#little hurt/big comfort

[brothersinablackcar]

Old doodle for the old LJ kink meme, back when dinosaurs roamed the old earth, iirc? A moment of tenderness and bubbles. Don't ask me where they got a claw-footed tub. At a B'nB after "antiquing"? Sure, let's go with that...

[c4t1l1n4]

Hey, so you know that post I made earlier today?

Twins in Time AU but instead of 1982!Stanley getting sent back to the past he gets set to Post-Wierdmaggedon 2012 because I need him to get love and comfort from Ford.

Yeah, I wrote it. You can find the not beta'd version under the cut and I'll probably post the still-not-beta'd version on AO3 tomorrow.

You're A Hero, Stanley

A not really at all, but inspired by, Twins in Time AU ----- Stanford Pines is disassembling the portal when it happens.

The kids have gone home after their 13th birthday, and Stanley is out at the store getting groceries. They decided to take a few months to plan everything before setting out to sea. With Bill Cipher defeated and the portal dysfunctional, Ford had no reason to feel uncomfortable being in the basement alone. He's down there, disassembling it completely so it can't be remade when it turns on. He stares at it for a moment, something like fear coursing through his veins as his worst dreams come true.

There's no way that it should work. Parts are missing. The energy source is gone. In fact, Ford was almost done. He stares at the bunch of wires in his hands and the tools on the floor, then back at the blue glow of the portal. Suddenly, a figure falls out of it and crashes to the ground. Ford reaches for his gun, pointing it at the figure as they groan. The figure rights themselves, standing to their feet and looking around. Ford can't believe his eyes.

"Stanley?" He asks in confusion, lowering his gun.

The figure—assumedly Stanley—stares at him in a similar state of uncertainty. "Ford?" His voice rings out hesitantly.

"What happened to you? Are you okay?" Ford asks, rushing over to examine him. "Did something happen at the grocery store?"

"What are you talking about?" Stan says, reeling at the attention. "We were fighting, and I went through your weird portal thing, and now I'm here."

Ford frowns, the portal hanging emptily up above them like a threat. He takes in his brother's brown hair and thick jacket, tucking his gun away. "When are you from?"

Stan looks at him oddly. "What is that supposed to mean?" He blinks, looking at Ford as if seeing him for the first time in the dim light. "What happened to you?"

"Stanley," Ford repeats emphatically. "What year is it?"

"1982."

Ford's eyes widen in shock, and he inhales abruptly. His hands start the shake, and he feels the need to take a deep breath. This Stan is from 1982. 1982. Arguably the worst year of Ford's life. This is when it happened. But it seems that instead, Stan was pushed through and ended up here. He suddenly feels like he doesn't know what to do. He looks at this version of Stan and sees one so similar to his own and knows that this is how he looked and this is how he felt when he was left alone. It scares him, and it's sad. It takes him a moment, and there's a short period where he's just staring at him. He can tell that it makes Stan uncomfortable by the way that he squirms in place.

He then pulls his brother into a tight hug because there's nothing else to do. It's obvious that Stan doesn't know what to do either from the way that he tenses in the hold. Maybe Ford should've been more careful with his abrupt movements and constricting motion, seeing as this Stan is fresh from a life on the run. He knows he's made the right choice when Stan eventually melts into the embrace.

“I'm so sorry,” Ford says, apologizing for things in the past. “And thank you,” he says, apologizing for things in the future.

Stan doesn't say anything back, but Ford suspects it's because there are tears in his eyes. "Are you okay? You never answered my question about whether or not you were hurt.” Ford says, pulling back and holding him at arm's length to investigate him closer.

“I’m fine,” Stan says, “just got some dust in my eye.”

Ford nods knowingly.

"What is this place anyway?" Stan demands. "And why are you so old?"

"This is Gravity Falls, Oregon, and it's the year 2012." Ford grins as Stan's eyes widen in surprise.

"You mean to say my nerdy twin brother invented time travel?" He asks in disbelief.

Ford chuckles. "Not quite. I believe you're from an alternate dimension. If my theory is correct: My Stanley is at the grocery store, and your Ford is working furiously to get you back."

Stan scoffs, eyes dropping to look at the ground. "I doubt that," he says somewhat miserably.

Something sharp and painful pierces Ford in the heart. He knows he's made a lot of mistakes in the past, but seeing it spelled out so clearly in front of him is a special type of torture. "I know you don't believe me, but if your Ford is anything like me, he does love you. He's just an arrogant, ignorant ass about it."

“Hey,” Stan defends on reflex. “That's my brother you're talking about.”

It is equally heartwarming and pain-inducing to see Stan jump so readily to his defense when he knows that the Ford of that time would so easily push him to the side. “He's me,” Ford points out. "It’s just the truth.”

Stan frowns, like he's not happy about it.

"Just like I know it's the truth when I said he cares about you."

Stan eyes him skeptically. "He told me to take his journal as far away from him as possible," he deadpans.

Ford cringes. He doesn't really remember what he said to his brother in that paranoid, insomnia-induced haze, but that sounds pretty bad. "Fair," he conceded. Ford did think he hated his brother for the longest time, even if he really didn’t, so he supposes that Stanley isn't too far off. "Then I can't do much besides reassure you that I love you now."

