#lucky for her the real thing has come to the rescue

[dapper-lil-arts]

Darlings. is it gay when the phantom you created as a manifestation of your dreadfull loneliness takes the form of one of your closest friends.

Fanart of this pretty good horror rarijack fanfic, "The haunting of carroussel boutique" personaly i am surprised the writer didnt take the chance to point out how fucking funny this is. Me n kim started laughing about it during stream and i just had to draw this

[gauloiseblue]

[TW: rape, non-con, dark]

There's something about stray dog's behavior that speaks König to me.

He'd been kicked around, ridiculed, and left on the cold pavement alone. He had no real house, and had to beg even for a scrap of food. Those were the factors that forced him to grow teeth way earlier—and sharper—than he's supposed to.

He'd held the bitterness in his heart, causing him to despise the weak, the poor who couldn't stand up for themselves. The perfect replica of his past self.

He hated seeing them, he'd even go as far as 'taking care' of them. Letting them know that no one would help them, no one would come to the rescue. Just like what people did to him back then.

He recognizes his contribution to the vicious circle, yet he finds himself helpless as he's unable to break free from it.

Perhaps that's when God decided to punish him for it.

There's a mission that required him to work together with the other team, and met with the reprisal for his bad deed, in the form of a medic.

He didn't spare a glance at her, didn't acknowledge her existence, until she defended her patients in front of him.

One of the missions went wrong, causing the soldiers to be injured by gunshots and a grenade. It was theirs to blame, because they didn't pay attention enough, but she shouted at him, telling him if he'd given them a deserved break, it would've been avoided.

He, of course, was angry at her.

He told her she didn't know anything, that she's hindering the mission. But she didn't flinch, even when he growled at her.

It frustrated him, because even his glare would send his soldiers running. Yet it didn't work on her. The people who's not afraid of him are usually those in power, but she isn't one of them. She's just a mere medic.

He tried to kick her out of the team, but the higher ups told him that there's no one available for her replacement. He also tried to make her quit, but what he did came back around to him, as he received a penalty.

It stresses him out, to the point that he'd overwork himself to distract him from his thoughts.

One day, a bullet passes through his heart and lungs, causing him to collapse on the spot.

In daze, when his consciousness slips in and out, he thinks how he could've easily avoided it. But his body wasn't listening to him, delaying his feet to move back.

In what feels like months, he opens his eyes for the first time after the incident.

What he sees, is a pale light on the ceiling, and a blurry figure by the bed.

And there she stands, just like the angel of mercy.

She doesn't say much, except for telling him to rest, and that he's lucky he survived.

She tells him the same thing for days, before he can muster two words out of his mouth.

Shut up.

And strangely, she smiles.

"Seems like you've recovered well." She responded, "Welcome back."

She continues to nurse him, despite his snarky remarks that she easily deflects. She takes care of him with patience that should've withered away from the moment she joined the army.

It shouldn't have bloomed in front of him.

For the first time in his life, he feels the weight of his guilt on his chest. He could've been kinder, could've been softer, and he would've broken the cycle just like she did. But he chose to nurture his anger—just like his father, and his father's father.

Then again, she could've gotten it easy from the start. Though in his heart, he knew it's just an excuse for his behavior.

The day he's permitted to work again, he left without saying thank you.

At night, he wonders if she'd come to hate him as well. No one would blame her if she does, but deep in his heart, he hopes she doesn't.

Since that day, he has followed her like a lost dog. But he would turn his head away whenever she looked at him.

Sometimes he scoffs at himself for thinking about injuring himself, just so he could receive her care. Yet he couldn't help but panting at her feet, lapping up every little conversation they made. He wants to surrender himself to her, letting her put a collar around him and call him hers.

And it's all because she showed just a little kindness to him.

On lonely missions, or lonely nights, he often imagines what they could be. Living in the suburbs, white fences, and kids. The picture perfect of the marriage.

Until it all shatters on the ground.

It's not his intention to eavesdrop, but he couldn't help but lean in when he hears her voice. She sounds happier, as she shows her friend the ring on her finger.

So he bares his teeth,

And bites.

(One time, his uncle had to put down their dog

Because he bit his children for no reason—

Other than jealousy

He heard the dog whined

on the cold table,

alone, and scared

As the vet slowly pushed the poison

Into his bloodstream

And God, how cruel is it

To put a heart inside of a beast

When all his life

He only knew

How to bite?)

He pants as he presses himself into her, causing her to whimper, as her voice is long gone from screaming and crying.

She must've had no idea of what's coming to her when he called her to his office. The scratches and bruises on his body were enough proof of her gullibility, that she came to him, unassumingly, and trusting.

He had her bent over his desk, smothering her easily with his body as he forced himself into her. She was a fighter, but not strong enough to defeat him.

He had lost his inhibitions, as his back arched for the eighth time, spilling his seeds into her.

And she's lost as well, as her eyes were unfocused, and all her energy had been zapped from her body.

"Leave him." He said, as he drove himself into her once again.

She lets out a high-pitched moan when his cock stretches her open again, filling the room with sticky sounds.

"Leave him and love me instead." He said for the second time, and she cried in pain when he buried himself too deep.

"Love me," He sobbed as he pulled the ring out of her finger, knowing fully well he couldn't replace it without twisting her arm. "Please love me."

Her tears flood her cheeks as she watches him discard the ring from her, before latching his mouth onto her shoulder. Marking her with another bite, drawing yet another blood with his teeth.

He knew she had closed her heart the moment he slammed her on the table. He knew she wouldn't come to love him. But if he's not loved by her, then no one should.

[grievedeeply]

Hello there :) I see you take BG3 requests now, if it’s okay please could I request headcanons for Astarion, Gale, Wyll, Dammon and Karlach falling for reader who always goes out of her way to help them with anything they need 💙💙

decided to take some liberties with this prompt and expand it out a bit to them just being super helpful overall as a person, but going out of their way to help them in particular lol. hope you enjoy anyways and thanks for the request! sorry if these are short I didn't want to be super repetitive

astarion, gale, wyll, dammon and karlach with a helpful s/o headcanons

astarion

he's used to you being incredibly helpful by now. helping out the tieflings in the grove, helping to rescue halsin from the goblin camp.. it's in your nature, he thinks

and with him, you acted the same. only your behaviors increased tenfold with him

you went out of your way to help him, and he isn't sure of why, really. but you won't see him complaining. the less work he has to do to make it by, the better.. and you seem happy to assist, so why not enjoy it?

you tend to offer your neck up to him whenever he's feeling particularly hungry. it's the first time you do this when astarion really realizes you're always a bit more attentive to him than with anyone else

still, he jumps at the opportunity for a free meal. it's not as though he doesn't appreciate it, but he'll always wonder what's going on in your mind whenever you decide to help him out in that way

he's used to being seductive and a bit flirty.. but he notices that with you it starts to feel different. he hates the thought of falling for you, feeling something real and genuine in that way wasn't exactly a familiar thing to him

but he knows you'd treat him well. after all.. you're already this helpful now. but if you were his? he could only imagine how things could change

gale

he doesn't understand it. why you're so helpful

he's very thankful for your help, but he wonders why you always make the extra time to find an artifact for him. days before he needs his next one, it's already in his hands, ready for consumption and it's always because of you

he doesn't want to overthink it. but he will

do you think that he's not as capable as everyone else? is it just out of the kindness of your heart? whatever the reason, he tries to refuse any unnecessary help

even though he appreciates it, he wants to see you spending more of your attention on yourself. he loves that you care for people and especially him, but he wants you to take care of yourself first and foremost

he realizes he's falling for you relatively quickly. no one else in his life had really looked out for him in the way you have. you're special. you're kind and you're.. lovely, really

he adores you, and he'll return your helpfulness in kind!

wyll

oh... wyll

he's so sweet. he's always looking out for you, just like you are for him. you're so incredibly protective of him, especially when mizora is involved

you're trying to find a loophole in his pact whenever you can, and he realizes he's falling for you as soon as he sees how serious you are about this whole thing

he falls hard. no one else had really shown him this type of care before, and he feels appreciated whenever he's with you. you see him as wyll. not just the blade of frontiers

he sees how much you care about other people, too. he sees your heart and your kindness, and he just adores it. it's hard to come by people as genuine as you. he counts himself lucky to even be in your life at all

dammon

he doesn't think he needs the help

he enjoys your company at the forge. you keep his mind occupied and you keep him talking. sometimes he gets so lost in his work that he forgets to eat or drink

but he still doesn't think he needs your help. he's used to doing everything by himself, and he's not exactly the biggest fan of change

but when you start organizing the materials and metals laid about.. it's really nice. he won't say anything or bring it up at all, but he does notice everything you do for him

you'll make him a snack every now and then. you'll tell him to take breaks— things that he forgets to do sometimes— and spend time with him when you're able to

he likes you. a lot. he doesn't admit it right away, but he knows he does. he feels the ache in his heart. he would be a fool to not like you

he'll tell you eventually. hopefully

karlach

she's beyond appreciative of you in general

you're so sweet. it's a big change from her life with zariel in the hells, so she jumps at the opportunity to talk to you whenever it arises

she notices how you jump to help whenever you can as soon as she meets you. after all, you believed her about the paladins when she was practically a stranger

karlach tells you about her infernal engine, and you're constantly trying to find the infernal iron she needs. wherever you go you're looking for it

it puts a smile on her face, knowing that you care so much about her..

she develops feelings for you pretty quickly. you're kind, you're able to see her as more than a soldier.. and that's more than she's had in a long time

a little unrelated, but she's so happy when she gets to touch you. like... over the moon happy

[whileyoureinschoolidothisallday]

Fixing MHA's Ending So It Follows Through With Its Core Themes (And It Basically Fixes Itself)

I don't like retconning at the best of times, but turning what started as essentially a Hope focused narrative into a "realistic" tragedy at the very last second is some wild work.

So I'm gonna do what I do best as a fic writer and fix it!!!!!

The Summary

So, I'm pretty sure all of us were on mostly the same page up until the very last panels of the Shigaraki fight (Having AFO being just "born evil" was probably the start of things not being great, but I'm willing to let that slide because it doesn't really effect the overall function of the story that much). Once that and the epilogue started is where I mostly saw people being like ????????? to a lot of choices, so I'm going to focus on those two sections only.

We're gonna be rewriting:

-The deaths of the Villains + Kurogiri (obvs)

-The overall post-War actions and reactions

-The continued existence of the Commission and the Hero Rankings

-Hawk's fate

-Spinner's fate

-A liiiiitle tweak to Chisaki's fate

-Slight tweaks to the Todorokis

-and finally What to DO with the Villains + Kurogiri now that they're alive

And we'll be starting with...

Toga

Now for a battle that was so beautiful, this really did end up completely falling apart.

I'm not gonna justify every single Villain Rescue I do, but Toga's really comes down to one simple reason for me:

Her bullies literally wanted her to die as atonement.

You don't...typically make your character's fate agree with their bullies or abusers (otherwise???? why are you explicitly portraying them as bullies and abusers to the audience if you want us to ultimately agree with them?????)

Throughout most of the story prior to this, Hori made it a staple in the show that dying for the cause, hurting yourself for the cause, martyring yourself or otherwise telling someone to kill themselves for the cause is a vile thing to do. So, it makes ZERO sense why he would suddenly retcon this at such a critical moment, especially since he already set the stage for it to be wrong in the first place.

(also does anyone also think it was weird/creepy that Hori LITERALLY has her do this with Twice and she very explicitly says "Don't be stupid I don't have to give all of my blood away"? No? Just me?)

Everything happens the same, she still thinks she's sacrificing herself, "If only, if only", blah blah blah

AND THEN...

Hawks

This is such low-hanging fruit plot-wise it actually feels offensive that it went nowhere

Nothing happens with Hawks. We all say it, fans and non-fans alike. He is wasted potential incarnate. His story is a circle and it so easily did not have to be that way because of one simple writing decision:

Hawks and Toga share a blood type.

Up until now, it really did seem like Hawks learned nothing from Jin's death. The first thing he says when he sees the clones is, "We have to kill them now!" But then, picture him still battered and broken from his fight with AFO, wingless, but there is still SOMETHING he can do to save someone's life.

And he puts the needle in his arm instead, and before she can question it, he tells her Jin would want her to live. He's not gonna make the same mistake twice.

(I also think it'd be nice if he said something like how lucky she is, to really go full circle with the Jin story, but I'm not trying dialogue here lol)

And that leads us to...

Shigaraki (and Kurogiri!)

This is a double feature because with the way I'm doing it, I can't save one without the other.

So, something that happens during this and is super anti-climactic and seemingly pointless is Midoriya losing his hands. He gets em back in like 2 seconds, because Eri gives him a surprise rewind almost immediately after. The actual point of it was just to show the brand new rule that physical damage that happens in the vestige world also happens in the real world, so that killing Shigaraki a few chapters later would still make sense.

We're gonna get rid of that rule entirely and just say that Midoriya does not lose his actual arms in the fight, and psychological damage in a ghost world does not reflect physically in reality (or idk. If you DO want that to happen, then just say the embers of the vestiges protected him one last time or something).

And because he doesn't lose his arms, Eri still has a surprise rewind to use.

But before we get to that, we actually have to save Shigaraki. So, here's the super complicated rescue rewrite I came up with. Ready?

Kicking AFO out of his brain and giving him back full control over his body simply does not kill him.

That's it!!!! That's really all that needed to happen!! It was a very conscious choice to make that kill him! It's actually more work and details to kill Shigaraki than it is to save him!! Hori already went out of his way to say that Nana's vestige protected him so that he wasn't completely swallowed by AFO, just so he could say goodbye before fading away anyway. What if, considering the fact that hatred of Nana is what damned him, love FROM Nana actually just plain ol saves him? Full stop? We come full circle. It would make it a fantastic mirror to the Todoroki fight and solidify the theme that love from your/a family, even a broken one, will save you!!

And then further in the background, Bakugou doesn't randomly kill (?????? Even after reading it again I'm still really confused about how Kurogiri dies. I think this is what happens?????) Kurogiri, and instead starts to lose control like they feared. But then, refusing to give up on him, Aizawa hits him with the now-available Rewind Juice and it finally, finally stabilizes his mind for good.

The day is saved.

And that just leaves...

Touya

Unfortunately my stupid husband can't stop trying to kill himself for 2 seconds despite my best efforts to convince him otherwise, so there's really nothing I can do about the extent of his injuries

However, there's LOTS I can do about the way we're treating said injuries! =D

First of all, because Touya is my favorite, I do wanna allow myself the space to briefly rant about how his entire situation was handled because brother. first of all. It's so incredibly obvious that he was supposed to die on the battlefield with his comrades. That man had no fuckin eyeballs by the end of that fight, bffr. And then it was like Hori remembered the thing about the noodles and was like 'oh shit I better at least wrap that up lol' so he brought him back--eyeballs and TEARDUCTS magically intact btw so naturally the audience with reading comprehension was like 'oh he's healing somehow I guess'--just to get that specific moment on the books (and maybe just to draw Touya in his Batman Who Laughs era because I mean he does look pretty sick in the tank) and then turned around and killed him again. With no explanation what the random functioning tearducts and magical regrowth of eyeballs was about.

