#like if I get too sick off the remaining bosses I'm good to move on

[eldragon-x]

holy shit I might finish the game very soon

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Scandals, Face Offs & Disappointments, Oh my!

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Oct 2024 Week 3

Ongoing Series - Thai

Jack & Joker (Thai Mon IQIYI) ep 6 of 12 - 3 tiny girls ragging on Jack was possibly the greatest opening sequence ever. Poor Jack. He is so not single anymore - so far as everyone around him is concerned. 

Love Sick 2024 (Thai Sun iQIYI) ep 5 of 15 - Sports day continues. We get a little backstory on the respective crushes on Noh. The jealousy between Phun & Earn is way more extreme in this version. I'm not mad about it. I love a claiming. Although it is so unfair of Phun to claim Noh when they agreed not to go there, AND he’s dating someone else. The byplay with Pete’s ex was fun. I wonder if we’re supposed to suss that Noh knows he’s gay in this version? 

I'm doing a face-off style watch along of this new version versus the original 2014-2015 version. Where I decide with each new ep which one wins. I will render a final judgement at the end. Frankly, I'm warming to this show way more than I thought I would give my extreme affection for the original.

Kidnap (Fri YT) ep 7 of 12 - Oh it’s so cute that he just wants to officially move in. And the necklace claiming thing was darling. Mini boyfriend era. Min being a kept baby girl was kinda fun. The family thing was too sweet. Oh noes my man has been strangled! Oh good he’s okay. Stupid breakup “for the plot” moment, they could have easily been separated by baddies, we didn’t need to go through this. 

Fourever You (Thai Thurs YT) ep 3 of 16 - I don’t care how cute he is or how longing those beautiful eyes, ghosting is a pretty big offense. Especially high school first love. I’m glad Ter is being difficult about it. Still the backstory is getting frustratingly confusing. It seems increasingly convoluted (full of girls) and I’m not sure what happened. So I’m not sure if I should be on Hill’s side or Ter’s. I’m beginning to feel manipulated and I don’t like it. I still like the show, but not as much as I did last week. I’m on a roller coaster here. 

Battle of the Writers (Sun YT) ep 11 of 12 - It remains odd, disjointed, but still modestly entertaining. Ozone using a well placed Phi for manipulation purposes made me happy. Random het wedding is random. 2 drunk horny sunshine babygurls was cute tho. 

Every You Every Me (Thai Mon Gaga) ep 2 of 10 - AKA Just one meet cute after another. Nice queer rep this time. It’s lovely, just not my style BL. 

Addicted Heroin (Thai Tues WeTV) ep 10 fin - Okay so last week half the ep was eng subbed and this week only 3/4. Whatever. Please note my extreme annoyance with everything about this show will color my rating. As it should. Ready for a mini rant?

Conclusion

What to say about this damn show? It wasn’t what I wanted and I didn’t like it. I’m disappointed in myself for having expectations and in it for not living up to them. It starred August for fucks sake! How could they fuck it up so bad? I wanted it to be a Thai reinterpretation of the brilliance that was Addicted giving us the ending that we never got to have but the narrative deserved. I got a resounding nope. The side couple was messed with, rearranged, and then entirely dropped and forgotten. The main romance was weirdly obsessive without any physical payout or emotional resolution, as if this remake were the censored Chinese version. All characters acted irrationally most of the time, and from what I could tell there was no logic to the ending, which seemed to be to minors escaping to a beach, abandoning their schooling, families, and respective futures. It was a hot mess. Without being hot. 4/10 fatally flawed, do not bother

Bad Guy My Boss (Thai Sun Gaga) ep 5 of 10 - it's bad. I don't like it.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (Korea Thurs Gaga) eps 1-2 of 8 - High school student Do Hoe lives with his violent and brutal father who runs a Taekwondo gym in a rural area. Then cheerful Ju Young arrives who dreams of going to college for Taekwondo. Joy begins to fill Do Hoe's dark life. An unexpected incident forces them apart, they reunite over a decade years later.

Make no mistake this one is dark. And Korea can go many directions when it leans dark. So I’m not entirely sure what to expect. All the triggers: child abuse, corporal punishment, alcoholism, gambling, and a few other things. But also a fantastically awkward kiss. Oh this is VERY good. I’m enjoying it. Tumblr is officially losing its tiny mind about it. What can I say? This hellhole loves it some gritty dark angst with high romance and deep meaning. All hail the return of Queen Hwang Da Seul. 

My Damn Business (Korea Sat YT) eps 3 of 7 - He kinda is the worst boss ever. Now he’s turned into a drinking buddy whether baby likes it or not. I really feel for this kid. I do want more backstory on both of them. Why are they the way they are? All that said….. phenomenal kiss. Thanks boys. 

Teenager Judge (Vietnam Sat YT) ep 4 of ? - I do like the brothers relationship. Even though we know it’s gonna become romantic, it’s nice to see them all teasing and friendly. Meanwhile I’m getting a little exhausted by the bullying and I’m very much ready for the revenge narrative to continue.

Although I understand we have more of a spiral first, could we get on to some actual kissing soon? 

I'm shallow I just wanna see BV kiss the next boy. It's the BL world's version of Pokemon.

Our Golden Times (Hong Kong YT) 6 fin - Okay so this was the last ep! 

Summary

This was an odd disjointed little piece, but the most BL BL we’ve ever seen out of Hong Kong. The optics are good and it’s enjoyable for what it is, which is a circumspect, badly subbed, and slightly odd yet earnest reunion romance. I liked it more for what it could be, and for what it represented, than for what it actually was, but I still liked it.

7/10 recommended with reservations

I would like to nominate Our Golden Times @bengiyo as a candidate for the next "Girl you tried." Because it really did try hard to be the best little BL it could be under the circumstances.

First Note Of Love (Taiwan Mon Gaga) ep 11 of 12 - I do like all the couples, and in classic Taiwan style we’re ending ultra sappy (when they don’t fuck it up, and I don’t think this one will). Mei is the secret power behind the throne - as we all knew - love this for her, and us. 

Love is Like a Poison AKA Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru (Japan Tues Netflix?) 5 of 10 eps - I'm falling beind because my subber is, but sort-of trying to keep up. I don’t know. Just Japan messing with us, I guess.

Eccentric Romance (Korea Weds Viki) eps 3-4 of 12 - It’s oddly erotic with all the gym stuff but also awkward and weird with the jelly plus suspicion. (Hi GeonU, another Thai/Korea BL for you? Is it a thing for you now? Could you recruit Jimin to the cause? I mean you go him into a reality competition. BL is right there. Waiting. Pretty please with a shirtless hottie on top?) Anygay, I keep thinking that this show would actually be better if the Thai character were just a Korean character and this was just a regular KBL. Although, it probably still wouldn’t be very good.

It's airing but...

The Hidden Moon (Sat WeTV) 10 eps - This is a supernatural romance (my ghost boyfriend trope) by Violet Rain (I Feel You Linger). A man is hired to write an article about an old mansion in Chiang Mai being converted into a café. He sees the ghosts of people who died at the mansion, falls in love with one of them. Was substantially recast. I loved IFYLITA except the ending so I think I'll let this one run it's course you can tell me if it's work tracking down... if they managed to land it. I have my doubts.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Still Coming:

10/21 Love in the Big City (Korea Mon Viki) ep 1 of - Okay, this is both a movie (already out) and a series. Neither one is likely BL and I can't imagine it will end happily. Here's your synopsis:

Cynical fun loving student Young pinballs from home, to class, to on night stands. He and Jaehee, his female besie and roommate, frequent nearby bars where they push away their worries about life, love, and money with soju and hookups.

Apparently this is causing a homophobic ruckus in SK right now. As is wont to happen when one puts a really big name in the gay lead and your country is, well, pretty damn homophobic. Brokeback mukbang anyone? (Oh yes I am aware I'm a turd, but I'm too old for this crap. I guess that makes me a coprolite.)

10/23 See Your Love (Taiwan Weds Gaga Viki et al) 10 eps? - Zi Xiong, a third-generation heir, attempting to flee from taking over their family business, meets and falls in love with Shao Peng, who works as a hearing-impaired nurse. From the same production house as Kiseki Dear To Me in partnership with Shinehouse Theatre, funded by Taiwan’s BIGART + Japan's Rakuten (Viki). Show includes Lin Chia Yo (Be Loved in House: I Do). Director Chiang Ping Chen’s childhood experiences with his deaf uncle have inspired the drama.

10/27 Perfect 10 Liners (Thai Sun YouTube?) 24 eps! - New directing yet another university BL with engineers + their mentees. Based on a Jittirain novel. with a massive cast and massive run time. We will be watching this until APRIL of 2025!

ForceBook playing the same old characters = enemies to lovers tsunder/sunshine jock/nerd thing.

PerthChimonSanta are doing the cohabitation cool guy/dork trope.

JuniorMark are doing popular sunshine meets lonely sad boy (the only interesting pair IMHO).

Not sure if these will be interwoven (We Are style) or shorter stand alone runs-within-the-run of 8 eps each (Y-Destiny style).

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

You just kissed his brains out, what do you think? (Eh, we all know the aniyo is coming. This uke is made of tsudere and 아니요 ) (Damn Business)

I know, it's not a good show, but just LOOK at his face.

And the uke drunken shenanigans was brilliant. Loved it. (Battle Writers)

I did LOVE the twist on Golf. (Love Sick 2024)

Joke coming for our hearts just like...... it's TOO MUCH. War is SO DAMN GOOD. (J&J)

Calling out the trope HDS?

Gah. So awkward.

(Both from LFTCOT)

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many at-ings.

[lostonehero]

Tma x mechs

Jonny archivist baby

"Is there a reason you're in my office, Sasha?" Jonny looked up from the statement on his desk.

"I've figured it out." Sasha smirks.

Jonny raised a brow. "Figured out what?"

"Why you suddenly became a dick after the promotion." Sasha hums. "You've fallen hard for Tim and Martin and me, but I'm aromantic, so sorry about that, bud. You're trying to cover your tracks by being a dick and pretending you hate everyone."

Jonny scoffs. "Of course not. I'm perfectly being just here as me and.... have you noticed Martin has a spider collection above his desk?" Jonny sighs. It's only been a few decades. How has he gotten so shit at lying?

Sasha raised a brow. "Jon, come off it." She crosses her arms as Jon sighs. "I'm sure if you talked to them they would be on board."

You're mortal all of you. Is what Jonny wanted to shout, but he couldn't. Even with the metal heart, he was falling hard and fast, weird horror be damned. Maybe he could use the weird horrors to keep them around long. He groans. "You have to be included aromantic or not. You're going to be a part of it, even if it's just sex."

"I'm sure I could arrange something." Sasha finishes her text, and there's a shout from Tim outside Jon's office.

"BLOODY KNEW IT." Tim shouts.

Jonny covers his face. He was screwed.

......

It's only been three weeks since they tried out the dating thing. He can only recall one other time truly where he was in love, and that was with Tim, not Stoker, but Gunpowder. It didn't end well. They remained friends, but it hurt. Tim blamed him for his eyes, but Carmillia was already dead to their knowledge, and they didn't mean to find him. They tried again a few times, but it was never the same, and everything it just hurt him more. DTTM was the final straw that broke the camels back. He's happier now than he has been for a long time. His crew probably doesn't even care that he's gone.

"Jon?" Martin's soft voice broke him away from the self hatred. "Jon, are you ok?"

Tim hugged Jonny's arm. "What ya thinking about, boss man?"

"We are literally in bed together. Don't call me that." Jonny sighs. "My ex, his name was also Tim. We became friends after but it was never the same yaknow. We were a part of this group like a family. I had a really bad falling out with them. That's how I ended up here." He sighs. "I'm not good at being open."

Martin sighs and moves Jon to his chest. "You feel like with us, you're betraying what you once had."

Tim nods. "Well, I'll be a better Tim." He hums softly. "You still have your memories even if they aren't great."

Jonny tries to hide his face in Martin's chest. "Enough! You're making me soft."

"That's the only thing soft about you. You're way too thin." Tim chuckles.

Jonny whines as Martin traps him in a soft hug. "Stop. I am a vicious man."

Tim smiles, joining the hug. "Mmh, yes, you're so scary."

"Yes, you make the statements come alive. Even if toy think they're fake." Martin smiles.

Jonny was absolutely fucked. He had to figure out how to keep them alive, and he'll be damned if Carmillia got involved. That bitch better stay the fuck away from here. She better be dead.

.......

It took a year for everything to go to shit. A fucking year. Jonny sat in the empty archives. It started when Sasha got bit by a moth of all things. He didn't think moths had mouths. Then she got sick. Elias was being a dick about it, and soon she was coughing up worms and talking about music she could only hear. She disappeared after that, claiming she was sick and he hadn't heard anything.

Next was Tim. He started to get sick and pale, claimed the light hurt. He wore long sleeves and sunglasses inside, but he didn't change mentally he just... physically, he was changing, and he tried to help, but one day, they were walking, and a cars shadow passed by, and he vanished. He mourned with Martin.

Last was Martin he helped get to the bottom of things. These fear gods were changing his loves, but they were supposed to have a choice. He rubbed his burned hand. Martin went to hill top road and didn't come back.

He should have known better. He can't just play pretend like he was some mortal. He wasn't even human. He could feel something wet drip down his cheeks. He was crying so much lately he was fucking pathetic.

A soft knock on the door made Jonny rub his face and sit up. "What is it?"

"Sup boss man." It was Tim he had sharper teeth, and his eyes were pitch black, but it was him.

"T-Tim?" Jonny shot up out of his seat.

"Yeah, it's me." Tim rubs his arm. "I can promise you I didn't want this. I've become some sort of monster, and you deserve to -" he gasps as Jonny knocks him to the floor in a hug.

"Fuck that, monster or not I still love you." Jonny freezes he never spoke those words since....

Tim pulls Jonny into a kiss. "Are you sure?"

Jonny nods. "You have to help me find Martin and Sasha now. Im a monster, too, I think. I got this weird knowing thing. Elias won't tell me anything, but I know he knows more than he lets on. We I know about the fears, and you've become an avatar. So what? I don't care."

"Jon, I could kill you." Tim still wraps his arms around Jonny."

"And?" Jonny scoffs. "A lot can kill me. it doesn't mean it will stick."

"What?" Tim blinks.

"I'll explain later." Jonny gets up, grabbing Tim's hand. "We have to find Martin."

"Jo-Jon, wait." Tim can't really stop as he's pulled along.

It wasn't hard to find Sasha next her apartment complex was condemned due to infestation. It also took no effort to break into.

"Tell me again why you know how to pick locks?" Tim sighs.

"Immortal space pirate, Tim please keep up." Jonny smirks as the door opens.

"Just because you survived being dragged through the dark doesn't mean I believe you." Tim pinched his brow as worms splattered Jonny, and soon enough, he exploded in worms, leaving a metal heart on the floor and a half eaten corpse. "Jesus fucking christ."

"Don't you hear.... oh hi Tim." Sasha waves as she makes her way across the room. "Seems you've been busy following a different song."

"I didn't have a choice in the manner." Tim frowns, staring down at Jon. He pauses, and his eyes widen, and he jumps back.

Jonny suddenly sits up as his skin knits back together. He now has ears that flare out like a cow and horns. His teeth are sharp he has claws and a long tail. "Ok, the first time I died like that."

Sasha blinks, and the swarm pulls away from Jon. "I'm sorry my brood ate you, and you exploded. Not that I'm mad, but how?"

"Immortal space pirate." Tim and Jonny say at the same time.

Jonny brushes himself off. "Aw shit my disguise failed. Anyway, do you know where Martin is? I'm pretty sure you guys aren't fired, and I'm in love, and I'm not giving up just because you're weird horror creatures. I've fucked weirder."

"I have so many questions." Sasha pursed her lips. "Let me get dressed, and I'll help you look."

"I also have questions." Tim pauses for a moment. "I love you too."

.......

A woman answered the door at hill top road. "Archivist."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, where's Martin?" Jonny crossed his arms.

"Oh, dear archivist mother has plans for him."

"Ew." Jonny scoffs pushing past the woman. "Martin! I don't care what weird creature you've become. I'm not human, so it will be fine."

A confused response from Martin. "I.... what?"

"Martin!" Jonny runs towards the voice, getting caught in a web. "Fuck."

"Hello Annabelle." Sasha waves at the door she looks almost normal minus the moths fluttering around her.

"Mother doesn't want him dead." Annabelle pauses. "What is he hoping to accomplish?"

"True love." Tim dramatically swoons under his umbrella.

"We also warned him not to just run into here but as you can see." Sasha vaguely motions.

"FUCK!" Martin shouts. "WHAT THE FUCK JON?"

"What you act as if this is the first time I've knawed off a limb to get out of something. See, look, it's already growing back." Jonny motions to his newly reformed arm. "Also spider centaur is pretty hot."

Martin pulls Jonny up and kisses him roughly. "You are the weirdest man I've ever met."

"Technically, not a human man." Jonny snickers.

......

Elias was about to pull his hair out. He had no idea how his new archivist had gotten his assistants back after they turned into avatars. It's actually impressive, but since one of them is now the web, he can no longer spy on his archivist. The hats were new, but he couldn't understand why Jon insisted that it's his new thing. It's the middle of summer. He does not need to wear winter hats.

.......

Nastya had returned to the Aurora too much fanfare, and it only took a day for her to ask where Jonny was. She stared at Tim, who crossed his arms. "So?"

Tim sighs. "After we realized we're yaknow truly immortal. He took it the worst and didn't accept it like the rest of us, and he left. Stole a ship and a bunch of shit, but he's been gone for 100 years. Lyf took his position as lead singer, but we have been looking for him."

"We don't have a way to track him." Brian adds. His metal body has been changing to reflect how he looked before the mechanisms. He was very quiet about it, but it was extremely noticeable. His top hat covered his fox like ears. "We all want him back. We found you by accident looking for him."

Nastya frowns. "He's gone?"

Tim frowns and looks away. "He didn't even take the metal box he keeps under his bed."

"Bullshit." Nastya touches the wall. "Aurora, track the ship Jonny stole. I'm getting my brother back. You're going to apologize." She points to Tim. "He's our captain."

Tim nods. "I fucked up."

.....

"Man, you human holidays are fun." Jonny's tail flicked happily behind him. The Magnus Institute was throwing a massive festival for Halloween. Elias was taking statements he insisted on that. "Didn't have anything like this on my astroid."

Martin followed behind with normal legs but 8 eyes and three pairs of arms. "Well , we will remedy that."

Tim seems to have hair that floated like rising darkness. His eyes were pitch black, and his mouth was full of sharp teeth. He was wearing a shirt. Jonny made him say the better Tim. "Martin, I think he likes it for the amount of sweets he's able to get."

Jonny scoffs. "I like the costumes."

"You're not even dressed up." Sasha raised a brow. "You said that was your normal outfit in space."

"Well, yeah, but it's not normal here, and humans don't have ears teeth or a tail like mine." Jonny huffs.

"Point taken." Martin chuckles. "Oh, looks like Elias got a band to play for the festival."

"It's not a band it's an open mic. A feast of stage fright." Jonny hums. "I'll perform something."

"Spoiling us?" Tim purrs.

"Yes, always." Jonny gasps as Martin picks him up.

"You're a hopeless romantic for someone who has lived as long as you and claims to be just as bitter." Martin smiles.

"Only for you guys." Jonny kisses the right side of Martin's mandible. "We could just skip this and have fun in the bedroom."

"Horndog." Tim chuckles. "How about after we hear you sing song bird?"

"Tim's right." Martin's gaze darkens. "You have to both earn it."

Jonny shudders. "Yes, sir."

Tim nods eagerly.

.......

"Impressive costumes." A cheery soft voice came from a tall, muscular sailor captain.

Lyf blinks. "Um, hello."

"Costume?" TS tilts their head.

"I didn't think Nikola would change for Halloween." A man wrapped around the sailors arm.

"Um, right...." Lyf sighs. "Um, could you help us? We're looking for a man going by Jonathan Sims." He hopes Nastya was right in the fake name Jonny chose.

"You're looking for my archivist?" The man's eyes flash green.

Lyf's eyes flashed rainbow. "I'm sorry. Did you say archivist?"

"Correct. I'm Elias Bouchard. This is a nice Halloween festival for my insistute. Jon is with his partners traversing the festive scene." He gives a sinister smile. "I highly suggest the activities while you look."

"That Sounds Like Jolly Good Fun." TS drags Lyf into the festival grounds.

"W-wait, TS!" Lyf groans he had more questions to ask.

......

Inspector: At the Halloween festival with TS. It's being thrown by the Magnus Institute. TS has prevented me from asking more questions to the head of said institute. However, Jonny might be the head archivist.

Archivist: There is a 100% that's bullshit.

Fire Fire: that's a good joke kid

GP: there's a open mic here to perform.

TS: I Made A New Friend.

There's a picture of TS next to a mannequin who seemed nervous in clown makeup. There appears to be human skin stretched tightly around the plastic body.

TS: This Is Nikola.

Inspector: Tim why the fuck didn't you warn us about earth?

GP: What the fuck are you talking about

GP: TS what the fuck.

Drumbot: I am with Nastya. We have found a meat themed activity. I agree with Lyf. This doesn't seem very human. However my phone will be taken for this so I will talk later.