Stan looks away again. "Not me though. I mean, some version of me, I guess. But yours is at the grocery store, or so you said."

Ford grins, grabbing Stan by the shoulders and forcing him to look at him. "Stan, I love every version of you. Alternate dimension or not. If you can't find it in yourself to believe me, at least look at me. Am I lying?"

Stan studies him. “No,” He says, and something between disbelief and awe breaks out across his face. "You really love me?" He asks, a sound like hope ringing in his voice.

Ford continues to smile, wider this time, and pulls his brother into another hug. "Of course I do. You're my brother. Even more than that, you're a good person and a hero. Stanley.” he says as the young Stans in his arms tightens his hold around him. “You're my hero.”

The blue glow of the portal highlights Stan in his arms as it springs to life again. Ford rests his chin on top of his brother's head, allowing this younger version to take comfort in the moment. He stares up at the portal—the portal that in no way should work and yet does—and holds his brother tighter for a little longer. “I told you he was going to get you back,” Ford says, wishing he didn't have to let him leave. “Now, it's time for you to be his hero.”

Stan takes a step back and with a grin, turns to face the blue glow. He lets himself get sucked into the gravitational pull, floating up and disappearing. It doesn't get any easier or less terrifying to watch someone disappear into its gaping maw, but Ford is reassured that this Stan is going somewhere great.

The portal closes, dowsing the room in darkness once more, but as Ford pulls apart the last pieces, he is filled with hope.

[elsecrytt]

so i had a thought.

what if 236 is actually jujutsu tech propaganda?

mei mei is broadcasting this entire thing, right? what better way to protect gojo from bounty hunters etc., than convince the entire world that he's already dead?

the final battle happened offscreen, with significantly less fanfare. gojo rescued megumi, defeated sukuna. the day was saved.

at a cost.

gojo gave up everything - at least, everything he valued. the six eyes, his abilities as a sorcerer. he assumed that would make him a normal man, and he was right -

what he didn't realize was that it would also make him blind.

so now... you live in a nice apartment complex. a guy moves in next to you.

you can't help but notice he happens to be blind - at least, he's wearing a blindfold, uses a cane, but he's often swearing and stumbling through his porch, over his entryway. he is very, very blind.

you, wondering what the fuck up is with your obviously blind neighbor who seems to have no sense of self-preservation.

he walks into objects all the time, especially hitting his head on things, since he's so tall. forgets his cane when going out. the dude just left his door open the other day, like, WIDE OPEN, who DOES that?

helping gojo learn, not only how to be human, but how to be disabled. how to not be disgusted with being disabled.

gojo learning that being blind isn't the end of his life, nor the end of his happiness - life is still worth living, even without one of his senses.

helping gojo mourn his lost sense while still finding things to enjoy. gojo who learns to cook by taste, by feeling heat or texture, with your help. gojo learning to organize things so he always knows where they are from memory.

bringing gojo audiobook versions of your favorite stories even if he teases you for your taste. he listens to them when he has nothing to do, which is most of the time, now.

he goes out on walks all the time because he doesn't have a job, you learn. while it's nice to not have to work, you can tell he comes from money, his life comes with a gaping hole inside it, one that isn't entirely explained by the blindness.

gojo who's overstimulated all the time because he no longer has infinity as a barrier, but somehow also as touch-starved as ever, alone in a foreign country away from all his students and colleagues.

gojo, who has only ever done Big Things with his life, who has only ever been an Important Person doing world changing things, now, just an ordinary guy.

he barely cares what happens to himself now. it's not that he wants to die, or anything. it's just that he doesn't have a reason to live.

and that wouldn't change overnight. not with cooking lessons or audiobooks or friendly greetings whenever you see him by the door. not with smiles or waves (he can't see them) or a braille rubik's cube you find online (how did he solve it in under a minute??) or karaoke (he has an AMAZING singing voice, and he knows so many songs better than you do?).

it wouldn't change overnight, because nothing worthwhile forms in a day, or two, or even a week or a month.

but gojo's life doesn't have to be amazing a day after he's gone blind. or a week. or a month. it's okay if it's difficult, he learns, it's okay if he hates it, hates himself, hates every choice that brought him here, even if he would never take it back.

it's okay. it gets better. with you there? it's getting better.

[spotaus]

Hi guys, this is usually what a doodle page ends up looking like <3 (oh, and @ancha-aus thought you might like this! Not writing but certainly fuel to my fire lol-)

This one is New Age filled!!! (Close-ups abd Lore beneath the cut!)

1) Night and Cross!

Night is actually very clingy once he's a teen. He doesn't usually realize it, but around the castle he'll snake to be closer to his Knights so long as there's no one he needs to keep his composure infront of is nearby. Cross is the one who's not used to physical touch (when it's not Ink ofc) so Night in his personal bubble makes his heart melt but also scares tf out of him <3

2) Error and Night's Meeting!

Error was carrying his whole life on his back and trying not to get arrested for unintentional property damage at this point, so when he saw the chance to get back at his brother and prove he was strong enough? Yeah, he got that on chance instantly. And was VERY smug when Nightmare chose him. (Also, Error is wearing gloves, so less Haphephobia)

3) Dream and Blue designs!

