#lol I might have gone a little overboard with them but I wanted this to look like an actual comic/manga page

[riseandfallofsecunit]

Inspired by this post by @scarlettmarlens-blog

[house-of-lovin]

legally binded - 2

Jenna Ortega x F!Reader

masterlist | series mast. ♣ prev part | next part

Chapter 2: Lakers, Headlines… New York?

Summary: After getting caught in some hot waters with the press, you are forced into an unexpected agreement with America's sweetheart, Jenna Ortega to save your career.

Warnings/Tags: dual pov, famous!reader, actress!reader, mentions of substances, intoxication, mature language, real people. (do not read if any of these make you uncomfortable)

(this is all fiction!)

Note: part 2 of legally binded! I hear yall and I see the comments! This will be a series, got a lot of ideas for this one. But of course, I am open to hearing what you guys think and want to see! A little bonding moment for R and Jenna 😮‍💨

Word Count: 6.3k+ (lol sorry, may have gone overboard!)

“So… what does this mean, exactly?” Jenna asks for both of you.

“We’re gonna make the two of you the talk of the town. And hopefully get people to back off on the allegations that Jenna is difficult to work with and that Y/N is entering her Justin Bieber phase — and not the good one.” Your PR agent, Liv, purses her lips.

Jenna can’t help the snort that leaves her lips, awkwardly coughing to hide it. But you catch it anyway, throwing her a glare.

“Difficult to work with huh?” You speak up — in faux interest. “Not hard to see why.”

This time Jenna is the one glaring at you. “You don’t even know me.”

“You don’t know me either.” You huff.

“Enough!” Jake yells. Anger steadily rose in the man’s bloodstream.

You and Jenna flinch at his loudness. Sliding down the chair, you feel ashamed again; ignoring Jenna’s piercing glare.

Liv is sighing but opts not to add fuel to the fire. “It’s going to take a few hours to get the paperwork and contract drafted —but once it’s done we��ll have it sent over to you. For now, get to know each other, I don’t know.”

You shoot Liv a scowl. She was making this already awkward situation so much worse.

She catches your look, sighing, “Just–pretend this is another job and you’re new castmates. Anything please. ” She rolls her eyes, already fed up with what disaster this morning has been.

“You can do that, right?” Liv crosses her arms, staring at you two in question.

“Yes.” Jenna mumbles.

“Mhmm.” You hum lazily, changing the subject. “Can we tell people? That this isn’t real?”

Liv glances at Jake and Sarah sharing a silent conversation. They nod at each other. “If they sign an NDA. Only family, your team and us. This cannot leave the room.”

You feel pale. You couldn’t even tell the people around you about this fake relationship without binding them to a contract? Suddenly, the situation starts to feel more real; the carpet of delusion being pulled from under you.

You’re standing up, pushing the chair back with a loud scrape that rings terribly against your ears. “I need some air.”

“You’re really leaving in the middle of a meeting?” Jenna questions with a snip, crossing her arms.

“Sorry your highness, I got better places to be. Liv you can send the contract to my assistant. Ortega, wish I could say it was a pleasure to meet you… but well.” You trail off, shrugging.

Liv and Jake are fuming red in the face at your words, but you were still hungover and the comedown was begging to wreak havoc – your irritation getting harder to restrain. 

Jenna’s face scrunches, offended. You walk away, not bothering to listen for a response.

“There’s no way I can work with her…” You catch it anyway.

●●●

“I mean can you believe what they’re asking me to do!” You pace up and down your living room.

“Oh come on, I don’t buy the allegations that she’s difficult, you know they love to tear women down when they get their come up.” Link reasons tapping on his phone.

“I mean how can this face be rude?” He holds up a picture of Jenna at the SAG awards and you furrow your brows because you don’t remember seeing her there — you might have been late.

You were just nominated anyway. So you pulled a Beyoncé and only showed up for your category.

“Maybe Jenna’s not so bad?”

“Quit it.”

It was now mid-afternoon and the battering Californian sun was shining bright above clear skies and through your floor-to-ceiling windows. You bought this house in the Palisades for the peace it provided you. Not too far from central L.A. but still tucked away enough for a moment of solitude with a life like yours.

It was your own version of a sanctuary – like a home should be. 

“Okay, that sounds crazy, I agree. But dude, you fucked up. Big time.” Your long-time friend Link said. 

You and Link grew up together and when you got your come up, best believe you took your best friend with you. You offered to help him out while he lives with you as you achieve your dreams but ever the stubborn guy, he refused. Only agreeing to move to Los Angeles with you if he works as your assistant to earn his keep.

He’s a good guy like that. 

Since then, he’s been by your side. Through every disappointment, bad news, great news, red carpets, and movie premieres. You couldn’t do this job without him. 

He’s like your brother.

“I know!” You groan, dropping to the couch. Why the hell did you let your designer choose these couches? They were stiffer than a plank of wood.

“Look at this article online, 2-time Grammy winner and Academy Award Nominee, Y/N L/N’s fall from grace? Sin City indeed! The actress blacks out at a Vegas strip club! Click here to see exclusive mugshots.”

“They’re selling my fucking mugshots?” You lift your head above the headrest horrified, watching Link sit across the room on a bar stool reading his phone. 

“I’m pretty sure they’re public domain.” He refutes.

Falling back, you groan louder – hiding your face behind your palms.

“I don’t see how you have a choice, buddy.” He sighs, placing his phone on the bar top. 

“There has to be another way. Why can’t I just run away? I’ll fly back home for a couple of weeks, and let all of this shit die down. It’s worked before.” 

“Yeah, I told Jake and Liv you’d say that.” He rolls his eyes, walking to you. “I don’t think you can run from this one, Y/N.”

The softness in his voice has you sighing in defeat. He’s right, you know he’s right. This wasn’t just some tiny mistake you can brush under the carpet like all the other ones. This was serious. 

You got arrested. For blacking out with someone who had drugs on them. In a strip club, no less.

What a mess.

Something like this could seriously hurt your career. You could lose roles, relationships, connections, brand deals – the blood, sweat, and tears you poured in; everything you worked so hard for – gone.

“I know… Doesn’t make me wanna do it more though,” You mumble, distantly staring at the high ceiling.

He chuckles, “I know bud. But this is what we signed up for, right?” 

You frown. It’s what we signed up for.

It’s a mantra that you have adopted in all your years as a working performer. It certainly wasn’t the most comforting and loving thing to say, but it works because it’s true and there’s no greater motivator than a slap in the face to reality. 

You much preferred tough love anyway.

“Right.” You mutter.

“Come on, I think Jenna’s manager just sent me the signed contract, they’re just waiting for your signature.” He walks off to his office. 

You close your eyes, letting the sun warm you up through the glass panes. A few moments pass until Link comes back out with a tablet and pen. “Sign here, under Jenna’s signature.”

She has pretty handwriting – you note as you sign the electronic document. 

Call it weird but you had a thing for people with neat handwriting, steady hands and all that. 

But then you remember who the professional signature belonged to and forced yourself to snap out of it.

“Did you even read it?” He arches a brow.

“That’s what lawyers are for.”

He scoffs, “Okay, superstar. It basically says what you and Jenna need to do. Public spottings at first, then dates, appearances at each other's events. Maybe posts on social media, but the idea is to be discreet – we can’t have it seem like we’re using this to scrub away the Vegas incident.”

“But that’s exactly what we’re doing,” You sigh.

“Yeah, but they don’t know that. And it’s your damn job to make sure they don’t ever find out either.”

You rub your forehead; a headache beginning to form. Not sure if it was from the hangover or from all this PR mess.

“Anways,” He takes the tablet out of your hands. “I’ll send these over to Liv. Now as for you. Go upstairs, take a shower because you smell horrendous and then put on what your stylist picked out.”

Wrinkling your nose, you ask, “What, why? I literally just got back, I already have to go out and show my face? The paparazzi will hound me.” 

“We have to beat the Vegas headline with a bigger story, so you need to be seen with Jenna ASAP. That means out for a late lunch at a well-known spot downtown. You have to act like the news doesn’t bother you – like you’re moving past it.”

“Who goes out for late lunch?” 

He sends you a pointed look. 

“I’ll be upstairs…” You mumble, dragging your feet as you ascend the steps.

●●●

You tap your fingers on the steering wheel, glancing up at the modest house through your sunglasses.

A mid-modern century house in Glendale. Not where you pictured her to live but whatever. Her front yard was bare but professionally trimmed. No signs of any plant life that made the space look a little… dull. The only signs of life in the house was the humble SUV that you assumed belonged to the young actress.

Your tapping grows impatient the longer you wait.

As if staring harder at the front door will make the actress come out faster. Another five agonizing minutes pass – you seriously consider pulling away to go home and sleep off this hangover but Link stood a good half-foot taller than you.

He’d lock your ass out of your own home. 

Eventually, the door opens and the short brunette walks down the driveway in confident strides. Dressed in jeans, combat boots and a cardigan; those headphones around her neck, again. Somehow, she looked consistently gothic and you pondered if she really was like her character in real life.

You see her scan your Mercedes-AMG GT3 for a moment before pulling the passenger door open; sliding into the cushy seats. “Nice car.”

You blink, “Thanks… you sure took your time though,”

You couldn’t stop the slight attitude that accompanied your words.

She gives you a sharp glance, “why didn’t you just ring the doorbell?”

“You had to unlock the gate to let me in, you knew I was waiting outside.” You huff, staring at her back. 

“Then would have waited in the living room if you had knocked. What difference does it make?” She shrugs.

“That’s not the poi–” You gruff but stop, inhaling a deep breath. The pounding in your skull was begging for you to cool down. 

“I think I much preferred waiting in the car… alone.” You whisper the last bit then shoot her a sarcastic glance; shifting the gear in reverse.

You don’t bother to check if she had her seatbelt on as you aggressively pull out her driveway; leaving skid marks on the pavement.

She jerks forward at the sudden movement. “Shit– a little warning next time?” She glares bracing herself on the dashboard.

“Hands off the leather,” You bite as you pull off her street and to the restaurant Link sent you the directions to. 

She scoffs. “My driveway!”

●●●

“Table for 2 under Ortega? Please follow me, can I be the first one to say how delighted we are that you two decided to dine here.” The host enthused a little too much.

“It’s our pleasure.” Jenna answers politely.

You plaster a tight-lipped smile keeping quiet; sliding a modest hand on Jenna’s back when he leads you past other patrons and to a secluded table – heads already turning in your direction. Jenna jumps, sending you a menacing glare and for a moment you feel slightly scared by the fire in her eyes – dropping your hand immediately. 

Okay, no touching. Got it.

“Here we are, the best seat in the house. We have complementary champagne on the table to start your evening. We’ll give you a few moments to get settled,” He sends a tight smile causing his wrinkles to show – definitely trying too hard but you’d never say no to free alcohol.

“Thank you,” You bid, pulling a chair out for Jenna.

She walks to claim the opposite chair, assuming you’re taking the one you pulled out. But she stares as you stand behind the open chair, awkwardly. Only then did she seem to realize that the seat was for her.

Raising her brows, she looked a little surprised but wordlessly and a bit awkwardly (she sends a tight-lipped smile) sits over to the chair allowing you to push it in for her, before taking your own seat across.

The first thing you grab is the bottle of champagne and the flute. 

You miss Jenna’s tracking eyes as you pour a hefty glass. “Is that really the best thing for you to have, especially after last night? Also, it’s like 4 PM.”

“I didn’t know you were the alcohol police and it’s 8 PM somewhere.” You take big gulps of the champagne, savouring the way it burned but also felt cool on the way down.

“Trust me, I’m not. But my ass is on the line here too and there are people watching.” She grits out the last part, signalling with her eyes. You glance up catching two girls from another table with their phones up, no doubt taking pictures and recording you and Jenna. 

Looking away, you place the glass flute down, sitting back in your seat with a slump. “Fine…”

“When are you going to take this seriously?” She whispers, tone: sharp.

“I am taking this seriously,” You fight to keep your face impassive knowing there are eyes on you both. 

“No, you’re not. You couldn’t even sit through the meeting this morning and now you’re acting like a child. Might I remind you, we’re in this mess because of you.”

You clench your jaw, trying your hardest not to blow up in this fine establishment. 

“I’m the reaso—“

“Are we ready to order?” The waitress cuts in.

“Yes, we are.” Jenna turns to her with that large, sweet smile that sells millions.

●●●

‘New Gal-Pals in Hollywood, Y/N L/N and Jenna Ortega spotted out for lunch’

It was now the following day after your ‘lunch date’ with Jenna and you wish to say it only got better as time went on but that would be a lie. You two did not get along – at all. How was it possible for your management to find the one person on this planet that you just couldn’t get along with. 

You know difficult, you can handle difficult. You’ve worked with the likes of Shia Lebeouf, Gweneth Paltrow, Michael Bay… just to name a few. You’ve had your fair share of difficult colleagues.

But this girl? She’s something else. 

“Gal pals? Really?” Your nose scrunches in distaste.

“No wait, this one’s better! Wednesday star Jenna Ortega supports new bestie, Y/N L/N amid Vegas arrest.”

“Stop.” But Link’s loud laughter overpowers you.

“Oh! We got one that’s different, Trouble-maker, A-lister, Y/N L/N, will drag down rising-star Jenna Ortega!”

“Okay, that’s just bullshit.” You pique up.

“Rising star?” Jenna voices in disdain.

“Enough!” Liv’s voice echoes from your laptop speaker. “This isn’t the headline we wanted.”

You roll your eyes, scanning the candid photo of you and Jenna sitting at the restaurant.

The images look tame enough and can definitely be interpreted as just two friends out for a bite. News outlets don’t buy it, but the internet is already freaking out; spewing out unsolicited opinions on this new pairing. Some think you two are just friends, some think it’s a date, others think it’s for a movie role.

“I thought I did a good job,” Jenna speaks up on the other line of the Facetime call. 

“Clearly not…” You mumble, but she catches it anyway, rolling her eyes. 

“We need to up the ante, this is not good enough.” Liv sighs and you can hear the trepidation through the call.

“Like what?”

“There’s a Lakers game tonight and you two are making your first official appearance.” She grins with mischief.

“Lakers?” Jenna rouses, sounding excited.

“How would they interpret that differently than before?” Shaking your head.

“I got a plan already, darling. I have a guy in TMZ who’s going to break the first official headline that you two are in the ‘getting to know each other’ stage. Which is where you two come in… after the game headlines of your guys’ date night will be the number one trending topic.” She explains, eyes lighting up in excitement.

Liv loves to lay out her plans to whoever was willing to listen — you’re already tuning her out.

You are sure her plan is genius like she says it is.

“Are they versing someone decent, at least?” You ask tiredly. When were you going to get some time to yourself?

“Celtics.”

“I’m in.”

●●●

“Do you really have to wear sunglasses indoors? Everyone knows we’re here.” Jenna whispers from beside you.

“It’s part of the look.” You retort, sliding down the foldable chair. Why are courtside seats so uncomfortable for all the money I’m paying?

“What look.”

“We got two stars in the Lakers house tonight! Everyone, please give a warm welcome to Y/N L/N and Jenna Ortega!”’ The announcer booms through the stadium speakers. 

Looking up at the jumbotron, you and Jenna are plastered big and bright on the screen. You flash a dazzling smile and force your body to untense – ignoring Jenna’s quip.

You embrace the loud cheers and applauds, waving and sending the camera that dazzling smile you have mastered. Jenna copies your movements.

Eventually, the camera pans away from you two and you finally feel like you can breathe again. 

“God, I think my eardrums ruptured.” She complains, clutching her earring clad-ears painfully.

You laugh, “Oh come on, you don’t have people shouting for your attention at you at every turn?”

She frowns, shaking her head, “Not at this level… I like to think I still have some anonymity.”

Snorting, you say, “Yeah well, just wait. That’ll all be gone — so enjoy it while you can.” 

You don’t see her frown deepen because you spot a familiar face. “Look who’s in the house!”

“Hey!” You stand briskly. Lebron James comes barreling over in large steps; greeting you with a hug and a pat on the back. 

“Feeling ready for tonight?” You ask, smiling up at the athlete. Being a big name in Hollywood definitely came with nice perks like knowing world-renowned athletes.

As much as you complain about your life – this is certainly a perk you can’t deny.

“You know it! We’re gonna mop the floors with your lil Celtics team.” He smirks making you laugh.

“Okay, save the trash-talking for the court... This is Jenna by the way.” You move to the side to reveal Jenna sitting; watching the two of you with a flabbergasted look on her face. 

“Nice to meet you, Jenna. My kids loved Wednesday, I think my daughter might dress up as you this Halloween.” He jokes; shaking her hand. 