Like...my guy, you ain't gotta do all that. Again, it's so much harder and more complicated to kill him than it is to keep him alive. Not to mention he was killed OFF-SCREEN. WE DON'T EVEN GET TO SEE ANY--IF ANY--CONVERSATIONS HE HAS WITH SHOUTO OR HIS FAMILY, WHICH WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF NOT KILLING HIM ON THE BATTLEFIELD. INSTEAD OF THE SEXY SHIRTLESS SERVING-FACE-AT-A-FUNERAL IMAGE OF TOUYA WE COULD'VE SEEN A FLASHBACK OF THEM TALKING AND HIM SMILING AND BEING HAPPY WITH THEM FOR WHATEVER TIME THEY HAD AND THAT STILL WOULD'VE BEEN MORE SATISFYING. Y'KNOW. BECAUSE THAT WAS THE WHOLE FUCKING POINT OF THE TODOROKI PLOTLINE?????????????VSSSBBNM,.;;PUSAAXXGHIIRWDFGG

But anyway.

Fixing Touya's death is really simple. We can do two things, actually.

Work with the deus-ex Ice Quirk a little bit, make the Phoenix Theory canon. Ice heals him, the tank is a giant fridge. Lo and behold, it would explain why he magically healed eyeballs and tearducts. It's an incredibly slow process, but eventually he'd heal enough to be out of the tank and in a normal hospital setting for the rest of his recovery. It also gives him a goal to pursue for the future, I.E learning how to control the new side of his powers and mayybeeee getting interested in studying Quirk Biology in the process 👀

He simply!!!!!! Doesn't die!!!!!!!!! Out of ALLLLLLL the MHA characters, I would 100% believe you if you told me that Touya Todoroki nevertheless persisted. That's like...his entire character. You don't even need to give me a reason. His entire character up until now has been 'the one that's somehow still alive' to the point that the fucking Dr. Eggman lookin ass mad scientist that brought him back to life in the first place (in WORSE condition) was like 'yeah no idea how he's still here that's scary'. I'm sorry, the entire fucking show I've had to see A. An old man without a face with a back alley ventilator system shoved directly into his stoma that's somehow fine and talking perfectly, and B. Another old man missing his ENTIRE digestive tract for years and is still up and walking around somehow with no G-tube or colostomy bag to be seen, so I think by the power of God and Anime, Touya could probably survive his injuries and it would be within the realm of believability for the show. In fact, it's LESS believable that he stayed alive through all that by spite alone and then when he finally gets offered love and acceptance, that determination and tenacity to stay alive suddenly goes out the window. If anything, it should've made him MORE determined to live.

Sorry I got carried away with that one. But there. Everyone is saved and the core themes are intact.

Now we just have...

The Overall Actions and Reactions Post-War

Gonna sum this up really quickly:

-The cameras never turned off. They're built for Quirk resistance because they're a fucking newscast in a Hero society if their technology broke every time there were heavy Quirk exchanges there would never be any fucking news. Making them conveniently lose footage so none of the civs can see the Villains humanity is just rubbing salt in the wound and serves no narrative purpose in line with pre-established themes. Everyone saw what was recorded, and it helped the Villains' cases for rehabilitation.

-We do not censor out this battle in future history books. Everyone is very familiar with the final fight and the events and circumstances leading up to it. It is not erased from public memory as soon as possible. In fact, it's frequently studied and referenced when making new policies to avoid making the same mistakes. Hori. Wtf.

-We do not reinstate the Hero Rankings in any way shape or form, and Shouto is the biggest voice in dismantling this system. Voila, this is now actually the story of how they all became the greatest Heroes, because they aren't ranked. They're all literally the greatest Heroes, and so will everyone after them.

-This IS actually portrayed in the epilogue, but yes, let's be LESS reliant on Heroes and police and MORE invested in the community!!!!!!! Even more so than what's portrayed!!!!! Take another bit from Spider-Man: Anyone can wear the mask!!!!!! Let's make a world where Heroes have too much time on their hands and not just make more of them, right????????? Remember that????????

-WE DO NOT REINSTATE THE COMMISSION. WE GOT RID OF THEM CORRUPT HOES FOR A REASON!!!!!! NO A CHANGE OF THE GUARD IS NOT ENOUGH TO FIX IT WE'RE NOT 7YRS OLD!!!!! HORI. WTF. The only thing I want them to be in charge of is licensing Heroes. I want these fuckers to be the DMV of the Hero world and that's IT!!!!!!!

Which brings us to...

Hawks' Fate

I don't even fuck with this man like that, but he did not deserve to become CEO of the organization that groomed and abused him since he was a child when all he wanted to do was chase tail and fuck off to a beach somewhere. Considering the fact that he also, like, killed people he shouldn't have, let him retire like Endeavor, please. We're done giving the old guard power and privilege, especially when they explicitly did not and do not want it (and when they did have it, they misused it). The only thing I want this man involved with is Toga's recovery alongside Uraraka. Specifically, I want him paying for it and anything else she might need. Fuck it, you know what, make HIM Endeavor's personal aide instead of Rei!!!! He gets to be a little simp and Endeavor gets a replacement son to fill Natsu's spot. Everyone wins.

(He does deserve that hairline tho. I ain't fixin that.)

So that leaves...

Spinner's Fate

I'm not changing much here, besides the fact that now Shiggy is alive and I think they should be ✨Roommates✨ eventually (and obviously he's gonna be much less riddled with survivor's guilt). I still think he should write that book, but I also think that with his multiple Quirks, he should team up with scientists to understand how Quirks work in the body (and maybe get some of them removed from his).

And next...

Chisaki's Fate

I just think this guy needs to be in the same place as the other Villains, at least for a fraction of the time. Why is he just...out. He was also in that daycare and could definitely use some help before we just let him loose in the streets because he said sorry (Can the League just say sorry then??????????).

I do think afterwards he should get involved with something chemistry related tho, cause those bullets of his came in clutch.

And on that note...

The Todorokis' Fates

And by Todorokis I mean two of them, specifically Rei lol

Yeah, she's not gonna be Endeavor's nurse for the rest of her life lol. That man has more money than God, he can hire an aide like everybody else. In fact, they're not even living together. Do you remember how earlier in the series, he gave them a new house? So they could live away from him and he would be in the old house by himself? I liked that plan. Let's go back to that plan. I'm not gonna go as far as to make them divorce, if they're together they're together, but I think separation is a necessary must at this point because if they MUST stay together, they should at least try dating for once???????? Girl was actually bought like maybe they figure out if they even still like each other at all, or ever did.

(Also, I have to laugh as a motorized wheelchair user that Hori drew her pushing Endeavor all happy and blissfully. Motorized wheelchairs are not meant to be pushed like that lol. They have push features for emergencies and small around-the-house distances of course, but uh, mine's 350 pounds without me in it. It's not usually anyone's first choice.)

But there is one more Todoroki I have a lot to talk about, so that finally brings us to...

What Do We Do With The Villains + Kurogiri Now That They're Alive???????????

We take everything from comic books except what would actually makes sense with the story lol

Surprise!!!!!! We're doing Arkham!!!!!! This is another low-hanging fruit thing that I'm almost a little offended that it wasn't implemented. Obviously Arkham has its problems in the Batman canon that we're gonna try to avoid, but I honestly think Batman villains and the core MHA Villains are pretty similar in their execution in that they are primarily mentally ill victims of society who have done very terrible things, but the audience (and Batman himself) is actively rooting for them to get better over just rotting in jail or being killed. Two-Faced has killed sooooo many people and has relapsed a ton, but I ultimately still want to see him get better because he was Batman's best friend once and a good man, and what happened to him was a tragedy. I think all the Villains deserve a space where they can humanely heal from their issues and gain support, while also being safely separated from society while they're still dangerous to themselves and others.

Oh, but Batman and his endless money bought Arkham. Who do we know who has access to trust fund money, an investment in the mentally ill, and the bonus of a medical background that could fund such a thing?

Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together for...

Natsuo Todoroki!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My mans graduates from college and immediately uses his money as a doctor and his inheritance to open up Rindou Sanctuary, in honor of his mother Rei and named after her favorite flower (I don't think he'd want to give Enji the satisfaction of his last name attached to his greatest achievement). He's head doctor on site and the board, and visits Touya every shift once he's healed enough to be transferred to the facility. He is very invested in his brother's treatment and refuses to lose him again--at least not until they're proper old men.

It is publicly funded by donors and taxes alike, and Enji, naturally, is always the highest donor. Call it reparations.

And there you have it! That's how to fix the epilogue. It took longer to type than think about. I could care less about canon shipping, so y'all can keep that (or not). I'm just here to fix the structural problems that have no reason to be here at this point. As I said, once I redrew lines Hori already set up and just abandoned, it pretty much fixed itself.

Hope you enjoyed it and I hope it eases the grief a little!!!!! They're alive look I fixed it!!!!!! <3

(also feel free to use anything I said in here in your own fix-it fics!!!! Just tag me so I can read them 👀)

[delcakoo]

enha’s favorite petnames ´✩ˎ˗

requested <3

PAIRING ! enhypen x f!reader

WC ! 2.1k

GENRE ! tooth rotting fluff

WARNINGS ! lots of petnames ofc ^^

a/n: finally ot7 post woo! a bit shorter than my usual but hope u all enjoy <3

// LEE HEESEUNG !

if you’re the type to get flustered easily.. oh boy

you miiiight be in trouble

but even if you aren’t? hee WILL change that

this man will search a whole dictionary just to find a name that’ll get you shy for him

but on the average day he’s pretty chill yet flirty with pet names

its a bit unexpected.. the longer you’ve been dating the worse it gets

everything begins with baby

it just starts replacing your name like

“there’s my baby, how was your day, hm?”

before you can even get used to that he’s already gotten more confident

his other go to names for you are angel and occasionally pretty

mushy yet effective c:

for example if you’ve been having a rough day or just got back from work or school? healing gamer boyf hee to the rescue!

“missed you, angel. wanna come sit on my lap while i game?�� with a kiss against your temple :c

it’s such a simple name that he’d only ever call you, n’ he always says it so absentmindedly as if the name was your own

the latter is commonly used when you’re mad at him

“m’ sorry pretty. can your boyfriend try and make it up with some cuddles? and i’ll let you pick a movie?”

or perhaps when he’s being evil and wants a reaction out of you

“hey pretty girl, can you pass the remote?” pArdon

where did that come from sir..

when your reply comes out stuttered he snickers

this is not to say he isn’t just as weak for you!!

make sure to get him back since IT ISN’T THAT HARD

hit him with ‘handsome’ and bros a goner

“morning handsome, how’d you sleep?”

“i just woke up, stop..” suddenly your smug, confident boyfriend is hiding the grin on his face in the safety of your shoulder

BUT proceed with caution because hee will never just let you win, nuh uh!

if you step up your game so will he, be prepared for him to hunt down any name in the book that can get you going <3

// PARK JAY !

cmon this man is the epitome of romance!

he doesn’t even nOtice the effect it has on you, as his s/o jay thinks it’s common sense that you should have all the special names ^^

“darling, want me to get you a drink? i washed your favorite mug.”

“sweetheart, should i cut up some fruit for you and the boys?” yeAh he’d literally be in the kitchen doing shit instead of joining in movie night (just like in sosofun T-T)

THE BOYS DON’T EVEN TEASE because it’s just so cute and pure

even if they did it isn’t like he’d care

brushes them off because nothing can stop him from showering you in love

after a while you soooorta get used to it

but like can you ever really get used to jay’s way of waking you up in the morning

“my love,” he mumbles, peppering kisses along the back of your head while holding you tighter against his sturdy chest, “time to get up, okay?”

you just ask how he expects you to get up when he’s holding and talking to you like that :c

either way pet names are quite important for jay

it’s a method to show how serious he is about your relationship, he doesn’t go around calling just anyone beautiful,,

so if you use them on him as well? his heart will MELT

literally anything you do makes him happy, even just baby would get him smiling

even if it’s over text,, “sleep well! goodnight, love” HE IS FAST ASLEEP WITH A GIDDY SMILE ON HIS FACE

all in all jay is a giver!

doesn’t expect anything in return for his labor, so having you call him such praising names like he does for you..?

just?! starts malfunctioning

his brain immediately goes to things like “how’d i get so lucky” “i don’t deserve her”

also why words of affirmation is one of his top love languages!! give him the affection he deserves <3

and and one time you tried to see his reaction by calling him husband on the phone with a friend

..bro didn’t even bat an eye

the real definition of husband material

// SIM JAKE !

now this one.. unironically uses all the playboy pet names

you see

he started calling you babygirl as a joke A JOKE OKAY

just teasingly or fake flirting as if you weren’t already together y’know

however.. the annoying name

kinda stuck

and now he brings it up every so often,,

bro’s lucky because it’d probs give you the ick from anyone else..

when you’d show off a new outfit or arrive at your date location?

“yoi! looking pretty, babygirl!” :)

his other favourite is princess! no reason just that you’re his princess

you rarely hear your own name any more it’s always just

“when’d you buy that, princess?”

“hey princess, is the food warm enough?”

not that you mind!

as for him.. jake literally loves anything and everything when it’s from your mouth

call him snookums for all he cares as long as it isn’t his boring old name

if you even try to call him jaEhyun or jake you’re getting the injured puppy eyes >:[

baby, love, handsome, literally anything makes him smile and mentally kick his feet like AUGHHH hes so in love with you it hurts!!

however this may seem oddly specific

‘cause it is but

calling him dumb things like my hero WILL GET HIM GRINNING SO FAST

jake loves! feeling helpful! and important! mainly for you!!

EVEN IF ITS JUST. he tied your shoe just go ‘my knight in shining armour! i would’ve tripped without you’ and mans will be doing a lil’ dance in his head <3

yes you could’ve tied your own shoe but heeee did that he’s such a good helpful caring wonderful boyfriend right?? right

let him have his moments,,

// PARK SUNGHOON !

he is. sort of sorry

listen.. hoon can’t help his shyness

even after dating for a while this man still blushes at the thought of calling you something besides your name T-T

he settles for.. babe

around others it’ll be your name

but in private he’ll just quietly go “babe, now that they’re gone can we continue that show?” awWw

sure when he’s being a teasing nuisance he’ll pinch your cheeks and start calling you cutie or my baby just to see your annoyed frown

but when you harmlessly ask why he doesn’t call you that at any other time he gets all fidgety and shrugs his shoulders

“i dunno! it’s.. embarrassing.”

so pretty much

the only real way to get pet names out of hoon is if you can muster up the courage to start using them first

just jump scare him like

“pretty boy, wanna go get ice cream?” he’ll be looking around the room pointing to himself going mE??!

then he’ll eventually start using them in return, maybe just baby or angel here or there

more specifically if he’s really missing you or needs something

“yah, angel~” he’d yell from your apartment’s entrance, “you look good and all.. but we’re going to be late if you don’t hurry!!”

“wanna come visit the recording room at break? baby i’ll cry from exhaustion if you don’t.”

synopsis is. you know he reaaally needs you when those names come out

but but! like mentioned before he feels most comfy with casual nicknames

and if you’re okay with it, your own name which sometimes feels even more special to hoon ^^

he just loves saying your name as much as he loves everything else about you

however if pet names mean a lot to you no need to worry, he’ll get the hang of em’ and soon this dork will have you a blushing mess 24/7 mwahaha!