GP: meat?

GP: Brian?

Doctor: I am going to the mushroom tent! Lyf invitation open to join. I think they will enjoy the fact I am poisonous.

Inspector: Marius we still haven't figured out what you are.

Science officer: Not for a lack of trying. Anyway, I'm going to find that meat tent.

Fire Fire: there's a woman named Jude Perry and she's all about Fire I'm going to find her.

Nastya: They did not let me in with Brian. However, they did give me some sort of meat on a stick. Jonny would love this.

GP: ill play my song. If he's here, he'll come to watch right?

Nastya: I will join you.

.......

Brian stumbled out of the tent. His throat hurt from screaming. He stopped in his tracks and when he looked down at his hands and saw flesh. He blinks and continues to stare. He could feel more so than he did before. He could hear the heart in his chest. He can feel his fox ears twitch under his hat. He could feel his tail. When did he get a tail? He always had one before...

A man bumped into him. "Oh shit sorry man." The man paused, tilting his head. "You ok?"

Brian stared at the man, and it was Jonny. He had glasses on and his normal outfit. "I uh...." He could feel everything, and he was getting overwhelmed. "I think... I." He felt Jonny grab his arm.

"Come on, you look like you're about to pass out." Jonny says softly, leading him to a table where three other people are already sitting down. "Hey, I know promised snacks, but we'll he looks like he's about to panic." He sits the man down who stares down at his hands.

Brian blinks as a bottle of water is put in his hands. He can't eat or drink. Why was this... he unscrewed the cap and drained the contents. Something wet dripped down his cheeks. A soft warm had patted his back, and Jonny sat to his left.

"Hey, are you ok?" A soft voice came from Brian's right. A man with eight eyes and a spider mandible gives a soft smile. He hands over half of a sandwich. "I know the tents can be much for anyone."

"Because avatars run them." The man with shadow like hair sighs. He hands Brian a few tissues. "It's impossible to stop others from being dragged inside."

Brian nibbled on the sandwich. It's been millions of years since he ate anything since he could taste. He couldn't even feel the metal in him, but he knew it was still there. It was changed and he couldn't understand, but this was the best meal he had ever had.

"So what's your costume? It seems very realistic." Jonny smiles.

Brian swallows and wipes his face. It was still so overwhelming, but he could handle it. He pulls off his hat to reveal two fluffy fox ears.

"Oh, let me guess! A foxy magician!" The woman chuckles as moths flutter around her.

"No, he's obviously an animal tamer turned animal." The man nudged her and they both giggle.

"He could just be a furry." Jonny wiggles his brows and the table erupts into laughter.

Brian can't help but laugh along.

"Wait, I have one he's a musician." The spider man smiles.

Brian giggles and nods. "Correct!"

"I'm an ex musician." Jonny smirks.

"No, you're not. You take every chance to perform." The man throws a crumple piece of paper at him.

"Ok, fine, I'm a part-time musician and full-time archivist." Jonny smiles. "Ah, right, let me introduce everyone. The man in the better Tim shirt is Tim, the lovely lady with the various moths is Sasha, and the spider guy is Martin. I'm Jon, the archivist of this insistute, currently dating the two handsome gentlemen, and fucking Sasha because she's happily aromantic."

Sasha salutes.

Martin waves, and Brian notices he has three pairs of arms.

Tim throws finger guns. "You're free to join us. Jon's got a sweet tooth, and double boss man got some American sweets for a few booths."

Jonny nods and gets up. "He's an honorary assistant for the day then."

"You probably shouldn't say that, Elias might actually hire him." Martin chuckles.

"To be fair, he hired you." Sasha winks getting up.

Martin chuckles, holding one hand out to Brian. "Come on, we'll help you navigate this place."

Brian realizes Jonny doesn't recognize him. Which makes sense if he wasn't metal anymore. He also left before his body started to change to reflect what he looked like before mechanisms. He sighs and nods. Might as well see what has happened to Jonny.

"I'll lead the way!" Jonny hops up.

"Eye eye boss man." Tim chuckles.

Jonny rolls his eyes. "We are literally together. Don't call me that."

"Fine, sorry, cowboy." Tim smirks as Jonny blushes.

"... go back to boss man." Jonny says with a deep blush on his features.

.......

Drumbot has changed his name to Brian

Brian sent a photo

It's a picture of Jonny between two men looking happy. Both men are kissing either cheek, and he has a sign that says little cowboy and his partners.

Brian: Jonny doesn't recognize me, but I also don't recognize me.

GP: I'm sorry, but Jonny got hitched!

Nastya: He's wearing wedding bands? Isn't that a human custom?

GP: Brian, what switch are you on

Brian: None

Archivist: impossible

Brian sends another picture

It seems to be a selfie. He has grayish goldish skin, soft, long hair, and big fox ears. He doesn't appear to be made of metal anymore.

Brian: The meat tent was actually a guise for a Flesh god.

GP: this literally can't be earth

Doctor: I think I accidently poisoned the nice mushroom man.

Lyf: I need to bleach my eyes.

Fire Fire: I think I believe Brian becoming flesh again over Jonny getting hitched

Archivist: this is all highly unlikely scenarios

Science officer: I am grabbing you Brian.

TS: My New Friend Stole My Arm Then Screamed When It Reattached

Lyf: I'll get TS from causing a panic.

Doctor: Wait let me come with you my love.

Lyf: not until you bathe in a bath of bleach

Doctor: only for you.

GP: I'm going to rip my eyes out.

........

"Brian!" A woman swoops down mechanical wings spread out as she grabs Brian's shoulder. "It even feels like flesh."

"Ah." Martin pauses. "So, is this a former crew member?"

"Yup." Jonny hums and sips on his bright orange drink.

"So how many are there, like 9?" Tim raised a brow.

"Well, Nastya left, but Lyf joined, and Aurora can be considered a mech as well." Jonny shrugs.

"Isn't Brian supposed to be metal?" Sasha nudges Jonny.

"You know that explains what he looks so familair and yeah he is supposed to be metal." Jonny shrugs again, watching Raphaella poke and prode Brian.

"No wonder why he had a panic attack." Tim hums. "I probably would too if I went from metal to flesh."

"Jonny...?" A Russian accent caught Jonny's attention.

"Nastya?" Jonny smiles. "It's been a while and it's nice to see you."

"What happened to you?" Nastya stops right in front of Jonny.

"Therapy mostly, got hitched, and git a degree, became archivist, and just enjoying life with weird horror gods. What's up with you? It's pretty fucked up that you broke up with Aurora because she changed physically but not mentally."

Nastya blinks and opens her mouth, but Jonny cuts her off.

"Yaknow, I spent decades helping her through the breakup and losing my sister." Jonny sips his drink obnoxiously. "Eh, I'm mostly over it, Marius was right. Therapy does help. Anyway, congrats on rejoining the mechs or whatever you're doing."

Raphealla and Brian have both stopped and stared at Jonny.

Brian takes a breath. "I think my ears are malfunctioning."

"No, I heard that too." Raphaella blinks.

Nastya stared stunned at Jonny.

"Have a fun time and stay away from the tents, you'll get pretty fucked up in you go into them, and not in the fun way." Jonny gets scooped up by Martin.

"I think that was very emotionally grown of you." Martin smiles.

"Does this mean the other Tim is here? Oh fuck yeah I'm going to fuck with him." Tim runs off and jumps into a shadow.

"Follow him!" Jonny climbs to Martin's shoulders. "This is going to fucking confuse Elias to no end."

Martin chuckles. "With pleasure."

[ao3-deviance]

Blindfolds and Curry

(Also on ao3)

For @bsdfanweek Day 3 - Secret Relationship

-----

Chuuya sighed the moment he stepped into his apartment, the scent of brine in the air. 

"Can you not today? Boss had me basically tortured all day to make me swear I haven't seen you."

"Well then," a familiar fishy voice came from behind him just as a silken cloth crossed his vision. He felt it being tied comfortably behind his head. "Let's make sure you don't see me."

"Asshole," Chuuya grumbled, but he didn't fight the other as Dazai maneuvered him out of his coat before kneeling to take off his shoes. "You better be putting those away correctly.��

"Yes, yes,” Dazai waved off his complaints, and Chuuya leaned into the kiss he gave him. Something soft and domestic, a simple I'm home. Chuuya slumped with exhaustion, not even yelling when he heard the predictable careless thump of his shoes being dropped into a disarray. 

Dazai's hands rubbed at his shoulders, a silently asked are you okay? Chuuya shrugged off his touch after a moment, walking by memory towards his kitchen. Being tortured because of his partner's betrayal of the Port Mafia wasn't fun, but Chuuya had had worse, and it definitely helped knowing that while Dazia had betrayed everyone else, he hadn't betrayed Chuuya. He'd even gone so far as to risk coming back to Chuuya's apartment the night Chuuya returned from overseas just to warn him of what had happened. 

Chuuya pulled out a bottle of wine, using his ability to pop the cork. He was almost tempted to drink straight from the bottle, but then he felt the coolness of glass being pressed to his free hand and he curled his fingers around the stem. 

“I'll order something delivered,” Dazai murmured, pressing his heat against Chuuya's back while speaking against the top of his head. Dazai's hands soothed Chuuya's sore shoulders, running up and down his arms and chest possessively. Chuuya grimaced as the movement agitated the wounds under his clothes, and he could feel the aura of malice coming from behind him. “Go, sit. Get comfy,” Dazai said nonchalantly, tone betraying nothing of his mood.

Chuuya didn't argue, moving towards the living area to rest. He heard the sounds of Dazai calling in for curry at the local place nearby before he felt the other's presence join him on the couch. Chuuya sipped at his dry red, breathing deeply and taking a few moments to just exist in this moment with his partner. Beneath the blindfold, his eyes were shut. 

Dazai's touch didn't startle him as the other reached for his hand, playing with his fingers for a few moments before tracing up his wrists, forearms. Then those fingers moved to his shirt, slowly unbuttoning it to reveal the damage Chuuya had borne due to Dazai's betrayal. 

“I could kill him,” Dazai stated, empty of emotion. 

“No, you couldn't,” Chuuya denied him tiredly. “Oda would be disappointed.” 

Dazai hissed quietly, like a cat pet the wrong way, and Chuuya felt him duck under his chin, kissing over Chuuya's throat where the signs of a recent strangulation attempt remained. 

“I could. For you.” 

“I wouldn't ask you to,” Chuuya said, “and I don't need you to, either. I can protect myself, Mackerel.”

“You should have pulverized him for touching you. For daring to–”

“No more work talk,” Chuuya cut him off, hearing the words Dazai wasn't saying. The I hate to see you hurt, the I'm sorry, and I feel useless. “Just…come here.” Chuuya lifted his arm, reaching out, and Dazai eventually shuffled closer. He pressed against his side, curling up as if he could make himself smaller than Chuuya, head nestling against his shoulder. 

Chuuya sighed, nosing against Dazai's hair and taking in the scent of the sea. “Did you try drowning today?” he asked, unimpressed. 

“No,” Dazai mumbled, petulant. “I just sat on the beach for a while. Too cold.”

Chuuya hummed in agreement. “Good. Last thing your weak ass needs is to get sick.” 

Dazai's fingers slipped between his open shirt, tracing the bandages decorating Chuuya's ribcage. He peeled one corner away to reveal their truth. Even and methodical, the cuts beneath could only have been made by a sharp weapon, something small and precise. A scalpel. 

Chuuya's hand covered Dazai's, pressing the bandage back to his chest. He nipped the tip of Dazai's ear, surprising the brunet enough that he was pulled from his thoughts, realizing he'd been grinding his teeth tightly. He unlocked his jaw, opening and closing his mouth a few times, and Chuuya offered a slight brush of lips against his jaw as a silent reward. 

“He'll give up eventually,” Chuuya reminded him. “He's just mad at himself for pushing you away.”

“He doesn't get to take that out on you,” Dazai snarled lowly. “If he wants to offer recompense, I'll gladly take my pound of flesh from him.”

“No. You won't,” Chuuya denied him again. 

“...I want to.” Chuuya could hear his pout. 

“I know. But he's not worth that; you giving up.”

“I'm not even on the good side yet. Couldn't I kill him and then start my two years underground?” 

“And if you kill him, who's going to lead the Port Mafia? You? Me?”

“Ane-san could–”

“You know damn well that she doesn't want to, and she won't if you try to make her.”

“...Verlaine?” Chuuya snorted at the idea, and he felt Dazai lose some of his tension, giggling a little at the thought himself. “You're right, he'd never do something that required him to leave his precious basement.” 

Chuuya laughed, shaking his head. “Just forget it. Boss is the best leader available right now, even if he is a bit of a bastard sometimes.”

“ All the time,” Dazai corrected. 

“Shush. Just focus on your light shit. I can handle the dark, partner.”

Dazai shivered against him at the title, pulling Chuuya closer as his arms wrapped around his waist. Chuuya let him, idly playing with Dazai's hair until their doorbell rang. 

“Food's here. Go get it,” Chuuya said, tugging lightly on Dazai's hair to make him move. 

Dazai complained the whole way, but he did get up, moving to answer the door. Chuuya reached for his glass of wine, taking a slow sip, frowning when Dazai didn't immediately return. He sat up, head cocked towards the foyer but he couldn't even hear the mumble of voices. He was reaching up to remove the blindfold before a familiar hand stopped him. 

“I got sushi!” Dazai sang, and the crinkle of bags joined him. 

Chuuya hummed, relaxing, before his brow furrowed. “I thought you ordered curry?”

“Nope! Did Chuuya want curry?” 

“I don't care. I just thought–”

The doorbell rang again. Chuuya stiffened, hearing Dazai rush to the door before returning with the sounds of more bags. 

“I got curry!” Dazai sang, “since my little doggie wanted it so badly.”

Chuuya scowled, tearing off the blindfold to glare at Dazai. There was a bag of sushi–enough for one–on the table between them, and a bag of curry for two in Dazai's hands. 

“Where did the sushi come from?” Chuuya demanded. 

“I ordered it.”

Chuuya's eyes narrowed. Dazai's face gave nothing away. “No, you didn't.”

“Just because Chibi didn't hear me, doesn't mean–”

“Who was at the door, Dazai?”

“The food delivery person.”

“Who brought the sushi?”  

“...a food delivery person.” 

Chuuya's lip curled. “Don't lie to me.”

Dazai was silent, watching him. His eyes were dark, but Chuuya could see the storm of fury underneath that spoke of his anger. 

“I'm not,” Dazai said evenly, carefully. “The sushi was brought by someone delivering you food. Someone who thought you might've had trouble getting food tonight.”

Chuuya exhaled slowly. There had only been one person present for his questioning today: the Boss himself. Mori has even kept it secret from Kouyou, no doubt because she would have never allowed it. 

“Dazai–”

“He's not dead,” Dazai immediately cut him off. “I let him leave.”

Chuuya eyed him doubtfully. 

“...and he won't touch you again,” Dazai added. Then he smiled. It was wrong, mean and twisted, and Chuuya didn't like the look of it on the other's face. He grabbed a pillow from the couch, throwing it and hitting Dazai square in the face. When it fell to the ground, the smile was gone, replaced by a familiar pout. “Chuuya!” Dazai whined, stomping his foot dramatically, “So mean!”

“Shut up and come eat,” Chuuya said, resigned. He'd deal with whatever mess Dazai had stirred up tomorrow. 

—--

Dazai opened the door with a pleasant grin, one that immediately froze over and shattered the moment his eyes landed on the man at the door. Mori's eyes widened with genuine surprise before a smirk began to twist his lips up. 

“Ah, I kn–”

Dazai shoved him back, stepping out the door and closing it soundlessly behind him. 

“You touch him again, you won't like it when I come back,” Dazai cut him off, darkly pleased by the way the smirk fell from Mori's face. 

“When?” Mori questioned, brow rising in interest. “So you would return?”

“I would,” Dazai nodded, eyes steady, “to send us both sailing off the top of your building. I'd even hold onto you the whole way down so your precious Elise wouldn't interfere.”

Mori stiffened. “A threat? Really, Dazai, haven't you grown past those?”

“Not a threat,” Dazai murmured, stepping closer until they were practically breathing the same air. “A promise.”

Mori frowned. “There's no need for such hostility.”

“Right now, Mori-sensei, there's only one goddamned reason left for me to even try to keep breathing, and he's waiting for me to bring him curry for dinner.” Dazai narrowed his eyes in challenge. “Take that reason away. I dare you.” 

Mori paused, studying Dazai for a moment before offering the white plastic bag Dazai hadn't realized he was holding. “Well then. You best bring him dinner, hm? It's sushi, not curry. I thought he might have some difficulty procuring food tonight. He…had a rough day.”

Dazai smiled sharply, cutting. “How thoughtful.” He accepted the bag. “He just needs some rest. I'm sure a day like today won't happen again.” 

Mori studied Dazai for a long moment. He tilted his head in acknowledgment, turning to leave. 

He passed a food delivery person in the lobby; it smelled like curry. 

[llyrawren]

screw it, re:tbg boss ranking. i actually really like these guys #10: yawn 2. except for yawn 2, yawn 2 hurts. i'll give the devs credit for making it so that there's only one boss that feels like a repeat (re2 and re3 felt like you were fighting a lot of the same dudes), but like. yawn 2 is the only fight i actively don't like to fight. feels like there could have been a lot more to shake it up, yawn 2 is the only boss i actively dislike fighting #9: enemy wesker. i love enemy wesker's concept, i love his gamemode, i love everything about this bozo except for the actual process of fighting him. he's just way too weak; five health makes him a joke beyond the first few scenarios, and his attacks and tricks just don't leave enough of an impact to feel like a threat. his main attack is a los move, medium evade, one damage. don't be afraid to unload a full clip onto us, wesker, we are grown adults and prepared to die #8: yawn 1. yawn 2 walked so this guy could speedwalk; i admit that it's not much of an improvement generally from yawn 2, and is certainly much easier, but always feels like a major threat given how early you fight it. i should also clarify that every boss from here i generally enjoy fighting, even if they got flaws #7: awakened tyrant. good stuff all-around; the fight feels like a good representation of the original game, backing up and firing. it doesn't stand out in my head as a major fight (heck, i almost forgot it was even a thing for this list), but it was still generally pretty fun #6: plant 42. it's a little on the easy side, being a general hp pushover especially with the v-jolt and vantage points, but it still remains a super fun fight with a unique height gimmick i'm a fan of. i like to think this is sherwin apologizing after the hellscape that was guardhouse b, and honestly, we appreciate it, buddy, this was fun #5: crimson head prototype. it's my list, and i get to decide what qualifies as a boss. chp isn't technically one, but he's got his own level in crypts a where he's a recorring threat, so i'm just gonna call him one. crypts a is a blast either way, and chp is a genuinely challenging enemy. the fact he can come back through a narrative card is sick as heck, too. i like this funky lil guy #4: neptune. i genuinely wondered what this fight was gonna be iike for 2+ years. it was one of my most anticipated, and man, it did not dissapoint. you have to flip these switches around to electrify tiles, and fend off neptune along the way. i do think the lack of hard-hitting attacks is odd, but still, neptune's a good time, worth the wait #3: black tiger. this one rocks, honestly; unique gimmicks with the ceiling retreat, web tokens, and it feels like a serious threat for when in the campaign it comes in. not only that, but poison is a legitimate threat in the fight, which i genuinely really appreciate. black tiger pretty comfortably secures this spot, is a fun, frantic duel #2: lisa trevor. love this one. it sucks the story wasn't properly represented in flavor text, but i really like this fight, needing to decide when to attack and when to push stones, fighting against lisa's attacks. it was a bit of a shame that they didn't have a mechanic where you could get knocked off the edge, but i feel like that would've been a bit overkill. generally love this one! #1: t-002 tyrant. maybe a copout to have the final boss be the final one up here, but i just really like the tyrant fight. death grip is an awesome mechanic, it incorporates movement with the signal flares, the rocket launcher, the tense feeling of the fight, it's just... man, they capped it off super well, tyrant is awesome

[stellocchia]

I'm sick and awake at an unreasonable hour, so it's Empires time!

So, while I was stuck between sleeping and being awake I got thinking of what it'd be like to be an interior designer in Empires. Weirdly specific, I know, but here we go!

Sanctuary: Sausage contacts you directly. When you arrive there the outside is already built and all the blocks are provided. Maybe this will be a standard job then. You get to assembling everything, tables, chairs, a stage... there are only two boxes left. You open them: they're pole dancing poles. You sigh and get to building that too. It could have been worse, at least he's not a zombie this time.

GlimmerGrove: Not only are you contacted directly by Katherine, you're also surprised because she usually doesn't like having outsiders. You get blindfolded at the entrance of the kingdom and they only take it off once you're in a dark unsettling room with a metalling scent to it. The light gets turned on. There's a pile of bloody severed monster skulls on the floor. Katherine asks you to help them look cute. You don't get paid enough for this shit.

Stratos: The request for your help goes through so much bureaucracy that you're not even sure God Joel is aware you're coming. You go anyway. You aren't told whether your job is in Lower or Upper Stratos and nobody knows anything. Once you finally make your way to Upper Stratos Joel pushes you into one of the holes in his bridges "for fun". You don't die by poor chance but you decide that it's time to leave regardless.

