s melancholy countenance and obscure background. She promptly began to dislike her upon realizing the former’s nervousness around Dottore. She is just another simpleton who doesn’t recognize Zandik’s greatness.

♡ Her slight fascination with Kitty stems from Dottore’s assistance in Pantalone’s relationship. She was the one who helped the Doctor create the catnip-scented perfume and flammable uniform, after all~ The change in Kitty’s personality since her Vision loss is proof of a successful experiment.

⚘◈♡

“Hey, how long until the Harbingers’ meeting ends?”

The Fatui guard remains silent. Assistant adjusts her mask, turning to their coworkers.

“Why are there so many of you, anyway? Do we require that much protection? I don’t know about the other two, but I can take care of myself.”

She glances at the other two guests.  Kitty is watching her from the sofa, waiting for her to come back and resume their earlier conversation. Damsel is seated by the window, absorbed in yet another fantastical book.

Her voice lowers to a whisper. “Or are you here for surveillance? Ensuring that we won’t plan a joint escape, perhaps?”

What a ridiculous thought. Why would any of them want to leave their lovers?

No response. She sighs and walks over to the far corner of the drawing room.

“Can any of you play chess?” she asks. She takes out a chessboard and sets it on the coffee table. “If only ______ were here. She is quite the formidable opponent.”

And an interesting specimen if she were allowed to say that.

Kitty tilts her head, cat ears twitching. “______? Who is that?”

“Oh, you don’t know her?” Assistant sits on the sofa and begins arranging the chess pieces. “I suppose that makes sense. She is rarely allowed to make a public appearance, after all.”

“Are you referring to the Jester’s lover?”

When did Damsel listen in on their conversation? She looks up from her book.

“Do you know her?” asks Kitty.

She shakes her head. “Capitano only mentioned her to me once.”

The Fatui guards remain silent, but their subtle movements expose their own curiosity.

Assistant smiles at them. “Well, she is a lovely conversationalist if I do say so myself. I wonder if she gets bored staying at home all the time.”

What time is it? The Harbingers should be returning for their darlings soon. Then they can all go their separate ways and continue their blissful lives.

She holds up a white pawn, observing it under the artificial light of the room.

“Who knows? If you are lucky, you may meet her someday.”

♡

Aaahh my babies!! To think that I’d reach the point where I have three darlings with their own distinct nicknames, personalities, and twisted stories. Sadly, because of how broken and different they are, plus the rarity of their meetings, this is the closest we have to a crossover between them ʅ（◞‿◟）ʃ

And yes, I just dropped a teaser for my next yandere Harbinger fic!! I hope you’ll enjoy my next darling when I’m able to write her story~

Also, I’ll use this post to inform y’all that my AUTHOR’S NOTE for Chemistry was recently posted!! Do read it if you’d like to know the details of my Yandere! Dottore’s fic~ For some reason, the post won’t show up in the tags -.-

[megsiepoo]

Cult of the Lamb/Inscryption Crossover

Aka Hard-drive AU

The Lamb

The Lamb is a freelance software developer. They were hired by a mysterious organization called TOWW. They don't know anything about the organization besides the fact they pay well and they want a job done. The task? They are to investigate a floppy drive and hack into the code in order to discover any hidden secrets. It seems like an easy enough task until they discover the characters in-game are sentient and the things that are hidden on the disc might should stay that way.

Leshy

Leshy is the Scrybe of Beasts. A generally chaotic being, he likes to toy with the Lamb but mostly just wants them to play with him. He's very fond of games, however the Lamb learns that the game they are presented with is not the true game and there are other characters hidden within the cards. The Lamb beats Leshy in a game and manages to revert the game world back to its true state, revealing the other scrybes and unknowingly stepping closer to ending everything.

Heket

Heket is the Scrybe of Technology. She is a fearsome creature and is generally cruel and sarcastic, berating the Lamb as well as her fellow scrybes. Her cards are decent, not great not terrible, but the boss mechanic can present quite a challenge, especially if the Lamb has a powerful deck and is unable to defeat her before their cards change sides.

Kallamar

Kallamar is the Scrybe of Magic and is one of if not the most challenging bosses the Lamb faces. His decks are very rng based, moreso than with the other scrybes, which means it can take several attempts to defeat him and frequently leaves the Lamb frustrated anytime they have to deal with him. He's a coward and often warns the Lamb to close the game and go no further, begging them to turn back before they destroy everything.

Shamura

Shamura is the Scrybe of the Dead. A charismatic and cheerful being, they like to give riddles and have the Lamb perform puzzles in addition to the primary gameplay. They are one of the Lamb's favorite scrybes to visit, not just because they have the best cards, but they're also just very fun to be around and tend to give great advice. They can seem a bit flighty though, and while nice, they are not to be trifled with, making for an extremely challenging boss fight. They have the gift of prophecy, though the Lamb doesn't learn that till much later, and is working towards a hidden agenda that not even the other scrybes know about.