// KIM SUNOO !

baby is.. more romantic than you think!

as he warms up,, his favourite is simply calling you his love :c

in fact, he doesn’t mind saying it in front of the members even if they’re sure to tease him later on

“my love!” he exclaims as soon as you answer the phone, “i’m on the way to practise with everyone, wanna visit at lunch? jungwon keeps mentioning some mario movie he wants to watch with you..” *eyeroll*

he’s very.. go with the flow

if you call him a specific name then he may use the same one on you too ^^

for example, it was a bit unexpected to hear him start calling you hun

but at the same time you’ve called him that a couple times before too

sunoo always tries to catch on quickly when it comes to what you’re comfy with!

you wrap your arms around your boyfriend's waist just as he drops his duffle bag on the floor, “sun, how was recording?”

“ahh.. the others were yelling and gave me a headache. but it’s okay now that i’m with you, hun,” despite his exhaustion, he squeezes you with equal enthusiasm <3

as for himself, sunoo can’t help but smile when you call him the softer stuff

AND sun of course, it’s cute but simple — his favourite!

despite being the oldest of the maknae line, he’s used to being coddled a lot and sometimes.. it gets annoying

especially when the younger members join in

however when it comes to you?? he couldn’t care LESS

“my baby looks so tired, wanna sleep in my lap?” yep he’s absolutely sold

sometimes you have to repeat yourself ‘cause he was too busy getting flustered over your names for him <\3

// YANG JUNGWON !

being known for copying things like ‘yoi’

wonnie sometimes gets his pet names by watching/reading things

he could be on the plane during tour, watching a movie when the main lead says ‘beautiful’ and his first thought is just

“ah, that’s a good name for y/n”

may or may not have a note tab in his phone dedicated to names for you..

he would even research ones in other languages because he LOVES seeing your shy reaction when he explains what it means

“yah, why’d you text me something in a different language?”

when his cat eyes turn to crescents and his dimple poked through, you know he’s proud of whatever it is

“it means ‘darling’ in chinese, jagiya.”

when your expression changes and you turn to hide your smile, he leans over to give you a victory kiss through many giggles <3

on a day to day basis though

he enjoys saying your name in a cute way, besides the classic jagi/jagiya

“y/n~ come cuddle!” c’mon how’re you gonna say no!?

“look jagi,” he says it absentmindedly, even with the members nearby, “you’re my lockscreen now!”

will think it’s cute if you use the same names back, but won doesn’t mind anything ^^

he just really enjoys matching with you whether it be petnames, outfits, jewelry, anything really

so if there’s a specific name you like calling him

he’ll definitely steal it..

“bub, wanna order something for dinner?”

cat boyfriend just tilts his head, “okay, but why am i bub now?”

“i dunno, it’s just a cute name.”

then a few days later he—

“bub! i missed you!!” as soon as you walk through the door <3

cutie T-T

// NISHIMURA RIKI !

creative boy likes being unique with it :0

also ‘cause using super mushy names simply isn’t his style bUt

perhaps when he gets older that’ll change,,

most of the time babe/baby is an exception though

its quick, sweet, and right to the chase which is perfect for your impatient boy especially when he needs attention

“babe, babe, babe-“

you push him away slightly, holding the phone closer to your ear, “can’t you see i’m on the phone, ki?”

before you know it his arms are wrapped around you as his head dips into the crook of your neck, “baby i’m bored..”

“just a bit longer, okay?”

sometimes you may need some patience T-T

he also enjoys finding ways to make his own personal nickname out of your name, it feels much more special to him even if it’s not as ‘romantic’

AND OH BOY if anyone

absolutely anyone tries to use HIS name for you they’re getting the coldest death glare >:[

especially if it’s one of his members

in that case he has zero shame telling them off

“ow! what was that for?” jake whines, recoiling from the punch the younger had delivered to his arm

“you used my name for y/n,” he explains with a shy yet scolding grin, “the only thing you’re allowed to call her is her name, idiot.”

poor jake had to retell his story from the beginning,, sigh

just because he doesn’t do it himself does noT mean he won’t want you to call him cute shit!!

his reactions are always so worth it

“love, do you see my phone over there?” you feel bad interrupting your boyfriend who was peacefully napping in the living room, but the stress of being late for work was worse

instead of looking around though, riki only peels his eyes over to you, smiling giddily

“what was that?”

“have you seen my phone, doofus,” you repeat

“no, the first part!”

“love…?” suddenly he’s running over, picking you up and pulling you right over to the couch with him happily

good luck escaping his grasp c:

if u enjoyed, reblogs n’ feedback is always appreciated!

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[queenmuzz]

Five Stages of Grief: Chapter V

Acceptance

Read it HERE on Ao3

He splashes some water on his face and checks himself in the mirror. He ought to shave, or at least trim his beard, but there isn’t that much time. In an hour or two, everyone will be up, and he needs to be gone by then.

It’s better this way he thinks as he changes into one of his robes, I can’t give them the chance to talk me out of this. They need Rook back as much as he does, and if it goes the way he theorizes, he can’t risk getting any of them caught up. Lucanis is needed for his god killing skills. Neve is needed when they inevitably mount a counter attack on her own city. Taash is needed for killing Elgar’nan’s archdemon. Harding is needed to help strategize and keep everyone on the same page. Rook is needed by everyone for her courage, her tenacity, her devotion.

And him?

What use is he without Rook? At this moment, not much. Best he can say is that he’s crafted a tool that will get her out of the fade, if he’s lucky. And if he gets sucked into the Fade in her place? That is good enough for him. A cowardly man who is terrified of the very thing he’s fascinated by, it will be a fitting end.

No, such thoughts did not become him, he tells himself. Wallowing in self-pity is not what she would want him to do.

He reviews his mental checklist. He’s gotten his affairs in order. The dagger is in his possession, safely hidden under his robe. His letter to Zea has been carefully written, and sealed in red wax, the imprint of the skull brooch to match her letter.

Speaking of which, he must address the only obstacle to his plans.

“Manfred!” he calls and the creak and clatter of bones signals the arrival of his ‘son’ as Rook had announced that blessed day. He wishes he hadn’t come to think of Manfred like that, if only to make this less painful.

“I’m planning to head to the Memorial Gardens.”

The skeleton’s eyes rotate in surprise and excitement, no doubt because neither of them have made their regular trek to that place in over three weeks, and Manfred so loves to travel there.

“Unfortunately I must insist you stay here.” And Manfreds jaw drops with a confused hiss.

“ WHY ”

“Because I need you to be here when Rook returns.” It’s not a lie, per se, Rook will be returning, with or without him, and it has the desired effect. The idea that Manfred’s beloved ‘ROOK !’s impending return is enough to get him excited enough to not ask questions of why exactly he cannot accompany Emmrich to rescue her. He happily accepts the brooch that Emmrich pins on his lapel, and promises to give it to Rook when she returns.

“You will keep her safe, my boy?” Emmrich asks, as he pats Manfred’s head and there’s a clattering as he nods profusely. It’s a comfort really, knowing that the spirit adores Zea as much as he does, and she adores him.. It makes what he plans to do a bit easier.

“Well, I must be off.” He grabs his staff and begins to head out.

He’s almost at the threshold when Manfred starts showing his first inkling that perhaps he’s not as naive as Emmrich assumed.

“WHY NOT EMMRICH GIVE HER BROOCH BACK?”

His mouth is dry as he attempts to come up with plausible lie excuse. “Because she was the one that gave it to you, it would be only right for you to return it yourself.” The skeleton thinks it over, its jaw clacking for a few agonizing moments, before he seems to agree that that is a perfectly acceptable answer. He gives a wave, allowing Emmrich to let out a sigh of relief, as he slips out of his room.

The Lighthouse courtyard is completely deserted in the odd twilight the permanent eclipse has cast on it, and he’s thankful that it gives him the cover he needs to sneak out like a thief. He takes one last look at its amazing beauty, the reason that he’s found the Fade so entrancing, how it's familiar and yet unfamiliar to the real world, everchanging, and yet staying the same, both at the same time.

But alas, just like an idea, his stay at the Lighthouse has probably come to an end far too soon, and he slips out, using the Eluvians to get to the Necropolis.

He doesn’t seem to notice someone is watching his departure with concern.

——————

His parent’s graves need tending. It’s been three weeks, and while the Mourn Watchers do all they can, recent events have made maintenance of the gardens low on their priorities. He’d never forgive himself if he left them neglected. Besides, he ought to talk to them, ask them to look after Zea and Manfred, seeing that they are daughter in law and grandson in all but name.

He plucks a few weeds that have grown between the pathstones that lead to their memorial, and cleans up the moss that always seems to be attracted to their gravestones. He places a hastily assembled bouquet at their steps, hoping that they wouldn’t mind his deviation from the norm of a carefully selected variety of flowers.

“I apologise that it’s been a while,” he speaks, trying to keep his voice his calm and steady, “Things have been quite hectic, you see, with ancient elvish gods, the ripping down of the veil, oh, and the Blight, complete with multiple Archdemons. Can’t forget that.” Despite that depressing description, he smiles, a feeling rather unnatural after these past few weeks, but it's genuine. “The strangest thing is, this is quite the happiest I’ve been in quite a long time. You see, that woman introduced you to, Zea…” he thinks back as she gave a small curtsey to the graves, was so respectful to them, as she was to even the smallest of wisps, “she’s helped me quite a lot in the far too short a time I’ve known her. She’s helped me immensely in confronting my deepest fears, has given me something to strive for, instead of cowering in the dark, trying to forestall something that claims us all in the end.” His eyesight gets a bit blurry, and pulls out a handkerchief to wipe his eyes before he continues, “You would love her. She’s kind, brave, and selfless. Willing to give herself to others, and asking nothing in return, even though she deserves everything. Willing to give her heart to a man who doesn’t deserve it.”

He takes a breath, and continues rambling, “She deserves so much more. She’s young, has the entire world ahead of her once this is over. A life of happiness and peace. I… intend to give her that, with all of my being. I trust you will understand in time why I must do this. Why I need to save her, no matter the cost? You know what’s strange,” he chuckles, and the sound coming out of his throat sounds foreign to him, it being so long since he’s felt humour, “The past forty years, I’ve been terrified of what lies beyond this life, to where you are. I’ve sought to forestall it, to remove myself from it. I’ve been so focused on how to avoid death, that I’ve never quite learned how to live. So despite my own fears…” he stands up straight, “I’ve found someone that is both worth living and now, dying for.”

He closes his eyes, trying to think of how to ask them to look after Zea and Manfred, when he hears the most peculiar sound, for a graveyard: Clapping.

He twirls around quickly, and comes face to face with the last person he’d ever expect in such a place.

“Taash…?”

“Nice speech. I can see why Rook likes you so much. You got a way with words.”

Which is of course the moment he’s at a loss for them.

“Why did you… How did you… Who?”

“Professor,” Harding appears from around one of the mausoleums, trying to control her heaving breath from chasing after the much longer legged Taash, “We couldn’t let you just go off to do something like this on your own!”

“Indeed,” the familiar clink of metal on stone signals the approach of Neve, always looking her finest. “We’d lose one of the finest minds in all of Thedas.”

“And for once Spite and I and the rest of this group are in agreement.” There’s a flap of wings, as Lucanis lands.

“LOST TOO MUCH. NO MORE.”

Emmrich is flabbergasted. And touched. And perplexed, not necessarily in that order.

“How did you know?”

Taash rolls their eyes, as if the answer is obvious. “I woke up from a dead sleep when a certain SOMEONE banged on my door telling me he’s worried about his dad. Telling me he thinks he left him behind to do something dangerous. I got really pissed off.” There’s soft apologetic hiss, as Manfred creeps up, somewhat embarrassed that he’s been revealed as the ‘traitor’. “Not mad at you buddy. Just mad at your dad.” Taash clarifies.

“Manfred!” Emmrich is shocked, but his voice carries no malice. He should have known a curiosity spirit would take such drastic action, that it would want to know exactly what was going on.

“Looks like you’re stuck with us.” Taash continues, looking around the place. “Smells… nicer than I thought it would. I can see why she might be here.”

“All of you…” he grouses, “are the most aggravating, the most exasperating, the most…” he sniffles and wipes his eyes again, “loyal friends I have ever had the pleasure to know. I honestly do not deserve it…”

“Perhaps,” Neve seems to agree, but her eyes say otherwise. “But Rook deserves you.”

It’s a strange feeling, he thinks. Zea loved him, perhaps still loves him after everything, and now he realizes that he’s never been truly alone. It’s hard to accept, after years of assuming that aside from Manfred, he’d always live a solitary life..

“Let’s get her back.” Taash cracks her knuckles, and the others nod, looking at him. He agrees There’s no more waiting, it’s time to finish this. He pulls out the dagger, and senses in which direction the veil is the thinnest.

There’s a few tense minutes where he does nothing but concentrate. Here, the veil is thin, where spirits travel freely back and forth, like dust motes on unseen currents, they float along… but there’s a presence here, solid and struggling to get past this barrier that even a wisp could get past. He closes his eyes, focusing on it, trying to discern its form. There’s something to it, an emotion of desperation, of regret, of hope.

“There!” He yells and points the dagger at an area near the gravesite, but farther down the path. Instinctively he raises his hand, keeping time with his words, his heartbeat. It’s just a variation of a summoning spell, used to attract a wisp. Except she is no mere wisp.

“From beyond, we beseech you to come forth, to grace us with your presence!”

His heart thrums in his chest as nothing happens.

One heartbeat…

Two heartbeats

Three heartbeats

Four heartbeats

It’s on the fifth one, that small spark leaps off the tip of the blade, and zaps towards where it was pointing. There’s no sound, but it looks like the air becomes a ripe grape being split open, its green flesh sending a gentle glow that excites the nearby wisps.

“SMELL ROOK.” Spite states, and that gives Emmrich hope. Not ‘Smells LIKE Rook’ like at the well at the Crossroads. This sounds more certain, and not some spirit feeding off his desperation to see her again. And yet, nothing appears in the veil tear. No spirit, no person, nothing.

Then, there’s a small voice, distant and warped coming from within the tear, but he could recognize it anywhere.

“Goodbye Varric… and thank you.”

He’s confused. He’s never met Varric, the dwarf had died long before he had joined her. But he has no time to contemplate that as the tear is becoming unstable, and still she does not appear, Emmrich decides he MUST take the initiative. Ignoring the danger he’s putting himself in, he sticks an arm into the tear.

Another heartbeat of nothing. And then he feels it, a hand. He knows that hand so intimately, every callus, every ridge. It grips hard, so hard that he can feel his bones squeak in protest.

“I’ve got her!”

He sticks another arm in to get a better hold, and immediately there is another hand gripping it, every finger clinging on to his wrist, including the shortened pinky. And yet, no matter how much he pulls, he doesn’t seem to make any progress. In fact, he seems to be pulled into the Fade, like being submerged while trying to rescue a drowning man.

She seems to sense that as well, and he feels her muscles slacken and her fingers begin to loosen, as if to let him go, to not drag him in with her. But he refuses. No. He will not let go of her, not even if he’s trapped in there with her for all of eternity.

“Zea, dearest! Don’t.. don’t you dare let go!” He all but begs, not sure if she can hear. Still, he slides even further, and he’s so close to being enveloped by the Fade, he can smell the dust and rocks, the regret and loneliness the place exudes. But, he still holds on, accepting whatever fate has in store for him, as long as it's by her side.

“OH NO YOU DON’T!” A voice booms out from behind him, and strong arms wrap around his chest like a hug, causing his slow forward progress to halt, momentarily. He barely hears Taash’s voice ordering through gritted teeth the others to help over the sound of the blood pumping through his system.