It was quite an amusing sight to see Jenna crane her neck to meet the basketball player’s eyes. And you really tried your hardest not to snort when her tiny hands slide into his gigantic palms – her upper arm practically disappearing in his grasp.

They continue talking for a few more moments before the basketball player eventually bids his goodbye to continue warming up. 

“You’re friends with Lebron James?” She asked in disbelief when you sit back down.

“Yeah, is that surprising?” You arch a brow.

“Yes?” She asks like you were stupid for even asking.

You chuckle. “Well, now you know.” 

“Also… a Celtics fan, really? That’s just disgraceful.” She shakes her head.

You scrunch your face in faux annoyance, puffing your chest proudly, “Hell yeah the Celtics! We’re gonna wipe the court with your little Lakers in their own house.” 

“Don’t let people hear you say that, you’ll be stoned,” She laughs heartily. 

For a brief moment, you watch as she shakes in laughter at her own joke – unable to fight the infectiousness of her laugh. Her bangs shake with her movements as she attempts to hide her smile behind her hand.

Were you guys getting along? Nah, impossible. 

“I’ll just use you as a shield.”

“I’m like five-foot, I don’t think I’ll be much help.” She snorts. 

“Pocket-sized shield – makes travelling easier.” You shrug, smirking. 

She shoots you a side-eye but you see the smirk she tries to hide from you. 

Eventually, the national anthem is sung and tip-off begins. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t enjoying yourself right now. After the weekend disaster in Vegas, all you wanted to do was sleep away your fuck-ups. But this… isn’t so bad. 

Jenna seems to have loosened up and allowed herself to enjoy the game.

You cheer enthusiastically when the Celtics go on a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter. 

The score is 94 - 90, with the Lakers in the lead. You were standing now, your concession drinks and snacks forgotten under your chair. The energy in the stadium is infectious as everyone cheers for their respective teams.

“This is what I’m talking about, now we got a game!” You clap loudly, yelling.

“$100 Lakers win this one.” The sweet voice shouts over the crowd.

You turn, grinning. “That’s it? $1000, Celtics win.” 

The quiet contemplation is burning bright in her eyes, but eventually, she gives in extending her hand. “You’re on.”

Somehow, your grin stretches wider when she slides her hand in yours to seal the deal. “I can’t wait to be a $1000 richer.”

“In your dreams,” she clicks her tongue, focusing on the court.

“Come on ref, that was a foul!” She shouts at the checkered-shirt man as he runs past you.

She’s not looking at you but you find yourself unable to look away from her. 

Granted, you barely knew anything about Jenna before meeting her yesterday. But you think you like this laid-back version of her more than the one you met at first.

A whistle-blowing breaks your staring before it becomes too obvious.

Eventually, the game goes into overtime with the score being 104 - 104 when the Lakers gets both free throws in. You’re practically shaking in excitement as you watch from courtside.

You are bent over, hands on your knees like a soccer mom watching their kid get a penalty kick. You miss Jenna snapping a photo of the court with you bent over in the corner of the picture.

“Come on, Tatum!” You shout, a vein on your forehead protruding. 

“Did you say a $1000 richer?” She mocks, using your words against you.

“Don’t go on a victory lap yet,” You stand as the last time-out is called, “The score’s even and there’s still 5 seconds on the clock. It’s anybody's game right now.”

When the whistle blows signalling time-out is over, you are tense again. Jenna seems to share your sentiments as she absentmindedly grabs your jacket when the Celtics shooting guard walks behind the line to inbound the ball.

Anticipation getting the best of her.

You ignore the touch – unsure if you wanted to pull away or never move your arm again.

“Shit!” You yell when someone on the Lakers intercepts the Celtics attempt to inbound — sloppily passing it to another player in gold and purple. 

3 seconds remaining on the clock and a fast-break on the Lakers side ensues; green jerseys struggling to keep up.

“Schroder tips the Celtics inbound and manages to pass it off to Thompson, to James! James with a hail mary from half-court with 2 seconds, will he make it!” The announcer exclaims.

It was like the movies when everything goes silent and somehow you see everything in slow motion. You watch as the ball spins high above in the air with the powerful throw from the Laker’s power forward. The only thing you feel is Jenna’s fist gripping your arm, bunching the jacket in her hands. 

You unconsciously lean into her; the intensity of the room bouncing off you. 

The ball continues to spin until it amazingly flies through the basket with a satisfying swoosh and the buzzer rings loudly.

The crowd explodes – bursting into loud cheers. 

“Holy shit!” Jenna jumps, cheering.

“No fucking way.” You groan.

You feel her grab your shoulders to face her, still jumping up and down; a large smile on her face. You find yourself matching her grin despite your team not winning. 

Nodding in defeat, you admit, “Okay, okay… that was a pretty great game.”

“Great?” She shakes you like a rag doll, “That was the best game I’ve ever seen!” 

“Are you turning into a basketball fan, Miss Ortega?” You tease as she pulls away from you.

Still with a grin, she says, “Never… Football will always have my heart.”

“I didn’t peg you for an NFL fan but I guess I’ve heard stranger things.” You tease as she rolls her eyes.

“Soccer, Y/N.”

“Why didn’t you just call it the proper name then?”

“We are not starting this.” She holds a hand up, turning to sit back in her seat. The high of winning the bet, dwindling away.

●●●

“This is me…” Jenna says into the quiet night air. 

You shifted on your feet as you stood by your car. The night had been an unexpected…. success. After the game, you two made sure to stick around to chat and take pictures with fans in the crowd. 

The more eyes that saw you two together, the better. 

“Um… this was nice, I guess.” You mumble, feeling a bit awkward now that it was just you and her. 

She blinks up at you, surprised by your admission. “Uh – yeah, this wasn’t bad. Surprising, but not bad.” 

A small smile creeps on your face, “Okay, well I guess I’ll see you later… or whenever our managers say we need to be seen together again.” 

She laughs, nodding, “Yeah…”

A bright flash from your peripheral has you blinking, unfocused. “What the–”

“Paps…” She sighs. “Kiss my cheek.”

“What?” You asked bewildered.

She sends you a pointed look, turning her back from the direction of the flash so they couldn’t see her face. “Kiss my cheek, they’ll take a picture and then they’ll know we’re not just gal pals.”

Jenna is rolling her eyes but you’re still stuck in your spot. “Y/N.”

Snapping out of your thoughts, you clear your throat, “Are you sure? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

Something indecipherable shines in her eyes, but it disappears as she blinks, “You’re not asking for my hand in marriage, Y/N. Just kiss my cheek.”

Blushing, you lean down. Shyly placing your lips on her soft-dimpled cheek – she leans into the contact, placing a hand on your neck. Immediately, a flurry of bright flashes and sounds of clicking interrupt the moment. 

“Goodnight, Jenna.” You say softly once you pulled away; ignoring the goosebumps that rose on your skin.

“Goodnight.” She takes a moment to look at you before walking to unlock her gate.

You wait until she opens the metal door; not missing the kind eyes she shoots you as she shuts the gate. Only once Jenna’s out of your view did you let out a deep sigh, turning around.

“Y/N! Over here! Did you just kiss Jenna Ortega? What about the singer you were with in Vegas? Are you two over?”

You didn’t want to give the paparazzi lurking on her street more reason to stay, so you keep your head down ignoring their shouting and slip into your car.

●●●

“How was it?” Her sister’s voice can be heard on her phone. 

“Awful – she’s a menace, Mia.” Jenna replies as she opens her fridge, looking for a mid-afternoon snack. 

It was now Sunday afternoon and as predicted – you and Jenna are the top headline of every major news outlet in America. 

“Did you tell her that you loved her in Little Women?” 

“What? No, of course not! I’m not gonna tell her that.”

“Why not? You watched that movie like five times when it came out.” Her sister reminds.

“Shut up, Mia.”

“Okay, anyways…” She trails off, laughing. “I saw the pictures. You’re smiling pretty wide with her. Also the kiss on the cheek when she was dropping you off? Chef’s kiss. Just perfect.”

Jenna rolls her eyes, “It’s all part of the act. Of course, I look happy.”

“There’s videos of you jumping on her. I can barely scroll through my Twitter feed without seeing an edit of you two at the game.”

“Stop. I don’t want to talk about her anymore.” Jenna snaps.

“Okay, okay…” Mia laughs and Jenna can picture her raising her hands in surrender. “Let’s talk about New York, are you excited?’

Jenna lets out a repressed sigh. With all of this PR mess with you, she hasn’t had time to think about how busy her schedule is about to be. The Scream VI premiere and SNL is inching closer and the Coachella native is feeling the familiar phantoms of anxiety rumbling in her chest. 

“Yeah, of course, I am. It’s SNL…”

“But?” Aliyah, her younger sister’s voice comes out of nowhere.

“But it’s SNL!” Jenna exclaims, “It’s a big deal! What if… what if I fuck up? Or I break character?”

“Okay… let’s take a deep breath,” Mia speaks up. She recognizes her sister’s looming anxiety and knew she had to act before the young actress sends herself into a panic. “You will kill it, like you always do and you won’t mess up. It’s okay to be a little nervous.

“Right, right.” Jenna agrees but the weighted pressure in her chest was still to creeping in.

Mia hums over the line unconvinced, “Listen, the whole family is flying in before your premiere. So don’t worry, we’ll be there, cheering you on!” 

Jenna can’t fight the smile that creeps up on her face. The thought of her family being there on one of the most important nights of her career is all she needs. They always had her back, picking her up when she felt like she couldn’t do it anymore. “Thanks, guys. I really appreciate that.”

●●●

“You want me to fly to New York, to what– be her personal cheerleader?” You dead-pan, watching as Link frantically throws clothes and shoes into a suitcase. 

It’s been about a week since the Lakers and Celtics game and news of you and Jenna’s night out in town are still abuzz. The two of you made a couple more subtle appearances over the last couple of days and the media is eating it up shamelessly. Pictures of you and the star are plastered on the front pages; be it grabbing coffee or grocery shopping or walking your dog at the park.

Now, you couldn’t even step outside without someone hurling Jenna’s name at you.

But you couldn’t lie. It was nice to have some company while you run your errands. Only yours though — you hated when you had to do hers. Jenna always thought too hard about which cereal to get, like she’s ever home to eat it.

‘New budding romance in Hollywood? Do we have a new power couple on the rise with Y/N L/N and Jenna Ortega? These two seem to be getting to know each other well… click here to read more’ 

Was the first thing you read when you turned on your phone this morning. 

Of course, it’s never that easy because there are still a handful of nobodies sending hateful messages about your criminal escapades – not everyone was convinced.

Some well-known people on social media – people you personally know are adding fuel to the fire; engaging in discourses of you and Jenna and if you are dragging her down just by being associated with you.

Fake-ass motherfuckers.

“Yes, I think those are the exact words Jake and Liv put in their texts, actually.” He reaches for his phone to read over the message; mocking you. 

“Stop, Link…” You run a hand on your face, “Tell them I’m not going. I have better things to do, Coachella is right around the corner and I literally have a song I need to send to my producer.”

He watches as you childishly cross your arms, scowling. 

If you weren’t his best friend he would’ve said goodbye to the Hollywood life – too rich for his blood. Link wasn’t sure how he still put up with your attitude after all these years. Could you have said those words any more snobbishly?

“Are you done?”

“No.”

“Well you don’t have a damn choice. Now, take a shower – Marcus will be here in an hour to drive us to LAX. And you can record in New York, no one said you had to be attached to Jenna’s hip.”

“What if I don’t want to.” You stand your ground. 

“Don’t do this today, Y/N.” He sighs. 

For a few moments, you hold your ground; contemplating if you should dig a hole and barricade yourself – metaphorically, of course. But never say never. 

Link raises a challenging brow – daring you to try him today. 

Wow, someone must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed…

Knowing what that look meant, you knew when to pick your battles and accepted the loss, trudging over to the master bathroom but not before slamming the door behind you.

“Don’t be slamming doors ‘round here! I don’t care if the house is under your name.” He shouts from the other side. 

“Fuck off!” You yell back, yanking your shirt off as the water turns hot.

He is such a dad.

–

“What are you doing here?”

“Hi to you too, Jenna. How was your day? Mine was great, the flight was a bit bumpy but I can handle a ‘lil turbulence. Thanks for asking.” You reply, ignoring the furrow in her brow hidden behind the silky fringe. 

You wonder what conditioner she uses to get her hair looking that soft.

“Y/N…” Jenna sighs, walking past you to enter your hotel suite. Walking into the living room to place her shoulder bag on the coffee table then she turns to face you, crossing her arms still waiting for an answer. “I’m serious, why are you in New York.”

You lean against a wooden panel, crossing your arms as well. “Didn’t your team tell you?”

Her frown deepens, patience thinning the longer you beat around the bush. “Obviously not or I wouldn’t be here.”

“Okay relax…” You warn not appreciating her tone. You literally just landed an hour ago and it’s almost midnight East Coast time. The timezone switch is fucking with you and her attitude is the last thing you need. 

“Don’t tell me to relax.” She snaps. The young actress hated those words, it always made her more riled up.

You scoff trying your hardest not to snap back but controlling your anger has never been your strong suit. “Why do you think I’m here? Liv told me I had to show face for your premiere and SNL episode. Be your cheerleader or some shit.”

She drops her arms, frown still etched on her soft face. What? Ignore that.

“Shit, I think Sarah might’ve mentioned it but I was just so busy with rehearsal and fittings with Enrique that I didn’t see.” Jenna sighs, rubbing her forehead.

For the first time since she barged into your room – you take a moment to scan her. Her face is bare and makeup free but you can see the dark smudges from her eyeliner earlier today just under the lashline. She was dressed in a large sweater and mismatched sweatpants; the sleeves are so long it covers half her hands and her short wavy locks tied into a messy low bun.

Her clothes practically engulfed her tiny stature. You figure this is a pretty rare sight that most people aren’t privy to and suddenly you’re unsure as to why it’s so hard to look away. 

“I didn’t mean to snap… I’m sorry.” She says quietly, looking at you like she was genuinely apologetic. 

“It’s fine…” You shrug and pushed off the wall to sit on the couch. Everyone has their days, you thought.

“I didn’t mean to ambush you. I really thought you knew I’d be here.” You turn on the TV, not being to stand the silence in the large room.

Jenna sits down beside you, tucking her feet against her chest. When did she take off her shoes? “It’s not your fault.”

The sigh she lets out is heavy and something tells you there’s some meaning behind it too. But you didn’t feel like it was your business so you zip it and continue watching the TV drone on about a program you don’t care about. 

“I saw clips of your SNL promo… I thought it was hilarious – you were great and that reporter outfit? So cool.” You change the subject. It gets her to smile as her dimples poke out, a little shy now. 

“It’s so cringy.” She covers her face. 

“Awh, nah… the internet loved it.” You laugh, a little amused that the actress was all flushed by a single compliment. 

Call it big-headed, call it ego, call it whatever you want but you personally relished it when people fawned over you. 

“Of course they did. They’re the whole reason for the meme.” She rolls her eyes after dropping her hands but she still had a toothy smile. 

“I bet that dance follows you everywhere…” 

“Every. Fucking. Day.” She says then raises a brow at you, “How do you know about the dance, though?’

You send her an affronted look, “I’m not a grandmother, Jenna. I know what’s hip with the kids.”

She snorts, “You’re an idiot – I just mean, I didn’t think you were on TikTok like that with a schedule like yours. Also, that app is toxic.”

“Every social media app can be toxic.” You quip, “But get off your high horse, your majesty. I literally just saw a couple of edits on Twitter of it.”

“Uh huh…” She hums, unconvinced, if the side glance she throws you was any indication. “But yeah the writers wanted to do a bit with Wednesday and this is what we came up with.”

“Well, I think it’s genius… from a business standpoint.” You offer up, nudging her shoulder then turning back to the TV.

You miss Jenna’s bothered frown. “Business standpoint?”

“Yeah,” You say off-handedly, “It’s smart, good for you.”

“Are most things a ‘business standpoint’ for you?” She asks, genuinely curious about what you could mean.

“Hmm. I guess I never thought of it like that but now that I’m saying it out loud, yeah, kinda.” You shrug, thinking about it. 

Most of the interactions in Hollywood that you have had are based on transactions and is usually for your own self-interest.

“...That’s kinda sad.” She says getting you to turn.

“What does that mean?” You frown.

“I’m just saying… there’s more to this industry than business deals and brand offers.” This time Jenna offers up a thought but it sounds a bit judgemental to you, shrugging.

You’re furrowing your brows, sitting up straight. “Look, you don’t even know me. Just forget what I said.”

But the laugh she lets out grinds your gears in the most unpleasant way.

Jenna holds up her hands in surrender but it feels mocking. “Clearly…” She emphasizes. “But I’m just saying, there’s no need to get all defensive.”

