#made sure to get the mouth that’s slightly open XD

[d0d0-b0i]

tried to recreate buddy in skyrim. tragically there aren’t enough customization for mono-colored cats, but i think i did it well enough ^.w.^

[muffinsin]

JUST THOUGHT OF SOMETHING AN I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO ASK, imagine reader being in Ethan's position kind of and having to escape the dimitrescu castle, and when the sisters try to capture them the reader bites the sisters , I just thought it was funny because imagine the tables getting switched and biting a vampire back, reader not putting up with it and is just like "now I'm gonna bite you back" 😭

-mountain anon ⛰️

Haha, I love this one XD poor bugs just..malfunction. Give them 1-3 business days to recover😬!

Turning this into a meme reaction HC post again

Slightly earlier post!👀

Masterlists

Bela

As you run, you notice Bela closing in on you rapidly

The castle’s size and complexity proves to be to your disadvantage, while it plays perfectly into her cards

New halls and rooms pop up suddenly, shortcuts which she abuses to catch up to you easily, even when you desperately shoot at every window you find

Again, she’s catching up to you

You’re sure the exit is close, but she’s simply too fast, keeps catching you off guard and circling around you using the confusing layout of the place

She somehow always finds her way to the front, ready to cut you off as though she’s trying to lure you somewhere

To your death, you’re sure

You almost make it to the door when, suddenly, she pops up from a side hallway again and you practically run into her, instead

You gasp, and she laughs sadistically

You barely manage to fight her off when she leans in for your neck, her sharp teeth bared

In the last moment you manage to push her back, though find yourself shoved against the nearest wall still

And the blonde vampire-like woman?

She’s back on you in an instant, her teeth on display again

She’s leaning back, ready to push her head forward and dig the sharp, dagger-sharp, teeth into your neck

Then, you notice the position has her neck bared for you, instead

You act fast, leaning forwards instead of trying to run

It’s a little difficult with the choker in the way, but you manage nonetheless

Your teeth make contact with her neck, biting down hard instead

You hear a cut off gasp, and a sickle dropping to the floor in surprise. She’s shivering, you notice, and feel her hardened nipples poke through the fabric of her dress and against your chest

When you pull away, you find her golden eyes wide, her mouth opening and closing every few seconds

She scowls, then, as though reminding herself of her task, and you act fast yet again

Another gasp is heard when you grab the back of her neck and pull her to you, your teeth digging in yet again

Despite her strength, her neck is petite, her skin sensitive

You’re bold enough to tighten your hold on her, keeping her sensitive neck right in place for you

Then, it’s your turn to gasp

She dissolves into what must be hundreds of flies, buzzing wildly

She doesn’t attack, though, as you’d expect

Instead…she’s fleeing?

You giggle to yourself as the swarm rounds a corner and the noises slowly quieten down

Cassandra

You don’t know for how long she’s been chasing you already

Chase, yes

She doesn’t catch you, not yet

She’s playing with you, you’re sure of it

For each time she catches up, she swings and just barely catches your arm with her sharp blade, then allows you to run along

You’ve made it into the castle, now desperately need to escape

Alas, the woman isn’t giving up

You’re her prey, and she won’t let you get out

She’s back on you, chasing after you quickly

Thankfully, it seems speed isn’t her speciality. Judged by how she easily bruised your arm with a single tug, though, you’re sure strength is

Still, she’s fast, knocking all your obstacles to the side easily as she chases you

You see your opportunity already- the courtyard

While you know it isn’t a way out, the cold from outside should buy you some time

After all, if she is to catch up with you, she’ll have to go all the way around

You rush towards the wide doors, your hand nearly grazing the knob already…

Then, you’re tugged back, your entire body jerking and curling up to save yourself some pain when you’re shoved to the floor

She’s on you in an instant, laughing sadistically and licking the air between you playfully

“I can smell your fear!”, she says, laughing as though in enjoyment

She inhales sharply, as though to add to her point

As she laughs and smiles widely again, you see the sharp teeth almost shine

Your entire body aches from the pain, but you know exactly what’s coming next still

Instead, you decide to surprise her

Leaning up, you grab onto the back of her head, grabbing a fist full of dark hair and tugging her down

She shrieks, then gasps when you sink your teeth into her neck, instead

While you can’t see it, Cassandra’s face heats up hot red, her cheeks and neck entirely pink and contrasting her normally so pale skin

You bite hard, even more so when you hear her sickle drop next to you

She’s tense, but you feel no pain coming your way

Then, when you let go and immediately bite back down, you hear it

A moan, breathy and low, from the woman hovering over you

You raise an eyebrow, drawing more moans from the woman the more and harder you bite

You notice her thighs clench at your sides, as if with the desire to push together

She’s warmer, breathier, almost needy, it seems

When you pull away you tug her hair back gently, making her face you

Only is her face completely flushed, warm and pink, blood and drool sticking to her lips

Her golden eyes are wide and dark

You gulp

Daniela

This one’s fast, chasing after you with sweet words falling from her lips

She coos and giggles, hums and taunts you

She’s fast, likes to surprise you

She doesn’t kill you, though

No, she’s playing with you

Often, you feel her hands sliding against your arms, touching, groping, feeling the skin and muscles through your torn clothing

Sometimes, her sickle digs in, which has you scream and stumble faster than before

And still, she has no trouble catching up

Only when you shoot the windows does she back off, smart to stay behind

You don’t bother going after her. You just want out

When the cool air backs her into a corner, you run fast, hoping to outrun her at last

As you run, you see the exit already, the courtyard the only thing in your path

You hope she won’t dare follow you there, but are quickly proven wrong

Already in the doorway you feel her against you again, shoving you forwards hard enough to have you drop your gun

She’s on you in an instant, pinning you down on the cool, marble floor

“I found youu~”, she draws out, her voice light and teasing

You flinch back when she bites the air just above your face, giggling to herself

“We’ll have so much fun, my love!”, she hums, as though lost in her own little world

She leans down to you and you suddenly feel her cool breath against your neck

You’re shivering, then gasp at the feeling of her sharp teeth dragging against your skin

Her intention is clear, yet you’re determined to take her by surprise

Just when she leans in again you take advantage of the proximity

She squeaks when you lean up and bite at her neck, sinking your teeth in sharply

“Ah! Lo-ove!”, she whimpers

From the corner of your eye you see her arms tremble, then feel her collapse on you, shivering and moaning on top of you

You realize, the woman’s neck must be one of the more sensitive parts of her, and in her delusion she doesn’t at all suspect you might have bad intentions

You know, to escape you ought to use her delusion and the cold environment to your advantage and drive something sharp into her neck

Alas…you feel pity

Instead of pain, you give her pleasure, biting and sucking, even placing a small kiss to her neck when you’re done

When you face her again, her face is flushed and pink, and her eyes are wide

You have no time to react when she grips you by the shirt, giggling as she drags you with her happily

“We’ll be together forever!”

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

(astarion / acebard!tav)

Astarion never received any gifts before - and if he did, he forgot - but he would have loved for the first giver to be his lover, although they seemed pretty occupied with Gale and an object that suspiciously looked like a present.

(not native in english. so sorry if the wording is clusmy in some parts, i wan't sure how to write this xD)

A/N: I made a few adjustments, but I think I know what you're getting at. Hopefully it still works. Also, this turned out way more than five sentences because I have no self control.

Astarion x AsexualBard!Tav Masterlist

Word Count: 921

Astarion couldn't remember the last time he received a gift. The idea of being gifted anything was down right laughable. Nobody truly gave anything without expecting something in return. Some way, some how a price would be paid. He didn't need that hanging over his head, along with everything else. So why did seeing you hand Gale a wrapped parcel sting so much?

He watched as the wizard pulled apart the paper, his brows furrowed with curiosity clearing into a bright smile.

"Oh this is perfect!" he exclaimed. "How did you get it?"

"Do you really want to know?" you challenged, grinning yourself.

Gale opened his mouth as if to say something, but stopped himself with a guilty look. "Perhaps it's best I say thank you and leave it at that."

"What do you know, intelligent and wise," you teased. "Just make sure to pace yourself. Don't read it all in one night."

"I've made a point never to make promises I can't keep."

You laughed, giving Gale a light squeeze on the arm before turning in Astarion's direction.

He schooled his features into a casual expression, trying and failing to ignore the burning in his chest. Admittedly the fond look in your eyes did quell the fires, at least a little.

"Successful day?" he asked.

"More or less," you said, taking a seat beside him. "We've got a map. No way to read it just yet, but it's a start."

Astarion humphed, nodding in Gale's direction. "And that?"

"Just some petty thief," you explained. "Gale expressed an interest in it last time we were in town. Couldn't for the life of me explain why, but the bookseller refused to sell. Terrible way to run a business if you ask me."

This was normally when he would laugh or at least grant you an approving smile. Truly, he did love your casual relationship thievery, but it only made him more frustrated. He'd almost preferred you'd paid for it. If you had, he could dismiss the whole thing as a simple errand and not something more.

You frowned slightly, clearly taking notice of his mood.

"Alright, what's got you pouting?"

"I'm not pouting," he said, indignantly. "I'm brooding. There's a difference."

"My apologizes," you said, dryly. "What's got you brooding, oh mysterious one?"

He narrowed his eyes at you, his lips pressing into a hard line.

"I'm just surprised you would go so out of your way for a book. It's not as if you'd be able to understand it anyway."

A flash of hurt struck across your face, but you pushed it down in a way that made him sick to his stomach. What in the hells was wrong with him?

"Well, it's a good thing it wasn't for me then," you said, stiffly. "Now are you done being childish or are you actually going to tell me what's going on?"

Astarion tried to maintain eye contact in some vain attempt to hold onto his pride, but it was no use. He ducked his head down, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides.

"I...I don't see why you think Gale is worth the effort is all," he admitted. "It's just a stupid book. It's not as if it's useful to the rest of us. So...why bother?"

He chanced a glance in your direction. You just stared at him, your lips slightly parted as you took him in.

"Astarion, are you jealous?" you finally asked.

"No," he said, a little too quickly, even to his ears.

"So what else would you call being upset over the fact I stole something specifically for Gale and not you?"

"I'm not upset," Astarion objected. "I'm just..."

"Brooding?"

He very much wanted to say something devastating in that moment, that would shut you up and let him walk away from this with some kind of dignity; but, he couldn't think of a damned thing.

"Fine, I'm jealous," he spat. "Happy?"

"Not really."

He closed his eyes, letting out a short sigh. He deserved that.

"I'm sorry," he said, softly. "You're right, it's...petty and I shouldn't have said that to you. Gods know if it were anyone else I would have torn their throat out."

He looked to you then, hoping you would see the honest truth in his words.

"I wish I was better at this. I know you care about me and I don't need you to commit robbery to prove it. Although, I wouldn't be opposed to it."

To his relief, a small crack of a smile turned at the corner of your mouth.

"I'll keep that in mind," you said, some of the teasing coming back into your voice.

"Does that mean I'm forgiven?" he asked.

"Only if you mean it."

He didn't have an answer for that. At least, not right away.

With deliberate care, he slipped his hand into yours, raising it to his lips.