Olipoligo: You got a request in the form of a parrot learning a song about interiors and singing it back to you. It's so unusual that you decide to go. Oli is there trying to hold his colorful tent together with his will and failing. You decide to help and not only secure the tent but build it a lovely interior. It's time for payment, Oli points at a weird egg behind you and, once you turn around again, he's gone. Goddammit.

Evermoore: There's been a request sitting on your shelf for ages. It's gonna remain there. After the experience with Stratos you're not getting anywhere near the cursed fog ever.

Eversea: You make the mistake of going once. At first, it looks like everything is going well. There are no blocks out for you, but you have no problems providing those for an additional fee. You finish decorating the interior of all the new houses. Pirate Joe points his pistol at you and asks you to hand over all your goods. You haven't been paid since GlimmerGrove. It's awkward for both of you.

Gobland: For the first time ever you get paid upfront. All you're asked for is not to ask questions and to work around the chickens. Sounds easy enough. It's not easy. There are chickens everywhere and new ones pop out constantly. If that wasn't enough to get Fwhip to flip, his boss? Ex-boyfriend? Whatever the Sheriff is has just either fired him or broken up with him. Either way, Fwhip has not taken it well. You get through it by politely nodding to everything he says.

Ancient Capital: You're greeted on the bridge by its only inhabitant. He brings you to a statue and then down under it. There are graves everywhere, but you try to ignore that detail. He stops in front of more graves and asks you with no hint of joking if you can make the place look cozy. You want to cry, but at least he's paying...

Cogsmade: This one is another surprise, as the ruler likes to keep to herself. You still go. There's an unsettling pumpkin statue on the bridge, you try to ignore it. False does too. Perhaps that's the reason why she asked for help decorating. You head inside, the pumpkin guy statue is in there as well. You try to ignore it again, but it doesn't work. The thing hands you a clock somehow without moving. You're out of there before anyone can say anything else. Not worth the money.

Tumble Town: You both know you aren't gonna get paid for this job, but it beats getting arrested, so you take up the Sheriff's request. You do get paid by Joel to fit in his house as many Toy Story references as you can. You don't regret as thing as you comply. You gotta admit it's kinda funny after all.

Dawn: You think you're finally getting a regular job. Princess Gem promised you enough gold to settle down for good for a bit of a house renovation. You work hard and you have a smile on your face the whole time. Finally, you're done. It's time for the payment, Gem pulls out all the gold you could wish for... or was supposed to. That's honey. All of that is honey. At least your life will be a bit sweeter from now on.

Animalia: You weren't even there for a job, you just wanted to buy some amethyst. And yet, Major Lizzie finds you and drags you into one of the houses. She offers you raw chicken and amethyst to make it seem like no butchers accidentally died in there. This may as well happen. You do a great job if you say so yourself, and get paid as promised. You never talk about it ever again.

Chromia: You heard crazy things about the ruler of the place, so you're already dreading your visit. Things take a turn for the worst when the person who comes to greet you is actually a llama. Not an anthropomorphic one like Animalia's citizens, just a normal regular llama. You still decide to go through with it. It... goes surprisingly well. You get paid normally and you only have to sit through a few hours of Scott thirsting for Sausage. Overall, you think you got desensitized to that shit by now.

[itsthemysterykids]

MLP quotes

*The cat is holding up a pocketwatch in his teeth*

Wybie: You... found a watch? You... wanna be a watch? You're running! Running out of time? No. You're... late?

—

Mabel: Stay right where you are. All I want is a clear path to the exit. Nobody move, and my dress won't get hurt. Stay back! Back, I say!

—

Coraline: *referring to Mabel’s sick pet pig* Did you give him any kind of medicine?

Neil: I tried to, but he wouldn't take it.

Coraline: Then you have to make him take it! You can't be such a pushover, Neil! You need to show this patient who's the boss! Make him straighten up and walk right!

Neil: But he can't walk.

Coraline: No excuses! *Dramatically picks up a red and yellow pill*

—

Raz: *About to fight a large group of changelings* Looks like we're gonna have to do this the hard way. *He runs up to one changeling that has already copied his appearance. The two mirror each other for a few moments before the changeling shoves Raz to the others* How did you...?

*the remaining changelings all disguise themselves as one of the Mystery Kids*

Dipper: They're changelings, remember?

Changelings: *Five changelings, all disguised as Dipper, imitate him, grinning smugly* They're changelings, remember?

Dipper: Don't let them distract you!

Wybie: *face to face with an undisguised changeling* Okay, this is just gettin' weird. *Lili shoots down a pile of changelings that look like Wybie and telekinetically pulls one of them out* Real me! Real me!

*Mabel watches another changeling quickly go through the disguises of Dipper, Norman, and Lili* Do me! Do me! *The Lili changeling rolls its eyes, and transforms into Mabel, complete with a big happy grin and arms wide out* Meh, I've seen better. *She grabs Raz and proceeds to use his hand as a telekinetic machine gun, shooting down groups of changelings with bursts of his powers*

—

Courtney: Oh! Almost forgot. *She tosses the official bouquet of flowers out the back, and the three bridesmaids prepare to catch it, only to be pushed aside by Mabel*

Mabel: IT'S MINE! *rushes to catch it in her arms* Ahaha... ha. *she sheepishly relents and backs off*

—

Diamond Demon 1: Search, Human!

Wybie: Well, since you insist... But I gotta say the working conditions in here are shit. Its all humid, gonna frizz up my hair. And this air is suffocating. And when I try to take a deep breath, the stench of all you demons makes me nauseated. You look and smell like if you haven't bathed in weeks. Have you never heard of soap? You could all do with a good round of soap and water. Oh, hey, I'm kinda thirsty. Could I please have some water?

Diamond Demon 2: *pulls his ears and jumps around* Good gracious, I can't take this anymore. BE QUIET, KID!

—

Wybie: I am not "whining". I am complaining. Do you want to hear "whining"? This is whining! Ugh! This harness is too tight! It's going to chafe! Can't you loosen it? It hurts and it's all rusty! Why didn't you clean it first? It's gonna leave a stain, and the wagon's getting heavy! Why do I have to pull it?!

Diamond Demon 1: AAH! Make it stop!

Diamond Dog 2: Stop whining!

Wybie: But I thought you wanted whining!

—

Dipper: The Everfree Forest just isn’t natural. The plants grow...

Wybie: Animals care for themselves...

Coraline: And the clouds move...

Neil: :All on their own!

Mabel: *Faints*

—

Coraline: Norman, are you okay? *Norman turns his head away* Is there something wrong with you? *Norman shakes his head "yes"* Would you care to tell us? *He turns away again* So... you're not going to tell us? *He his head up and down* Yes you're not, or yes you will?

Lili: Jesus, man! What's wrong with you?!

Norman: *Sultry female voice* ...I don't want to talk about it.

—

Coraline: Hey, I went to the kitten shelter, so now it's your turn to go boxing with me! You owe me!

Wybie: I said... NO! *He dashes in the other direction, pushing Coraline down out of the way so she crashes into a wall*

Coraline: Ow!

Wybie: *he opens a window and runs away*

Coraline: … Okay, I guess I'll let you off the hook this time.

—

Lili: But... have you ever run a race?

Dipper: Well, no. But I do know a lot about running.

Coraline: And you know this from...

Dipper: Books. I read several on the subject.

Coraline: What did you read... the "Egghead's Guide to Running"? Did you stretch up your... eye muscles to warm up? HA HA HA HA! Get it? "Eye muscles"!

—

Raz: Hey, Mabel. What'cha doin'?

Mabel: Just heading to the yarn barn. How about you, Raz?

Raz: Oh, letting Dipper secretly follow me without me knowing...

Dipper: *Approaches with casts on his legs, his hair messed up, scratches on his skin, and a black eye* You mean you knew all along? Why didn't you tell me?!

Raz: Silly. That would've spoiled the secret.

—

Dipper: I wonder what's gonna fall out of the sky this time...

Raz: You never know...

Norman: *Walks outside when suddenly, Wybie falls from out of nowhere lands in his arms*

—

Neil: Hold on! I'm coming! *Grabs Dipper’s hands before he can lose his grip on the cliff*

Dipper: *His hands start slipping* Neil! What do I do?!

Neil: … Let go.

Dipper: Are you crazy?!

Neil: No I’m not! I promise you'll be safe.

Dipper: That's not true!

Neil: Now listen here. What I'm saying to you is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe.

—

Dipper: I can't believe I wasted all that time. I should have just come here first. Wybie always has some fear he's trying to get over. *He arrives at the Mystery Shack to find him apparently wrestling a bear* Wybie?!

*Wybie continues to beat up the bear, snapping its neck*

Dipper: How could this be happening? Of all the days he had to stop being such a coward, he had to pick today! What am I going to do? *He leaves*

Wybie: *He begins to massage the bear's shoulders* You really should have come to me sooner. You were carrying so much tension in that shoulder.

—

Coraline: I'd like to tell you all the terrifying tale of the prissy ghost who drove everybody crazy with her unnecessary neatness. *Makes spooky ghost noises* I'm sure you all are familiar with that one.

Lili: Never heard of it. But I have a much better one. It's the horrifying story of the messy, inconsiderate ghost who irritated everyone within a hundred miles. *Makes spooky ghost noises*

—

Dipper: Has anybody else noticed that Norman is wearing his hair rather differently today?

Norman: What? Is it a crime to change one's style every now and again? Why, I think it's a crime not to.

Dipper: Really? *Pulls Norman’s hair up, revealing that his right eye is missing a false eyelash*

Norman: Fine, I'm guilty! I wear false eyelashes!… *calmly, pointing to the half-eaten cake* Oh, and I took a bite of the cake.

—

Mabel: What tree? You mean Bloomberg?

Lili: *sarcastically* ... No... Neil.

Mabel: Neil's not a tree, silly!

Dipper: What's going on?

Mabel: Lili thinks Neil’s a tree!

Lili: I do not think he's a tree! I was just...

Dipper: Did you say he was a tree?

Lili: No. Well... Yes. But not exactly...

Dipper: You know he’s not a tree, right?

Mabel: He’s not a tree, Lili!

Neil: *suddenly entering the conversation* I'd like to be a tree!

—

Dipper: "Dipper, addicted to caffeine!" Can you guys believe this? Who the hell does this Gabby Gums think she is?

Lili: Listen to this one. "Lili Zanotto: I was a Prep School snob. A well-placed aviator-helmet wearing source close to the prissy girl says Lili Zanotto thinks Gravity Falls is nothing but muddy roads and low-class rubes."

Coraline: Guys, please! She's just a harmless School girl involved in a little harmless gossip. You're really making too big a deal out of this.

Dipper: But it's all lies! Gabby Gums prints whatever she wants, she doesn't care whose reputation she destroys! Like… "Wybie has hair extensions!"

*Wybie covers his face with a book*

Dipper: “Mabel is an out of control party animals.”

Mabel: *Crying* It's true! I do have a problem!

Dipper: Oh look! According to this one, the Northwests are breaking up!… I mean, it might be in the future, but- No!

Raz: *Crashes in with a pile of newspapers* Well, my life is officially over. Gabby Gums has made it to Whispering Rock.

Dipper: "Raz Aquato: Cool psychic or super softie?"?

Raz: I grabbed as many copies as I could, but it was too late! *crying* I'm a laughing stock!

Norman: See, Coraline? Your so-called "harmless gossip" can be very hurtful!

Coraline: Honestly, you guys have no sense of humor. So she tweaks a few people every now and then, maybe they dese- *sees another issue, gasps* I'll destroy her! "The Diary of Coraline Jones"... she's reprinted my diary! How could Gabby Gums possibly get access to my private diary?

[rimouskis]

How do you get used to a new work life and culture? Asking as someone who’s so used to my life now

I was very used to what I used to do, too. I did it for a long time (it was a long time to me, at least. I'm still pretty young). That sort of thought—I know what I'm getting here, I am used to this, this is the devil I know—kept me at my old workplace for a little while. I was afraid I couldn't succeed somewhere else. I was worried that my work history, which was short and exclusively in a field I wanted to leave, would stop me from getting a decent job elsewhere. I was worried my next job would somehow be worse. so I stayed for a little while.

but I hit a breaking point.

I got used to a new work life and culture because I very genuinely could no longer take the one I was in. I sort of wish I had kept where I lived a secret so I could tell you all the batshit things about my last job. if you don't work in that environment, you so rarely get the "holy shit"-ness of it all. I have a thousand stories about it that I can't tell because even for me, that's you all knowing WAY too much, but jesus christ, I hit my limit.

a lot of shit was going wrong; the organization made a lot of big changes that no one on the staff was happy about. my boss, whom I loved, left. my best friends on my team left. they changed the parts of the job that were fun. they introduced new responsibilities that were boring AND outside of my original job description. and there were more things I could tell you that would cement it. I just hated it. I was so burnt out.

I couldn't take it anymore. it was actually hampering my ability to do my job to the level the institution deserved. there was no chance for growth in the organization, too. I took that job knowing I'd leave it someday. my coworkers kept me there for a while, but it was time.

still, I was... nervous about the shift to a new job. I got very lucky in that I had a personal connection to someone on my new team, and my new boss ended up liking me a lot, so I had some wings to take shelter under.

now, that being said, I still feel like a fish out of water. on my business trips it became immediately apparent that I was operating in a socioeconomic class I was unfamiliar with. but I take it in with the knowledge that I'm usually the youngest person in those spaces by a decade, and that I'm still new and learning, and that I'm getting places I never could have dreamed at my old job.

I think when you're used to your life and you feel ready for a change, there's an internal tipping point you need to work yourself toward. you can take it for only so long, and I think there's a switch inside that needs to be flipped. either life will flip it for you or you can flip it yourself, and suddenly the fear of the unknown will be less scary than the fear of things always remaining the same (or bad).

leaning into it has been good. realizing that I'm young and have so much to learn has been crucial. you don't have to be young to make a change; you don't even have to be ready. you just have to be willing to accept what the universe brings you. you have to just open yourself to it.

this will sound goofy, but: my life has worked on the principle that I Haven't Died Yet. whatever decisions I have made, I've always found a way to live with. in fact, I think life always has a way of working out. that might be a little pollyanna of me, but I have yet to be proved wrong. I got sick of where I was. it was what I was used to, but it was no longer comfortable. I'd outgrown it.

I had to choose to accept something different, and it was worth it. it was scary, but it's paid off so far. that's true of when I moved away from my home state too. things are new and strange and risky, but life is about those little moments.

being used to your life isn't a bad thing. it only starts being a bad thing when you no longer fit that life. if you've stopped fitting that life, trust that you can grow into a bigger life. it's always possible, and you can always do it, because things work out.

as sully says, trust the process.

when you're ready to get the ball rolling, kick. s'worth it. life's an adventure.

[wolvesandpetals]

Loki x Sylvie Post-Finale Fanfiction (Angst, Rated Teen) Part 2 of 2

Part 1 is here:

She never knew it would hurt this much when the person she loves is right in front of her, but she can't reach out and touch him; when she is still her, he is still him, but everything else has changed, like an invisible lever in an old theatre changing the scenery in the background, bringing them both to the part of the play where they are hopelessly lost.

[[MORE]]

All it took was one single moment, one single decision, and everything feels irrevocably broken now. It makes her contemplate on the true nature of relationships, how fragile they are, and how easy it is to shatter them- and her.

The smoke is slowly clearing, and all that seems to be left is a man who is doing his best to keep his distance from her, physically and emotionally.

She can tell from the way he stands with his arms crossed, or his fists clenced when his hands are by his side, that he really doesn't want to hold her hand. How can something so simple as the touch of his fingers be so vital to her existence that it feels like something has been ripped out from inside her?

She wants to reach out and touch him, but she is scared that if he pulls away outright, any hope of reconciliation that she still has left will shatter into pieces.

And she really needs this hope. It's the only thing she still has left. It's the only thing that keeps her going.

---

He looks like a man with a mission.

They spent quite a long time together, running from the TVA, running towards the citadel at the end of time, hoping to achieve their goal of bringing down the one behind the curtains.

But that was her mission, and he was there for her. She was the one behind the wheels, he was the one keeping the sails afloat.

Now it's different. Now he has a defined goal, a glorious purpose.

She's seeing him in a whole new light now, and not just because he has switched to Asgardian leather and metal armors.

As far as she is concerned, she is better off doing it all alone. One woman army, nobody to get in her way, nobody to screw up her plans. Nobody to blame her if it all goes to shit.

Or so it was, until two months ago, when Mobius decided to enlist her help in fixing the multiversal madness.

She has never really worked with people before, and it's weird, to say the least. She never considered herself a team player, but she is finding herself hating the idea less and less lately.

And she swears it has nothing to do with him. Not the fact that they are working together, and seeing his face first thing in the morning brings her a sense of calm that she quite can't explain. Or the fact that their rooms are next to each other and it makes her feel secure enough to finally get some rest at nights. Or that this whole arrangement has kept them on talking terms, when they had gone their own separate ways otherwise.

Nothing to do with that at all.

---

Humans are stupid, and the biggest evidence of this is how they decided that two extremely powerful Gods skilled at magic, enchantment, and defeating an evil extra dimensional cloud that swallows everything it touches, should be delegated to the role of research. "You're clever. You're good at reading people. You can put yourselves in the shoes of the bad guys, no offense", they said, but really, what they meant was, "We can't trust you out in the field much." She knows it, he knows it. She just doesn't know why he's complying.

That's how they find themselves researching every single day.

She likes to think he's not the only reason why she's studying in the library instead of in the comfort of her room, but that'd be a lie.

At first, he chooses to sit at a separate table. But she keeps going over to his to "get his opinion" on something in the file she's reading, and finally, he gives in. Their current arrangement consists of him sitting in the chair in front of her, to the left, prim and proper, while she hoists her feet up on the table.

He falls asleep on the desk one night, face smacked against a file, the tiniest bit of drool forming at the corner of his mouth. It would be a hilarious sight, if her heart wasn't feeling what she can only describe as longing.

They should probably talk about it, like mature adults, but neither of them know how to do that.

All she can do right now is gather the courage to run her fingers through his hair. The touch is hesitant at first, as if one wrong move would make him wake up and push her back to square one. Slowly, she relaxes, letting her fingers dance on his scalp.

He stirs in his sleep. "Please Sif. I'm sorry. Don't cut off my glorious locks, please."

Now this is a story she must hear when things are better.

If things are better.

---

Doctor Strange joins them very briefly, very rarely, but the tension between him and Loki is hard to miss. It's worse than the current situation with her, and that's saying something.

"You don't really like Stephen, do you?"

Something inside him seems to shift, but he masks it behind a non-chalant look immediately and just arches an eyebrow at her. "He's Stephen now, is he?"

"Well, that is his name." She shrugs. "What do you call him?"

"Strange", he spits the word out with an amount of irritation that indicates there definitely is a story there. "That is his name", he mimics.

She can't help the smirk that spreads across her lips. "What did he do to you?"

"Nothing", he lies, ignoring the horrifying flashbacks of thirty minutes of endless falling. Not a single soul must ever know a mere human got the best of him. "What can he do to me? I'm a God among those mortals. He just irks me because he is so pompous, and arrogant, and he ceaselessly uses magic to toy with others."

She pretends to think deeply. "Now where have I seen that before?"

He scoffs. "You mock me, but I am nothing like him. For one, I am not rude."

"He seems fine to me", she declares decisively.

It's the first time in months that he gives her a cheeky grin. "That's because you're rude too."

---

They are still just containing the threats to their world, instead of finding a way to fortify the barriers between worlds and stop the threats from coming.

"Shouldn't we have a plan to seal off the other worlds from ours?" She asks him one day.

"They are working on it." He tells her, and then with a look of worry, adds, "I hope."

There are debates on what to do at the Avengers tower and at the TVA. Nobody seems to agree on what the best course of action is, but everyone seems to be following the general instructions of Doctor Strange.

During one such meeting, a Minuteman makes the mistake of voicing out loud how she wondered if things would be better if they were running according to their old boss's plans.

Sylvie feels the guilt wash over her once more.

"No", Loki tells them all firmly. The determination in his voice takes her completely by surprise. "Evil is evil. Lesser, greater, middling, makes no difference. The degree is arbitrary. The definition’s blurred." She catches him steal a glance at her direction. "We couldn't have left a dictator in charge just because it's convenient. Listen, I'm the bad guy. I've done horrible, unspeakable things. I thought humans needed to be ruled. I wanted to rule. But even I know that it's not right to take away a person's life completely. These are innocent people. You are innocent people. You have families back home, parents, children", a pause and a softening of his features, "-love. A whole past, a whole future. That man had no right to take it away from you."

His powers of persuasion are foreign to her, and it's mesmerizing to watch. Her enchantments cannot hold a candle to how he is able to just talk people into doing what he wants, thinking what he thinks, seeing what he sees.

"He who remains had a plan. One, singular plan, from one, singular man." There is absolute conviction in his voice. "It's not the only way. We'll find another way. A better way."

She has never known what it is like to have someone see you for who you are- broken and flawed, and defend you- even your well-intentioned actions that yielded different results than what you expected and hurt them in the process. She suspects it has been the same for him, a lifetime of not having anyone have his back.

The warm feeling inside her is brand new. What is the name of this? Comfort? Relief?

Happiness?

---

This will be their first time out in the field in a long time, and she feels a little sick to the stomach.

