#like are we forgetting that he’s seen her die in front of him

[cuinaminute229]

Tremble, little lion

pairing: Agatha x Rio x reader

summary: A request from Death herself can change so many things. A path already set is altered when Rio comes to you with words that make it so hard to refuse her.

a/n: I'm alive! This has been in my drafts forever and I keep rewriting the first chapter so I just decided I'm going to just post it. So here ya go :)

part 2

...

“I would like for you to look after someone for me.”

Rio comes to you with this request as the sun kisses the treetops. It’s a cloudy afternoon. You’ve just returned from a nearby river, a basket full of berries and a book in one hand.

You frown at her request. “Where are you going?”

As far as you know there’s no one Rio trusts that much, let alone you. Especially you. You’re just a witch, a coven-less witch at that. Why would she ask this of you?

It’s only your peculiar use of the craft that lets you see her and it’s only Rio herself that stays long enough to be known.

She doesn’t look away at your question, she doesn’t back down. She clears her throat and when she responds, her voice is steady. “There is someone waiting for me. I promised him an adventure. I don’t know how long we are going to be gone.”

Rio moves her hands behind her back as she waits. Her cloak is the deep color of the forest at dusk and her hood is down. She watches you with a guarded look and would almost worry you if you didn't know who Rio is.

“You trust me that much?” You ask her after a moment. You haven't seen Rio in months which you know is no time for her but it's not the same for you. You're used to being alone, used to her spontaneous comings and goings but this feels like a request too big for you.

“I trust you enough.” She gives you a nod and yet she still doesn't move. “I wouldn't ask if I didn't feel this would be necessary.”

You look her over for just a moment and then you set your basket and book down into the grass and take a step closer to her.

She looks exactly the same which doesn't startle you, you know Rio. You know who she is. But this request, it's new and strange.

“Are you okay?” That is all you will allow yourself to ask. Because Rio doesn't let anyone pry, she barely gives either way and yet you've learned to read her in ways that words do not say.

She gives you a small nod but no smile. No words. She looks distant and tired. Rio looks like she doesn't want to be on this plane or existence.

You make a choice that's full chance. You walk over to her, closing the distance with small steps. The moment you are close enough to reach out and touch her, you wait.

You don't ask what's happened, it's not your place. But you know Rio. You've known her for years. She's a phenomenal green witch, she's an interesting mentor, and you would even consider her a friend.

“Tell me the truth and I will agree.”

Rio, since showing up, finally smiles. She tilts her head and lets her shoulders relax. “He is special. The one waiting for me. He is young and bright and his mother is a force to be reckoned with.” She glances away, towards the tree line and shakes her head.

When she steps towards you, you listen. You wait for her.

“I walk through death like it's home. I see families, empires and kingdoms all die. There are rules to what I do.” Rio glances back at you and her eyes are as dark as the night sky without stars. “But this, I can't break any more rules. I can't bend or stretch, I can't do anything. I feel helpless.”

She takes a breath that is unnecessary and closes her eyes for just a moment. And this time you do move, you step up right in front of her and you pull her into a hug that you know she needs.

Rio's touch is like a dip in a freezing lake and still you pull her closer. She buries her face into your neck and clings to you with a strength you always forget she has.

He's special. That's what she said. You can only guess how special from what she’s just told you. Rules, broken and bent.

Rio doesn't break the rules. She's a stickler for rules. He must be incredibly special. You don't say anything as you hold her, no words can make whatever happened better, you know this.

Rio doesn't cry. You've never seen her cry. But now, you hear her as she fights with emotions that are too complex for you to understand. And still you hold her steady, a silent anchor.

When she pulls back, a small sniffle makes her nose scrunch up and you find yourself brushing your fingers under her eyes to wipe at her tears. She does not protest, she doesn't move away.

Rio closes her eyes and just breathes.

It's as your hands brush to cradle her jaw, her fingers digging into your waist and brows furrowed, do you wonder if she has no more tears to cry. “Whatever you need. I am here.” You tell her with a whisper.

“You are too good.” She steps back and opens her eyes as your touch falls away. Rio's eyes are like liquid coal, so dark.

You know she wants to leave, gather her footing away from you. The small tilt of her head towards the l forest is a subtle tell you know well. But there's a tugging at your chest that tells you not to let her leave. Not like this.

“Rio,” Her name on your lips is barely a whisper, almost a plea and she turns back to you with a frown. You want to reach for her, you want to take her hands into yours and let your touch ground her. “Stay, just for tonight.”

When she glances past your shoulder you know she's looking at the cabin. The place Rio helped build.

Her touch is everywhere. The flowerbed that sits on either side of the stairs, the two rocking chairs that sit on the porch, even the small table that usually holds carving tools and whatever project Rio was working on at the time.

It's been months since you’ve seen her and yet she's everywhere in the place you call home.

“I can make you some tea.” You add when she is quiet for too long. Then a thought comes to mind and you smile. Rio waits for you to say what you're thinking. “You have to meet Tom. You're going to love him.”

The name causes her to look back at the cabin, eyes searching for something. You know she can easily find him, using her magic to find his life force. But when she repeats his name, a whisper of curiosity, you think she's going to follow you.

It takes a moment, a long drawn out moment that feels like purgatory before she gives in with a small nod.

You step back to grab your basket and book before holding out your hand for Rio. She lets you lead her to the door and her voice is soft when you move to open the door handle. “I missed you.”

The words make you stop short for just a moment before you glance back at her as you push open the door. You give her a small smirk and whisper back, “You just missed my cooking."

That pulls a genuine smile from Rio and you close the door behind the two of you.

Rio glances around for a moment as you walk off towards the kitchen, leaving the basket and book on the table. She has nothing to worry about, everything is the same as when she stopped visiting but that's not what seems to irk her.

She glances over at you and when you look up from grabbing the tea bags, it seems the time for tears is over. Rio is watching you and you raise an eyebrow at her when silence crawls across the room.

“Are you judging the decor because I remember you wanting to add certain things that I thought were questionable.”

That makes her smile and you decide if Rio is done with showing her grief then you will act as if things are normal.

“You've butchered my decorative bone sculpture.”

Now that stops you in your tracks and you almost drop your favorite mug. You look at Rio like she's lost her mind and glance over at the sculpture that's definitely not butchered, it just had a hat on its head.

But then she's smirking and you glare at her, shaking your head with a sigh. “You are the worst.”

“You should have seen your face.” She chuckles to herself and goes back to looking around the living room. “If you would have let someone else in here while I was gone I would feel left out.”

You shake your head in response, a small smile on your lips. You let her look because that's always the fun part.

Making tea requires little magic, just a touch to warm the water and then you can continue without it. The mundane motion is a comfort that's easy to get lost in.

It doesn't take long. You're actually surprised it took this long before he made himself known.

A soft meow fills the silence and you glance behind you with a small smile. Rio's attention has shifted, she's glancing around in confusion and determination.

You turn back to the tea and let her find him on her own. There is no urgency to your movements, no distrust at her being so close to something so special. You had wanted it to be a surprise, and this is as good as any.

“His name is Tom?” She looks up as you carry two cups of steaming hot tea out of the kitchen. You place them on the wooden coffee table that sits in front of the couch and take a seat next to her.

Rio is holding the little black cat in her lap, her nails scratching lightly at the back of his head. You can hear his purrs at the attention.

You give her a nod and she turns her attention back to the feline. “I found him a few weeks ago. He was caught in a hunter's trap.”

Rio glances up at you with a frown. “There are no hunter traps near here. Where did you go?”

With the excuse of your tea you take a sip and shrug, and then you get up from the couch and walk over to the bookcase. The spines of the books are bare, a safekeep of knowledge if anyone got past your wards and tried to steal from you. With a whispered spell, fingers dancing over a row of books, the names come to the surface.

While Rio is gone you were left with no studies, no mentor so you took to traveling with spells that could get you in more trouble than worth. But the need for knowledge, for understanding is something you inherited from your mother.

So you traveled and still you always came back, hoping you would see any signs that Rio returned. And while traveling, in the middle of a rumored haunted forest behind a small village, you found Tom. And a book.

You grab the book and walk back over to Rio, holding out the book for her to take. “I found this when I found him. I thought you would find it interesting.”

Rio looks at the book for a long moment before reaching for it and placing it on the table. Her attention goes back to Tom and you smile. Of course he's stolen her from you.

“How did you come up with his name? Because I remember us talking about familiar names before and Tom wasn't on the list.”

“I specifically remember you putting Thackery on the list.” You raise an eyebrow at her and Rio smirks as she scratches Tom's chin.

“You remember correctly.” Rio says and you shake your head with a smile.

To be honest you didn't even have time to think before starting the ritual. You didn't even know if it was going to work. It was adrenaline and panic that pushed you and the first name that escaped was Tom.

Besides, what can you say? A witch and a cat familiar is as stereotypical as it gets and still the entire process was as impulsive as it could have gotten. You love Tom, he's an extension of who you are now.

Tom turns to you with a meow and your fondness only grows. Of course he likes her, she's giving him many pets.

“You said the first name you could think of, didn't you?” Rio glances at you with a knowing smirk.

You think about defending yourself but she's right. The first name that came to mind was Tom. “I was a little preoccupied trying to save his life.”

“Well I think it's perfect, right Tom?” Rio turns back to the black cat, scrunching her nose playfully when he reaches a paw out to her face. Her touch is gentle as her fingers drag lines through his fur, and Tom is basking in the attention.

You had refused to let him outside earlier because he loves to mess up the flowers and you've grown tired of walking by just to see them ruined again. Rio would love to know that little detail, that Tom loves to chew on her flowers but you'll let him have this, just for now.

“I think he likes you.” You tell Rio after a moment of just watching the two. Tom's eyes are closed and his purrs are loud as Rio gives him all the attention. You might even think that she's going to become his favorite.

The small tilt of her head, the fall of her hair as she turns to look at you, even the darkness of her eyes makes you want to hug her again.

“I like him too. You picked a good one.”

It's when you nudge the tea towards her does Rio finally reach for it, she holds it close and closes her eyes as she smells the mint. The small upturn of her lips makes you look away.

The fire burns bright against the dying wood, flames dancing with a rhythm that's exceptionally hard to find and still you stare. The sight is a relief, it's comforting.

It's only with a tilt of your head, a twitch of a finger, does the fire come alive in a different way. The burning edges take the form a dog, it runs around with a wagging tail and it makes you smile.

The soft hum of amusement draws your attention back to Rio, she's watching the illusion. “My turn.”

The competitive glint in her eyes when she glances at you then back at the fire calms your nerves.

As you turn back to the fire, the dog is now chasing a bird. It runs around and jumps to try and catch it but the bird is always faster.

It flaps its fiery wings and swoops around like it's showing off, and yet the dog never gives up the chase. It's tail wags and it bounces to try and reach the bird, failing every time.

The very moment the bird flies out of the fireplace, its fiery body soaring through the air a few times before crashing back into the fire, you turn to Rio with narrowed eyes and the hint of a smile.

“Show off.” You mutter but your words have no bite. Her smile is small and you don't want to break it. So when she turns her attention back to Tom, brushing her fingers through his soft fur, whispering words you can not hear, you let her be. Even for a moment.

Because sometimes words are too much. Sometimes all it takes to feel better is holding a small animal in your hands and knowing that it trusts you. And Tom, you can tell without a doubt trust her. Not as death, but as Rio.

You watch them with a soft expression. Tom, in her lap purring loudly, looking entirely content. Rio, brushing her fingers through his fur, scratching under his chin, leaning down to touch her nose with his. It feels special and vulnerable.

“You know he's going to live as long as you.” Rio finally speaks after a long moment. She tilts her head just a bit to look over at you.

You try to pretend you weren't watching them but it feels impossible not to look away. You hum softly in response, shrugging just a bit. “I know.”

Rio smiles. Turning her attention back to your familiar, green wisps of magic dance at her fingertips as she brushes over his fur and you watch, curious and suspicious.

You feel it. The instance whatever Rio’s done has settled into the bond. You narrow your eyes at her and debate on saying anything. But she beats you to it, with a playful glint in her eyes and a small smirk that tells you she knows exactly what you feel.

“He's fine. You can breathe.” She teases you softly and you look between Tom and her, and he does seem fine. Perfectly okay.

“What did you do?”

Rio says nothing, just gives you a private smile as she continues brushing her fingers through Tom's fur.

“If you want to leave I won't stop you.” The words are soft, a whisper really. A reminder that this is still her choice.

And still Rio gives you a half smile before turning back to Tom who is currently rolled over and playing with her hand. Teeth and claws can't hurt her and yet you know he's not trying to.

And she stays.

She drinks the tea and helps you make dinner, and she even tells you some old joke she's been carrying around for the right moment, which it seems is now. Rio doesn't cry again. She doesn't explain or vent. She's just here, in the moment. With you and Tom.

And when morning comes. When the sun shines through open windows and the sound of birdsong echoes through the woods, Rio is still here.

“Let me make you breakfast.” You haven't made her breakfast in months. You miss it, the quiet moments, soft words and normalcy of it. And you want to see what it’s like to have her in your kitchen again, what it’s like to have this with her. “Please.”

As Rio looks back at you, smile turned soft; she lets you have this. “Only because you said please.”

“Thank you.” You grin and she reaches out to brush your hair back, her finger traces your ear and you don't breathe as she leans closer to you. Her lips are soft as she kisses your cheek and the touch is so intimate that you think your control is going to break.

To kiss Rio, to be kissed by Rio, that’s an urge you won’t ever let become words.

“You're too good.” She whispers but you disagree, you shake your head and take her hand in your own. She's warm under your touch.

The truth is so simple it should be easy. But you know she overlooks things when it comes to herself and still you don't mind having to remind her. “You deserve it.”

It’s when Rio leaves, a promise to return and Tom perched on her shoulders you let yourself almost believe you could get used to this. She said she wanted to get him some pheasant this morning as a treat and there was no way you would deny her.

The cabin is silent as you make breakfast but you don't feel alone. You know she won't stay but you missed this. Having her here with you.

As the front door opens some time later you look up to see her again. She has her hood up and somehow Tom is still on her shoulders, a bird feather between his teeth as his bright eyes look for you. He perks up at the smell of bacon and crawls out of Rio’s hood to jump on the floor and trot towards you.

He places the feather at your feet and meows, flicking his tail back and forth as he waits for his treat. You shake your head and tear a piece of bacon and set it on the floor as you take the feather.

“I think he likes you more than me.” You chuckle and look back to Rio. She’s lowered her hood and her eyes are on the two plates in front of you. She walks over slowly and sits down across from you.

“Blueberries?” She asks, picks up a blueberry and looks at you with a raised eyebrow. You nod in response, place the feather down next to your plate and take a sip of your tea.

“Special treat.” You shrug as you tear apart your bacon and nibble on one piece.

Rio loves blueberries. It was one of the first things you learned about her. It was the berries in your basket the other day.

When Tom jumps on the table to grab another piece of bacon you shoo him away with a soft wave of green magic, he floats in place for a moment before dropping to the floor. His angry meow and hiss makes you shake your head with a smile.

Rio laughs but she’s far more giving when it comes to her bacon. She sneaks a few pieces off her place as she eats and you know she’s dropping them to Tom who’s probably sitting on the floor right next to her but you don't have it in you to scold her. It’s adorable.

It’s later when the sun is high in the sky and the two of you are walking down a path that leads to the nearest lake, you know that this is goodbye.

“Are you ready for this?” You ask her once the two of you reach the lake. There’s a group of ducks swimming in the middle of the water and a deer is drinking on the farside. Rio nods after a long moment. She takes a breath that relaxes her shoulders and nods again.

“I have to be.”

“Okay,” You move to stand in front of her and she watches you with curiosity. Rio reaches for your hands and you let her fingers dance against your palm before she takes your hand into her own. “Now, who is it you would like me to look after?”