He watched as your eyes widened in surprise, only to soften as he pressed a gentle kiss to your fingers. His eyes never strayed from yours. He needed you to see him too.

"I mean it," he said.

A true smile came to your lips, as you nodded. "Then you are forgiven."

He returned your smile, feeling a lightness in his chest only you seemed to grant him.

Perhaps he was wrong in his assessment. He had been given many gifts since meeting you. You practically showered him with them every single day, and damn him for taking any of them for granted.

[slashv1xen]

*kicks open door** GROSS CREEPY REDNECK MAN!?

No but seriously Otis is my guilty pleasure character and I need him with a 'tomboy' reader (aka a basic rural southern woman (It'd be nice if you could include her being oddly feminine despite all the hunting and the cursing and the fighting: Like she calls him a cunt then goes and bakes a bunch of sweets or goes off to work on a dress tailoring project XD))

i like the way u think ;) also otis does NOT have enough fanfics/headcannons written about him and it’s actually a crime

i feel like otis has two types of girls: the same (tomboy like u mentioned) or the opposite (hyper feminine girl from the city).

i also think that when he stumbled upon u he had the only intention to kill u like other victims, but something keeps him from doing so (that’s up to u anonie). and i think it sealed the deal after u got along with his family (helping mama clean up around the house + doing baby’s hair for ex.) after keeping u locked up in his house for months. he’s also definitely a family man, so he appreciates it.

like otis, u have a smart mouth on u (which otis thinks is cute only to a certain degree, going further than that and u wish u hadn’t opened ur mouth in the first place). nonetheless, otis still loves u, and thinks ur cussing and smart mouth makes u all the more loveable.

because u happen to be a tomboy, when u do traditionally more girly things/have girly hobbies it surprises him, but he doesn’t hate it (in fact he thinks it’s cute but he would never say that out loud), which makes u a combo of both fem and masc (best of both worlds - his words not mine).

one shot 💗

“yes!” you shouted as the bullet that shot from the rifle hit the deer in the head, otis grumbling (but you knew he was proud of you). the two of you had a bet on who could shoot prey first, and you won. “pay up baby!”

otis rolled his eyes with a cocky grin on his face as a slapped a scrunched up $10 bill in your hand. “i was just going easy on you, i could easily beat you next time.” he yelled as you walked away giggling with the money, waving him off. “yeah, yeah!”

as the both of you made it into the house you noticed that otis’s air around him was tense. you frowned slightly but didn’t say anything, after all he hated speaking about his emotions, or just hated talking about emotions in general (it didn’t help he was practically a pro at hiding his emotions). then it clicked in your head as he roughly put his rifle down. ‘is he annoyed he lost the bet? i wouldn’t have picked him as the sore loser, petty type.’ you chuckled, finding it a little cute, but you still didn’t want him sulking around.

suddenly an idea came into your head, and immediately you began working, knowing that this would surely cheer him up.

after around 2 hours you knocked on his door, and he muttered that you could enter. you did, and set a warm tray on his bed. he was sitting at his desk, working on some art project (he’s always got some art project to do). he smelled the air and turned to the bed, and his eyes lightened up for a second before a confused expression emerged onto his face.

“cookies? what’d ya do this for?” he rose an eyebrow, wondering if this was a ruse or something. you tsked, annoyed he didn’t understand the gesture, but you explained it to him either way. “well i noticed you seemed a bit annoyed for losing the bet, and i thought this would make you feel better.” you smiled, feeling proud of yourself.

“hm, didn’t pick you for a baker type’a girl.” he mumbled, inspecting the cookies. you scoffed before his eyes met with yours. “y’know, this is unnecessary. i’m not even mad, you’re seeing into things that aren’t there.” he said, speaking up louder. you were annoyed at this reaction. you spent 2 hours baking him cookies (he has a big sweet tooth) to cheer him up and this is the thanks you get.

“fine, i’ll just take these back and give them to someone who’ll actually appreciate them and won’t be a dick about it. maybe baby, or tiny.” you grabbed the tray before you felt otis’s calloused hands grip your wrists, forcing you to set the tray down.

“hey baby, don’t be like that. y’know i didn’t mean it like that, i appreciate the effort, i do. i’m just surprised, okay?” he looked genuine and his eyes met yours. you were waiting for him to say sorry, but the way he his, he probably wouldn’t. you sighed, not saying anything. he sighed as well, and with all his strength, he mumbled something. “…sorry.”

you’re eyes lit up when he said this. otis driftwood, saying sorry? that was a first. suddenly a grin flew onto your face as you hugged him and laughed.

“now, stop that bad mood of yours and let’s eat these cookies before they get cold.”

tysm for this request, i had so much fun writing it! i’m sorry if this wasn’t up to ur standards it was a challenge to write and i wanted it to get out asap. if u have any more please send them in, i would love to hear them x

[randomcreator-09]

Freddie Mays: A Private Club in London, 1960s

>>>MASTERLIST<<<

🐧 - Hello ^^ this is a draft I had for my new obsession with David Thewlis XD. Again requests are open for ideas you want me to write about ^^ any Harry Potter actors or actresses or characters I'm open ^^. Now enjoy hehe ^^

✨No warning :3 very demure XD very short too :3

-----

The dimly lit room buzzed with the low hum of conversation and clinking glasses, the air thick with the scent of cigars and expensive perfume. Freddie Mays with his impeccably tailored suit catching the subtle glint of the low lights, surveyed the room with his usual air of unassailable authority. His eyes, sharp and calculating, missed nothing. But tonight, something—someone—had managed to slip past his usual defenses.

You had been talking with a few acquaintances in the corner, your laughter a warm, melodic contrast to the cool detachment of the surroundings. Freddie had watched you from across the room, a faint frown on his lips. It was more than your beauty that drew him in; it was the way you seemed to navigate the room with effortless grace, making connections with an ease he envied.

He made his way over to you, his movements smooth and deliberate. The crowd seemed to part for him, as if the very atmosphere recognized his presence. When he reached you, he leaned in slightly, his voice a low, gravelly murmur that carried an edge of both command and intrigue.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, his tone betraying a hint of vulnerability that was rare for him. There was no pretense, no forced charm—just the raw, unfiltered curiosity of a man who was used to getting what he wanted.

You looked up at him, meeting his gaze with a blend of surprise and curiosity. "Ah, Mr. Mays, isn't it? I’ve heard quite a bit about you." you smirked as you took a sip on your exquisite rose wine.

A half-smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Oh, have you? I do hope it was nothing too unflattering."

You laughed softly, the sound like a melody he found strangely captivating. "Depends on your perspective. But I’m sure there’s more to you than the stories suggest."

Freddie’s eyes locked onto yours, a flicker of something he didn’t quite recognize in his own expression. "And what would you say if I told you there’s a lot more? That there’s something I can’t quite put into words, something that goes beyond the usual game of power and control?"

There was an intensity in his gaze, a raw honesty that belied his hardened exterior. For a moment, the formidable gangster seemed almost vulnerable, and it was as if he was laying bare a part of himself he rarely showed.

"You’ve got my attention," you said, placing your wine down, your voice steady and inviting. "What is it that you’re trying to say?"

Freddie took a breath, the weight of his next words hanging heavily in the air. "I’m not one for grand gestures or flowery words. But you’ve managed to do something no one else has. You’ve got me thinking about things I’ve long buried—things like... wanting something real."

His confession was raw and unadorned, a rare glimpse into the man behind the ruthless façade. The moment stretched between you, charged with a tension that was both electrifying and palpable.

You reached out, your fingers brushing against his hand, the touch a silent acknowledgment of the connection that had sparked between you. "Well, Mr. Mays, if you’re offering something real, I’m willing to see where it leads."

A genuine smile broke across Freddie’s face, a rare and almost boyish expression that transformed his entire demeanor. "Please, call me Freddie." he said with a warm but cautious smile. "Then let’s see where it goes. After all, I’m always up for a bit of unpredictability."

As you both shared a look that promised new beginnings and uncharted territory, the world outside seemed to fade into the background. In that private club, amidst the shadows and whispers, Freddie Mays found himself on the cusp of something he had never truly expected—something that just might be worth more than all the power and control he had ever sought.

[amaleu-antmat]

The case files of Jeweler Richard spoiler part 6 ( This is absolutely one of the most adorable moment between them)

Seigi and Richard were going back to the mansion.

Seigi "Maybe I am being a worry worrywart, but what's going on with this Octavia thing? I heard about your meeting with Jeffrey and Henry, is everything okay?"

Richard " I'll have to save both the apologies and explanations for another day. But I am confident that we're slowly getting closer to the heart of the matter"

Seigi "..Well, that's good. Is there anything I can do?"

Richard "I need you to be patient. I don't need a gun that will fire on my word. All I want from you is a friend who will stand right beside me and look at the world in a slightly different light."

Seigi "Huh? Oh....oh....." (totally flustered)

Richard "Seigi are you all right? I know I made you walk quite a distance, and they didn't make you wear a respirator or anything while painting...are you feeling unwell?"

Seigi wants to say he is okay, but no words come out. He stops in place and goes silent. Richard stops pushing the bike, too.

Seigi pulls out his phone and, with the camera mode of panorama open, takes a picture. (He didn't take a picture of Richard, just the scenery)

Richard is puzzled "What are doing?"

Seigi "No, I uhm...I just suddenly got the urge to take a picture. Just one"

Provence's sky, the fields of olive trees, the dry fallen grasses, the plastic bottles carelessly tossed aside, and the white stone paths -<listen to this. Well, don't actually listen, because I can't say it out loud, but just guess.>

<My dear boss called me his friend>

<He said all he wanted from me was a friend. Which meant I was his friend>

Seigi is sooooo happy 😊 so much that he doesn't know what to do. He knows that their boss and part timer relationship lasted only until the fall of his second year at college, and in the meantime, they had gotten closer, Seigi deep down already considered them being friends.

Seigi silly monologue lol --> <What are friends in the first place? Was a friend just a promotion from acquaintance? If that were the case, surely you would know what rank you were at and why you'd been promoted? Had I advanced in that way? Had I made some great leap forward since my second year of college, in terms of compatibility? I didn't really think so. Maybe that was why, even though I knew we were getting closer, I told myself not to get a big head. I convinced myself that it couldn't possibly be that simple.

Which is why now I feel like I've taken a blow at my heart out of the blue, I was so happy that I felt like singing, dancing and screaming, and doing cartwheels, but that would make look suspicious and scare people as well, and then this man would have no choice but to say he didn't want to be friends with me anymore. And that would suck, it would be embarrassing enough for him to notice how happy those words had made me. Richard liked to keep things cool and rational. I should find a way to follow his lead.>

Seigi is soooo happy and resume walking and try to keep his mouth in check. Richard is embarrassed as well and accidentally kick the bike multiple times, and they both seem to not be able to walk straight xD

Seigi tries to straighten himself and start walking like a wooden soldier, reminding himself to be normal.

Richard "....You're so easy to read"

Seigi "Huh? What do you mean?"

Richard "Nothing at all" but "...the feeling is mutual"

Richard keeps on bumping his leg into the bike's pedal twice as much as before until they finally arrive at the villa 😆

Seigi internally commented that it was an odd behaviour for a man who seems to be fundamentally incompatible with the word clumsy.