I think these are good tentative designs! Dream probably has a more regal fit, but he likes to play up that rugged exile look- He's inspired by Archers, while Blue takes on that classic Knightly-vibe. Their equipment is mostly stolen from Night's troops or brought with them from Blue's home kingdom.

Also, Dream is approx Killer's height at this point, shorter than Cross and *much* shorter than Apple!Nightmare. (Hc that Skeletons tend to be tinier in stature thanks to weird monster beauty standards. Horror and Geno's fam are outliers.)

4) Horror and Dust designs!

Horror is naturally a very *large* monster. He's very malnourished when Nightmare meets him, but by the time he's a Knight Nightmare has made sure that's no longer the case. He actually loves comfy, simple clothes, but to play up the whole 'strong mysterious' bit he wears a more barbaric Knight's garb. He doesn't mind acting scary, it's more fun that way :]. Dust is very very small, and envies horror sometimes for his size, but his tiny stature let's him control his body and move a lot quicker. He's very much based on a rogue, and usually covers the lower part of his face w/ a black cloth, and the upper part w/ his hood or mask. Dust only removes both to bathe, eat, or relax in a safe location. (Ignore that I can't draw the stupid gaster blaster lmao-)

These last two were space-fillers, but Cross and his Borzoi (Windmill, otherwise known as Milly (Killer named her-)) and really bad first wips of Ccino! I think Ccino was a chubby, happy toddler, but lost a lot of 'weight' (bone mass? Magic?) due to stress and pressure and bad eating habits. So it isn't until a while after the Coronation that he starts to relax abd feel safe enough to eat normal meals (Nightmare used to guilt him into eating snacks together, but as his boss (and younger brother) he can encourage it more often). By the time Killer shows he's still not quite healthy, but he's better. As more weight is lifted off his shoulders, the better he is. (That 'beauty' most people saw was a more stereotypical slimness, but Killer never stopped seeing Ccino as beautiful-) I think he never looked traditionally underweight, so no one noticed, and it was only much later that Night processed it. (And maybe it's why Dream hardly recognized him later on-)

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

wolf!reader and bunny!gojo…….. wolf!reader and bunny!gojo……………….

[kevinsbitch-panini]

fanfic friday: aftg edition

Deadly Affections by NikNak22

Summary: Neil Josten is not soft- has never been in fact. But when an unintended comment from one of the Foxes throws Neil for a loop, he finds himself reminding them why no one should think of him in that way. But why is Andrew suddenly so distant? And what happens when all of these reminders of his past start to catch up with him? Aka: all the times Neil proved he was a badass, and Andrew reminds him he's an idiot.

Tags: Angst with a Happy Ending, My First Fanfic, no beta we die like men, Badass Neil Josten, Exy (All For The Game), Knives, Guns, Neil Josten Is an Idiot, Kissing, Canon Compliant, Post-Canon, okay maybe a little OOC but let me have this- I tried

Words: 12,287 Chapters: 1/1

this was genuinely a work of art. i generally love fluff/soft shit but this. this fundamentally rewired my brain oh my fucking god. it was the perfect balance of angst (neil reverting back to nathaniel??!!!) but also comfort <3 and also neil being a badass may be the sexiest thing in the world (perhaps even more so than kevin switching his racket hand 👀 which i didn't think was possible). plus i dont necessarily like it when neil is treated as incompetent (he is literally so talented! however he chose to ignore all of that in exchange for exy) so really this fic is perfect. plus it felt very canon andreil, and basically very in-character in general. overall 11/10

the author has written a whole bunch of aftg fics (which im gonna go read right now) so pls check them out! idk their tumblr but if someone finds it lmk

[ibrithir-was-here]

Some random Toddler Dream doodles for ya’ll

[sachermorte]

(horrible) hole (deadly trap) I put my foot (rolled my ankle) (didn't see it) into (splashed myself against the floor) (faceplanted in front of a room of teenagers)

[giggly-squiggily]

Hello there! If you don’t mind can I request rengoku as a big brother/important platonic figure comforting a younger reader? It can be tickles or not, I would just love some comfort from him. Have a great day or night! :]

MY HEART! *sobs* Oh my, I love this so much! Anon, I've gotcha covered! I decided to go straight fluff for this one :) I hope you like it!

Cloud 9 (Taglist Peeps)

@thatbigbisexual29 @duckymcdoorknob @wolfyeatstacos @gladdygirl18 @baby-tickles2022 @cupcake-spice13 @backy-san @t-wordiiish @sarahmaystock5578 @rachi-roo @mystwrites @chibisstuff @imjusthere07 @giggly-toybox

“(Y/N)!” Arms wrapped around you from behind, lifting you off the ground and sending you spinning. You were immediately engulfed in the smell of firewood, Rengoku’s laughing voice filling your ears. “There’s my favorite person! How are you today?”

“R-Rengoku! Put me dohohwn!” You laughed, unable to fight off the smile pulling at your lips. “I’m goohhonna get sick!”