He notices. "Are you alright?"

The concern in his voice tugs at her heartstrings. She nods. She has faced way worse, she shouldn't be so nervous about this, but she is. "I've never done this before."

"We can always just kill him and blame it on the Chitauris", he suggests with a serious face.

"I heard that", Peter yells from the other room, where he is doing whatever it is that teenagers do to prepare for battle.

She shakes her head in disbelief. "I can't believe we're babysitting."

"I've done this before", he assures her, and it surprises her to picture him being entrusted with such a serious task. "The trick is to conjure up illusions that keep them distracted enough to not cry."

She laughs. "You're thinking of infants. This one is a little older."

"I'm over a thousand years old, Sylvie. They're all infants to me."

Peter joins them, mask covering his face so that he doesn't reveal his identity. "So what do I call you? Loki and Loki? That's confusing. How about Loki and Lady Loki? Or is that offensive? I'm not suggesting women are inferior, because they're absolutely not..."

"Does he come with an off switch?" She whispers in horror as Peter rambles on.

Loki grins. With one wave of his hand and a flash of green, Peter's own webbing shoots out and seals his mouth shut.

---

Things are fine but not fine at the same time. He's right there beside her, but not there at all. They have their banters, they have their stolen glances, but they haven't had a meaningful conversation since that first day when she got back. She's been putting it off for a long time, but she knows they really do need to have the talk.

She corners him in his room one evening while he's tinkering with a temporal collar. She takes a seat in the chair next to his bed and rests her hand on the table, leaning her head against her palm, before switching position and crossing her arms and legs. Everything about her posture screams uneasiness. If he notices- he probably does- he doesn't say anything.

"You defended me that day."

He briefly looks up from the task at hand and gives her a soft smile. "Of course."

She blinks. "I don't understand." Her hands involuntary rise up to rub her temples. "If you can justify my actions to them, then how can you still be mad at me?"

"I'm not mad at you", he says without missing a beat.

"Rubbish", her words come out angrier than she intended. This frustration is the result of the months of status quo they have had. She has to know now, one way or the other. "You're distant. You're guarded", she accuses. Then her voice breaks, as she feels a part of her break all over again with her next words. "You don't hold my hand. Why? Tell me."

He abandons the collar and focuses his full attention on her. Staring straight into her eyes, he answers her. "You know why."

"I wouldn't be asking if I did. Look, if it's because I chose the mission over you-"

"-Of course it's not that." He says decisively. Then a sad smile clouds his face. It's the same look he had when she accused him of conning her to gain the throne. "Do you think I'm the type of man who would want a woman to abandon her life-long ambitions just because she has met someone?"

She knows he isn't. But it still doesn't answer why he is so cross with her. "What is it then?"

He pauses for a moment, trying to decide whether he wants to bare his soul out to her once more or not. There are two ways he can go from here- choose to not let her in again and save himself from the hurt, or trust her again and open himself up to potential pain.

Who is he kidding? Pushing her away- keeping her away- doesn't hurt any less.

There were a thousand things that had to go wrong to bring two Lokis from two universes together. A connection like that, it doesn't just happen.

And it doesn't just go away. The pain is constant, it's a part of him, pounding like a second heart every second he has to stop himself from reaching out for her hand.

This has to come to an end.

He takes in a deep breath, bracing himself. "You didn't have to send me away, Sylvie. I wanted to stop you from making the same mistakes I did. But in the end, I didn't care what you chose. I just wanted us to do it together."

She never even imagined this could be the reason for his hurt. All these months spent thinking he hates her for her choices, and now it turns out he is hurt simply because she chose to do it alone? "I'm sorry." She says sincerely. "I just wanted you to be safe."

"And I just wanted to be there with you till the end." He confesses. His eyes shimmer with the emotions he has kept bottled in for so long. "You go, I go."

She doesn't know what to say to that. She has never been good at articulating her feelings. Tears stream down her cheeks at the realisation that even after everything, he is still there for her.

She didn't cry even back at Lamentis when they thought they were going to die. She doesn't let anyone see her cry when she is sad or scared. That's all she has known her whole life. She's used to it by now.

This is new. These are tears of relief. Comfort.

Happiness.

Tentatively, she crosses over to the bed and sits by his side.

It's quiet for a few minutes. But unlike the months of tension so thick she could cut it into splices with her daggers, this is comfortable silence. The kind they had before it all went wrong.

"Did you even miss me?" He whispers.

"What kind of silly question is that? Of course I did." Her shaking hands grab his, and oh how she missed this.

He intertwines their fingers. His eyes draw closed. Bliss. That's the only word for this feeling.

He opens his eyes again and studies her. She's staring back at him, teary-eyed, but with a hopeful smile. "Really? Because you have a really unique way of showing it. You didn't even come looking for me."

"I didn't know how to face you", she tells him honestly. No tricks, no enchantment, no treachery. Not with him. "I didn't know if you even wanted to see me." Her voice grows quieter, dropping to a timbre that perfectly encapsulates her deepest fear. "I thought you hated me."

"Hate you?" He is shocked that she thinks that is even possible, specially after seeing him these last few months. "Sylvie, I'm working with the Avengers. The Avengers. Do you know how much I hate them? They are my nemesis. They're self-righteous, condescending, and so completely dull. Every second with them makes me want to rip their hearts out. Why do you think I'm here with them?"

She thinks she knows. But she needs to hear it anyway.

"It's because of you." He lays it all out on the table. All cards on deck, win or lose. "You've been running away. I have been the one who has been here, trying to hold down the fort, working to fix everything. Because that is what one does when one loves-"

Shit. The word slips out before he realises it.

Their eyes go wide in unison.

"Sylvie, I-"

"-Don't you dare take it back now." She warns him. "I-" She doesn't know how to say it either. They make such a great pair, both equally daft at saying how they feel, like they are teenagers, not Gods who have lived for centuries. "I've been running because I didn't think I could bear the burden of knowing I found you and then I lost you. I don't want to lose you. Not now, not ever."

He kisses the back of her hand, before letting it go. He cups her face, gently caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. "I don't want to lose you either."

She leans in closer, until their foreheads touch. She can feel his breath on her face, warm and soft. That is exactly how she feels inside. "You won't", she promises. "You go, I go."

---

(Quote on Lesser Evil from The Witcher. Thanks for reading!!)

[joheun-saram]

January Rain (jjk)

word count- 1.5k

pairing- ceo!Jungkook x secretary!Reader

rating- PG

genre- angst, fluff

warnings- none! :)

an- for the cute 🍒anon! I hope you like it!

-

You looked at the email your boss’s mother had sent you and felt a shiver run down your spine. You knew what you had with Jungkook was too good to last. It was a cliche really, the secretary sleeping with the CEO, but every time he looked at you, it was like you forgot your own name. The way his big doe eyes traced your features right before he devoured you, or the way he called you in his office for some paperwork, when really he just wanted to kiss you silly.

I'm not sure if Jungkook mentioned this to you yet, but can you please check when he is available for his date with Jisoo. Any time from Wed to Fri would work.

As you reread the email asking you to set a time for a date with his fiancee, you knew starting something with the handsome man across from you was a mistake. You would never be able to call him yours, never be able to hold his hand in public, and the thought made your eyes sting. Looking through his calendar, you did your job, quietly resolving to no longer fall for his charms. There was a reason he made the number of deals that he did, he was great at getting his way, but that would no longer be the case with you.

It was when you added the event in his calendar that he called your name. He was settled behind a large desk, the dark oak a contrast to the light cedar of the cabin. He had rented the chalet for the weekend, wanting a getaway to work on the new expansion proposal for the board. It was an added bonus that the large cottage came with a room with a king-sized bed and a hot tub on the back patio. Initially, you were looking forward to spending the weekend tangled up in the sheets with your boss, but the sound of your name on his lips just irritated you now.

He called you twice before you graced him with a glance in his direction.

"Why did you send me this?" He asked, eyes narrowed in your direction and jaw set. He seemed annoyed. Good.

"Your mother emailed me. I'm just doing my job," you replied with a huff, rolling your eyes at his demeanor as he sighed.

"Come here, baby." Jungkook spoke softly as he rolled his chair away from his desk, tapping his lap in an invitation. An invitation you would've jumped at a mere twenty minutes ago, but now it just caused frustration and hurt to bloom in your chest.

"I'm sorry. I think that would be unprofessional, sir." You remained straight-faced, averting your eyes towards your laptop as you continued to work through his emails and schedule for the week. He scoffed, turning to his true-tried method of humour to lighten the mood.

“Come on. I dare you.” He smirked, moving around his desk to lean against it, arms open, expecting you to grumble but make your way to him as usual. But you avoided looking at him, your full attention on your work, as you tried to pretend he wasn’t even in the room. In the attempt to shield your feelings, you missed the look of hurt that clouded his features as he lost his earlier confidence and fidgeted with the many documents strewn across his desk.

"Baby, look at me. Please?" Jungkook pleaded, the pout on his face evident through his voice. You couldn't look at him even if you tried, you knew the effect he had on you. It was the same adorable pout that had made you give him your heart the first time he aimed it at you. It was your kryptonite. The way he would be extremely polite and professional to all your colleagues but turn into a puppy whenever the two of you were alone. It was something that made you want him more, deluded you into thinking that he was only this open in front of you. But clearly, his change in character wasn't as special as you thought.

Ignoring his request, you swiftly stood from your seat on the couch, walking firmly to the main door into the cold rain outside. The freezing raindrops pelted your skin, making goosebumps rise in their wake as your teeth chattered. Although you had forgotten your coat in your haste to remove yourself from the situation, you didn't regret it one bit. You welcomed the chill, letting it cool you to the bone as you walked away from the fancy chalet. You didn't care that you would inevitably have to go inside in a few minutes and that you would also probably get a headache from the way the almost frozen droplets pelted your head.

Before you could walk too long though, you felt a pair of strong arms encircle you, the warmth of a firm chest molding to your back like a comfortable blanket.

"You're going to get sick," Jungkook murmured in your ear, his grip tight around your waist, as you tried not to give into him yet again.

"Stop worrying about me. You have Jisoo." You tried to push him off you, but his strength outmatched you by miles as he clung to your back, the two of you drenched and shivering.

"I don't want Jisoo. I want you." He whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the rain. His words sent the butterflies in your belly a flutter, but your brain refused to let them win. You shoved him off you, turning around to stare at him. 

His hair was in his eyes, the black curls obstructing his eyes, as he shook his head to see you clearer. He was drenched, his white shirt almost invisible, highlighting the contours of his body. He moved closer, rubbing his hands on your arms in an attempt to warm you up, but despite the way he looked at you softly, you shrugged him off once again.

"So what? You're gonna break off your engagement and run away with me?" you questioned, arms folded as your gaze hardened.

"Absolutely." There was no hint of hesitation in his eyes, and his determination broke down your defenses. Before you knew it you were staring at the ground, willing the tears to go away. You were never more thankful to have the rain soaking you through.

"Don't do this to me. I can't take this anymore," you spoke quietly, unsure if he could even hear you.

"Do what? I told you I don't want her. I want you." Jungkook held your arms, bending a little to make the eye contact you were so adamant in avoiding.

"But your mom -" Jungkook scoffed, cutting you off. His hands cupped your face as he tried to pour as much of his feelings through his gaze as he could, his warm chocolate eyes entrancing you like they always did. 

"Do you think I care? I did my part, took over the company like a good little boy. I'm not going to let her control me anymore." His gaze hardened as he spoke and it reminded you of your resolve. Even though he was determined right now, you knew Jungkook. Knew that he would always pick his mom over anyone else, knew that he would never want to disappoint her. And above all, you knew that she would never accept you. 

"Jungkook, I think it's best if we end this." And although your words spoke differently, you moved closer to him, your hands over his arms as you held on like he would let go. 

"No. How can it be best if I can't be with the woman I love?" His forehead met yours as he confessed and your heart felt like it could explode. In the year you had been part of this fling, he had never told you he loved you. Jungkook wasn’t one for words, he would instead buy you extravagant gifts and take you travelling. You had always hoped he felt what you did but you never thought you’d hear those words escape his lips.

"Love?" you asked in a daze, your resolve falling like crumbs to the wayside. Jungkook smiled at your confusion as if it was the most endearing thing in the world. His nose scrunched a little as it grazed yours and he giggled.

"I love you." 

You couldn’t stop yourself from crashing your lips to his. How could you, when the man you had been in love with for years finally spoke like he had in your dreams. His kiss warmed you up, making you forget about the rain still pelting from above and the chill in your bones. His arms encircled your waist once again, pulling you close, chest to chest, as yours found home around his neck. Kissing him was so easy, it was like your body was finally at peace in his arms.

"Tell me you love me too. Please?" He pleaded when you finally broke for air and the uncertainty in his voice made you want to do anything in your power to assure him.

"I love you. I love you. I love you." You kissed him with every confession, your heart finally being allowed to pour through your actions. 

You didn’t remember how long the two of you stood kissing in the cold January rain, but it was worth the stuffy noses and headaches that plagued you both for a week afterward. 

-

Like this? Check out my other works.

[the-lady-writes-what]

26. Mirio Togata

          Theme: Incubus

          Kinks: Wet dreams, somnophilia, non-con, rough sex, breeding

Yeah. I don’t know how male orgasms work, so this will probably be inaccurate. I’m not that big into actually having sex and I’m not in a comfortable level with my male friends how orgasms feel for them. I don’t know what else to tell you.

Very OC Mirio. And you know what else? He’s canonically 18.

Masterlist

Spread your legs for me.

This was a dream and a damned good one at that. Laying on top of you was a young man, ripped like a Greek god. He ordered you around with a honeyed voice. It worked like magic. You opened your legs and allowed him to slip between them. His large, protruding member grazed against your slit before parting your wet folds as powerful-looking hands stood on either side of your head. You stared up from your pillow and into the ocean-blue eyes leering at your body. He snagged your lower lip between his teeth and sucked. 

Your eyes snapped back to the blue ones staring at you. You licked your lips. Your mouth was parched; you couldn't speak. 

You dared to look down at the body shifting between your legs. You gaped at the small bulge in your lower belly, where the cock was fully seated inside of you. Hips snapped into you, making you arch your back of your mattress.

You feel good, don't you, sunshine?

Don't you worry. Let me take care of everything.

Your legs trembled the next morning. It was worse between your legs, and the muscles of your inner thighs ached with every step. Your lower back screamed at you. When you looked at yourself in the bathroom mirror, you hardly recognized your own reflection. You were pale with dark circles under your eyes. You struggled to remember what time you went to bed. Your mind was running on two brain cells as you tried to work out what happened the night before. You remembered going to bed, but after that, you couldn't remember anything at all. Dreams weren't supposed to be remembered, yet it felt like you had one. In the back of your mind, you saw a man, a handsome man, sharing your bed. He was…inside you. His cock was pounding your insides like nothing else mattered to him except make you come hard. But you couldn't remember if he succeeded. 

You scrubbed yourself clean in the shower and ventured back to your bed. Carefully, you peeled back the covers. Sure enough, there was a wet stain. You quickly tore the sheets off your mattress and dumped them in the hamper. No one was going to see, but you felt better with a clean set. 

At work, people were already noticing the difference. 

"Hey, Y/N, are you okay?" Momo asked. 

"Hm?" Was all that you could manage. 

"You look like you pulled an all-nighter. Late-night project?" 

You shook your head. "No, just had a bizarre dream."

You flitted away before Momo could see the faint blush coming over your cheeks. You fueled yourself with coffee all day in an attempt to stay awake. A knock at your office had you snapping upright in your chair and spinning around to face the door. Mr. Toshinori stood in your doorway.

"L/N, do you have a second?"

You tried not to rub sleep from your eyes. 

"Sure, what do you need?"

"I'd like to introduce a new colleague to you. He just transferred from a different branch, so I'm showing him around. Togata, this is L/N-san."

You couldn't tell if blood drained from your face or sped towards your face. The other man in your office doorway looked uncomfortably familiar. He was broad as he was tall with a mop of blonde hair. His ocean-blue eyes beamed when he saw you.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, L/N," said Togata. "I'm Mirio. Mirio Togata."

You slowly rose from your chair. You wondered if your skirt was long enough to hide your knocking knees. You reached out to shake his hand and instantly regret that decision. His palm was warm—no, hot. It was hot to the touch, and it took everything you had not to wrench your hand away. Mirio's fingers were giant compared to yours. He gripped your hand almost possessively, but with Mr. Toshinori in the same room, that much Mirio could do. The moment your hands touched, a shiver ran up your spine. You lurched forward and almost fell into Mirio's arms. You clamped your hand over your mouth to prevent your new co-worker and boss from hearing you moan. 

"L/N, what's wrong? You look sick," said Mr. Toshinori. 

"I think…I think I should go home. I'm not feeling so hot." You managed to stammer out. 

"By all means, L/N. If you're not feeling well, you should get some rest. I'll fill out the paperwork, and you can sign it off when you get back."

"Thank you, sir," you mumbled. 

Mr. Toshinori and Mirio left the room. You gathered up your stuff, signed out of your computer, and headed out. As you rounded the corner, you felt someone follow behind you. You turned to see Mirio a few steps at your back. 

"If you don't mind, I'd like to help you to your car. Mr. Toshinori was kind of enough to let me help you since you don't look so good," said Mirio.

"T-Thanks." 

Mirio stayed a few steps behind you rather than walk right at your back. Which you were grateful if anyone asked. The personal space was needed before you passed out. That all changed when you realized that you would have to take the elevator to get to the parking garage below, which meant you had to share it with Mirio standing within arm's reach of you. 

The elevator doors closed with a solemn grumble. Your heart pounded inside your chest. You glanced at Mirio from time to time, waiting for him to make a move. Although what should you be expecting? Were you that suspicious of a man you just met just because he looked similar to the one in your wet dream? Coincidence, you thought. It was all just a coincidence. You were silly, really. A niggling doubt in the back of your mind said otherwise. Mirio didn't just look similar to the man in your dream, he was too tentative, and the way his eyes followed you around should have shot up several red flags. You ignored it in favor of acting like a sensible, rational human being. 

Mirio caught you looking at him once or twice on the way down that seemed to take a century. He merely smiled and kept his hands to himself. If he indeed was the man from your dream, then he would hesitate to put his hands all over you the moment the elevator's doors closed shut. Someone like that wouldn't give a damn about the security cameras either. His smile made you melt; you were practically a puddle when you exited the elevator. Mirio followed behind as you sprinted for your car. You bit your lip. Was this such a good idea to let a strange know what kind of car you drive and what your license plate read? No, no, that couldn't be the same kind of man Mirio was. He was too polite for that creepiness. 

You made it to your car without further incident. Your heart still raced a mile a minute. Mirio stood in the periphery of your vision, never far from your sight. He remained a respectful distance away. 

"Thank you so much for your help. I hope we get to work on future projects together," you said as you fished your car keys out of your purse.

"Let me get the door for you."

Mirio moved so quickly that you didn't have time to protest. He plucked the keys from your hand, pressed the button that would unlock the car, and opened the driver-side door for you. Puzzled, you didn't think twice about the matter. You settled your stuff in the passenger seat next to you and buckled in. You bated your eyelashes without thinking anything wrong. A little flirting never hurt right. 

"Thank you," you said. 

"Not a problem." Mirio beamed. His smile could melt icecaps.

Shutting the door, Mirio leaned through the window you don't remember rolling down. 

"I'll see you tonight." His voice was velveteen. 

Your brows furrowed at his meaning. You were a deer caught in a pair of headlights when you turned to look at him. Those same ocean-blue eyes held a darker intent than merely working with you. It was the vastness of the open sea, cold and ruthless. His eyes were a void meant to suck you in and drown you in their maddening depths. Mirio's smile dimmed to a smirk, and he walked away. You watched him from your car how he turned away, walked back to the elevator, and climb inside. Before the doors closed him in, you swore that Mirio winked at you before disappearing. 

The rest of your day was a blur. You dressed in your favorite pajamas and hoped that some food and mindless channel surfing would solve all your problems. Not only were you not getting paid, but your excuse was also rather lame. As you sat on your couch and stared into your television screen, you wondered when was the last time you got a full night of sleep. You blanked. There had to be a time when you did, but you couldn't remember. Your brain was a jumbled mess, all thanks to those cursed dreams you'd been having. You couldn't even remember the last time you had an ordinary, non-sexy dream with a stranger you hadn't met until today. 

You almost loathed it when it grew dark. Night meant bedtime, and bedtime meant dreams. The longer your brain festered on those dreams, the more you grew to dread them. You looked at your reflection in the bathroom mirror as you brushed your teeth. You took a more extended look at the dark circles beneath your eyes and the sullenness taking over your face. Were your cheeks always that shallow? You spat, rinsed, and turned off the light. 

Mirio slipped through every wall and door to get inside your apartment. He would climb through every fence in the world just to get to you. Your scent was absolutely divine; it drove him insane with want. He licked his lips as he broke past the last barrier keeping you from him. The path to the bedroom was easy and one that he knew like the back of his hand. Mirio mapped out your entire apartment during his nightly trips. 

You paused at your bedside before peeling back the covers. Slowly, you got beneath your blankets and pulled them up to your neck. For the longest time, you lay there stiff as a board under your blanket and sheets. Your eyes darted around the room just to see if your new co-worker was lurking there. You set your phone face down on the nightstand after fifteen minutes of you lying in bed and staring at the ceiling. You flipped your bedside lamp off with a sigh.