Harding appears on his left, gripping on the only part of his forearm that still isn’t swallowed by the Fade and tugs, pulling up a paving stone with her titan powers to use as a footstopper. Manfred mirrors the action on Emmrich’s right side, and hisses with all his might as he helps pull. Neve immediately follows suit, positioning herself behind Manfred and clinging to his upper arm, lodging her prosthetic in a crack as she provides support. And finally, Lucanis is there on his left, muttering Antivan curse words as he helps pull. Emmrich is surrounded literally by all his closest companions, all desperate for one thing, and yet… it is not enough. She remains stuck. Either their combined strength will eventually wear out, or the already unstable tear will close. Already, its edges are becoming blurry, less defined.

And then, he feels two sensations.

A sharp tug on his lower robe, like a dog that has yanked on a favourite and well loved toy. Except, the bite doesn’t feel like it’s made by teeth, more of like a … beak?

Then there is a pair of hands on his shoulders. He feels them, the metal gauntlets, he swears he can hear the sound of plate armour grinding against metal. But when he risks a glance to the left, there is nothing there, only Lucanis, his eyes aglow.

“ THEY SEND THEIR HELP” he says through gritted teeth, and Emmrich knows that it is now or never.

“On the count of three, we all pull.”

“One…” Darling, hold on for just a bit longer!

“Two…” Please, my love… we’ve got you…

“Three!” Whatever it takes

There’s the sound of hissing, grunting, growling and he swears he hears a ‘Squawk’ mixed in, as they put their everything into this single action.

There’s no sound that accompanies what happens next. He thought there should be a SNAP, or a POP from the way the tension suddenly dissipates, as if Fate has finally thrown up her hands and just went ‘Fine, you win. Enjoy your prize.’ Because one moment, all of them are straining at the very limits of their endurance, the next, they’re all thrown backwards by their own stored momentum, with various sounds of discomfort. The tear in the veil snaps shut a few moments later.

Emmrich gets thrown the furthest, and he lands with an undignified yelp, combined with a wheezy ‘oof’ as something heavy lands on him.

It takes him a moment to truly understand what it is, but he feels a heartbeat echoing his, even under a layer of leather and chainmail. The smell of Tearstone island, of blight and blood, fills his nostrils as his vision clears. It’s her… she looks the same as he last saw her as she yanked that dagger out. The cut above her eye still oozes blood, and there’s still remnants of a bloodstain under her nose. Her silver hair is everywhere except her ponytail, some sticking to the cut, smearing the blood across her forehead. Stains of dirt cover her cheeks.

She is the most beautiful thing he has ever laid his eyes on.

“Emmrich?” her voice is timid, almost afraid that what she’s seeing isn’t real. He realizes that her perception of time is different from his.. She looks like she hasn’t been there for more than a day, while to her, he probably looks like he’s aged years. He hopes this is the case, as it was a torment to be parted from her for these three weeks, and he had his friends to support him, she had no one.

“You’re back, Zea… you’re safe.” He says it as much to assure her as it is to assure himself that yes… she’s here.

“You… came for me?” she asks in a small voice that nearly breaks his heart, “Why did you come for me?” Does she not know how much she is loved and cherished, not only by him, but the rest of the crew? He holds her tight once more, knowing that words will not answer her question as well as actions will. He’s not sure if it's right to kiss her in this state, where both him and her are so emotionally delicate. So he contents himself with holding her, thanking the spirits for her safe return.

“You guys just gonna lay there forever? Or are you gonna fuck? ‘Cus if you are…uh… I want to be out of this creepy place.” There’s a giggle from Harding to Taash’s statement, and a half stern half amused warning from Neve.

“Thank you Taash, for knowing exactly what to say to enhance the moment.” He sighs, although there’s not much anger in his voice. THEY are the reason he is here, with her, and it’s a debt he’ll never quite be able to pay.

“We ought to go home, there’s a lot we must discuss…” Lucanis suggests.

“ HOME!” Manfred agrees as he begins to help Zea up. “ROOK COME HOME!”

She smiles as she accepts his bony hand, barely wincing as she places weight on her left ankle. He’ll have to address that when she gets home. He’s already gotten a checklist of things to do. They need to apprise her of current events, he needs to clean himself up, contact Myrna and the Mourn Watchers for their aid…

But most importantly, he needs to apologise. Not here of course, but where and when she feels comfortable. He needs to assure her that his ramblings were of a man nearly consumed by an irrational fear, that he loves her, deeply, truly.

And if she cannot quite bring herself to trust in his devotion right away, he’s willing to accept that it will take time to mend what was broken.

Whatever it takes…

[werothegreat]

I no longer make YouTube vids discussing Lorcana news (no one watched them and they have zero rewatch value) so now I go to tumblr. We got a new set announcement! AZURITE SEA!

The vibe is PIRATES. So like Into the Inklands, but more so. No new mechanics revealed, though hopefully there will be something. We do have two new franchises, though! Big Hero 6:

and Rescue Rangers:

Neat! Okay let's get into the cards that may actually see any play.

This may see play in Amber/Amethyst aggro decks, which are already running the Bodyguard Donald with the same ability. The Bodyguard is very useful for protecting high-lore low-stat squishies, but having twice as much of that ability is very very nice.

As we'll see in a bit, this is the first time we're seeing any sort of "milling" (discarding cards from decks) in Lorcana. I like this because it synergizes with Chernabog. I'm wondering if we'll be seeing more cards that jive with this archetype.

We've seen two each of Chip and Dale, and if we get more of them, there might be enough synergy for a "tribal" deck. If that happens, you will definitely want this guy, he's got great stats for his cost, and he's inkable! Unlike last set's Moana.

Not the worst thing. She survives Brawl, which is important. But she's definitely not surviving a challenge. Most Amethyst decks are never going to have fewer than 3 cards in hand, though, they already have so many other card draw tools. Honestly the most likely spot for her might be Amber/Amethyst aggro - drop her turn 4, your opponent is going to be focused on your squishies, and you get to refill your hand on turn 5.

So this is a weird one. There is an existing Emerald/Steel deck that wants to play A Whole New World a lot of times, and technically that's "milling" in that it's forcing your opponent to lose by running out of cards to draw, but now this is actual milling. But... it's only one card. This is going to need a lot more support for this to actually see any play at all.

This seems really good, and a much better payoff than the uninkable Robin Hood from last set ended up being. This could net you a lot of lore, and might be the start of an Emerald burn deck.

Speaking of Emerald burn, this is one of the best 1-drops I've ever seen. I want to combo this with floodborn Kida and some sort of Reckless.

Lorcana has been real hesitant to do tutoring to hand, but even just ensuring you topdeck, say, Lucky Dime, could be very useful.

This just seems like a solid overall card, aside from the Brawl vulnerability. Will we finally see an Inventors deck?

This is amazing. Ruby/Sapphire self-damage/heal deck. This may finally work where Grand Pabbie just didn't.

The card is "okay" at best but I love the flavor/art lol

That is a pretty easy condition to meet, and they don't even need to be exerted. Just have this in an Alien and/or Robot deck and have it passively spit out lore for you, shunting in a new character every turn.

Saving the best for last - JIMBO! Wow, what a card. Immune to Madame Medusa, and can draw you potentially four cards??? I would love to see an Amber Pirates deck (there's already the Piglet), particularly if we can get a cost reducer to get Jim here out earlier.

Set comes out in November!

[rollinouttahere-writes]

Can we get some stuff recharging adult Lucky and Kaku? … asking for a friend.

anon I am gently kissing you on the forehead, thank you so much I have been wanting to talk about them since finishing Enies Lobby

under the cut because I am mentally ill about this man

When they meet, it's in the kitchen of the Going Merry when he comes to check out the ship. Lucky was already a little rattled from the Franky Family trying to jump them, so a strange man suddenly appearing on the ship definitely scares her a bit.

That, and the whole Enel situation happened like not even a week ago.

She freezes and stares at him when he walks in, and he isn't doing any better. He just came to do an evaluation on a ship and now he's finding this poor, battered woman cowering in one of the rooms.

He snaps out of it and is quick to explain who he is and why he's there. Once she's calmed down and realized she isn't about to be attacked again, he steps closer and asks in a hushed tone if she needs help. Rescuing people being held hostage on a pirate ship is hardly a first for Galley-La.

Her attempts to convince him that she is actually fine aren't particularly successful, but he doesn't force her to come with. He does talk her into showing him around the ship "just in case he misses something", but really he's just worried Zoro is going to do something to Lucky when he isn't looking.

Just as he's leaving, he slips a piece of paper into her pocket. It's hastily jotted down directions to Dock 1 if she changes her mind. Lucky is somewhat charmed. While his concern was ultimately unnecessary, it was very sweet of him.

Kaku, meanwhile, is having a crisis. Being able to shut down and disregard emotions is something he had to get good at in his line of work, so why could he not get Lucky out of his head? Why does he feel like he needs to go back and save her? He puts it aside, but just barely.

It keeps building as the arc progresses and further encounters make him feel even more hot under the collar. He went out of his way to bring her some lunch while also covertly doing CP9 stuff because she mentioned wishing she could've tried this one particular food Water 7 was known for. He's down bad and has no idea what to do.

Ultimately, he leaves her behind when their cover is blown and they all head to Enies Lobby, but when she comes there... His resolve breaks. Clearly this is meant to be, why else would she have come here despite the danger? She was meant to be his. She wants this as bad as he does.

After being defeated by Zoro, he uses the last of his strength to find and bring her with him. He's 100% ready to leave everything behind just to be with her. This doesn't work out thanks to Lucky having an impact dial on her, but even after taking such a vicious blow, he's still attempting to reach out to her.

Kaku hates who and what he is. He never asked to be an assassin, none of them did, but he could never fully settle into the roll. A part of him always resented the people who did this to him. Who forced him to live such a horrible life when he could have been normal if they'd laid eyes on anyone but him.

Lucky is his second chance. She's an opportunity to run away and restart his disaster of a life. To experience the normalcy he had up until now thought would only ever be a fantasy.

All he wants is to walk away from all this and be a normal, happy couple living a refreshingly mundane life. Sure, it wouldn't be completely normal, they would have to move around constantly to evade detection from the world government that would absolutely be looking for him, but it's nothing they can't persevere through together.

The thing he wants most is a family. The memories of his own family from his childhood are so far away and unclear that he isn't even entirely sure they're real or just something he came up with to make himself feel better. But now, with Lucky, he could have something indisputably real. Their children would be as adorable as they would be loved, that's what he tells her when he's trying to force convince her to come with him.

Kaku is delusional to an extreme. He only ever sees Lucky as a victim of circumstance that is so traumatized from her past that she can't be trusted to make good decisions for herself. That's why she needs a little push, he tells himself.

Please ask me more about him, I'm obsessed as you can probably tell.

[honourablejester]

A thought for a sci-fi ghost story.

I was thinking about science fiction and horror in proximity, how to do gothic in space, and I’ll come back to that, I’m percolating on it. But I was sidetracked by a thought about ghost ships. Which can mean anything from an abandoned ship drifting without power, to a ship full of ghosts, to the ghost of a ship. And that. That last one.

You all remember in Event Horizon (1997), when they realise that the rescue ship’s scanners are registering the Event Horizon itself as ‘alive’? The idea of the ship itself as the ghost.

And I’ve been watching some air crash investigation stuff lately, including some tragic CVR recordings, and I remembered one which was just the pilot pleading something along the lines of ‘come on, girl, don’t do this to me, don’t crash on me’.

And in the animated anthology series ‘Love, Death and Robots’, there was a short called ‘Lucky 13’, about an unlucky ship that got a pilot that cared, and may or may not have been sentient enough to make its death count to try and save said pilot.

So I was thinking. There’s a hulk, drifting in space. It’s an old, old hulk, a ship from centuries ago. It’s been spotted here or there a couple dozen times throughout galactic history. Nobody who goes near it comes back. But the thing about it is, it’s not drifting. It can’t be drifting. Because plotting the locations it’s been seen, assuming that the reports are real, it’s been covering a lot of distance in those centuries. Nowhere close to what a ship under actual power would cover, it’s heartbreakingly slow, but it’s covering ground. Or space, rather. It’s moving. Almost as if it’s still being piloted.

And that’s not really possible. Every scan of the ship from someone who survived shows that it’s dead. Dead dead. Whatever power plant was in there is gutted or gone. There is not a shred of motivating power left in her. She’s a hulk. There is no power, there are no life signs, there is no motivating force. Now, granted, every scan of the ship that survived came from ships that kept their distance. Nothing’s out there from someone who got close. But still. She’s dead. She’s a hunk of floating metal. There is nothing in her that should be able to let her move.

But she is. She’s moving. Slowly, oh, so achingly slowly, but she’s moving. She’s going somewhere. Power or no power, life or no life. Four hundred years down the line, she still has somewhere to go.

And maybe we follow a team who spots her. Maybe they were hunting her, the mysterious white whale of the salvaging community, or maybe it was a ship on its own business who stumbled across her, but they see her. And they get close. And they board her.

And things happen. Terrifying things. Things in their heads, things not in their heads. A hulk that’s been dead and powerless and airless and frozen for four hundred years, but things move inside her. Things open. Things close. Systems flare with phantom life. She wants them out. She wants them gone. Get out, get away, leave me alone. Leave me and mine alone.

But someone’s stubborn. And someone stays, someone keeps pushing. Someone finds the thing at the core of her that she was so desperate to defend.

Her power plant is gone. Damn near ripped apart. Whatever happened to her, whatever she ran into all those centuries ago, it did catastrophic damage to her. Absolutely unsurvivable damage. But not instant damage. Not enough to blow her up on the spot. She fought all the way down. And so did her crew. So did her crew. Because the bodies are still there. Scattered, here or there, lying where they fell, the trail of breadcrumbs across the ship that she was doing everything in her power to drive intruders away from. Guarding their bodies. Guarding their rest.

There’s a recording. When they find the first of the bodies, and they don’t touch them, when she realises they’re not going to touch them, she lets them onto the bridge. There’s a ‘recording’. Nothing real. Nothing recoverable. There’s no power. Nothing left alive to record anything. But the boarding team ‘sees’ the recording anyway, phantom signals on a black screen. Phantom voices over dead comms.

“Come on, girl. Come on, girl. Give me just a little bit more. Come on. Come on. We’re so close. One more jump and we’re home. Come on, girl, you can do this. Just a little bit more. Please.”

And she couldn’t. She couldn’t. She didn’t have a little bit more. But by god, by god, she will get them home now. The slow way. The hard way. No engines. No jumps. By no power but her own sheer determination. Desperation. Loyalty. She couldn’t save them. But she will get them home.

The ship is a ghost. There’s no crew. They’re all dead, they’re all gone. They didn’t stay with her. No spirits linger except hers. She’s all alone. But it doesn’t matter. She failed them then. She won’t now. The ghost of a dead ship will carry their bodies home. No matter how long it takes, or how far she has to go. Some loyalties last beyond death. And hers is one of them.

Leave her alone. Leave them alone. She has to carry them home.

… Yeah. I had a thought for science fiction ghost story? The story of the ghost … of a ship. Heh.

[teaberrii]

Chapter Twelve: Not Alone

Alhaitham has the looks and the smarts. He will also be the stand-in CEO for his grandfather's company for a year.

But, he's been mysteriously cursed to turn into a cat every night since his eighteenth birthday… until he meets you, an employee at his grandfather's company, who rescues him as a cat and changes him back with one kiss.

Alhaitham/You

Notes:

Cross-posted on AO3

Female reader

Chapter index at the end of chapter one

You feel something brush against your leg. So, you look down and see Alhaitham walking around your legs, purposefully rubbing against you whenever he can. Then, as if knowing he has your attention, he looks up and meows with a little smile. That's when you hear your apartment buzzer.