[3hobbitsinatrenchcoat]

I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the very heart of me

Dorym Week, Day Two! (we aren't talking about these early EST upload times >.>) Today's work was inspired by the song prompt: "My life was a storm since I was born, how could I fear any hurricane?" ~ Francesca - Hozier

Title is from Aragorn's speech before the black gates because I couldn't help myself XD

I’ll post all my drabbles to AO3 later, but for now enjoy them here on tumblr.

(Beware minor spoilers for Episode 95)

-----

The first thing Orym noticed as he felt the snap of teleportation magic release was the bitter, biting cold. 

He thought he was used to the cold; Zephrah’s place above the clouds meant that even the longest summer days were cool and the winters could be brutal. But Zephrah had nothing on the endless expanse of blinding white he saw when he opened his eyes, the air so cold he could feel his breath become brittle before it ever left his mouth.

Suddenly glad for the layers he had bought before leaving Zadash, Orym wrapped his arms tightly across his chest and squinted across the barren landscape. In some deeply unsettling way it reminded him of the desert surface of Ruidus, only cold and pale instead of vibrant bloody red. 

Behind him he could hear the murmurs of the rest of the Hells getting their bearings. Well… some were murmuring.

“Fuck! That’s frigid!” Ashton’s voice rose above everyone else for a moment and Orym bit back a laugh. 

“I’m not sure what you expected from a snowy wasteland,” drawled Dorian, a familiar lilt to his tone that told Orym he was also holding back humor. 

“I mean. Snow. Obviously.” snapped Ashton, though there was little bite to their words. “Shit, godsdamn it… I’m sinking. Fearne can you…”

“Well, if you wanted to climb me like a tree all you had to do was…”

Orym tuned out whatever Fearne said next as a gloved hand landed on his shoulder, squeezing lightly. He looked up into Dorian’s face and felt his heart skip at the small smile he found there. Reaching up, he patted his own mittened hand against Dorian’s. The genasi’s smile widened a fraction before his gaze flicked away to take in the desolate view. Orym watched uneasily as the smile fell into a grim stoicism that was becoming more and more common with his friend.

“When Lady Keyleth said we would be heading to the ruins of Aeor I honestly expected a more visible city,” he said after a moment.

“That is because most of the city is buried,” Essek said, gliding past them to peer into the distance. He turned his head slightly to glance over his shoulder with a small twitch of his lips. “And to avoid scattering our remains across several miles of tundra wasteland I had to teleport us well outside of the crash site. As my dear partner would say: Magic does some… funny things closer to the ruins. ”

“Well that’s good to know,” muttered Dorian under his breath, quietly enough that Orym knew no one else could hear. “It’s not like every single one of us relies on magic to survive or anything.”

Orym squeezed his hand tighter. “It’s alright, Dor. We have each other’s backs if things go wrong.”

“I know. I just…” Dorian let out an explosive sigh, breath a cloud of fog in the frigid air. “It’s strange, I think. To be venturing into the ancient ruins of a city so much like my own childhood home and yet so very alien.”

“It’s alright to be worried,” Orym said. “I think we all are, especially after the last few days.”

Dorian turned to face him fully, pulling his hand away only to kneel in the snow in front of Orym, bringing their eyes level. “I’m not afraid,” he said, taking Orym’s hands in his own. “How could I fear Aeor… how could I fear anything with you by my side?”

Orym ducked his head, breaking the eye contact that made his heart flutter in his throat. “Quite easily, I’d imagine.”

“Maybe,” Dorian’s hand cupped the side of Orym’s cheek, warm through the leather of his glove. “But it won’t be so bad if we face it together.”

“Maybe not,” Orym agreed quietly, letting Dorian lift his face back into eye contact. “We’ve weathered other storms before, how is this any different?”

Eiselcross’s chill might be biting and bitter, but Dorian’s gentle smile warms Orym all the way to his toes. “Because this time I’m not leaving your side.”

[coolmiaw]

The only Student he ever taught

Drawing not over but I have other pieces I would like to finish :)

Little illustration of my fic (I find myself spending more time on illustrating it than finishing it nowadays XD)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘You’re not focused tonight.’

The cold voice cut through the air and Alienor turned her tired gaze towards the Headmaster, biting back her retort.

‘I… - don’t snap, don’t snap – am sorry. ’ Seeing the way Black’s eyebrow shot up, she could tell he was as surprised as she was. ‘It’s just that with the coming Task, I have a bit too much on my mind …’ The eyebrow arched a bit higher in a more interrogative way. ‘Well this isn’t exactly the training I should be doing to survive the Task, is it?’ she clarified a bit annoyed.

‘Is it?’  The Headmaster repeated flatly. His face remained impassive, but the brief flare of his nostril told her everything she needed to know regarding her ability to choose her words.

As in poorly. Very poorly.

‘What was it then?’ Black insisted. ‘I think we covered lengthily the importance of intention so what was it this time? Did you forget the instructions?’

There was no correct answer to this question, was it?

In any case, she wasn’t sure she would have been able to provide one. For a moment everything had been going smoothly and the next, a thought had arisen, and she had lost her concentration. So technically, she hadn’t forgotten the instructions…

‘I just got distracted,’ was her weak defence.

Usually, the hint of a sneer that played about the Headmaster’s lips would have ignited her anger or stung her pride. It would have done something, making her double her efforts just to prove him wrong. But this time, her shoulders swiftly dropped, like sails suddenly starved of wind.

‘You’re still wary of your power.’ Black’s voice pierced through the wall of her thoughts, but she didn’t raise her head to meet his gaze. What for anyway? There was nothing to challenge. He was right. ‘Being distracted is not the issue here. But caging your ancient magic away at every shift of attention won’t get you far.’

But at least, it would prevent any accident.

‘Miss Lecomte, look at me.’

From his contemptuous look to his sly smile, she had been prepared for anything.

The softness in his eyes caught her off guard.

In disbelief, she watched him cover the distance separating them until he stood right before her. Slowly, he raised his arm and quietly snapped his fingers which started to glow with a faint light.

Ancient magic.

‘As I explained to you,’ he said eventually, barely loud enough for her to hear, ‘I am not a wielder of ancient magic. As Headmaster of Hogwarts, I am merely the school’s vessel.’ He slightly rotated his hand, and the light grew into a wisp that gently swirled around his fingers as if it was playing with Black’s gaze. ‘The day I accepted this position, it became a part of me.’ He tore his eyes off the wisp and waited for Alienor’s eyes to meet his own. ‘But you, it’s not only part of you. You are a natural wielder.’

‘I know that.’

‘Well then, are your distractions so demanding of your attention they make you forget even your own identity?’

‘I am not following you,’ she said with a light frown. She braced for the coming part as on the list of reasons why Professor Black had never taught, impatience was most certainly on top of it.

In lieu of a snide remark, she got a smile. A genuine, understanding smile that made her question everything she thought she knew about him.

‘Ancient magic,’ he said softly, ‘is not a part of you. You are ancient magic.’

Last time she checked she was human.

She must have looked as puzzled as she felt for The Headmaster went on before waiting her reaction: ‘Who are you?’

Which didn’t really help.

‘Don’t tell me,’ he quickly added as she was opening her mouth to reply. ‘I don’t want you to talk, I want you to think.’ He joined his index and middle finger together and pointed them at her.

‘Who – if she didn’t back down as he moved his hand closer to her, it was because he must have petrified her… right? –

Are – his fingertips were so close to her forehead, she could feel the light warmth emanating from the wisp –

You?’ -  she couldn’t remember when she had ordered her head to move and yet, she felt it push into the Headmaster’s touch as if it was acting on its own.

First she felt the lukewarm sensation of his fingertip on her forehead and then, the caress of ancient magic. Black had conjured it and yet, it felt just like the traces she had tracked in her fifth year, or the calm swirls of the repository as she had set it free. Flowing within and around, dizzying. She felt herself falter but, as if he had sensed her discomfort, Black slightly increased he pressure against her forehead, grounding her. As if his magic was holding her steady.

A familiar, curious, lively and formidable magic.

Not his, nor hers.

Her.

[doctordiscord123]

Can I request the stupid bestfriends moment with Dark and Host? Not necessarily what anon shared, but just give me silly shenanigans of these two usually straight laced egos. XD

Dark and the Host sat at the kitchen table in the manor, talking quietly, conspiratorially. They'd been whispering most of the morning, drinking their respective teas, and occasionally one of them would laugh before going back to whispering.

It was, frankly, making the rest of the house nervous.

Bim, of course, was one of the few who had the balls to directly ask what was up. Marching into the kitchen, he sauntered right up to the pair, and opened his mouth. "What --"

He didn't even get the word out before he was gone, teleported to the other side of the manor by a simple muttered few words from the Host.

Dark burst into laughter, and he leaned back in his chair, a little bit of a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You owe me now, Host. I knew he was going to be the first to ask."

Somehow, the Host conveyed the motion of rolling his eyes, though he was smirking slightly, and a $20 bill appeared on the table that Dark slipped into a pocket. "...The Host thought for sure it was going to be Wilford. He doesn't usually go this long without needing his cotton candy stash."

Dark grinned, and winked. "He doesn't~ But you said nothing about delivering it to him~"

The Host's mouth fell open. "Now that's cheating."

Dark made to reply, but then Bim came storming back in, hands on his hips, and he made an affronted sound. "Now what in the Hell was that?! You can't do that to a man! What are you two doing?!"

"Nothing." The reply was instantaneous, and unison.

Bim threw up his hands. "Great, thanks. Helpful. Fuck off." And he promptly left, muttering darkly under his breath about blind bastards and monochrome morons.

Dark and the Host immediately went back to their whispering, grinning at each other and listening close. "Anymore secrets you're willing to divulge, Host?"

"None that wouldn't make Darkiplier's head spin~"

"Oh those are the best ones!"

"Fine, fine. But if Darkiplier says a word to Google about what the Host is about to say, he will personally find a way to kill Darkiplier permanently."

"Oh don't make promises you can't keep. Now spill."

[captain039]

PART 12 Last part! Playing with fire

Alpha!Kylo Ren x omega!reader

Warnings: AOB, sexual, jealousy, slow burn, eventual smut, anger issues, swearing, emotional, drug usage, dark themes

Should I end it here? Idk if I can keep the story going maybe a sequel? xD

Previous part <-

You didn’t leave your room for a few days, to scared too. Why had they wanted to kill you? Was it because you were an omega? Or the supreme leaders mate? Surely it wasn’t that obvious, now it was though. Leo popped in from time to time, making sure you had food and water, you thanked him silently, he was a great friend. You hoped he didn’t think more of you though, with what’s happened, you already had a mate too. It was night time by now, well when everyone was asleep. You got up hesitant to go out, you put on scent blockers, hell you took suppressants last night out of fear, you just hoped you wouldn’t get sick again. You covered yourself with a hood and coat before leaving. You headed to his room first the door opening on its own when you got there, you frowned, but went in. You sighed in relief when you saw him behind his desk talking on the Holo-table. He stiffened and you grew worried thinking this was a bad idea. He ended the call though and quickly strode towards you. You thought you did something wrong, but his hands lifted up to cup your face and he kissed you again. You whined quietly without realising body craving the need to be by him. His arms moved, wrapped around your waist while yours went around his neck. His body was so warm and inviting despite his superiority and alpha status.