“Can’t have that happening, can we?” He put you back on your feet, gently turning you around so you could look him in the eye. Seeing your face however, his usual smile faltered. “Are you okay? Did I spin you too much?”

Just like that- it all came back. Your smile fell as you averted your eyes, focusing them on the worn material of his sleeve. “No, you’re fine.”

“(Y/N)...?” Rengoku gently prompted, his brows furrowing the longer he looked at you. Then he pulled you into his arms, resting his head against your crown as he pressed you into his chest. “What happened, firecracker?”

His nickname for you made you tear up, but you didn’t want to cry. “I’m just…do I hold you back?” You asked against his chest, hating how choked you sounded. 

“What?” The next thing you knew, he was holding you back some, staring with wide eyes. “What- how- who-” He blinked owlishly, clearly taken aback by your question. “What..what brought this on?”

You shrunk at his confused expression, averting your gaze as you looked at your sleeves. “I got back recently and went to report to Master Kagaya as always. When I got there, I overheard Shinazugawa. He was saying that I shouldn’t be here, and that I’m just burdening you.” Tears welled in your eyes, blinding your vision. You blinked rapidly in an attempt to will them away. “The worst part is- I know he’s right. I am a burden to you, Rengoku. I’m not nearly as fast, and I can’t kill as many demons as you, and you always have to come help me-”

“Hush.” Rengoku cut you off, his voice uncharacteristically angry. Startled, you fell silent, watching as he kneeled before you. “Don’t ever say those horrible things about yourself again, firecracker. They are not true.”

“But-” You began, but a sharp look from Rengoku shut you up. He softened after, taking your hands in his.

“You’re not a burden to me, (Y/N). You never were, and never will be. The fact you’ve become my Tsugoku is more than evident. You’re strong, smart, and you think differently than I do, making you an invaluable person to team up with. Don’t let your weaknesses blind you from your strengths.”

“But Shina-”

“Shinazugawa’s got a sharp tongue and a terrible lack of tact.” Rengoku spoke with a weary smile, squeezing your hands. “He only says these things because he doesn’t want to see another young life lost. That doesn’t mean he should say them, however. The next time I see him, we will be having words. Don’t you worry.” He grinned brightly up at you, giving your hands a little shake. “I’ll make sure he makes it up to you, or else- he’s gonna get it.”

“No that’s fine, I was eavesdropping anyway-what do you mean get it?” You were quick to shake your head, pausing at the last part. “You’re not going to fight him, are you?”

“But of course! To hurt one’s Tsugoku like that is a great offense among us Hashira. I have to teach him a lesson!” He released your hands, only to shoot them forward to give your sides a squeeze. “Like this and this and this and this!”

“Ah! Ahehahhahahaaha! Rehehehehen, pleahhahahahse!” You burst into giggles doubling over at the tickly touch as you clung to Rengoku’s shoulders. “Dohohohohon’t!”

“Hehe, and you thought that was bad? Then I’m gonna give him one of these!” He pulled you into his arms, tugging you down into his lap as he bear-hugged you to the ground. You laughed as he blew a loud raspberry against your cheek, squeezing you with all his might. “And then I’ll-”

“Rehehen! Rehehengoku, I gehehhet it!” You giggled, tapping your hands against his shoulders. Laughing softly, he eased his grip, keeping you in his arms as the two of you looked towards the clouds. “Thahank you…really, I appreciate it.”

Rengoku hummed, rubbing a hand against your back as he got comfortable against the cool ground. “Of course, firecracker. Anytime you need me, just say the word! I'll always come running to you.”

“Even if you’re in the middle of a bowl of udon?” You teased, giggling when he thought about it.

“I’ll bring it with me! And I’ll bring you a bowl too!”

“What if you get hungry on the way there?”