Narinder aka The Old Data

The Old Data is some code hidden deep within the game files. This is what TOWW has hired the Lamb to uncover. By converting the game back to its original format, the Lamb has made it easier for The Old Data to come through and influence the world, signs of his presence appearing in hidden corners of the map. If all of the scrybes are defeated, the game will break and The Old Data will become free, leading to disastrous consequences.

The Witnesses

This is a singular being that appears in a different form depending on which part of the map you're in, matching the scrybe that rules the area. They are a neutral being, incredibly aware of both the real world and the dangers of The Old Data, but understand how fickle the Lamb as a player is, offering warnings but not stopping them as they proceed.

Focalor

A minor npc the Lamb encounters in Shamura's domain, he was once a real world being just like the Lamb before dying and being reincarnated as an NPC within the game. While his code limits him and his abilities to interact within the game, he is still sentient. He was a developer at TOWW and originally discovered what was hidden within the game. He decided to alter the game into the format the Lamb originally sees, binding the scrybes onto playing cards and leaving Leshy in charge of things since he was the least likely to protest and cause problems. Though he didn't like Focalor's plan, he went along with it since he genuinely liked Focalor and really just likes having fun. Focalor also threatened to alter the game without getting Leshy's opinion on design and mechanics so might as well go along with it. He was sad that Focalor died but is glad that he's in the game. Shamura has a soft spot for Focalor, finding him charming albeit foolish, and Heket just likes making fun of him.

[cookietrains]

Some fun mechanics, I think, would be neat to add to the Killer Klowns Video Game

(This is in no way belittling the game - I think the devs get enough of that and it's so sad. These are just some cute thoughts I've had that I think would be really neat of they added these things to the game :) -also, I want to note that I have not played the game myself. I'm way too poor for not only the game but also a nice computer to play it on. No way my windows laptop that i got.. in 2017? Is gonna be able to hold the graphics. But I do watch gameplays and keep up with all the updates And I want to make it clear I love this game. )

• Adding the option (as a Klown only) to go back to the ship. Maybe to either recharge weaponry or take a cotton candy blood break idk In my head though, the thought of being inside the ship is so fun. You could interact with the other Klowns or take a relaxing dip in the ball pits ヅ I think it would be fun if we could go back to the Klown planet too,,, but little steps...even though I wanna see the Klown planet ;;

● I need to see the Game Version of Jojo / Klownzilla. If we could play as him ??!! 😩🤌 But I would love to be able to just get a sneak peek of him before we actually SEE him, y'know? Cause he's supposed to be intimidating >:I and scary

so I imagine it would go down like - The humans hear him in the woods while approaching the ship. OR - Jojo could be seen as a shadow cast on / in the ship and he's massive. ORRR - we could have a scene like the final part of the movie. We hear Jojo roaming the ship (massive footsteps and deep guttural growling throughout the Big Top) before we see him decent the ceiling on his little...puppet strings.

• I think it would be funny to have the Klowns trip on things. They're chasing a human and while they're running they're just knocking shit all over the place. BUT that's what they did in the film. They were efficient but clumsy ^^ and I love them for that

• Story mode with cutscenes but I think this is widely anticipated.

• we don't really see baby Klowns in the game, I would love to see some of the baby klowns either biting on a helpless human running by or they're crawling all around the town.

• I don't think we've seen Wesker yet..? (God, I wish they would have come up with a different name. Only bc it makes me think of Resident evil 😭 and that's a crossover I'm.. I wouldn't love it) But I think it would be fun to see Wesker and maybe his hideout. I'll bet it's just a home made of this

All his theories just ruminating off of every wall decorated in red lines and push pins. But! That would be a major lore point! 😃 maybe.. they are just theories lol

• I got this idea from Zombieland, but how fun would it be if you could play mini games (only human) while also popping Klown noses. Or ride the rides while killing klowns. There's a whole Amusement Park setting just *There* for a boat load of wonderfully chaotic ideas :3c

• speaking of wonderfully chaotic ideas - this game is also supposed to be scary (goofy silly scary, sure) we should have a part where we have to traverse the amusement park attractions (for example, the fun house or mirror maze) and have it be scary. Like, have Klowns or Popkorn just slithering / sauntering around in the shadows while they mock the player. If they catch you they can kill you~

• (a tad more nit pick towards the game) BUT WHY ARENT KLOWNS USING BALLOONS TO CATCH PEOPLE >:I and I want to see Slims car (Not the invisible one - the one that has a need for speed) OH- side note, it just occurred to me Slim has more than one vehicle... is he rich? 👀 Is Slim A Rich Klown??? Unless of course the small vroom car could also be the invisible car... just un-invisible.