“Are you ok?” You asked tears in your eyes as you forced him to stop. Your hands were shaky as you rested one on his side feeling the bandage and waited for a wince, but none came.

“I didn’t know this would happen, I didn’t mean-“ before you could continue he captured your lips again. You wanted to speak, but he didn’t, his hands went under your shirt, large hands covering your sides. You shuddered at the feeling of skin on skin and sighed quietly. His lips moved down your jaw though and growled when he couldn’t access your neck from the coat. He took it off and continued kissing down to your neck. You leant your head back listening to the approving hum he let out. His hands went back under your shirt, squeezing your skin gently. Your hands were rested on his neck and the other tangled in his hair, tugging gently. You yelped suddenly when he picked you up though with ease. He kissed your mouth again as he walked to the couch and laid you down on it, moving with you. Your body relaxed against the cushion as he continued kissing you breathlessly. His hands gripped your shirt hem and tugged it up. To caught in the heat you lifted your top half so he could take it off. He discarded it on the floor and kissed down your neck again. His hands ran over your naked flesh, touching anywhere he could, you’d kicked off your boots in the process, making it more comfortable. He nipped and sucked along your neck before dark eyes met yours. You were breathless and in a daze as he kept your gaze.

“You used a suppressant?” He asked voice husky, you looked away shamed bringing your arm up to cover your eyes.

“I-“ you didn’t know how to explain, you were too scared, what else was there though?

“Scared” you muttered feeling him tense above.

“Those traitors are dealt with, I’ve checked through my men and made sure nobody would dare harm you” you moved your arm to look at him.

“I’ve rid of the traitors aboard this ship” he added and you frowned slightly before it clicked, how many people did he kill?

“How many did you kill?” You asked quietly.

“Doesn’t matter” he muttered kissing your neck again. You didn’t want to know, but the thought nagged in the back of your head. One of his hands moved down to your thigh, gripping the flesh there before he sat up on his knees. You frowned at the lack of contact before his hands went to your pant hem. You held your breath as he kept eye contact, asking silently. You lifted your hips and he removed your pants and underwear in one go. You weren’t expecting that and quickly covered yourself and tried to close your legs, he was in between them though.

“Omega” he said a little breathlessly making you flush. He sighed quietly kissing your neck, then your chest down to your stomach. You bit the back of your arm, eyes closing as he moved to kiss your legs. You tensed and tried to close your legs again, but failed again. His hands held your legs this time and you listened to him shuffle before hot breath fanned your inner thigh. You made a surprised noise before cursing yourself silently. He nipped the flesh on your inner thigh and you whined quietly almost shaking your head in embarrassment. He was dangerously close to your cunt, you had kept your hand though feeling his breath fanning that. You felt his hand hold your wrist and you shook your head.

“Look at me” he said and you shook your head again.

“Omega” he warned and you almost whined. You moved your arm and looked at him, his eyes were dark and hungry, cheeks flushed slightly. You let him move your hand this time, only you held onto his hand a gripped it, resting your hands on your stomach. His eyes left yours and you closed yours again as a hot tongue swiped through your folds. You gasped and jolted at the action, not used or ready for it. He growled lightly, free hand hooking over your thigh and holding your hips down as he began to lick and kiss. Maker your mind was running a million miles an hour, but also blank. You held his hand tightly as he began to eat you out fully, heavy pants leaving your lips. Your back arched occasionally and you kept biting your cheek to stop the moans.

“Stop holding back” he said and you let out a shaky breath. You felt his tongue go in and out of your entrance, nose rubbing against your clit. You moaned the noise unknown to you as he kept his fast pace. You felt his arm move and glanced down briefly before his finger replaced his tongue at your entrance. You let out another shaky breath at the overwhelming feelings happening. Your other hand was gripping his hair, you didn’t mean to but you found yourself grinding in his face and pushing his head closer. You felt pressure on your clit beginning to move in circles. You moaned loudly mind set on the feeling and wanting to come. Your back kept arching as the movements sped up and he added another finger. He wiggled his fingers in a come here motion and you bit your lip as you moaned. You couldn’t form words or breathe properly as you moaned and panted, you were so close. You listened to his voice echo in your head telling you to come and you did with a cry. Your body tensed, back arched and hands gripping his hand and hair painfully. Your legs shook and you went like jelly as your chest heaved. The alpha continued to lick and such though gently, fingers leaving your entrance making you moan softly. He lifted himself up and you stared in a daze as he licked his fingers clean with a hum. You looked away slightly embarrassed as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. You could see he was straining against his pants and wanted to help, but couldn’t physically moved. You whined softly at the thought and he smirked slightly.

“If you ever take those suppressants again, I won’t be nice next time” he said voice dark.

“You’ll also be moved here with me, I will collect your things with an officer” he added and you frowned slightly. He went to talk again, but you held your arms up making him frown. You wanted to hold him and for him to shut up, you’d been shot at, got him hurt, had the best orgasm of your life and laid naked with a bra on. You made a grabby motion with your hands before huffing at him.

“I have been in an attempted assassin, I got you shot and just had the best orgasm of my life, please, can I just hold my alpha for a bit” you found your voice, but it wavered. You watched his eyes soften, but his face didn’t change. He hesitated, but finally moved to lay down beside you.

“No, on top of me” you grumbled and he frowned, but listened. Your whole body relaxed and you sighed contently closing your eyes at the weight of him on you, geez you never knew what this felt like, but maker it was amazing now, why did you wait so long.

“My omega” he whispered.

[iheartgod175]

Fanfic Sneak Peek Theater ACT 2: For the Lovers

Super, SUPER sorry it took me forever to get back to the Fanfic Sneak Peek Theaters. Life happened, lol XD But I’m back ^^

Part two of my Fanfic Sneak Peek Theater is, as it’s titled, for the shippers. Including myself XD All of me OG OTPs get a fic to themselves, and I’m super excited to write them ^^

First up is a fic that’s had an insane grip on my brain: Love Language, which is the sequel to my first Multo/Zeeter fic, Heavenly. This story is a collection of vignettes (some long, some short) of how their relationship progresses, and there’s sweetness, bitterness…and even some spiciness. 😏 This story was going to be a three part fic, but things happened, and well…now y’all are going to get five parts. The good thing is, part one is almost done (I’d like to say I have about 70% of it finished). I just need someone to smack me in the head before I keep adding more stuff. XD

Here’s a sneak peek of the cuteness ^^ (taken from chapter 1’s vignette: Awed):

"Wow, you two look gorgeous!" Wizzy was the first to offer her praises, her eyes gleaming with stars.


"Yeah! You look like movie stars!" Wigg said.


Bonnie giggled. "Thanks, you two." She walked up to Bula, noting how his face was slightly red. "And I hope I'll be able to wow them on the red carpet tonight...with my equally handsome plus one."


Bula swallowed hard. "R-Right." He cleared his throat. "Well, we won't be the only good-looking ones tonight, right Multo?" His smile faded slightly when he saw Multo's face. "Um, Multo?"


If Multo heard him, he gave no indication. He stared at Zeeter, mouth open and eyes wide to where she could see the whites, a small blush on his face. Two words escaped his mouth, said in a hushed tone filled with utter surprise and wonder. "My stars..."


Zeeter's heart raced as he slowly approached her. It was the first time in a long time that she'd ever worn proper formal wear...and this was the first time he'd ever seen her wearing it, which she was acutely aware of. And rather than renting this, she'd outright bought it.


Why, she had no idea.


She met his eyes, her own face flushing under his stare.


She had expected him to compliment her in his unique fashion.


What she did not expect was for him to take her left hand in his right, lift it to his lips, and plant a gentle kiss on her knuckles.


Zeeter squeaked.


Everyone else gasped, with Wizzy and Bonnie taking a keen interest in this, practically pushing Bula aside.


Heat equal to the sun flooded her face as he gently looked up at her. She hadn't been prepared for the lightning bolt that hit her when he did that. Nor was she prepared for the look of utter wonder and adoration that graced his face.


"My dear," he breathed, "you look absolutely radiant tonight."


It wasn't enough that he'd kissed her knuckles and made her brain short-circuit. He just had to call her that, too.


She was sure she resembled a cooked lobster by now.

Next up on the list is a small Whyatt/Red ficlet that I’ve been working on. I’ve titled it “Sweet Victory”. And I totally wasn’t thinking of that song, lol XD

Also, flustered Whyatt is always a treat XD

"Whyatt, that's enough chocolate for four people!" She started.


"I know, but I'm gonna share it!" he said. "Please, Mom? I've gotta have it!"


"You do, huh?" Ever the cautious skeptic, Mrs. Beanstalk gave her son a pointed look. "And just what are you buying this chocolate for?"


At that question, Whyatt looked away shyly. "Um...it's for someone special."


That gave Pig pause. Poppa Pig looked at him with one eyebrow raised, an odd look in his eye.


Compared to her earlier demeanor, Mrs. Beanstalk looked absolutely surprised.


"Someone special?" A glint of joy appeared in his mom's eye, and her lips quirked into a smile. "Is it a girl?"


Whyatt looked up so fast, Pig thought his head would fly loose from his neck. "Wha-NO! No way!" he said, shaking his head emphatically, but then paused. "Well, it is for a girl, but she's just a friend, Mom!"


"Mmhmm."


"No, really! It's nothing like that," he said quickly. "I-I just wanted to get her something really nice for her birthday, and I figured she'd like it..."


"It seems you've got a bit of a crush, Why."


"Wha-no I don't!" Whyatt argued, although his face was certainly arguing otherwise. It was turning as red as the candy he was holding.

My last one is a cute little piece that I’ve been working on since earlier this week, for Walden/Widget. @mooshieblue got me back into the pair ^^ The title of this fic is so light-novel esque it deserves an anime adaptation: The Science of Love (Side Note: It Doesn’t Make Much Sense)

"So, ya got anybody in mind?"


"Hmm..." He scratched his chin in thought. The idea of romance was, and still is, a bit of a mystery to him. In fact, while he could deduct it for others, imagining himself having a crush or some other romantic feelings for someone was unthinkable. He wasn't even sure if he could answer her question.


In fact, he was just about to tell her that...when his mind came up with an answer.


You.


His eyes widened.


I like you a lot more than a friend.


His chest suddenly felt tight at the revelation. Where in world had come from?


I've thought about you so much it's driving me crazy.


"My, my, my..." was all he could say as the revelation came clear to him.


"Helloooo? Earth ta Walden, do ya copy?" The smell of machine oil flitted through his nostrils, courtesy of her waving her hand in front of his face. He blinked, snapping out of his reverie. He looked up to see her green eyes narrowed quizzically at him. "Ya spaced out on me for a second there."


"O-Oh. Sorry about that, Widget. I-I, uh...I guess I put a little too much thought into that question."


"As always." She leaned back against the wall with a small smirk. "But ya think you got an answer?"


His mind betrayed him, and the realization made his face heat up to an absurd degree. Like, "center of the sun" degree.