You closed your eyes, still expecting Mirio to slink in. The room was silent. The only noise you could make out were the soft footsteps from the people in the apartment above you and the gust of wind against your windowpane. A prayer fell from your lips that whatever was coming for you in the night would leave you be.

He stood at the foot of the bed to watch you sleep. You snuggled up to your blankets like a child seeking protection. A few pieces of cloth weren't enough to protect you from him. Mirio crept a bit closer. When he was stood beside you, he peeled away the blankets and sheets. Lavender wafted up to his nose. 

"Changed your sheets after last night, eh? You humans are so peculiar about your habitats. It is a shame, though. I might have wanted you to sleep a little longer in your come. Get you used to it. Oh, well."

His hands worked the buttons of your sleep shirt, and the silken fabric fell away with no more than a gentle tug. Your long bottoms made him scowl. How dare you hide your lovely from him. That alone deserved punishment. You murmured in your sleep as Mirio tugged your pants and underwear down in one go. Tonight, he had no intention of putting you back together again. You would sleep naked after he was done with you. The only thing he wished he could do was to see your face when you woke up and found yourself naked. No matter. Good things come to those who wait. 

Mirio wasted no time dishevelling his clothes. Being a demon, he could have easily dissolved them or faded through them. He wanted this to be special and want to remember every detail. The act of stripping down made him feel a bit more compatible with you, a human. It was pretend, a show. Eventually, you would see his proper form and tremble. For now, Mirio settled for having you like this, vulnerable to his power and entirely at his mercy. 

He climbed into bed with you and reclined on his side. His tongue ran across his lips just by looking at your body. You shivered in the cold. You should have stirred and awoken to your body bare of even a sheet to protect you from his gaze. Mirio's magic made it impossible for you to open your eyes unless he desired it so. You were going to belong to him shortly enough, but why spoil it now? Mirio thought himself cruel for dragging it out like this but admitted to liking this game.

Mirio ran a finger down the column of your throat and let it trail down to your belly button and back again. He hummed with delight as he touched your smooth skin. He palmed your breast and tweaked your nipple to a stiff peak. Mirio shifted on the bed until his lips found your neck and suckled. He kissed your shoulders and licked your skin. Mirio's large hands groped your chest. 

"You fill my hands up nicely, Y/N. Your body feels like it already belongs to me," he murmured against your skin. 

Mirio placed his knee against your cunt, rubbing your clit occasionally against the hard muscle. He drew your knees upwards and settled himself firmly between your legs. Kissing your lips, his hands never left your chest. While he kissed your mouth, his hands never ceased to pinch and massage your chest. His cock grew stiff, just thinking about what it would look like sandwiched in the middle of your perfect breasts. 

"More time for that later. Let's get down to business, shall we, sunshine?" 

Mirio lined his cock against your pussy, now soppy wet from his ministrations. He smiled to himself at how easy it was to manipulate your body towards his needs. If you had been awake, he imagined that your eyes would roll into the back of your head at the stretch. His cock slipped in with only a little resistance. Your walls clenched around his intrusion before easing up. His first thrust helped him bottom out. Mirio closed his eyes at the feel of your body wet, warm, and tight for him. For him alone. 

"That's my sunshine. That's my girl. Oh, yes," Mirio grunted.

His hands bruised your hips as he dragged you up and down his cock, forced it to meet him thrust for thrust. While you slept, your walls clamped down around Mirio's cock. He snapped his hips back and forth as he felt your strength leave your body and enter him. Call it 'tit for tat.' Mirio was giving your body all the pleasure it could ever need and the seed it so desperately wanted. The only price was just a little bit of your energy. Soon, very soon, Mirio wouldn't need to take any more from you. He would be able to have you all to himself, and no force on earth could stop him. 

Mirio adored the sweet squelching sounds your pussy made as he pounded into it. You were flooding him with your juices, and you didn't even know it. He couldn't wait to see what your eyes looked like when he pleasured your consciousness. Though your mind was too far gone to realize that it wasn't merely a dream, you couldn't wake up until Mirio wanted you to. This was the way of his kind, only most were one and done. Mirio needed more and more of you to himself. He couldn't stop after one feeding. The only way for him to keep you without draining away your life was a simple spell. All he had to do was get you pregnant. 

You were close; he could feel it. Pleasured seared down his spine and threatened to burst, but he wanted to hold out a little while longer. Mirio moved faster, faster. He saw the bruises forming on your hips, the tighter he held on. He would rather crush your hips than stop when you were both so close. Your cunt squeezed around him. 

"That's it, good girl. Squeeze me. I'm going to give you everything. Better not spill a drop."

You whined in your sleep as you arched your back. Mirio watched your face as it scrunched up. In pain or ecstasy, it was hard to tell the difference. Your body convulsed around him. Your floodgates opened to him and coated Mirio's cock with your come. It was more than enough to allow Mirio to do the same. The searing tingle shot down his spine and burst like an explosion. He stopped gripping your hips to seize hold of the headboard and hold it tight. Mirio shoved his cock in as far as it would go to ensure that none of his come leaked out. He could feel himself releasing so quickly that it made his head spin. When the final drop hit, he slowly, reluctantly, pulled away from your welcoming cunt. Your insides and your inner thighs were covered in him, just the way he liked. 

Mirio dressed then looked over his shoulder at your sleeping and battered form. There were bound to be questions when you woke up, but it was a shame he couldn't see it. He satisfied himself for now by kissing your forehead and whispering, "Pleasant dreams."

[artificialqueens]

Gimme Love, 2/9 (Miz Cracker/Blair St Clair) - Grinder

AN: Heyo, yall! Just hope yall are enjoying this fic so far. I worked really hard on it, but so proud. So many times I just wanted to quit it. But I stuck it out!

Major TW for this chapter: Child abuse mentions // mental breakdown // Anxiety // Dementia mentions

2020

I flinched, feeling a hand lightly slap my foot twice. "Wake up, Princess."

I rolled over slightly, blinking as if to clear my vision. Jujubee looked as if she had been awake for hours, looking fresh as fuck in her dressing gown. She must have had a shower hours before because, despite the dry hair, I could smell the mango and papaya soap. Fuck, it smelt so good.

Then there was me; hair wrecked, makeup long expired, body smelling of that typical hangover smell. Like a hospital, except unclean.

I whined like a child, rolled back over on my stomach and buried my face hoping it would stop my head from pounding.

"Nope. Not happened." Jujubee sat down on the bed and shook me.

"What time is it?" I asked with my face still smushed into the pillow.

"It's 2PM." She answered.

That's what got me up. I threw the covers back and went to stand. "Fuck!"

Jujubee grabbed my hand and pulled me back down. "Relax. It's our day off, remember?"

I whined even more, curling up with my head in her lap.

"Not that it makes a difference considering you're always late anyway," Jujubee added as she stroked my unbrushed hair.

"Shut up. I'm the boss. I can do what I want." I mumbled.

"Ah, Brianna Caldwell, you never change." Jujubee quipped. "Only follows the rules whenever it suits her, bosses everyone around - -"

"I do not, you whore. And can you please not speak to me so loud right now?" I pulled myself up and tousled my hair. "I need some shades or something."

I always needed shades when I was hungover, so Jujubee was already prepared. She pulled them from her pocket and handed them over. "Shade up, baby girl."

Life was already so much better with them on.

"But back to the topic at hand, though. Don't you remember the chess boys from high school?" Jujubee spoke a bit quieter now. "You literally bossed them around."

"They let me boss them around 'cause they wanted to sleep with me, Jujubee," I replied, reaching for my phone.

"And, you bossed me around too." Jujubee raised her brows.

"Mmmm, I don't remember that." I hummed, feeling pretty much over the conversation.

It took Jujubee an hour to convince me to get out of bed and clean myself up. After finally getting showered and dressed, we were out of the apartment and already heading to Starbucks.

I could have made my own coffee, but that required effort. And that I wasn't willing to give that day.

We were sitting at a booth in the back, with minimal effort in trying to go incognito. But this was a regular hang out for us. There was no need to worry about our names being shouted out. The baristas eventually learned to just bring our orders to us. It made Jujubee feel bad, but I didn't mind.

The barista, Kyle, came over and put our drinks down on the table.

"I deserve this. I really, really deserve this." I said, already taking a sip of my coffee.

"Congrats on last night. The boss said if you both need a refill, just let me know." Kyle winked. God bless Kyle. "So, When's the launch day?"

"Kyle, as charming as you are, you'll just have to wait like everybody else." I tried my best to beam a smile.

"Alright. Enjoy, ladies." And Kyle walked away.

Jujubee let her eyes follow for a moment longer. I know she was literally staring at nothing in particular, but I decided to have a bit of fun. "Go ask him out, Juju."

"Girl, you ask him out," Jujubee smirked. "I'm happy enough being a crazy cat lady. I don't need no man."

I knew it was a joke. Jujubee wasn't the type to encourage me to find someone. It was like she knew how it could bother me.

Despite liking the single life, I kind of did like the sound of being with someone. Maybe it was the fear of the past that stopped me from pursuing a relationship. I had a few girlfriends in the past. But they hadn't lasted long. I was afraid they would have somehow found out about my past self. Because, once upon a time, nobody would've even dared think of me as an attractive, promiscuous, alluring, single female.

But now that I had the glow-up of the century, dyed my hair blonde, I had quite a lot of admirers. It only really started to occur when NASA began sponsoring the project, bringing more traction.

My phone started ringing, but I paid no heed.

Jujubee, however, almost dropped her drink.

"Girl, why is Ed Sheeran calling you?" Jujubee raised a brow.

And as soon as the name met my ears, I was reminded of the night before. "Oh, God." I held my head in my hands.

"What did you do?" Jujubee was already groaning.

"I fucked up," I answered.

"You didn't have a quicky with him or something, right?" Jujubee questioned further.

I lifted my head, looking at her with squinted eyes. "What? No. Ew. Juju." I sipped my coffee before bearing the news. "OK, so...I don't know why I did it, maybe 'cause I'm a mess when I'm drunk, but I…" I lowered my tone, "kinda offered him the chance to be the first person to go into the other world."

"What?? I thought we were gonna do that!" Jujubee was freaking out.

"I know. I fucked up."

"Well, call him back."

"And, tell him what? 'Sorry, Ed. Jk'?"

Jujubee's forehead was in her hands, "I was really excited." She whined.

As I said before, this meant a lot to us. We hadn't discussed it with the team yet, but Jujubee and I had privately planned that we'd be first to enter the other world. So you could understand this was incredibly disappointing for her.

"OK. How about this? Ed will go in for 5 minutes. After that, we bring him back to Earth. And then we fly off by ourselves?" I suggested.

"I was looking forward to the pink sky. And the flying horses. And the…"

Jujubee went on a ramble as my phone began to ring again. I picked it up, letting it ring for a few seconds before declining Ed Sheeran's call.

I checked if there were any texts from him. Nada. But there was one message that caught my attention. The memory of reading it the previous night came flooding back.

Jujubee was still rambling, but I put my phone down and leaned across the table slightly. "Juju, do you remember Blair St Clair?"

Jujubee's expression changed instantaneously. "Girl, of course, I do. You were in love with her for years."

"Oh my God, can you whisper, please?" I questioned, the desperation in my voice very much apparent.

"Brianna, she's back in Ohio. We're in New York. I don't think anyone's gonna go and tell."

"You never know," I briefly looked behind me for fear that somehow the world decided to shit on my luck and make her appear in the booth behind me.

"Girl, chill out. And yes, I do remember her." Jujubee replied, "you know something that always stuck with me? Please don't ask why, but I'll never forget the day you told me you were in love with her. You came out to me that day too."

-_-_-_-

1995

"Juju, I gotta tell you something," I said, throwing my doll to the side of the fort. If I didn't tell her the truth now, I never would.

"What is it?" Jujubee sounded scared.

I crossed my legs in a pretzel shape, straightened my back and declared, "Juju, I like girls. And Blair St Clair is the girl I'm in love with."

I was expecting amazement, awe, shock. But Jujubee just seemed confused.

"What? How is that possible?" She asked.

"You promise you can keep a secret?" I offered my pinky.

Jujubee joined hers with mine. "Of course I can."

"OK." Our fingers remained twisted around each other. "Well, I saw two ladies in the mall kissing. And my Mommy told me girls can like girls. And I had an a-piffa-tree. The reason I like Blair so much is because I'm in love with her!"

"Brie-Brie, you need to slow down." Jujubee put her hand up. "If girls can like girls, then how come we never see girls kissing girls? It's always boys and girls."

"I don't know."

"Have you ever kissed a girl?"

"Nope."

"Then, how are you sure?"

"I don't know. You ever get that weird feeling inside that tells you that you're right? I can feel it. I know I'm not lying."

"Wooow." Jujubee looked away briefly. "Does that mean you like me?"

"I don't know. You're my friend, Juju." I shrugged. "I mean, maybe we should kiss just to figure it out."

Juju looked like she was contemplating this for a moment before nodding her head and sitting up. "OK!"

I didn't even hesitate. Instead, I moved closer and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

"Ew!" We both pulled away.

We both agreed to never do that again, nor ever speak of it.

As if nothing had happened, we continued on playing with our dolls for another hour before the rain came out.

I walked Jujubee home, feeling very much like 'the big girl' being all responsible.

And in walking back to my own place, wrapping my arms around myself, I saw Blair - walking alone, drenched from head to toe.

"Blair!" I ran towards her.

She turned to look at me, her face scrunched up, trying to see through the downpour.

Call it instinct, but I knew something was up, just from how she was looking at me. I put my hands on her shoulders. "What's wrong?? Are you OK?"

"I'm lost. I-I'm trying to find my way home." She said quietly.

"What. How did you - -" I stopped myself from talking any further. Instead, I took Blair by the hand and pulled her towards the bus shelter off to the side of the road.

We both sat down when we got inside. She was shaking, close to catching a cold in the awful weather. Not to mention she had no jacket on. So I pulled my arm out of its sleeve and draped half of the coat over her.

"What happened to your coat?" I asked

"I didn't bring it." She replied.

"Why not? It's cold. You're going to get sick."

"I'm sorry. I just...ran."

I was silent for a moment. Then, "What do you mean?"

She was also silent for a moment, her blue eyes drifting to the ground. "Brianna...is it normal for Daddies to shout real loud all the time? Do they smash things a lot?"

No. It was not expected. I may not have had a Father figure in my life, but I knew well enough. "Blair, what happened?"

Blair clenched her fist around the jacket. "My Daddy...he…"

Despite her timid voice trailing off, I understood. She didn't even need to say it. "Do you have somewhere to go?"

She lifted her eyes to me, "I need to get home. I just ran as fast as I could. And somehow ended up here. I don't know my way back."

"I don't think you should go back," I admitted.

"I have to. Or he'll be even more mad."

I was wracking my brain. There was no way I could let her go back. "OK. Is there somewhere you can stay for a while? Somewhere close?"

"No." Blair shook her head. "Wait. Yeah. My Granny lives somewhere around here." She looked at me with optimism in her eyes.

"That's great! I know this place like the back of my hand. I bet I can find it in a few seconds."

After sitting for 10 more minutes, the rain was starting to settle, so Blair gave me the address, and off we went. I carried her bag for her. She was probably exhausted from all the walking.

All the while, I just listened as she talked about many things - Madonna, her Princess Belle doll, how Jade from school actually picked her nose when no one was looking. So many different topics. And I didn't speak a word. I guess I was just so...astonished. Here I was, walking along in a light rainstorm, hanging out with the prettiest girl in my class. How was this possible? Was this real life?

"You've been really quiet." Blair pointed out.

"Yeah, I just can't believe you're talking to me. What the fuck?" Yes, I said that.

Blair laughed at my potty mouth. "Yeah, why wouldn't I?"

I shrugged. "Well, I don't know. Maybe 'cause no one likes me."

Blair stopped in her tracks for a moment. "I like you."

I stopped, spun around, and looked at her with wide eyes. There was no way I heard her say those words. No fucking way.

"Come on. I know where we are now. Granny's house is around the corner." Blair began to move again.

But the butterflies in my stomach were going wild. I felt warm and wanted to just hug her. But I also didn't want to alarm her. Baby steps, Brianna.

I walked Blair to the house. Her Granny came to the door and was obviously quite confused. And Blair began to cry again.

I wanted to turn and run, feeling very out of place. But Blair grabbed me before I could leave and pulled me into a hug. She pressed her tear-stained face against my shoulder and whispered, "Thank you, Brie."

"I gotta go."

I pulled out of the hug and ran as fast I could. I don't know if I left her standing there confused or if she just knew by then it was just a me thing to be awkward.

But my mind was racing; Blair liked me. I knew not in the same way as I liked her. But, surely, that meant we could be friends.

Oh, how naive I was.

A few weeks later, it was the beginning of Summer. Mom took me to the park, and there was Blair with her friends.

I ran across the grass to the picnic blanket they were all sitting at.

"Blair!" I called excitedly. I practically threw myself down next to her, giving her a tight hug.

"Ew." Jade laughed.

"Shut up, Jade." Blair snapped.

"Are you friends with the freak now or something?" Carmen questioned, inching away from me.

"I'm not a freak!" I shouted.

"Uh, yeah, you are," Serena added. "We don't want freaks in our friend group. Go on. Get lost."

"Girls - -" Blair tried.

"You wanna join her?" Jade pointed her gaze at Blair, her face scrunched up in disgust.

I was waiting for it; The big 'fuck you' as Blair stood up, took my hand and walked away.

But she remained seated. Her eyes trailed down to the ground. I tried shaking her shoulder.

"Blair?" I spoke quietly.

She didn't say a word. It was as if she had turned to stone.

My body felt cold.

"See? She doesn't like ugly people like you. No one does." Jade smirked.

I remember the moment being more intense than it actually was. Because in a matter of seconds, the girls were screaming as I began to punch Jade in her bitchy face. I couldn't punch for shit. But if it left a bruise, I was happy.

"Brianna!" I heard my Mom's voice. Her dark arms wrapped around me, pulling me away from the now crying Jade. "We are going home right now." Mom threatened. But I didn't care.

From being dragged away from the fight scene all the way until we got home, I screamed.

Mom screamed back for a while when we were in the car. But you can't fight fire with fire. So she stopped when we pulled up.

I got in, I beat the fuck out of every object that came into my line of vision. And my shouting never stopped.

"No one wants you, ugly freak!" I smashed a vase. "Worthless piece of trash!"

Mom had been chasing me all over the house, trying to calm me down. But this wasn't like any tantrum I had ever had, and as Mom had no idea what was actually going on, she had no idea what to do.

She eventually scooped me up in her arms and held me tight as she sat on the ground. I screamed as I tried to fight off her grasp, downing out all her hushed whispers. "I got you, Baby. I got you. Mommy's here."

My screams did go on for another while, but as soon as they ended, all I could say to Mom was, "I should give up. Blair will never be my friend. I'm too ugly."

Mom stood me up, so she knew I was looking directly into her eyes. She pointed a finger in my face and spoke with a cracked but stern tone. "Don't say that. Never ever say that. You are so beautiful, and no one has the right to tell you that you're not. I want you to go look in the mirror, really, really look at yourself, Brianna. And I want you to see how pretty you are. Look at your hair, your brown eyes, your freckles. You are just as pretty as everyone else, girl. You are not ugly."

I squeezed my fists, feeling the hard lump in my throat. "Then why did my Mommy and Daddy give me away?"

Mom was stunned for a moment. She took my hand. "Baby, that had nothing to do with how you look. They…" she paused, trying to find the right words to use, "they just…" another pause, "look, I'll tell you when you're older. But I promise you are not ugly."

I couldn't hold on anymore. I let out a pained cry and immediately threw myself into her arms and buried my face in her shoulder.

-_-_-_-

2020

That was my first major emotional breakdown, marking the beginning of many more to come. But, unfortunately, Mom didn't want to immediately get me help. She had a feeling it would upset me further. And she was right.

Just as I had begun middle school, I had another huge episode. That was it. There had been too many episodes throughout those years.

You can try covering a crack in the wall with a pretty picture, but the problem would never go away, would it?

I couldn't stand therapy. Why was I the one to work on my emotions when I only felt the way I did because kids were assholes? Where were all the breathing exercises and meditation sessions to make them not be dicks?

But as much as I hated it, the older I got, I opened my eyes. What I hated the most was seeing the pain I was putting Mom through. So I really tried hard not to freak out.

I didn't want to upset Mom anymore. She really did her best. And to this day, I wouldn't change her for the world.

"We're here."

I was brought out of my thoughts as the cab pulled over. I had been so gone, just sitting in the backseat, staring at the magenta glass vase in my hands.

"Keep the change," I replied, handing the driver the money and thanking him as I got out.

He took my suitcase from the trunk and left it by my side. And with a goodbye, he drove off.

Standing at the bottom of the lawn, I looked at the house. Fuck, once upon a time, I wouldn't have been so in love with its appearance. I had no idea what my Mom was going for with the multiple colours. The outside was painted pastel yellow with a sky blue door and pink frame. Then there were the various flowerpots stuck onto the wall next to the door. All different colours; pink, green, orange or blue.