You don’t expect her to frown, and yet you should have. You don’t rush her though, there is no need. Rio recovers quickly, she squeezes your hand and you return the gesture. “Her name is Agatha Harkness.”

“Agatha,” You mutter the name because it sounds familiar. You don’t notice Rio watching you carefully, waiting for your response, waiting to see what you do.

Agatha. Harkness. Suddenly the recognition sparks to life like a wildfire. Agatha Harkness. The witch killer.

You look back at Rio in utter shock. Her expression is guarded and you know if you say the wrong thing she’s going to pull away, she’s going to hide under her apathy.

“She could kill me.” That is not what you meant to say.

But Rio doesn’t move away. She shakes her head, steps closer and holds your face in her hands so you look at her when she speaks next.

Her eyes are so rich in color you think you could drown in them, if it weren’t for the predicament of this entire situation. “She won’t. She can’t. I promise you she can’t. Agatha’s powers are unique.”

Yeah, her powers kill other witches, you would call that unique and terrifying. Even if every word is just rumor you still would not like to run into her.

“If you don’t blast her, if you don’t harm her with your magic she can’t steal yours.” Rio explains gently. She brushes the pad of her thumb over your lower lip and sighs. “You do not have to do this if you do not want to.”

You shake your head, close your eyes and breathe. You grab at her wrists and you can feel her exhale against your face.

Rio came to you with this request. You have already agreed. You clear your throat and nod, open your eyes and look at her. “Where is she?”

She licks her lips before she responds and you're too weak right now. Your eyes fall to her lips and you exhale softly. “North. You have time.”

“What do I even say if she asks why I’m following her?”

Rio hums softly before she responds, her index finger traces the line of your jaw. “Agatha's thirst for knowledge fuels her curiosity, if you dangle something she wants right in front of her she will let you stay close by. She's like you in that regard.” She smirks and you glare at her.

“I’m a way better cook.” You grumble and she smiles, her laugh is light and teasing.

“Yes, your pancakes are to die for.” Rio teases you and you want to kiss that expression off her face.

“How long will you be gone?” You ask her, voice a whisper.

“I promised him an adventure.” She doesn't explain more and you know that is answer enough. You won't see her for a while.

“Okay, okay.” You let out a soft breath and give her a small nod. You can do this for her.

“Thank you.” Her whisper tickles your lips and you have to close your eyes so you don’t give into that urge.

“Whatever you need.” You tell her softly. You don’t know if it's relief or regret that you feel when she finally steps away. You open your eyes and watch as she reaches for something hidden in her cloak.

What she pulls out is a bracelet. It looks like it’s woven together with straw, it looks like a child's creation. You glance up at Rio and she looks down at the bracelet, holding it in her hands. She runs a finger over the design and smiles sadly. “Trust me. You will find her with this.”

[cha0s-junkie]

platonic yandere! mafia mom x reader

general warning for violence

--

"Leave me alone." You turned your head when she tries to feed you. Your stomach growled at the scent of food but you pushed the feeling down. Because no, you weren't going to eat the food of your fucking kidnapper.

"Your tummy seems like it really wants to have some food in it, c'mon it's your favorite." Her voice has a sing-song tone as she wiggled the spoon full of food. "No." You knew you were acting like a child. It's embarrassing but you didn't want to give in.

Fuck Verena. Fuck her delicious smelling food.

She sighed, placing the spoon back into the bowl. "Why won't you let me feed you, hm?"

"Because I'm not a child. I can fuckin-" You see her frown at your choice of words and you coughed. "I can feed myself."

She places the bowl of food in front of you. "You promise you're gonna eat this If I let you feed yourself?"

You eyed the food and looked back up at her, you nodded. Finally she nudges the food to you, allowing you to feed yourself. You practically scarf the food down, almost choking on it.

"Slow down," She laughs, patting your leg. "You're gonna get a tummy ache later, don't want that now do we."

You take her advice and slowly finish the food. First time in the two days you've been here you've eaten anything, she had insisted on attempting to feed you every time. And every time you refused.

Verena was just happy you finally ate something, even if she was a little disappointed that she couldn't feed you herself. Having food in your stomach after so long makes you sleepy, you don't realize that you were nodding off until you heard her cooing.

"Aw, is my baby feeling tired now?" She moves to carry you to your room and you tiredly protest. "Shh, shh it's alright sweetheart. Just moving you to your room, you can get some proper sleep there alright?"

You hated whenever she carried you with such ease. It made you feel small and safe, just like she wanted. You feel yourself being let down onto a plush bed and you started to fall in a deeper sleep.

--

Sometimes you forget that Verena was the head of a mafia. The way she treated you was so careful and gentle that you forget, her hands have ended the lives of so many.

Why was it so jarring to see her crouched over another one of her victims, blood covering her face as her fists continuously pounded into the already unconscious body of the man. Maybe he was dead, it was hard to tell from the small hole of the slightly open door.

The sounds. It made you nauseous.

"Boss. The kid's awake." One of her men points out. You jump as she turned around, her eyes staring at you. Shit. You weren't supposed to go outside of your room without her.

You watch in fear as she cracked her neck, dropping her brass knuckles onto the floor and walk towards you.

Instincts kick in and you started to walk away from the door. You hear your name called and you start running. Running back to your room and tucking yourself under your plush blankets.

It was just her. Verena. Your kidnapper, yes, but she hadn't hurt you. Not yet at least.

"Honey..." Her voice was so sad. Bringing you back to the first time you cowered away from her. "You shouldn't have seen that, I'm sorry. Mama's sorry, okay? I should've locked the doors."

You feel her hand pat your back as she speaks. "I would never, ever hurt you. I'd rather die first before I would ever hurt my precious kid." She whispers.

It's so genuine. You finally peek out from your hiding spot and looked at her, she had a small sad smile. "Hi there."

You hated that you felt bad for being scared. You just witnessed her kill- hurt a man. You watched her beat him up ruthlessly, and yet somehow you feel bad for running away from her in the first place.

"Is he okay?" You ask. "He is."

You know its not true but you nod anyways, allowing her to cuddle you again. Those hands that have hurt many holds you so gently.

[fireheartpages]

other plans | b.d.

bodhi durran x reader chapter one. series masterlist summary: everyone has their demons, you just chose to run from yours. straight to basgiath war college. and definitely not towards the grinning tall, dark, and handsome marked rider that seemed too kind to be in a hardened place like the rider's quadrant. word count: 2.1k ish notes: second person pov but i give the reader a nickname (that i stole from dirty dancing) and a last name bc i'm not using y/n and i want this to be readable. she/her pronouns used for reader. this has been stuck in my head and i thought i was gonna combust if i didn't get it on page. and it's all together hovering somewhere around 7k words so im gonna split it up and post it all within the next few days and then have the whole thing available on ao3! i haven't written fanfiction in at least a good six months, and i've never written for fourth wing, so bare with me a little--i tried my best. i have a chronic attachment to side characters with little to no page time. half of this was written while wine tipsy and all of it was proofread while wine drunk, so we die like men

Bodhi has never seen someone walk across the parapet so easily.

He's never seen someone make a dance out of it. As if it were a show, a production. Your feet are so confident, so sure with every step, every placement that you would make it to the next. It's pouring rain and windy as all hell, and yet you make the parapet look like a children's balance beam.

You land right in front of him, and by the time your eyes meet his, he's already decided that he needs to know everything he possibly can about you. The instant your focus lands on him, he's obsessed.

Garrick has other plans.

"Name?"

"Baby," you say, and Bodhi blinks. "Marho."

Garrick is downright gawking at you. "Baby?"

Something that sounds much more like a name and not what an infant is called slips out on a laugh, and Bodhi can't help but trace the lean lines of your neck. Holy shit. If he thought you were pretty before, it was dwarfed to the sound of your laugh. The sun had to fight for space when you smiled.

"Sorry. Childhood nickname, I forget I have another one sometimes."

"Did your parents nickname you after a hooker?" Garrick asks, jotting your name--the true one--on the roll.

"Did yours raise you to be a dick?" you ask, not missing a beat, and the boy's gaze snaps up to you. If Bodhi had been looking anywhere else, his would have too, but he hadn't taken his eyes off of you since the moment you stepped foot onto the parapet. He felt his brow shoot up, lips parting on a huff.

He bursts out laughing.

You don't move. Don't take your eyes from Garrick, from staring him down, until he tips his head in inclination and gives something that sounds like an apology. It's Bodhi's turn to be the subject of your scrutiny now, and as your eyes trace his shape, shifting with the weight of your gaze and his laugh, he senses more than sees the moment you note his rebellion relic. Your face doesn't shift, but it's as if a proverbial file is created and tucked away into the archive of your mind.

You didn't say anything else as you walk away from the two boys, but Bodhi tracks you as you go. Tracks your movements, as you weave through the crowd with a practiced grace, how your hair moves as you take the stairs down and out of his sight.

He's almost sorry to see you go. But he's determined to see you again.

Bodhi snatches the roll sheet from Garrick as parapet comes to an end, scanning to make sure he has the name correct. He marches up to Xaden, and only pausing for a moment to consider how stupid this is--he literally doesn't know a single thing about you--before throwing your name into the space between them.

"I want her in my section."

"Don't you have better things to do than flirt with children?" Xaden asks impassively.

"She's not a literal baby."

"I'm aware of that," he responds, sounding exasperated. "You're an Executive Officer, Bodhi. Do what you want."

Except Dain Aetos has other plans.

You made friends. You stand with the Sorrengail girl and another he didn't recognize, tucking loose strands of hair back into her coronet braid. What type of person fixed the hair of someone they'd just met? You, apparently.

You're in Second Wing. With Aetos and Sorrengial and the other girl. This is fine. Something about you didn't scream "secret rebel" the way wanted it too.

And then Xaden transfers your squad to Fourth Wing. He had sent Bodhi a glance as he put the squad in Flame section--not Tail--and Bodhi could see there was some sort of ulterior motive behind the decision. It did also mean you weren't under his direct chain of command. He couldn't tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing

Fraternization is frowned upon, not forbidden, after all.

Not that you would be fraternizing. After all.

But, challenging you would be a terrible idea. Terribly adverse, fatally cataclysmic, and ill-fated.

And all of those words mean the same thing.

He would stay clear, watch you from afar, and maybe, maybe work up the courage to talk to you outside of parapet. Possibly.

His confidence needed some serious shaping. Since when was he afraid to talk to someone? A pretty someone, to say the least. He was a gods damned dragon rider. He wasn't afraid to talk to you. He was just... hesitant.

Yeah. That. And he did not need a challenge to break the ice.

Emetterio has other ideas.

He calls your name, then Bodhi's, and Bodhi is pretty sure his heart stops in his chest.

You don't look frazzled or scared, just curious as you study him from head to toe. He guards himself as if you were an intruder in his mind, an Inntinnsic slipping in to spill all his secrets. Except you're an unbounded first year that hasn't even developed a signet, and instead that's just you. He's building up walls just to look at you. You and those bright, keen eyes.

Emetterio calls it, and you're off. Except neither of you move. You pace around, and it's a stand off. You cock your head, and Bodhi tries every trick in the book: the fakes out, glances quickly off to the side, purposefully stumbles--and you're unfazed. Completely and utterly unfazed.

He can't make the first move. He can't hit you--

Suddenly, his feet are out from under him, and he's staring at the ceiling, and you lunge, reaching to pin him to the floor. He reaches out and catches the elbow you throw, but before he can even make contact, you twist, sliding underneath him, and suddenly you're behind him.

You're fast. Really fucking fast. And suddenly, Bodhi has his work cut out for him.

You kick out again, going to the back of his knees, and he recognizes the move, thrusting his body forward to keep control and twisting before he lands, kipping up so you're eye-level again.

Your first catches his nose, and blood goes flying. He makes the mistake of bringing his hands up to cup his nose and it leaves his core exposed. You take the opportunity to land a knee in his gut, probably bruising a few ribs in there, and he doubles over, the wind having been knocked from him. Holy shit, he needs to get at least one hit in. This was getting embarrassing.

He swings blindly, and you dodge--but you don't grab his fist. And you had the perfect opportunity to. You were fast, and your reflexes were quick, but you didn't know how to end this. The realization crashes into him as you swing again. A lot of force, but no follow-though, giving him the perfect opportunity to deflect, pushing your fist and forcing the follow-through until you were swinging behind him with his hand around your wrist and then he was bringing you to him, one of his arms gripping one of yours across your neck, and the other twisting your other behind your back. Like this, your body was flush against his.

You struggle, kicking out, but it was all too easy for him to get your feet out from under you. You weren't small by any means, but Bodhi was bigger, and had a year of training over you. Your feet kicked out, and all he had to do was lean back to incapacitate you. You gave a frustrated grunt that so heavily affected him that he almost dropped you to make sure you were okay before he realized where he was and what he was doing.

"Finish her without making a fool of yourself, please," Cuir chimes in, probably sensing his hesitation and near-miss, and Bodhi sends an eye roll he hopes he can feel, since he doesn't have the brain space to say anything back, with your body pressed against his and the current task at hand.

He twists and take you both to the ground, pinning both your hands above your head, and taking a leg beneath his foot, balancing on a knee. You let out a sharp huff, and he's mesmerized by the way your nose scrunches up in determination. Your free leg goes to knee him, and he takes the hit, leaning into it before transferring your hands so they're both pinned between one of his, sliding one hand down your hip and to your thigh, holding it to the gourd before you can knee him again. He has a free knee to hold him up, but not without giving leverage to one of your legs. So he's pressed against you, hip to hip, face to face.

"Yield," he says, begs, because he can't hold this for long, and because if you figure out just how much you affect him, you'd win this thing in a matter of heartbeats.

"No," you grind out, thrashing. He's spread thin: his wingspan practically encompassing your body, giving you leverage to wear against him. He worries for a moment, a flash of the bruise he could leave on your thigh going through his mind, and two thoughts overtake him at once.

One, that he doesn't want to hurt you. And that while it may be inevitable with where you two stood, he wanted to try and eliminate the possibility as best he could.

Two, that he would leave bruises all up and down your thighs if he ever got the chance to get between them.

And the combination of the two of those thoughts loosened his grip on you, giving you the opportunity to roll away.

"I did not choose someone this negligent," Cuir snaps, and Bodhi panicks, and now you're pinned underneath him again, his front pressed to your backside, and it's a true plea when he breathes, "Yield."

"No!" You squirm, and fuck stop doing that--

"Get yourself together!" Cuir snaps, and Bodhi sucks in a sharp breath.

"That's enough," Emetterio says, pinning you with a look Bodhi would pick dragon fire over. "Know when to quit, Cadet Marho."

"No!" you yelp. "If this were a real fight, no one is calling the shots--"

"If this was a real fight, you'd be dead. I called it. Get off the mat," Emetterio snaps, and Bodhi scrambles off of you.

He offered you a hand that you send a pointed look at, and he can tell you're considering telling him where to shove it, but you take it anyway, and he walks you off the mat with a hand on your shoulder.

"Good match," Bodhi says, genuinely trying.

You open your mouth to respond, looking like you yourself could spit fire for a second, and Bodhi pities the dragon you end up bonded to for a moment.

"You're fast," he continues, before you can. "Quick reflexes, and you're strong."

"I had you," you throw at him, fiery and determined, and your gaze slips to his rebellion relic.

Oh. So, that's what this is about.

Bodhi shakes his head, and the grin that had been blooming falters. "I can help," he says. "If you're struggling with sparring, I can help."

You suck in a breath.

"Or Imogen. Or Xaden. Or--" he stops, because, fuck, obviously you don't want to be near Marked ones--

"Thank you," you say, and the ghost of the smile he saw after the parapet makes a reappearance. "Thank you."