• it would be cute if there were ncp klowns ? Klowns that *could* kill you if you got too close, but if you watch from a distance they're just being inquisitive about Earth. They could be looking at a mural on a building or (like said in the Lore Tapes - they could be just stood in front of a store and they can't move or look away, just staring at whatever caught their attention) I also really like the idea of Rosebud and Daisy just chilling in the background picking flowers or sumn Just being adorable

[sunny6677]

Spookytale: The Rewrite.

A crossover between Spooky Month and Undertale. Or a rewritten version of the last one I did.

(Tagging: @dexter-apologist-5000 @crossover-enthusiast @mayisgoingnuts @facelessthefreak )

Summary:

After hearing the call of a strange, hypnotizing flute—Skid awakes to find himself laying on a bed of golden flowers—with several others surrounding him, and a strange bright light he hadn't seen before beaming it's rays down.

Meanwhile, John—who has no idea how any of them ended up in this strange place, attempts to guide the group to a way out. But he finds himself going on a journey he never thought he'd ever find himself on.

PROLOGUE, PART 1: The Fall.

————

"..m.."

Skid grunted. Rubbing the outer shell of his white mask with his gloved hand. An ache streaked further and further into his forehead, feeling as if something sharp were stabbing into his skull over and over. A sore, aching pain had formed all across his body. And he felt his head practically wobbling from side to side.

He hadn't.. really known how long he had been falling for. Or how far he had fallen. All he knew was that as he stared at the brilliant blue sky that was suddenly shining down from above—it hadn't been the sky he had previously seen.

The sky he had seen had been pitch black, speckled with flickering stars and a high moon. And in the air was a soft, gentle tune of a flute. He had heard it while he had been playing on his computer. He didn't know where it was coming from. Somewhere outside perhaps.

And then—he saw his mother walking by in the view from the creak of his door at a slow.. zombie-like pace. Nothing about the idea of her walking past his door seemed out of the ordinary. Yet, her pace.. it didn't feel right. The strange glazed look he had caught in her eye as she went past.

And.. for once, he decided to obey his fear. Instead of continuing to play games as he normally he did, he hopped off of his chair and followed.

"Mom? Where—where are you going?" He had asked.

She didn't respond. She just kept walking.

..he stumbled behind her as she turned a corner. "Mom?"

Still, she didn't answer—her mouth slightly parted as she kept walking.

And.. even with that, he wasn't sure how long it had been. How long it had been for when he went from simply saying his mom's name to crying for her and begging for her to talk to him. He didn't know how long it had been that he had ran outside behind her with the cold, blinding chill enveloping him. How long simple tears turned into hysterical sobbing as everyone else he knew in town appeared to be walking slowly in the same direction.

He had ran along the sidewalks after her, along the roads, along the fields of grass which led into the forest, and into the forest itself. He heard the piercing sound of a siren from behind him. It.. it was a bit blurry from there though. He wasn't sure why.

He may have gone with those two officers he had occasionally seen around town, who had seemingly shown up out of nowhere asking him questions about his mom. He might have kept following his mom as the police officers pleaded for him to come back. It might have even been both, or his mind was simply making things up.

..no. No, he defintely went with the officers at some point. But he couldn't remember when. He couldn't remember if he ran away from them or if he went after them when they were gone from the car longer than they should have been.

Either way—what he did remember was stumbling foward once he had reached the gigantic, round hole that led into the darkness below—and feeling himself slowly descend into it. The air around him shifting into humidity. He could barely see as he practically felt himself being spun around. Seeing glimpses of other people in town either falling from below or above him.

It felt like forever. It might have been forever. Maybe a few minutes, or maybe an hour. Things ended up going dark for what felt like only a second—and..

..then merely a second ago, the darkness faded. And he was here. Laying on something soft, a damp atmosphere filling the area around him as warmth coated his face through the holes of his mask. A sweet, fragrant scent filled his nostrils. The more he just.. sat there, he processed the sensation of several soft but small items beneath his arms.

He forced his head to turn, squinting a little as he did so—and attempting to grasp at the ground with his little hands. Instead of firm ground though, he felt his fingers slightly grab at something. Something that felt long, thin, and delicate.

His eyes gazed down—adjusting to the faint darkness around him. Only then as he processed the vibrant shades of golden yellow from within his hands did he realize that it was a small flower. In fact, there were several flowers. Golden flowers sitting from below him in several rows on a patch of beautiful green grass.

Skid blinked. He attempted to shake his head again—but he only felt a searing ache enter his mind once more. He let out a grunt. As if to mirror his noises though, he began to hear several sounds from all around him. Several voices. Grunting at different turns, or grumbling, muttering different things he couldn't understand.