"...I-I'd rather not say..."

—

If I have any more fluffy romantic stuff, I’ll post them accordingly ^^

But I want to know your thoughts! Which fics are you interested in seeing?

And if anyone leaves any hate, I’ll just use the flames to whip up some more stories for ‘em ^^

[ziteyra]

A good soldier

Quarritch!recom x reader

Part 3

🐟 Summary: Getting tired of Quaritch harsh style of command you start to take interest in Lyle Waynfleet who also doesn't seems so uninterested himself.

🐟 themes: same as last time, a bit of love, jealousy this time, banter xD

🐟 Characters: Lt. Quarritch as recom, Lyle Waynfleet, Zdinarsk

🐟Warnings: none :)

🐠 Note: since y'all seem to especially like the first part I hope this lives up to the expectations. A bit of jealousy seems to always go well ;) Feel free to recommend or suggest anything else !

Tagging: @babyduk213 💙

"You know y/n he isn't always like this," Lyle muttered while senselessly scrolling through his datapad. 

"He can take great care of you when you are his teammate. Sure, he can be harsh, well almost brutal, but he's a good man. A great soldier too."

"Sure thing"  you answer him slowly nodding along to his rambling of the last few minutes. After what happened at the last meeting he had been all around you, being a total counterpart to Quarritch's menacing aura. 

In his way, you thought, he probably tried to apologize.

He truly was a bit like a ray of sunshine in the dark gray environment of the new RDA home base. Although you knew that the team had been out of the compound a few times there was never a need for you to go with them. 

Spending your days in the clean and disinfected hallways of the RDA had maybe even made you a bit more compliant to Lyle's attempt at swaying you. 

" You know doc. If you wanted you could also come with us. I mean it's your job to document all our little adventures, why not see them live ?" He smiled as he finally put down his datapad and now just cheekily stared at you. 

"Or at least I could show you around. It doesn't have to be the whole team. Or are you scared ?" 

"No Lyle, I'm not scared. I just have a lot to do right now. And it's not like you're helping me anyway."  You answered trying to sound uninterested but in truth, the idea to visit the lush jungles of Pandora already gave you goosebumps. Even more together with Lyle. 

"Ay. Don't pretend like you wouldn't enjoy it. I can see you smile. Even if it's true with your mysterious load of work. Don't you need to do a more in-depth report on my body instead of always moping around the Lt. ?"

You didn't even get a second to answer as the doors to your laboratory burst open and Zdinarsk entered with her usually energetic character. 

"Well, aren't you two a bitter-sweet couple? Seeing this would make the Lt. more than happy! " 

"Ah shut your mouth Z-Dog. That's none of your or the Lt. Business. The doc and I just wanted to start a little surveillance tour of the jungle Didn't we? "

"You know what" you answered slightly annoyed by Zdinarsk's usual games. " I would like that. And while you're at it. I wouldn't even mind you telling the Lt. since he doesn't even bother to show up here anyway."

Very proud of yourself you manage to grasp Lyle's hand and promptly leave your office with him following you on foot. "Oh not so quick little y/n I didn't expect this kind of motivation with you. Just give me a few seconds and we'll meet back here again." Lyle laughs at you seemingly also very proud of himself with his tail swinging happily from side to side. 

While Lyle quickly storms off you brush a bit of invisible dust off your coat and look around you. Surely you shouldn't keep this old thing while going out into one of the most dangerous places known to man. Dutyfull you make your way to your locker and squeeze yourself into one of the new RDA-issued body suits. A bit too tight for your taste but seeing as you rarely went outside anyway it shouldn't be much of a problem. 

You manage to take your eyes off your image in the mirror next to you as you hear footsteps behind you. Turning around you freeze as you stand eye to eye with Lt. Quarritch. Again standing just a bit too close to you and almost undressing yourself with his eyes. 

" Have you seen Zdinarsk? " he harshly spits out. 

"N..No." you stutter, suddenly feeling vacuumed inside your suite. 

"Great." He says abruptly turning around just to look at you again after a few steps with his cold eyes. 

" Not bad a suit like this. Almost makes you look like a soldier."

After this you were standing there in the hallway, frozen in place not even moving a muscle. 

" God bless me. I must have done something really good in my last life to deserve this stunning scientist on my team" Lyle shouts out loud as he finally arrives for you. 

Again, before you can even answer he just lifts you like it's nothing. You just manage to mutter some incoherent sounds of surprise as you turn around on his arms. 

Just managing to take one last look over his shoulder you see Quaritch again leaving your office, Zdinarsk behind him. His eyes pierce you even deeper than before. But not only you, it seemed that one of his rage filled looks even hit his most trusted friend and second in charge.

Part 4

[pageofheartdj]

SOOOO

We know there were supposed to be two more turtles, right? I don’t know the turtle lore but people have names: Venus and Jennika!

They would be their own characters, like everyone else in Rise so thankfully I don’t have to know much turle lore for this xD

FIRST. The ages! Wanna the girls to be the oldest sisters cause that would be funny xD And give Raph yet another existential crisis! He is not a leader anymore and he is not the oldest sibling anymore xD Mikey - 14, Donnie and Leo - 15, Raph - 16, Venus - 17, Jennika - 18.

Now, we know like 99% where is one of the turtles.

I wonder if Big Mama knows. There is a chance she doesn’t since she didn’t try once to pull anything with Lou. She probably found a turtle baby and took her in thinking she is a yokai and raised as her assistent. I hc her to be Venus.

The next own is my top favourite headcanon I will NEVER let go until canon says otherwise xD

JESSICA! Sounds suspiciously like Jennika xD And as far as I remember she is the only not-background girl who doesn’t have lipstick and in general her mouth is more wide, turtle-like. Now that makes me wonder what does this mean for her character and her not giving anything away to Leo. She described Leo’s look like a costume. Is she not aware or lying? And she herself looks like a human and I don’t see any cloaking brooch on her.

Their weapons probably would be from comics. With Venus wielding tessen? and Jennika wielding kuzuri?

NOW! The more specific headcanons xD Jennika is a bit taller than the twins and Venus is slightly shorter than the twins. yes kjsha

Their mystic abilities.

I don’t have much xD I would give Jennika illusions because she has to look like a human SOMEHOW. Would be cool for her to discover it on her own early on. I am curious how she ended up on the surface. Personal hc for now: she was found by a human and was took in and because she looked like a turtle she couldn’t get out and was home schooled by her overworked mom. That made her determined to learn how to fend for herself. She unlocked her mystic abilities, got into Lou Jitsu movies(everyone has to have it as a part of their childhood!!) and eventually got into wrestling where her showmanship’s strike was revealed and she quickly earned a stable job in there. She dislikes her turtleness and that’s why she refused to engage with Leo further.

And Venus? How about magnetic field. She can pull things in to herself and push them back for extra speed and damage. What if she did not discover it yet because of the repressed life style despite living among yokais. She also knew of Lou Jitsu and secretely idolized him. Though she knew about him not from movies from the human world, but from his fights in Nexus. She also unconsciously envied him for ‘getting away’. She is still loyal to Big Mama.

Now the relationships with the fam once they are discovered.

Jennika is very loyal to her mother but she is not interested in such a sudden big family. She is not much into it but is dragged anyway xD She can bond with Raph over their love for wrestling and will be openly critical about Leo’s humour(yes the Neon Leon xD) and not respect the squirt. Mikey will be fawning over her and she will be a bad influence on him, she likes him though, he is funky xD Donnie isn’t sure about her and constanly goes back and forth between liking her and being sus xD And she tries to use him which is not THAT hard xD (not malicious intent and hey the kid can get something out of it too xD)

Venus is... she WANTS a family but she doesn’t really know how to have one. The proper one. She is very much into hierarchy so she will be supportive with Leo being sort of adviser for him, but will shut Raph down, which will frustrate him. Mikey will be frustrated with her too, since he will try to be as open and welcoming with her as possible but she is just unreachable. She isn’t used to show her real emotions and frankly she doesn’t know how and doesn’t reciprocate Mikey’s attempts in inclusion. She will get along with Donnie very nicely though. Since Donnie doesn’t push himself on her and she is very interested in his science since she was deprived of human things.

[zizygy]

darkolai, “Just please be my best friend right now, not the guy I just confessed my love to.” ;) Bonus if they're actually worst enemies.

I'm such a mess I wrote one and a half whole scenes and STILL didn't get to the quote so I'm just going to drop the complete scene XD at least the confession is here Nikolai Sun Summoner AU uh important context, The Darkling is being tried for his crimes as the Black Heretic and he gets a little bitty triggered --

Shadow blades stick out of every surface. The deck, the Reader of Sins, the Sun Summoner cult leader and almost everyone unfortunate enough to be on the stage. The audience had escaped the worst of it but Nikolai had jumped onto the stage and now…

Shadow knives, with their handles trembling just like a real dagger would, splayed out from his stomach, arms… he might be okay, it wouldn’t be the first time Aleksander stabbed him, except there was also one in his throat.

“I love him,” he said again, terrified that his previous protest had been forgotten in the violence. “Stop-” he would have said Stop the trial but blood poured out of his mouth and out of his throat with every attempted word.

His eyes met Aleksander’s and he understood immediately. The blown pupils, deathly pallor, complete stillness even though the metal chains holding him down had been bent and warped. Soldier’s heart. He wasn’t here. Nikolai needed to get to him.

Though the cult had offered their best healer, Nikolai’s hands were nothing like they should be. His fingers shook - something not helped by the blood loss - and he needed to make his summoning symbols almost three times as big as usual to summon half the power. His hands sizzled against his ruined throat but it wasn’t enough. He was going to bleed out and die right here in front of Sasha. He made a pathetic sound, something that might have been an apology or a plea, then he was overwhelmed by darkness.

Aleksander ran to Nikolai’s side. He couldn’t just banish the shadow daggers, as much as he wanted to, because they were plugging the many many wounds he’d inflicted on the man. He fell to his knees and pulled Nikolai into his lap, hoping against hope that the wounds looked worse than they were, that Nikolai was being his dramatic self.

But Aleksander had seen death and he recognized it in front of him. A healer wouldn’t get here fast enough to save Nikolai. He’d lose his sun summoner.

Unless he did something about it.

Before all this sun summoner business, he’d returned to his experiments with merzost. He’d been trying to make soldiers out of nothing, but the Making always demanded something in return. He realized that he needed to give it a body. A life. He’d shelved that particular project.

But here was a body, a life Nikolai, bleeding to death in front of him.

Between this and the ache of losing his daughter, he hardly needed to pull to unravel himself. There were the physical wounds from his trial, but deeper than that, his soul was frayed. It took very little effort to reach in and pull a few of those strands away. They became physical in his hand, long and thin and shining in a way that shadows didn’t.

He opened Nikolai’s mouth and put one strand in it, then pressed - ripping reality slightly - into Nikolai’s chest, until he could feel that brightly glowing soul. He wasn’t sure how the man could ever have doubted what he was when his soul shined like burnished gold, though it was rapidly fading and fraying.

Aleksander didn’t try to grab those threads, he just wove his own shadows into the golden fabric. Once the first was in, it became child’s play to continue to weave, to patch Nikolai’s life with shadows, until they started to flow around his body and patch up the wounds.