And with that, you turn and leave, heading back to your squad. Rhiannon is shaking her head at you, and Violet mumbles something that makes you laugh. Bodhi would bottle that sound if he could. What the hell was a countering signet for? His signet should be used for bottling the sound of your laugh--

"Do not finish that thought," Cuir chides. "Get a grip."

Bodhi grins, his hair falling over his temple as Garrick comes up and slaps him on the back, congratulations on a challenge well fought. He watches you take a swig from the water canteen, traces the lines of your jaw down to your shoulder until you hand it back, then traces the length of your wrist as you hand it--

"Pathetic." Cuir. "You haven't spoken."

"We kind of did," Bodhi says mentally. "I offered. I... tried."

"If you like her, try harder," he chides, and Bodhi sighs.

He doesn't like you, he barely knows you.

"Sure."

[frudoo]

Slasher 141 again, sorry to bug, I'm chomping at the bit. She meets the others? I humbly ask for more pleaseeee

Can y'all tell I'm horny for slasher Johnny

Warnings: Smut throughout, so MDNI. Fingering, strange men, reader is just getting a taste of what she signed up for. Fem!Reader obvs.

     Simon doesn’t talk much. Maybe it’s because Johnny’s got his hand down your pants and he doesn’t want to interrupt, but even so, he just gives off that kind of vibe. Johnny’s trailing kisses down your neck and you’re whimpering, just trying to get the two of them to make small talk.

“S-Simon, are you… do you also- um… you know. Kill people?” You wince at your poor choice of words, but the kisses from your date don’t let up, so maybe you’re alright.

     Simon’s beady eyes meet yours through the rear-view mirror. Fuck, if he’s not a serial killer, he should be. Those dark brown eyes are deeply unsettling, making you nauseous. He nods in affirmation before turning his eyes back to the road.

"We all are."

Well, shit. Is there such a thing as a murderer-radar? Because if so, yours is in mint condition. 

     Johnny bites down on your neck harshly at the same time his middle finger slips inside of your pussy, and you squeal. Is this what they do? Seduce a vulnerable woman with deadly curiosity such as yourself, just to take her away and dice her up? God, you really should have paid more attention to the warnings in all those true crime documentaries. Now you’re going to end up in one. 

     “Are… are you going to kill me?” You sigh—rule number one: don’t question what the big serial killers are going to do to you while you’re in their truck.

     Johnny grins against your neck, his hot tongue soothing the bite he’d just left on you. He inserts another finger, and, well… maybe getting the best finger-fuck of your life before you die isn’t the worst way to go out. You mewl when he curls them right up against your g-spot and almost miss Simon’s low voice answering your question.

     “If we wanted y’dead, y’already would be,” he shrugs, pulling onto a long dirt road that leads to a large farmhouse, past herds of cattle and fat pigs who look like they’ve never missed a meal. 

     Simon’s answer does nothing to settle your nerves, although the orgasm that Johnny coaxes out of you works well to distract. There’s a black cat waiting by the front door when they guide you inside, and your head starts pounding. If that’s not an omen, you don’t know what is. Damn Johnny and his beautiful, charming self, and damn you for not being bothered enough by his career choice when you should have been. Now you’re not even sure what you’ve gotten yourself into.

     It’s warm inside. Inviting, despite everything, with cozy furniture littered across the den and taxidermied animals decorating the walls. Extravagant chandeliers hang from the ceiling, lighting up the area with a dim yellow aura that helps remind you to breathe. The walls are painted a dark green and the fireplace is going, and on the largest couch sits two more men—one with blue eyes nearly as piercing as Johnny’s, and another with the prettiest lips you’ve ever seen.

     Now that you can see him better, you realize that even Simon is ridiculously handsome, with short blonde hair and a scar across his lip that must have been the result of repairing a nasty split. More white marks are littered across his face, but the honey of his brown eyes don’t seem nearly as cold under this warm light. It almost makes you forget what they do for a living.

     “I’m guessin’ this is her, since she’s not hog-tied,” the one with blue eyes speaks gruffly, standing from his seated position and slowly stalking closer.

     He’s taller than Johnny, but not quite at Simon’s height, and his hand is rough against your skin as he cups your cheek in his palm. His thumb runs along your bottom lip, eyes taking in every inch of your person. The man hums thoughtfully before removing his hands from you, looking between the men who stand by your side.

     “Pretty thing, ain’t she? Nice and soft, too,” he concludes, calling the other man over to check you out as well.

     Your breath hitches in your throat as the new man smiles down at you, those luscious lips spread across a perfectly straight set of white teeth. He doesn’t touch you, just gives you a once-over before nodding.

     “She’s perfect,” he confirms to the previous man before looking to you again. “M’Kyle. Tha’s John, and m’sure y’know those two already.”

     You nod, chewing on your bottom lip. You still have no idea what the hell is going on, or what they mean by perfect. Perfect for what, exactly? More taxidermy? Pig food?

     “Glad ye approve, Cap’n, Gaz,” Johnny beams, wrapping his arm around your waist. “Knew ye’d love her.”

     Your eyes widen slightly when Simon leans down to press a lingering kiss to your lips, followed by Kyle, then John. You’re frozen in place, but Johnny just chuckles and scoops you up into his arms, strong legs striding down the hallway into one of the bedrooms.

     “Dinnae be afraid, hen. They like ye. Ah told ye, ye’ll ge’ along jus’ fine,” he presses his lips against your temple, then lays you on his bed. 

     “We’ll ge’ yer room set up in the mornin’, but ah need tae taste tha’ sweet cunt reit fookin’ now. Dinnae be quiet, lass, let ‘em hear yer bonnie moans."

[stevieschrodinger]

Everything is going slowly foggy. The fear is fading. Eddie's vaguely aware that it's probably because he's dying. What was terrifying a couple of minutes ago, is only vaguely of interest now. An ephemeral pressure on the back of his brain. Present, yet easy to ignore.

All he can taste is his own blood, but it's not so bad. At least he can tell Dustin how much he loves him. And Steve's there. Steve Harrington. Who knew he would turn out to be such a great guy? So, yeah. It all feels alright.

Eddie feels sleepy, vaguely aware that he's, actually, probably dying.

He closes his eyes.

There's a strange sense of vertigo, strange enough that Eddie notices he's standing up before he notices that someone's kissing him. It's a soft press of lips. It's wonderful.

Eddie blinks his eyes open, and from an inch away, he's looking at Steve Harrington.

He's standing in a kitchen. it's nice. Eddie's clean; he's wearing sweats and a tee. Barefoot. The kitchen smells like coffee, and sun is shining in through the window.

Somewhere in the house, a child sequels; Eddie startles. "Steve?" He asks, carefully. "I mean...not that it isn't-"

The child comes barreling into the room. It's a little girl. She's wearing the smallest Dio shirt Eddie's ever seen. She throws herself at Eddie's legs, screaming "Papa!"

Eddie has no idea what his face is doing as he looks down at this little girl, but Steve is taking his hand, tugging it, Eddie looks up, "it happened again, didn't it? You forgot again?"

"I...what?"

Steve scoops up the little girl, throwing her over his shoulder, she squeals again, laughing like this is the best thing ever, "come on pumpkin patch, Papa's not feeling so hot today and auntie Robin's going to be here in two whole minutes."

He looks back to Eddie, mouthing 'just wait, okay?'

Eddie, at a loss, just nods.

He creeps to the doorway, watching, fascinated, as Steve Harrington fixes the little girls hair into pig tails. Helps her get her socks straight. Helps her tie the laces on her sneakers. Gets her back pack on her, "eat your carrot sticks today, okay Ronnie?"

'Ronnie,' Eddie mouths to himself.

Watches as Steve puts her little hand into Robin's, standing on the front porch. Robin looks different. Older. She's smartly dressed.

Steve whispers something to her, and she looks at Eddie. Smiles a sad smile. They leave.

Steve stands there for a moment, waves them off, then closes the door. He seems to steal himself, and then he turns and comes back to Eddie, "I have to go to work, but, come on, let me show you something."

Eddie follows Steve into an office, there's shit everywhere, "I don't come in here often, your mess drives me fucking batshit," Steve digs into a desk drawer, brings out a notebook. "I have no idea what's in here, I've never read it. Something about...what happened. You did die. You were oxygen deprived long enough to cause a brain injury, so sometimes you...forget everything. After the second time it happened, you started writing letters to yourself. So, yeah...you call it your instruction manual, I get it for you when this happens."

It takes Eddie what feels like a really fucking long time to process this, and he can't help but notice that Steve's eyes are wet, Eddie feels crushingly guilty about it.

"Okay so what do I...do?"

Steve shrugs, "read it, I guess. You add to it whenever anything important happens...Eddie...just, the bats, they did a number on you...when you, when you look at the scars, the first time, just, brace yourself, okay and...don't forget that I love you, no matter what, I love you."

And Steve just...leaves the house. Leaves Eddie in this absolute disaster of an office. Leaves him holding a notebook that's ratty and untidy and feels like it's bursting at the seams.

Eddie reads.

So, I'm going to try and keep this simple, but I'm you, from the past, and our dumb ass has fucking brain damage...

You're not going to fucking believe this...we bagged Steve Harrington...

Hold on to your hat big boy, but we got fucking published! And if you're reading this, then you are in for a treat, because it means you get to read our genius for the first time all over again...

Okay, so this one was a bad one, we initially, didn't react so well, so, here's what I was worried about, and I'll talk you through it...

So, I need you to not fuck this up for us, okay? So, this is the Steve Harrington play book. The man is romantic, buy flowers, do nice shit. I cannot stress this enough - just pick up your crap man, he hates it when the place is messy. Now, we have to get it right so here's everything I know, I'll start at the top and work down. He loves having his hair played with, and tugged, but not too hard, gentle but firm, there's a sweet spot. The neck, the whole thing is an erogenous zone, I really can't downplay the importance of the neck...

We bought a fucking house! Look at it! Just look at it! And Eddie does, because there's a Polaroid stuck to the page.

So, this might sound dumb, and I probably should have written to you sooner, but...Steve jizzed in a cup for Robs, and Nancy turkey basted it, you know. Anyway, the point is...Rob's pregnant. With our baby. And then me and Nance got drunk, like, to celebrate, and she got all sad that her and Robin weren't having a baby, stay with me, I know this is mad as shit, but Nancy wanted our kid and their kid to grow up together....

Look, I don't know if it's the stress of like, imminent fatherhood, but we've been forgetting a lot lately, so, here's the plan for when Rob's in labor, and everything you've talked to Steve about when it comes to being the stay at home parent, okay...

The next page is just a Polaroid, a little scrunched up face. A little pink potato swaddled in blankets, and underneath it says 'Ronnie Jamie Harrington'...

And the next page, another Polaroid, another scrunched up face, another little pink potato swaddled in blankets, and underneath it says 'Stephanie Edwina Wheeler'...

Steve comes home. He looks exhausted. Like, drained. And, worried and scared and pale and lots of other things Eddie can't even begin to imagine. Eddie holds his arms out and Steve practically throws himself into them, "how long does it take, for me to get back to normal?"

Steve shrugs, "it's different every time, but it's a good sign you're still here, sometimes you run. Those times are the worst ones."

Six weeks later, Eddie writes to himself, "do not, under any circumstances, run away..."

Eddie thinks he's seeing things. Thinks maybe he's going senile. But he hasn't forgotten for...well, it's been years now. At least seven or eight. And yeah, Ronnie might be about to finish high school and Steve might be stressed to fuck over her college applications, but...Eddie's glad. He's glad she's spreading her wings. He's glad they managed to produce a stand up human being.

He's really glad her and Steph are trying for the same colleges, they're always going to have each other.

But yea...he's worried his mind is kind of...slipping. Hasn't told Steve. Doesn't want to worry him. They're both sprouting a few gray hairs, no need to add to those.

But sometimes. Sometimes when Eddie looks out of the window, he thinks, for a moment, that the sky is dark and...it looks like snow?

And sometimes, Eddie catches himself in the mirror, and he's sure he's dirty. A mess. Covered in blood but...no. He walks back a step, checks again. Everything is fine.

Sometimes he's sees movement out of the corner of his eye.

Sometimes, in the beat of the music or the rumble of the car engine, he swears he hears things. Sometimes a voice. Sometimes it sounds like they're yelling.

Sometimes it sounds like Steve.

And once, he blinked awake, Steve bringing him a coffee. But it wasn't Steve, for the time between startled, half asleep blinks, it was Vecna.

It gets worse.

Something isn't right. The house is empty, and it shouldn't be.

He can hear Steve, but he can't find him. And that's silly because the house isn't that big. He searches and searches, growing more frantic. He calls back to Steve, but Steve...doesn't seem to hear him.

There's something dim about the light, but the light has always been that way, hasn't it? Something...dusty, in the air. Eddie feels like he's dreaming. He has to be dreaming; there's a crack in the living room wall. A crack that spreads and lengthens until the whole house is crumbling and Eddie can see clearly now that the sky here flashes red.

That it's always been flashing red.

How did he not see before? The dust on every surface? The pages of his notebook are blank. Eddie knows. He's always known.

Steve.

Steve is here. He's hanging from Eddie's fist, bruised and bloodied and begging Eddie. Begging Eddie to stop this, to hear him, to see him. It's Steve.

It's Eddie's Steve.

Next to him, Vecna says, "finish it."

Eddie has something in his hand, the hilt of something he's sure of, long and sharp and dependable.

Eddie doesn't think, he just moves.

He drops Steve.

He doesn't need to look. Eddie turns, and he swings.

Part Two

[empty-vessel-of-a-person]

Reasons why Sylus and MC’s Love is Strong and Enduring

The Front Side

Their relationship may have started in a wrong foot but they gradually (specially MC) come to terms that Sylus will constantly be at her side.

In “No Way Out” and “Radiant Brilliance” Sylus, the ever elusive and strong leader of Onichynus has no problem is showing weakness with MC. This is huge considering Sylus reputation. Being vulnerable and open is not something easy for a man like Sylus, but he let MC see every side of him.

Sylus is the first LaDS men to ever directly tell MC that he loves her and proves it to her in every way possible. (Source: Razor Grip)

Sylus is a man of confidence and conviction. MC is not very fond of him at the beginning (Nor he is fond of her) but I don’t feel that they genuinely hate each other. More like irritated and frustrated. But after all of the things ended in Sylus’ branch of the story, Sylus gradually but firmly makes his way to MC’s life. He always makes sure MC is alright and got everything she needs.

The memory “Wild Gaze” and “Melodic Weave” Is probably where Sylus gets the “sugar daddy” label. He really doesn’t mind spending his fortune with MC.

The Back End

They are on the opposing end of the society. Let’s not forget MC is a Hunter and Sylus is a wanted person of her organization. But romantically involved or not, MC never spilled anything about Sylus upon her return to Linkon from the N109 Zone. From this perspective, MC might be eternally grateful that she was able to return home, but this is huge for her. Considering she is all about being a hunter that not even Zayne is able to stop her from doing dangerous missions, her keeping secrets of Sylus whereabouts ans dealings is no easy feat.

Secret Dates and Escapades Shenanigans. This is one of the best tropes Sylus and MC have. The thrill of not to be caught together adds flavor to their relationship. We can see this on both “Melodic Weave” and voice call “Keep Distance”. Yes, Sylus couldn’t care less about what happened to him but MC is clearly not comfortable in the idea of them being seen together.

Given the conclusion above, they both still makes efforts to be together. And one of my favorite moments of them was during the “Riverbank Scenery” Phone Call. Sylus have to send a”suspicious” letter just to invite her out. And the fact that he called their meeting as a “rendezvous” instead of a date adds to anonymity on it and also heartbreaking. They may not directly say it,but they cannot be seen together. Which is why towards the end of the call, Sylus almost pleadingly ask her to stay with him longer.