OK, I lied; as a kid, I fucking loved our house. Everyone else's was boring. But when high school rolled around, people would whisper how I was "the weird hippie chick from the rainbow crack house". So, you can understand why it quickly became an eyesore for me.

I knocked on the front door, feeling the excitement bubble within me. I had been so busy with the project, it was a few months since I last saw her in person. I glanced at the vase in my hand, the perfect Birthday gift. It was perfect because I got her a new one every year. Because I never got over the guilt from smashing her favourite vase as a child. This act was to make a point - to show that no matter how much I apologised, I was always sorry, and would always be.

I knocked again. There was only a barking behind the door. Good to know someone was in.

I still had my own key. No point in standing outside all day. I made my own way in, knowing I could just surprise her later.

"Hi, baby!" I spoke in a hushed tone as Piggie started to jump around excitedly. Fuck, I missed him so much.

I closed the door and knelt down next to the pug, bringing him into a hug and kissing him on the head. "You good boy," I said in between kisses, "Let's get you some food."

Standing back up, I made my way to the kitchen, and Piggie was only happy to follow. I still remembered where his food was kept, so I poured him a bowl. Then, while he was distracted, I took my suitcase up the stairs and into my old bedroom.

Fuck, there was always something so surreal about walking into it. I hadn't lived at home since before I went to college. From that moment on, Jujubee and I always had our own places. And now, I had my apartment in New York.

Meaning, the last time I had redecorated was years before my glow up (in personality and looks). The walls were pink, I remember them being a pretty pastel tone, but they looked duller now. Above my bed, the wall was littered with posters, writing and photos. I made eye contact with Reese Witherspoon on the Legally Blonde poster, remembering how I always wanted to be like her. Funny how I kind of did achieve that.

I realised I was just standing in the doorway, just staring. So, I sat the suitcase against my desk and went to lie down. I smirked as I found all 5'5" of my whole being still fit into it.

I took out my phone and snapped a picture of myself to Jujubee, the caption reading 'Hey, babe, my parents are out?￰ 😉😉 come over?'.

While waiting for her reply, I changed my pencil skirt and blouse, choosing to wear leggings and a tank instead. Suddenly, I felt 10 years younger.

An hour passed, and Mom was still nowhere to be seen.

"Maybe she's at work. Does she have a job?" Jujubee asked me through the phone.

"I... don't know, Juju," I murmured, my attention not really on the question but on the contents of the fridge.

There was a punnet of strawberries. I helped myself to a few.

"When was the last time you spoke to her? Seriously, Brie, I'm getting so nervous." Jujubee sounded concerned. I knew her mind was thinking of the worst. And oddly enough, I found it to be entertaining.

"A few months back, actually," I smirked. "She's been real quiet, to be honest." Piggie was at my feet, looking for one of the juicy strawberries. I shook my head at him.

"Oh God, no. Did you check every room? Talk to the neighbours?"

"Oh, fuck! Juju. My God, there's a head in the fridge!" I feigned terror.

"Brianna!"

"Relax. I'm fucking with you. I spoke to her last night." I took one more strawberry. Biting into it, the juice dripped down my fingers and onto the ground. Piggie was beyond happy now, licking it up. I let him be and made my way out of the kitchen.

"That's not funny, Brianna. Don't joke about that. I thought she was missing or...worse."

"Fair enough. Sorry, girl. Anyway, how's work today?" I walked into the living room and sat on the couch.

"Good, good. Ed Sheeran's team finally got in touch," Jujubee said with a hint of disdain.

I held my forehead in one hand, wanting to punch myself for even speaking to him the week before.

I groaned, "See, this is why I should stop drinking."

"Well, to be fair, you don't drink as much as you did back in college. But when you do, you go hard."

Jujubee continued talking, lecturing me about my life choices when I moved my foot and felt it touch something under the couch. It startled me at first, but I pulled out the item.

A slipper. Grandpa's slipper. Sitting back on the couch again, letting my eyes just stare at it. "Hey, Juju. I'm gonna go."

There was a sigh on the other end. "Fine. Not like I was talking about anything important or whatever."

"Sorry," I said quietly.

"Don't worry. I still love you, whore." She said.

"Of course you do."

I made a nasty kissing sound through the phone. She was grossed out, of course, and hung up. I chuckled for a moment and put my phone away.

Piggie came into the room and jumped up on the sofa next to me. I began to pet him, my eyes now back on the shoe.

Grandpa wore his slippers more than he wore regular shoes. Every time he found out Mom had put them in the wash, he would be furious. I would always listen to him ranting and wonder why men were gross. But I'd also laugh at how he threw his hands up in the air in frustration.

There was one time, in particular. He had gotten mad for the same reason. He huffed and came into the living room, sitting down on the couch, in the very seat I currently was sitting. He was shaking his head, just looking at the TV.

I shuffled closer to him and offered a few potato chips. His frown was immediately reversed. His smile had never seemed brighter. He took a few chips and asked with a full mouth, "Hey, kiddo. Aren't you late for school?"

It was 2PM. On a Saturday.

My smile was beginning to fade, my eyes still focused on the slipper. I could feel it - a familiar twisting feeling from somewhere within my stomach, the oxygen in my lungs seeming to fail me, a tremble taking my hands over.

And then, Piggie licking my arm.

I flinched slightly as I was brought back to the present. I smiled, petting Piggie. "Where would I be without you, baby?"

Piggie didn't answer, of course. Instead, he just licked my hand, which was enough for me to chill out.

I put Grandpa's shoe back under the couch, now inspired to search more of the house. But before I got off the couch, I checked my phone. Jujubee had Snapchatted me.

Clicking into it, I froze for a moment. She was in her bathroom, the shower running behind her. I wanted to say she was the main element to the picture, cocking her head to the side, pouting her lips and raising a brow. Despite the fact Jujubee never sent me pictures like this, it wasn't the first time I had seen her in her lingerie, though. But, I couldn't help but glance at her black lacey bra. The breath was caught in my throat for a moment.

The text read, 'You OK, babe?'

Around middle school, Jujubee developed this 6th sense, knowing when something was up with me. It was impressive.

I lifted my phone up high, took a picture and made sure to get Piggie in the frame. He wasn't looking, however.

"Piggie." He was looking now. I smiled and took the picture. I captioned it, 'Just hanging out with this one'.

I hit send. And now filled with inspiration to go on a nostalgia trip, I got up from the sofa and went off to explore. I called Piggie to follow.

I found myself upstairs, standing in the doorway of Mom's room. It felt rude to intrude. After all, a bedroom wasn't just a bedroom. It was a sanctuary, a place to be yourself, to carry out your own private rituals free from judgement, a happy place. So it felt like an intrusion to invade her space.

But I spotted the perfume bottles on her dresser. There was one bottle, in particular, a fragrance she always bought. It was her favourite - a musky scent with a hint of amber vanilla.

I couldn't resist. I made my way to the dresser, lifted the bottle and smelt the underside of the lid. Immediately, I felt my body relax. It smelled just like her. And there was no smell sweeter than the smell of your own Mother. It felt safe, loving, warm. Now, I was even more excited to see her again.

That was as far as I'd go into her room. So I put the perfume back, ushered Piggie to get down from her bed and left.

I was back in my old bedroom. I wanted this nostalgia trip to be unlike any other. So I knew exactly where I'd find it. I looked in the drawers of my desk. And in the very bottom drawer, I found it; my old diary.

"This is going to be wild, Piggie. I just know it." I smirked, sitting down on my bed, my back against the headboard. Piggie curled up beside me. We were both sitting comfortably. So I began.

'Dear Dairy'

Already, I had to pause and laugh. 7 year old me would have been a legend in a spelling bee.

'Today, I had a fight with Jujubee. She really upset me, but I upset her too. I should say sorry. That's all. Bye.'

Short and sweet, child me didn't beat around the bush. She just gave you the information you needed. That was it.

I flicked a few pages forward.

'Dear Diary,

I had another fight with Jujubee. I really don't want to upset her. But sometimes I get so angry, I don't know what to do. I lost a tooth today too. So I am going to leave a note to the tooth fairy. I want her to take all my anger from me instead of my tooth. I hope it works.'

I remembered that. I had gotten mad because we were playing house. I wanted Jujubee to be both the parents, and I'd be the two kids. She didn't want to. She wanted to play the part of a child too. I freaked out, of course. I specifically remembered telling her she'd do it if she cared about me. She said she did care. But in the heat of the moment, I didn't believe her.

"God, I was such a brat," I spoke quietly.

I skipped some pages, unsure of what I was to find. And seeing one specific name, I stopped flicking through.

'Dear Blair,

You are like the sunshine. You are…'

I stopped reading, cringing at my child self. Was this before I realised it was a crush or not? What was hilarious about this entry was how damn long it was. All other accounts were short and straight to the point. But this? It went on for 3 pages. I bet my younger self felt mega proud about writing so much. But now, I felt the need to build a fucking time machine, go back to that moment and tell little Brianna, "Guess what? Nothing happens. Blair never becomes your friend. She never feels the same way about you the way you feel about her, so stop before you make it worse for yourself!"

I decided I was taking this diary back to New York. I needed to investigate it more. And there were probably some accounts that Jujubee would cackle laughing at.

My nostalgia trip wasn't at its peak just yet. I needed something that would just send me over the edge of happiness. And I knew I'd probably find that in my memory box. But there was a problem. I had given it to my Mom, asking her to hide it away somewhere. And whenever I wanted to put something into it, I'd give it to her, and she'd hide it for me.

And I made her promise to only give it back to me when I turned 50. No matter how much I cried and begged, she could not break that promise. Young me knew one day I'd be on a one way trip down memory lane.

I was so tempted to find the box. Surely, it couldn't have been too hard to find. But Piggie growled for a moment, his ears perking up. He looked at the window and started barking. I was now aware of the sound of a car's engine. A familiar one at that.

Finally, Mom was home.

I peaked out the window to see she was grabbing her bag from the car.

Piggie and I raced down the stairs, taking the vase from the living room and waiting excitedly at the door.

Funny how with excitement there came a level of anxiety, the tiniest hint of fear bubbling in your stomach. And I felt it all as soon as I heard the jiggling of the key.

The door opened slowly as if she already knew something was unusual about the place like she was bracing herself for whatever she was going to find.

She peeked around the door. My smile was beaming.

"Happy Birthday!" I shouted.

"Jesus Christ!" Mom flinched, almost falling back and stamping on the ground. Piggie was going wild now, barking from all the excitement. "Brianna, you could have given me a heart attack!" She shut the door and clasped a hand to her chest.

I laughed at her over-the-top reaction and held out the vase. "I got you another one."

Mom looked at me, still panting from her shock. She was silent for a moment, and in that silence, I realised how much I had missed her.

Mom stepped forward, took the vase and put it to the side. As she pulled me into a tight hug, I could see her face scrunching up.

There are two people of people; those who can't stand seeing their Moms cry. And fucking liars.

Of course, I belonged to the first group. As you know, I…

Well, you already know. Here, let me put in a fun diagram of things I didn't want to deal with at that moment.

"Don't ever scare me like that again, you bitch." Mom spoke softly in my ear as she cried.

"I couldn't help myself." I forced a smile.

As much as I hated seeing her cry, I knew she needed it. Me being the only child she ever had, it broke her heart when I moved out in the first place. I'd imagine it was tough now that she was alone.

Yeah, she had Piggie. But it obviously wasn't enough. So I let her cry it out as she hugged me. I could smell the perfume, and again, I felt that safety, the security a Mother's love brings.

When she pulled away, she immediately moved to the kitchen, already brewing some tea. I let her know that I didn't mind if she had to go upstairs and change or anything. But she insisted we get into the catch-up.

"I invited some people from work to come over later. You remember the flower shop beside the old church?" Mom rambled, her shaking hands pouring the tea into two mugs.

"Of course I do," I answered, sitting at the table, with Piggie in my lap.

"Yeah, I work there now." Mom replied.

I felt bad. This shouldn't have been news. It was my part to already know that.

Mom sat at the table, placing the mugs down too. Piggie's attention was drawn to them, licking his lips with thirst.

"So I hope you're not jet-lagged, girl." The excitement was practically radiating from her face.

I was a bit exhausted, but she deserved to have a great night. "I'm good. Don't worry."

"Oh, and your aunt is coming." She added, sipping her tea.

"Aunt Monét! Yes, bitch."

It had been a very, very long time since I last saw Monét. She knew how to turn a party. And she was always so glamorous. I remember numerous times as a child asking her to teach me her ways, be my mentor, so I could grow up to look as good as she did.

"So, it's gonna be a long night. Be prepared." Mom said.

"So, it's a party?"

"Not my plan, but knowing Monét, that's how it will turn out. Anyway, I saw pictures from the event last week. You looked great up on that stage, baby. Keep doing me proud."

I gave her a gracious smile as I sipped my tea. A small drop fell onto my lap. Piggie was searching for it, but it had already soaked in. Sorry, Piggie.

"Yeah, I kinda fucked up, though," I said, playing with one of the dog's ears.

"'Fuck’ always has been your favourite word," Mom shook her head, "Go ahead. Tell me, what did you do?"

"So at the after-party, I kinda offered Ed Sheeran to be the first person to go through. Please don't ask me why. The answer is; I was drunk. I don't have a more logical explanation for you right now."

Mom was silent for a moment, her eyes narrowing. "Ed Sheeran? Why him?"

"I told you, I have no idea." I sipped my tea. "I'm just a fucking idiot when I'm drunk."

"So, what now? Is he actually going to do it?"

"Yep. His team got in contact. Everything is set in stone." I was ashamed of the whole Ed Sheeran thing, but now telling this to my Mother, it felt all the more embarrassing.

"Oh, God. This is going in history books, girl." Mom held her forehead in her hand.

"I know," I reciprocated. "Even worse, now they're asking the big questions like 'is the atmosphere safe on the other side?' We're still in the middle of working all that out."

"OK, asides from the Ed Sheeran fuck up," Mom put her hand on mine, "I am extremely proud of how far you've come since you were just a kid."

Uh oh. This wasn't what I wanted.

"And I know you're so busy with this whole thing, but sometimes, I just wish you'd call."

Fuck. "I'm sorry."

"Oh, no. I don't wanna make you feel bad, girl. Like I said, you're a busy lady." She held a hand up.

But still, I felt bad.

"Shit. I was supposed to pick up some lemonade on the way home." Mom stood up, taking her tea with her. She had barely touched it.

"I could go to the store if you want," I suggested, taking a big gulp of tea.

"I mean, if you wanna, go for it. Tina still works there. It would be nice to see her again." Mom continued. She reached in her pocket.

I kissed Piggie on the head before putting him on the ground. "It's OK. I got it." I stood up from the table.

We had a bit of back and forth about who paid. I left before she could even give me her spare change.

Before I walked out the door, Piggie looked sad to see me go. Of course, I was coming back, but he didn't know that. Therefore I felt guilty.

I put my sunglasses on as I walked out the door. It wasn't even sunny out, but I knew I'd probably get stopped by people I used to know to dive deep into conversations about how far I had come. I had things on my mind, so many thoughts circling in my head.

I knew I should have put more effort into staying in contact with Mom. But after years of putting her through hell, I felt a sense of guilt. There were a few times I'd message, and somehow the conversation would take a turn, and she'd bring up a childhood memory.

I was done with my past. I was once a troubled child who eventually grew up to have a better mindset. I didn't want to relay the breakdowns, all of the vases I had smashed.

Then I realised how much of a contradiction that all was as I realised it was all that was on my mind as I walked down the street. So I plugged in my earbuds and drowned out the thoughts with whatever Spotify had to offer.

[azaerlyn]

A chill ran down her spine as she exited the bar and she pulled her sweater tighter around her for warmth as she began walking down the street toward the bus stop. 

She knew better than to leave the bar alone, what with all of the recent disappearances that had been happening lately, but she was tired and wanted to go home. She wasn't a party girl, the bar wasn't her scene, but she went anyway because it was her cousin's birthday and would have felt guilty if she hadn't shown up for at least a couple of hours. The group had been too wasted to notice her slip out the door, having only had a couple of fruity cocktails. 

As she neared the end of the block an unwelcomed feeling overcame her. She braced herself against the corner of the brick building and closed her eyes tight, dizziness waving through her head as she felt her body become weak. 

They stood back, watching her. Waiting for the right moment. The drug the bartender had slipped into her last drink hadn't taken full effect yet but it was working. Yes, it was all going according to plan. One of them chuckled darkly, eyes darkening as he watched her uneasily round the corner into the alley to sit against the wall in an attempt to regain her senses. She was falling right into their trap. 

"Now!" hissed the second

This one was impatient. Always ready to jump on their prey and take her as his own without thinking of the consequences that would form if the abduction wasn't done just right. 

"Not yet." 

The older, larger, and more sensible of the group shushed his partner with a finger to his pointed lips. His eyes never left the poor girl who was fading quickly. 

"Help" came a quiet mewl 

"Now" the leader growled 

The second man scrambled out from the dumpster and hurried over to the inebriated girl, changing into character before he knelt beside her.

"Miss?" He asked, holding her head up and looking into her eyes

He felt his cock twitch along the lining of his pants as her green eyes flickered up at him weakly. They appeared desperate, lost, scared. He resisted the urge to lick his lips and continued the facade. 

"Help me" she whispered "I..I don't feel.."

"Shhhh, Darling, take it easy. Don't look so good, did you have one too many?" He chuckled softly "Do you have a cell phone? I'll call for help."

With little strength she pulled her phone out of her pocket, her energy giving way as it fell out of her hand onto the ground. He picked it up as her body slumped over into his chest, eyes closing as she faded into unconsciousness. 

He made quick work of making sure no traces of her or him would be found. He held the mobile device in his hand, chanted a quick spell, and watched as it burned to ash against his palm. Dropping the remaining soot to the ground he picked up her bag and lifted her easily onto his shoulder. 

"Let's go." The eldest took one last glance over his shoulder before opening the back door to a building and they entered, a flash of red light appearing behind them as they stepped through the portal with their victim. 

"Put her down, on the grate." 

"You know, Kenaji, one day I'm going to get sick of taking orders from you." 

"Is today that day, Dane?" The leader stood, broad chest taught and dark eyes narrowed, challenging the inferior one "You want to do this now, because I'm ready."

"No, man, come on we have a job to do." Dane muttered, looking away

"That's what I thought." Kenaji laughed, teeth shining with a cheeky smile at his victory

Dane rolled his eyes and placed the unconscious girl on the ground, laying her body across the metal grate and shackling her limbs to the metal bars. 

"Should we start now or wait for Benji?" Kenaji asked as he looked over the girl's body

"Start now." Dane shifted from one foot to another as he rubbed his hands together

"Figures. Go on, have your fun before she comes to." Kenaji rolled his eyes and sat down in the black leather chair

Dane knelt down between the girl's splayed legs and ran a hand up one of them.  As he went further the hem of her dress rose, exposing her thighs. 

"Look how smooth and pale she is." Dane commented as he slapped her thigh hard "Oh yeah, this one's going to mark up nice and red for us."

"Just don't damage this one. You know how He feels about damaged goods." 

"He can lick my ass." Dane muttered as he held out his hand above the girl

A silver knife appeared and he gripped it, running it down her body until he got to the exposed panties. He quickly sliced the cotton material off of her, paying no attention to the small starry print on them as he ripped them away from her crotch. 

"Fuck, look at that pussy. Looks so tight." Dane growled 

He ran his thumb through the folds of her vagina, brushing it against her clit. With his other hand he removed his cock, stroking it as he coaxed the nub out of it's hiding place. 

"Alright, baby doll, you ready?" He laughed, knowing that she couldn't consent

Dane positioned himself at her entrance and shoved his cock inside her dry hole. It didn't hurt him because demon cock was always slick from constantly being in heat. The girl's poor pussy, however, would be sore upon awakening but that would soon be the least of her worries once they really got started with her. 

Once Dane had unloaded his hot cum inside of her he pulled out, put his cock away, and walked over to the fridge standing in the corner. The contents of the fridge mostly held concoctions of  drugs used on the victims but even demons get thirsty after strenuous activity. 

"Toss me one, would you?" the third man asked as he stepped through the portal and into the room

"About time you got here." Dane tossed a beer to his comrade and smirked "How was work?" 

"Shut up." 

Benji, the youngest of the trio, hated being the worker bee. He was the one with the charisma, the "people skills", so naturally he would be the one to land the jobs that would discreetly allow him to scope out the next victim. Their Boss wanted specific types of girls lately so just grabbing them off the street without taking a few notes first was no longer an option. 

"Boys, don't fight. We got to get a move on with this one. He's going to want her quick especially with how disappointed he was with the last one" Kenaji glared at Dane

"What?" Dane shrugged in feigned innocence "Stupid cunt deserved it." 

Kenaji just glared at Dane as he stood from the chair. He made his way over to the girl and waved his hand over her. The rest of her clothes tore into shreds, leaving her completely exposed to their gaze. Her nipples hardened as the cold air hit them, causing all three men's cocks to stiffen as they thought of the possibilities. 

Their victim began to stir, chains rattling as she attempted to work her limbs. Small whimpers and helpless moans left her lips as her eyes fluttered open. 

"Showtime" 

Benji clapped his hands together as he knelt down at the girls side. Dane took his place at her head and Kenaji knelt between her spread legs. 