“I’ll still bring you the bowl! It’ll just be a bit…empty.” You cackled at his grin, falling into his chest as he laughed alongside you.

~~~

Later that day, a sheepish Sanemi brought you freshly made Ohagi and an apology. You could still see Rengoku watching in the distance, something relieved and happy on his face as you and the Wind Hashira made up. Catching your eye, he winked before fading back into the bushes, leaving you feeling better by the minute.

You were so grateful to have Rengoku in your life.

Thanks for reading!

[mci-writing]

Currently vibing inside a dryer, ass out. it's times like these where I wish Senku could get me out😳👉🏽👈🏽 or something👀

As hot as this concept can be, anytime I think of this my cleithrophobia starts acting up and all I could think about was reader being trapped in the dryer. So, here’s some crack in response:

Tw: slight ooc Senkuu, slight adult themes near the end, very very crack fic vibes, there is ass slapping, depiction of cleithrophobia but reader isn’t like full blown huge reaction, just a bit of worrying (they a little too calm tbh), attempted to keep it gender neutral but there may be some accidental gendered language and I apologize for that, no beta at all whoops

Dryer Ass (Ishigami Senkuu x Reader):

"How did you even manage to get stuck in there like that?" You can feel the teasing in Senkuu's tone as he stands over the dryer. It managed to both reassure you and stress you out, a small part of you hoping he’d be kind enough to end your suffering sooner rather than later. The circular interior of the dryer was cramped enough as is, but it seemed to only get smaller the longer you remained trapped in there.

"J-Just get me out of here! You can judge my poor life choices later" Your breathing had remained pretty maintained before you finally caved and called Senkuu to help you out. Sure, your ass was hanging out and your back was uncomfortably arched with the position you were in (only because you attempted to escape on your own prior and couldn't get anything past your backside out without scraping your skin enough to bleed), but that flew over your head when your worry was more focused on getting out. You really should’ve just gone head first so you wouldn’t be reminded of the small area surrounding your body, but it’s too late to worry about the ‘should’ve’ now...

You begin wiggling your body again in an attempt to push yourself out of the hole, yet you only manage the upper half of your thighs before the rigid inner parts of the circular entrance painfully scrape your skin and draw a small yelp from your throat. Senkuu sighs through his nose after the failed attempt, his hands carefully gripping your thighs and slowly guiding them out of the hole better.

“(Y/n), I'm going to get you out. Just trust me,” He reassures, his thumbs softly rubbing over your skin before he pulls them out some more. With enough coaxing, he’s able to get your legs out with little to no further harm to your skin. He’s gentle towards the few bruises you do have from the endeavor, carefully counting them for later note.

It’s almost unbelievable how easily he manages to get your lower body out. Then again, you literally watched him achieve impossible things in a high school science lab. You’d call him magic if he weren’t so insistent on showing the science process.

“Thanks, leek boy, I appreciate it,” You happily state as you push your upper body from the appliance.

Just as your head passes the entrance, back slightly arched so you don’t scrape your upper body, a hand gives your ass a firm smack and causes the fat to obscenely react with a jiggle. The owner of the chuckle that follows the movement isn’t shy in hiding his amusement, his hands moving to softly grip your hips and help you maneuver out of the dryer like he didn’t just happily slap your ass. His tone is coy with a hint of playfulness tugging at it, “Keep backing up, dragon fruit. I gotcha covered~”

Your face warms as you finally remove yourself from your predicament, your lower area bumping into his crotch a few times throughout the process. If anyone had walked in at the wrong moment, it could’ve looked like something else entirely. Even now, the looks on your faces could imply the two of you were up to something a little less wholesome than Senkuu freeing you from a dryer.

“I’m getting my lick back,” You state as the two of you move away from the accursed dryer and to a more safe area. You puff your chest out a little, a confident air to you as your arm hooks with his own.

“As if you’d get the chance,” He responds testingly, a look settling in his crimson eyes as the right side of his lip curls upwards.

….

“We should probably put a sign up about the dryer being broken…”

“…Yeah…”

[bellaxgiornata]

Random thought: Have you had any inspiration lately for "As Luck Would Have It?" No pressure or anything, just curious.

Ohh, a fic I was not expected to be asked about!! I actually wrote part of the second half for that short piece the other month and then scrapped it because I didn't like what I had. Then I changed perspectives and have it partially written, but I stopped working on it because I'm in conflict with myself over whether or not I want to add a part before that one. I just like the concept of Matt having a "relationship" with someone from a wrong number call and part of me wants to play with it more before I give it an ending.

So to answer your question--yes and no 😆 But not enough inspiration to have something fully written yet. But as I always say, I haven't forgotten about it! That's just a lighter piece and I haven't been feeling straight fluff lately.

[alicesadventuresinffxiv]

FFxivWrite2024 Prompt #24

Title: Plans Hatched Behind Bars

Wordcount: 1086

Spoilers through: Stormblood

Alternate Universe: To Catch a Falling Star

Relationships & Characters: Fordola/Lyse, Conrad

Summary: A lucky chance affords Lyse and Conrad another opening to escape - at the cost of Fordola’s life. Lyse comes up with a different idea instead.

(Been wanting to write this scene for a while, and this seemed like the right prompt for it! This takes place after my entry for prompt #12, and basically sets up the plot for the rest of the AU.)

.