The Consequences. By the time the we get to the “Razor Dance” memory, it’s clear that MC already has feelings for Sylus. But they are still keeping things a secret and I feel that the deeper reason for this is MC’s situation. What will happen to her once they are found out? MC might be branded as a traitor and lock her up. I know that Sylus will do anything and literally everything to save her but the real question is, will he risk it? I know for a fact that MC will not die but if the association finds out about it, she might be facing a problem same with what Ever Group is posing. MC has a very valuable asset and there is no guarantee that the Hunters Association will not take advantage of her as well.

The Conclusion

MC do not show any signs of giving up being a hunter or ever leave Linkon. She mentioned it in all the memories under the Wander in Wonder Event. She really hopes to return to Linkon and she misses her home. In the same event in the “Grassland Romance” with Sylus she asks him if he ever consider living in Linkon so they could always meet up and he readily agrees. With this we can assume the extent of Sylus love for her. He is willing to give up everything for her and be anything for her.

But although MC is not ready or willing (Depends how you take it) to give up being a hunter or leave Linkon, we cannot ignore the danger she is putting her self in every time she meets with Sylus. MC inviting him to live in her hometown can be taken as she wants him being in a more peaceful environment to keep him safe.

Their love story ma not be easy flowing but it’s not toxic. It may need a lot of effort, but it doesn’t make it less true. Loving Sylus can be a pain but it’s still rewarding.

[amiaclone]

Oh hello! I love the way you write, could you write something like the reader is pregnant by player 333 and he protects her no matter what in the games,ty ✨️

YES IVE BEEN WAITING FOR PLAYER 333

Soo since this is basically just Junhee I’m gonna add a bit more to the plot if you don’t mind!

You were in the first games like Gi hun you didn’t win although you escaped after you lost at one of the games (let’s say marbles) was living with Gi hun for a good while then moved out etc met Lee Myung gi (player 333) got you pregnant did the scam etc anyways you wanted to help Gi hun but not get involved but Front man kidnapped you anyways for fun and well….here you are

Since I like Junhee I don’t wanna erase her so she’s like a spy or sm 😔 a whole different plot but interesting still

Anyways here it is!

Lee Myung Gi x Fem! Reader

You sighed in annoyance as your ex came to bother you about if you were okay or needed anything the usual

You didn’t even wanna be here but be with him? No way!

You won’t lie you *did* need help in a place like this but with him? No way!

“Do you need my extra milk? A place like this isn’t fit for someone like you! Bla bla bla” that’s all he ever said

Myung gi and you used to be one of those lovey dovey couples who you’d think would get married or something…..it could of happened if he didn’t end up with you losing your money and ghosting you

For the money? Meh you didn’t care as Gi hun managed to pay off your debts but ghosting? That was cold you called almost everyday and received little knowledge……yeah he deserves what’s coming to him

Currently it was after red light green light and he was bothering you about a new thing!

“You played these games before and never told me?”

You rolled your eyes “Yeah cause telling someone I was kidnapped and forced to play children games and could die is so believable”

He shook his head “Yeah well things like this aren’t just things you can forget about! How did you leave why did you go back-“

You turned to him rather harshly “Not that it concerns you but I don’t wanna be here just as much as anyone else” you sighed staring at your stomach for a bit your child could die here…..you could die here was it really worth it?

He noticed and stood firm “Well I’ll protect you” you gave him a small glare

“How am I supposed to know I can trust you?”

He shook his head “Don’t be stubborn y/n in your condition if the majority votes to stay….your chances are very slim”

You sighed looking up at the roof “Fine. But don’t think this means I have forgotten anything”

He sighed smiling that you’d agree maybe this is a chance to finally make things up with you?

Cue to the six legged pentathlon

You teamed with Gi hun followed by your ex who’s been following you around the whole time like a lost puppy except the puppy is preventing anything from even looking at or touching said person aka you

So far you agreed to do Jegi as it seemed the easiest

“Don’t you think it’d be dangerous-“

“I’m doing it”

Luckily we barely lived even though In ho/Player 001 nearly screwed it over for us and you all headed out

Once again Myung Gi stood by your side you even cheered with him for passing it he smiled

Oh wait your still supposed to be mad at him you quickly erased that smile with a frown

“Well thanks for protecting me i suppose you’ve been nice…”

“Nice enough for me to finally show you I’m sorry?”

“No”

He mentally groaned he knew he messed up but he really did miss you ghosting you was a big regret but he didn’t want you getting involved because people were trying to kill him!

Well atleast you’re nice enough to try tolerating that’s a start…

Cue to mingle

You haven’t seen Myung for almost the whole game and to be honest you were getting kinda worried you were with Gi hun and the team you formed back in six legged pentathlon

The new number was seven you grabbed onto Junhee a kind girl who told you in secret she was a spy for the government (Cool plot might use it for an oc) who you’ve bonded with the whole time you were here

You ran but someone fell you think it was Young Mi? Anyways just as the door was about to close *He* walked in

Ah typical Myung gi smiled staring at everyone specifically you as he expected to be seen as a hero

Why were you kinda relieved to see him?

Which you agreed he did technically save your lifes you empathised heavily with Hyun Ju banging on the door crying for Young Mi it gave you flashbacks of the first games you didn’t lose anyone typically close you can recall but still a sad time..

Anyways Hyun Ju blamed Myung gi while Myung gi defended himself and begged any of us to agree with him which you did

“I’m sorry about Young mi Hyun Ju but he’s got a point we all would have died”

Myung gi seemed relieved and when you were all walking out walked up to you “Thank you for defending me does this mean we can talk? Oh! Watch your step”

He points at the wall when you were a good distance from it you rolled your eyes

“This doesn’t change anything I just agreed with you cause you were right”

Before he could say anything the last round started

It said 2 and he immediately grabbed you before you could even comprehend who it was luckily he found a random door barely and slammed it shut breathing heavily

“Thanks” is all you could mutter heavily breathing

He smiled

“As long as I’m here I’ll protect you”

And why did you feel comforted by that….

I loved this one smmmm we need more Myung gi fanfics! Hope you likeddd it

[jinwoosbabyboo]

“My Apologies You Must Have Me Mistaken For Someone Else”

+Synopsis+

AU where MC(You) remembers everything, but the LADS Men forget everything. Guess it's your turn to make them fall in love all over again. You did it once you can do it again. Right?

How do you tell someone they've loved you for centuries? In every lifetime? You don't. You love them in silence and do your best in hopes they'll reciprocate those feelings you're trying so hard not to show too soon.

Zayne

Your memories of everything with Zayne came flooding back one day. So fast that you actually almost passed out. The pain was excruciating who would have thought remembering could be so painful. Even worse it was in the middle of a battle with a wanderer. In the midst of you holding your head to try and subdue the pain you were pierced straight through the chest.

It was as if everything seemed to slow down. So much blood you could feel your vision darkening while your head was swimming as you lay there on the ground. Your life, no your lives literally flashing in front of your eyes.

"Y/N!" He's yelling. Zayne is yelling. You've never seen this much emotion on his face. Your face is soaked his tears must be dripping onto your face. No wait those are your tears. You're crying.

"I'm sorry" Your voice is nothing more than a raspy whisper. You can feel the pressure of his hands on your body. Why is he so cold? No wait. You're the one that's cold. He's warm.

So warm. You're no longer in pain anymore. You must be dying yet all you could focus on was the fact that Zayne has sacrificed himself again....and again.....and again.

For you. Always you.

That's the only thing that hurts now.

You try to curl into his body but you can't feel your own. It takes everything and then some to reach a hand up and caress his face. That stoic face, which isn't stoic at all now, just one last time. "I'm so sorry Zayne" I'm so sorry I keep forgetting you in every life. You deserve to be happy. I hope we meet again in my next life since I can't seem to die correctly. I'll come back to you and I'll remember you this time. I'll make it right. I'll do whatever it takes to get to you. Don't give up on me.

You died in Zaynes arms that day. The God Astra was pleased by your declaration so he figured he'd give you a little.....gift.

You woke up in the hospital with a jolt almost head butting the person standing over you. It was Tara. "You're awake! oh my gosh you're awake" She ran from the room in a hurry yelling down the hall for a doctor.

She came back shortly with two nurses and ..... Zayne? Your heart rate shot through the roof as he approached the bed taking a seat next to you. You couldn't help yourself the biggest smile plastered on your face as you wrapped you arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

It felt so good to have him in your arms again.

He sat there frozen not moving an inch. You noticed the confused stares of his colleagues and Tara behind him. Was he just being professional? You figured he'd at least be happy you remember him this time.

You died in his arms why is he acting like this? There was a quick double pat on your back as he slowly removed your arms from his neck. "Glad to see you're awake Miss..." He trails off as he looks at you chart "....Miss L/N. You were out for quite some time"

You stared in disbelief there was no way he forgot you. It had to be because there were others in the room with you. "Can I have a word with you alone Za- .... Dr. Zayne?"

His expression gave away nothing as he dismissed the nurses and Tara followed close behind. "I'll be right outside" You gave her a curt nod and a tight lipped smile. As the door closed behind her you turned to Zayne who was already getting started on checking your vitals.

"Zayne" He raised a hand cutting you off.

"Your vitals are stable we should be able to discharge you in two days tops." So professional. "Now what is it you'd like to speak to me about?'

"You- you don't remember? The wanderer and me in your arms and the blood" He stops you again.

"Ah yes your co-worker said you were pierced center mass during battle and hit your head pretty hard." He flips a page for your chart giving you nothing but professionalism. This isn't the Zayne you remember. "Luckily she got you medical attention in time. The attack grazed your heart and managed to puncture a lung in the process which saved your life in a way. We will need to do regular monitoring on your heart and lung just to be safe considering your profession as a hunter"

"You don't remember me do you?' You question with a shaky voice.

"My apologies you must have me confused with someone else." He stands and switches your IV bag before settling his gaze back on you. "Two days. We'll schedule your first two appointments on your day of discharge now please get some rest your heart rate has been elevated since I arrived." With that he turns and exits your room and just as soon as he leaves Tara is hurrying to your side to hug you with tears in her eyes. You stare blankly at the wall as tears slowly stream down your face.

So this is what it feels like. The love of your life doesn't remember you while you remember everything. It almost feels as though everything you two once had was never real.

He doesn't remember, but you do. You've switched places. But you made a promise and you intend to keep it.

"I'll come back to you and I'll remember you this time. I'll make it right. I'll do whatever it takes to get to you"

Rafayel, Xavier, and Sylus coming soon....

[maxillness]

🇩🇪 || Gorgeous || SV5 x Mark’s gf!Reader

Warnings: 18+, unprotected sex, cheating, bathroom sex, public sex, blowjob, sub!sebastian, fingering (for like a second), orgasm denial

Wordcount: 1.2k

Mark’s girlfriend was lovely, she really was. She was younger than Sebastian, but it was something nobody paid any attention to

They were out celebrating one time, she had gotten drunk and made fun of the way Sebastian talked

It made him kind of sad, but she was drunk, she wasn’t thinking straight

Later in the night, she was sat opposite to him after Mark had left for some shit

They didn’t talk. She looked at him, but his eyes were into his almost empty glass at the table in front of him

“You’re so cool, it makes me hate you so much” She muttered to herself, too low for Sebastian to hear over the loud music

She had never seen anyone as gorgeous as Sebastian. She couldn’t say anything to his face, cause, I mean… Look at his face

He should take it as a compliment that she talks to everyone else but him

She had left the table to get another drink at the bar, in the meantime, Mark had returned to their table

“I don’t think she likes me” Sebastian said to Mark as he sat down

They both looked up at her as she stood at the bar “No, she likes you. She just needs a little warming up” He said, turning back to his teammate “Try go up and talk to her” He suggested

“Are you sure? I really don’t think she likes me” The German sighed

“Just try and go up and talk to her. She’ll come around” Mark encouraged him

He sighed and nodded shortly before leaving his glass and walking up to the woman

“Hey, can we talk?” Sebastian asked, touching her hand slightly before retrieving it

She turned around, sighing softly “What?” She Said more firm than she had intended

“Why don’t you like me?”

She looked into his eyes. The ocean blue of them made her feel like she might sink and drown and die

She looked over at Mark who was talking to someone before she turned back “I’m so furious, that you make me feel this way, but what can I say? You’re so gorgeous” She sighed, subconsciously leaning towards him

She sighed as they were way too close now, but she was way out of it to pull back “You should think about the consequences of touching my hand” She said softly

“What are you talk-“ He didn’t get to finish his sentence before her hands were on his waist, her lips softly against his

“Why… You… You’re with Mark- I can’t-“ “Just shut up” She demanded as she kissed him again

“Come on” She took his hand, leading him to the bathroom, taking a quick glance over at Mark, making sure he wasn’t watching them

She has him pressed up against the door, her lips aggressively on his, her hand locking the door, her other hand pushing on his hip

“You’re with Mark” He said it more to remind himself that she was a no touch zone

“You’re all that I want” She panted, her lips going to his neck, kissing and sucking harshly, making Sebastian’s mind cloudy, and forget everything about her dating his teammate

He had tried so hard not to let any sounds slip, but the feeling of her lips sucking on him, made him slip and moan softly

He didn’t realise her lips was gone from his neck before she was on her knees and her hands unbuckled his belt

“If Mark finds out-“ “Don’t talk about him when I’m about to give you a blowjob” She interrupted, pulling his pants and boxers down to rest at his mid thighs

“I just don’t- fuck” He interrupted himself with a moan when her tongue slipped over his slit

“You don’t what?” She asked in a teasing tone, holding his waist with his shirt ridden up

“Nothing- fuck. Scheiße“ He panted as she hollowed her cheeks, taking most of him in

She gaged slightly as he hit the back of her throat, sending vibrations through him, making him moan softly

“We shouldn’t-“ He cut himself off with a moan as she started bopping her head slowly

One of his hands threaded with her hair, holding the locks, not moving her, while his other hand settled on her shoulder

He shut his eyes closed, his head falling back against the door as he bit his lip, trying to hold his sounds in as her tongue traced a sensitive vein

She sped up her head, holding onto his waist tightly, her nails digging into his skin

“He’a gonna kill me” He whispered to himself, moaning slightly

She scratched at his skin, reminding him to not talk about Mark while she has his cock in her mouth

He hissed slightly at the pain, but was quickly turned into a moaning mess when she sped up her head again

He started bucking her hips into her mouth, hitting the back of her throat, making her gag and sent vibrations through him, getting him closer to his orgasm

“Mh… So good” he moaned “Close” He chocked out

She got off of him, a string of spit connecting her mouth and the tip of his cock

She wiped her mouth, chuckling slightly at his whine of denial

“Don’t be so sad. I want you to fuck me” she said, kissing his jaw softly “Can you do that for me?” She teased to which he nodded

She bent herself over the sink, lifting up her dress, revealing her soaked panties

He walked over to her, almost drooling at the sight

He pushed her panties to the side, one of his hands on her waist, holding up her dress, the other hand feeling the wetness with two of his fingers

She whimpered softly as he pushed in his fingers. She was looking over her shoulder, biting her lip softly

He pulled out his fingers, lining himself up with her. He slowly pushed into her. Her whimpers and soft moans music to his ears

He sat into a slow pace, gradually getting more rough, his hands tight on her waist, holding her as he pounded into her, moans escaping both of their lips

One of his hands went to her front, his fingers circling her clit, making her moans louder while she clenched down around him, pulling him closer to his orgasm

“Ah- so close” He moaned, his cock twitching side her, his thrusts getting sloppy and out of rhythm

“Come on, baby. Come for me” she encouraged him, holding on to his wrist on the hand that was rubbing her clit

Her encouragement and her touch sent up of the edge, his hips stilled as he filled her up with his cum

He moved his hips slowly to ride out his orgasm. The feeling of his cum filling her up was sending her over the edge as well, clenching down rapidly around him, his name rolling off her tongue

“No mentioning it” she said, trying to fix her hair in the mirror

“Of course” He sighed “Is this gonna be a casual thing, or was this it?” He asked, fixing his clothes

She sighed at his question “We’ll see” she smiled, kissing his cheek before leaving the bathroom

Mark looked at them both confused “Took you long enough” He said

“We fell into talk” She nodded

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

Three years, one yes, pt. 2 (Wally Clark)

Summary: The game is about to start, giving Wally one last chance to talk to Y/N.