As soon as you answer it, you hear Lumine say, “Oh, wow. She's really home.”

“Told you so. My hunch is always right.” Then, Childe looks into the camera and waves. “Hiya, sweet cheeks! May we come in?”

Alhaitham doesn’t need to look at the screen to know it’s Childe. Besides the voice, only one person calls you by that nickname.

As soon as you open the door, you ask, “What are you two doing here?”

"I went out for a drive, and fate brought me to Lulu"—Childe notices Lumine's small eye roll—"and now we're here!"

“That explains a lot,” you deadpan.

Lumine smiles at Alhaitham. “Hey! It’s Mr. Kitty!”

"Mr. Kitty?" Childe asks. "It looks more like a Mr. Cat to me." He looks at you. "I didn't know you got a cat."

“Yeah… I got him recently.”

“Well, he seems to really like you,” Childe says, watching Alhaitham gently rub his cheek against your leg.

You bend over and pick him up.

“By the way, how’d your date go?” Lumine asks. “Did anything… exciting happen?”

You aren’t going to spill that you and Alhaitham just had your first kiss. You can only imagine the details Lumine wants to hear, and having Childe around won’t help.

Alhaitham meows and Lumine smiles at him. "Ooh, don't tell me Mr. Kitty has all the juicy details. Did they kiss?" You look at Alhaitham just as he looks up at you. Your noses almost touch, and your heart nearly stops. "I didn't see this little guy the last time Mom and I were here… did you go back for him, or did he come back to see you?"

You smile. “I guess it was a little bit of both.” Then, you look at your sister. “Anyways, enough about me." You put Alhaitham on the counter. "What about you?”

“Me?”

“You two just decided to hang out together for the night?”

Lumine and Childe glance at each other. “It really was a coincidence that we bumped into each other!” she insists.

Childe chuckles. “I got lucky.”

“Hey, since we’re here…” Lumine claps her hands together. “Should we go say hi to Alhaitham? He’s home, isn’t he?”

You glance at Alhaitham. Yeah, you could say he’s home.

Childe smiles. “Lumine told me you’re neighbours with Mr. Hottie now. Look at you livin’ the life.”

"What can I say?" you say sarcastically. "It's like I'm the protagonist of my own scripts." Then, you quickly add, "But, uh, he's a bit busy right now."

“With what?”

“...Meetings.”

If Childe and Lumine are suspicious, they don’t say anything. You think it’s a believable enough excuse. The man is a CEO, after all.

Then, Childe walks over and leans over to stare at Alhaitham. “...Or, is he right here?”

You look from Childe to Alhaitham and back to Childe. “What are you talking about?”

Childe laughs and leans upright. “It’s a funny story, actually..."

“...What? Is that a story idea you came up with?” Childe asked, tossing him bottled water.

Ayato easily caught the drink. “It does sound like an idea born from fantasy, doesn’t it?”

“What I’m wondering is why you’re talking to me about it.”

“I was just curious if you’ve ever heard of such a thing happening in real life.”

“People turning into cats? Of course not!” Ayato opened his bottled water, and Childe couldn’t help but ask, “...Have you?”

Ayato’s mysterious smile only made Childe more curious.

"People turning into cats?" Lumine asks. "That can't happen!"

Your eyes meet Alhaitham's, knowing exactly what's running in each other's minds. It might just be a meaningless conversation. But is it possible that Ayato knows someone who's cursed? Or... is it himself?

"Wouldn't it be interesting if it can?" Childe asks.

"Well, I don't think you would be able to look at cats the same way again," you mumble. Then, you look at the clock. “Hey, it’s getting late.”

“I guess that’s our cue to leave, Lulu.”

"Well, I don't have to, you know," Lumine says. Then, she smiles at you. "I could sleep over!"

Before you can answer, Childe huffs. “And I thought we could grab some an evening snack together before I dropped you off.”

“You should’ve brought a snack before you came here,” you say.

Childe laughs. “I promise I’ll bring one for you next time.”

You look at Lumine. “...You should go with him.”

“Why?”

“...You have work tomorrow, don’t you?” you ask. “Your place is closer than mine.”

Lumine narrows her eyes. Childe pats her head and says, “Sis just wants some private time with Mr. Kitty.”

Well, that’s one way to put it.

Alhaitham nuzzles his head against your arm until you pick him up again.

“Or… maybe it’s the other way around,” Childe continues.

Lumine pouts slightly. “...Fine.”

As your sister leaves your apartment, you say, “Don’t keep her out late, Childe.”

“I won’t.”

Childe has just finished putting on his shoes when you ask, “By the way, did something happen?”

He turns around. “What makes you ask that?”

"...Do you remember the day you randomly showed up at my house?" Childe slightly looks away from you, and you know you're onto something. "It was the day you fought with your parents."

“I can’t believe you still remember that.”

“It was the first time I saw you cry.”

Something about that statement makes him stiffen.

Lumine pokes her head back inside. “Um, hellooo? Are we going or what?” She looks from Childe to you and back to Childe. “Is everything okay? Why do you two look kinda serious?”

"It's nothing," you say. "I told him to drive you straight home."

Childe smiles. "And I told her I wanted to keep you to myself for a little longer."

Lumine nudges him. “As long as there’s food.”

“You’re way too easily convinced,” you deadpan.

“Alright, we’re leaving,” Childe says with a wave. He also makes sure to wave to Alhaitham. “Take care of her, Mr. Kitty.”

You lift Alhaitham’s paw and make him wave, even though his deadpan expression says otherwise.

Once you and Alhaitham are alone, you put him on the couch. You'd like to tease him a little longer, but you'd like to ask about what he thought about the conversation between Childe and Ayato. So, you lean down and kiss his fluffy, little head. 

Soon, Alhaitham is dressed, and you and he are sitting on the couch.

"Do you think we should talk to Ayato?" you ask.

"It would be a little strange if we grilled him on a conversation that might be meaningless."

That's true.

"But, with how things are going, I am a little curious if he really does know anything." When you look at him curiously, he says, "The timing isn't the only thing that's changed. The transformation back to my normal self was also different."

“You mean… you usually don’t just poof into a cat?”

Alhaitham shakes his head. “It’s a painful process.”

A painful process? Now, you’re imagining bones shrinking and breaking, and you aren’t sure if you really want to know. Maybe this is why he wanted privacy.

“Turning back isn’t as painful as turning into a cat,” he continues.

So, why are things different now?

Alhaitham pulls you close. “...We might be close to getting answers, but there’s one thing I want to make sure of.”

“I’m all ears.”

But, instead of talking, he leans in and kisses you, slowly and softly at first and then with a swift gradation of intensity that makes your world spin. Your back hits the couch with Alhaitham on top of you, his insistent mouth sending shivers through your nerves. Your body melts against his as your hands weave through his hair, pulling him closer.

Finally, when you two pull away, he says, “...Even when this curse ends, I want to make sure you are mine.”

You smile. This time, you say, “I’m all yours.”

◆◆◆

Back in the car, Lumine wonders if she should ask. She'd overheard the conversation between you and Childe. Your hunch is the same as hers. Something must've happened. But would it be intrusive if she asked? What if he got mad at her? What if—

“Is something bothering you?" The car roars to life, and Childe looks at her. “You've been quiet.”

Lumine’s not looking at him when she says, “...Well, I overheard what you and Sis were talking about.”

“Are you worried about me?”

Lumine turns to him. “Of course I am. You’re my friend.”

Childe smiles and ruffles her hair. “You’re cute, Lulu. Have I ever told you that?”

No. Never. Actually, Lumine had always thought he saw her as a kid or a little sister.

“...So, will you tell me what’s wrong?”

“Another time.”

Is it because he doesn’t think she would be mature enough to help him? Would… he have told you if you were the one who asked instead?

“Oh, fine,” Lumine says dramatically, “if you don’t want my godly advice.”

The car is back on the road now, and Childe glances at her. “Godly advice, huh?” Then, he chuckles. “...Then, let me ask you. Who is more important? Yourself… or your family?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“If you’re forced to make that kind of decision, would you choose yourself?”

"That's a terrible question!"

"Maybe that's the reason why I asked," Childe says.

Lumine sighs. "Well, I guess it depends on the context.”

“Context, huh?”

“It’s not like you to ask such serious questions."

Once the car slowly rolls to a stop, Childe lightly pinches her nose. “That’s ‘cause you don’t know me well enough.”

“I’ve known you for years,” Lumine deadpans. “Don’t give me that.”

Childe chuckles softly. “Just because you’ve known someone for years doesn’t mean you know every side of them.”

Lumine looks at him. Childe looks back.

“...What’s on your mind now?” he asks.

“...Nothing," she mutters, looking away.

“Oh? Really?”

“Why are you so curious?” Lumine asks flatly.

"Because you intrigue me."

Lumine turns back. “W-what is that supposed to mean?”

"It means what it means. You're interesting, Lumine."

"In what ways?" she asks skeptically.

"You used to have everything written on your face. I read you like an open book. Now, it's getting harder to read you."

"It means I'm not a kid anymore." 

Childe smiles. "You're right. You aren't. So, would you like to be my date to Zhongli's wedding?"

"Yeah, I'm not, so"—her eyes widen—"Wait. What did you just say?"

"Would you like to be my date to Zhongli's wedding?" Childe drawls.

After regaining her composure, she looks ahead. "Why are you asking me?"

"Because I want to go with you."

Lumine glances at him, and he gives her a quick wink. 

"...Let me think about it," she says quietly.

"Well, I guess I'll have to be patient."

"Maybe if you grabbed us some takoyaki, I'll come to a decision sooner."

Childe laughs. "Alright, but on one condition."

"Which is?"

"Your sister expects me to drive you straight home. Looks like we're taking a little detour. So"—he slightly smirks—"this little rendezvous is our little secret."

Lumine smiles. "You're lucky I'm good at keeping secrets."

◆◆◆

“It looks like you and Aether have gotten close.”

Not long after you and Alhaitham left, the group had also left his grandfather's room. Ayato spent the rest of the day with Ayaka. Of course, he also got to know your brother a little better. Now that Aether is back in his room, it's just the siblings.

“Are you jealous?” Ayaka teases.

“I’m glad you made a friend.”

Ayaka holds his brother’s stare, knowing exactly what he’s thinking.

“You should’ve told me how much she looked like her,” he says.

“...I didn’t think you would believe me.”

The silence drags on until…

“Are you going to tell her?” she asks.

“About?”

“Your curse.”

Ayato sighs softly. Should he tell you about his curse? You look so much like her, his late fiancée who supposedly cursed him. It happened spontaneously one night. An innocent kiss quickened his heartbeat. Then, a sudden sharp pain in his chest, and he knew something was wrong. He’d clutched his chest and doubled over in pain.

And then it happened.

Pointy ears. A tail. Four paws.

When the pain was over, his fiancée gasped. “Oh… My God.”

It's strange. Ever since that day, he'd become a cat without explanation whenever she kissed him. But even after she passed, it happened again, except with a new girlfriend who is now an ex. That's when he knew that the curse stayed with him. So, ever since then, he hasn't kissed anyone. Not even for his work.

"...I have no reason to tell her," Ayato says. "And I barely know her."

“But, aren’t you curious? What if… you don’t turn? Wouldn’t that mean the curse is broken?”

Ayaka's shoulders fell as she exhaled softly. "We can think of something then. Can't we?"

Ayato knows she's worried about him, but that doesn't mean he will ask you to kiss him. Aren't you Alhaitham's girlfriend? Besides, there's nothing to tie you to this curse besides that you look eerily similar to his ex fianceé, the person who started it all.

“That’s being selfish, Ayaka.”

Ayaka frowns slightly. "...Then, what are you going to do?" When Ayato looks away, his sister crosses her arms. "This might be the one chance to break the curse, and you're not doing anything about it."

Ayato sighs. Maybe his sister has a point. But… what is he going to say to you? Would you believe him? It sounds bizarre, like something out of a fantasy novel. He just met you. He doesn't need you to think he's completely bonkers by telling you he turned into a cat from a kiss.

“...I’ll think about it, okay? I just don’t want to scare her.”

Ayaka sighs. Then, in a voice just above a whisper, she asks, "When will you think about yourself for a change?"

◆◆◆

“Oh, my God! You look stunning!”

It's finally the Awards Night, and Candace and Dehya had come over hours beforehand to help you prepare. Dehya had convinced you to go for cat-eye makeup and a matte, dark red lip. It's definitely different and bolder than what you're used to, but it looks so good on you that you won't mind trying this look again.

“I actually didn’t think I could pull it off,” you admit.

“Well, anyone can pull off a look as long as they have confidence.”

You smile at Candace in the mirror.

Just as you and your friends leave your apartment, Alhaitham opens his door. When you see each other, both of you stop. Alhaitham can't stop staring. That black dress. That makeup look. He already thinks you're beautiful, but seeing this different makeup look on you takes his breath away. He instantly smiles and walks up to you. When he does, you catch a whiff of his cologne, which smells like a delicate mix of citrus and cedar. He's wearing a suit, but he adds a dark green tie and a jade diamond pin on the right side of his black blazer this time.

“Lost for words, are you, Haitham?” Candace asks.

You and Alhaitham meet each other's eyes. You've agreed to keep your relationship a secret, as his role as your company CEO will be publicly revealed. But as Dehya and Candace already have an idea, you and Alhaitham agreed to let them in on the little secret earlier today.

"Wait, wait," Candace said with a large smile. "So… Haitham made the first move?"

“Wait for me!” Dehya screamed from the washroom. “I need to hear the story, too!”

After you told them about the kiss, Candace clapped slowly, and Dehya’s jaw dropped. “Damn. That man knows what he’s doing,” she said.

“I’m happy for you,” Candace said, smiling at you. “You two look good together.”

Dehya put a hand on her hip. “We need a ladies’ night to celebrate!”

You and Candace look at each other. “Hey, it’s an excuse to celebrate,” you said.

Candace laughed. “Agreed!”

Alhaitham walks up to you and kisses your head. “...You look beautiful.”

You don't see it, but Dehya is shaking Candace. Candace has a slightly mischievous smile as she watches you and Alhaitham.

You chuckle. “You don’t look so bad yourself, handsome.”

When your eyes meet again, you’re thinking the same thing. You want to kiss him. He wants to kiss you. But, of course, there’s a time and place for everything.

“Alright, stop making the rest of us feel like single pringles,” Dehya says.

While waiting for the elevator, Dehya and Candace are talking amongst themselves while you and Alhaitham stand behind them. Then, he glances at you.

“You seem a little nervous,” he says quietly.

Tonight is the night you're changing Alhaitham back… in an almost public space. It's a little nerve-wracking as many people are supposed to be in attendance. What if something goes wrong? What if somehow you got caught?

You feel his hand in yours when you look at him and ask, “Aren’t you?”

You don’t get a chance to hear his reply as the elevator arrives.

◆◆◆

You and Alhaitham arrive separately. As soon as he does, he’s whisked away to meet important people. You head to the lounge, almost blinded by the expensive-looking chandelier. Then, someone taps your shoulder.

“You look lovely tonight.”

“Ayato!” you say. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

He slips out an invitation from his blazer pocket. “Here’s proof I didn’t sneak my way in here.” Then, he gives you a quick wink. You smile politely just as he looks around. “I thought you’d be coming with Alhaitham.” When he sees the look on your face, he lowers his voice and says, “Oh, I’m sorry. Is it a secret?”