He gave a quick glance up. In the faint corner of his eye from within the darkness, he saw a gray-haired man in a green vest slowly sit up—lifting his upper body and shaking his head at a rather rapid rate. The man let out a low grunt again—sounding as if he were snarling.

Not just that—a gigantic man in the corner with a blue shirt around his muscular build had already been sitting up, grumbling in a low voice. A small girl with her light brown hair tied up in a ponytail, lifting her head up. A curvy woman with brown hair cascading down her back and running her fingers through her hair, sitting on another woman with darkish yellow hair made into a low ponytail. A slim-faced man with black hair and a pink bow around his neck—lifting his head up from the ground.

..they were faces he knew. Familiar faces.

"..son?"

A low, familiar voice with a feminine tone finally breathed out from beside him. Almost immediately, he snapped his head in the voices direction.

His eyes were greeted by the sight of a familiar, tall woman with straight long purple hair that went to her back—her bangs covering her squinted eyes. Her lips formed into a frown. Her hair appeared to be a slight mess from the fall.

And as she looked down at him, her eyes melting with hues of worry and not with a faint glaze—a wet sensation formed in his mind. A lump quickly formed in his throat. Almost instantly, he whimpered—"Mom!"

The ache in his body—the ache in his head. All of it felt like it didn't matter just within a few seconds. He practically hopped up onto his feet—a sob escaping his mouth.

"Mom!"

He cried, throwing his hands around desperately for the few moments he ran. And once he finally approached closely enough, he found himself desperately wrapping his arms around her slender waist. He burrowed his masked face into her chest—sniffling. Her body tensed for a moment, but quickly weakened in his arms.

"So—Son, what.. what happened?" His mom asked in a soft tone.

He couldn't answer—weeping into her chest as he just.. held onto her. He didn't even know how to describe it. All that he knew was that his mom was seemingly okay and normal again. And that filled him with an unbelievable amount of relief.

He exhaled heavily. Inhaled heavily. He felt her slender arms slowly slip around him, pulling him closer as she looked down at him. And then looked up. He looked up only for a moment. But he could see the slow widening of anxiety in her eyes. She went silent, and her mouth hung open.

"..wuuu.."

A higher, familiar voice began to mumble from behind him. And he slowly tilted head from the source of the sound. He blinked—the tears in his eyes seeming to barely stop from shock, streaking down his cheeks as he stared at the orange-masked figure in the shadows.

It was a small boy with a gigantic pumpkin mask over his head, the bright green stem emerging from the top, and a black suit worn around his chubby body. The more his eyes trailed over this boy who began to lift his head with a puzzled grunt, the more the feeling of familiarity started to fill his mind.

He blinked again. Two pairs of round eyes now stared back at him. The boy in the pumpkin mask spoke. "..Skid..?"

"Pump? Wha—what are you doing here? What's—"

His eyes trailed across the room. All around within the shadows, faces he saw slowly starting to open their eyes and gaze around the room.

The gigantic, muscular man with a blue shirt worn over him who he knew as the local man who sold ice cream from within the town. Frank.

The curvy woman with brown hair who he had only seen once, now bending down next to a man with slightly cracked blue glasses before him—and whom struggled to sit up. He couldn't place where he had seen either of them. But something about them seemed familiar.

The woman with the darkish yellow hair, her mouth formed into an almost triangular frown as she momentarily glared at the brown haired woman—and then how her gaze softened once she turned to look at a small black-haired boy with his face firmly planted on the ground. A muscular, tall man with long brown hair slowly sitting up.

Jaune. His mom's friend. Ross. Aaron.

The small girl with her hair tied up into a ponytail—the usual irritated expression she wore now gone as she looked around in confusion from beside Pump. Susie. Pumps older sister.

The slim faced man with black hair flickering his gaze around the room—a gigantic cap now sat with his knees pressed to the ground, his hands placed on them. His white button up slightly messed up from the fall. Kevin. The cashier whom he was friends with at the local candy store.

The two police officers from before—the brown haired sheriff appearing to be helped up into a standing position by his black-haired partner. A worried expression on the black-haired ones face.

A blonde haired woman who he had seen at the hospital from before—rubbing her head.

A blonde headed boy shaking his head with a dimple on the right side of his face. A man with a similar appearance and movie glasses worn over his eyes grunting rather pathetically from the ground. A large man with dark brown hair calmly looking down at him, already sitting up.

The angry neighbor with dark gray hair who had already been sitting up. An elderly bald man with a black cloak and a cross-necklace worn over his shoulders. A small brown haired boy from beside the woman with brown hair. And.. many others. All of whom which he either knew or faintly recognized.