Warnings: fluff, character death, angst

Word count: 1.4k

Part one

The stadium buzzes with electricity, set alight as bleachers packed with bodies painted in school colors fill up entirely. The air smells like popcorn, sweat, and autumn leaves. The cheerleaders chant, the marching band plays their opening notes, and the team is already jogging onto the field, warming up in formation.

But Wally Clark’s eyes aren’t on the ball. They’re on her.

She’s standing at the bottom of the bleachers, hugging her arms to her chest, wearing his jersey like it belongs to her, and it does, now. It hangs loose and low, brushing mid-thigh, her fingers tugging at the hem nervously. Her legs are bare, knees slightly knocked together like she’s trying not to fidget. Her face is soft in the glow of the stadium lights, eyes searching the field and he's never seen her so beautiful.

The moment he sees her, Wally grins widely as his heart skips a beat. He forgets the warm-up drill entirely and breaks into a sprint, dodging past his coach yelling something about focus, cleats pounding against the field until he’s in front of her.

“You came,” he breathes, chest heaving just a little, smiling so warmly it reminds her of sunshine after rain.

Y/N smiles up at him, tilting her head coyly. “You sound surprised.”

“I’m trying to be chill about it,” he says, stepping closer, “but I’m failing. Miserably.”

His eyes trail down to the jersey, his hand reaches out automatically, letting his fingers brush the oversized shoulder seam like he’s checking to make sure it’s real...like he's real. She doesn’t move away. If anything, she leans in a little.

“You’re really wearing my jersey,” he says quietly, breathless as he admires her. “God, you look so good in it, I might faint. If I die before kickoff, tell Coach it was worth it.”

She snorts. “You’re so dramatic.”

“I’m in love, Y/N. Let me have this moment.”

Her cheeks flush pink, and he sees it even in the stadium lights. She covers it with a smirk. He's never said it before, and why would he? Their first date is yet to come, and she's looking forward to it, but to hear him say the words now? How long has he felt this? How long did she torture him, and herself? She wants to tell him she's in love, that she's been playing hard to get because she was afraid and that she's thankful he never gave up. But she doesn't. It can wait until Homecoming.

“You trying to distract the other team with your charm or something?”

“No, just you,” he replies, his voice dipping low.

His hand slides down her arm, slow, warm, until his fingers twine with hers. He tugs her hand to his chest, right over where his heart’s thudding wildly to a rhythm she can't believe is normal beneath his pads. “Feel that?”

She nods, lips parting just slightly, a little concerned that her own heart matches the beating of his heart.

“That’s you,” he murmurs. “That’s all you.”

Y/N swallows, pretending to roll her eyes even though her hand stays pressed to him. “You really know how to lay it on thick, Clark.”

“I haven’t even started yet.” He leans in, nose brushing the side of hers, voice suddenly quiet. “I need a good luck kiss.”

“Oh, do you now?” she teases.

“Just a little one.”

Y/N pretends to consider it. “Hmm… if I give you one now, what do I get?”

“If we win?” Wally says with a gleam in his eye. “I want the real thing. Full kiss. No halfsies. If we lose, I'll do anything you want.” His hand moves to her waist, thumb stroking her hip lazily. “Right here would be nice.” He tilts his head, tapping the corner of his mouth.

She pretends to sigh like it’s a chore, then rises on her toes and presses a kiss to the corner of his lips, just enough to make him inhale sharply, to freeze in place like she stunned him. Then she steps back, eyes sparkling.

“Win the game,” she says. “And you’ll get it.”

Wally’s whole face lights up. “We’re winning. Guaranteed. That kiss? I’m catching touchdowns with one hand tonight.”

“Try not to trip over your ego.”

He grins, backing away toward the field, eyes locked on her. “Keep watching. Every play’s for you.”

And then he’s gone, running to rejoin his team, but his gaze moves back, finding her again and again, like he can’t believe it's finally happening. She smiles to herself, heart full.

--

It’s third quarter. The crowd’s wild. The team’s up by four. And Wally is in the zone.

He glances once, just once, toward the bleachers to find her, still wearing his jersey, lips pursed in anticipation. And in that split second, the ball is snapped.

He turns back, catches the ball, takes off down the field, the stadium roars behind him.

Twenty… twenty-five yard line....

A blurry figure slams into him from the side. The crack is loud. Louder than it should be. Helmets collide, limbs twist. He lands wrong. So wrong.

Silence.

He doesn’t move.

Gasps echo across the bleachers. The whistle blows. Coaches run. Teammates shout his name.

Wally’s lying there. Except he’s not. He’s standing. Upright. Confused. He turns and sees his own body lying on the field, neck bent at a horrifying angle, one arm twitching once, then still.

"What the - "

No one hears him. People are screaming. The game stops. Medics rush in. His teammates look frozen in place.

“No, no, no!” Wally stumbles back, chest heaving. “I’m here, I’m okay, I’m right here!”

No one responds.

He watches them cover his body. Watches the stretcher. Watches the coaches tell the crowd. Hears the sobs. Hears the siren.

And then… the field empties.

Everyone leaves.

Except her.

She’s still in her seat. His jersey wrapped tight around her like armor. Her fists are clenched in the fabric. She’s staring at the twenty-five yard line like it just broke her in half.

Wally turns slowly, every partof him aching in ways he didn’t know were possible.

She’s not crying yet. Not fully. Just staring, lips parted like she can’t breathe. Her eyes shimmer. Her entire body trembles.

He walks over and sits beside her, even though she can’t see him. Knees touching. Shoulder brushing hers.

“…Y/N,” he whispers. “I’m here.”

She flinches slightly like she felt something, but her eyes never move from the field.

“I’m sorry,” he says, voice cracking. “I didn’t mean to...I didn’t see him coming and I thought I’d get back up...”

She’s crying now. Silent, shaking sobs. Her fingers clutch his jersey tighter, like she’s trying to hold onto him somehow.

Wally turns toward her, face twisting with grief. “Don’t cry,” he whispers, brushing a hand over her cheek though she can’t feel it. “Please don’t. It’s killing me.”

He closes his eyes, forehead pressed to her temple.

“I love you,” he breathes. “I’ve loved you for years. And I waited three long years for this. For you. And I got one kiss. Almost. Not even a full one.”

His voice breaks.

“I’m dead, and all I can think about is how I didn’t get to dance with you. Didn’t get to hold you close and kiss you like I promised. I was gonna walk into that gym with you on my arm like the luckiest guy alive. And now I’m not even alive.”

Y/N hiccups a sob, curling in on herself.

Wally watches her heart shatter and feels his own breaking all over again.

“If I could stay,” he says quietly, “I’d never leave your side. If I could reach you, I’d kiss you like I promised. If I could change it… I would.”

She finally looks up, slowly, toward the spot where he sits beside her, like she senses him. Their eyes don’t meet, but almost.

He lifts a hand, places it over her heart. “I’m right here.”

And she whispers softly, he almost misses it.

“…I love you too." Her voice cracks. And in that single moment, Wally knows, some part of her feels him.

Somehow, love still lingers. Even through death.

[justallihere]

Okay, I did some laundry, I've had lunch, I've breathed fresh air and taken some deep breaths (did not touch any grass because it's covered in snow), and we're back. My wrap up thoughts of Onyx Storm are below! Be warned it's chock full of spoilers, and these are all my honest opinions. I haven't even given this a rating yet because I don't really know what I want to rate it! Nothing's really in order so sorry about that. But I look forward to hearing everyone else's thoughts!

I loved that the importance of the bond between dragon and human was emphasized so heavily in this book. That Asher called Aimsir Lilith's first love, Violet telling Tairn he's the gift of her life, that even Halden knew that the true barrier to her would be the dragon bond - and especially that when Xaden channeled again, in a way that he knew would irreversibly damn him, he did it for Sgaeyl. To keep her safe, because she chose him before and above everyone else.

I adored the Riorgail of it all. They were open and honest with each other, saying I love you practically every other breath, declaring their loyalty and devotion to each other in front of anyone who would listen. I loved that we got them as a team, facing stuff together and trusting that what they couldn't the other could handle it.

On the other hand, it may just be me but they didn't quite feel like themselves. Maybe because it was the first time we've truly seen them be public about their feelings, but they didn't feel like the same Xaden and Violet from the previous two books. Xaden felt so intense that everything he said gave me anxiety, devoted to the point of obsession. I would actually call Violet morally gray here, but it came out of nowhere; there wasn't a great transition into that change in her character, none of the hesitation or guilt I'd expect.

In short, they kind of felt like my Xaden and Violet and not canon? I loved them, but I'm not sure it matches what we know of them from FW and IF and the change in character didn't feel entirely smooth.

But Xaden IS her sword!!!!

The worldbuilding was ridiculous. Violet was dropping facts left right and center like the details of the aristocracy and politics at play were common knowledge - and maybe they are in world, but if they're that obvious then I feel like those details should've been worked into earlier books. I felt like I was floundering trying to keep up with all the new names and titles and roles.

In the same vein, the lore about magic made no sense. So only the Continent has magic but why? Was it drained from other places? Does it only occur naturally in certain areas? Dragons don't have magic that exists within them - they also draw from the source which? Hello hypocrites much? That was another thing that was said so casually, but that should've been one of those things we learned in Fourth Wing, at Threshing or right after.

There was too much happening with the plot to the point that I lost it completely. The trips to the isles were overwhelming. I know the venin and the irids were tied together, but those two things competed so much that I kept forgetting about whichever one we weren't talking about. Literally just. . . forgot about the venin there for a bit in the middle. We were looking for a cure but we were looking for Andarna's kind but we were trying to stop the venin and we were also gathering allies and making trade deals and none of those points were fleshed out completely.

The ending was vague and confusing in a way that made me frustrated instead of interested or anticipatory. I read the last two chapters three times and I still don't know what the fuck was going on there. So the Sage is. . . Fen? Is Garrick the one who also turned? Bodhi? Brennan? Ridoc? Fuck if I know. I understand the point of the marriage, to give Violet control over Tyrrendor legally, but I'm also pissed at the way it happened.

I know we don't want anyone to actually die, but I literally didn't even flinch when Mira's throat got cut open because I figured she'd be fine. There were no important deaths. Trager and Quinn didn't hit that hard. Not putting any of the main characters in significant danger makes the stakes feel lower than they should.

The fan service made me roll my eyes. I get it to a certain extent, but there were several times when I legitimately kind of felt like RY had been in fandom spaces or someone on her team was just feeding her popular theories to include.

The marked ones having second signets was. . . not my favorite choice, because logistically it doesn't make much sense. We should statistically see at least one of them go mad from the power instead of developing a second signet. And I actually think if that had been included it would have been more interesting! I'd like to see the reality of the risks that were taken to make the rebellion happen, but instead they just got really really lucky a bunch of times?

The use of the word Riorgail in print sent me to the fucking moon. No.

Violet's second signet. . . I don't want to talk about it.

Actually no I do. Since when are signets based on situational need and not who a person is at their core? Was that not what we were told previously? Am I tripping? I don't mind the power itself but I am confused.

Professor Riorson had me on the ground laughing. What the hell was that. There are enough barriers to their relationship, and that one felt too forced (but great fodder for smutty fic).

The characters and their relationships are the standout of the book and the series. I already said I loved Xaden and Violet here, but I also loved their friendships and how real especially the relationship with Brennan and Mira and Violet felt. The humor and the quips and the squad's constant support of each other was wonderful.

I'm holding onto those Sloane and Dain crumbs like a teddy bear you all have no idea. I love them.

Aaric being the one with precognition I didn't see coming, but I surprisingly liked it! I loved him stepping more into his role as prince and seeing how cunning and smart he really is.

Halden was unnecessary but I live for possessive and jealous Xaden.

Overall I think the pacing was crammed and the worldbuilding left me with more questions than answers, but did I still like it? Yes! I don't think it's my favorite in the series but it still was an enjoyable read. I'll want to read it again at some point I think, but not immediately!

[bluemoviegirl]

UNDER THE SAME SUN CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 1

joel miller x reader, enemies to lovers

wc: 6.8k

tw: death, blood

summary: we finally get to know a bit more about your past, and another thursday with Joel!! Though you and him just can’t get along, even when you try really hard.

a/n: there'll be more interactions with joel soon guyz, right now they just really despise eachother <3. also, thanks for all the likes!! this chapter took a bit longer cause i'm super duper busy rn but honestly i'm just motivated to get them together. no rushing it though i love a good slow burn xoxo lmk what u thought i loveee getting comments 🩷

happy reading!! <3

It’s been 2 days since the repair job. It had upset you a lot more than you anticipated. That day had triggered the anxiety you thought you had stuffed so far down it would never dare come up again. And that was weird, you were tough. You’ve been tough. So what? A man got killed in front of you? You’d seen it many times before, you’ve been the one holding the gun so many times.

But the way you were dismissed, the way your presence meant nothing to him. How helpless you felt, your emotions had gone back in time. A time you had tried so hard to forget. The way Joel looked so unbothered by it all, he had looked more bothered about you yelling than the actual murder. It made you feel sick. It made you think of Dane.

10 years ago.

You weren’t supposed to be friends, not really. At first, you weren’t even sure you liked Lois. She was loud, brash, and a little too quick to joke in moments where you thought it wasn’t appropriate. But in a world like this, what else were you supposed to do? Sit in silence and wait to die?

It started like this: the first time you met her, it was over a stolen bag of chips. You were hiding out in a small, abandoned building, just trying to keep your head down. You had a decent stash of food, and you were about to enjoy your first real meal in days when you heard movement behind you. Your hand quickly went to your knife, but before you could even make a move, you saw her—Lois��grinning like she’d just hit the jackpot.

A girl your age, long brown hair put in a braid and thick straight eyebrows moving with every word she spoke. The same way your brows always speak before your mouth does.

"Those for me?" she’d asked, eyes twinkling, like she hadn’t just come out of the shadows like a damn ghost.

"Yeah, right," you muttered, not trusting her one bit. "Find your own."

But she was persistent, and after a few back-and-forths, you found yourself sharing what little you had. Lois didn’t have any food to offer, but she did have something else: stories and jokes.

She talked about her life before all of this—what it was like to have a family, a home, a normal life. It was strange to hear someone speak about it so casually, as if the world hadn’t completely changed. For a moment, it felt like the world was just… normal again.

"You know," Lois said, chewing slowly as she looked out the window, "I used to hate rain. Could never get my hair right."

You snorted, a little caught off guard. "Sounds rough."

She laughed, leaning back against the wall. "Yeah, you’re right. Now? I’d give anything for a real storm. Some kind of normal weather. Anything that doesn’t feel like it’s out of a nightmare."

The conversation drifted naturally after that, with you both talking about small things. Things that, at the time, felt impossible to care about, but talking about them somehow made the world feel just a little more bearable. You didn’t become best friends that day. Hell, you didn’t even like her that much. But she wasn’t the worst person to share a tiny room with.

The next few days passed in much the same way. The two of you stuck together by necessity—safety in numbers and all that. Lois was always the first to crack a joke when things got tense, always the first to break the silence with something silly. Even if it was just the smallest thing, she had a way of making you forget how miserable everything else was. She brought out the social butterfly in you.