He doesn’t stop until Nikolai’s chest rises and falls on its own. Then he wraps his arms around his sun summoner. Let the cult think what they will. That he has a heart or that he’s manipulating Nikolai or that even this is part of his plan, he doesn’t care. Let Nikolai hate him when he wakes, for now he runs his hand through the man’s hair and holds him close.

[crystalninjaphoenix]

Waiting and Watching

Switch AU

A JSE Fanfic

Funny story about this chapter. As I wrote it, stuff was just... happening. Stuff that I was not expecting XD I swear, it felt like the characters were taking over fshjdaklh In this part, Marvin and JJ regroup after their two separate adventures and try to figure out what to do next. Obviously they have to get Anti back, but how? Then the next morning they get a strange phone call that changes their plans slightly. Enjoy reading :)

More of This AU | | First Chapter | Previous Chapter

Marvin and JJ sat at the table together. It was past midnight, but JJ insisted on making tea for the both of them. He said it would calm their nerves, and Marvin agreed. So they sat in silence with a cup of mint tea each.

Jameson was the first to speak. So... these are the cards you lost?

“Yes.” Marvin’s fingers nervously tapped the deck. “I recognized t’em right away.” He spread them out in a line. The back of each card was unique, a different symbol surrounded by lines that crossed and curved in elaborate patterns.

And Henrik just went in there and got them? JJ asked.

“If we’re believin’ him, which I don’ see why we wouldn’.”

Jameson shook his head. This is incredible. When the rest of us went into that house, we barely made it out. And he just did it.

“In his note he said t’at Distorter had left. T’at probably made it easier.” Marvin began idly rearranging the cards on the table. “T... t’ere’s some way to mess with t’ese, I know it. Some way to use t’em for magick... but I can’ remember...”

These symbols are part of a runic alphabet, Jameson said, indicating the back of the cards. Runes are often used in magick, so you’re right. There’s definitely some way to use these cards for rituals. Perhaps the meanings of the runes could help us out? I know I have a couple references for rune alphabets in my books upstairs.

“T’at’s as good a place to start as any,” Marvin said. “What about you? Did t’at Magic Circle help you out like t’ey said?”

Jameson nodded. He explained what happened that night as quickly as possible. Turns out, there was a gigantic facility hidden there the whole time, he finished. Persephone said there was no time limit to the effects of the group spell, so I should be able to find it and walk through whatever was hiding it. He paused. The strangest thing was... it didn’t... feel like magic.

“What didn’?” Marvin prompted.

Whatever we broke through. It wasn’t a ward, or any spell, it felt... different. 

“Different how? Can ye put it in words?”

Jameson thought about it. This energy felt... artificial.

Marvin raised an eyebrow. “Fake magic? Is... is t’at a t’ing?”

I’ve never heard of it. And all the other magicians were just as surprised by how it felt.

“Huh.” Marvin pushed all the cards back into a stack, then picked up his teacup and took a sip. “But... you’re sure t’at Anti is in t’ere?”

Positive, JJ said, nodding. I don’t know why, but we can figure that out once we get him out of there. Though... if we’re going to break into a place like that... perhaps you should stay behind...

Marvin bristled. “What do you mean?”

Your leg IS still broken, Jameson reminded him.

“I managed jus’ well enough tonight, didn’ I?”

You did, and that’s great, JJ agreed. But you didn’t see this place. It’s huge. We’ll have to do a lot of walking, and I wouldn’t be surprised if somewhere like that had a whole host of security. I don’t want you to hurt yourself further.

Marvin opened his mouth. Then closed it. His fist curled tight around the teacup handle. He took a few deep breaths, and finally said, “We’ll talk more about t’at tomorrow. We’re both tired righ’ now. We need rest.”

Jameson frowned. His eyes drifted towards the kitchen entrance, and the front door beyond.

“Jems, if you won’ let me hurt myself by goin’ out with a broken leg, I’m not gonna let you hurt yourself by goin’ out on no sleep,” Marvin said, sounding exhausted. 

JJ shook his head. You’re right. You’re right. I’m just... I’m worried about Anti.

“I am too,” Marvin said softly. “But we can’ help him in t’is condition.”

You’re right, JJ said again. We should go to sleep soon. We can come up with a plan tomorrow.

They finished their tea in silence and went to bed right after.

———————

The next morning at breakfast, Marvin got a phone call. He was sitting at the table in his usual spot, one-handedly messing with his cards while stabbing a fork into waffles with the other. JJ was refilling Mr. Fluffington’s bowl, and hadn’t yet sat down to have his own plate of recently-refrozen waffles (neither of them had felt up to cooking.) That was when it happened. Marvin’s phone started to ring, and he glanced down at the screen. He sat up straight. “T’at’s the number!”

JJ looked over at him, confused.

“It’s Volt!” Marvin dropped his fork and fumbled to pick up the call quickly. He’d checked the call history out of curiosity earlier, and had been intrigued to see Schneep had used a strange number instead of his own. That strange number was calling again. Marvin hit the speaker phone button and said, “Hello?”

“Marvin, did you get them?” Schneep’s voice came from the other end of the line.

“The cards? Yes. How’d you get t’em? Did you really jus’ walk in?”

“Well I waited outside the house for a couple hours, then I saw him leave, and then I waited some more, and then yes,” Schneep said.

Tell him he’s an idiot for doing that! JJ said, dropping the bag of cat food and hurrying over to the table.

“Marvin? Are you still there?” Schneep asked.

“Yes, I was listenin’ to Jems,” Marvin said. “You’re on the speaker so he can hear you, and he says you’re an idiot for doin’ t’at.”

“Ah. Well. Perhaps.” Schneep chuckled. “But I made it out of that place, confusing as it was. So? Are they your cards?”

“Yes, t’ey’re mine,” Marvin said. “Distorter told me he had t’em, taunted me with t’em a couple times.”

“Oh. I-I am so sorry, Marvin.”

“It’s in the past,” Marvin said, already regretting that he’d impulsively shared that. “Anyway. Where the fuck have you been?!”

“Marvin, I had to get out of the city. That detective was onto me! I would not be surprised if she still was.”

He could have called us! JJ said.

“Jems said you could’ve called us, and he’s right!” Marvin repeated.

“I meant to!”

Did you?! Why didn’t you?! JJ’s signs were sharp, and Marvin relayed them in an equally sharp tone.

“Because I—” Schneep made a frustrated noise. A few seconds passed, then he sighed. “For the first few days, I was not... in a sound mental state. I took my medication, but the problem was not my psychosis, it was... I was afraid. I didn’t want to risk anyone else knowing about me, or about being friends with you all. And then... then I found something.”

“What?” Marvin asked, intrigued despite himself. JJ also sat down, ready to listen.

Schneep paused. “In the next city over, Henshilling, I found a small office space for a company called IRIS. It is a long story that I don’t think I have time for, but... I found out they were doing some... strange things in that rented office. And they found out I knew about that, and... that confrontation did not go well. I... was unable to contact you because of that.”

Marvin raised an eyebrow. He looked at JJ, whose expression was one of pure shock. Then he looked up into the corner of the room, where a device was attached to the ceiling, watching everything. “This IRIS company wouldn’ happen to sell cameras, woul’ it?”

“I think that is one of their products, yes,” Schneep said. “But their products are not important. They are just ways for them to fund their true goal.”

“Which is?”

Schneep didn’t answer.

“Come on, Volt,” Marvin groaned. “You’ve said so much already—”

“More than I should,” Schneep interrupted. “The reason I cannot talk for too long is because they are fully capable of listening in on phone conversations. If they know you know, they—I-I don’t want to think about what could happen.”

So ignorance is bliss then? Jameson asked.

Marvin repeated that, then added, “Also, you shoul’ know t’at Jems got t’ese fancy new cameras recently. He installed t’em in our house, t’ey’re from a place called IRIS—”

Jameson looked at him, alarmed, as if he wanted to keep that a secret. But that was nothing to the way Schneep immediately shrieked. “Get rid of them!” he shouted. “Right now! Tear them out! Break them! IRIS probably already knows too much! Mein gott, das ist ein Desaster...!” His voice got quieter as he walked away from the phone.

“Volt?” Marvin asked. “Schneep? Henrik?”

Schneep didn’t return. After a few seconds, the line disconnected.

Marvin hung up his own end as well. Then he stared at Jameson. “Well?”

Jameson stared at him. Then raised his hands and slowly said, It’s still rather helpful to know what’s happening—

“For the love of god, Jems!” Marvin threw his arms into the air. “Get diff’rent cameras, t’en! Jus’ don’ use the ones our friend literally jus’ said belonged t’some shady company!”

Jameson nodded quickly. Right. You’re right, I’m sorry, I just—can we at least wait to take them down until we have new ones?

“No! Jameson, for fuck’s sake! You have a problem if ye can’ exchange a few days of not bein’ alert for gettin’ rid of the shady company’s devices! Not’ing’s goin’ to happen!”

“We thought nothing would happen to Anti!” Jameson shouted. “Now look where we are!” He broke into a coughing fit, bracing himself against the table and turning his head to the side.

“Are you alrigh’?” Marvin asked, leaning towards him.

Jameson pressed a hand to his throat, gave a few more weak coughs, then nodded.

“Good.” Marvin nodded. “Go get some water if ye need it.”

I’m alright, Jameson insisted.

“If you’re sure.” Marvin sighed. Idly, one hand began messing with his playing cards, spread out on the table next to him. “Jameson. T’is a serious problem. In such a short span of time, you’ve become... well... concerned with t’ose cameras.”

Jameson stared at him. I’m alright, he said again.

“No, you’re not. T’is isn’ normal, Jameson. You jus’ heard t’at the cameras are made by some company t’at had Schneep freakin’ out, and you want to keep them.”

We can get rid of them. I just think we should wait until we have replacements ready to install.

Marvin laughed. “T’at’s not as reasonable as you t’ink it is. ‘Let’s keep the possibly dangerous cameras from the sketchy company until we have more cameras ready t’watch us at every moment.’ T’at’s what you jus’ said.”

Jameson stared for a moment more, then looked away. I can’t let anything happen to anyone else, he said.

“Why are you the one who has to stop all danger?”

Because I know I can, Jameson explained. I just have to be there. So many times when I wasn’t there, you got hurt. If I’d just been in the house at the time—

“If you’d been t’ere, who’s to say Distorter wouldn’ have hypnotized you to ignore it?” Marvin asked. “Or the last time, he used Anti t’get to me. You know you would’ve let him inside. You know he could’ve hit you when you were turned, t’en done the same t’me.”

Jameson sighed. You’re probably right. But that idea won’t let go of me. I don’t know how to make it go away.

“Well... I don’ either,” Marvin admitted. “It sounds like you need t’talk to someone who does.”

So I’m going to tell a therapist about magic?

“No. You can jus’ tell them t’at bad t’ings have happened and ye keep t’inkin’ it could’ve gone different. Or, if you want someone who can probably help more, and who knows about all the insane t’ings goin’ on, you can talk to Jack.”

Jameson nodded slowly. I forgot about him.

Marvin chuckled. “Honestly, he’s probably jus’ gonna tell you to talk to a therapist, too.”