The sheriff with brown hair and a mustache over his lips gazed around slowly in the corner of his eye. The wrinkles in his cheeks fading slightly as he gave a frown. And he blinked slowly. His eyes widened. Scanning over everyone else. The light from above which shone down onto them.

His head was tilted up still. He made himself slowly walk foward—his deputy following alongside him. And his dark eyes just.. stared at the light. The sky. The dark brown rock which he could barely see just from above it. The damp atmosphere of the room seemingly overwhelmed him.

Audibly, beneath his breath in a gruff voice—he uttered—

"Where.. where the fuck are we?"

[14dayswithyou]

Have you heard or played this game called "The Quarry"? If so what would Ren be like if he was in that game? I've been hyperfixating over both games and I cant get the crossover out of my mind lol

✦゜ANSWERED: I actually got to play the game with Mon (my (irl) bestie) a while back, and I've had Kaitlyn brainrot ever since uwu

This ask also got long because I have A LOT to say about The Quarry!AU Ren gksdgbjsdgk. Also!! There's going to be spoilers for the actual game! IK it's been out for a while now, but if you ever plan on playing it, maybe skip this ask and come back another time!! <3

Okay!! So! Ren probably told the other councillors that he went to Hackett's Quarry to gain more experience as a music tutor, when in reality, he only joined the stupid program so that he'd get to spend the summer with you.

Would constantly show up to your camp activities with the kids and ask if you needed any help. Mainly because he was free right now and had nothing better to do. (He had to clean the kitchens...)

They would be insanely overprotective of you even if there was no one else around, and it would only get worse if Ren ever gets bitten (read: infected!Nick).

Realistically speaking, the only way Ren could possibly get bitten is by protecting you. Because if he had the choice, this man would literally lock the both of you up in the security room (that he tooootally had no clue about), and would just wait out the night there instead of walking aimlessly around the camp and getting stalked by hunters and werewolves.

I doubt they'd do anything to help the other councillors, and would instead watch them meet their demise through the security cameras.

If you were to witness them meeting their gory demise though, then Ren might put up an act and pretend to care. Maybe press a few buttons and switches in hopes that it'd somehow help them — when in reality, he's just flicking the audio channels on and off.

If you didn't want to camp out in the security room for the entirety of the night, then Ren would be glued to your side and won't ever let you out of his sight.

He'd let you carry the shotgun if it made you feel safer, but wouldn't mind using it himself if you thought that was the better option. Though... he'd probably forget that it was a gun at first and would try to smack the werewolves with the recoil/stock end before realising that, wait, this isn't a sledgehammer? It doesn't work that way?

Ren has seen enough horror movies to be able to put all the (cliché) pieces together, and would probably figure out what was happening by the time you (Abi) push Leon (Nick) into the pool.

Ren would 100% be like, "Oh, they don't like water? Alright then. Cool. C'mon Angel, we're stealing a kayak and sleeping in the middle of the lake tonight ^^ We can look at the stars while we confess our feelings for each other—" "Oh wow MC, you look hot holding a shotgun." "Shut the FUCK up you buff ass RACCOON, I'm having my moment >:(" "Ren, don't be mean to Teo."

If Ren does get infected, then he's just going to be extra clingy and creepy compared to usual. He'd be sniffing you every chance he gets and would try to rub his scent all over you. They'd probably be extra horny because even without being a werewolf, Ren is still very much addicted to your scent.

The real/[REDACTED] side of him would slowly start to surface, and would constantly ask you questions like "who do you love?", "D'you like me?", "No one can protect you like I can.", "You smell s'good. Come closer.", "Need to taste you. Now.", "I want t'be inside you."

Once he fully turns, I'd really like to say that he wouldn't target you simply because his sheer devotion to you would outweigh his animalistic urges. Idk if that's canonically possible in the game, but I'm gonna pretend it is because I can hehe :)

Everyone else is fair game though, especially any of the councillors that got a bit too close to you at the beginning of the season. All the people who tried to be friendly with you? Those who tried to kiss you during that game of Truth or Dare? Yeah, they better start hiding because Ren will be seeking them out.

He probably won't try to interact with you while in his werewolf form because he's afraid of scaring/hurting you, but would instead stalk you around the camp and fend off any other threats that go near your vicinity.

By the time dawn comes, Ren will be seeking you out and ensuring that you're alright. If anyone dared to hurt you while he was occupied with hunting down the other councillors, they'd be dead meat. Especially since they have a shotgun in their possession now :)

[dribs-and-drabbles]

Colours in Our Skyy 2 Bad Buddy x A Tale of Thousand Stars ep 3

In which I get a little bit more meta than I usually do...