“For now, yes,” you say.

“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” But then, he holds out his arm. “However, as a friend, may I escort you inside?”

“My, everyone looks so flashy today.”

Ayato turns around, and you look past him to see Childe and Tighnari.

“How would you like to be escorted inside by not one but three good-lookin’ men in suits?” Childe asks you.

“Tempting,” you say. “But… I think I can escort myself inside.”

As Ayato watches you leave, he feels… conflicted. The more he looks at you, the more he’s reminded of her. Is there a reason why you two crossed paths? Ayato doesn’t believe in soulmates or fate, but the resemblance is uncanny. If his ex really started his cat curse, are you really the person to break it?

“Is something wrong?”

Tighnari’s voice snaps Ayato out of these thoughts. “No. It's nothing.”

“You were staring a little too intently at our award-winning screenwriter just now,” Childe says.

Ayato smiles. “Ah… well, she just… reminded me of someone I knew.”

“Oh?”

“...Care to share?” Childe asks.

“Perhaps another time,” Ayato says. “It’s not a story that should be shared during a celebration like this.”

“That’s fair.” Childe walks behind Ayato and Tighnari and puts a hand on their back. “Well, shall we go enjoy ourselves, gentlemen?”

Throughout the evening, Ayato has you and the conversation with Ayaka on his mind. There's no way you'd believe him. There's also no way to show you. This is getting a little annoying. Why did you have to look so much like her? Ayato is about to grab a chocolate-covered strawberry off a dessert platter when he hears someone approaching him from behind.

"Do you have a minute, Ayato?"

His heartbeat quickens upon hearing your voice. He turns around. "Sure."

You walk up beside him and grab a fruit tart. He turns back to the table just as you say, “I… heard from Childe that you asked him something about people turning into cats.”

He freezes for a second but ultimately grabs the strawberry onto his plate. “...It does make for an interesting conversation starter, doesn't it?"

“A little too interesting, I would say,” you say with a small smile. “Is that a story idea you’re cooking up?”

Ayato laughs. “You could use it if you’d like. I won’t ask for royalties.” Then, a little quieter, “What did Childe tell you?”

“Nothing much. He said you’d asked if he’d heard about something like that happening in real life.”

“Then, may I ask you the same question?”

You glance at him. "Would you be willing to answer my question in return if I answer you?"

“Certainly.”

You put the last piece of dessert on your plate. Then, you turn to him. “...I have.”

Ayato’s heart almost stops.

“...You have?”

You nod.

When you say nothing more, Ayato figures, you aren't going to elaborate on your answer. But he, of course, will also keep his end of the deal.

“Now it’s my turn to ask,” you say, “Do you know someone like that?”

Are you humouring him? Ayato never imagined that he would be having this conversation with you.

He looks you in the eyes and says, “I do.”

You're iffy to push for more. But you're dying to know. Who is it? And… how much does this person know about this curse? Your phone lightly buzzes, a gentle reminder that it's almost time for Alhaitham to turn.

You take a short, small breath. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I have to meet someone."

Right when you turn around, you feel someone grab your wrist. Startled, you spin back and see Ayato. But it’s his words that take you by complete surprise.

“Don’t go.”

Chapter Thirteen

Tag list: @suoshiii @lxry-chxn @seirenspinel @lordbugs @sakiimeo @ash-in-lavender @ceylestia @forsh4dow @deathkat657 @kalpie @elernity @sentieence @chichibleeps @sunsethw4 @hjjks @tanspostsblog @nqctre @just-simping-over-genshin @uchihaeirin @vynbin @ayanokomu @dksfl920 @alatus1808 @itztaki @thetwinkims @imkaaayy @angeilix @starlighttotheleft @letthewindlead

[detectivereads]

Batman The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween: Prologue #0 by Jeph Loeb

100/5 this was so good; I can’t wait to read more.

This post is for fan entertainment, I am not being paid.

Hi everyone,

I hope you are well.

Ok this comic, I got this on Batman Day, and I was totally stoked to get something from the series The Long Halloween. I love the whole story about The Long Halloween with the crime families, to the murders and this shows how Two-Face came to be, (or at least a version, they have the iconic court room scene with acid.)

Now I did get confused when I was reading the comic, when it said Prologue since this already have Harvey Dent being splashed with acid but looking closer, I saw the subtitle The Last Halloween so that cleared things up.

We also see Glinda Dent, Harvey’s wife, who went MIA for a year and now came back, if you read the Long Halloween, you’ll understand how big of a role she played. I always sympathize with her, that she wanted to spend more time with her husband, but in Gotham you’ll be lucky to get two minutes.

Harvey is one of the villains I always felt sorry for, granted looking at some of Batman’s rogues, there is a lot of people there that are villains of circumstance, either being manipulated to being a villain or just pushed too far. But this comic shows that desire that he wants to be with his wife and have the life before he got horribly disfigure. But not all good things last. Especially when Calendar man has a bone to pick with the Dents.

Now I will say this Calendar Man is freaking terrifying; I played Arkham City and did some background research on the guy and this man is crazy. Tim Sale has done wonderful work on Calendar man on how in the Long Halloween series he has made him so creepy and unsettling.

Calendar Man reminds me of a cult leader when we see him in the church, but way more disturbing. After his acolytes botched a robbery Calendar Man promptly disposes of them.

However, I did find one issue with one part of the comic, where Calendar Man went to the Dent’s house, Harvey was in the other room while Gilda was answering the door for what she thought would be tick or treaters. You think that Harvey would coming busting in the room like the Kool-aid man when he heard his wife’s body dropped to the floor.

Now a real treat that this comic had given us we get to see Robin, Jim had asked Batman if Robin wouldn’t mind going tick or treating with Barbara (Barbara the niece not the daughter, this is the universe where Barbara is the niece).

But Batman gets summon with the bat signal, Two-Face is there he needs Batman’s help on finding Gilda and Calendar Man.

Now this scene where Calendar Man is doing the token bad guy speech, is my favorite scene besides the little color that is on the baby bottle topper the scene is completely black and white. Calendar man has Gilda in the confessional, he is not happy with her roll during the Long Halloween, and he is there to get his revenge on her.

However, before Calendar Man could pull the trigger, Two-Face busts in dressed like one of the acolytes as per Calendar Man orders to show that he is “loyal” to Calendar Man, he has to perform a heist.

Calendar Man wants the Moussaieff Red Diamond, but Calendar Man falls into the trap that Batman set up. We also see the real Harvey and Solomon Grundy busting in the room of the church. After Harvey interrogates one of the acolytes, telling Harvey where she is, he disposes of them and rescues Gilda, but like all of Gotham rogues Calendar Man has the penchant to use bombs.

Solomon Grundy takes the blow, but we all know Solomon Grundy will rise again. But it is bittersweet to see Solomon sacrifice himself for a friend.

Back to the butt kicking that Batman is laying out on Calendar Man.

Calendar Man is again telling Batman how hard his life was on the streets of Gotham but felt alive when he was committing crimes.  Batman finishes whooping Calendar Man and dashes off.

We see Two-Face and Gilda rowing off into the moonlight? (I don’t know if the sun is rising at this point.) Two-Face and Gilda, Batman and Robin all good things comes in pairs.

Batman is worried about Harvey and Gilda, what could happen to them or what they can do together.

I love this series, I can’t wait for the next issues, seeing some of the covers I have high hopes for the series.

[gabessquishytum]

Spent the weekend pouring over your galaxy-brained posts, thought I’d toss an idea I’ve been bouncing around for a bit into the ring; after their 1689 meeting, Dream increasingly indulges in thinking up the occasional fantasy of what-ifs, in which he swooped in to rescue Hob from any number of the awful things he went through during that century. To be fair to Dream, they start out and often continue to be about simply giving Hob the food and shelter and compassion he’d been deprived of, magnanimously giving his human friend acquaintance some much-needed comfort and perhaps receiving a bit of gratitude and awe in return.

But at some point the fantasies turn and grow, in which Hob decides to express his gratitude with his body, or Hob swoons into Dream’s arms after being rescued from the witch mob and all but throws himself at his knight in black armor, or Hob becomes so sweetly pliant from the food and baths he desperately needed that he allows Dream to use his body as he pleases; when you’re the Prince of Stories, the list of scenarios to play with is varied and endless ;P

But then when 1789 rolls around, and Lady Johanna and her thugs show up, presenting Dream with this wonderful opportunity to make one of his fantasies a reality (and if he’s lucky, it’ll be one of the sexy ones), before he can do anything swoon-worthy Hob throws himself into the fray and-

Oh. Hm. Now that’s something to consider. “You need not have come to my defense.” But that’s okay, this is a whole new avenue to explore, Dream’s not gonna abandon his old fantasies, but he does need to leave immediately so he can go examine the many new ‘Hob coming to my defense’ ideas coming into his head.

(And maybe this possibly turns into a fishbowl rescue au, as Jessamy has read Dream’s diary or smth and thus knows the best thing to do is go find Hob Gadling, she can get her lord rescued and laid, it’s a win-win. The sleepy sickness was a strange phenomenon that was never adequately explained, but didn’t last very long in the grand scheme of things so the world shrugged and moved on. Hob doesn’t quite follow how a talking bird telling him that His Stranger was in trouble lead to the best sex of his long life and a relationship with the King of Dreams involving quite a bit of roleplay, but you won’t catch him complaining)

I’m so fascinated by the idea of Dream having fantasies and daydreams of his own!! How does it play out in the dreaming, I wonder? Does he get to participate in live-action fantasies, or see it all play out like a film in front of him? I can totally see Dream getting intoxicated and wound up in these intricate scenarios.

Poor Jessamy has to spend a lot of time overhearing Dream’s horny daydreams about this random human, but GOD she’s glad that she was paying attention, when Dream gets captured! When Hob actually comes to rescue him it’s a whole lot less sexy than Dream was imagining. Hob gets shot (twice), there’s blood all over the floor, Hob basically uses a crowbar to smash the glass and it goes everywhere - not a pretty sight.

So. Once Hob is sufficiently recovered and Dream has dealt with the circumstances of his capture, he basically scoops Hob up into the dreaming and announces that they’re going to roleplay the rescue all over again, but this time it’s going to be romantic and sexy and Dream is going to swoon in Hob’s arms without either of them being covered in blood and broken glass, thanks very much.

Hob (who is still very confused but very happy to participate in anything that Dream wants from him) gladly rescues his Stranger all over again, and this time he also gets lovingly pounded on the basement floor. He’s not totally convinced that he isn’t hallucinating the whole thing until Dream smiles at him, and then he somehow knows that it’s all real. Dream loves him, for some reason. All is right with the world.

[heliads]

'time to spare' - genya safin

Based on this request: "my beloved male Squaller is somehow stuck with Nikolai and they just… bicker and ma boi is just teasing him with Zoya like “I know you love her! Because you look like me when I talk about Genya! … and Zoya does too. When she talks about you.”"

masterlist

Keeping a king safe is a difficult and dangerous thing. The task is made exponentially more challenging when the king you’re meant to be protecting is even a little bit obstinate or hotheaded. When the king has lived a separate life as Sturmhond, one of the most infamous privateers to grace the True Sea, you might as well give up hope. Nikolai Lantsov may be the current king of Ravka, but that doesn’t seem to have stopped him from taking just as many risks as when he had commanded warships on the open ocean.

As a Squaller, you’ve been blessed with gifts beyond what a normal man could ever dream of achieving. Over the years, you’ve honed your ability to control wind and air to a knifepoint’s accuracy. You can hear intruders coming from leagues away. You can steal breath from a man’s lungs in the blink of an eye. However, there is one thing you can’t do, and that is to talk Nikolai out of a suicide mission when he feels it’s the right course of action to take.

You had tried, this time. Really, you had. While returning home from an important meeting with Ravkan nobles situated near Tsibeya, Nikolai had heard that some important hostages were being held in a keep just a short distance over the Fjerdan border. He had insisted that he would lead a charge to rescue the hostages, and despite your arguing that this was a terrible idea, the attack had been launched accordingly. You and Nikolai had gone along with maybe half a dozen other Ravkan guards.

Despite your best intentions, however, you were caught in the act of freeing the hostages. Nikolai had directed a couple of his guards to take the hostages and run. Seeing as you haven’t heard of them since, you can assume that they got to freedom, but you and Nikolai weren’t so lucky. A pair of other soldiers are imprisoned in a cell down the hall, and you and Nikolai share a similar block. Your hands are chained above your head, giving you just enough room to sit on the stone floor and lean against a wall for some semblance of comfort. 

Since your hands are bound, you can’t summon your Squaller abilities and Nikolai can’t pick the lock from his angle. The only thing left to do, then, is to wait for the guards to get back to camp and bring reinforcements. Unfortunately, neither you nor Nikolai are very good at waiting.

Barely an hour or two has passed before the two of you start getting impatient. There are Fjerdan guards somewhere out in the hall, although they’ve been careful to keep out of sight so as to disguise their numbers.

Nikolai whistles quietly under his breath. “D’you reckon they’d give me a deck of cards if I promised not to break out of here?” He asks you. “I’m kind of bored.”

“Your hands are chained together,” you note. “How in the Saints’ name would you play cards?”

Nikolai frowns. “I hadn’t considered that. Maybe we could use our toes?”

“I’m not touching cards that your toes have touched,” you tell him.

Nikolai makes a face. “They’re royal toes. I hear some people would consider anything touched by my toes a holy relic.”

“I believe the fact that I don’t think that is a strong reason that you hired me in the first place,” you remind him. “You were afraid that I would sell off your used handkerchiefs or something.”

Nikolai nods slightly, accepting this. “It was a real concern. Of course, you could sell off my handkerchiefs even if you didn’t believe they were religious relics, but I appreciate you abstaining from that. It would be dreadfully difficult to explain to the palace seamstresses if I constantly needed new ones.”

“That would be awful,” you remark. “Also, keep your voice down. If these Fjerdans haven’t clued onto the fact that you’re the king, I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Of course, my trusted guard,” Nikolai says. He attempts to salute you, but the chains make it difficult to fully complete the gesture. “I assumed they would have known by now, though. I saw them sending a scout out. Plus, they kept pointing at my face. I know it’s irresistibly attractive, but there’s no need to single me out like that unless they suspect something.”

You roll your eyes. “Maybe they were commenting on the fact that they’d never seen such a vain prisoner in their entire lives.”

“Or maybe they suspected a Lantsov,” Nikolai murmurs. “I’m out of royal uniform since we were traveling. Unless they’d personally seen me before, they’d have no reason to suspect I was anything more than a highly placed guard.”

You shrug as best you can despite the chains. “True. Then the only thing we can do right now is make sure we’re not here when they send someone who can recognize your face.”

Nikolai glances obviously at the chains securing both of your wrists, then the locked cell door. “That makes perfect sense to me. What’s your plan for getting out?”

You meet his stare unblinkingly. “I’m just the muscle, your highness. I believe you’re the one who’s meant to be coming up with plans.”

Nikolai mutters a few uncharitable curses, then adds on, “I suppose you’re right about that. Maybe Zoya will come and save us all. She’s prone to fantastic rescues.”

You can’t help but chuckle at the soft expression that comes over his face. “Of course your first thought goes straight to Zoya.”

Nikolai narrows his eyes at you. “What exactly is that supposed to mean? I am perfectly capable of referring to my second in command. I thought that was expected of first in commands.”