“Okay, I don’t know what kind of shit you were dealing with today but don’t take it out on me. Don’t come to my room talking about things you know nothing about.” You glower.

She matches your frown, standing. “It kinda sounds like you’re the one dealing with something, actually.”

“I think you should leave.” Your glare turns sharp and cold, standing too.

“Already on my way out.” She scoffed, snatching her bag aggressively off the coffee table then turns to walk to the front door. 

You follow to make sure the door hits her on the way out but she stops abruptly by the hall causing you to trip on your own feet to not tumble over her. 

“I think you should go back to L.A.” She glares up at you, tightly clutching her shoulder bag.

The laugh you let out is humourless, stepping back to create space between you and the other actress. “And get my ass handed to me by Jake, Liv and Sarah? They’re like four horsemen of the apocalypse – just searching for their last member. No thanks. You got a problem with me here? You deal with it.”

She clenches her jaw, “Done. Leave it to me.” Then turns and leaves making sure to slam the door shut. 

Those hotel doors weigh a fuck ton, how did she do that? And what did she mean leave it to me?

“Can I come out now?” Link peeks his head out from the adjoining room; fear present on his features.

●●●

:)

-

tagging who comment so far:

@alexkolax @ladey @jjsmaybank20 @werewoofrobinbuckley

[loulou-land]

"Mistle-Nope (But Maybe Yes)”

🎄 My bucktommy Christmas fic is here! Story time: I was bored last week at work and scrolling through insta when I came across this post. I immediately thought "Ah yes! that's Bucktommy and Eddie” lol. And so, this story was born 😂 I hope you all enjoy it! I loved writing it (even if I struggled with it at times). 🎄

Gen | 3.1K words | bucktommy | Post-Break Up, Getting Back Together, Crack Treated Seriously, Multi-POV, Mistletoe Shenanigans

read on ao3 or below the cut

This year’s Christmas party was taking place at Bobby and Athena’s new house. They’d wanted to celebrate the start of this new chapter in their lives, and inviting everyone over for Christmas dinner seemed like the perfect time. As a result, they went all out with the decorations. Warm lights draped across every available surface, and a tall tree, decked out in ornaments that looked like they came straight out of a catalog, took over a large part of the living room. A drink station in the room’s corner featured wine, warm apple cider, and hot chocolate. From the kitchen wafted the unmistakable scent of various baked goods–apple pie, red velvet cake, gingerbread and sugar cookies–completely overtaking the orange glazed ham that Bobby had prepared. And sprigs of mistletoe hung above all the doorways. 

The 118, along with their partners and children, spread out through the house, and while the general mood was festive, there was a particular sense of tension coming from two of their guests. 

Buck stood by the kitchen counter, focusing intently on finishing the decorative touches on the sugar cookies, glancing up now and then surreptitiously across the room. By the drinks station stood Tommy, swirling his wine and staring into his glass as if it held the answers to all his life’s problems.   

If anyone asked, Buck was fine. Totally fine. When Bobby had approached him about inviting Tommy to the Christmas party, he’d only hesitated for a moment. He could handle any awkwardness that might arise between them–after all, they’d already crossed paths during a few calls. And despite the hurt Buck sometimes still felt, he didn't want Tommy to spend Christmas alone. If he’d gone a little overboard with the baking at the thought of spending the holiday with the man who’d broken his heart– well that was entirely Buck’s business. Bobby and Athena had gotten a delicious spread of desserts, so they knew not to bring up the subject to him. Although they kept sending concerned glances his way when they thought he wasn't looking.  

There was one thing Buck hadn't counted on, however. That was, how overwhelmed he'd feel, suddenly being so much closer to Tommy than he'd had the chance to be in months. He thought he had finally made his peace with the breakup, had stopped wondering why, and had tried to move on. But being here together like this–it only reminded him that what they'd had between them still felt unfinished, lingering like an itch he couldn't scratch. 

Unfortunately for Buck, everyone else at the party had noticed too. 

———————————————————

“They’re killing me,” Hen muttered from her spot by the fireplace. 

“Excruciating,” Chimney agreed, reaching to steal a cookie off the dessert tray atop the coffee table. “Did you see that? Tommy glanced over at Buck four times in the last minute. And Buck’s looked back twice.” 

Hen snorted, giving him an incredulous look. “You’re counting their glances?” 

Chimney shrugged. “What? I’m a details guy. Also, it’s driving me crazy.” 

Hen raised her eyebrow. “You’re the one who absolutely insisted he needed to be invited. How’d you get Bobby to do it anyways?” 

“I have my ways,” he said, looking around shiftily. “And, I thought it’d help!” Chimney said defensively. “You know, finally getting them together in one place, no emergencies or other duties as an excuse. I thought they'd finally get to talking.” He shrugged, “Maybe spark some reconciliation. Come on! They belong together.” 

“Mhm. And how’s that working out for you?” 

Chimney groaned, rubbing his face. “It’s like watching the world’s most bizarre mating dance, they keep fluffing their feathers at each other and then running in the opposite direction” 

“You two are ridiculous,” Eddie muttered, finally joining the conversation. 

“Oh, we’re ridiculous?” Chimney scoffed. “Eddie, you’ve been staring at them like they’re the main couple in your favorite Telenovela.” 

Eddie didn't deny it. He had also noticed how Buck and Tommy’s eyes kept gravitating towards each other. How Buck would go over to refill his drink, brushing up against Tommy in the process. And how Tommy would look like he wanted to say something, but always stopped himself at the last second. Looking at them, it was obvious how much they still cared for one another, the problem was–neither of them would make the first move to fix it. 

“They’re idiots,” Eddie muttered. Buck was like a brother and Tommy was a really good friend, which is why it made this whole situation frustrating. The two of them needed to get their heads out of their asses and just talk to each other. Being apart clearly wasn't working for them. Buck still had his crazy baking binges whenever he particularly missed Tommy. And Tommy–well he kicked Eddie's ass onto the Muay Thai mats one too many times. They needed to mend this before his body was taken out of commission. Death by baked goods or combat sports, he shuddered at the thought. He was really starting to regret keeping Buck from texting Tommy a month ago. 

“Big, lovable idiots,” Hen agreed. “So what are we gonna do about it?” 

Chimney grinned, reaching into his pocket to reveal a small sprig of mistletoe. “I brought reinforcements.” 

Eddie frowned. “Seriously? How is that going to help” 

“Oh come on,” Chimney said, moving the mistletoe in his hand. “It’s Christmas. A little mistletoe magic never hurt anybody.”

Hen folded her arms. “I think your plan’s in trouble already. Buck’s been avoiding every doorway like it’s a hazard zone.” 

“And Tommy’s all but taken residence in front of that drink station. Plus I think he’d just leave if he figured out what we were up to.” Chimney sighed disappointingly.

Eddie groaned, watching as Buck and Tommy, still on opposite sides of the room, once again glanced at each other when they thought no one was looking. It was infuriating. 

“You know what?” Eddie said, standing up straighter. “Give me that thing.”

Chimney blinked in confusion. “What?” 

“The mistletoe.” Eddie snatched it from Chimney’s hand. 

Hen raised an eyebrow. “What’s your plan?” 

Eddie scowled. “I don’t have one. I’m improvising.”  ———————————————————

At the kitchen island, Buck was cutting the apple pie and setting the pieces onto plates when he sensed someone approaching. He glanced up–and there was Tommy, trying to stealthily grab a piece of cake. 

“Uh, hey,” Tommy said sheepishly, the corners of his eyes crinkling in that special way of his.  

Buck froze in panic for half a second before schooling his expression into something neutral. “H–Hey”

The air between them was awkward–slightly charged with an undercurrent of tension and things left unsaid. Buck didn’t know how to shake the feeling. 

“You having fun?” Tommy asked. 

“Uh y–yeah, definitely,”Buck lied, nodding like a bobble head. Jeez, pull yourself together, he thought. “Great party, Lots of, uh, desserts!” 

Tommy gave him a look, and Buck hated that Tommy could still see through him so easily. 

“Good, I’m glad,” Tommy replied, voice a little tight. 

Before Buck could continue blabbing and making a fool of himself, Eddie appeared out of nowhere, looking far too determined for Buck’s comfort. 

“Alright,” Eddie said, interrupting whatever awkward moment the two were having. Eddie was happy they were finally talking, but he was on a mission now. 

Both Buck and Tommy blinked at him in confusion. 

“Eddie,” Buck  started, “what–”

Eddie raised his arm, holding up the sprig of mistletoe like it was a declaration of war. “You’re under it.” 

Tommy squinted, “What?” 

“You’re under the mistletoe," Eddie repeated, deadpan. 

“You’re holding it,” Tommy frowned. 

“It doesn't matter,” Eddie said stubbornly, slightly shaking the mistletoe over them. “Still counts.” 

Buck scoffed at him. “That’s not how mistletoe works, man. And you can’t just go holding it up above people's heads, it’s–”

“Shut up and kiss,” Eddie cut in, face blank and his voice completely flat. 

Tommy turned to Buck, his expression torn between amusement and disbelief. “Is he serious right now?” 

Eddie, once again wiggled the mistletoe above their heads. “Yes, now kiss.”  

For a moment, neither of them moved. The room had gone so quiet, you could hear a pin drop—Hen and Chimney watched with barely restrained glee, Athena peeked out from the hallway, Bobby pretended he wasn't paying attention and Maddie was trying to sneakily record the moment. 

Buck huffed a small laugh, running a hand through his hair. “You know what? Fine.”

Tommy looked at him surprised. “Fine?” 

“Yeah, fine,” Buck repeated, turning to face him. His voice was quieter, softer when he added, “It’s Christmas, right?” He hated how desperate he sounded, how much he actually wanted to feel Tommy’s lips on his. One more time, even if—he never recovered from this again. 

Tommy’s brow furrowed. He looked like he wanted to argue, but something in Buck’s eyes made him stop. Instead, he took a deep breath and exhaled a quiet laugh. The butterflies in Buck’s stomach multiplied at the sound of it; he had really missed Tommy’s laugh.  

“Alright,” Tommy said, stepping closer. 

And then it happened. 

The kiss started tentatively—hesitant, careful—but somewhere between the first touch and the way Tommy’s thumb brushed under his chin, so reminiscent of their first kiss forever ago, it deepened. The room erupted in cheers and whistles, but Buck and Tommy didn’t seem to notice. Now that they’d had a taste of each other again, they had no plans of stopping anytime soon.   

———————————————————

The cheers had grown louder—Chimney was whooping like he’d just won the lottery, Karen and Hen were clapping and murmuring to each other, Athena was just shaking her head at the theatrics while Bobby looked on proudly, and Maddie looked entirely too satisfied with her phone.  

Eddie, meanwhile, stood frozen in place, mistletoe still held awkwardly over Buck and Tommy, staring at the unfolding scene in front of him. 

“O…okay,” he muttered under his breath. “That worked a little too well” 

Eddie admitted he hadn't thought farther than getting these two to face their feelings for each other. At most, he was expecting an awkward peck and them finally talking things out. He should’ve known better–this was Buck and Tommy, the two had been notorious for never being able to keep their hands off one another. 

He stood regretting all his life choices and wondering why he was still watching his best friends make out in front of him when suddenly–he heard one of them moan and that was it. “Nope, nu-uh.” 

He chucked the mistletoe behind him, ignoring Chim’s oof and weak protest. 

“Alright, mistletoe’s gone. Please, for the love of god and everyone's eyes tonight—get a room” Eddie pleaded. 

“Not one of ours,” Athena interjected dryly. 

That seemed to finally snap the couple back to reality, Tommy and Buck ended the kiss–both blushing and breathless, but staring at each other like they’d just discovered the meaning of life. 

The look between them lingered, something unspoken but heavy passing in the air–a shared understanding and quite possibly a first step towards fixing what had once been broken between them. 

“Want to get some fresh air?” Tommy softly asked Buck. 

“Ye…Yeah,” Buck answered happily, ducking his head shyly. 

Buck and Tommy turned to Eddie. They both beamed at him and excused themselves–Tommy setting his hand on Buck’s lower back and leading him outside. Eddie shook his head fondly, finally happy his friends had come together. Though he couldn’t quite believe he had to be the catalyst for it. 

“Nice Work, Cupid,” Chimney said, elbowing him. 

“Don’t call me that,” Eddie muttered, glaring at the mistletoe clutched in Chim’s hand. “Also, different Holiday” 

“It looks like you solved the problem,” Hen added.

“I just gently pushed things along. And now, I need a drink for my troubles,” Eddie said, already looking towards the drink station like the world’s thirstiest man.

“Oh, come on man,” Chimney said excitedly. “You know what you’ve just done?” he asked dramatically, clapping Eddie on the shoulder. “You’ve given us a Christmas miracle!” 

Eddie just rolled his eyes and walked away to get his drink. 

As he walked away, Chimney turned to Hen smirking. “I give them two weeks before they’re back together officially.” 

Athena, from the kitchen yelled “One week!” 

“Three days,” Bobby called out casually as he walked by with a tray of cookies. 

Hen snorted, shaking her head. “You all know they’re getting back together by the end of the night. But I’m always happy to take your money.”

———————————————————

Outside, the night was cool—the kind of December night in California where a light jacket was all you needed. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees lining the back of Bobby and Athena’s yard. Twinkling Christmas lights wrapped around the patio’s gazebo casting a warm light over them. 

Tommy and Evan stood side by side, the sound of laughter and soft music occasionally filtering through the partially closed glass doors behind them. 

Tommy had his arms crossed, feeling like it was the only thing keeping him steady. At his side, Evan rubbed the back of his neck, looking down at his feet, scuffing marks onto the concrete floor beneath him. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The sounds of the night filling the silence and space between them. 

Finally, Tommy broke that silence. “So…that just happened.” 

Evan let out a choked laugh, nodding. “Yeah. That definitely happened.” 

Tommy turned to him, his expression soft but hesitant. “I didn't think you’d actually do it.” 

Evan gave a small shrug, his voice quieter now. “Honestly, neither did I. But then Eddie started waving that stupid mistletoe, and I thought…why not? I mean, what’s one more heartbreak, right?” He tried to laugh it off, but it came out more bitter than he was expecting. 

Tommy’s face fell, and he took a small step closer. “Ev…Buck. Fuck, no—Evan,” he said imploringly. His stomach churned at the thought of Evan hurting, all because he had been a coward. 

“No, it’s fine,” Buck apologized quickly, shaking his head. “I’m okay. Really.” 

“Stop,” Tommy said, his voice firm but not harsh. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Evan.” 

Evan looked at him then, and the vulnerability in his eyes hit Tommy like a punch to the chest. “I don’t know how to do this, Tommy,” Evan admitted. “I don’t know how to stand here with you and act like everything’s okay when you were the one who left me. And yet, I still…” He swallowed hard, his voice trailing off一looking at Tommy slightly scared. 

Tommy felt like he couldn't breathe. He was terrified to ask, but he needed to know. “Yet you still what? He asked gently, stepping closer. 

“I still love you,” Evan finished, his voice barely audible. “And I don’t know how to stop. I’ve tried, Tommy. I promise, but…” 

Tommy’s heart twisted at the raw honesty in Evan’s voice. He reached out, tentatively, his hand hovering for a moment in the space between them, before resting it lightly on the side of Evan’s face. “You’re not the only one,” he said softly. 

Evan inhaled sharply and his eyes met Tommy’s, searching for any sign of deception, of hesitation. “What are you saying?” 

Tommy took a deep breath, his fingers twitching slightly on Evan’s face. “I’m saying I love you. I never stopped loving you. And I’ve spent every moment since I walked out of your loft that night trying to convince myself it was the right thing to do. That you’d be better off without me一”

“Tommy一, Evan tried to interrupt. 

Tommy kept talking, as though he didn't hear Evan. “But seeing you tonight…being near you again…”He shook his head, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s like I’ve been living without a heart all this time, and now, here with you一I can feel it beating again.” 

Evan stared at him, uncomprehendingly. “Then why did you leave, Tommy?” 

Tommy’s shoulders sagged under the weight of the question. “That night, when you asked me to move in, I was terrified. I felt like I’d fooled you into thinking I was this amazing guy, and if I let it go on…I’d keep trying to be someone I wasn’t. Or you’d eventually see the real me一a broken and lonely man with a lot of baggage—and eventually you’d realize you’d made a mistake. I didn’t know which one would be worse. I had been hurt so many times before, I couldn't let you break my heart. So I panicked and ran. And broke my own heart in the process.”  

For a moment, Evan didn't say anything, his eyes searching Tommy’s face. Tommy felt his heart clenching in fear at Evan deciding to leave. Then, slowly, Evan reached up and covered Tommy's hand with his own. “I’m sorry, I realized afterwards that I really blindsided you. I should've just told you what I really meant, that I love you and wanted you around as much as possible. I understand being afraid. But Tommy, It wasn't fair of you to make that decision for us. For me. I've been in relationships before, I know when I want something.”