So as we know, this ep was spent mostly in the forest on a few days during which the characters couldn't change clothes, which means there are less colours/clothes to comment on. That being said, the red and blue pairings were provided in all possible places.

Tian's plaid shirt from the night before also has thin red stripes to accompany the blue, and kampung's jersey and Pran's tote bag offer another pairing. I think there's also blue, red and yellow in Kampung's t-shirt. I love that Pran brought his bag with him - despite being lost in the forest, Pat is still metaphorically with him. I think it's also interesting that Pran's shirt looks almost camouflage, and that he mostly wears it when he's taking the lead - looking after Tian on the way to Bull Camp and then accompanying Phupha when Kampung goes missing. Knowing that Pran ends up portraying Phupha in the play - and despite Pran playing Tian in his and Pat's role-playing of the other couple - it's a clever choice in this ep.

Pat, on the other hand, does get a change of clothes at the start of this ep, and with the brown, green, and cream he looks like he's trying to imitate the rangers' uniform to be included in the search party.

Plenty of people have commented on how Pran and Tian have been made to look very similar, especially with their hair, but in the below scene it's so clear how the show is trying to have the characters 'imitate' each other. Pran and Tian are in the same colours, only the white and yellow are reversed in their clothing. Pat and Phupha, as already mentioned, also sporting the same colours. But the mixed-pairings also have similar shoes - Pran and Tian in canvas lace-ups with cream toes/soles, and Pat and Phupha in leather boots. The show is really drilling into us, 'look how similar these people are!', but as we learn from their interactions it seems Pran and Phupha are more alike, as are Pat and Tian (hence why they end up playing those roles in the play).

Once Pat and Tian have made their way back to the village, Pat changes into his teal shorts and a brown shirt. I haven't offered much colour-interpretation yet in this post but in general brown and olive green feature quite heavily this ep, especially with all the camouflage. I think this partly comes more from the atots side of this crossover and the use of earth tones in the original series, but it's incheresting that there's been so. much. talk. about sacrificing arising from this ep. I won't go into it all but they're all dealing with something (or multiple things) they have to yield on or sacrifice.

But Pat here, below, has a moment - a mini-Oh! moment - where he realises he has to yield to himself. Having this 'nonsense' fight with Pran and going through their experiences in Pha Pun Dao has made Pat confront and admit to himself something which he either hasn't realised or has been repressing for a long time - that he can't live without Pran. Yes, Pat has always wanted to be around Pran, he always wants to help him, and he's been depressingly lonely without him...but being unable to live without Pran seems heavier. And this realisation goes beyond acquiescing on the fight with Pran, because it has consequences for the bigger picture of their lives and hiding from their families. And that's scary. So no wonder he's perhaps repressed this from himself, instead feeling easier to tease Pran about him always needing Pat, to bicker about who needs the other the most, and to sit in the nonsense fight rather than acknowledge what it really means.

Incidentally, I like that Pat pulled the watch out of his shorts pocket - the object that Pran links to Pat and the teal that seems to symbolise their union as a couple.

Someone (sorry I don't remember who) mentioned that Pat wears a lot more stripy shirts now than he ever did in BBS, which is potentially an influence from Pran, but I love that they're both wearing their love and happiness when they reunite back at the village. I also sat up at seeing Tian's brown t-shirt with the yellow rectangle over his heart - reminiscent of Pran's long-sleeved top in ep 8 of BBS. Tian is ready to sacrifice himself and his health again to go into the forest to look for Kampung and Phupha, with his love for them driving him to do it. (In ep 8, Pran's love for Pat took him away from drinking with Wai to comfort a sullen Pat).

And then on to that final scene with Pat and Pran and we get Pat in Pran's red and cream/yellow shorts, and Pran in Pat's dark blue (or their teal)...and an ominous dark green. They're finding a resolution to their little fight but it's bittersweet.

Coming back to what I was saying about Pat's Oh! moment above, I think him asking Pran to apply the bruise cream was a way for Pat to admit to himself and Pran, albeit subtly, that he does need Pran, and for Pran to understand that admission. (And I'll quickly say that I don't think Pran needed to be the one to say it first but I'll come back to that below). When Pat gives Pran's watch back, however, he reverts to the teasing "Like I said, you can't live without me", he's trying to keep things jovial. Tian has already told Pran about Pat's realisation though - not to aid any teasing or to bolster one side of the fight, he doesn't seem that type of character (he's not a gremlin like Pat and Pran). No, I think he sees that Pat and Pran need this knowledge open between them and facilitates a way for it to happen. In true PatPran fashion, Pran goads Pat into saying it and Pat's soft look to Pran shows his gratitude to have the opportunity (below). Pat needs to admit it out loud to himself and to Pran - the person to whom it means the most for him to hear it. His sigh before he says it is a relief, it's releasing the hold he's had on his fear about what it might mean for them, and Pran's reaction helps alleviate that.