"Wha-" the girl muttered as clarity began to return "Wher-?"

Upon realizing that she was chained against a cold metal surface and that three large and intimidating men were surrounding her she began to struggle. 

"None of that now" Kenaji's deep voice spoke as he placed his hands on her shaking legs "Not gonna get out of these, so you might as well save your energy."

"You're going to need it" Benji laughed 

"Please!" She flailed more, attempting to cover her exposed body "Where am I? What do you want with me?" 

"Well, Sweetheart, you're in Hell." Benji smiled, sharp teeth shining against the flickering candle light "And it isn't us who wants you."

"Hell?! Am I dead? I don't understand, I'm a goo-"

"A good girl. Yes." Kenaji shook his head as he squeezed her thighs "They all say that, but it's never true. You're not dead. You see, we used a little black magick to transport you across the realm without harming your physical body. We need you perfectly intact to meet the Master."

"M-master? Lucifer?" 

"Enough. Gag her and let's get started." Kenaji ignored her question and began to run his hand over her pussy

"No, please!" She screamed and flailed at the touch, begging them to let her go "This isn't real, this can't be happening!"

"Oh it's real, whore. It's very real." Dane said as he produced a ball gag from thin air 

Upon seeing the gag she instantly tightened her mouth shut, shaking her head vigurously. 

"Open wide, bitch" Dane slapped her across the face but she did not relent. He sighed. "A little help here, Benny?'

"For the six billionth time, Fuck Face, it's Benji." 

The demon reached over and pinched his fingers around the girls nose, blocking all air flow while she continued to keep her mouth closed. 

"Fighting us is cute, but it'll only entertain us for so long." Kenaji said as he rubbed his finger in a circle around her clit 

Within seconds she gave up the fight and gasped for air, barely getting a full breath into her lungs as Dane pushed the gag between her teeth and secured it. Sharp intakes of air and snarles left her nose as she felt tears roll down her cheeks. 

"Oh quit crying, we haven't even got to the worst part yet." Dane slapped her again before kneeling back to his place beside her 

"Watch closely boys. I'm going to show you how to break a slut like this one in nice and quick." Kenaji smirked down at the girl as he pushed the long black hair away from his face "You are a slut, aren't you?"

She shook her head furiously, arms still pulling at the restraints. 

"Oh but you are." Benji chimed in, reaching out to grasp a nipple and squeeze it "I know all about you. You think me pouring you a drink at the bar was our first interaction? It wasn't."

As Benji spoke Dane handed Kenaji the tools needed to begin his process. A bottle of warming lube and a vibrating wand joined the space between her outstretched legs and the lead demon began to prepare her pussy. 

"I've been following you for weeks now, you just didn't know it. I've watched you go to work, volunteer at the animal shelter, grocery shop…" Benji paused to squeeze her breasts in his hands, kneading them hard as she squealed with fright "I've even watched you shower."

Her eyes widened at the thought and her mind raced  back to her recent showers. For a split second she almost forgot that Kenaji's fingers were finding their way inside of her used hole, still sticky with cum, and she winced as the tenderness of being raped with Danes' long and thick shaft shot through the muscles of her pussy. 

"You guys want to know what my favorite part about spying on this slut was though?" Benji laughed, flicking a nipple "Watching her cum to all that filthy, degrading porn she watches." 

Her cheeks reddened and her chest flushed with humiliation. She writhed her hips to try to attempt escape but that only made Kenaji's fingers slide deeper inside her. 

"I knew you were a slut" laughed Dane

She began to cry, muffled protests and please left the gag. They fell on deaf ears as Kenaji thrust his fingers in and out of her. 

"You've thought about this. Being taken, used, fucked like a piece of meat." Benji growled "Now you're going to get your wish." 

She screamed as she felt Kenaji's hand slide into her, fisting her sore pussy now. She trashed as much as her bonds let her and Benji held up a hand as Dane went to hold her down. 

"Let the little cunt fight it, let's see how long it takes her to figure out that the more she squirms the harder she fucks herself against Kenaji's fist."

She instantly stilled her efforts at the statement and was met with a series of "awws" from the three demons. 

"No, go on, keep fighting it." Kenaji urged "Turn yourself into a fuck puppet on my hand. No? Alright, we'll make you then."

Another scream attempted to fall through her gag as the vibrator was turned on and pressed against her budding clit. She thrashed as much as she could against the grate, screaming for it to stop. It didn't stop. In fact they kept going. Dane and Benji slapped and pulled at her tits, Dane choked her while Benji laid a series of punches across her chest and stomach, all while Kenaji continued to fist and vibrate her pussy. After several minutes of the treatment her body began to betray her. Her pussy pulsed around the hand inside it and her clit fluttered against the head of the toy. The pleasure of orgasm overtook her, distracting her from the pain, and soon she was shuddering. She panted as she came down, hoping that they would stop. It continued. For hours they beat her, tortured her tits, pulled at the hairs of her pussy, and made her cum over and over again until she thought she would pass out. Dane reached up and removed the gag and shoved three fingers into her mouth. He pushed to the very back of her throat, causing her to gag as she came again. As he removed his hand a stream of spit came with it and he wiped it across her face in disgust. 

"Filthy fucking animal" 

A slap across  her face didn't phase her. Her pussy was on fire and she knew she couldn't cum again. 

"No..more...please" she feebily shook her head, the fight long gone

"No, Baby Girl, you don't get to say when you've had enough." Kenaji punched his fist into her again, his knuckles brushing against her cervix. She wailed. "You're going to cum for me until I'VE had enough"

The growl that ended his sentence sent a shudder through her entire body and she shook, her limbs tensing hard and her body convulsing. 

"Three…" he began as he rubbed the vibrator over her clit harder 

"No, please!"

"Shut up, cunt!" Benji hissed 

"Two..come on, you can do it, give me one more."

Kenaji's tone was encouraging now. Coaxing her to be a good girl for him, to give him what he asked for. She couldn't wrap her head around the sudden softness in his demeanor but whatever he was doing was working. 

"That's my good little cum slut. You ready to give it to me, Baby Girl? Come on...CUM NOW!"

The scream that left her body as she exploded into orgasm echoed throughout the hallways of Hell's dungeon. Prisoners, slaves, and the Master's harem of playthings could all hear the gruelling, devastating sound of her soul being twisted as she lost control to the demons. They shuddered, thankful that it wasn't them this time, and winced as the reminder of knowing they would continue to be tortured resignated which each piercing shriek from behind the iron door. 

Her eyelids fluttered and she gasped for air, feeling darkness overcome her. 

"Good little slut" Kenaji chuckled as she collapsed against the metal grate, falling back into unconsciousness. 

As they rose from the floor to leave her there, dripping with her own juices that was dropping through the bars and down to the discarded sluts chained below, Benji made a slight twitch of his fingers over her and smirked. Her slumber wouldn't be peaceful with the images he'd placed in her head. He walked away as she began to whimper in her sleep. 

To Be Continued…

[fanficsandmoregalore]

Dog Days - Chapter 1

*visual aid, not my pics* (Ben on left, kylo on top, Matt on bottom)

A/N: Please don't get the wrong idea about what this fic will be about. It will all make sense when i put out more chapters, i swear.

Summary: You work at a vet clinic in a big city near your small hometown. You want to become a vet but are only an aid as of right now. You love animals, always have, and you know there are plenty of animals in the city that need your help. But what happens when you meet 3 very strange dogs one day?

You were walking to the Veterinary clinic that you worked at. You didn't want to be late so you made a quick breakfast and took it with you. You didn't live very from the clinic so you weren't too worried about being late, and you were only a veterinarian aid, you didn't do very much anyway. Living in the city, you learned how much people really valued their pets. You had seen so many families bring in their pets that were sick or injured and the joy on their faces when you told them their animal family members would be okay always brought you joy. You had always wanted to be a vet, ever since you were a child.

You were taken away from your thoughts as you felt yourself trip over something large. You fell onto the pavement and scraped up your hands and elbows.

"Ow, what the hell did i trip over?"

You looked around you and saw a dog in front of you, sniffing you as if it was making sure you were okay. It was a black and white border collie that looked like it was mixed with a great pyrenees. You got up a bit and sat on your knees. You immediately forgetting all your pain.

"Hi there, buddy."

The dog stared at you, its tail wagging very fast. You smiled at it and the dog got very excited and jumped up on you. You laughed and pet it, trying to look for a collar. You found it and read the name.

"Ben, huh? Well that's a very nice name for a very nice doggy. I'm (Y/n)."

Ben barked happily and bounced around in front of you and then went into the alley that you were in front of, which you hadn't noticed until now. You looked at him with confusion as he barked into the alley, you got up and followed him with caution. You watched and to your surprise, there was another dog. It was a golden retriever. You squatted down and smiled at it.

"Well, hello there." You tried to coax the dog over and noticed Ben was trying to get it to come over to you as well. The golden retriever was reluctant but came over eventually. You read its collar and the name on it read Matt.

"Well, it's very nice to meet you too, Matt."

Matt's tail began to wag and he sniffed your hand before putting his paw in your hand. You shook it with a smile on your face.

"What a gentleman."

Suddenly, you heard a can rolling in the alley. Another dog? You got excited but the excitement quickly faded when you heard the dog growling at you. You did your best to remain calm. The dog was a beauceron/german shepard mix and had a scar going down the side of its face. You felt yourself tense as it got close and sniffed you. It looked at you and you noticed Ben growling at it, being protective of you. The beauceron mix had a collar too so you tried to reach for it to read the name. As you did, the beauceron jumped, then growled and sank his teeth deep into your hand. Ben immediately bit the back of the beauceron mix's neck and pulled it away from you, growling and barking at it while standing between you and the dog that had just bit you. You didn't scream out in pain, you only winced a little as it stung. Then you made eye contact with the beau mix and smiled, hiding your immense pain.

"It's okay. I'll be fine."

The beauceron's ears perked up in surprise and the it huffed and walked off into the alley. Ben ran back and joined you and Matt, who had been licking your bleeding hand. You smiled at both of the sweet dogs and pet them.

"I'll be okay, but i should really get going or I'll be late for work. I'll be sure to come visit you soon, though."

You told the dogs good bye, while holding your bleeding hand, wrapping it with some of your jacket.

After you were out of sight, Ben went into the alley to where Kylo was laying. He bit his ear as hard as he could without ripping it off and Kylo pushed him off. Ben let go of Kylo's ear and growled at him.

"What the hell was that!?!?"

Kylo huffed and laid back down on his piece of carboard.

"She was gonna touch me and i didn't want her to."

"So you bit her!? She was so nice! She just wanted to know your name!"

Matt joined his brothers and chimed into the conversation.

"I have to side with Ben here, Kylo. Biting her was way out of line. We might be dogs, but you don't have to act like it."

Kylo got up and growled at the other two, Matt backed up a bit but Ben stood still.

"Oh yeah, well how about you tell that to mister tail wagger over here!"

"I couldn't help it, i was excited. She's cute and you know how i am around cute girls!"

Ben and Kylo began bickering and biting at each other and Matt just sighed.

"We'll never be human again."

The other two stopped their fighting and looked at Matt, then each other.

----

Meanwhile, you were at work, taking bandages and gauze to wrap your hand.

"(Y/n), oh my god, what happened?!"

You looked over and saw your friend, Poe. He was a veterinarian at the clinic, and a pretty good one, too. He rushed over to you and bandaged up your hand for you. You told him about the dogs you met in the alley and explained that one of them bit you.

"We need to check for rabies! Maybe they had some other kind of disease! You can't be so reckless, (Y/n)!"

Poe was freaking out worrying about you but you just laughed.

"It's not that big of a deal. It doesn't hurt or anything anymore. I think I'll be fine."

Just then, your boss walked in. Poe was quick to rat you out, for your own good as he put it, and the boss told you to go to the hospital and not to come to work until they knew you were clear of any rabies or infection.

You left work just as quick as you had arrived and meade your way to the hospital across town. As you did, you made sure to pass by the alley again, and just your luck, Ben came rushing at you. He must've smelled you as you got closer and Matt came shortly after, both of them were very happy to see you again.

"Hello boys. I can't stay long i have to go to the hospital. But since I'm here," you rummaged around in your bag and the two dogs looked at you woth confusion, "here, i won't be needing this." You pulled out your breakfast and broke it up into 3 equal pieces. You gave 2 of the pieces to Ben and Matt who seemed like they hadn't eaten in days, and if they were in the alley, then they more than likely haven't. Then you got up and walked to the alley.

"Hello. Other dog. Are you there?" You called out, and sure enough, the growling beauceron came out from its hiding spot. It walked toward you and you smiled and bent down. You held out the food in your bandaged hand, this made the beauceron mix stop in its tracks. It looked at you then looked away as it slowly approached you. When it got a few feet away, you inched towards it, still offering it your breakfast. It looked at you again, as if asking for permission.

"It's okay, my hand is fine. I know you were just protecting your alley." You smiled at the dog and it huffed. It finally got close enough to gently take the food from your hands and then run off to scarf it down. You waited while it ate the food quickly and returned to you. You stared at each other and you held still, your hands on your knees. The beauceron mix walked up to you, and got closer and closer. Then it sat in front of you and looked away. You smiled and slowly reached for its collar, this time it didn't even move.

"Kylo Ren. Wow, that sounds like a very strong name." Kylo's nub of a tail wagged but he remained still, looking angry even if he wasn't. You giggled and the other two boys appeared behind you, Ben whining to get your attention. You turned to him and stood up.

"Im sorry, buddy. That's all i have right now. After i leave the hospital, I'll come back with something yummy for you guys, okay?" You pet Ben and Matt as you walked out of the alley.

Just as you had promised, you left the hospital and picked up some cheap burgers from a fast food joint. It was dark out, you had been at the hospital all day and now it was late in the evening, you were walking to the alley but something felt wrong, but you brushed it off. You were just outside the alley and the 3 dogs saw you. Just as you were about to enter the alley, a man came up behind you and pushed you, face first, against the wall.

"Hey there, beautiful." He whispered in your ear with a deep and gravely jersey voice.

"Get off of me!"

"Ya know, i saw you walking by and just said to myself that i had to have a piece of you."

His words sent a intense shiver down your spine. You looked over your shoulder slightly and saw it was a bearded man in a black trenchcoat and a ski mask, and he smelled strongly of alcohol and cigarettes.

"G-get off .... or I'll scream!!"

"Scream and I'll gut ya......unless..... you gimme a kiss or all your money. Heh, how about both just for safe measures?"

He pushed something sharp against your back and you cried out for help before the guy kneed you in the back of your right leg. He let you fall to the ground and dragged you into the alley.

"Now your gonna pay." He said as he lifted his hand, a knife held tight in his grip. You closed your eyes as he swung at you but you felt no cut. Instead, you heard a growl. You opened your eyes at the familiar sound.

"The hell was that?" The man turned and from the darkness emurged your new four legged acquaintance, Kylo. He walked closer, intimidating as ever, fangs bared and his eyes staring straight at your attacker. The man started to back up, forgetting you were behind him. You took the opportunity to trip him and get up to run. You ran over to Kylo and he made sure to stand in front of you protectively.

"Hell no! I ain't scared of no dog!"

The man sprinted toward the both of you but Kylo was a lot faster and ran up and bit the man's forearm. The man yelled out in pain and dropped his knife. He fell to the ground and Kylo made sure to stay biting on his arm. While he did, you rushed over and kicked the knife away. The man tried punching Kylo and that was a big mistake. Kylo let go of the man's arm and was about to chomp down on his neck.

"Stop!"

You shouted. Kylo turned to look at you. You were in front of the other 2 dogs and they were all watching as he was about to bite down on this man's neck. Kylo turned back to the man who has passed out from fear. Kylo huffed and turned back around to you and the other dogs, walking over and sniffing you to make sure you were okay. You kneeled down and hugged him tightly.

"Kylo, my hero! Thank you!"

Kylo huffed again and wiggled out of your grip. You laughed and pet him with your bandaged hand.

"Still not the affectionate type, huh?"

You got up to walk toward the unconscious man but were interrupted.

"Hey! What's going on here? Someone reported a lot of noise coming from this alley."

It was a police officer. He put his flashlight down the alley and you quickly walked towards him.

"Officer, this man tried to rob me and threated to stab me!"

You told him everything you could and he cuffed the man, then put him in his car parked outside the alley. The officer came back to talk to you.

"That man had a nasty bite on his arm. Mind explaining that to me?"

"Absolutely. You see, this dog named Kylo was in the alley and saw the man attacking me so he came in to rescue me."

"Well that's very brave. Unfortunately, they are out on the streets so I'll have to take them to the pound."

Just then, Ben, Matt, and Kylo came over to you and looked up at you. The police officer noticed their collars.

"Oh, are these your dogs?"

You looked down at the dogs who were looking at you with concern, you smiled and then looked back up at the officer.

"Yes, sir." You said happily. Matt and Ben began wagging their tails and looked at the cop with a proud posture.

"They are supposed to be on a leash if they aren't indoors or at the dog park, miss."

"I'm sorry, sir. I live just a few buildings down and they are very well trained. They always stay close to me so i was taking them out for a short walk and-"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's enough. I'm gonna let you off with a warning seeing as i got more important things to deal with right now."

The police officer gestured to the man who attacked you and you sighed in relief. You thanked the officer and he went to his car and drove off. You looked down at the 3 dogs and smiled.

"Let's go home."

[michael-langdon-appreciation]

Not to be 'that bitch' but I'm gonna be.......Part 10 of the foursome? Perhaps sometime soon? I KNOW you were finishing it up earlier K I LOVE YOU BYEEEEEEEE 💛💛💛💛

Aren’t you just the luckiest little bug! I’ve been on a writing spree since I have finally been a good girl and charted out the entire end of the foursome. Clap and a half for meeee! 

Here is part 10 for you all! 

——————————————————————————————

PART 10

Y/N

While she would never admit it to any of the boys, especially Duncan…Jerome was an absolute dream. There was nothing that grossed him out or was too much of an inconvenience. He helped Y/N with her morning sickness, made her whatever she was craving to eat and even gave her a foot-rub last night. 

For the most of it, Duncan held his tongue. His hours had only increased as the Media Mogul worked overtime to make-up for the hiatus he took. Y/N would often find Duncan slumped over a stack of paperwork, the man only stirring when she runs her fingers gently through his hair, took his hand and led the way to bed. Y/N slept with Duncan. That was a non negotiable agreement and sometimes the only moments when they would see each other in the day. Y/N would be curved into Duncan’s chest, the little spoon while his hand rests protectively over her stomach, which was only getting bigger with each passing month. But despite Duncan’s best efforts, Y/N saw the resentment in his eyes last night. The way his eyes roved over her bump, her smile lazy with ease as Jerome worked out the tension in the ball of her foot. 

He’d gone straight to bed without a word, forcing Y/N to sneak in after him in the middle of the night. The bed was empty when she woke, as usual. But unlike every other morning, the was no breakfast wafting from the kitchen. 

Making her way into the kitchen, there sits Duncan at the breakfast bar, a coffee in one hand and the paper on the counter. He’s got his reading glasses on, a new development from staring at screens too long. 

They suit him. Give him that wise boss look as Duncan smirks at her, ‘Morning.’ 

‘You’re not at work?’ 

‘Took the day off.’ Duncan’s clearly proud of himself, ‘You have a big appointment today.’ 

Y/N grabs a croissant, ‘Jerome is happily taking me. You didn’t need to cancel work, I know you have a big deal closing.’ 

‘I want to be there.’ Duncan has that stubborn tone in his voice, the one you cannot argue with. 

Y/N takes a seat opposite him. ‘It won’t be pretty. They’re going to have to check me everywhere. Do the ultrasound and if things have taken a bad turn…’ 

Duncan’s hand slides across the table to take hers, ‘I’ll be right there with you.’ She can feel the tears welling in her eyes. Duncan regards her with such open honesty, such love in his eyes. ’Don’t you dare start feeling guilty again.’ He continues, ‘I’m okay. I’ve…dealt with it. Our arrangement is pretty good at the minute, wouldn’t you say.’

‘I feel like I can breathe for the first time in a while, yes.’ Y/N squeezes his hand, ‘But that doesn’t mean I don’t miss seeing Jim playing Xbox in the mornings, or Michael walking about in just a towel, his hair in a bun-‘

‘It’s just not the best idea right now.’ 

Y/N has to agree. While Michael and Jim are more than eager to spend time with her, to keep her company and dote on her every need, them together is just a powder keg. Jim is still hurting, badly. His lips spit vitriol every time they crossover, his eyes dark and full of snide comments. Michael does his best to let them all slide off, but Y/N still caught him crying in the elevator on his way out of the lobby. He never saw her, but Y/N’s heart aches every time she thinks of him, alone with his thoughts. 

Both of them…cannot really be alone. 

‘This appointment has to go well.’ She murmurs, seeking Duncan’s eyes. 

‘Have faith then.’ 

‘A croissant is not nearly enough for a Mom with two babies on the way.’ Jerome breezes into the kitchen, still in his pyjamas. He sets to work turning on the hob and cracking open some eggs. ‘Now I can do scrambled, poached, fried or an omelette. We’ll go omelette, more protein there for you.’ 

‘I don’t think we’ll have time, Jerome.’ Duncan watches him, ‘We’re leaving in twenty.’ 