“Pretty neat, huh?” After unlocking Conrad’s cell, Lyse returned to her own, and nodded to the blissfully dreaming imperial commander within. Fordola had made the mistake of letting her guard down around Lyse, and this was the prompt result. “Doesn’t seem she’ll be waking up any time soon, so we’ve got time to plan our escape!”

The grizzled old apothecary frowned and knelt down to examine Lyse’s handiwork. “Aye, you can say that again. She won’t be waking up at all, after this.”

“What?!” Lyse’s eyes widened. “But she can’t be dead! I didn’t hit her that hard!”

“Oh, it’s none of your doing, lass. It’s the poison what’ll do her in.” Conrad shifted to the side, allowing Lyse to take a closer look. “I’ve seen cases like this before. Folks poking around Bittermill, and they hit something rancid buried in the soil. Everything inside them slows down, and soon enough, even the heart stops.”

And indeed, on further inspection, Lyse could make out the sheen of sweat on the imperial’s brow and the pained rasp of her irregular breathing. “Bittermill… that’s where the Skulls were fighting…” From the conversation Lyse had overheard, one of their thaumaturge’s blasts had exposed a rusty canister in the ground that had quickly poisoned the air.

Unlike most high-ranking Garlean troops, Fordola lacked the intimidating gas-filtering mask. And she was the type of commander who fought right in the thick of battle alongside her men, too.

No wonder Lyse had been able to get the jump on her.

”She swallowed the poison the Garleans fed her, and now she’s dying of it,” Conrad said mournfully.

“I mean, from the sound of it, it was an accident.” 

Conrad sighed. “Sometimes, Lyse, it’s not about the little details, but the big ones.” He gave her an admonishing look that was an awful lot like one of Papalymo’s.  “About the story folks will tell after we’re gone. The story of what was once Ala Mhigo.”

That was all well and good, but Lyse had more important things to think about than giving up. “So… what do we do with her?”

Conrad thoughtfully gazed at the ceiling above. “You said the patrol upstairs passes every bell, wasn’t it?”

“Right.”

“Then we’ve another half bell to wait.” He settled back against the bars of the cell. “May as well stay at her side, I suppose. No Ala Mhigan deserves to die alone in the dark. Not even the Butcher.”

⁂

“Argh! This is ridiculous!” Lyse whispered furiously. Over the course of the half bell, she had gone from sitting, to restlessly exercising, to now gesticulating wildly as she paced around the cell.

Lyse had never been an especially patient person. Her muscles constantly ached to fight, to run, to do. Waiting quietly in the dark while watching as some helpless woman’s breathing grew slower and slower was pure agony!

“This isn’t what fighting for the revolution is supposed to be like! Ala Mhigans killing Ala Mhigans! Ala Mhigans just - just sitting around watching each other die!”

“I know, Lyse.” Conrad said softly. He had looked up from monitoring Fordola at Lyse’s outburst. “But there’s naught we can do.”

“Of course there is! There’s always something we can do!” Lyse clenched her fists. “There’s got to be - oh, I don’t know what it is exactly, but it looked like an infirmary upstairs. If we took her there now, they might be able to save her!”

“And then what?” Conrad’s voice was unusually harsh. Perhaps his silent vigil had been weighing on him too. “Give up our one chance of escape? For sake of the Butcher?” He frowned deeply. “No. The Resistance may be finished, but I’ll not simply roll over and let the imperials kill me in one of their godsforsaken camps.”

“You’re right…” Lyse’s face fell. “It wouldn’t be fair to you. You don’t have to come.” She looked down, let her hands sheepishly relax back to her sides. “You can escape, and I’ll take her as far as the infirmary and leave her there.”

“And what were you planning to do after, lass? I keep telling you. You’ve got to think things through.”

“I was getting there!” Lyse bit her lip. There was a plan forming in her mind, a good one, but how to put it into words?  “After that… I’ll come back here.”

“No. I’m not leaving you behind.” Conrad rose to his feet and beckoned her to the cell door. “I owe Curtis at least that.”

“That’s the whole problem!” Lyse suddenly burst out. “Stop it! Stop making everything about my father and my sister! I’m not them, and I don’t deserve what they deserved! You heard what happened in Ala Gannha. I barely understand the first thing about Ala Mhigo!”

“Lyse - “

“You said that Garlemald stole Ala Mhigo’s future by taking their youths. Well, then why aren’t we working to steal them back?” Lyse was back to making wild gestures. “The Resistance is finished without more Ala Mhigans?” She stabbed a finger back towards Fordola. “There’s your Ala Mhigan!”

“This isn’t a game, Lyse.” But Conrad cracked a tiny smile at her impassioned rant.

“I’m being serious! Look.” Lyse crossed her arms. “Nothing we’ve tried before has worked either, right? And - and Fordola seems to have some kind of a soft spot for me! So this is something only I can do.”

Not my father. Not my sister. Me. 

“It’s too risky.”

“I’ll have a back up plan!” Lyse countered, holding up and waving the keys she’d snagged from Fordola’s belt. “Hard to keep me behind bars when I’ve got these.”

Conrad let out a dry chuckle. “Well then. It’s nothing like what your sister would have done, that’s for sure.” He glanced down, shaking his head at the still form of the dying commander. “And to tell the truth… it’s what I want too, sentimental old fool that I am.”

“Then… you think I should give it a try?” Lyse’s expression brightened.

“Aye. There’s many in the Resistance what might’ve disagreed… but they’re gone now, same as the rest. So if your mind’s made up and you’ve got the courage for it, you’ve my full support.”

“I’ll get you an army again! You’ll see!”

“Right then, Hext. That’s your mission: come back with the Skulls. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Lyse threw an eager salute and watched as Conrad disappeared up the castrum stairs and into the night beyond.

It was the last time anyone saw Conrad Kemp alive.

[softquietsteadylove]