Pran's "Neither can I" isn't as big and dramatic as Pat's statement, but that's because it's not revelatory, not for Pran (who's known it since he fell for Pat in high school and couldn't get over him even after being sent away and pushing Pat away once they had reunited at Uni), and not for Pat - there was always some truth in Pat's original words, "without me, he can't do anything" and they both know that. Pran wasn't the one who needed to admit to Pat that he needs Pat because it's been known all along. But Pran repeating now, in his own way, that he can't live without Pat helps to strengthen their bond.

This moment is bittersweet because of their situation - there is no option to not be together, they've known this already but now it's been explicitly said, so until their parents can be comfortable with them together they will always be hiding something, making sacrifices. This is their life. They're able to understand that on a deeper level.

With this understanding, Pran, unable to do or say anything else, takes his focus to something tangible: The watch, and what it represents - Pat, his time with Pat, their history and connection from childhood, the gaps when they were separated, and their reuniting in Uni. @btwinlines started off a great thread about how time stops for Pat and Pran when they're apart, but the watch also represents how time might make things easier in the future and that all they can do is hope. And, in the meantime, love each other the best they can through all these little fights they have. It's not a grand resolution for them, like Phupha and Tian get later in the show, because they're not in the same place as the other couple. This is just a snapshot of their journey towards where we see them at the end of ep 12 in BBS, so if it feels like they're in limbo when we leave them, they are, but with a renewed perspective of each other and the poignancy of it all.

I'm almost certain this will be a coincidence, but I love that when Pran puts the watch on again it's almost at the same time as when he reset it at the end of BBS ep 1. I love that it's ten minutes later though, because it symbolises how time has moved on for them - i.e how much has changed - since they got together, and therefore how much more will change as time keeps moving forward. And that's something they can trust in.

[ep 1] [ep 2] [ep 3] [ep 4] (<- I was right to be hopeful!)

[rockkandii]

Pokemon/overwatch crossover

Venture meets an interesting trainer from their past

Not my art

Warnings: none

Just traveling around, ventures come to meet all kinds of people and pokemon, even being so lucky as to cross paths with some more than once. This proved true as one day, venture came face to face with an old friend.

Venture: "No. Way.. y/n, is that you?!" An audible gasp is heard from venture as they spot a familiar face inside a pokecenter in a town they're just passing through.

Y/n: jumps at the sudden loud voice calling their name, but upon finding said person a grin forms. "Oh my, it's been a while!" Jogging up to the excited trainer you find they've matured quite a bit physically since the last time you'd seen them. "How've you been? It's been what, two years now!?"

Excited chatter is swapped between the old friends for quite a while, before curiosity gets the better of you.

Y/n: "so, you still traveling with the same partners you had back when?" The question seemed innocent but to Sloane, they knew better. This was your sly way of wanting to battle, seeing as it had always been a swap for who won between the two of you.

Venture: "you betcha! They're tough as tungsten!" They grin, but you don't miss the mischievous look in their eyes when they reach for a pokeball off their hip. "wanna battle, like old times? I can promise you this, you won't win so easily this time."

That's right, the last battle you both shared before going separate ways two years ago, you had won.

Y/n: a smirk adorned your face as you pulled a pokeball of your own out. "Why id be honored, and just so we're on the same page.. I don't intend to lose, my teams as tough as topaz so don't underestimate them or they'll bury you beneath rubble."

Both trainers grinned at each other with adrenaline filled blushes as they headed towards the back courtyard of the pokecenter where a battle field stood.

Y/n: "so, just like old times? Three on three, no substitutions and winner is decided when all three pokemon on either side can no longer battle. Plus the winner gets whatever they want from the loser?"

Venture: "thems the rules n/n! Let's see if you can hold your own! Alright, Torterra come on out!"

-------

The battle was pretty long, and even gained the attention of quite a few passerby trainers. As the battle follows, here's the play by play.

Torterra(V) vs Archeops(y)

Winner: Archeops

Archeops(y) vs Excadrill(v)

Winner: Excadrill

Excadrill(v) vs Swampert(y)

Winner: Swampert

Swampert(y) vs Toedscruel(v)

Winner: Toedscruel

Toedscruel(v) vs Flygon(y)

Winner: double K.O.

The battle ended in a draw, causing mixed cheers and praise from the onlookers before it was just the two standing next to each other.

Y/n: "well you were right, your team is definitely tough! Too bad it ended in a draw, looks like we'll just have to battle again someday to break this tie." Giving a small punch to their shoulder with a grin you both head back into the pokecenter to heal up.