One morning, as you huddled together near a fire, she offered you some of her dried fruit. "This is better than nothing," she said, tossing a piece toward you with a little smirk.

"Better than a bag of chips," you replied dryly, smiling despite yourself.

"Hey, don’t knock it. It’s survival food. It’s what’s keeping us alive." She leaned back, her eyes scanning the horizon. "We got this."

And maybe you did. You didn’t know how you’d survive this world, but you knew you couldn’t do it alone.

Over time, you began to learn the little things about her. How she would always tap her foot when she was thinking, or how she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear when she was nervous. A habit you had started doing too. The way she fidgeted with her necklace when she was nervous. The way she would keep you on your toes with her sudden, random bursts of energy or the way she could make even the worst situations feel manageable with a laugh.

You’d never admit it out loud, but it became clear to you: You depended on Lois. In a world where it felt like you could lose everything in an instant, Lois was a constant. Someone who made the emptiness of everything else feel just a little less overwhelming. She became your reminder that maybe, just maybe, you weren’t alone in all of this.

And even if you didn’t say it, the bond was there, growing deeper each day. You shared a glance, a small nod of acknowledgment, and in those moments, you knew—no matter what happened, you could make it through as long as you had her by your side.

One day, you were surrounded by infected. There was no way to get out of it alive unless you had help, and it was as if your prayers had been answered. Before you know it, the infected are getting shot down, beheaded, stabbed, name it and they did it.

This group, led by a man named Dane, had come to your rescue. He was a tall, broad man, dark hair cut short. You two owed him your life. He led a group of around 15 people. He seemed like a good man, promising to keep the two of you safe. You and Lois both knew you were capable of keeping yourself alive but it was nice to have a community. It was nice. Until it wasn’t.

It started off well, Dane welcomed you two like you were going to be part of the family. They actually had a base, a protected fort if you will.

“Our help’s gonna cost ya though,” Dane said, leading you both past the rusted gates. The metal groaned as it shut behind you, sealing you in.

Lois didn’t hesitate. “Of course! We’d be more than happy to help you guys out. After all, you saved our lives.” After a moment of waiting for you to say anything, she nudged your side, expecting you to back her up. You nodded stiffly, but something about the way Dane was watching you made your stomach knot.

“Don’t worry, we don’t bite.” His grin –flashing a silver tooth--was meant to be friendly, to ease your discomfort.

 It didn’t.

Lois had taken your hand in hers and squeezed it lightly. Her way of saying you’re okay.

It was somewhat normal the first week. You’d been given chores like cleaning the dining room, washing clothes and cooking. When you first started preparing plates, Dane’s right hand Silas told you to watch the portion control.  Dane and a select few eat better meals than everyone else. The rest get scraps. When you point it out, they joke, “Rank has its privileges.”

Lois had thought it was a bit weird but she brushed it off quickly. She adjusted fast, you couldn’t blame her. You’ve endured so much fear, you know what she’s lost and what you two had been through. Of course she’d jump at the option to be protected. You still thought you two were more than capable of protecting yourself. And you certainly didn’t need Dane to be the one to protect you.

Every night you’d have trouble sleeping but you kept telling yourself, you’re just paranoid. You’ve been with just Lois for so long, these aren’t bad people.

Dane was superior, to the rest of the group. No one ate before he did, no one dared to sit in the chair he sat at, Dane had the final say in everything. Everything you owed, they owed. Someone liked your jacket? It was theirs.

“I get that it’s scary being with all these strangers, but I’d never want to put you in any harm. I truly believe this is a good place. Yeah their rules are a little weird, but we have weird rules too. Like our rule that we can never refuse a snack one of us offers? Even if we’re not hungry? Isn’t that silly too?” Lois had replied softly when you finally built up the courage to talk to her about it.

You dropped it and didn’t speak up about your discomfort anymore. It was obvious, Lois wanted to stay here. Who were you to drag her away from all this? And so far, they had actually been good to the two of you. Nothing crazy but you got shelter and food.

As you tried to adjust after being here for 4 months, you managed to actually make another friend here. His name was Jonnie. He was about 5’5, a bit younger than you and had the cutest snort when he laughed. His curly blonde hair always falling before his blue eyes. The thing you loved about him the most was how he still had that pre-apocalypse softness many people had lost. Including yourself. He brought that out in you. He had this innocence to him, like even in this world, he wouldn’t harm a butterfly.

You and him were on cleaning duty, every night after dinner you’d clean up the dining room together.

“You’ll never believe what I have.” He said, his hands behind his back.

You try to peek but he turns away each time. “What is it? Tell me Jonnie!” You chuckle.

He quickly brings his arms forward, revealing a little cassette player.

Your eyes widen and jaw drops.

“Your mouth’s open.” He snorts.

“No freaking way!!” You grab it from his hands, observing it closely. It was old, had a lot of wear and tear. You always said how much you missed music and now Jonnie had managed to get a cassette player? He was truly an angel.

“I’ve never actually seen these things before the world ended.” You chuckle. “Wait but, do you even have any cassettes? Else this thing is pretty useless..” You look up at Jonnie, who’s already holding in a big wide grin.

He reveals a cassette. “Of course I do. I don’t do half-ass surprises.” He takes the cassette player from your hand and pops it in. “Warning though, it only plays one song.”

“It better be amazing then.” You wait for the music to start playing.

The tune starts playing, you immediately recognizing it. You eye Jonnie as he eyes you, both pairs of eyes twinkling.

“We’re talking away. I don’t know what I’m to say..” The grainy sound of the cassette filling the empty room.

You burst out into laughter as you grab Jonnie’s arms and start dancing. More like just jumping around, but it’s still considered dancing in your book. “Take on meeeee” “Take on me!”

You’re carelessly spinning around, arms wide, cheekbones aching. Jonnie’s clapping along, completely off-beat but grinning so widely it doesn’t even matter.

Your dance party is cut short when you hear the door opening though. Jonnie quickly turns off the music. It was Silas.

“Evening.” He says, his finger tracing a table as he checks it for dust. By some miracle he hadn’t heard the music.

You and Jonnie are stood next to each other, hands behind your back, as if you’re some soldier.

“Don’t mind me, I’m just here for a late night craving.” He brushed past the two of you, grabbed some food and disappeared again.

You two both let out a breathe of relief.

“Thank the gods, I don’t know what would’ve happened if he caught us like that.” Jonnie says softly, obviously a bit shaken. “He creeps me out.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

The following clean ups were the one thing you looked forward to every day. You’d start the evening off with a dance party and would have the song on repeat the entire night.

Jonnie and you spent a lot of time together. You’d seek each other out at dinner and of course clean together. You didn’t expect to find one best friend during an apocalypse, let alone two.

One evening, you and Lois are sat with Dane and his select few around the campfire.

“I think it’s time we celebrate our newcomers. You two have been here for 6 months. Really proven that you’re of use.” Dane said, a beer in his hand. You noticed that when he grinned, you could see a broken yellowed tooth. Yuck.

Lois nodded happily.

“You’re a tough nut to crack though.” Dane’s eyes met yours. You felt shivers down your spine.

“Do you like it here?” He took another sip.

You were quiet for a moment before speaking. “I do.”  You lied.

“Are you dedicated to us? To me?” His gaze darkened and his voice was deeper.

You were taken aback a bit, why is he asking this crap? You furrowed your brows a bit. Lois could read you like a book, she could tell you thought Dane was a total idiot.

“She is. We are.” Lois chimed in, smiling as she interlocked her arm with yours.

He huffed out a dry chuckle, his eyes showing no sign of amusement. “Show me.”

“What?” She asked, as if she didn’t hear right the first time.

“I want her to show me.” Dane said, looking firmly at you and not Lois.

You felt your stomach drop, what the fuck does he mean?

Before you could even think about what it meant, Silas arrived, dragging a guy with him. He threw the guy on the ground in front of you. His hands and ankles tied, head facing the floor but you could recognize those curls anywhere.

Jonnie.

Your eyes widen as you feel your stomach drop. For a moment, the world was in slow motion. Dane’s laugh sounded slowed down as Silas kicks Jonnie, flipping him over as Jonnie squeals in anguish.

Lois is frozen, as are you.

Your eyes scan Jonnie’s battered body. He’s been beaten to hell. His clothes are soaked in blood, his face nearly unrecognizable. His left eye is swollen shut, his entire right side bruised. Blood stains his blonde eyebrows and drips from a split lip.

You tried to get any words out, to stand up for Jonnie. But you freeze when Jonnie’s eyes met yours and a tear rolled over his cheek. That moment of eye contact told you everything, he was terrified.

Dane suddenly pushes a gun in your hand. You look up at Dane, who sits back down. He’s.. He’s actually grinning.

“Kill him.”  Dane nudges his head towards Jonnie. “W-What?” You stammered, a tear rolling over your cheek that you quickly wiped away.

A moment of silence is broken when Dane throws a cassette player in front of you. Jonnie and yours cassette player.

“He doesn’t respect our rules. We share here. Yet, this boy thinks it’s acceptable to keep things to himself. You know our rules right?”

You shakily nod. “Say it.”  Dane folds his arms as he manspreads.

“E-everything you own, we own. We- we share everything.” You quietly said, breathing heavily.

“Speak. Up.” He snapped back, his voice raising. It shook you.

“Everything you own, we-“ You choke up. “-own.” You stammered through the tears you could no longer hold back.

“Good. You know the rules. Calm down, let’s make this atmosphere a little less hostile.” Dane snorts as he leans forward to grab the cassette player. He presses play.

The sound of the song startles you. The song that you and Jonnie used to love and dance to every night, was now being played at Jonnie’s possible last moment.

“Takeee onnn meeee.” Silas murmurs with a wide smile.

Lois furrowed her brows as she was no longer holding onto you. You glanced at her, almost afraid to meet her eyes. She had tears welling up but she attempted to blink them away.

“Good. He didn’t respect that rule. Frankly, I don’t know if he’s ever really been of use here. Don’t even know the boy’s name.” Dane chuckles, his eyes showing nothing but evil. “Now, kill him. I won’t tell you again.”

You tremble as you look down at Jonnie, he’s crying too. You had never felt so weak before, afraid your knees might buckle any moment. You stood up before Jonnie, weakly lifting the gun to him but you immediately lower it. You can’t do this. Jonnie’s your friend. Jonnie’s innocent, he got that cassette player for you. You should be paying for this. And as his eyes meet yours yet again, you feel like you might throw up. He’s pleading. Jonnie’s pleading for his life with that look in his eyes.

“I- please Dane-“ You beg, you plead but Dane shows no sign of you getting out of this.

Suddenly the gun gets taken out of your hand, Lois takes it. You look at her, her eyes don’t show sadness and fear like yours are. Her eyes show determination. Like she’s turned off her personality. She raises the gun to Jonnie’s head.

“Lois!” You yelp, your voice cracking.

But she ignores you and pulls the trigger, blood splattering on your face as your tears try and clear your vision. The only thing visible is the light from the fire reflecting off of Lois’s gold locket hanging around her neck.

After that, there’s a moment of silence. Silence filled with that stupid song still playing.

--

You blink, snapping out of that horrible memory, it’s like you could feel the blood splattering on you again. Your stomach turns. Now you’re sat on your couch, zoned out staring at Joel’s gloves you’d forgotten to return after you stormed off. Even the painted wall felt stupid and the fact that Joel was the one who helped you complete it. Get your act together, you thought. You’re over Dane. Dane isn’t Joel. Joel isn’t Dane. It’s completely different.

And the thing is, you knew it was. You knew it was different. You knew Joel had meant you no harm, not the way Dane had always meant harm. Not the way Dane had harmed Lois- So you convince yourself to at least get dinner at the dining hall today. The dry bread and cans of vegetables weren’t cutting it anymore.

You step outside of your apartment, the cold air breezing through your hair. The feel instantly bringing you shivers. It’s a bit of a walk from your apartment to the dining hall and you happened to run into Selene. Selene was your neighbor, one that had chosen to befriend you in the first two months that you arrived. You’d been cooped up in your place for the first two months but as soon as you were out and about, she came running. She was a tall woman, taller than you were. Her curly auburn hair always put into a bun with pieces sticking out. After those two months you guys talked often. You knew she had a boyfriend, Aaron. He was the opposite of her. She was very loud, very witty and social, while Aaron was quiet, nerdy and very to himself. It was honestly a cute match.

“Hey! Finally I caught you.” Selene said, pacing up her steps to match yours. “Are you headed to the dining hall?” She twirled her hair pieces.

“I am yeah. Haven’t been in a while.”

“Yeah, thought I hadn’t seen you out in a couple days! Everything okay? I get that the change can be tough, I had just the same thing. When my boyfriend and I just arrived here, we didn’t leave our place for two weeks..” She rubbed the back of her neck as she felt a pink tint creeping up, her realizing you didn’t leave your place for two months. “I guess it’s different for everyone.” She chuckled a bit awkwardly.

“I’m doing good, thanks for asking. I just felt like staying in. How are you and Aaron doing?” You smiled reassuringly.

“Oh we’re genuinely fantastic. Okay, don’t tell anyone-“ She leaned in closer to you. “I think we might be expecting..” She smiled widely.

You wanted to be happy for her but it was hard to hide the frown on your face. Who would get pregnant in a world like this? You want to bring more people into this scary world?

She noticed the look on your face and her smile immediately dropped. “I get it.. A baby, in a world like this. It’s crazy. We certainly didn’t plan on it, but I just can’t hide the excitement that I actually get to bring life in a world that takes so much of it.”

to bring life in a world that takes so much of it.

“That’s beautifully said, Selene. I am happy for the two of you, I hope your baby gets your curls.” You smiled, the conflicted feelings fading at the idea of Selene being a mother. You didn’t know her super well or anything, but you could tell she’d be a great mom.

“I sure hope so! Not Aaron’s bald patches.” She snorts and nudges your arm playfully.

You laugh, a genuine laugh.

When you two finally arrive at the dining hall, you were going to sit alone but she urged you to join Aaron and her. With a tray in your hands containing a bowl of stew, a piece of bread and a glass of tea, you sit down, your eyes scanning the room.

 Your stomach drops for a second when you see Joel sit at one of the tables, further down. He’s sitting with a girl, looks to be about 14? Joel is a dad? And he’s laughing? Well, it’s a minimal laugh, a tiny chuckle. But you’d never seen it before.

“Isn’t that Tommy’s brother?” You suddenly hear Selene cutting through your thoughts as she leans closer to you. Your eyes snap back to Selene.

“What’s his name?”

“Joel.” You say before stuffing your mouth with bread, not wanting to talk about him any further. Selene doesn’t seem to get that hint though.

“Joel. He’s cute.” Aaron shoots her a look, raising his brows as she said that. “Oh come on, I’m having your baby,” She mouths the word baby. “I’m not leaving you.” She whispers, laughing. He gets a bit red as his eyes shoot to you, not sure whether you knew.

“Yeah I told her.. As soon as I saw her. I actually couldn’t hold myself back. She practically guessed it.” Selene quickly says even though you didn’t even have the faintest suspicion of her being pregnant. You grin.

“So you and Joel? I’ve seen him around, always brooding.” Selene continues, smirking.

You exhale sharply, already over this conversation. “Absolutely not.”

Selene shoots a look back at Aaron before returning to you. “Why not?”

“’Cause he’s world’s biggest asshole, that’s why.”  

“Damn, what did he do to you?” Aaron says, intrigued.

“Yeah, spill. There’s not nearly enough gossip in this place.” Selene picks at her curls again.

You shoot them both a look. “I’m all for a little gossip but honestly, this man is just an asshole. I do repair jobs with him and let me tell ya, they are not fun.”

“You have to elaborate!! Come on, we’re super duper curious.” Selene nudges you.

You chuckle a bit, Selene reminded you of Lois in some way, they were completely different yet so the same. The way Selene rambled was the way Lois would ramble too.