Maybe. But... I can start with Jack. A stepping stone. Jameson sighed. And in the meantime... we will have to get rid of the cameras.

“Damn right we will. Before we do any plannin’ about rescuin’ Anti and all t’at, we—” Marvin suddenly shrieked.

His sleeve was on fire!

Jameson stood up. He made a circular gesture with his hand and cool blue magic splashed on Marvin’s sleeve, extinguishing the flames immediately

“What the hell?!” Marvin gasped. He glanced at the table. There was nowhere that fire could’ve come from!

Except...

Three of his playing cards were arranged to form a triangle, their short ends meeting each other. In the middle of this triangle was a floating ball of smoke that gradually faded away.

Both of them stared at that. Then JJ chuckled. Well. Maybe that’s how your cards work.

“They have to be arranged,” Marvin muttered. “Of course! T’at—I remember t’at!” He grinned, swaying back and forth in his seat with excited energy. “Look at t’is! The patterns on the back! T’ese lines match up!” He traced the curving lines on the back of the cards. They formed a continuous shape, each end matching up with another where the cards touched.

I don’t know much about magick, JJ said, but I know the arrangement of runes plays a key part. These lines in the design are guidelines for how to arrange them, I think.

“Yes...yes!” Marvin nodded, grinning. “Last night ye said you had some rune references upstairs. Let’s go up t’ere and look at t’em.”

Actually, I’ll bring the books downstairs, JJ said. It’ll be easier. We can look at them in your room. He glanced at the camera in the corner for a split second.

Marvin followed his gaze. Was Jameson actually wary of the cameras now? Well, that would make sense. Anyone would be, after hearing what Schneep said about IRIS. But with the conversation they just had, JJ saying they could work somewhere out of sight of the cameras felt like a sort of peace offering. “Yes, t’at sounds good,” he said. “And maybe after, or even during our search, we can talk about what to do about Anti and t’at facility.”

———————

It didn’t take them long to figure out most of the runes on the back of Marvin’s cards. They all belonged to a runic system known as the Dlú’et alphabet, which was one of the oldest rune systems used in magic and magick. Each symbol had a couple different meanings. They made phonetic sounds, like any letter, but they could also stand for things or ideas.

The three that Marvin had accidentally arranged into a triangle and conjured fire with made the sounds “ee” “r” and “wh,” but they also could mean “flame” “mark” and “dust”, or they could mean “passion” “creation” and “death.” It was all very elaborate, and Marvin ate up every detail. He nodded frequently and muttered “yes, yes! I remember!”

And he did remember. With every new bit of information, he became aware that it wasn’t actually new to him. It had simply been hidden by Distorter, deep in his own mind, and seeing it all again was bringing it back.

But he also aware there was still something missing.

“We’ve found all the runes but t’is one.” Marvin held out the two joker cards that had been included in the deck. They had the same symbol on their backs: an angled spiral with two lines crossing it in an X shape. “Are you sure t’ere’s not’ing in the books?”

JJ nodded. It’s a very old rune system, and these cards are also old—though not nearly as old as the system. He chuckled. Maybe this rune just fell out of use in recent decades. I’m sure we could find it in the library somewhere.

Marvin nodded slowly. This rune in particular was nagging at him. He knew it was important, but he didn’t know what for. “I... suppose we’ve done enough with the runes for now,” he said reluctantly.

JJ closed the book he had open. The two of them were sitting cross-legged on Marvin’s bed, facing each other with the books and cards in between them. So, JJ could look directly at Marvin as he said, I still think you shouldn’t go into that facility.

“I—you’re... right,” Marvin admitted. “I-I wouldn’ be much use with my leg broken. But I have t’help. Anti’s my friend too, and if he’s in t’ere—”

I know. JJ nodded understandingly. So, last night, I thought of a solution. You can come. But you’ll stay in the car. We can get a camera—not an IRIS one, more like a GoPro or something. I’ll wear it so you can see what’s happening. And maybe we could get me an earpiece or something, so you can help me out. Give me advice and point out things I miss. Stuff like that.

Marvin chuckled. “You want to go full-on spy for t’is, huh?”

We won’t have any gadgets that are as high-tech as the movies, but we do have magic, JJ said. I think that can work. I don’t want to leave you behind, Marvin.

“I don’ want t’be left behind, either,” Marvin muttered. “But... I know t’at’s not what you meant when you said I should stay back from goin’ in. You’re right. I said t’at earlier. But I’ll help however we can.” He paused. “I suppose we’ll have t’go shoppin’ for supplies, t’en.”

Maybe I can ask someone if they have a mounted camera we can borrow, JJ wondered. But we do need to get new cameras. And get rid of the old ones. He sighed. After all the trouble we went to, putting them up...

“Hmm.” Marvin thought about it. “If you want, maybe call Aoife or Jack t’help take t’em down? Since we had help gettin’ t’em up.”

Probably a good idea. JJ nodded. I can do that now. Best get started as soon as possible. And then I’ll start asking around for supplies for our... heist.

“Heist? Yes. Yes.” Marvin grinned.

JJ raised an eyebrow. You sound really excited about that.

“I’m ready t’start doin’ stuff. The sooner we check out t’is place, the sooner we can get Anti out. What time frame are we lookin’ at?”

If we’re lucky, we might be able to check this place out later today. If we’re not, we’ll definitely be there tomorrow. Jameson nodded firmly, resolved. We won’t leave him behind in there.

———————

“Have you ever experienced a terrible occurrence that has impacted you significantly?”

He didn’t know what it meant, but it had to be important. They kept asking it, to adverse effects. Why? And why didn’t they ask him that question while he was with them? Or... maybe they did? His memory of that time was a bit... unreliable...

“Have you ever experienced a terrible occurrence that has impacted you significantly?”

He wanted to run in there. Sitting in the bushes outside wasn’t exactly comfortable—or safe. Any security guard who walked too close might notice him there, crouched close to the ground with his new laptop perched on his knees. But he had to be close to get into their system. For some reason, it didn’t work remotely.

“Have you ever experienced a terrible occurrence that has impacted you significantly?”

He didn’t want to see this. It pained him, caused his heart to ache. And yet he couldn’t bring himself to fast-forward through the footage.

“Stop!”

“Subject’s exposure has increased to concerning levels. Suggest moving to second phase, pending board permission.”

“What is this? What did you do to me?

...What did you do to me?”

He winced at the desperation in his voice. No, he couldn’t watch this anymore. He forced himself to fast-forward. There probably wouldn’t be anything interesting over the next while, anyway, judging by their pattern of leaving him in there.

Or maybe not.

“Wait… wait, I don’t understand. What do you mean, ‘special’? I’m… I’m just a guy. He doesn’t even seem to like me.”

That was... strange. He didn’t really know what to make of it. Who was he talking to? It couldn’t be him, he wouldn’t talk to him like that.

“Whisper?”

In the end, it didn’t amount to much. For now. He made a mental note of it and began fast-forwarding again, shifting position slightly and causing the leaves around him to rustle.

More of this.

“We’re not a bad company, Anti.” 

“Kuhscheiße,” he muttered.

“That, Anti, is ALTR 53815. We recently discovered its existence.”

Recently? Interesting. Was that why they were in the area? How long ago was “recent”? A month, perhaps? Three weeks, maybe? No... no. It had to be longer. There was no other reason for them to be there in the first place.

Oh...

Oh no...

“What do you mean ‘used to be’?” 

No, it wasn’t true. They were fucking with him. They had to be. Creating a whole person, that multiple people saw and interacted with, it was impossible, no matter how strong his powers of hallucination were.

Right?

He couldn’t watch what followed. But even though he knew it would probably be easier to skip to the next day, he fast-forwarded instead. Even though he didn’t want to see it, he couldn’t pretend that it wasn’t happening. His friend was unraveling, and they knew it. There was no way they didn’t.

His fists clenched.

“I’m very sorry, Mr. McLoughlin, we need to take you somewhere more secure.”

Well this was new. He leaned closer to the screen.

“We do this a lot, Mr. McLoughlin, we move people around to free up space.”

No they didn’t.

The camera in the room was useless as soon as they dragged him out, so he switched around, following them through the facility, watching him struggle and plead and—

The footage went to static.

What?! What happened?! Frantically, he skipped forward by the minute, looking for the moment it returned—

And it did. Briefly. For a few seconds, the camera in the hallway came back online. Just long enough to catch the image of a man, standing there, blood dripping from his eyes down his obscured, smiling face. He was looking straight into the camera.

And then it was gone again.

He skipped fifteen minutes before the static cleared, showing... nothing. Well, it showed quite a lot, actually. Emergency red lights. People lying unmoving on the floor. But it didn’t show him. Or him.

He rewound back to the moment where he stood, looking at the camera, and glanced down at the time stamp.

One hour ago.

He was just barely too late.

Slowly, he closed the laptop. He bent forward, breathing heavily through the fabric mask he wore. This was bad. This was worse. At least before, he knew where he was, and had an idea of what they wanted. He didn’t know anymore.

Of course, that was why he had left the house! To come here. To torment him.

And he’d wasted time going inside instead of following him, maybe if he’d chased him down he could have—

No. Stop. Breathe. Calm. It wasn’t the end of the world. He could figure this out.

A few minutes passed before he straightened again. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the phone he’d been using, dialing a familiar number.

———————

“Wasn’t it only a few days ago I walked in on you guys putting these up?” Jack asked.

“Yes, well... we decided they weren’ a good idea,” Marvin said slowly.

Be careful! JJ added.

“I got it guys, don’t worry.” Jack was currently standing on a chair in the hallway, using a screwdriver to carefully disconnect the camera. JJ stood nearby, hovering anxiously, while Marvin was sitting in his wheelchair in his bedroom doorway. Sam flew around Jack, nerve-tail flicking back and forth. They seemed more hyperactive than usual. “You don’t have to be here watching me, you know. You can start on the other cameras while I do this.”

Marvin nodded. “Right, ri—”

His phone rang again.

Both Marvin and JJ tensed. Marvin wheel backwards into his room and grabbed the phone from where he’d left it on the dresser. JJ walked over to take his place in the doorway. “It’s him,” Marvin whispered, and put the call on speaker phone like he had earlier that morning.

“Marvin, things are bad,” Schneep’s voice said.

“Bad?” Marvin repeated. “How?”

“Am I on speaker phone again?”

“Yeah.”

“Are there cameras nearby?”

“T’ere’s one in the hall, but we disconnected it,” Marvin said, glancing past JJ out at the hall. “It can’ see in t’is room, anyway.”

“You never know,” Schneep muttered. “But if it is disconnected, it is fine. Marvin—and I assume Jameson, as well—I know where Anti was.”

“Yeah, so do w—”

Before Marvin could finish, Jameson was hurrying over, signing, What does he mean, “was?!”

“Wait.” Marvin blinked. “Y-yeah. Schneep, what do you mean, you know where he was?”

“Because he is not there anymore,” Schneep explained. “There is this old facility north of Mirygale. It used to be a prison, but it looks like it was taken over and converted into some other complex. I suspected he was here, so I hacked into their cameras this morning. As of one hour ago, he is not in there anymore.”