“I know,” Tommy said quietly. “I’m sorry, I shouldn't have said it like that. Shouldn't have said it at all.”

“Good,” Evan said, squeezing Tommy’s hand. “And, I get scared too,” he admitted. “But maybe this time around we can really talk and get to know each other better and figure it all out, together.” 

Tommy felt his lips twisting into a smile. “I’d like that. And maybe next time you can remember I own a house, Evan.” Tommy said, using his other hand to poke him on the side. 

Evan’s face exploded into a blinding smile, squirming slightly at Tommy touching his side. “Right, see we’re already discussing the important details!”  

Tommy shook his head fondly, and finally let himself lean forward softly putting his lips to the pink mark above Evan’s eyebrow. Evan sighed happily. 

They stood there for a moment, looking into one another 's eyes, neither quite believing the other was real. Feeling infinitely grateful to their friend who had given them the push they needed to get here. The glow from the Christmas lights reflected in Evan’s beautiful shining blue eyes, as Tommy traced his thumb over his lips. 

“Merry Christmas, Evan,” Tommy said gently, his voice carrying a note of something vulnerable but undeniably hopeful. 

“Merry Christmas, Tommy,” Evan replied, pulling him towards him and into a soft kiss. 

And for the first time in months, the space between them didn't feel unbridgeable. It felt like the start of something new. Something stronger. Unshakeable. 

[platinumrosetail]

hi so i love ur ennead x reader andu was wondering if u could do a seth horus anubis x human immortal reader were she is cuddling their animal familairs( they left to look after her) into her cleavage and kissing them. like when seth had a falcon in his lap and horus gets jealous😂. what would the do?

also i always thought seth animal is a serval cat sorry if im wrong but could u use that as his animal 😄thank you

Sure! Also I would think Anubis would be a jackal since you know. also this might be short considering it's a wholesome request so either the number of paragraphs is short or the length of the paragraph is short i don't know it's yet to be confirm, also you're using female pronouns in the request so i'm assume female pronouns in her though it'll most likely not be mentioned much. this is any random appropriate time in the manwha as i don't know where to place it at so you all can choose.

warning: noob author, female reader, and others.

characters: seth, horus, and anubis.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seth:

seth was away on another conquest that needed him there, his familiar; a serval cat thought that this was perfect to spend time with it's favorite human and person.

The serval cat decided to soak up all of your attention while its master was gone as it could only get so much from you before it’s master shoo’s it away.

As soon as Seth returns he couldn’t find you anywhere that you usually be when he does return home from previous conquests or other boring things that sadly had to have his attention that must have him away from you. He later finds you and his familiar out in the garden sitting on the ground with that sneaky cat of his snuggled up in your breasts.

He soon grown jealous especially when the sneaky cat of his noticed him first and smirked at him the best it could since it was a cat. He took his familiar by the scruff and your hand before leading you to the bedroom while leaving the cat outside. Seth is thankful that you’re a immortal human as he can spend as much time with you as he want sad thing is his familiar can as well since it’s linked to him and is much of an immortal as he and you are which leads to the two butting heads for your attention.

Horus:

Horus had left for a meeting with his mother discussing about things as king (only thing I’ll say about timeline) that he should know and do which left is darling little familiar to get as much attention from you as it wants.

Not to say it doesn’t get enough affection from you already and it’s not like Horus forbids it in his presence but his familiar is a greedy little thing that loves your attention on it as much as possible.

It does try to stay out of its master way when Horus wasn’t some love and attention but there’s some times it wants to be spoiled rotten even while Horus was there which amused you in all of your immortals years.

Isis jokes and say that his familiar is like both your and Horus child and that it could be a practice baby from when you two decided on if and when you do have a baby. All in all you give it all the affection and love it wants but sometimes you do have to put your foot down when it goes overboard with it.

Anubis:

Anubis familiar loves your attention but is very loyal to Anubis so it mostly stays a bit away from you as it understands that you’re Anubis lover and as such it must protect you.

When it does want your attention it’s usually when Anubis is away and he doesn’t need it at the moment though it doesn’t immediately come to you for affection, you notice that it always side eyes you which made you think at first that it’s just watching to make sure you’re safe and such.

But you soon found out when you noticed it looking at your hand that was petting a fake fur blanket (don’t know if those were made back then but pretend that they do if they didn’t lol 😅) you had gotten the hint pretty easy on what it wanted and started to pet.

So now it becomes a tradition where you and Anubis familiar spend time together with you petting it as it slept and rested beside you when Anubis was gone and wasn’t needed his familiar, he sometimes comes home to finding you and it sleeping next to it with your hand on its back.

(A/n: hope yall liked it!! Sorry it took me so long 😅 I just been unmotivated lately along with busy in real life what with my cat having to be put down cause of her kidneys this year and trying to up myself up to work on my books plus ideas and let’s not forget the poll for the dragon prince x reader idea I have so yea I’ve been busy 😅 I was hoping to get this done when I first got it but sadly that’s when things started happening (minus my cat as that was in October just still been feeling down about it but I’ve gotten better) so I thank you for the patience to the one who requested this and I hope that all of you have a wonderful day/evening/night!!)

[marshallpupfan]

New Additions to my Marshall Collection!

It's been a while, but I finally get to post about some items I recently added to my Marshall collection! To think, my last update was all the way back in March. Fortunately, I was able to get a few things during that time - some new, and some I finally managed to track down!

(For any new followers, if you've never seen my collection, click this link. And yes, I might have gone... a little overboard. Once again, it goes without being said that I'm absolutely crazy about Marshall. lol)

First off, this LED Mood Light! This one's a brand new item, and I believe it's currently being sold at Target (in the USA, anyway). Admittedly, I was going to try and search for one... but I didn't have to because a friend sent me one for my Birthday! If you're reading this, thanks again for the great gift! :)

I'm not 100% sure, but I think they only made one of Marshall this time. Considering they only sold LED lights of Chase and Skye during the first theatrical film's run, I like to think this is Spin Master's belated apology to Marshall fans. Whatever the case, I'll take it! lol

And here's a brief video of it in action, if anyone's curious.

That same friend also sent me this, too. I believe it's called a "Charm", and it's meant for those Croc shoes. I've never owned a pair of those, but of course, it'll still look just as good on my shelf somewhere!

Next up, this "neon" True Metal vehicle! This is something I've been trying to find since last year... well, I actually could've purchased one at any time, but it was only available in a $30 set. I just wanted the one, so I figured I'd wait until I could just get Marshall's vehicle separate or the whole thing for cheaper. Luckily, I found the set a day before my Birthday at a flea market for $10! What a lucky find!

And this... is just a simple box of tissues. Actually, my folks seen this and figured I might like it. That's actually one of my favorite pics of Marshall, so I'll gladly find a spot for it somewhere!

And if you're curious, the other sides feature Chase, Skye & Rubble.

And last, this Good 2 Grow "Snackers" container! This is something I've known about for a while, but it took me some time to find one. Admittedly, that was my fault; for some reason, I thought they had yogurt in them, so I kept looking for them in the refrigerated section. Naturally, I never found any, so I just assumed none of my local stores ever got any in. It wasn't until recently that I went down an aisle looking for something for a folks, when all of a sudden, there they were! And this was the last one of Marshall, too! Talk about yet another lucky find! If only I had that same luck when I tried searching for Marshall's movie vehicle in those Drink & Play bottles. lol

Well, that's all for now! No doubt the Mighty Movie merchandise is right around the corner, and as per the usual, I'm certainly curious to see what they've got planned for that one. And to think, after that we'll be getting merch based on Jungle Pups (the TV show's next sub-series), and no doubt various other items in-between time, too.

A Marshall merchandise collector's job is never done. 😅

[owlyteas]

Alright guys this is gonna be a big chunky update on the Digimon fan game stuff

First up: Title screen! I swear I'll make it prettier later it just needs to function right now. Got saving and loading working, and yeah I couldn't think of any better name than "Digimon Quest" so I guess that's what the game's called now

After showing off the Data Bank and Clothing Shop last time I got a couple other important NPCs with jobs.

Cerberumon runs the Item Bank where you can put inventory items into storage. I might add a way to add more storage but right now it's 100 extra slots which seems like a lot but I always hate it when a game is really stingy on item storage so I might have gone a bit overboard lol

Ganemon runs the Bit Bank which is pretty simple. You can store and withdraw your Bits. That's it.

Bulkmon runs the Training Gym and will exchange a Digimon's Training Points (or TP) for a chance to increase their stats. There's three different difficulties for each stat to train (Attack, Defense, Max HP, and Max SP), with higher difficulties giving bigger stat boosts but are harder to succeed at. As mentioned before if you've played Digimon World 3 it's a lot like the Training Gym there, except you can refund your TP to lose any stat bonuses you've gotten but will get all your TP back to try again. Digimon get 1 TP each time they level up and the higher difficulties require more TP per attempt (1, 5, and 10 respectively). Your Digimon gets three attempts to succeed at the training with a bonus fourth attempt if they succeed all three attempts. Even if they fail an attempt, they'll still get a little stat boost, just not nearly as much as succeeding.

I don't need to show every single training type but just to show a couple examples here's the lowest difficulty for Attack.

...And the highest difficulty for Defense. We chose violence today.

HATCHING! This is the best part right getting more Digimon to use. You need to get a DigiEgg, which is a rare drop from enemies or can sometimes be found in the overworld or as quest rewards, plus a shop where you can buy some eggs, though I haven't decided if it uses Bits or maybe data yet. Each egg requires a certain type and amount of data, and once you have enough all you gotta do is put it into the incubator and hatch your new friend. :D

In this example a BlackAgumon DigiEgg needs Dragon, Devil, and Fire data to hatch.

Digimon also now have a bond level that can be increased by doing things like leveling them up or giving them treats they like. I haven't put in any benefits for a high bond level yet but I've got some ideas. Max bond level is 500.

And since I've got Digivolving working, I added a tab to the Digimon menu to view all of their possible evolutions.

If you want to view more info on an evo and their evos you can just click on the information button. You can also set a default Champion, Ultimate, and Mega level Digimon that will be more easily accessible on the sidebar or from a button press so you don't have to navigate through menus every time you wanna Digivolve.

Unfortunately Ultimates (and Megas) probably won't be available right away since I've got enough artwork to get through with just Rookies and Champions to worry about. The framework is in though.

Quests are implemented! I've still got a couple things to mess around with to make sure I can do different types of quests but yeah. Your quest item inventory doesn't run out of room and doesn't take up your main inventory so you can collect as many quests as you want and you'll always be able to get the right items. The quests here are just a bunch of test quests obviously.

Also got a couple things pertaining to enemies/combat. There's now buffs and debuffs that some attacks can have a chance to apply, like Agumon's Pepper Breath has a chance of applying a Burn. I've got a few debuff/buff types right now and I can always put more types in if I feel like it's needed for some type of attack.

The debuffs are: Burn (damage over time), Poison (damage over time plus lowered attack & defense), Leech (steals health from the target), Drain (steals SP from the target), Glitch (prevents use of Special Attacks), Weaken (lowers attack), Enfeeble (lowers defense), Stun (prevents movement), and Paralysis (lowers movement speed).

The buffs are: Heal (heals health), Restore (restores SP), Strengthen (raises attack), Bolster (raises defense), Shield (prevents damage), Counter (attacks enemy when attacked), and Speedup (raises movement speed).

If you don't remember all of those you can see what buff/debuff your partner or your enemies have by hovering over them so a little tooltip pops up. You can also see the duration for each buff/debuff.

I can't tell if we're screwed or not.

I also put in a small feature where you can click on an enemy to focus on them and keep their healthbar at the top of the screen. It won't make attacks automatically aim at them or anything but it's nice to see all the info of whatever enemy you want to focus on.

Aaaand I've got a storage system working for extra Digimon you don't want in your party. You can freely swap between party and storage and organize them however you want. I don't have a hard number on how many pages of storage you would get but I'll decide that soon, right now it's only 4 pages. You can probably unlock more somehow. Clicking on a Digimon will also bring up a little info window that doesn't have as much info as the Digimon Menu but it's info you might want to see at a glance for your Digimon in storage.

Oh and I either totally spaced on this last time or hadn't implemented it yet, but I've put in items that can be equipped to your Digimon. Each Digimon can only hold one of each type of item but there's two slots to use. I've only put in items that can give you a close-range attack (gloves) and a long-range shooting attack (wand) but there'll probably be all sorts of items that won't necessarily give you another type of attack but will do something else when equipped. Both of these items give you a Neutral element attack but other types of gloves and wands can give you elemental attacks.

OKAY I think that's everything whew. The next things I'm going to work on is a framework for achievements and maybe something along the line of Tamer perks that you can use to get upgrades or bonus stuff as you level up. I don't know if I'll be fully implementing them but I at least want to get the framework ready for whenever I do put them in.

And then after that it's time to knuckle down and DRAW DRAW DRAW and start building the actual game wow exciting!! I'll keep showing progress on sprites once I get back to them. :D

[paperstorm]

Can I just vent for just a moment? I'm not trying to bring anyone down or anything but all this speculation is kind of wearing me out. Of course people are allowed to speculate and I'm trying to filter things as much as I can but it's getting to me a bit when I see someone saying something might happen to Gabriel. Nothing that's been said in interviews is indicating that and why would they wait until the wedding to do something like that when they know that it would be impossible for the audience to enjoy it even if they do a time skip. And Carlos and fans earning the happiness doesn't mean that somebody is going to die. It could be TK in an accident or something where Carlos is really worried but everything is fine. And even saying that his sisters are introduced in an unexpected way doesn't mean something is going to happen to the Reyeses. I doubt Rafa would have been laughing about it if that's the case. Tbh I'm kind of exhausted from all the drama. I know it's a drama show and I have enjoyed this season but I just feel like they've gone a but overboard with all the drama this season. We've barely even had happy fiances Tarlos. I'm so looking forward to the wedding but right now I just feel so exhausted at the idea of having to "earn" the happiness when that's literally what it feels like we've been doing this entire season. I'm sorry, I just needed to get this off my chest

Don’t be sorry it’s okay 💛 sometimes I engage in the speculation and sometimes I find it exhausting too which is not at all a consistent stance lol but. It is what it is. And I feel you, I’ve loved this season but at times it has felt a little bit like none of them are ever going to get a break. I want Tarlos to just get to be happy, not to have to fight and claw for every scrap of joy. I’m hopeful Ronen is right and the wedding is just gonna be a big giant love letter to this beautiful couple.

[grapecaseschoices]

bored oc ramblings

taken from this ask if anyone is interested

Eros – Romantic, Passionate Love.

1- Is your OC romantic in the traditional sense? Do they enjoy giving or receiving gifts of flowers or confectionary? Or are there other courtship traditions from their culture of origin that are important to them?

Alana: Yes. Alana is so very romantic and so in love with love. Red and pink flowers, chocolate in a heart box, a stuffed animal ... you name it and she would love it. The thing is Lana mostly dated men [shitty, cocky men] so there was never the thought that she would give. So when she and Seven get together, and it occurs to her; she is going to go so overboard.

As for culture, Alana is Mexican-American [texmex] but she really didn't have any one teach her the balance/limits in traditional courtship stuff. ... at least not the good ones. Sure there was what she heard in music and saw in novelas, but actual people reinforced a hyperfixation of gender roles. I think [not trans, just stating what I've heard but open to being corrected] it would have been worse because she was trans. Like Alana was always just femme and girly, but I think she would feel she had to be the perfect little future wife for these dudes. ... who made little effort. Also she didn't have any family [outside of Seven] to speak up for her [and Seven was but a gringo.] So, she will probably over do it when she and Seven start dating she is gonna over do being the couter but also the perfect little woman, but Seven will get her to chill.

Bethany Josnel: BJ is and isn't. I feel he is more bring flowers for your mom type. He was raised around his local church so he was always the perfect gentleman to Lucy; but also Seven. Poor Seven just wanted some heavy -- not even heavy pettinv and BJ wanted to TALK about it. I don't thibk they even snu snu'd. No candy and no snusnu. But at least BJ opened doors and pulled chairs. And was a steady, dependable presence.

Hiyam: No. Lmao.

Lala: Not really. But they wouldn't say no to it [they like sweets], and they wouldn't be against it time to time if their SO treasured it.

Ori: lol. No, but if you remind him he will make the effort.

2 - How important is sex to them in a relationship? Do they see it as something essential to their happiness? Would they be able to remain in a monogamous relationship with someone they loved without sex?