 “It’s just that, he completely dismisses me. Thinks I’m some weak link that has no understanding of the world outside of these walls.” You start ranting.

“He acts like I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. Like I’m some clueless idiot who’s never set foot outside of a QZ or here. He doesn’t listen, doesn’t take me seriously. It’s like he’s already decided exactly who I am, and nothing I do or say changes that. I can tell him one thing, he does not have me figured out. And just—” You realize you’re rambling. “Sorry.” “Oh please, don’t apologize. He sounds like a real jerk.” Selene says, Aaron nodding in agreement.

“Yeah, and I may have been a real jerk to him too. So we’re not on the best of terms.”

Your thoughts go back to the man he killed and the look in his eyes afterwards. Your eyes glance back to Joel across the room. Your stomach drops when you see he was already looking at you. You quickly turn back to the table.

“Oi, you know who I say leaving Julian’s apartment this morning?” Selene grins widely, teeth baring. She’s tapping her hand on the table to get your attention.

“Who?” You can’t hide the smile that’s building on your face as your brows knit together in curiosity.

“Nevermind.. You’ll actually just never believe me.” She fakes looking frustrated as she sighs dramatically before the grin reappears on her face.

“Tell me!” You poke her.

“Okay okay, if you want to know that badly.” She comically rolls her eyes before slapping both hands on the table and leaning forward. “Sasha.” Selene covers her mouth with her hand as she giggles.

Sasha was one of the people who frequently worked at the Workshop, she was always annoyed and honestly, a real bitch. You remember the first time you made your way to the Workshop and asked for a notebook. She had looked you up and down and just scoffed as she walked off. You waited for 5 minutes before realizing she wasn’t going to bring you one. She weirded you out to say the least.

Julian on the other hand, was such a nice guy. He was around 42, fully grey hair and always laughed so loudly it would make anyone else laugh too. So the two of them together, is definitely surprising.

“You’re kidding???” You reply.

“No! I’m not! Aaron, you saw it too right??” She looks at Aaron, who’s just about to take a spoonful of stew. He nods. “Yeah only cause you dragged me out of bed to see that.” He says before eating.

“I actually couldn’t believe my freaking eyes!! How can miss grump fit with mr sunshine?!”

“You have such a way with words, Selene. But I agree. It’s like a perfect book trope.” You grin.

After dinner, you tell Selene and Aaron you’re taking a little stroll. Before you got up you had glanced over to where Joel was sitting but he and the girl had already left. You bring your tray back to the counter and make your way outside.

The stroll is nice. The sound of people chatting, kids playing, the lights on inside the house making you only see shadows of people through the curtains, the smell of campfires burning. You couldn’t believe you were at such a peaceful place. That was, until you were hit with a snowball. Right in the face.

“Jesus-“ Your hands wipe the snow out of your face. “Oh shit! I thought you were someone else!” A girls voice yells as you hear her coming closer.

You blink out the rest of the snow as your vision clears. It’s the girl Joel was sitting with.  You smile at her, feeling a tad awkward after being attacked with snow.

“It’s okay.” You’re about to start walking again before she speaks up.

“You gotta admit, that was a pretty good shot.” She laughs. You smile back at her. “Yeah great shot, thanks.” You chuckle.

 “I feel like I’ve seen you around.” Her eyes scan you.

“That’s possible.” “You’ve done repairs with Joel, yeah?” She asked but it was more of a statement.

“Yeah—I do actually. You’ve seen me with him or Joel tell you about me?” You asked, for some reason curious if the asshole had talked about you.

“Oh I’ve seen you two coming back, I sometimes wait at the gates around the time your job ends.”

Of course he hadn’t spoken about you, not that it mattered. “Right. Your Joel’s kid?”

She laughs and scoffs. “"Hell no. Do I look like I have his grumpy-ass genes?”

“No, you do not.” You chuckle.

“He’s something like that, not my dad though.”

“Ah.” You nod.

“I’m Ellie.” She looks you over.

You introduce yourself to her. “It’s nice to meet you-“ “Ellie? Christ, I was lookin’ for you.” A voice cuts in from behind you. Joel’s. Ellie’s eyes widen a bit.

“Shit, now my sneak attack didn’t fucking work!” She says.

Joel comes closer, before realizing who Ellie is talking to. You look at him as he stands next you. His brows pulled together a bit as he looks back at Ellie, not saying a word to you.

“I hit her in the face with a fucking snowball. My aim is crazy good, I thought you were coming round the corner but it was her-“ Ellie says, proud of her aim and also a bit apologetic about hitting you in the face. “Language.” Joel mutters.

“Right, I should get going. It was nice talking to you Ellie.” You smile shortly and start making way. That’s put to a halt when Joel suddenly grabs your arm. It’s a light grab. You shiver. Your head shoots back to him and he lets go.

“Y’still got my gloves.” He says, his voice gruff with a hint of irritation, his eyes not even meeting yours until he’s done talking.

“Oh right. I’ll get them to you, if you think I’m capable enough for that.”  You say flatly before walking off. Joel sighs sharply.

“Geez, what was that about?” Ellie snorts.

--

The next day you had made it your task to get the gloves back to Joel. Having to see him every Thursday was enough, so you really hadn’t looked forward to this.

It was early in the morning, you hadn’t really slept well. Rolling around in bed all night, thinking about the past never worked for a good night sleep. So as soon as it was a bit more of an appropriate time to drop by someone’s house, you made your way to Joel Miller’s place.

The town was quiet, a couple birds chirping in the distant and that fresh morning breeze blew through your hair. Mornings like these made the world feel at peace. You never thought you’d become a morning person as much as you are a night person, but nights grew more unsettling while the comfort of daylight made mornings provide a sense of safety.

Joel’s porch creaked under your boots as you debated just leaving the gloves by the door. That would be easier. Less talking. Less looking at his permanently scowling face. You were just about to set them down when the door suddenly swung open.

You barely had time to step back before Joel barreled into you, shutting the door behind him with his back to the world. He mutters a curse under his breath as he turns, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of you.

“Jesus Christ-“ He exhales sharply.

Your brows knitted together. “You don’t think to check if anyone might be on your porch?”

“You don’t think maybe I don’t expect anyone at the crack of dawn?” He shoots back as he looks at you, his usual frown on his face.

You’re quiet for a moment, he’s right. You are really early. After a moment you roll your eyes and press the gloves forward. “Returning your gloves.”

Joel glances at them, then back at you, like he’s debating whether this exchange is even worth his time. Finally, he reaches out and takes them. His fingers graze yours for just a second—just enough for your stomach to twist in frustration.

The way he looks at you, like you’re beneath him.

Joel just raises the gloves a bit before walking off the porch. “Yeah, thanks.” He mutters before walking off. Leaving you standing on his porch.

“You’re welcome, asshole.” You quietly mutter.

When it’s time for lunch, you decide to head into the dining hall with Selene. Aaron was on patrol so it was just a simple girls moment for the two of you.

“I can’t believe Joel just walked off like that! Maybe he’s just that into you that he gets all nervous and stuff.” Selene giggles.

“Right, that’s totally it. It’s not the fact I called him out on being a monster cause his loved one died.” You say, silencing Selene completely as she turns red. “Yeah.. Cold.. Maybe he’s not into you.” She quietly replies before taking a bite of her sandwich.

It didn’t take long for you to become close friends with Selene. She was a social butterfly and you like to think you also were one. So you quickly started confiding in each other, gossiping and chatting about anything and everything. The only thing you just kept to yourself was your past. She didn’t talk much about hers either, so you took it as a topic that was off limits for the both of you. You preferred it that way.

“I do regret saying it. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely despise how he behaved at the outpost. But still, I stooped down to his level. I acted cold and that’s just so unlike me.” You picked at the crust of your bread.

It was true, you regretted saying what you said. It took you a moment to understand how you could say such cruel things. You’ve always been really empathic but Joel had triggered memories of Dane. It made you want to be cold, it made you want to hurt him. To hurt Dane. To turn off the overflow of emotions. You did hate Joel though, no matter how much PTSD you had, the way he had handled the situation was awful.

“What’s done is done. Honestly, don’t even give it too much attention. He’s obviously an ass. Maybe it’s good he heard it from someone. He looks like the type of guy that doesn’t get a lot of back talk.” Selene says before taking a bite. “I know I’d be too scared to give him back talk.”

“You’re right. I’m going to go do the repair job Thursday, completely nail it, no pun intended and I’ll show him he can’t bother me!” You whip your hair as you laugh.

“Mhm, atta girl!” Selene chuckles.

--

As Thursday comes around, you’re ready and settled on your horse before he even arrived. You wanted to make sure there would be no possible reason for the two of you to speak unless it was absolutely necessary.

As the snow crunches below the hooves of your horses, sounds of birds chirping and the wind whistling was enough to fill the silence that you’d usually attempt to fill with your small talk. You had glanced over at Joel a couple of times, he’d be unreadable staring straight ahead.

It wasn’t often anymore that someone filled you with so much anger, it’s like every little thing he does ticks you off. The way he taps his heel against his horse every so often, the way he held the reins ever so slightly more to the left cause he knew the horse had a tendency to walk more to the right, and especially the way he always furrowed his brows. Always furrowing those damn brows.

“Quit starin’ at me.” He speaks up.

You blink, not realizing you had zoned out looking at him. “I wouldn’t dare.” You scoff as you roll your eyes.

You look ahead of you. The quiet really making you think. Yeah sure you’ve thought about apologizing to him. You’ve thought about it often, about how much you didn’t want to do it. He should apologize to you. The way he pulled the trigger so easily- the thought of it brings you shivers. That day just keeps replaying in your head, the gut dropping feeling you felt.

Lately everything has been reminding you of Dane and Lois and you blamed Joel for it. Hated him for it. Despised him the way he despised you. It worked out in your favor, making that cold remark to him that day. He obviously felt no need to see or speak to you more than obligated and neither did you.

As the two of you arrive at the outpost, you’re very displeased to see that the wall had caved in on the side. It takes everything in you to not grunt out loud. It’s worse than you thought—wood splintered, nails bent out of shape, snow from last night’s storm piled up against the debris.

“How did that even happen?” You exhale sharply. This meant you’d be on the job even longer.

“Christ if I know.” Joel murmers as he walks inside, he looks just as annoyed as you are.

“We need more wood,” you finally say, hating that you have to acknowledge him at all. “And nails. Probably some new support beams too.” You sounded like you actually knew what you were talking about. You felt a little proud cause of that.

That moment was shot down quickly though.

Joel lets out a humorless chuckle. “Real sharp observation.”

You glare at him. “You got a problem?”

“Nope.” He grabs an axe from the supply crate, inspecting the dull blade. “Just wonderin’ how long you’re gonna waste time statin’ the obvious before actually doin’ somethin’.”

Your blood boils. “Oh, I’m sorry, would you like me to just shut up and blindly follow your lead? ‘Cause we both know how well that worked last time.”

“Worked out just fine.” Joel replies before walking off toward the trees.

You stand there for a moment, fuming. The way he always had to have the last reply, or the better reply. If it was possible, there would be actual fire and steam coming out of you right now.

After an hour of working and not communicating, the only sound between you is the crack of splitting wood, the dull clang of nails being hammered in, and the occasional huff. The air is freezing, your breath visible as you work. Every muscle in your arms aches from chopping, lifting, and hammering.

And yet, somehow, the worst part is still him.

Your mind just keeps going back to last week. To that comment you made about his loved one. You hated him, you did. But it was just in your nature to apologize. It literally wasn’t you.

You decide to speak up, you part your lips to say something but it takes you a few more attempts to actually say something. “Hey um, about what I said last week-“

“Don’t.” Joel cuts you off, his voice sounding flat.

Your brows knit together a bit. “I just wanted to apolo-“

“Don’t.” He states firmly, leaving no room for arguing. You just blink a couple times, very confused why he’s not taking your apology. Did it hurt him that deeply? Surely other people must’ve said similar things right? This just makes you feel worse.

“Joel I am sorry about what I said. Don’t get me wrong, I hate what you did. But I’m still sorry.” You decided to push your apology further, not letting him shut you down like that.

It’s quiet for a moment, like Joel is unsure of how to respond. But when he turns to you, it’s obvious he’s bothered.

“I don’t care about your apology.” He turned to you. “Your words mean nothin’ to me.”  He said, it genuinely seeming as if he didn’t care, but you knew better. His response to it last week told you enough.   “Right, sure seemed that way.” You sigh, annoyed he can’t just take the apology.  

His eyes shoot to yours as you said that, he looks angry again.

“You just always have to have a big mouth on you, don’t you?” His voice raising slightly.

“Maybe you just can’t stand someone finally telling you how it is.” You step forward, if he wants to argue, that’s what he’ll get.

He chuckles dryly, shaking his head as he looks you up and down. “Yeah, that must be it.” His back towards you again, not engaging in this argument.

“Dickhead.” You mumble as you continue. His eyes glance towards you for a second, to make sure if you actually said it. He decides not to respond and just slightly shake his head.

Why can’t he just take the apology? He makes your blood boil. You wish you never took this stupid repair job, you literally volunteered to have fights with Joel Miller. The guy everyone moves out of the way for, the guy people rarely look in the eye. You weren't afraid, if you had something to say, he'll hear it.

[belit0]

Hello,I found your blog and loved the way you write I haven't seen many blogs writing about Indra. I fell more in love with him thanks to you; Indra, we thank you because there is the Uchiha clan, could you ask Indra, Madara, Izuna, Shisui, Itachi and Sasuke to have a partner who, from a very young age, has been raised to be a very strong warrior by her father, who had no more children, and who, because of that, is a woman who follows the philosophy of you are born a warrior, you die a warrior? Her training was very spartan, which allows her to fight them for hours. She is a very disciplined woman (she would be able to do harakiri if she found herself cornered and without escape by the enemy). I love your writing.☺️☺️☺️

Thank you!!! also, this (y/n) is just insane ajdhaksdh

Indra

The sword breaks first.

Her shoulder follows.

She doesn’t cry out.

She just breathes, staggered, dust clinging to sweat on her temple as she struggles upright with her dislocated arm.

He watches from the shade of the trees, obsidian eyes unblinking.

–You should stop.– Indra says at last.

She lifts her bladeless hand, regrips the broken hilt in a reversed grip.

–I am not done.

Indra steps forward, slow. His aura is still, unreadable.

–And if this were war, and your arm could not be used?

–I would grip my blade with my teeth if I had to.– she answers. –A warrior does not yield until the heart stills.–

He doesn’t smile. He only speaks once more, voice low:

–Even warriors deserve a moment of mercy.

Then, he sets his own sword down… and begins to reset her shoulder with hands gentler than war should allow.

Madara

He’s angry.

Not at her—but at the way her fingers bleed from training, knuckles split and red down to the nails.

She’s wrapping them again, too tight, too crude.

She doesn’t ask for help.

–You’re going to ruin your grip.– Madara growls, crouching in front of her to snatch the linen from her hand.

–A ruined grip is better than unfinished form.

He meets her gaze, fingers halting mid-wrap.

–That’s not strength. That’s self-destruction with discipline as the excuse.

She flinches—just a blink.

And Madara, not one for gentleness, bandages her properly.

Tighter than necessary, but not cruel.

His voice lowers.

–Let me help you hold the sword. You don’t have to bleed for it every time.

Izuna

She doesn’t laugh.

Not even when he falls flat on his back after their third spar of the morning, gasping.

–You are… merciless.– he groans into the grass, one arm thrown over his eyes.

She stands above him, motionless.

–You asked me not to hold back.

–I meant it, but still…

When she turns to leave, he grabs her wrist—not hard, just enough to stop her.

–You know you don’t always have to fight alone, right? I can spar. I can bleed. I don’t mind. But I can also stand with you.