You bite back a laugh. “Of course it is. It’s just that you’re hopelessly in love with her, and that makes the whole affair rather amusing to watch.”

Nikolai’s jaw drops. He attempts to swat you on the hands for that sort of remark, but he just can’t manage it with the position of his chains, so he settles instead for sort of aggressively tapping your boot with his. “How dare you? Take that back at once.”

This time, you can’t help a proud grin. “Of course I won’t. You’re stuck in here with me, so I’ll say what we’ve all been wanting to say for a long time. You are in love with Zoya Nazyalensky.”

Nikolai’s brows jump comically. “Oh, all of us, huh? I want names, L/N.”

“I’m not going to rat out my own men,” you say exasperatedly, “Besides, I’d have to tell you the names of everyone in Os Alta. Except Zoya, of course. For some reason, she’s just as oblivious as you are.”

“Don’t call Zoya oblivious,” Nikolai says fiercely.

You fight the urge to groan. “See? This is exactly what I’m talking about. You can’t go an hour without bringing her up or otherwise defending her honor. You’re in love, Nik. Admit it.”

Nikolai purses his lips, looking studiously out the bars of the cell door instead of at you. “I don’t have to do anything of the sort. This is pure speculation.”

“It is not speculation,” you insist. “I know you’re in love because you look just like me whenever I talk about Genya.”

Nikolai frowns. “I don’t talk about Genya. No more than my job requires, of course.”

For such a clever fox, Nikolai can be decidedly thick-headed when he puts his mind to it. You fight the urge to scream and instead carry on with your argument. “I should hope you’re not talking about my wife like that. I’m right, though. There are parallels here, Nikolai. Serious parallels. I’m in love with Genya and you’re in love with Zoya. Can we agree on that?”

Nikolai is silent for a moment. At last, the tentative peace in the cell is broken by his quiet question, “Do you really think she loves me?”

You snort. “You don’t even have to ask.”

“I do,” Nikolai tells you. He looks directly at you, as if he could tell your truth from lies by just the movement of your pupils. “Does Zoya love me?”

“Yes,” you say firmly. “She loves you just as much as you love her.”

Nikolai releases a breath, crumpling back against the cell wall again. “Saints. I didn’t even know.”

“You were scared to admit it was a possibility,” you correct. “But I think you did know.”

“Maybe,” Nikolai says. “Kings aren’t supposed to be scared.”

“Men are,” you say simply. “It’s not a bad thing. Saints know I was positively petrified to tell Genya how I felt.”

Nikolai chokes out a laugh. “Oh, I almost forgot about that. You were a mess for days leading up to it.”

You shrug. “And look where it got me. I’m a married man, Nikolai. Things work out.”

“Things work out,” he repeats slowly, going over the words like they were a mantra or a prayer.

Maybe he really did mean it as a prayer, because silence has hardly settled over the cell again before the door at the far end of the hall flies open, slamming into the wall with a deafening thud. The Fjerdan guards rise to meet the challenge, but they’re immediately forced to the ground by a mass of fierce wind so strong it might as well have been a solid wall.

A grin rises to your lips. You’ve only seen one Squaller quite so powerful as that. “Looks like you’ll get the chance to tell her sooner rather than later.”

Nikolai sits up interestedly. Seconds later, two women are standing in front of your cage door. The Squaller who had taken out the guards is unlocking the door, her sapphire kefta dotted slightly with ice crystals from the journey to the stronghold, but you can’t spare one glance at Zoya Nazyalensky, too interested in the the woman next to her, the one in the ruby kefta who’s beaming at you.

“Genya,” you croak out.

She smiles, flying into the cell the second Zoya gets the door open. She falls to her knees in front of you, hurriedly undoing your chains so she can take you into her arms the second the cuffs are off. You can feel the slow rush of blood and power returning to your veins, but that doesn’t feel half so good as being back with your wife.

“How did you find us?” You ask, cupping Genya’s face gently with your hands.

She smiles. “The scouts sent word as fast as we could. After that, we wasted no time saving you.”

“No, you didn’t,” Nikolai says. Zoya has let him out and they’re standing opposite each other, exchanging nervous and tentative glances. You know those sorts of looks, you’ve had your share of them with Genya.

You glance back at Genya, who’s smiling softly at the scene, and take her hand. “Let’s free the other guards,” you suggest quietly. “I think these two might want some time to talk.”

Genya nods, leading you back out into the hall. Once you’re free of the cell, you pull Genya in for a sweet kiss. “Thanks for the rescue,” you tell her.

She beams again. Alina Starkov may be the only known Sun Summoner, but you swear there’s pure sunlight in each one of Genya’s smiles. “Any time,” she says. “Just don’t make it a habit.”

“I’ll do my best,” you promise. It’s one oath you don’t mind swearing. Your favorite promise of all has already been made, but this one isn’t all that bad, either.

requested by @reinekes-fox, i hope you enjoy!

grishaverse tag list: @rogueanschel, @deadreaderssociety, @cameronsails, @mxltifxnd0m, @story-scribbler, @retvenkos, @mayfieldss, @eclliipsed, @gods-fools-heroes, @bl606dy, @auggie2000, @baju69, @crazyhearttragedy, @budugu, @aoi-targaryen

all tags list: @wordsarelife

[the-blind-assassin-12]

WIPS ON WIPS ON WIPS

So... over the last week or three, I've been tagged *checks notes* NINE (9) times in various wip posts, and I responded to *checks notes unnecessarily* NONE (0) of them. 🤦🏻‍♀️I am so sorry to everyone who tagged me for not responding sooner, I very much appreciate the tags and the interest/support. My brain has been down the drain for a while, so I've not really had anything worth sharing. BUT! I'm fixing that right here, right now, because better one to three weeks late than never, right?

Last Line Tags:

1- @something-tofightfor tagged me after sharing an upcoming part of Fool's Gold (which I have been LUCKY enough to read a few parts ahead on, and let me tell you guys, we're all in for a TREAT with this story), specifically looking for Jack or Marcus snippets. So let's go with the cowboy, shall we?

“I read you, Jack.” You waited a beat, heart slamming at your ribcage as you stared at the back of his seat in front of you. “Everything alright?” Well that’s a dumb question that I already know the answer to.  He let out a small humorless laugh that sounded far too flat to come from the man you knew. “Oh, just peachy.” You winced, closing your eyes and focusing on his voice. “Listen, I know Champ and Ginger want you to stick with me on this one. But I…” He swore under his breath. “I need you to stay with the Pony when we land. Can you promise me that?”  What? Your eyes flew open, brow creased with confusion. “That’s not…” You shook your head even though you knew he couldn’t see you. “Jack, that would be a violation of a direct order. I can’t-”  

2- @djarins-cyare tagged me in a sneak peek of a Din story she's working on, so I figured I'd reciprocate with some tin can man of my own.

You gasped as you stepped out from the cavern, mouth dropping open and eyes going wide as you took in the sight of the open sky, illuminated by Concordia’s silvery green glow, for the first time in your life. It’s real. You took another step, chin tilted upwards as you spun in a slow circle. A tear rolled down your cheek and slipped over your lip, your tongue flicking out to lick it away. It’s… “Beautiful,” you whispered. 

3- @oonajaeadira tagged me when she shared a snippet of Leave Off Your Wandering, which I cannot wait to catch up with because I adore that story so so much. The next thing I have cooking in my own Joel story is actually an Ellie interlude, so let's see what that girl is up to.

The faces that graced the pages of her notebook were all familiar ones, all people that mattered, all people that she loved. Working cameras were scarce in Jackson, and finding film for them wasn’t exactly easy either. But even if she could indiscriminately snap photos of everyone she cared about, she’d still opt to sketch them instead. To her it was a labor of love, capturing their features as she saw them through her eyes, using her own hand to create each likeness.  Joel on the porch steps with his guitar. Dina smirking with her arms crossed. Jesse with his teasing grin. There was a sketch of her and Kat from when they were together that still made Ellie smile even though they’d decided to go back to being friends. She’d even drawn scenes and images of things she’d seen around town or out on patrols. There was a whole page in one of her earlier books dedicated to her birthday trip to the Wyoming Museum of Science and History, including a side by side comparison of Tommy and the thick-skulled dinosaur that Joel swore was the spitting image of his brother. 

4- @burntheedges spoiled us by sharing TWO snippets - one of Girl Dad Frankie and one of Ballet AU Din (which I am very interested in, btw) and since I already shared some Din, let's see what I have for Francisco. (this is from a very nebulous wip for a Dog Rescue AU)

Standing from his desk and crossing his arms loosely over his chest, Frankie shifted his weight to one leg and called over his shoulder. “Hey, Ben?”  “Yeah?” The other man’s footsteps grew closer until he was standing in the doorway, one hand leaning on the frame. “You need somethin’? What’s- oh.” Frankie moved aside so Benny could see what - and who - he was looking at. “Well I’ll be goddamned.” The grin he wore was audible, causing Frankie to roll his eyes. Cocky little shit. “Guess I was right. She came back.”  “Yeah,” he said, letting out a small huff that was just as much astonishment as it was amusement. She sure did. He watched as you finished parking in the same spot you’d pulled into two days earlier, directly next to his truck, and then pulled a box out of the back seat. 

5- @stealyourblorbos tagged me in some wip drawings of Miguel O'Hara - a character who I only know through and because of her stunning artwork of him - and what I know I like very much. Gonna be *vague* here and post a couple bullet points from notes of something foolish I'm working on:

You’re co-starring in an action movie with Dieter. It’s your first time working together, but you get along really well and have instant chemistry. 

You’ve already filmed ⅓ of the movie - including a pretty hot sex scene - and now you’re working on scenes involving stunts and SFX.

Out Of Context Line Tags:

6- @littlemisspascal tagged me and shared a mystery snippet, so here I come with a mystery of my own. (this is fun. it's like tossing a confusion grenade and running away laughing.)

Normally, this was where he would veer away from the truth or else avoid it by changing the topic. It was a defense mechanism, putting up fences so tall he couldn’t be seen. In his mind, there was no point in delving into such deep character analysis. Not when the expiration date was already stamped on whatever skeletal relationship he was in with the mere asking of such a personal question

7- @burntheedges tagged me again but this time with no context. So I trade you one secret for another, Kate!

Despite the fact that you hadn’t fallen asleep until well after two in the morning, you were wide awake before sunrise the following day. For a moment, when you first blinked your eyes open, you thought - hoped - that it had all been a very vivid dream.

8- @keldabe-kriff came in hot with something that I truly have no context for, so in that vein, here you go.

“I can’t fucking believe it, Joel.” She plopped down on the seat beside him, drawing one leg up and resting it over his thigh. Hands coming up to the sides of her face, she blew out a breath that broke into a laugh. “Two offers? I-”  She laughed again, stopping only when he reached over to encircle one of her wrists with his fingers, pulling it down and away from her face. “I can.”

9- @rulexofxnines tagged me and shared a moodboard for an upcoming fic, and while I don't have a moodboard, here's the main inspo picture for the @dieterbravobrainrotclub May server challenge that I've been fiddling with:

THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE WHO TAGGED ME!!! I promise I am digging myself out of this deep funk and things are going to start moving again!!

[docholligay]

this was all @thoughtfulfuri's dream i just basically wrote it down. It's not great, but it's somethin, and I'm happy with that!

I don’t like to lie to you. 

It’s not who I am, even to people I don’t like, and you’re one of the people I like very much. I never cultivated a real gift for it, though, like me and most things, I can manage, in a pinch. This is a pinch, if there ever was one. 

“It’ll be fine. ‘Ow long ‘ave you know me? I can survive anything, it’s just that you need to ‘urry, right? Right, that’s all. I’ll be waiting.” 

See, the problem is, you’re a bit of an idealist, when it comes to the subject of me. I suppose I don’t blame you, since mostly it works out. I can survive anything, because I’ve survived everything. So far. I’ve been ripped through time twice, shot, all sorts of things that were meant to kill me, and just didn’t. I lived, anyhow. I do. 

Maybe I still will. Maybe I’m not lying. I don’t want to be lying, I don’t want to die, but I am fully capable of assembling evidence and coming up with a decent idea of the situation. Things have looked bad for me before, but Win, that’s the thing about flipping a coin. Coming up heads doesn’t make heads or tails more likely. It’s just..chance. 

“I can’t leave you, Lena.” 

“Well, you can’t take me neither. They ‘ave me CA. Couldn’t if we wanted to, love, so you just take the escape, and, and then you’ll come back.” 

I didn’t lie, then. I couldn’t leave if I wanted to. This cage is trapping me here, and keeping me alive. What’s that saying, between the devil and deep blue sea? Well, I’ve been to the bottom of the sea more than once, and it’s cold and it’s lonely and I spent the whole time wishing I’d died instead, so I might as well try the devil. 

She will kill me, though. I’m done for. I’ll be lucky if all she does is kill me. Now that you’re gone she’ll be able to convince them it’s all can be done with me. That the risk is too high to keep me alive. She will get permission to dismantle me brick by brick, and I’m trying not to imagine what that’s going to feel like. I can’t imagine it, because I need you to go, and for you to go, I need you to think I’m not afraid. 

“I can wait, I can work into the--”

“No! You can’t, Winston! This is the only chance either of us ‘ave! Please! You will just doom us both.” 

I’m annoyed with you, right? I’m not afraid, just annoyed, because you’ll come back. And you will. I know you will, I’ve never doubted you, same as I knew you’d be looking when Doomfist sent me spiraling. It’s just I’ll be gone by then. The gravestone at East London has been carved for years, but I’ve never laid in it. So that’ll be a new experience. It’ll save you all the trouble of deciding what to do. 

“Are you sure?”

You sounded so strained. The plastic at the wall of my cage is cheap and foggy, and I can just barely see your eyes. You’ve always taken care of me. I hope I’ve done the same. I put my hand up on the plastic of the wall, and gave a big grin. 

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in all me life, Win. Go. Come back, quick as you can. I’m waiting and the food ‘ere is rubbish.” 

“Okay. okay.” 

It was almost a whisper. I looked up at the clock, at the time drawing in when the rescue crew would be in position, and Winston would be safe. I could know I’d done that at least, as well as sit and plan the thousand annoying and nasty things I would say while I was being tortured to death. I hope I die before she comes up with a single good comeback. I hope she gets angry thinking about it in her shower the next day. I hope someone is sitting in the corner writing them down so I can have a big article, maybe even a pamphlet, titled, ‘Lena Oxton Died Very Brave and Also Funny, One Liners on Page Eleven, Nation Mourns Star Pilot’s Sick Burns.’ 

“Win. It’s time.” 

“I love you, Lena. I’m so sorry.” 

I wanted to tell you so many things right then. I wanted to tell you I loved you, and to take care of Em. Let her take care of you. I wanted to tell you to watch after Fareeha, who will take this personally whatever she says, and how all that rage she just tamps down inside her is going to pop, and without me there, I’m afraid no one will be able to help her. To let everyone have fun at Christmas. I don’t want a ruined Christmas, never on my account. Tell the little ones I love them. It was a good life, tell everyone, even if I wanted a bit more time. I always want more, don’t I? Tell Florrie I wasn’t afraid, she’ll worry I was. I hope she hadn’t started on my jumper. 

Tell Emily to find someone else. I’ll be offended if she doesn’t, tell her that, I wanted to say. 

But I couldn’t say any of that. Because then, you wouldn’t leave. I couldn’t say goodbye, because you couldn’t say it. 