Alana: She is learning that it isn't as important as she once thought. It was essential to other people's happiness-- at least pleasure, and giving them that gave her some sort of happiness/satisfaction. But ... the focus of sex in relationships is kind of ... messy for her. And I think she would be kinda anxious to be with another partner that rushed into it. I think she would be quite fine for some time without sex in a monogamous relationship.

BJ: No sex until marriage!! Jkjk. Well ... the answer is no for the first two and yes for the last.

Hiyam: the question should be is how important is having a relationship in relation to sex. And the answer is not at all. Seven was the only exception. Seven, I feel was her only so. Ever. And she's had sex before and after Seven. Umm. I guess sex MIGHT rate top ten, in general. Maybe not. Again wrong question. Would she be able to admit to someone she was having sex with she loved them and wanted a monogamous relationship? No. Lol, no um. I don't know. I'm not quite sure on that last one. MAAAAYBE but it really depends on what else is going on.

Lala: They do factor in sexual compatibility as something that CAN be important in a relationship, if sex is something both partners desire. Lala has had more fwb and hook ups than relationships, so I can't say if it is ESSENTIAL to the dynamic but I will say that they are open to going without. If that is something discussed beforehand.

Ori: I think it is important in the sense that Ori tends not to have sex with someone unless they were in a relationship already, or at least gone on a few dates. I don't think it is essential but he doesn't realize it yet. It is just so linked in his mind that it would be weird at first but he would be very open to trying if his partner was not interested in sex. But he would need LOTS of touch and cuddling to balance it out.

3 - How do they feel about public displays of romantic affection? Does it make them uncomfortable? How do they feel if a romantic partner kisses them in public?

Alana: I think too over the top romantic pda makes them uncomfortable. But quick kisses on the lips are fine and they don't mind more frequent platonic pda -- hand holding, arms over the shoulder when sitting. I think if they really liked their partner a tasteful liplock would make them blush / they would feel embarrassed but not in a bad way.

BJ: Nope. Roflmao. Yall can hold hands. Yall can lean on each other [more you on him], etc. But the rest should be private. But a quick kiss almost on his lips, depending on the moment, he might find very charming.

Hiyam: Surprisingly, no. That is because she tends to see PDA as people hanging off each other, and ain't nobody got time with that. It MIGHT change if she was in a relationship and in love. As Seven is a PDAer if I remember right and Hiyam was fond of most of Seven's antics. But then Seven knew her well enough not to do it in a way that would irritate Hiyam. Hiyam IS into public displays of territorialness for the booty calls they keep around.

Lala: They lean toward privacy like Hiyam and BJ. Though they're more okay with spontaneous stuff than they are. In general, that shit isn't anyone's business. BUT their so can hang off them so they desire [squat and hug their short ass lmao]

Ori: Yes. No. Yes.

4 - Do they believe in love at first sight? Have they ever developed a crush or romantic (or erotic) fixation upon a stranger based on their appearance alone?

Alana: In theory. She believe it is a thing that exists but she doesnt think it is for her. And a crush but not like a fixation. More like "oh tehy look dreamy" and the crush would grow as they got to know them.

BJ: Yes. Roflmao. Because this fucker believes in fate. And what is love in first sight but people meant to be immediately drawn together? And no.

Hiyam: Yes. Shut up. And sexual fixation, yes. That's when one goes to flirt.

Lala: Hrm. I don't think so. But they aren't closed to the idea, if you do well that's great [but they're skeptical]. And no, but it has drawn them in.

Ori: Maybe? I think he thinks its a nice idea but he really hasn't put much thought into it. And I think maybe a crush, but strangely not often. I mean je has a lot of crushes but not JUST based in looks.

5 - How closely is their opinion of their own beauty (or lack thereof) linked to their confidence? Do they see themselves as more or less worthy of love or sex based on how attractive they feel?

Alana: It is something she is working through. But it used to be a respectful, respectable, pleasant yet attractive appearance more than BEAUTY. But beauty definitely probably was in there. Though, strangely for love it is no. But for sex ... more how attractive others found them.

BJ: No. Though looking responsible and presentable does help with their confidence.

Lala: No. Lmao. They know they're are hot no matter. And even tye days they don't think so.

Ori: I think more than he realizes. And yeah I think so. Sisjudhd I'm tired but yes.

[awkwardgtace]

Hello qgain

Did you know I actually finished a second chapter for Night Light a while ago and now I'm working on the third one?

You write great and I wanted to ask right quick—

How would you describe a desperate or instinctive reaction to flee? Like what sort of responses do you think there'd be? Is there any hitting or struggling or do they just run? I'm not really sure what's best and I'm stuck on it on the third chapter right now...

Could you please help me out a little bit?

I did not know and was super happy to find out! Had to read that first lol

also you are so sweet i'm totally dying <3

For your question it's under a read more cause I might have gone overboard lol:

I think it depends on the character and situation honestly. Like if flight isn't an option would they fight or freeze? Is it going stir crazy, trying to escape a prison/trap, running from someone? I think those all have different actions too.

so like running with a fight response I'd do something like: She had to get away. Turning on her heel she ran as fast as her legs would carry her. Each time a hand her size grabbed her she forced herself free, ignoring the person falling as she did so. More and more arms grabbed her until she was stuck struggling to free herself. Suddenly the arms were gone and she was surrounded by shadow. Fingers bigger than her surrounded her. She did the only thing she could think of, ramming into them. She put all her strength into trying to push the giant digits away. Biting and clawing to get through. As her sides were pinched she kept fighting, desperate to be free.

Running with a freeze response I'd do something similar to flight for getting surrounded but a few differences once they're trapped: Fingers bigger than him surrounded him. He wanted to fight, try and escape, but his body wouldn't move. No matter how much he willed himself to do anything he was frozen. The fingers moved closer until he was solely in their grasp, he had no chance of escape left.

Then for like trying to escape a room going more stir crazy since they can't leave at all I'd do something like: They paced the entirety of the room. They had been here too long and needed freedom. As they paced they began to knock things over. Searching for something to help them escape. As their search continued to fail they slowed their walking. Staring at the door, the only exit they felt the desperation well up. Gathering all their strength they tackled the door. Again and again they attacked the exit trying to force their way out. When they grew tired they clawed at the door trying to force an opening. As exhaustion took over tears fell from their eyes, they couldn't get out.

for more like a trap, with gt like a pocket or clasped hands or a jar or something i'd do more like: He stared at his prison. Fabric all around him, the only opening covered by a zipper he couldn't move. He started to fight the fabric in front of him, seeking a loose thread to create his own escape. A jolt made him lose his footing as his captor began to move. He didn't have the luxury of time. He tried to climb to the top, to force open the zipper. He made no progress and another heavy movement knocked him back down. He knew he couldn't escape, but he wouldn't just give up. He screamed and thrashed to try and cause some issue for the one holding him against his will. A hand pressed against him forcing him still with his limbs in awkward positions. It was clear he was outmatched, he needed help.

i hope this is helpful! I definitely might have gone overboard but it's before work and i might have had too much coffee lol. Also you can totally pm me or tell me if you want private answers too! I swear no one gets trapped in jars or pockets from me unless angst wins in my brain.

[shirogane-oushirou]

🦎, 🎀 and ♟️ for the OC f/o ask game? :)

hello hi hi hi~ thank you so much for the ask!!! love having an excuse to talk endlessly about my beautiful boy <333 i'm just gonna stream of consciousness ramble about all three rens and hope it all makes sense in the end skdjfkjn ;; 💗

🦎 - does your oc f/o have any pets? if not, what pet(s) would they want? is there a reason why they don't have them?

not directly! ren never had pets growing up (strict family), and both doc! and v!ren are so busy, out of the apartment all of the time, that he knows it wouldn't be responsible to keep a pet, no matter how much he'd like one :( once i'm in the picture, though, and start living with him... i mean. i spend most of the day at home in bed KJNASKFJN so time for kibby~~ on one of his off-days we go to some cat cafes to see what we're both interested in cat-wise and how both of our energies play off of them. that way, once we decide to get one, we have SOME idea of the kind cat that would enjoy BOTH of our companies!! r!ren doesn't have pets of his own, but he DOES live with his sister who owns a small coop with a couple of hens! when he wants a quiet moment to think, he'll sit in the backyard and hold a hen and scritch around her wings while he listens to music. one of his niece's chores is to take care of the hens (as much as she can, at least), and he'll sometimes help her out with some of the more difficult things, like cleaning out and replacing the bedding.

🎀 - what aesthetic(s) do you associate with your oc f/o? bonus point if you make an aesthetic board for them!

may have gone... a little overboard with this one... KAJNSDKJN. to my credit, i decided it would be a good opportunity to make some "album covers" for my multiple in-the-works ren playlists teehee (so THANK YOU for choosing this q sjdkjnk i needed the kick in the butt). there's overlap in their aesthetics (especially doc! and v!ren) so i tried to divvy them up as best i could. i'll post these on their own over the next few days, but for now: [cw food, blood, trypophobia, open water, fungi, iv bags] 1: RenRo 2: General Ren 3: Retail!Ren 4: Doctor!Ren 5: Villain!Ren

♟️- how smart is your oc f/o? is it academic smarts, emotional smarts, etc? where does your oc f/o thrive and where do they lack?

(this is so long. i apologize in advance. o7 ) ough. they're all very smart book-wise. trained from an early age and all that, plus doc! and v!ren went to med school and now work in a specialty unit at a university hospital, performing both as a clinical mycologist and doing research when not tending to patients. r!ren went no-contact with his parents before he went to college and went straight into the work force. he's just as intelligent, he just hasn't gone through several years of med school on top of what he already knew. (i am debating the possibility of community college for him, though. need to do some research and cost comparisons... so that's still up in the air!! ;;) emotionally... hmmmmmm. it's complicated. he's VERY observant and people-pleasing, but to a degree that can be off-putting. for doc! and v!ren, this manifests as insecurities due to past failed relationships, which either due to the partner not being Great OR ren over- or under-pleasing them. tl;dr he puts so much pressure on himself to Mask Perfectly to be the Perfect Partner so as to avoid past mistakes... that he'll end up doing things like over-analyzing small details about whether my facial expression indicates that i liked his silly joke instead of recognizing that like. i might like him back and just enjoy his company? KAJSNdKJn. so i think he has the POTENTIAL for good emotional intelligence, but he focuses too much on his own behavior in response to other peoples' feelings instead of properly processing what he observes. if that makes sense. r!ren's a little more realistic about all of this, so his observational skills are more refined, and we start dating MUCH faster because of that lol. he does still have that matching-other-peoples'-energy thing but. yknow. i can make him better LMAO. street smarts-wise, all three are baseline okay. ren grew up in small-town maine and wasn't really allowed a rich social life, so he wasn't very street smart when he first moved away. doc! and v!ren have lived in a big city for several years since then, and he spends a decent number of free evenings walking around the city, so he can take care of himself. r!ren's jumped around to different locations before settling with living with his sister and niece in a rural area, so i guess he has a more shallow but wider breadth of different kinds of street smarts. he's spent a decent amount of time out here, so he's probably more rural street smart. again, still bad about picking fights, though. so i've gotta dock points for that. so uhhhhhhhhhhh in summary doc! and v!ren have higher book smarts, lower emotional smarts. r!ren has higher emotional smarts, lower street smarts.

(ask game)

[casper-the-rose]

Hi lovely! From one writer to another I love your work, all the Gareth ones have me kicking my feet in the air and blushing like an idiot! So I have a Gareth one shot for you! It’s Gwydions 28th birthday today (the actor who plays Gareth) so maybe we can get something where the (GN or Fem!) Reader plans out Gareths birthday and makes him a cake and everything and really makes his birthday special and he is just in shock and the edge of tears cause I feel like Gareth might be someone who either doesn’t like his birthday or doesn’t do much for his birthday, so basically a fluff with a small drop of Angst. Sorry if that’s a lot I love writing summaries for my works so I get carried away a lot lol- Minnie x 🖤

Thank you so much! And I love this idea! And yeah, I feel like Gareth would be someone who doesn't really celebrate his birthday.

Birthday Chaos

Gareth Emerson x GN!reader

Summary: Basically the request, but I did add kind of a side plot with the readers little brother trying to distract Gareth while everyone sets up.

1.2k Words

You impatiently tapped your foot as you watched the oven, only a couple of minutes were left on the timer. It was your boyfriend Gareth's 18th birthday, and you wanted to do something special. The previous day you had taken a trip to all the nearest party stores you could find to grab as many decorations as your monthly allowance allowed, and you convinced everyone in your family to chip in. Your mom helped you with the cake, and your dad helped hang up decorations, but your little brother? He had the most important role of all. Distracting Gareth.

Usually, Gareth comes over every other day at around 3, but because setting up was taking longer than expected you had to send Nick, your 12yr brother to try and distract Gareth until everything was ready.

~~~~~~~~

"Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Look little dude as much as I love watching you practice…whatever you want to call those dance moves, I'm already almost an hour late to see your sister." Gareth sighed, while your brother was dramatically layed across the floor, one leg up while frantically shaking his hands at a sorry attempt for jazz hands.

"You can't leave yet! You'll miss episode 5 the epilogue the last chapter!"

"You can show me at your house 'kay? I'm sure Y/n will have something to say about those moves." Gareth chuckled with a shake of his head.

Your brother groaned and rushed over to the walkie-talkie you'd lent him for the mission once Gareth was out of earshot.

"Code red! He's on his way."

"Well stop him or something! I still have to frost the cake when it cools and people are just starting to get here! There's also so many decorations to still hang up, admittedly I might've gone overboard-"

"Well, what do you expect me to do? Stand in front of his car like a deer to stop him from driving?"

"….."

"I hate you."

Your brother hung up and ran out to the road, stopping in front of Gareth's car with his hands up in defense.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"I, am uhh.. transfixed! Yeah, transfixed like a deer by the headlights."

"My headlights aren't even on!"

"E-exactly! But don't turn them on, that'll just transfix me more and then I'll never move."

Gareth groaned and dropped his head onto the steering wheel, promptly honking the horn.

~~~~~~

Meanwhile, you were in full panic mode. All of hellfire were there, along with Steve, Nancy, and Robin, who Dustin insisted should come. They were all divided into two groups, half helping your dad with the rest of the decorations. Unsurprisingly, the stores didn't have many metal or drum-themed party decorations. But you being you, just grabbed a bunch of plain decorations and tried as hard as you could to perfectly draw various bands, drums, and music notes on them.

The other half was trying to help you cool the cake enough to start frosting it.

"Y/n, I'm sure it's fine now-" Steve started before you cut him off.

"We have to be 100% sure Steve. If the cake is too warm then the frosting'll melt, and then the cake will be ruined and then the entire party will-"

"Okay, I'm sorry I asked, take deep breathes and breathe Y/n."

Eddie piped up from across the room. "Yeah L/n, I'm sure he'll love it either way. Hell, he barely even celebrates his birthday. Last year he just brought a cupcake to school and that was it. Didn't even mention it was for his birthday." Eddie shrugged, and the rest of Corroded Coffin agreed.

"Well, that just makes this even more important! Gareth deserves a great birthday." You frowned.

"Okay, I'm like 99% sure we can frost the cake now," Steve said, putting his hands up in defense when you glared at him.

"I said 100%, Steven!"

"That's not even my full name!"

"It is now."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Little dude, look. You have five seconds to move before I pull you into this car." Gareth groaned.

"Ok ok, fine! But let me go get something inside first! Don't leave me here!" Your brother ran inside, grabbing the walkie-talkie. "Oh, believe me, I would if I could. I would if I could." Gareth muttered to himself

"Nick? Nick you there?"

"Can he finallyyy go?" Your brother whined.

"Yep! We're all ready."

Nick ran back to the car and hopped into the passenger seat.

"Finally. Some happy birthday to me," Gareth muttered, before starting the car.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Okay! Places everybody!" Eddie shouted once he saw Gareth's car pull into the driveway.

The lights were off, and everything was set up perfectly. Everyone hid behind various objects of furniture with party poppers in hand.

"Helllooo? Anyone home?" Gareth knocked, and the door creaked open. He shrugged and figured maybe you were in your room or something.

"Hey sorry I'm so la-" He stated while opening the door.

"Happy birthday!" Everyone shouted turning the lights on, jumping up from hiding, and setting off their party popper. Gareth gasped and stumbled backward a bit. Tears started in his eyes and his face was a look of pure shock.

You ran up and hugged him, before frowning when you saw the tears slowly trickly down his face.

"What's wrong? I know the banner isn't perfectly even like I wanted but Eddie-"

"You did all this? For me?" You watched as a goofy smile grew on his face.

"Yeah!" you beamed and followed Gareth as he walked over to the decorations.

"Where'd you even get these? They have all my favorite bands on them." He said, carefully observing the streamers and various items hung on the wall.