She stares down at him like she doesn’t understand the language.

But her fingers don’t pull away.

For her, that’s the loudest yes in the world.

Shisui

She trains alone at night.

He knows, because he’s watched—silently, from the rooftops, for weeks now.

One night, he doesn’t stay hidden.

He drops in beside her, catching her wooden blade mid-swing.

–You're going to burn out your shoulders if you keep those movements so tight.

She blinks. –Then I will rebuild them stronger.–

–Or you’ll tear something and lose them altogether.

She goes to step around him. He steps with her.

–You don't have to keep proving yourself every night.

Her jaw sets. –I’m not proving. I’m preserving. If I stop moving, I forget who I am.–

He touches her shoulder, barely.

–You are not only what you can kill.

It’s the first time she flinches.

Itachi

She holds her blade like a monk holds prayer beads—ritualistic, reverent, controlled.

Itachi watches her breathe.

Watches her move.

Watches her win.

And then he watches her hesitate—only for a second—when the fight ends and no one speaks to her.

No praise.

No name.

No touch.

That night, he leaves a folded cloth beside her gear.

Inside: a single kanzashi hairpin made of blackened steel.

Beautiful.

Deadly.

Elegant.

He never says it’s from him.

But she wears it the next morning, her hair held in a warrior’s twist—without ever letting it fall in her eyes again.

Sasuke

He hates how quiet she is.

She beats him.

Then walks away like he didn’t even matter.

So he calls after her.

Loud.

–You think pain makes you stronger? You think dying for a sword makes you better than the rest of us?

She turns. Slowly.

–No.– she says. –It just means I don’t fear death the way you fear weakness.–

He doesn’t know why, but it stings more than it should.

Later, when she sits alone beneath a tree with her blades beside her, he drops a rice ball near her knee.

Not a word exchanged.

But when she eats it, slowly, he feels something shift.

Not forgiveness.

Not affection.

But acknowledgement.

And that’s enough.

[alien-til-i-stage]

There’s something interesting in the way of how each of the cast are very similar, yet they have castly different ways to cope with what is happening to them. Each of them has their own way to deal with their trauma and because of this and how they cope, it leads them to vastly different endings and life styles.

More down below

- Starting with Mizi, I believe she coped by living in denial. This might sound strange, considering Mizi lived with owners who loved her. Her owners sheltered her because they cared, leading her to eventually join Anakt Garden out of desire to sing. It’s implied that Mizi did not know what would happen in Alien Stage, which is interesting.

We know everyone else knew. Till, Ivan, and Sua all knew and were prepared to fight for their lives. It’s even said that the kids in Anakt Garden were raised to believe dying in Alien Stage was an honor and that they shouldn’t fear death. Its strange that Mizi didn’t know about this, so I believe that Mizi, either consciously or subconsciously made herself forget about it.

She is still a human, a pet for aliens. Vivinos and Qmeng have confirmed that while Mizi is still the one with the closest relationship to her owners, it will never be anything like a daughter relationship, that she is still a pet to them. I doubt that she was never shown any abuse to any cruelities of their society. She must’ve seen it at some point. Especially when she meets Sua, Sua is right behind her as the two of them are with their owners. All it would take would Mizi turning around to see the abuse Sua is suffering, but she doesn’t.

While I do believe that Mizi wouldn’t have been able to tell whats wrong with Sua at her age, I think this was purposefully done to show that Mizi doesn’t look back around Sua. She’s focused on the beauty in front of her, she doesn’t pay attention to anything else. Perhaps this is to represent how Mizi actually ignores or doesn’t pay attention to anything bad, focusing purely on happiness. She puts the bad away from her mind and plays, having fun.

It’s only until Sua dies, that it gets too much for her, she can no longer subconsciously ignore what is happening and is suddenly being forced to notice everything that is happening. Almost like it’s finally being shoved in her face.

-Sua copes by dissociating herself, seperately her body and mind. We can see this as Sua lies doll like in her glass enclosure. She doesn’t move, her eyes are dead and still, she is just there. I believe this represents how she no longer lives in the moment but rather is somewhere else mentally. She’s there physically, treated as a doll in front of the aliens, like a decoration, but she makes no reactions.

By dissociating herself, she has become the perfect doll. It’s easy for her to live life as a doll if she isn’t even mentally there at all. This fits with everything we’ve seen of her, how she constantly wears a deadpan face and doesn’t move unless she is in Mizi’s presence. Mizi makes her want to live in the moment. She legitimately has fun with Mizi, and it’s likely that when she isn’t around her, she goes right back to being doll like. This would give her another reason to constantly be around Mizi, not wanting to go back to the way she was.

If Mizi were to die, she would permanently go back to dissociating constantly, and she doesn’t want that. She wants to live in the moment, she wants to be with Mizi forever, both mentally and physically. But it is impossible for her if Mizi dies, so she sacrifices herself to keep herself from living without her, falling into her sweet dreams with Mizi forever.

-Till copes a much more violent way. Instead he has outbursts and attacks any aliens or humans making him distressed. We see this commonly in the way he rebels. He doesn’t allow others to walk over him. This can be seen when Ivan steps on Till’s flowers and he attacks Ivan. We see a pattern of when Till gets upset, he attacks and gets violent towards the person who got him upset. We see Ivan using this to his advantage multiple times in order to get a reaction out of him.

We can also see this in the scene above where Till attacks the first alien he can, grabbing something to beat them with. It’s likely that Till wasn’t even thinking, but rather just wanted to hurt something. We know that Till had no chance of winning, but that was most likely something he didn’t care or think about at all. This shows that this action was entirely emotional, a decision made rashly. We also know that when Till is hurt badly, he thinks about Mizi to make him feel better, another coping mechanism for him. However by round 6, he has lost both of his coping mechanisms. He lost Mizi, now only able to think about her being gone, and he is reminded that he is powerless, and he is unable to attack back. He has no way to cope, making him much more suicidal in round 6, because he can’t stand or bear his life currently.

-Ivan makes his own life and trauma bearable by constant masking. We can see this happen often with him. He puts on his mask as a way to survive but to cope, forcing himself to be seperated from what is happening to him. Similar to Sua, his mask keeps him away from his trauma. While he still hurts and he is still very traumatized, the effects of his trauma is lessened because his mask doesn’t break. He pretends his trauma doesn’t exist, he pretends he is the perfect person, and no one would be able to guess otherwise.

However the mask is also a trauma of its own. If he were to ever take off his mask, like in round 6 when he did so in front of all the aliens, he would be able to truly express himself. He does so, even at the cost of Till’s dignity and made Till confused and scared. It’s also said that when Ivan takes off his mask around Till, he becomes childish and immature, showing how the mask has also made him mentally younger. How because he doesn’t cope properly or face life the same way a typical untraumatized person would, he is mentally younger, being described a man child in fact.

-Luka projects onto others to let out his feelings of helplessness and powerlessness. It was stated by Vivinos and Qmeng in a Q and A that Luka mentally abuses the other person on the stage, in this case it would be Mizi, because the stage is the one place he can be in control. He feels helpless and powerless outside of the stage, his entire life dictated by his owner as he is unable to chose his own path. He’s been raised from a very young age controlled by everyone around him, so once he gets the chance to have some form of control or power, he immediately jumps on the chance to get it.

He hurts the other contestant, uncaring of how they feel, because it makes him feel in power. He projects onto the other party his pain and his own feelings as a way to cope. Because of this, this could be another reason why Luka is alone. He chooses to hurt others around him because it makes him feel better, so naturally no one would want to be there for him. He has lost everyone because all he does is hurt them, seen with him and Hyuna. How Hyuna is deeply traumatized by Luka and now she avoids him and refuses to think about him.

-Hyuna, similar to Mizi, copes by running away from her traumas, using sustenaces like alcohol or keeping hersef busy to not think. While I did say above Mizi subconsciously forgets what is traumatizing until it gets too much, Hyuna tries desperately to make herself forget. We see her constantly drinking and partying, and when she isn’t, she is on dangerous missions. It’s most likely that she does this to run away from her own mind, that if she pauses and stops for one second, she will become overburdened and overwhelmed but her trauma.

We see her pause or freeze when she sees an image of Luka, forcing her to remember everything that happened. We see her panic on stage, trying so hard to make her voice louder and sing more to forget whats going on in her mind. This makes her trauma a weakness for her, as when she freezes, they are attacked by guards. Because of how long she has been running, the worse the effect of her trauma is to her.

[waltricia]

Bridgerton season 2 episode 3, “A Bee in Your Bonnet” is ✨magic✨ and let me tell you why.

For those of us who didn’t read the book and knew nothing of what was going to happen, we truly went on an incredible and surprising roller coaster of an experience.

We start the episode with seeing the guy from Hellboy and being like ‘oh yay, it’s the guy from Hellboy!’

… only for him to die three minutes later. And that scene is rough. It’s sudden and abrasive. And the sounds are jarring. The death is scored by tense strings. Then a moment of quiet. Then the AMAZING Ruth Gemmell begins taking us on Violet’s traumatic grief journey, which starts with her jolting Anthony (and us) out of the quiet.

And a thunderous heartbeat threatens him as he walks toward this entirely altered, unwanted life path. And that’s obviously the beginning of his PTSD.

In the other flashbacks throughout the episode, we continue to hear horrific, heart-rending pain radiate out of Violet while Anthony must not only attempt to endure it, but cover his own grief. Anthony and his siblings (and again, we the audience) all have to listen to Violet grieve while she’s giving birth! Screams on top of screams.

And the last flashback is technically quiet, but just as devastating because, like the moment of Edmund’s death, the quiet is weaponized. It signifies the death inside Violet.

It should go without saying that Jonathan Bailey is also a brilliant actor, but I’ll say it now anyway. Damn, he good! He and Ruth partnered perfectly in this grief journey. Serious props to them both because I felt this shit.

And then finally we come to the end. We had been immersed in the horrible aftermath of that striking tragedy. Between the flashbacks- in the present day- we had followed Anthony through the rooms and grounds where he had suffered silently. We had seen Edmund’s grave. We had learned that Anthony’s greatest fears and insecurities all stemmed from that tragic event ten years prior.

And then another fucking bee comes along.

And I swear to god, the first time I watched this, when Kate got stung, my heart was pounding, I was terrified, and my instinctive reaction was “oh my god, is she going to die?!” In hindsight, it’s obviously insane to think that she would be killed off at all, let alone in this scene. But the very fact that, for a moment, that was a legitimate fear I had is exactly why this episode is so god damn brilliant. I felt what Anthony felt. And I’m not the only one! I’ve seen other people’s similar reactions to this scene. The episode really is a roller coaster; easy, lighthearted moments (pall mall, drug tea), interspersed with the terrifying drops and loops that are Anthony’s painful memories which constantly haunt him. And then it brought us right back to that first traumatic moment. Because Anthony has PTSD! And that’s what PTSD does. Anthony is right back where he was, literally not far from the same spot outside Aubrey Hall, standing in front of a person he loves, watching them get stung by a bee on almost the same spot on their body. The tense string scoring comes back and Anthony panics because he’s completely helpless again.

And all of those elements- the setting, the scoring, the acting- combined to terrify us and make us forget something critical: most people don’t die from beestings.

And here’s where it gets really profound for me. Because it’s not just about how we feel Anthony’s fear. It’s also about how Kate completely obliterates it. Without knowing that history and without realizing the full extent of what her actions would mean, she does exactly the right thing. Rather than die and rather than also panic or shy away from his vulnerability, she meets it with her own in the form of care and steady assurance, which is true strength. And in so doing, she stops this cyclical moment in its tracks and completely alters the trauma. She puts his hand on her heart, and the heartbeat comes back. But this time, it’s not threatening. It’s inviting.

And just like in the first scene, the moment is over all too quickly. Just like in that scene, Anthony is thrust onto a new path. But where that moment was damaging, this one is healing. And we feel that too. And it’s the greatest experience that art can give us.

It’s catharsis.

And that’s why this episode is magic. 🐝✨

[undreaming-fanfiction]

Thinking of a modern AU when the kids get to be kids after it's all over and they go to the movies, they play games, hang out, all that. And of course, Steve drives them everywhere. He vouches for them in front of their parents, watches them like a hawk, tries to tell them about the adult stuff he's learned so far and chases Robin and Nancy to give them info on uni application and the things he feels he's too dumb for. Still, when Robin and Nancy are away and one of his kids needs something, he'll grab that legal document and either stare at it long enough to get a migraine or begins hounding the smart people who stayed in Hawkins (Mr. Clarke is Steve's go-to person and Mr. Clarke won't say it, but he's so proud of Harrington's progress).

So, Steve's life is basically nonstop work and babysitting (with lots of complaints and grumbling from the teens), they ask him to drive them somewhere and he'll bitch about it, sure, but he will get up after 4 hours of sleep and do it anyways. Dustin often reprimands Steve for not taking care of his health, but he doesn't see why.

When Encanto comes out, El really, really wants to see it, and how can Steve say no to her? He drives the whole gang to the movie theatre (some of them stacked on top of each other, some in the trunk on a pile of blankets) and decides to join them. He doesn't really like animated stuff, but Robin loves these movies and he wants yet another reason to call her and talk through the night.

He didn't expect to enjoy the movie so much, but it's colorful and catchy. The songs are nice and the characters are relatable. He makes a lot of mental notes to discuss with Robin. He thinks she will love Mirabel.

And then "Surface Pressure" starts playing and Steve wonders why he suddenly feels like crying. "I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service" hits especially hard. He's just sitting there and feeling incredibly stupid for tearing up at flying glitter-covered donkeys.

When they leave the movie theater, everyone is pretty excited and discussing which characters and songs they liked the most (even if some feel like rolling their eyes at a kids' movie, El's excitement stops them from doing that). They all start discussing to who they relate the most, El feels with Mirabel for being left out and different, even if she actually is the only one who has a gift, Will dares to utter that he really sympathizes with Dolores, Dustin loves Bruno for trying to fix the cracks in Casita.

And then they turn to Steve and someone makes a jab at him, saying he resembles Mariano the most. Steve is ready to shrug it off, there's some truth in that with what happened to his relationship with Nancy, but El just shakes her head and says: "No. Steve is our Luisa."

Everyone goes silent. There's a lot of hmmming and "well, he did get up to drive us when he had a night shift..." and "we could have just biked...". Steve tries to make them feel better about it, joking that he really has nothing better to do, but the drive home is full of whispering, and the party actually diligently thank him when they leave his car.

The next day is Sunday and Steve is ready for his usual routine, making himself busy until someone needs something. But there's a knock on the door to his small apartment and when he opens it, he sees his group of kids, proudly presenting a tray of muffins and two cartons of orange juice.

Out of all of them, it's Mike who speaks up. "Nancy said you often forget to eat breakfast," he states in his usual annoyed tone. "She also said that you like chocolate muffins, so we are here to ensure you don't die from hunger. Now move, I'll get the glasses and plates."

Steve just watches in awe as they swarm his flat, Will smiling at him and producing a DVD of the latest Spider-man movie. "This one was a tip from Robin, she says you haven't seen it yet."

Max is standing in the kitchenette with her cane, watching the pile of meds Steve has to take after his injuries with disdain. "This has to take forever for you to find what you need. Don't argue, I remember how shitty it was for me. Let me help you build a chart and thank me later."

El and Lucas are rearranging Steve's couch and placing pillows in front of the TV so everyone can sit comfortably. El also ensures the blinds are closed so Steve's eyes don't have to fight against the light.

And if that all wasn't more care than Steve has known in years, Dustin grabs his elbow and sits him down, threatening him with violence if he even thinks about working on Sunday.

As the opening titles start, Steve is surrounded by six teenagers in his tiny and cheap flat, chewing on a subpar muffin with an orange juice that probably never saw the actual fruit, and he thinks that there's no greater happiness than this.