Jerome wheels round, only just realising Duncan is in the room. ‘You’re….home?’

‘I do that sometimes.’  

Jerome nods, ’It’s fine, I just…’

‘Wanted to make Y/N an omelette.’ Duncan leans back on his stool, ready to play the game. ‘You’ve been a great help, Jerome. You’ve really been there for Y/N.’

‘Duncan.’ Y/N’s voice turns to ice, ‘Do not.’ 

Jerome takes the pan off the heat, ‘She’s a good friend. I want to give her all the support I can.’

‘She has plenty.’ 

‘Of course she does.’

Duncan stands at once, ‘What does that mean?’

Y/N dumps her croissant in the bin and heads to grab a coat. The macho fight was inevitable, but that doesn’t mean she has to stick around to hear the egos go at it again. The voice fade away as she buttons up her Rain Mac, the buttons straining from her large bump. Y/N rolls out her shoulders a couple times, feeling the usual nags and aches from carrying so much extra weight and returns to the kitchen. 

‘You’re all fighting over Y/N like she’s some prize to be won. You’ve even divided up the damn apartment, there’s visiting hours for the daddies, but who’s stopping to think about what Y/N wants?’ 

She stops dead upon entering the kitchen. Duncan and Jerome are inches apart. 

‘Say that again.’ Duncan’s practically spitting in Jerome’s face. 

‘We’re leaving.’ Y/N calls over, ‘Now. Duncan.’ 

Duncan extracts himself from the situation, his eyes never leaving Jerome. The Salesman stands tall, his arms folded over each other. ‘You think about that.’ Jerome calls, ‘You start putting Y/N first or I’m taking her out of this shit-storm.’

‘No one is putting me anywhere I don’t want to be.’ Y/N wheels back to glower at Jerome, ‘Thank you for your honesty. You’re right, Jerome. But I need them while I’m going through this. After the babies are born…that’s a different matter.’ 

Y/N swings her bag over her shoulder and calls the elevator. She steps in, not bothering to wait for Duncan. HE slips inside just in time, eyes wide and out of breath. ‘What the fuck do you mean by that?’ 

————————————————————————————

JIM

He rolls the car keys between his fingers. Jim’s focus is on the penthouse apartment, and then back to the streets. He didn’t miss them did he? 

No. He’s been vigilant. 

Jim checks his phone and there’s nothing. No new texts or missed calls…not even a software update. 

He has to know and Jim is already highly offended no one has bothered to call him. His stomach has been in knots for weeks, he can’t eat, he can rarely sleep. Not while that monster could be sucking the life out of his child. 

Jim will not let that happen. 

The car pulls up and Duncan steps out first. He offers his hand to Y/N who struggles to emerge gracefully from the car. She stumbles a little, but Duncan’s got her safe. 

He always does. 

They talk for a moment outside, perhaps discussing their next move. Jim’s fingers itch towards the door handle, to surprise them and demand to know the outcome of the appointment. But he bides his time as Duncan kisses Y/N’s cheek and then makes his way into the lobby. 

Y/N seems to dawdle, as if waiting for someone. 

Michael.

Jim holds his breath, waiting for the Antichrist to skulk out of his shadows and speak to her. But no one comes, Y/N pulls her coat tighter round her and Jim notices it’s new. The old one was just beginning to strain. Of course Duncan noticed something like that. He can’t have Y/N looking like she’s struggling at all, not when he can pour handfuls of money down her throat. 

Y/N’s head turns and looks directly at him. 

Jim swallows.

Shit. 

She makes her way across the road and knocks on the car window. Jim rolls it down, trying his best to remain cool. ‘You gonna hide in your car all day?’

‘I thought you were waiting on someone else.’ 

Y/N rests a hand against the car for some leverage, ‘I know you, Jim. You’re desperate enough to stalk the house and you have every right to.’ 

Jim hates her calling him desperate, but he can’t help himself. ‘So…?’

‘Michael’s child is larger at the moment.’ Y/N reports, ‘Our baby is the…runt I guess you could call it.’  

‘Fantastic.’ 

‘But the danger doesn’t seem to be there.’ Y/N continues quickly, ‘We’re just…going to monitor it. I’ve got appointments every two weeks just to be sure. The Doctor thought we were a little crazy but Duncan gave him enough money to schedule us in.’ 

Y/N’s leaning over so her hair spills down her chest. God he’s missed her. It just isn’t the same when Duncan or Jerome are around to supervise their visits. Jim just wants an hour alone with Y/N. Is that too much to ask for?  

‘Do you…regret it?’

Y/N takes in a deep breath, ‘No. Michael….I think he needed this. After everything he’s been through, family should be something positive for him. I’m not taking that away from him.’ 

‘I meant joining this.’

‘This?’

‘Whatever the fuck we are,’ Jim emphasises. His fingers tighten on his car keys. He’s running out of time if he wants to do something. Y/N searches him with those eyes he adores. The way the light catches in them from this angle… 

She pushes away from the car, ’Don’t you dare start spouting this shit. You didn’t have to join either, you could have turned me down flat at the beach. You didn’t have to pay for my ice-cream or agree to meet Duncan and Michael. You made those decisions yourself, Jim. And I am done feeling guilty and responsible for just trying to live my life.’ 

Her fingers run through her hair, Y/N anger distracting her just enough. There’s no one around. If Jim is going to act, he needs to do it now. Jim opens the car door, ‘No I didn’t have to do any of the nice shit I have done for you over the years. I didn’t even have to take you to PV. I panicked, okay? I saw Duncan’s shit and I just panicked and did what I do best. I run. I ran from my Mom after rehab, I ran from University when I couldn’t afford it. That’s what I do.’ Jim’s hand slides into his back pocket, for the cloth ready and waiting. ‘I wanted to get to know you, not the others. But we sat in that diner and we all got close, we all got on and they reeled me in. Despite everything I’m here, completely dependent on you. You’re the mother of my child, my baby who is in danger, Y/N. I’m here still trying to make things work with you because I can’t ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’ 

He takes a cautious step forwards, right as Y/N steps back. ‘I’m going upstairs.’ She says, ‘I am going to run a bath, put on some damn candles and get some Taco Bell with Duncan and Jerome. If you can join us and be okay with this situation…maybe there’s a chance for us. But you do what you want Jim. I’m not gonna tell anyone what to do.’ 

Y/N crosses the street quickly, looking over her shoulder once to check if he’s going to join. 

Jim hesitates, the fabric tickling the pads of his fingers. He tosses the cloth back into the car and locks up, quickly running over and sliding his arm round her waist. Jim calls the elevator, hoping to God he made the right decision. 

No more games. 

No more underhanded tactics. 

He’ll pour the chloroform down the sink the second he gets back to the hotel. 

———————————————————————————

DUNCAN

If there is one good reason for having Jerome around, it would be his cooking. For a guy on the road, the Travelling Salesman can make a mean steak. Duncan heaps Bordelaise sauce on top, nearly drinking right from the gravy boat itself. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought you went to culinary school.’ 

‘Who says I didn’t?’ Jerome replies, the corner of his lip tugging. 

‘It’ll be that time spent in France.’ Y/N concludes, ’Though what you were doing there-’

‘I’d be in breech of many contracts if I told you.’ Jerome answers quickly, his eyes twinkling. 

‘Government shit?’ Duncan concludes. 

‘Maybe.’ 

‘Black market goods,’ Y/N guesses. 

Duncan could swear that twinkle just grew slightly bigger, ‘Now that’s more like me wouldn’t you say?’ 

Jim has hardly touched his food. He seems incapable of communicating much at all, he just watches Y/N most of the time. He’s addicted, drunk on her and the news of his baby is only cementing Jim’s psyche. If Y/N wasn’t Jim’s world before, she is now. 

In the three months that have passed, Duncan has been Switzerland. The go between. He’s listened to Jim’s rants, the pent-up rage and witnessed just how carefully he helps Y/N. Duncan has caught Jim talking to Y/N’s bump when she’s fallen asleep on the couch, unable to detach from her. On the other hand, Duncan has talked Michael off the ledge, stopped the Antichrist from using him magic. Duncan has had no choice but to placate Michael, to promise him that no matter what, his baby will be born. 

But where does this leave him? 

Y/N’s hand rests in his atop the table, a fact Jim has been eying throughout the night. Jerome continues to tell story and story of his time in Venezuela, Morocco, Haiti. He gestures wildly, an entertainer and Duncan is reminded of the circus at once. Jerome is quiet, poised and observant but when he’s talking about what he loves, the man comes to life. For the first time in a while, there’s peace at the dinner table. 

About time too. Duncan couldn’t take another fucking takeout. 

He cleans up the plates, pushing his reading glasses back up his nose. He checks the stack of work emails for anything urgent, but it seems fate has smiled on him tonight. A night in with the people he loves, such a rarity these days. 

‘If you leave the plates to soak for a while in hot water, it’s easier to get the food off.’ 

Jerome stands in the doorway, watching Duncan with a smirk. 

‘I know how to wash up.’ Duncan says, ‘Not incompetent.’ 

‘No you aren’t.’

Duncan’s getting slightly more used to Jerome’s presence round the apartment. Ever since their bust-up Duncan’s been doing some thinking. He had nothing else to do while in the car with Y/N. But that doesn’t mean he likes having him here. ‘Don’t you have something better to do than critique how I do things? Isn’t there a hot water bottle for you to prepare, a bed to make or something.’ 

Jerome chuckles, ‘I got all that finished earlier. Unlike most people I find housework rather…relaxing.’ 

‘You’re so weird.’ 

‘It focuses me.’ Jerome explains, ‘De-stresses me so I can think about better, more exciting things.’ 

‘I wouldn’t know.’ Duncan bites back, ‘I had a maid all my childhood.’ 

‘And you’ve got a Nanny now.’

‘Apparently.’ 

Duncan drops the plates in the sink, eager to be out of the awkward environment. He needs to talk to Jim, to clear the air or…make-up for lost time. He needs to do something to make the Beach Boy feel more at home while he’s here. 

‘If you’re asking for his blessing, you’d better lift his mood a little.’ 

Duncan freezes. 

‘I’ve done an alright job.’ Jerome continues, ‘But I’m not family.’ Duncan remains glued to the spot. His heart has jumped up to his throat, gagging any word from coming out. His glasses slip again and he shoves him into his pocket as Jerome approaches. ‘I truly didn’t mean to see it, sport. Y/N wanted one of your shirts to wear and I found it in the bottom drawer.’ 

‘My boxers are in that drawer.’ 

Jerome nods, ‘My mistake.’ 

He can’t say anything. Duncan’s mortified. He had it all planned out, the perfect moment and the perfect setting. All he had to do first was speak to Jim, Michael had already given his permission the last time they spoke. He takes a shaky step, before Jerome calls him back again. ‘Out of the three of you…if it had to be one of you, I’m glad it’ll be you.’ 

‘She has to say yes.’ Duncan’s voice is a murmur, a terrified little whisper. ‘Jim has to be good with it.’

Jerome sidles past him, ‘Well…I think Y/N’s going to do what she wants. No matter who is upset, or who gets hurt along the way.’ He pats Duncan on the shoulder, ‘I wouldn’t worry, sport.’ 

There’s a horrid feeling of something hanging in the air. Jerome leaves the kitchen and launches into another story; Duncan can hear him from where he stands. He sags against the counter, pinching the bridge of his nose. Jim’s laugh rises into the air, so distinctive, so full of life. 

Duncan misses that sound. 

He always thought if there would be anyone Duncan would commit himself to, it’d be the floppy-haired, bronzed boy in the other room. But over the past months… 

Michael has a child coming.

Jim has a child coming.

The least they can give him, is Y/N hand in marriage. 

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[authorofdanger]

Reason Of Survival Part 1

Genre:Angst

Warnings: Mentions of abuse, violence, kidnapping, and death.

Stray Kids Mafia AU

My breathing was ragged as I took another blow to my chest. It was another losing fight for me this week but what was the point in winning? Another day having the shit beaten out of me? To possibly having a full meal once a day and two smaller ones to try to motivate me more? Some clean water? A fucking shower? I dont have a good reason to keep fighting so I kept taking all the hits from my opponent. It felt like hours before I was on the ground with a broken wrist, fractured nose, bloodied face, cracked ribs, and bruises littering my entire body. It's not the worst I have endured in a fight but it's not my best either.

I was tossed back into my cell like a piece of meat and I could barely let out a cry from the pain of the impact. My hair was pulled up harshly which forced me to look my boss in his eyes. "The fuck is wrong with you? You were my top fighter for years and now you cant even win a single fight! And for what? Some cell mate you had for only a few months? Pathetic." My cell mate, Libby, died last week after losing her tenth fight. Boss decided she was no longer useful and.... well you can guess from there. She was my only friend in this hell hole and the only person I wasn't forced to fight. We took care of eachother and became eachothers motivation to keep going and keep winning. At this rate I'm not too far from joining her.

"I'm warning you. Either start winning or I will find better use for you," he warned before releasing my sore scalp and slamming my cell door shut. I crawled over to my personal first aid kit and cleaned myself up the best I could without water or a mirror. My wrist was going to have to wait until my weekly body check from my cell section's nurse. Leaning against the cool concrete wall I listened to the fights continuing the floor above me so I could have an idea of which cells would need to be cleared tonight.

*****

"Let me fucking go," a voice boomed down the hall which ripped my attention away from the fight. I glanced over through the bars and saw a boy being dragged this way by two guards. He looked young, possibly still a teen, but he was well built and looked to be a perfect candidate in the ring. His red hair was messy on top of his head and his clothes were ripped and bloody. He had to be new though because if he wasn't I'm sure I would have fought him by now. I pulled my legs to my chest to make myself small as the three of them stopped in front of my cell and the boy was tossed inside with me and locked in. "I swear to God your going to regret that when my team gets here," he yelled but the guards only laughed before leaving the hall.

I kept silent as I watched him curiously. Nobody in their right mind speaks to the guards like that unless you are a top fighter. A boy like him could get killed here and the boss wouldn't even bat an eye. He ran his hand through his hair before turning around and jumping at the sight of me. I relaxed my legs a bit when I saw all of the violence in his eyes be replaced with concern. "Are you okay," he asked. I let out a small painful laugh. "You're kidding right?" His eyes scanned around my body and stopped when it hit my wrist. "Its not nice to stare you know," I scoffed before shutting my eyes and leaning my head back, "you a new fighter or something?"

"Prisoner. I was captured while on a mission with my team." Prisoner? We dont have prisoners. We have fighters, sex workers, and the guards but not prisoners. "So a fighter? You look too innocent to be a guard and the boss doesn't typically want a baby faced male sex worker." My eyes shot back open in fear as I felt a hand gently grab my wrist but I didnt pull away. "I can wrap this. It might help." Without an answer he had a hold of my first aid kit and made a good makeshift cast. The entire time I kept my eyes on his face which held a sense of focus and care that kept me calm most of the time of contact. "You know it's not nice to stare," he mocked while finishing up. I rolled my eyes but chose to ignore his comment.

"What's your name?" "Y/N. Yours," I asked as he put up the kit. "Jeongin. How long have you been here?" To be honest I'm not too sure. One day I just woke up in this cell with no recollection of my past and I've been here ever since. "Years," was the easiest answer I could give him. I could see his shoulders tense up a bit but his face remained calm and held little emotion. It's odd seeing a newbie so relaxed after being brought in. Normally they would be screaming, fighting, and finding any way to escape. Jeongin on the other hand seems to accept his fate or maybe he has a plan that is bound to fail, either way it's too hard for me to read him quite yet.

"How old are you? I'm seventeen," he asked. He was probably trying to relax any fears I have of him and truth be told it was working but seventeen? And he was talking about a team and he is holding himself together? Something isnt quite right about him but how can I judge in a place like this. "I dont really know anymore. The boss has a file on me somewhere but I had a serious head injury a while back and all I remember is my name and a few scattered memories here and there. It's all a bit of a blur. Hey you said something about a team right?" His eyes shined at the question. Whoever this team is he must hold a good amount of fondness to them. "They're like brothers to me. There are nine of us in total and we run a pretty well known mafia group if I do say so myself. It's a tough job but it gives us all the thrill we have craved since birth. I'm their hacker, I can crack any passcode and hack any electronic device in minutes. Been doing it since I was about fifteen." His hopeful look dimmed as he trailed into a deep thought.

"I wonder if they know where I am." Against my better judgement I reached my hand out for him and led him to sit beside me and laid his head on my shoulder. I dont quite understand what he is feeling right now but I have a good idea. "I wont let anything happen to you Jeongin. Your brothers are coming and they will get you out of here, until then I promise I will keep you alive." Now the question was how was I going to do that? How was I going to protect another person when I can barely protect myself?

*****

The next morning we were woken up by the sounds of sobs and screaming, the usual sounds the morning after fighting matches. Today is the day where cellmates discover that their best friends, lovers, and family members are gone. Today is also the day where if we have any weak links we either move them to the sex worker section or they get killed off. It's always hard to hear no matter how long you have been here and I feel that these sounds will haunt me until the day I die. "What's happening," Jeongin whispered as I watched people being ripped from their cells and new people being added. "They're cleaning out cells. Removing weak links, adding new people, and moving people around. Dont think to much about it." He only nodded his head before taking his body weight off of me and looked around. He mentioned before that he was in the mafia, shouldn't this not bother him at all? "There's kids here too?" Does he expect the boss to have morals? If they can be of any use he will keep them. "Some were born here and some were taken. Again dont think to much into this stuff. It only adds to the depression." He turned his head and looked at me with an unreadable glare. "I'm going to get you out of here," he said more to himself but I only gave him a small smile before fear rose in my chest. I quickly got up and pushed him behind me as the boss opened my cell and slightly chuckled at my protectiveness.

"Well looks who is finally up and moving again," he said darkly while pulling a remote out of his suit pants pocket. I prepared myself for the electric shocks that were about to hit me through my shock collar but refused to stand down, he is testing me I know it. "So I see you have gotten to know our new little addition. I figured he would bring something out in you." I ticked my eyebrow up at him and listened carefully at every single word he was saying and being prepared for any questions he may ask. "I was thinking of adding him to this unit but maybe he would be better as-" "You wont take him," I interrupted boldly, "you want me to win then fine but you cant have him." I know his games and he has done things similar before. He wants his best fighter to win him big bucks in the ring and this is a sick way of doing it. A grin found it's way on his lips as he pressed the button on the remote, nearly bringing me to my knees if Jeongin didnt grab me by the waist to hold me up.

"How about we make a little deal then pet," he laughed before turning off the collar, "as long as you keep winning in the ring he doesnt have to even lift a finger. You continue your little stunt and your losing streak then I trade you two out. Maybe he can do better then you." Jeongin's grip on me tightened and he whispered in my ear "I can handle this. Dont do it." Closing my eyes and shaking my head I felt like there wasn't much of a choice. If I can help it I dont want anyone else in that ring even if it means I have to work myself to death. "He wont be in the ring? Or a part of the sex group," I asked as bravely as I could. "No. You will take up any and all of his jobs I would have pinned him to do. His whole life will depend on your actions." Could I handle that? The extra fights, possibly be in the sex ring as well, any and everything he would have to go through plus my own schedule? "Deal."

*****

"You didnt have to do that," Jeongin sighed while cleaning the dried blood off my face and body since we got our cleaning bucket. "You dont want to be out there. I've been doing this long enough to know what to expect. You just have to trust me on this." I let in a sharp inhale as the soaked rag swiped over my nose which definitely was broken. He mumbled out a few apologies but continued on until most of the blood was off of me and in the bucket. "We should be getting showers tonight for the selections," I explained as he examined the bruises and other various injuries I had. "Selections?"

"Other bosses from other districts come and decide who they want to pin against their own fighters. They also discuss which prize they want if they win. Sometimes its money and sometimes it's the losing fighter. Most of the others here I had fought at one time or another and my boss claimed. I could be fighting about four fighters if I'm lucky in the next three days."

"You call that lucky?" "Lucky as in minimum. Usually on my own I get between two or three and now that I add on your count," I began but stopped myself. I dont need him feeling bad about something that isnt his fault. "You wont be fighting. Chan and the others will find us by then," he assured quietly after a guard passed our cell. I could only give him an assuring smile. How long will it be before he gives up hope? I've been here for years and after a few months I gave up on the thought of escape. Once you end up in a cell there is no leaving, you are no longer a human in a sense but like an animal. Nobody really cares about you as a person anymore and you might as well be erased from the outside world.

"I bet Seungmin has already tracked my location by now," he added "and Chan is probably calling either Sungjin or JB! Oh or Woojin could be calling Jungwoo! It would be a mess if all of NCT came you know," he continued. At some point I zoned out of what he was saying so I myself wouldn't get my hopes up. I thought back to Libby and how right now she would be playing with my hair or how she would be trying to learn fighting strategies from me. Maybe she would have punched Jeongin in the face by now because of his optimism levels, she never was one to see the glass half full.

"Are you even listening to me," he chuckled which pulled me back to the present. "Kinda. Hey Jeongin can we not talk about escaping right now? Maybe you can tell me more about your friends in general?" As if he understood what I was getting at he nodded his head and began to ramble on about all the adventures he has been on through the years. Though he may be a little too hopeful and cheerful he is the perfect amount of light for this dark situation, and in my mind I vow to never let anything happen to him.

Even if it kills me.