"Well, I couldn't find any I thought you would like so I just got blank ones and drew things you liked on th-" but before you could finish your sentence Gareth swept you up in a bear hug.

"Best. Birthday. Ever."

You didn't even let me talk about the cake my mom helped me bake!"

"You baked a cake?!" Gareth practically shook you with his hands on your shoulders while you giggled. His eyes were wide with wonder and excitement, which made your heart melt.

"Yep! We can eat it after dinner. Or now if you want!" You smiled.

At this point Eddie piped up. "Can we like party now or something because as cute as this is I didn't exactly spend 20 minutes while L/n practically screamed at me while hanging up that banner with your name on it to watch this."

Gareth rolled his eyes and looked at you.

"What? Its still uneven!" You crossed your arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was now currently 11pm, and you were laying on Gareth while Goonies was playing in the background. Most people had gone home, but Steve had fallen asleep on Eddie after his 4th piece of cake and screaming:

"You don't know how hard I had to fan this Wheeler! I deserve it. Especially after dealing with you little shits." While Eddie backed him up after Mike asked if he should be eating that much cake.

But since Steve was asleep, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Robin were also stuck there, considering Steve was their ride home. And Eddie refused to let them wake Steve up.

"So?" You whispered so only Gareth could hear.

"So what?"

"Was this the best birthday ever?"

Gareth smiled. "Oh yeah. Most definitely. But there is one thing that could make it better."

You frowned. "What?"

He cupped your face and pulled you in close, softly kissing your lips.

"There."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Extra: I feel like the conversation between Dustin and Steve when Dustin got him to come went as follows:

"You know Gareth Emerson, the drummer for Eddie's band who's also in hellfire?"

Yeah, what about him?"

"You're going to his birthday party."

"What?"

"You. Are. Go-ing. To. Gareth. Em-er-son's. Birth-day. Par-ty."

"Will Eddie be there?"

*Frantic Dustin nodding*

"……"

"…."

"… Do I need to bring a present?"

"Yes."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I'm currently editing some of the other things requested! Conveniently the internet here is slow so the only websites that load decently are tumblr and google docs, so I'll still be working on any request I didn't get to in the car, or any new ones I may get! Thank you so much for the requests

[soupbabe]

hello so i know there’s one for the crusaders and the duwang gang but i was wondering if i can request a chubby s/o with bruno’s gang? please and thank you!!

Bucci Gang w a Chubby! S/O

I love writing chubby/plus size readers sm !!😌 y'all deserve the world. Also I think I might've gone a tad bit overboard w this?? Not sure lol

Bruno Bucciarati

Bruno would love you regardless of your body! He's never been one to heavily judge someone's appearance

Going clothes shopping with him is a win and lose kind of thing

On one hand, you have your boyfriend to hypr you up when you try on clothes

On the other hand,,you could wear a potato sack and he'd still be like "You look radiant, tesoro"

"Bruno, you have to say more than 'you look great' after I show you a new outfit. " "Well, you know better than anyone, I'm not the kind of guy to lie or brush you off. I'm being genuine in every statement"

I just can't see him finding a favorite part of you

Like he adores the way your chubby cheeks are just on display when you're smiling, he thinks it makes your smile seem way brighter

And he also just adores your soft thighs, a perfect resting place for his head when he gets stressed out from work

Bruno is just smitten by you

Leone Abbacchio

I imagine that you'd have to have pretty tough skin upon meeting Abbachio

It's very easy to think that he'd make a few snide comments upon meeting and working with you

It's not a lot and he says very little, but they can be the kind of quick comments to get under someone's skin easily

But I promise you it'd stop once you two get to know each other and work alongside each other more

He has such a soft spot for you now omg-

If he's ever having a bad day he just likes to wrap his arms around your soft waist and rest his head on your shoulder

Maybe give it a couple of little kisses if your shoulders are exposed

That action is literally his favorite thing to do in domestic settings

I hc that all of the bucci gang have their own separate places instead of living to together, so Abbacchio has his own privacy to let his walls down and be more outwardly loving

He loves going up behind you while you're cookie dinner and ask what you're making, hiding his smirk in your shoulder when he feels your face heat up

I think his favorite part of you might be your wife waist/hips

It's the first thing he gravitates to and clings to when you too fall asleep together

Abbachio could be facing away from you when he falls asleep and wake up with your back pressed against his chest, his arms around you

Giorno Giovanna

Giorno has a preference for plus size bodies it's canon because I said so

To him your plush body just makes him think that you were taken care of in your life

Having some meat on your bones is something Giorno just appreciates in an s/o, you know?

I don't think he'd be the best at expressing how much he loves you through touch or verbal affection, so he likes to buy you stuff

It could be from something as simple as flowers to clothes you eyed at one time, but you decided to not buy

If he wants to buy you something special and it's not in your size it's no problem for him

His mafia connections give him easy access to a lot of businesses in Italy and he could afford to get something custom made just for you

I can see his favorite body part of yours being your eyes

Giorno just loves how much emotion they hold and how much they silently tell him how you're feeling

And they especially help him take notice if you're having one of those off days you know? It helps him understand so he can be there for you

Pannacotta Fugo

He's not that judgemental when it comes to an s/o

But he did think you were very attractive and did develop a small crush on you when he first met you

He can be easily flustered and it's so easy for someone like Mista or Narancia to tease him about his chubby crush

"Hey Fugo, I saw you staring at Y/N's shorts. Saw somethin' you like?" "S-shut the fuck up Mista! I wasn't staring at them!"

Lies

He loves your personality as well, I don't think Fugo has ever had a crush before and is struggling to remain subtle at times

Once you two are in a relationship, he's so happy

I do imagine that it'd take Fugo awhile to be used to physical affection from an s/o regardless, but once he felt a hug from you?? He wants you to hug him all the time

Was he missing out this entire time?? You're so soft and warm?? He loves it so much omg

I think his favorite body part of yours is your hands

Since he'd rather keep things professional in the gang, holding your hand is as far as he'd go for pda

When he's feeling stressed out, he likes to hold onto your hand for reassurance

Sometimes he likes to squeeze your soft palm if his anger issues is testing him or just to get your attention discreetly when you two are around the gang

Narancia Ghirga

Another gang member to adore and prefer chubby s/os!!

He just finds them comforting tbh

He's also very clingy, finding a way to have his arms around you at all times

If you feel uncomfortable with it and tell him, he'll pout but (reluctantly) keep his hands to himself

It doesn't matter how odd it might look, he will sit on your lap

He just likes snuggling up with you and having your big arms wrapped around him

He loves to share his food with you!!

Lunch breaks from his lessons are commonly when you can casually spend time with your boyfriend and give him the encouragement he needs to make it through the second half of his school day

Typically during this time he'd cut an orange in half, give one half to you, and he plays with the other half to make you laugh

One time during his orange smile act, he almost choked because he was distracted by how nice your laugh is-

He's also very protective of you

Seriously he's not above pulling a knife on a stranger who made a rude comment about you-

I fully believe that his favorite body part of yours is your tummy!

He loves laying on it so much that sometimes you feel like his personal pillow instead of s/o

Add in you running your hands through his hair?? You can already hear his soft snores

Guido Mista

I think he really didn't pay any mind to plus size folks, until he saw you

You were just in shorts and a crop top/tank top(/whatever makes you comfortable) to combat the Italian heat and his mind made that awooga awooga sound

I just know he brought out his old flirting tricks onto you

This man could be in the category of "annoyingly persistent, but not yet boarder line harrassment" regardless of your response to being hit on

He is your personal hypeman omg

While everyone has their off days, it's really hard to feel insecure when Mista is around

Just like Narancia, he's so protective of you

Even if you are 100% capable of handling the situation himself, he will yell and bark at the rude stranger

"Get your fucking boyfriend bitch-" "he don't bite :)" "yES HE DO"

Please sit on this man's lap, he would be so happy

Think you're too heavy? Mista would take that as a challenge and drag you onto his lap anyways

He would secure his arms around your large frame and give a teasing kiss on the cheek, "Haha, you can't escape now babe!"

His favorite body part of yours might be your thighs

Once he met you, he was a true believer of "thick thighs save lives"

Mista would constantly beg you to wear shorts all the time, using the hot weather as an excuse

"The weather is at a record high! It's best for you to wear shorts, Y/N." "Mista you're literally wearing a sweater." "So!? I'm worried about you, this conversation isn't about me!"

[fang-natic]

Sing, Nightingale (part 2) - keigo tamaki x top!m!reader

cw: noncon, bondage, overstimulation, oversensitivity, drugging, gagging/blindfolding, bdsm elements, marathon fucking, creampie, manipulation

an: i guess the reader has a fucking quirk. fucking machine quirk? that could totally be a thing in the mha-verse right? doesn't that little grape bitch have anal beads for a superpower? why do i even care i have a test tomorrow AHHH

you don't need to read part 1 for this but it might clear up some context lol

"You probably know this by now, but the drug I injected you with isn't an aphrodisiac," you explain, hands adjusting their grip on Keigo's thighs. "Rather, it's designed to heighten your nerve sensitivity, without allowing them to become numb from excessive stimulation. If I wanted, I could've taken the easy route after drugging you and done the old school torture method, with fired pokers and leather belts and whatever, but," and you punctuate this with a thrust that pushes the hero up against the headboard of the rickety old bed. "But, I think I like this method much better, don't you?"

Keigo doesn't respond, which isn't a surprise. Even if you hadn't pushed military-grade earplugs into his ears, or shoved a gag between his teeth, you doubt he'd be able to say anything at all. Not with how you've been brutally fucking him for the past three hours or so, with no breaks. There's a mess smeared on his stomach of his own dried cum, and his nipples are flushed dark and swollen from your abuse, marked around the edges by teeth marks. His cock is limp against the crease of his thigh, hardly leaking anything more than a clear fluid now, twitching occasionally. He stopped moving about a half-hour ago, going entirely limp with only the occasional twitch or desperate head-shake when he felt you aiming for his wings, his cock, his overly sensitized prostate. Every orgasm you wrung out of him now was dry, and clearly painful, making his back arch and legs tense, as if electrocuted.

You slow to check that he hasn't passed out, landing a harsh slap against his ass (now entirely bright red, because you couldn't help watching how it jiggled with each blow you dealt it, or how Keigo whimpered and tightened up each time. You went a little overboard) and getting a musical little whine in return, his back arching slightly. Still awake, then.

You check your watch - it's been an hour since last you stopped, when you pulled out his gag and one of the earplug and asked if he was ready to talk. It'd taken him ten seconds to find the breath to answer, each gasp punctuated by a breathy moan. He wasn't smiling or cocky anymore, but he responded through gritted teeth and in a rough snarl: "Get fucked."

You had sighed in response, replaced his gag, and continued, grabbing his wings and using them to pull him onto your cock, earning a muffled scream in return. What a resilient little brat. He'd been tight, almost impossibly so when you first started out, even despite the vibrators you had just dragged out of him. You'd made him cum twice on your fingers alone as you stretched him up with minimal lube, and even then he was like a vice, clutched around you, a tight heat pulling you in. It'd taken a good fifteen minutes of slow, unrelenting thrusts until he started loosening up, after which you set a rapid pace that drove screams out of him.

You decide it's time to check again, and see if he's changed his mind. A string of drool follows the gag as you pull it out of his slack mouth, his lips red and swollen. When your hand ghosts near his ear to remove the earplugs, he shivers, jerking his head away.

You lean in with your face near his ear, voice dropped to a low whisper. "Well, Keigo? Are you ready to talk?"

His mouth opens and closes, bruised throat working as he tries to say something. Maybe you should've gone a little easier with the choking, but it'd been so fun watching him wriggle in your grip, cumming every time you loosened enough for him to get some air. Though it was counterproductive, now that your little info source was, apparently, too fucked out to speak.

"If you don't answer in the next five seconds, it'll be another hour before you get another chance." You warn, placing a hand on his spent dick to emphasize the point.

He shakes his head desperately, mouth falling open: "Please please please no no I can't-" He babbles, trying to work his way backwards, away from your touch. You follow him, grinding your palm against his balls and watching him cry out, legs jerking around you. "Sto-op-!"

"Then tell me what I want to know."

He nods frantically. His cheeks beneath the blindfold are flushed bright pink and smeared with that eyeliner that he always wore, running and and rinsed away by tears. A line of drool traces down the corner of his mouth. Sweat sticks his hair to his neck and forehead. That famous body of his is marked up with bites, hickeys, bruises, and pink welts where the ropes had chafed; he doesn't look anything like the hero so frequently see on billboards and magazine covers. He looks helpless and pathetic, broken down and sobbing on your dick.

It's a good look on him, you note absentmindedly, as you take record his shaky recollections of building maps, security codes, hero locations. It's all invaluable data, stuff that would surely sell nicely on the market. Golden eggs dropped by your trussed-up goose.

"Good boy," You praise him, running your hand through his hair, and even that point of contact is enough to make him shiver. "Was that so hard?"

You hook a finger under his blindfold and slide it off, revealing eyes that are red and glassy. He blinks in the sudden light, finding even that stimulus to be too much. "Please..."

"Ah. You probably won't be able to get out of here yourself. Not without the antidote, huh?" He nods, perking up, hopeful at the mention of an antidote. Without it, it'd probably take much longer for him to go back to normal, if he ever did at all. You reach into your pocket and pull out a tiny vial. "I'll give you a choice. I'll give you the antidote, but leave you here to get rescued by other heroes. Or, I drop off you outside, still drugged. Which one?"

"First one," He says without hesitation, and you smile.

"Clever boy." You unscrew the vial, and watching him, tip its contents down your own throat. He cries out at that, despair pinching his face as you swallow loudly, and you grin.

"Don't worry. You're going to get the antidote. It just has a unique method of transfer that I think you'll like." And you settle between his legs again, throwing his knees over your shoulders. His hole, puffy and abused, twitches against your tip.

"I-I can't," He sobs, twisting fruitlessly. "I can't, I'll die."

"Don't be so dramatic," You line yourself up, leaning forward to bend him in half and plant a teasing kiss on his nose. "You're a hero, aren't you?"

You push in, bottoming out in one fast motion, and he tosses his head back and wails through his ruined throat, full on crying as you fuck him with all the relentlessness of a machine. No longer trying to drag an orgasm out of him, you fuck him for your own pleasure. You feel the antidote working its way through you, pooling into a heat that builds in your gut, your cock filling out and pulsing dangerously hot. You really did have to hand it to Dr. Garaki, he really was a creative genius.

"You're so good, Keigo. Fuck, you should just stay like this," You pant, finally letting go of your composure to press bruising hands into his neck and fuck him into the mattress. "I've fucked you almost to death but you're still so tight and hot for me. You're a subpar hero and a shit spy, but you're the perfect whore," He chokes, mouth falling open as he blinks unseeing, teary eyes at you. "The next time I catch you, I'm not gonna let you go."

You spill inside him, filling him so completely that it leaks out around the edges of your cock. His eyes roll back, and as you remove your hands, he cums hard, cock dripping weakly onto his own gasping face, eyes rolled up as his entire form trembles with the force of it.

He's completely passed out now, dead to the world as you gather up your things. In a few hours, the antidote will get absorbed into his system and work its way through his body, calming down his nerves until he reached normalcy. Until then, you leave him with a little gift - a vibrating butt plug, big enough to fit snugly in his gaping hole and keep him full with your cum, and fiddle with the settings to have it go off at random intervals.

As you turn to go, you snap a picture of the debauched hero, laid out on the bed like a two-bit whore, and send it to the Hero Organization. 'Come get your little bird. ;)'

[princess-of-inarizaki]

Hi love, pretty sure you're requests are open (if not just ignore this) n e ways what about Inarizaki with manager who's like intimidating (i've been told i am intimidating lol) and very sarcastic, much Tsukishima Kei vibez cuz that's basically me😃

Just like how would our boys react, very curious and take your time btw don't have to rush it, do it whenever you feel like :D

Oh my gosh Nat, it's literally my honour to write this for you. You can request anything, anytime, and you'll be a top priority (ily<3)

Inarizaki with a tsukkishima-ish manager.

Specially dedicated to @sunasthing <3

So first of all, if you think that's gonna stop the boys from simping over you, you've got it wrong 😖🖐️

The boys would literally take it as a challenge to get your softer nature out, especially Atsumu.

I GENUINELY think he'd find it really hot whenever you snap back at him, or tell him off. (maybe he's like Nishinoya and Tanaka in that sense 🙄)

Constantly pesters you, and although you don't give him a reply often (because he's annoying as fuck), if you ever acknowledge him slightly, he WILL flirt with you.

Beware tho, even if he comes off as flirty and charismatic, he's literally just a dorky small baby and genuinely wants your attention because he thinks you're the coolest person ever.