Okay I’m glad we can cry about the vow au together, because if Thena’s going to keep remembering things when her sweet and precious Gil makes her a treat I might just never stop asking for it 😭 would love to read more, whatever you think comes next i’m happy to read!!!

"Sweetie?"

Thena looked up from her pillow. She looked particularly miserable, which made sense; she had never done well when sick. "Hm?"

Gil stepped into the guest room with his tray in hand. He nudged the door closed before setting it down on the dresser, "how are you feeling, hon?"

Thena blinked her glassy green eyes at him, "I'm sorry to make you take care of me like this."

Gil just shook his head. She had no memory of him nursing her back to health when a flu took her down hard after their first trip together. Her first cold with him as a couple when she kept insisting he couldn't see her with her runny nose and blotchy fever skin. Even when she had some bad periods that could make her growly.

She thought of herself as a real lioness, but he couldn't help but think of a plush, ragdoll cat who kept hissing at him.

He leaned forward, kissing her clammy forehead. "I think your fever's broken, at least. Did you get a little rest?"

Thena just nodded, pulling up her knees under the covers so he could sit on the edge of the bed. "Did you apologise to Ajak for me?"

"Hey, come on, people get sick, it happens," he chuckled as he patted her knees. "I have some time off to use, and she understands. They can do without me for a few days."

"I don't know how true that is," she muttered as he retrieved the tray. She straightened her legs again so he could stand it up over her lap. "Your customers will be missing out on your perfect croissants."

He grinned, offering her the mug of tea first. "And my seasalt vanilla fours?"

Thena's smile turned soft and a little shy. He was elated, though--ever since their first date and their kiss, he had been excited to see how they would continue to progress their relationship.

"Here," he whispered, adjusting the platter he had brought with him. "I made you some homemade chicken soup, nothing too heavy. I boiled the chicken in the broth, like Hainanese chicken rice. I gave you a little side of rice if you wanna dip it in the broth, but don't force yourself. Some cucumbers, but they're not pickled because I don't think it's good for you if you're sick--I guess I don't really know."

Thena tilted her head at him, her hair rustling against one of the many pillows propping her up. She kept insisting she looked awful, but he thought she looked as beautiful as always. "Thank you."

He sighed a little, trying not to make it obvious that he was mourning a time when this would be natural for them. But he adjusted the little cilantro flower he included on her napkin, "in sickness and in health, right?"

Thena's expression changed, but she gave him one of those gorgeous smiles that used all her teeth and picked up her spoon, "I suppose you're right."

Gil looked around the room, standing to pick up the extra blanket she had picked off in her sleep, as well as some pajama changes. It was hard to tell how messy she could be at times based on the polished appearance of his wife, but he liked picking up after her (most of the time).

"Gil?"

He looked back at her as he folded up the blanket. She had her big sad kitten eyes on again. "What's up?"

"You're not going to sit with me?"

His face split into a grin, even if she seemed a little sheepish about it. He knew it wasn't something she would ask easily, and obviously she had kind of just let it slip. But he all but dropped the blanket and threw himself onto the bed again. "Of course I am."

Thena settled against the pillows again after he gave her knee a squeeze on his way to lying on his side to face her. "Did you eat?"

"I grazed while I was cooking," he excused easily. He'd had some rice and a few pieces of chicken, mostly concerned with getting the flavours right for Thena's weakened state.

Thena eyed him, nudging the dish of rice he had specifically described as optional, "I won't eat it all anyway."

That was true, she tended to eat less in terms of the starch of any dish. Gil chuckled, "okay."

Placated by him picking up the rice and using the chopsticks, she continued using the spoon to sip the broth. She was delicate about it. It reminded him of the first time they'd gotten ramen together--she'd held her hair back while taking delicate little bites the whole time. He'd found it unbearably cute while he'd guzzled his back in minutes. Of course he ordered another bowl so she wouldn't have to eat alone.

Thena's eyes watered a little, but he squinted. Was it just the general sickness, was it her fever coming back, was there too much ginger? She sniffled, putting the spoon down. "I know this taste."

Ah, his sweet wife. He put the rice down gently before reaching for her hand. "I make it for you every time you're sick. You know how to make it too."

"I do?" she asked, staring at him as if he'd suggested she knew rocket science. "Me?"

"Yes, you," he reached out to tap her nose, but she leaned away from him. "All you do is add the aromatics to the pot with the whole chicken, even you can do it."

"Hm," she remarked quietly, staring at the meal she couldn't believe she would be capable of replicating.

"I made it for you the first time you were sick when we were dating," he continued, picking up some cucumber for himself. "I surprised you with it, showed up at your doorstep--very romantic, y'know."

She gave him a look, definitely knowing that she - in the story - hadn't appreciated being ambushed.

"You told me I shouldn't have and that you looked awful, but I couldn't have been more in love with you," he sighed, fluttering his lashes at her. She rolled her eyes, but he could see her smiling just a tiny little bit. "I delivered this dish and we hung out a little. You told me I would get sick, I said I wouldn't, and you were totally right, I got sick the next day."

She tilted her head the other way and raised her eyebrows at him, unimpressed to say the least.

He shrugged though, still grinning. "But I didn't want to admit it, so I told you I was healthy as a horse and couldn't make our date that week because of a work emergency."

"Deceitful," she murmured, pursing her lips at it.