Venture: "I wouldn't have it any other way! Though, too bad there wasn't a clear winner, guess no one gets something from the other huh?" They stretch their arms behind their head, a thoughtless smile on their face.

Y/n: "hmm.. well, the rules say the winner gets whatever. And technically neither of us lost, so it's kinda like we both won.. we could always, both get something this time?"

Venture: tilts their head at you but a grin pulls on their lips as they let out a chipper laugh. "You've got a point! Alrighty, well, what'd you want from me?"

Y/n: "how bout we go out, on a date?" A sly smile slowly slips onto your face as your companions face lights up pink.

Venture: "Aw man, you totally stole my idea!" They laugh again, but quickly grab your hand and lightly swing them between yourselves as you walk back inside. "But I'd love to, looks like I really did win huh?" They grin towards you, you looking away with a small blush of your own.

Y/n: "I think we still both won, n/n"

[aenslem]

ship ask: razumovsky/igor grom 😏😏😏😏😏😏

hehe

when I started shipping it if I did: oh, I will just put this comic book part here and that's the moment I started shipping them, however, idk why, must be censorship, but in the original comic book Igor was completely naked, there were no pants, not like you could see anything anyway, but come on, he was naked :D

my thoughts: oh man, I have so many thoughts of them, like, this is one of the rarest pairs that I wanted to write anything for, and I used to, might be because I had no laptop with me to gif at that time when I was literally so much into major grom, I was so active on twitter and was active in fandom, so my love needed to be expressed different ways since I could not gif, so I was drawing and writing. My love for them only grew when the movie came out, and you know how much I loved that movie, I fell so hard for Igor and Sergey from the movie. Can't wait for the second one, can't say I am super excited, like I wait for it, but I am not in MGPD fandom anymore, I am not active on twitter either, I don't do anything for Razgrom, but I think it will all hit me back once I see anything related to them on screen, cos every time I see Sergey I am like 'MA BOOOOOOI MY SOOOOON' I love him, I love these characters and I hope I won't be disappointed with the second movie. I know the movie will be different from the comic book 'the game', but I hope some parts will stay there at least, like, I really want Razgrom in their black/white suits playing chess hehe, not sure they will ever come to the part where they shoot 'the time of the raven' comic book, the ark with Kutkh, but if they do, you will hear me yelling no matter where you are :D cos in the comic books Razgrom are literally two parts of Kutkh's soul, the raven god, like dark and light sides and I absolutely love that story. I need more of them in movies. I only come back to read the comic books when there's crossovers where Igor and Sergey meet, but it has not happened for so long... not sure it will ever happen again.

What makes me happy about them: everything related to Razgrom makes me happy, I can't even put all of it in words, just everything :D

What makes me sad about them: that while the comic books are interesting, I read a little of 'igor grom' comic books, some of 'plague doctor' which were after the events of Major Grom and the crossover books, and they are fine, but somehow, when the story revolves around Igor AND Sergey it is 1000x times more interesting for me, and somehow always better. I know there are interesting and fun characters, some of them I like myself, but I just love those two together and want more. And it makes me sad that they don't have more crossovers with them, and I hope that in the movies they will not separate them right away, like, literally two parts of the same god's soul, I want it to happen in the movies, I want all the drama and angst and pain and I want them to have all those weird dreams, like, just give me Razgrom and I will be happy.

things done in fanfic that annoys me: crossover ships put into fics without warnings

things I look for in fanfic: oh, the angst, loved the fics where they explored feelings, explored the connection between Sergey and Igor, fics about them being literal soulmates, being the dark and light sides of the same soul. Loved the fics post the time of the raven events.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: Igor with Julia, obviously, the movie version, cos she is amazing. And Sergey... well, I don't want him to end up with Oleg, cos I don't like that ship, but seems like there's nobody else Sergey could be with if there's no Igor. But maybe I will leave him alone :D in the comic books.. well, Julia is dead in the comic books, so idk who could be with Igor, I read some of 'Igor Grom' and there was this lady, I don't remember her name, but somehow I don't see Igor with her either, so maybe I would leave him alone too :D Maybe in 'Major Igor Grom' (honestly bubble come up with better titles for your comics) there's somebody with whom he could be, or Sergey in 'Plague Doctor', but I have not read them, so idk.

My happily ever after for them: my happily ever after has nothing to do with reality, and will never happen, so I would like them to work together at least, not on the same side maybe, but you know, meeting here and there and sometimes helping each other... mutual respect maybe :D

who is the big spoon/little spoon: movie Sergey is lil spoon, comic book Sergey is chaos in bed so you either fall from the bed or you end up with Sergey all around you :D Igor can be both big and little spoon.

what is their favorite non-sexual activity: going to museums all around the world, and eating shawarma on the roofs somewhere looking at the city at night :D