And if you're ever nice to him, you can best bet he'll replay that moment in his mind before sleeping EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.

Y/n, earlier that day: don't get hurt. I don't want to have to deal with anyone on this team being injured

Atsumu at 3 a.m: s-she cares about me 🥺🥺

I think Osamu would vibe really well with you. He's not annoying, he's really really chill, and he has a pretty sharp tongue himself.

Judges people as an attempt to make you laugh, and he sees it as a personal victory if he can get you to crack a smile or smirk. He just doesn't make a big deal about it, unlike his twin xD

Osamu: y/n look at that guy. he's totally crushing on his brother's best friend, could he not be more obvious about it??

Y/n: *cracks a smirk* yeah, it does seem so.

Osamu, internally: ✨v i c t o r y i s s w e e t✨

He also cooks for you pretty often, and even if you protest against accepting it, you'll usually find a bento hidden in your locker or bag.

He knows you might not accept it straight, so he finds other ways to get it to you. Osamu actually thinks of you as a cooler sister that he says "he'd trade Atsumu for"

In general, the twins are the life of Inarizaki and although they're sometimes annoying, they mean well and it's plain to see that they love you.

Kita loves how smart and analytical you are. I've said this before, I'll say it again— Kita thinks brains are sexy 😤

Especially when you call the team to give your insights about their opponents, or give them ideas on how to improve their play, Kita is literally there like “I'm so glad she's ours”

Because you would be a dangerous asset to other teams, and Kita is the most thankful that you're with them.

He's also a really good leader and although the two of you don't have heart-to-hearts or conversations like the twins, you know he'll ALWAYS be there for you.

Like once, it was raining and practice was cancelled, so you decided to wait in school until the rain subsided (because you didn't want to get wet), and our sweet Kita searched for you in every single classroom until the finally found you and walked you home. That's just the dynamic you had with him

He also often checks up on you, even when it's unrelated to volleyball. Have you done your homework? have you ate breakfast this morning? although you're usually sarcastic with the twins and most of the other members of the team, you can't bring yourself to do so with Kita.

The respect you guys have for each other is unmatched and that's probably why you're such a golden duo in Inarizaki. The leader and the analytical manager.

And now Suna. I think Suna would be the member you have the deepest bond with. you truly allow him to see who you are inside, and he does the same. You guys really just click.

It started with him complaining about Atsumu, and slowly progressed into you letting Suna be the only member to have physical contact with you, but only when the others aren't looking.

Sometimes, if you guys are the only two people in the gym, he'll nap on your lap or lean on your shoulder.

If you didn't already know, like everyone else in Inarizaki, he has a crush on you 😖🖐️ like damn you thought Atsumu had it bad? nah, Suna has it the worst.

He literally asks his little sister to let him practice braiding her hair, just so he'll be perfect when he someday asks to do yours.

But he always chickens out because he's scared you'll say no 😭😭 he's internally very shy, okay? 🥺🥺

He's literally your best friend. You guys have study sessions together, anime nights, literally anything, he's right there with you. The rest of the team are literally not aware of how close the two of you are.

Until one day, Atsumu tries daring you to kiss Suna on the forehead, and instead of flat-out refusing (like you've done before when he's dared you to kiss him, or Akagi) you shrug and gently kiss Suna on the forehead, causing Suna to smile and ruffle your hair.

The rest of the team is just shocked.

Atsumu: what is this FUCKERY?? is y/n literally WILLINGLY touching someone ??¿¿

Y/n and Suna: *smirks*

Atsumu, close to tears: okay

But the rest of the team soon accept you and Suna have a pretty special bond, and that you're genuinely softer when it comes to him.

You don't snap at him much, and as they've noticed, Suna has started being more brave about leaning on your shoulder or sleeping on your lap.

Of course, the rest of the team (with the exception of Kita) is jealous. But hey, they just don't have Suna's charm, okay? xD

You make Suna want to try harder, and he's way more motivated to give it his all in every single game. Mostly because he wants you to be proud of him.

He definitely has a nickname for you, but he will only use it when he's sure you guys are alone. And in return, you call him "Rin" which makes his heart flutter 🥺🥺

KAHDKSS I TOOK SO LONG WITH THE SUNA ONE PLEASE IM TURNING BOTH OF US INTO EVEN BIGGER SUNA SIMPS (as if we weren't already xD)

Now onto Aran !! Aran is a softie who (like Kita) respects you a great deal. He'll fend Atsumu and Osamu off if he senses you aren't having a great day.

He's also pretty good at giving you your space but he checks up on you every once in a while if anyone is bothering you.

Although he's shy about it, Aran actually comes to you when he doesn't understand a homework question. You're super smart and he knows you won't make him feel bad about not knowing.

And it makes you feel happy to know he trusts you, so you help him as best as you can. It's a little secret of yours that the other members don't know about.

It especially lights your day up when he gets a good grade and whispers a silent "thank you" to you in class.

In return, will help you with anything you ask for. No questions asked.

And now, last but not least, sunshine Akagi!! I think he's a total Hinata Shoyo, so he might annoy you a bit at first because of his bright personality.

But deep down inside, you love how easily he gets people to smile and slowly find yourself warming up to him.

And Akagi is really determined to get you to smile (at least once a day) so he cracks the corniest jokes or makes puns.

It has become a thing between the two of you, where Akagi tells you a joke a day, and you rate it out of ten.

Gone are the days when you found him annoying. And now, even if you won't tell him outright— you really do think he's one of the brightest people in your life.

Additional headcanons

CHEERING YOU UP— whenever you feel quieter than usual, or a bit more sarcastic, the boys immediately know something is wrong and rush over to make you feel okay. Literally, it's almost like they've abandoned practice. And eventhough you tell them to get back to it, they refuse to leave until you're feeling better. Suna usually gives you a hug and kisses your forehead, whilst Akagi cracks jokes. Then, (and eventhough you protest) Atsumu lists off all the things you should love about yourself, whilst Osamu buys you ice cream (food is, after all, the best cure for anything). Aran is literally ready to HUNT the person who affected your mood down, and kill them, whilst Kita is literally just holding him back and making sure things don't go overboard. Even if you aren't fully cheered up by then, you'd have laughed a whole lot and know how much they care for you, so honestly... how could you stay sad?

REACTING TO YOU TELLING THEM OFF— Suna is literally just meh about it. He can't take you seriously because he's a dork who thinks he's not included in the list of "idiots" (but no Suna, u mf, you ARE included -_-). Atsumu thinks it's hot 👀 (as I mentioned above), Akagi is genuinely upset/ready to sob and vows to do better. Kita is proud of you for telling them off before he could do it (Kita is not included in the "idiots". How could he? he's PERFECT 🖐️). Osamu and Aran have similar reactions, because they end up apologizing and try to change tactics and do better.

HOW THEY'D ACT WHEN YOU START DATING SUNA— (because this is honestly inevitable, wbk 😭❤️). Atsumu would be jealous. Petty and would call Suna "pretty boy" every chance he gets. Leave him, im sure he'll get over it 🥺🥺 Osamu is pretty jealous too, but he'll never show it and focuses instead on your happiness. Kita approves, and honestly thinks you're a good influence on Suna. Aran is protective of you, and would literally gun Suna down if he ever hurt you (but he won't. Suna loves you, he'd literally jump down a cliff before ever hurting you 😤🖐️) and Akagi is cheerful as before, but extra glad because you seem to smile a bit more often (and Akagi loves your smile).

I took a lot of effort on this <3 hope you like it, bae !! Taglist— @dai-tsukki-desu @sunasthing @k-sakusa-old @tilli-san

[mrpenguinpants]

Genshin: Royalty AU [V1]

I’ve been a hermit ever since covid dropped lol. Yes, you’re doing social distancing right. Imagine going outside? Ptff, what a weird concept. But I’m happy you’ve stuck around for so long despite the constant brainworms I have. Oho?? More crumbs 👀 Lemme just crack my knuckles real quick. I’m throwing a reader in just so I have an excuse to tag everyone haha. These are a lot more scuffy compared to my usual HCs but let me brainrot for a sec. 

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Genshin: Holding Hands [V1]

Genshin: When you’re cold [V1]

Genshin: University AU [V1]

Genshin: Roomate HCs [V1]

Genshin: Mythos AU - Cat Xiao

[Masterlist]

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[taglist]  <- if you want to be added, please read this first.

@youaskedfurret​​ @diaxfeliz​​ @wintergreen-aix​​ @aethwie​​ @thegayrubberducky​​ @lovelykittycatmeow​​​ @yuunoagivesmelife​​ @dokidokisama @rokipersonal​​ @minakohasmanyhusbandos​​ @strwbrry-lia @tigerpriestess​​ @yuu-yuukurotsuki​​  @qimiie @onowie​​ @hanniejji​​​  @mikeysbike​ @unionwitch​ @musekala​ @sunnshiii​ @stanzastic​ @akaasea​ @xoneaboveallx @adoring-ghost @asheseiler @childelover @dilucsz​ @dai-tsukki-desu​ @thicmitten​ @nonniechan​ @htnicayh​ @genshins1mpact​ @morthecreator​ @aanne2601 @aklxojjk​ @fulltimeventisimp​ @legionqueensav​​​ @castinluckgamer​​​

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Zhongli

Your first impressions of Zhongli was that he was an egotistical and selfish brat. To be fair, you might have adopted some of those qualities yourself but you were both children at the time. Your sister, Guizhong, was tasked to take care of Zhongli in place of his parents which lead to your first meeting with the infamous Imperial Prince. At first, you were excited to finally meet someone who was the same age as you and Guizhong was always so kind. But when he turned to face you two, he just asked if Guizhong was supposed to be his concubine. You weren’t sure whether to gag or throw your shoe at him but Guizhong quickly intercepted before you could do anything that could get you killed. It’s only until you spent more time with him that Zhongli tells you that he has never had someone care for him or want to spend time with him without some alterative motive. 

Zhongli radiates sheltered child from birth. To outsiders, he seems really slow on normal everyday tasks but that’s because he’s never had to worry about doing mundane things. He’s always had someone else to do them for him that when he’s out in public, he just stands around and waits for someone to help him. It’s incredibly awkward for everyone in the situation when Zhongli forgets to bring mora and just stands off to the side until one of his servants comes to pick up his check. That’s how Zhongli got such a bad reputation of being a spoiled brat despite being a well-mannered and polite man. When he drops something he just turns to look at you, back at the object, then back at you. You have to pound it into your brain that no, Zhongli is not a lazy and he isn’t trying to be insulting, that’s just how he’s lived his life. When you tell him he is fully capable to picking things up, because what if he dropped something important when he was older and the wind swept it away, he pounders the thought as if you’ve just explained the meaning of the celestials to him that you give up and just pick it up for him. 

A Prince from Mondstadt named Venti used to come to Liyue for playdates while their father’s talked business and politics. He was the complete opposite of Zhongli but you genuinely liked him. While he was a bit more bolder and hyper compared to the calm and quiet Zhongli, he would always try and get Zhongli out of the palace and outside. You end up missing so many fun and interesting things when you’re locked up in your study room. How can the next Emperor care about his land when he doesn’t even know what it’s like to live there? It was the first time you and Zhongli went out just for fun and you might have gone a bit overboard in hindsight, but Venti’s personality and the feeling of freedom to do anything was addicting. Plus, watching Zhongli’s reactions to all these new feelings made him feel a bit more human. While you knew that Zhongli would do everything for Liyue, you never got the impression that his heart was in it. 

From then on, you and Zhongli try and carve some time out of his schedule to go down to the streets and have a little bit of a break. When you both built kites and scaled all the way to the mountains to fly them, it was the first time you’ve seen Zhongli be bad at something. He always had such elegance and perfection whenever his teachers asked him to do something but as soon as the kite took flight, it would stumble then come crashing down. Zhongli had the most heartbroken puppy expression on his face that you couldn’t help but burst out laughing. While you’re on the ground gasping for air and probably have the most ridiculous expression on your face, Zhongli smiles gently as he looks at you then back to Liyue. The moment is ruined when Guizhong comes running towards you both and scolds you for sneaking out. 

While it’s somewhat annoying when other attendants in palace gush about how well Zhongli is growing into becoming the next emperor, both in smarts and appearance, you have to somewhat agree with them in some places. If you want to know the history of Liyue or how to properly place a tea set, he can tell you in incredible detail. However, when it comes to social cues and interactions, he’s awful at them. Everything is treated a business deal that it makes everyone somewhat nervous or uncomfortable that you’re internally dying at any social event he goes to. But despite the awkwardness, he has a lot of admires that frequently send him letters of marriage or adoration that you have to shift through. It makes you a bit uncomfortable reading the flowery language but it surprised you a bit how many people have the misconception that Zhongli planning to have you as his spouse. When you mention this to Zhongli as a joke, he returns to his thinking pose and he contemplates the idea before nodding and agreeing with the letters. He proposes to you right then and there and it’s such a sudden development that your brain has finally broke and you pass out. 

Venti

Venti is one of those royalty types that spends so much time outside and away from his duties that he’s basically thrown his cape and crown to the wind. The first time Zhongli visited Monstadt, his first impressions of Venti were him singing to a crowd. While Zhongli doesn’t understand why Venti would spend his time on music rather than his studies, they still get along well. Mostly because Venti has a very easy going personality, even if he’s a bit blunt, but whatever comments he makes fly over Zhongli’s head. Unlike him, you’re the complete opposite. You’re a knight in training with an earnest heart that wants to protect the City of Mondstadt with your entire being. While you don’t necessarily hate Venti, because he never asked to be born into the royal family, you can’t help but get frustrated at his nonchalant attitude towards everything aside from alcohol and music. 

Your first meeting with him was during your time training under the Favonius Knights. You wanted to get a bit more practice late in the night when Venti stumbled upon you bullying a poor wooden dummy before he announces his arrival. He laughs a bit at your fumbling as you quickly get into a proper kneel but he waves it off saying it was unnecessary before he asks what you’re up to. You’re in mid-explanation when Venti cuts you off with a yawn and you can feel the irritation creeping up on you as you snap back why he’s outside instead of inside the safe walls of the castle. Your irritation grows even further when Venti smugly grins, patting himself on the back from getting a rise out of you, before he reaches into the bag you just noticed he was carrying to produce sheets of music. 

While his teacher’s drone on and on about the production of wine, he is busy writing songs in his textbooks. While he understands the importance of his role, he thinks the people can rule themselves just fine without his help. He wants to leave his crown and become a bard and live an ordinary but free life. How he’s always sneaking out to go explore without the world constantly breathing down his neck. Whether his posture is correct or if he’s memorized the history of berries wouldn’t matter. Honestly, Venti is weighing his options of either staying as a royal or leaving everything behind to pursue the life he wants. When he finishes his heart-felt speech he expects you to give him those same pitiful and woe is you eyes but you’re just angry. You can understand his sentiment, living a life that you never asked for isn’t fun, but suddenly packing your things and jumping ship would only cause chaos and conflict. At least have some sort of replacement before you leave damnit. 

Now it’s your turn to be surprised, rather than taking offense to you, a nameless knight, basically insulting the him, the Prince, he lights up in excitement. He rips his cape and crown off before he’s shoving them onto you before you can even say anything. He’s almost bouncing on his feet as he tells you that you can freely take his crown and become the next in line. You have no idea how that would work but he mentions that he knows a man named Albedo that can help change your appearance to look like him. That way, you get to protect the City you love so much and he get’s to live the life he’s always wanted. It’s completely fool proof with no flaws whatsoever! Except for the fact, that he is jumping way too far to conclusions, he’s shoving his responsibilities onto you, and most importantly, you don’t the first thing about Venti and how to act like him. 

Before you know it, Venti has dragged you to meet his Father to personally appoint you as his personal knight. He doesn’t take no for an answer even though you aren’t qualified at all to be protecting someone of high position as him but Venti’s always been a handful that someone needs to watch over him. You have no idea how one night managed to throw your entire life into this chaos but you’re not sure if you can even get out of this situation at this point. 

Kaeya

It all happened so suddenly. You and him were playing in the gardens when his father rushed in and took both of your hands and dragged you to the border to Khaenri’ah. The land you were both used to seeing, the friendly baker that would always give you both sweets, or the magic that used to flow so freely was transformed into red cubes. You were both scared and confused but as you both reached the border oh Khaenri’ah, a large gate that leads to the above world of Teyvat, his father tells you both to run as far as you could and never look back before he pushed you both in. It wasn’t until years later that you both discovered that a corrupted god had taken control of Khaenri’ah. Now, everyone believes that the Khaenri’ah prince is dead because he’s been missing for so long and whatever hope Khaenri’ah has is gone. For his own safety, he had to change his name to Kaeya and you both found yourself at the gates of Mondstadt. 