"Come on, just a harmless little lie, y'know," he pursed his lips right back at her, even hitting her with his own sad puppy eyes.

She looked back into the bowl and took a loud sip. He would take that as him being forgiven. "I remember you coming over."

"Really?" he sat up straighter.

She nodded, taking another, slower, quieter sip. "No one had ever done that for me before. I was so astounded. And the food was so good it made me want to cry."

"No crying," he whispered, keeping his eye on her now, watching for tears. Not that it wasn't a chef's dream to have people cry from their food, but this was different.

"Kari called me to ask how I was doing," she smiled more at the memory as it came to her. They were coming more often and at greater length. It was nothing if not encouraging. "I told her that this very sweet guy I was seeing brought me some homemade chicken rice. She practically slapped her phone in her hurry to tell me to 'lock it down'."

Gil made a face, stroking the hair on his chin, "she's wise."

Thena shook her head at him again, but he could tell she was falling for his charm all over again. "I suppose I followed her advice, didn't I?"

So much came to mind, but Gil leaned forward to kiss her forehead again, which continued to feel cooler to the touch, "I'm lucky you did."

Thena leaned into his affection. She had gotten more used to it as they continued to explore their relationship, and he really had the feeling that she was looking for more sometimes. He would save that for a time when she wasn't ill.

"You keep eating," he encouraged, moving the rice closer to her again in hopes of tempting her.

"But-"

"I'll get a bowl for myself and come right back," he promised, sealing it with a wink and everything. His wife gave him another look of feigned exasperation, but she was already waiting for his return, preciously clutching her rice to eat with him.

[not-poignant]

77/? - Underline the Black (omegaverse) - Efnisien/Gary

Title: Underline the Black Rating: Explicit Pairing: Efnisien ap Wledig/Dr Gary Konowalous Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Darkfic, Disturbing themes, Age Gap, Omegaverse, Alpha/Alpha, no Mpreg, Medical experimentation, Medical trauma, Dominance/Submission, Dystopian universe, Forced bonding, Forced relationship, Imprisonment, Nonconsensual medical procedures, PTSD, Flashbacks, Nightmares, Chronic illness, Mating cycles/Heats, Knotting, Miscommunication, Trauma recovery, Mind control, Child Abuse, Hope, Hopeful ending.

Summary: Efnisien ap Wledig is an omega born into an all-alpha family. Abandoned by his birth mother and raised by his aunt, he is subjected to a lifetime of medical experimentation and brainwashing and believes himself to be an alpha. But the experiments begin to fail, and he is abandoned yet again to an Omega Rehabilitation Facility, where the family expects he will be retrained into the ‘perfect omega’ and placed in an arranged marriage, or be eliminated if this is no longer possible.

The Facility don’t know about the experiments, and Efnisien doesn’t even know why he’s in there in the first place, since he’s an alpha…isn’t he? One thing’s for certain, he definitely doesn’t need an alpha companion, no matter what the staff at the facility seem to think.

Underline the Black - Chapter 77 - An Enemy of Hope @ AO3

In which Gary leaves to get his heart checked out and Efnisien spends the day with Faber, learns that he likes certain kinds of work, learns more about Faber, and then is surprised by a very unexpected turn of events.

– Thanks to all the Patreon and Ream supporters for making this story possible!

The following early access extras are also currently available on the Augus & Gwyn, and Efnisien & Gary tiers at Patreon and Ream:

Underline the Red - 05 - Caleb/Faber Underline the Red - 06 - Caleb/Faber Underline the Gold - 07 - Flitmouse/Anton The Nascent Diplomat - 40 - Augus/Gwyn Constellations - 03 - Efnisien + Gwyn (post Falling Falling Stars) Constellations - 04 - Efnisien + Gwyn (post Falling Falling Stars) Constellations - 05 - Efnisien + Gwyn (post Falling Falling Stars) Underline the Blue - 10 - Nate/Janusz Underline the Blue - 11 - Nate/Janusz Underline the Blue - 12 - Nate/Janusz

Want another way to support my writing? // I have a Patreon account! // Come check out REAM! (Patreon mirror) // Buy a Ko-Fi!

[feralferretxp]

I've noticed these small moments here and there of Bang getting scared, either by fear of getting yelled at or being in danger. But guys, I think I'm onto something...

There was a previous post about how Bang seems to cover his head with his arms when feeling threatened, which were these two last clips from ATS. But then there's also when he visibly shields his face after being yelled at for thinking when garbage goes in a can it just goes away. He even cowers a bit and closes his eyes, squinting them open to make sure it's safe. And then when Bang fears that Emmett is gonna freak out about seeing all his models destroyed by accident, covering his head once again and bracing for the worst.

All of this genuinely makes me feel so bad for Bang, I mean, this seems like a defense mechanism he adapted after some incident. Like look, he's scared of being yelled at and shields himself, even with his friend Emmett. That is not normal, especially for a chill character like Bang.

Paired with the headcanon of him coming from a wealthy family that had some nobility, I wonder if he got yelled at for making a mistake. Like being a kid and accidently knocking over a vase, or not being smart enough like his parents expected and prepared him to be with education. And even other thoughts that could explain why he covers his head when he feels he's in danger...

Okay wow, got a little heavy there, but if you guys have thoughts, please share them! I just think these small moments like this are really interesting. I mean, the storybot animators add so much detail to these shows that I feel like these gotta have some significance. Maybe Bang's just flinchy, but what do you guys think?

[newfeeling77]

fuck doc martens im never spending this much money on trash shoes again nothing but pain i swear to you . everyone give up on the docs im sick of it