“You can thank me by ‘aving some takeaway ready. I could murder an Indian right now.” 

You smiled, a little and I’ll take that as victory. Then you did what I bloody well told you to and scuttled back to where the rescue crew was going to enter. There was a lot of noise, and fire, but the swearing I heard over the crackle of the radio tells me that you made it. I know that you’re safe. A guard has come to make sure I’m still here. I can hear voices in the hallway, and I hear ‘Tracer,’ and the unlocking of the laboratory next door tells me what’s coming next. 

I don’t regret it. My only other choice was to let you die with me, and I would never do that to you. What a payment that would be, for everything you’ve done. I’m not built that way, and so I apologize for the lie. I knew they would never get here in time. I hope Ang lies too, I hope she tells you they killed me quickly. I’ve seen her do it before. Lies can be the greatest kindness some of us ever know. 

I’ll tell you a truth here, though, in my head, where you won’t hear it. 

I am a little afraid.

[daintylovers]

Champagne Coast

1.2 The Model Home

Seth Cohen x Hailey Atwood (oc)

Waking up in the pool house again felt like something out of a dream. Or, maybe a nightmare, you know- cause mom left. I wasn't sure which side was more accurate.

Looking around, I noticed that Ryan wasn't in the room. So I ventured into the house, waltzing around, looking for any signs of the teen boys that were sure to be together.

I found them lounging on Seth's bed, talking about comic books. Ryan didn't even look up, yet still greeted me. Seth looked more stunned, not having noticed my presence. Ryan was always a little too aware of his surroundings. Perks of having lived like we had.

"You should sit with us," Seth said, "Here I'll, just let me move a little." He patted to the small area that was left after he pulled his legs into a crossed position.

Sitting on the bed, I tried to keep up with their conversation but kept getting lost in my thoughts.

How could she just leave like that? Gone with only a note, which was written on a napkin? Not even decent enough to give us actual paper?

Screw her- I don't care. I don't need her. I don't ever want to see her again.

****

"I think, with this being your last night and all, that we should do something special, you know? Make sure you guys go out with a bang!"

Ryan just laughed, as I indulgded Seth a little more. "Oh yeah? Like what Mr. Life of the Party?"

Seth did a fake laugh, "First of all, screw you. Second of all, I have no idea. What have you guys not done? Maybe we could get tattoos and lose our virginities?" Ryan and I just shot him questioning looks, so he continued, "Not like at the same time. Like one of us gets a tattoo and the other goes in the back. The third one can eat some candy or something and then we can switch when everyone's finished!"

"That sounds awful. Plus, Ryan's already done those things."

"What?! Ryan, you got a tattoo then lost your virginity to the tattoo artist? That's kind of impressive, good job man." Seth said, leaning in for a fist bump.

Ryan reciporcated the action, "No idiot. I have a tattoo and have lost my virginity. Not at the same time."

"That's less cool than my plan. Well Hailey, looks like we might have to do it ourselves."

I kicked water at him, "Ew, I'm not doing it with you."

He put a hand to his heart in mock pain, "Hailey, that hurts, you know." Then he reached out, wrapping his hand around my ankle, preventing another splashing.

"Seth! I swear-"

"Kids, time for dinner!" Sandy, or Mr. Cohen called out.

Seth released my ankle, "You got lucky. Next time I'm really gonna pull you in." I stood up, as both boys got out of the pool. Ryan and Seth shared mischievous glances, before wrapping their wet arms around me.

"You jerks! Get off!" I laughed out, trying to push them off me, but with no luck. The boys practically dragged me into the kitchen, only letting go when they noticed the food.

As everyone fluttered around, I looked at the model home on the kitchen island. "Is this going to be real?"

Kirsten came to my side, "Yeah, my company builds them actually."

"That's cool, think you could make Ryan and me a home?" I joked, but Kirsten just sort of grimaced.

"Sorry, it was only a joke." My back stiffened at the uncomfortable tension now in the room.

"Come on Hailey, get some food," Ryan said, coming to the rescue.

I loaded up my plate and sat down at the only available spot, right next to Seth. Under his breath, he whispered, "I knew you liked me."

I whispered back, "In your dreams."

"So, last supper, huh?" Sandy tried to joke. Kirsten really did not know how to handle a joke, she looked ready to kill or crawl under a rock. Maybe both.

Ryan really was the golden boy of breaking tension, "Thank you, Mrs. Cohen. Really, this has all been very nice."

****

"So we'll meet with your social worker in the morning, and she'll be the one to take you to the group home. My contact at Social Services got you two a room with two other kids, so you won't be separated."

Ryan and I thanked the man, grateful to not be split up. I planned on running away if that happened, not prepared to live without Ryan.

Noticing how quiet we had become, Mr. Cohen tried lightening the mood, "You know, they do find foster homes for kids your age. You guys aren't lost causes." But him saying it out loud just made it hurt that much more.

Looking over at Seth, I saw that he was practically fuming, steam coming out of his ears and everything, "Yeah, because everybody is looking for two teenagers to adopt. Sorry that I'll be the only one to state the obvious, but this is so stupid,"

"Seth!"

"No, 'cause we have all this extra room right? We have the pool house, God, I mean Ally can take my room and I'll bunk with Ryan. Better yet, I'll take the couch so they can have their own space. But sending them off? To a group home no less? Don't you get home much that sucks?"

With glassy eyes, I tried to alleviate his mood, "Seth, it's okay. Really. Your parents have already helped us out so much."

Fueled by the tears in my eyes, he didn't stop, "They could do better with everything they have. With how fortunate they are."

I didn't push it, taking the pen laid out on the counter, and signing the paper, before handing it to Ryan. He copied my motions, sealing our fates.

Ryan said thanks for dinner, and I did the same before adding, "The model home really does look great. I hope everything goes well."

Kirsten gave me the first real smile of the night. It felt like I won the lottery or something. I followed Ryan back to the poorhouse, stopping only to say goodnight to Seth.

We stared at each other for a few seconds, before he burst forward, pulling me into his chest. I stumbled at the quickness and strength of it, but after regaining my balance, I hugged him back.

"Hailey, I'm so sorry. For both you and Ryan. You guys deserve better."

Now knowing not to argue with him, I pulled away and gave him a soft smile, "Night, Cohen."

He rolled his eyes, "Night, Atwood."

****

Turns out, neither of us was planning on sleeping after all.

"Are you two running away?"

I spun around, eyes wide like a deer in headlights. Fuck, we had been caught.

Ryan, who wasn't shocked at the slightest, just said, "Seth, go back in the house."

"What? No way! You guys can't just run away! What are you thinking? Where are you going to go?"

Ryan ignored him, slinging both our bags on his shoulders, and started walking out. Seth and I just looked at each other, I could feel guilt crawling up my throat. So I followed Ryan. Which meant Seth followed me.

"Fine, ignore me then. Both of you. Whatever, I'll just come with. Hell, I've always wanted to go on a little All-American road trip. Stop at a weird gas station and eat shitty dinner food."

I finally spoke up, "Seth we have no money, we can't go on a road trip."

"Fair point. Where are you gonna go then?" I was also curious about this. Ryan just said pack your bags and I listened like a lost puppy.

"Not sure. Hit a town, get a job, save some money."

"That's a great plan. I can tell you put a lot of thought into it."

Ryan huffed, "You got a better idea?"

Seth, who had been keeping up with my pace behind Ryan, suddenly stopped, causing me to run into his back. "Actually, I do."

****

Those three words are how I ended up in Marissa Cooper's car. Not that the sweet girl even knew where she was going. She had to rely on Seth to give her directions from the backseat.

"Why won't you just tell me where you're going? This is pretty far."

"Wow, complaining. That's crazy considering nobody invited you." Harsh. Seth was clearly not a fan of the walking Barbie doll. But Ryan clearly was, hopping into the passenger seat without a second thought when she pulled up.

It didn't take much longer before we pulled into the driveway of an unfinished house.

Marissa voiced my thoughts, "It's kinda scary."

Seth rolled his eyes for the millionth time, "Then stay in the car." Then he promptly exited the car, waiting for Ryan and I.

Walking around the skeleton of a home, I noticed how familiar it looked. Seth caught on to my questioning glances, "Yeah, it's the one."

Ryan, who wasn't as quick to catch on asked, "What do you mean it's the one."

"It's Mrs. Cohen's model home. The one her company is building. Remember? It was on the counter."

"So you want them to stay here?" Marissa questioned, unsure about the safety of the situation.

"Yes, Malibu Barbie. Unless your parents have a second home they can borrow."

The girl thought for a second, "It's too far away."

Seth rolled his eyes once more, "Exactly. Look this place is perfect. Remember what you said Hailey, how you wished you had one of these model homes. Well, wish granted."

****

The night changed to day, and Ryan and I were still safe from whoever was sure to be looking for us.

Seth and Marissa had picked us up from the house, talking about how hunger we must be. With no clocks around, I hadn't realized it was mid-afternoon. I had slept for most of the day, exhausted from stress. Ryan, well, I'm not sure what Ryan was doing. Probably brooding in a corner somewhere.

Anyway, our two saviors showed us the way to a dinner. Ryan had Marissa on the back of his bike, weaving in between people on the boardwalk. While I was holding on for dear life, clinging to Cohen's back like he was my lifeline, he glided with ease on his skateboard.

While I was reluctant, everyone pointed out how much quicker it would be, paring up. But that still didn't stop my heart from sinking to my stomach. I'm sure Seth is a great skateboarder, but one slip is all it takes to fuck up someone's face.

I had my eyes screwed shut the whole ride, face pressed into his shoulder blades. He laughed every time one of my squeals vibrated on his back. When we started slowing down, I cracked open one of my eyes, grateful for it to be over.

We pulled to a complete stop and I immediately stepped off. Except I forgot that my balance might be all fucked, and started to tip over. Seth was quick to grasp one of my arms in a firm grip to steady me.

"One of these days, I'll teach you how to skateboard Atwood."

"Yeah, and that day will also be the day I die. All because of a stupid plank of wood with some wheels."

Seth just laughed at me, and we went inside.

****

"You okay?" Ryan questioned, once we were finally alone.

What an adventurous afternoon we had had. First, we ate, which was great because the food was amazing. But the jocks from the night before also thought the food was amazing, so we tried sneaking out. Only to end up getting caught, which was when Ryan punched Marissa's boyfriend. I can't remember his name right now but whatever. It's not like I'll see him again. Cause our little plan was crumbled into pieces when we got back. Seth's mom and a guy we learned was Marissa's dad stopped by. They talked money, an amount of money I couldn't even dream of, and then landed us our final blow of the night. The contractors were coming tomorrow. Which meant we only had tonight.

Ryan had Marissa and Seth leave, promising to say goodbye in the morning before we boarded a bus to god knows where. But knowing Ryan, we'll leave without goodbyes. They're just too painful. It's not like we need any more pain.

"I really liked it here."

"You liked it here? Or you liked someone here?"

Rolling my eyes I said, "I could ask you the same. Even with her Ken doll boyfriend, Marissa sure seemed to have a soft spot for you."

Illuminated by the candlelight, I could see Ryan's shy smile. Maybe in another universe, he would have a chance. But not in this one.

Except- apparently, I'm wrong. Because not even a minute passes before Marissa walks through the door. After a semi-awkward greeting, I left the pair alone, venturing further into the house.

A little part of me wished Seth would appear like that. So maybe I could say a proper goodbye. He felt like one of the boys you meet on vacation, and never forget.

I was lost in my thoughts for only a few minutes before I heard yelling coming from Ryan's direction. Immediately I ran to the room, shocked to see Marissa's boyfriend wrestling Ryan to the ground.

Like a goddamn cat, Ryan knew I was in the room before anyone else, shouting, "Hailey, get out of here!"

"Get off him!" I yelled at one of the other guys trying to hold Ryan down. I wasn't sure how many there were, cause they all looked like carbon cutouts. The one I lunged at, got off Ryan, thank god. But once his sights set on me, I was no match. He threw me to the ground, my head bouncing off the wood. My ears started to ring, but I tried to fight through the pain. Getting up, I punched the guy straight in the back of the neck, figuring the skull would hurt my hand too much. His head flew forward, but he was incapacitated.

"You stupid bitch!" He barked before coming at me again. He grasped the back of my head, and put his other hand over my mouth, blocking my airways. He forced me to the ground, climbing on top of me. I kept squirming in his grip, and his hand slipped just enough for me to chomp down on it.

He jumped up immediately, holding his injured hand. I took that opportunity to jerk my leg up, foot connecting with his balls. He yelped again, stumbling back, knocking one of the candles onto the ground.

Like something from a movie, the ground was ablaze immediately. I sat up, trying to catch my breath, and looked to see the guys pulling Marissa's boyfriend off Ryan, before bolting out. Literally leaving us to burn to death.

Crawling over to Ryan, I tapped his cheek a few times, trying to get him to wake up. He looked bad, and I imagined I looked the same. He eyes fluttered open and he reached a hand up to cup my jaw.

"Ryan, it's fine, we gotta go," I huffed out. My breathing still hadn't returned to normal. Which might have had more to do with the smoke I was inhaling than the guy's hands around my throat and mouth.

I got Ryan to sit up, before he stood on his own. I stood as well, then slung an arm around his waist, so we could hobble out before potentially dying a firey death.

We made it outside before I panicked, "Ryan, our clothes. All our stuff!" I let go of his waist, turning to go back inside and salvage what I could. But Ryan immediately yanked me back to him.

"Hailey, it's no use. The police will be here any minute. Let's just get out of here." He had a fair point, and I hated it. Why us?

We started walking, making it half a mile before a car pulled up beside us. Rolling down the window, I saw it belonged to the worst guy in the world. This was saying something, considering my dad was in prison and my older brother was the reason my life had fallen apart so suddenly only days before.

"You two are okay." He said, relived.

"Was your plan not to burn or beat us to death?" I questioned, continuing to walkway. No way was I getting in that car. He would probably just run it off the road, killing us in a car accident instead.

He tried again, "Where are you going?"

"Away from your sorry ass," I said, still not stopping.

"The three of us keep our mouths shut, they may never know it was us." That's when I stopped, I turned around and marched to the driver's side. He just looked at me, I didn't bother deciphering his expression before my fist went straight into his nose.

His head flew back and I heard Ryan laugh from the other side of the car.

"That's fair," Ken-doll said, "Hey man, wait, what are you doing?" I was thinking the same, as I saw Ryan's head pop up next to the guys in the car.

"You're giving us a ride."

****

I know I had been dreaming about Seth earlier, but this is not how I wanted us to reunite.

"Hailey, your neck," Seth said, bursting forward as soon as I was in view. Ryan had the guy, Luke was his name, drive us to the Cohen's. Where, of course, the whole neighborhood was gathered.

Seth didn't get very far before a police officer blocked his view, standing in front of Ryan and me. "Ryan and Hailey Atwood, I've got some questions for you two."

Ryan and I turned around and held out our wrists, all too familiar with this process.

"Wait, you can't just arrest them!" I could hear Seth shout.

"Sir, step back. You two, this way." The officer said, leading to the cop car.

"It was an accident." Luke stepped up. I turned to face him, giving him a surprised glance.

"You were there?" The officer asked, doubtful that one of the regular Newport teens would participate in such debauchery.

"Yeah"

"Then we got some questions for you as well." And I watched Luke get cuffed as well.

"Officer, I'm the twin's attorney. Please don't ask them any questions unless I'm present. Ryan, Hailey, don't say anything until I get there. Luke, you as well."