It took a lot of adjusting for the both of you but Kaeya especially. Your mother had dropped you into the care of Kaeya’s family for a short while before everything went downhill. She was a bit on the neglectful side but she was still your mother and you knew she was alive. On the other hand, Kaeya lost his entire family and nation in a single moment. Whatever pure happiness and bright personality he used to have quickly regressed until he was a shy and quiet kid. You know he blames himself for what happened even if there wasn’t anything he could have done but he’s grown a fear of outsiders so he tends to avoid other children his age. Instead finding comfort in playing with the funny looking abyss mages and slimes that are on the outskirt of Mondstadt. While he doesn’t seem bothered by the weird comments other people make of him, you know deep down he does get hurt, that it makes you so mad that you end up lashing out. 

You end up getting into a few fights as Kaeya patches you up. He scolds you and says that he doesn’t need you to go so far for him is when you make him a promise that you’ll protect him with everything you have. It’s the first moment since everything happened that he seems to gain back that life in his eyes. He blinks at you before he chuckles sheepishly and comments that you can’t even tie your shoes correctly do you stumble a bit. You’re a bit embarrassed at your sudden proclamation but stand determined about it. You both end up making a pinky promise to stay by each other’s side until the very end. 

When you’re both older and in the position of Captain and Teacher in the Favonius Knights is when he seems to be a bit more open. You both end up gaining a reputation of the laid-back Calvary Captain that bother’s the strict but kind Teacher. He’s always waltzing in the middle of you class to tease you before you end up throwing something at him to get him to stop embarrassing you in front of new recruits. You end up getting back at him with your woe is me acting and push all your paper work on him. Since he loves spending so much time in your class, he should know how to do all your paper work right?. Despite all of this, if anyone needs to find Kaeya or you, you’re basically a packaged deal. Always attached to the hip. 

Kaeya knows deep down, at some point he’s going to have to go back to Khaenri’ah and save his people but he’s conflicted. While he knows it’s selfish that he get’s to live a life of freedom, he wants to be selfish. Not just for him but for you as well. You’ve both basically lost everything and now that things are okay, he doesn’t want to give that up. While you both promised to stay together until the end, you’re the only person he has left and he doesn’t want to rope you into his mess or have you worry about him. He’s heard of the blond traveler in black and blue that is searching for the lost prince of an unnamed kingdom, knows that the peaceful life he has right now will come to an end, but he pushes it aside. Besides, there are more important things to attend to. Today might be the day he tells your students about how you fell into a lake because you got scared by a frog. 

Jean

Jean is incredibly dedicated to her role and to her people because she’s genuinely a good person and wants to see people happy. Especially her sister Barbara. She’s a bit awkward and clumsy in her execution but she has a lot of heart. Being her personal knight, you know just how hard she works and you admire her greatly for her ideals and nature. She has such a professional and gentle façe when she’s out in public but as soon as she’s behind closed doors, she’s collapsing into your arms as the world lifts for a short while. You chuckle a bit amused at how different she appears to the outside world, how the ever prime and proper Princess wakes up with a rat’s nest, how her favourite food is pizza, or how she throws these 7 inch heels out the window as soon as a ball is over. 

Due to Jean’s kind-hearted nature, when it comes to more pushy people she can’t seem to say no to. Travelers or citizens that think they can take advantage of the Princess is what makes your blood boil. While she isn’t stupid and knows that people are taking advantage of her, she wants to extend any help she can. Not for her public image but because that’s how she is. While it warms your heart that people like her exist, as her knight you can only let so many things slide. When some shady peddler tries to lead Jean somewhere, you’re already stepping in and smilingly sweetly as you grip the peddler’s hand in a death grip and not so subtlety say that he better have a good excuse for why he wants to drag the Princess away or there might be a problem. 

When Jean is overworking herself and nearing her breaking point is when you step in. You may be her knight but you’re also her friend and you know when it’s time to stop her destructive habits. She might complain and reassure you that she’s fine but you don’t accept that. If she was “fine” her temperature wouldn’t be the same level as a pyro slime and she wouldn’t have such dark circles under her eyes. It’s a simple bend and lift to carry her in your arms that she ends up stuttering before going pink and let’s you carry her to her room. While she’s screaming into her hands, you’re preparing medicine and everything she’ll need to make a full recovery. 

The hardest times for Jean is when her Father constantly pesters her to find a husband. Jean is an independent person and while yes, while being a workaholic isn’t against help, but she doesn’t believe she needs a husband just to make her entitled to rule her kingdom. Besides, Jean is secretly a hopeless romantic. You’re very tight lipped about secretly finding her love story books hidden under her bed unless you want to see her self-combust. You try your best to comfort her but there’s not a lot you can do for her situation other than offer words of reassurance and try and get her mind off things. While you’re patting her on the back she’s looking at you as if you’re the most oblivious person in the world. 

Albedo

Albedo is a renowned alchemist that helps royal families with their problems with the use of his intelligence and abilities in alchemy. Something that only a few people can do throughout Teyvat, you being one of them as well. At first, you had admired Albedo and his abilities and saw him as a bit of a role model for young alchemist. Until you actually met him in person. He’s pretty much an emotionless void of a person that he comes off as extremely unempathetic when he listens to the woes of royals. While you sort of agree, the problems that royal’s commission you for are completely ridiculous and selfish, he doesn’t have a moral compass and if he can benefit from it. He’ll do it, no matter how questionable it may seem. 

Maybe it’s because you have a little sister figure in your life to stir your moral compass but it still get’s you irritated. It’s always a joy to see Klee when you come back home from your travels that whatever bad mood you were in suddenly washes away. But when you knock on Alice’s door only to have it open to reveal Albedo holding Klee in his arms does your world come crashing down. Klee is completely ignorant to your internal screams as she scrabbles out of Albedo’s hands to give you a hug and take your hand in hers as she leads you inside. You can almost feel the inner workings of Albedo’s mind as he stares at you blankly as Klee shows you the new art she drew.  

You both don’t mention or talk about it even when you happen to cross each other’s paths outside or you both end up seeing each other at Alice’s home. It’s a bit funny to you, to the outside world Albedo seems so aloof and untouchable, and yet you’re here watching him get tired from chasing Klee around and trying to stop her destroying her home with her bombs. It almost makes you smug when Klee listens to you better than Albedo, it might seem a bit petty and small but you don’t care. He ends up getting back at you when he ends up one-upping you in front of the royal court. He does a quick scan of the room before his eyes land on you and he shoots you a small smug smile before his face returns to it’s neutral expression. You’re clapping along with everyone with the most strained smile you can muster. 

You manage to find out from Klee that Albedo enjoys drawing that the next time you see him, you ask if you could see him draw something or if he had sketches on hand. You’re fascinated by his drawings, more so than his actual research discoveries, as you look at the tiny details he’s managed to capture. Outside of Klee, no one’s really been interested in his drawings that he can’t help but feel a little flustered when you’re gushing about his work. It’s different from people praising his alchemist efforts, you’re not someone whose staring at him like he’s on a pedestal when you say you like his drawings, and it feels genuine. He offers a small smile and says that if you’d like, he’d love to show you some more sketches. 

You’ve never noticed it until other people bring it up but Albedo seems close to you. Usually once he’s done his business he leaves but if you happen to be around, he sticks around a bit longer just to speak with you. How he seems comfortable to relax in your presence and even leans in closer. How he complies with your requests without any benefit to him. You’re not sure what type of relationship you hold with Albedo. You don’t think you’re friends but you’re definitely closer than acquaintance. If taking care of a a hyper active walking bomb doesn’t bring two people closer than you don’t know what does. But at the end of the day, you find you don’t really care. Not everything needs to be labelled and categorized like things are in alchemy. People don’t seem to understand but you always duck out and escape before you’re questioned further about your personal life. Unbeknownst to you, Albedo is watching you go as he ponders your words. 

Childe

Childe is such a clown. He’s an assassin that doesn’t know the first thing about being subtle and is just in it for the fighting. He’s really just an incredibly egotistical bastard that likes being friendly with his targets, just to see their shocked expressions when it’s him that comes to take their life. He’s actually a pretty down to earth guy. While other assassins in the Fatui either have tragic backstories or some sad pitiful tale, Childe just laughs at them. His family is still alive and he’s never had any true hardships in his life. He’s pretty disliked for this reason but he’s a skilled enough fighter that it somewhat makes up for it. 

Just when Childe’s life is at its peak, is when he slips and falls into the abyss. For the first time, he had to face against a threat and in a situation he has no control over which is completely foreign to him. He barely manages to survive until he’s saved by an unknown figure that goes by the name Skirk. While he’s grateful he’s still alive, facing his mortality for the first time gives him a lot to reflect about. Thus he makes the impulse decision to train under Skirk and grow stronger until he’s able to climb out of the abyss. That’s when he meets you who was travelling with Skirk for the same reasons. Your first interactions with this unknown teen is him challenging you to a fight, just for you to throw him over your shoulder as if he weighed nothing. You expected him to get angry or cry but instead he’s standing right back up and grinning like a psychopath as he asks for another fight. You’re looking at Skirk with the most, are we seriously bringing this child with us? look. 

From then on, it’s been the three of you travelling through the floors of the abyss. Skirk tells you the stories of this place, how it used to be a great nation before corruption cause the citizens to be morphed and transformed into monsters. You and Childe learn how to fight alongside Skirk against these monsters until it ends up becoming a competition between you and Childe on who can kill the most monsters. Skirk is a bit worried that when you both are back into the outside world, if he should be worried about how morbid you both might appear. But while you’re both yelling at each other who actually landed the last kill on the regisvine while the hilichurls are cowering in a corner does he just accept that things aren’t going to change. The world will just have to accept it. If you both actually teamed up, and you have before, he thinks you both would be unstoppable but you’re both too stubborn. 

Despite your rivalry, Childe still has his big brother instincts that whenever you get hurt he’s huffing over you like a mother hen as he scolds you for being so reckless. You’re ignoring the fact that he’s bleeding out while you have minor cuts because you don’t want a crybaby Childe on your hands. Even the harsh conditions of the Abyss, you both find ways to entertain yourself. Childe always challenges you to a fight every second of the day and he always ends up with a sore back when you knock him off his feet. And he always makes the joke that you’re sweeping him off his feet which ends up with him screaming bloody murder as you charge at him. It doesn’t help when he’s still yelling comments behind his shoulder that you might get mistaken for a gorilla when you’re both outside that Skirk has gotten so used to this that he simply ignores the attempted murder going on behind him. 

When you’re both strong enough to climb to the gate of the Abyss, Skirk feels almost like a proud parent. Giving you a head pat and a hard slap to the back for Childe does Skirk wave you both off. You’re trying to mask your tears as Childe grins and promises to see you on the other side, that you’ll definitely meet up in the future no matter what. But when he finally returns to the Fatui, works his way back up to being an assassin, he almost thinks Skirk is laughing at him when he realizes that his first target is you. Not that he’s bothered by it, he'll be happy to see you again and see if he can finally beat you. 

Baizhu

Baizhu is the most suspicious doctor in the history of all doctors. Some citizens aren’t even sure if he’s a qualified doctor but alas, he’s very good at his job and is a lot more tolerable compared to the Alchemist Albedo so that’s how he’s been able to keep his job. He works under the Liyue emperor so even if citizens had issues with him, it’s not like they could do anything in the first place. People aren’t sure whether he’s joking or being honest when he explains what he’s been privately working on behind the scenes. From experiments to rituals, they are taken aback but Baizhu just smiles and says he’s just kidding. Being his assistant, you have to constantly reassure others that Baizhu is a bit of a sadist and likes to get a rise out of people. Besides, why would a doctor be so interested in those type of things? It’s incredibly unnerving but no one questions it. They won’t know what to do in the first place if their suspicious are correct. 

While Baizhu knows how to do his job, he’s always sending you to do the dirty work. From getting medicinal plants up on the very top of mountains or bringing cranky old men their prescriptions, whenever you’re done one task he’s got three more for you. He could at the very least take the trash out while he’s busy doing nothing. At least the job has a few perks. You’ve always had numerous health issues and while Baizhu’s reputation is a bit on thin ice, you wouldn’t trust anyone else to look you over. He’s a bit weird about it, you’re pretty sure Baizhu will never love another person emotionally but when it comes to the science behind a human body, he’s absolutely smitten. He tries to reassure you that he does care for the wellbeing of Liyue but you wave it off at him trying to butter you up before he asks something ridiculous of you. 

You and his snake, Changsheng, do not like each other. You think she’s an annoying and bratty snake that Baizhu needs to throw into a jar to shut up while she thinks you’re a complete nuisance and doesn’t understand why Baizhu keeps you around. Baizhu has tried to get you both to reconcile but it always devolves into a petty argument of back-handed insults until Baizhu has enough and tells you both to quiet down. To be truthful, both of your hatred towards each other stems from two completely different reasons rather than disliking each other’s personality, but you can never bring it up to Baizhu. It’s not a conversation anyone wants to have. 

If he has one positive, it’s his adopted daughter Qiqi who is just an absolute sweetheart. She’s shy and prefers to follow after Baizhu and you like a lost duckling. While Baizhu might be the worst boss in this history of all bosses, it makes you grin smugly internally when Qiqi chooses to stay cuddled in your arms instead of his. Qiqi is 95% the reason why you stay in this job, not that Baizhu would ever let you leave, because you’ve genuinely grown fond of someone for the first time the same way she has for you. You bring her along whenever you need to give prescriptions to citizens just so she isn’t stuck in within the same four walls and the locals love her. From her forgetful nature or how she shy’s behind your legs whenever someone new approach's you both. It’s so cute that people tend to ignore the floating rumours that Baizhu is reanimating his previously deceased family. 

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I have no idea if I’m just uncultured or if ���Always and Forever” Au’s are a thing. I hope you all like this 👉👈 it’s kind of messy and all over the place and I lowkey don’t know if I like my brainrot (there’s a lot of issues ik). I kinda want to do a part 2 where I include other characters but let me know if that’s something interesting? Oh and feel free to add to this, I’d love to hear your ideas. 

[capnhanbers]

I went overboard picking questions that sounded fun, answer however many you wish! :D 2, 4, 11, 13, 34, 40, 41, 48, 65 (I was thinking chapter titles bc yours are so bonzo lol), 69 (heheh....), 73, 81, 85, 86

oh jeepers ok let me just choose ones that have good answers

11. what’s something neat you’ve learned while doing research for something you were writing? also, how much do you worry about doing research in general?

hmm i can't off the top of my head think of something specific...i've learned about indian media/music and stuff cuz i started deliberately picking up indian artists, writers, etc, especially in naya's context aka first generation kid w/ immigrant parents. as far as research goes in general, i don't think i come off this way, but i'm a Big researcher. early on in joat i literally calculated naya's total wages for her 3 jobs, what rent might be, how much she'd feasibly have saved up. when we moved to ebott i looked up pacific northwest flora to imagine what kind of garden toriel might have. yeah i'm a secret nerd, not my cool loosy goosy persona lmaooooooo...i think the trick is knowing that very little of what you research will make it into text, but regardless it'll influence how you write.

13. talk about a writing experience that has pleasantly surprised you.

oh my god, writing BEDTIME. the chara/naya showdown. holy shit. that scene was never intended to be that badass, it was always just gonna be a conversation, and that chapter came EASY i wrote it in like a DAY, it was NOTHING like i expected it just flowed and it was awesome and UGGGHHH i want another chapter like that......a car-chase kinda writing experience.

40. best piece of feedback you’ve ever gotten.

too hard, i'm very lucky to have gotten so much amazing feedback over the years, but a recent one that really stuck with me was a beautifully lengthy comment on Justice about how the reader interpreted my handling of joat's LGBTQ characters and relationships, and it made me feel extraordinary. i put A LOT A LOT A LOT of thought into that while writing joat, almost to the point of agonizing over it, so having someone acknowledge the attention it's given was genuinely amazing. <3

48. do you reread your own stories?

yes. constantly. repeatedly.

65. what is your favourite title for a [chapter] you’ve written? 

listen i love all my chapter titles, they're my special treat to meself, a little joke for every chapter. :3 two particular favorites are "The Worst Chapter." and "Anyway Here's Wonderwall," because i knew from the beginning that that's what I'd name the first kiss and i love you chapters respectively.

here's something fun. there's another 2 chapters that were almost named differently, and deep down in my heart....i wish i'd named them these lmaoo. they are: "booooooring" which was almost "GIRLS GONE WILD: Spring Break XXX Edition 💋💋💋" and "Big Girls Don't Cry" which was almost "Ketchup Lore." those are both superior titles.

ok tumblr is literally devouring itself the more i try to add to this post so i'mma leave it there for tonight and answer more tomorrow, there's some good ones i didn't get to