Jameson and Marvin stared at each other in shock. Where is he? Jameson asked, and Marvin repeated it for the phone.

“...that is what’s bad,” Schneep said gravely. “I am not sure what happened. The—the cameras, they—something went wrong, their footage was corrupted. But... it was him. It was Distorter, he was in there, I-I can only assume—”

Schneep didn’t get to finish before Marvin cut him off with a bout of violent swearing that made Jameson wince. “I knew it!” he finally shouted. “I fuckin’ knew he was involved!”

But Distorter didn’t take him in the first place, Jameson pointed out. So who did?

Marvin took a few deep breaths while the others waited. “T’at’s a good point, Jems,” he muttered. “Who owns t’at facility?”

“It...” Schneep’s voice was quiet. “It is... IRIS.”

“...wait, the same IRIS?” Marvin asked. “Who kept you from reachin’ us and made the cameras?”

“The very same. They are an American company who has been in this country for at least half a year, though probably not much longer.”

“So... t’is company’s in the business of kidnappin’ people?” Marvin asked. “Why? Jus’...why?”

Schneep laughed. “Strange, is it not? But it’s true. Get rid of your cameras. They already know too much.” And before Marvin or Jameson could respond, he hung up.

Marvin and Jameson stared at each other. Neither one was sure what to do now. They were having trouble processing all this new information.

“Um...” A voice came from the doorway. “Was I... not supposed to hear that?”

They looked around and saw Jack there, Sam hovering nearby, holding the disconnected WTCHR camera in his hand.

How much did you hear? Jameson asked.

“Everything after Marvin started swearing up a storm,” Jack said. “So. Distorter’s the name of this weird creature after you guys. And now we’ve got this IRIS company involved. I’ve been doing research on them, you know. There’s not a lot of information to find, which is really weird considering how big they are, and how fucking impossible a lot of their products sound.”

“We’re... sorry t’get you into t’is,” Marvin said slowly.

Jack shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m not sure how much I can do to help you find Anti, but if there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”

Actually... Jameson said slowly. Do you happen to have a small camera that can be worn?

“Like a GoPro? Sure, I think I have one somewhere. I definitely bought one thinking it would be useful, but I’ve never used it, so it could’ve gotten lost.”

“Jems,” Marvin said quietly. “D’you want to try and get into the facility, still? We... we know he’s not in t’ere. He’s probably... in the house.”

Jameson frowned. He turned his head to the side. His mouth moved quietly, and his eyes briefly glowed blue. Then he shook his head. He’s not there right now. That tracking spell worked, and you know it wouldn’t if Anti was in there.

“T’en we need to find him before that bastard takes him t’ere!” Marvin snapped.

Now?

“Yeah! Who knows how close t’ey are to the house! We might have a small window!”

Jameson looked surprised, but then he nodded firmly. You’re right. This is our best opportunity. But he might be far away, and I can’t drive and keep up a tracking spell at the same time.

“I can drive you guys around,” Jack suggested.

Jameson frowned. I thought you didn’t know how to drive.

“I know... a little,” Jack said slowly. “Not enough to be... safe... most of the time. But it’s probably better than you being distracted. Unless Marvin can drive with a broken leg?”

“I can’ drive at all,” Marvin muttered. “No matter how bad you are, it’s better t’an me. And we don’ have much time to find other solutions. So if Jack’s offerin’, and he’s okay with whatever we’ll find...”

Jack nodded firmly. “It’s the least I can do.” He walked over and set the disconnected IRIS camera down on the nightstand. Sam flew at it and threw their tiny ‘body’ at it over and over, violently bonking against it. “Whoa! Careful, Sam.” Jack reached out a hand and stopped them midair. “I know you don’t like these things, but don’t hurt yourself.” He then looked at Marvin and Jameson. “So... we’re going now, then?”

Marvin and Jameson nodded in unison. 

As the three of them hurried out of the room, they didn’t notice the camera make a faint whirring noise, or see its lens focus slightly on them.

[imastrangeone98]

Against the Odds

(A/N: I learned about the a/b/o court case and I felt like even I could do better than this shitty a/b/o book XD)

warning: cringy a/b/o tropes... sorry about that. probably really OOC ushi boi, my beloved haikyuu oc aiumi shizuka, coach washijo NOT being a d*ckhead, and tendo being a GODSEND. Also this ended up being LONG LONG so... sorry? Buckle up buttercup this is a journey

The girl sitting next to him didn't have a distinct scent. That was the first thought that ran through Ushijima's mind at the glance of his new seat mate.

It was mild, like jasmine flowers. It was barely in the air, but it was enough to put him at ease- a feeling that was quite unfamiliar to him.

So he simply chose the logical route and ignored it, only speaking with her when it turned out he had no pencil to take notes with and she lent him one of hers.

"Oh, Shizuka's in your class?" Tendō cackled, patting him on the back. "Be nice to her, yeah? She's a good friend of mine."

There was nothing wrong with his teammate's request, so he obliged. Wakatoshi didn't really mind being polite to others, as long as they didn't interrupt his daily routine.

But as the school year continued, he found that his eyes kept drifting towards the beta girl, noting the way she walked solidly on her feet in comparison to the omegas who bounced on their toes, the gentle yet honest way she spoke, to the way she smiled closed-mouth yet the corners of her mouth were slightly open.

It was distracting. He found himself missing the occasional spike at practice when the scent of jasmine lingered in the air, especially when it wafted particularly strongly off Yamagata and Tendō, the latter of whom only laughed about how jealously he was acting towards someone who wasn't his girlfriend. Wakatoshi merely grunted that he wasn't jealous, nor was she his lover in any way.

But he couldn't deny the strange thump in his chest when she offered him a cupcake- "A test subject for a new recipe I'm coming up with," she said, leaving him accepting without a word. He didn't mind the way Tendō would occasionally bring her to practice, ignoring the way Coach Washijō grumbled about her "unnecessary presence during training" only to comically switch his tune when she brought homemade wagashi. Wakatoshi even found himself putting more force behind his serves, something Tendō found hilarious for some reason.

"If you're that hung over it, just tell her, man."

"I don't understand; there is nothing to say. She's simply a good presence to be around, nothing more."

"Ushijima," Semi laughed, "you really are nothing more than a volleyball idiot, huh? You gotta get better at talking with the babes!"

...Babe? Did Semi view Aiumi Shizuka as a baby?

"...But I do talk with her," Ushijima retorted. "Often, in fact. Also, Aiumi is not an infant."

"That's not what I... Never mind."

So he continued his usual routine of speaking with Shizuka before class, occasionally tasting some of her latest creations, thinking about the sound of her laughter while he studied, while he slept, while he ate.

"Wakatoshi, you really like her, huh?" Reon chuckled during lunchtime, patting him on the shoulder. "You're so different around her, it's almost scary."

He frowned. "I don't believe I've been acting any differently than usual-"

"Ushijima, wanna try one of my super special awesome spicy tuna onigiri?" Aiumi Shizuka suddenly appeared, a small bento box in her hands. A very pleased grin stretched her lips. "I'm especially proud of the mayo-free sauce I made for the tuna."

"I'm sure it'll taste wonderful, thank you." With a nod, he took one out, taking the time to savor the spiciness of the sauced fish to the sweet rice.

After he gave a detailed review, she nodded in approval before patting his shoulder and jogging away towards Tendō. Wakatoshi watched her every step, making sure she disappeared amongst the crowd before turning back to his food.

Ōhira and Semi, who had just joined their table, had their eyes wide, like they had seen a ghost.

"Dude," Eita cackled. "You really got it bad."

"What do you mean?"

"You never accept food from people, especially omegas. And you don't let them touch you either," Reon explained.

"You really like that beta, huh?" Eita mumbled through a mouthful of rice. "Have you told her how you felt yet?"

"I don't know what you're talking-"

"Wakatoshi," Reon suddenly said, staring deeply into the captain's eyes. "You like a beta. You understand what this means, right?"

His eyebrow lifted in mild surprise; Reon hardly spoke this seriously outside of volleyball. "No, I don't understand."

"She's a beta, Wakatoshi. Not an omega. You know that, right?"

"Yes, of course I know that. She doesn't smell like an omega, after all."

His two teammates sighed, and Reon smiled at him. "Well then, don't worry about it. Just follow your heart. And don't listen to what anyone says."

He didn't quite understand what the entire purpose of the comment was, but he nodded regardless and continued on with his meal, thinking of the onigiri he ate just minutes ago.

[...]

Semi's words echoed lightly in the back of Wakatoshi's mind, especially as he watched Aiumi talk so enthusiastically with Yamagata about... He didn't even know what they were talking about.

Have you told her how you felt yet?

The unbearably faint scent of jasmine lingered strongly in his nose. He didn't want Yamagata to be any closer to her. He needed to get his teammate's scent off of her, even though Yamagata- as a beta- didn't have that strong of a scent to begin with.

His alpha was showing, and logically, Ushijima knew he needed to stop it. But he couldn't help the petty anger growing in his chest; the need to mark her and scent her so strongly she reeked of him burning intensely in his mind.

"Hey, Ushijima. Are you okay?" Aiumi gently patted him on the shoulder. "You seem really distracted today..."

"...May I speak with you after school?" was his only response, staring deeply into her eyes.

She stared back at him for a few seconds before simply saying, "Sure. After practice?"

"No, Coach Washijō doesn't assign practice on Fridays in order to promote muscle growth," he stated. "After class."

And with that, he briskly turned on his heel and walked back to the classroom, ignoring her curious glances during math.

With the prompt ring of the bell, he swiftly packed up his things and waited for Aiumi to do the same, before walking out of school together.

"So... where are we headed off to?" she asked, almost jogging in an effort to keep up with his brisk pace. He immediately slowed his steps to let her catch up.

"We can get something to eat first," he says. "Or we could go straight to Tsutsujigaoka; there's not many people at this time of day."

"You like sakura, Ushijima?" she laughed, patting his shoulder. "I didn't know that! You and me both, except for different reasons. I really like pickled sakura blossoms!"

He didn't realize he wasn't listening, preening at the way her scent now lingered on his clothes.

"Oi, how long are you gonna walk?" Aiumi tugged his arm. "I thought we were gonna eat. I know a great yōshoku place. You like hayashi rice, right?"

[...]

"You still haven't told me why you invited me out. Was it because an omega rejected your offer and you felt too lonely to come alone?" Aiumi joked, sipping on some kind of milk tea.

"I don't like omegas," Wakatoshi said immediately, staring into the smoothie cup that felt too small in his hands. "Also, Semi told me that seeing sakura was a good way to end the first school year."

"Oh yeah, we're gonna be second-years soon! Do you feel old yet?"

"I'm still youthful. And so are you."

She laughed. "That's high praise, oh youthful one."

The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, gazing at the falling cherry blossoms. A petal fell onto her hair, and he touched it with a gentleness even he wasn't aware of. It was soft between his fingertips, like her hair.

"I like you." The words slipped out of his mouth without realizing, but he didn't quite regret it. "I like you very much."

Wakatoshi felt her eyes on him. He had always thought of himself as someone who didn't hesitate to take action, yet he found himself hesitating to look at her, turning his head away. He didn't understand why.

"...You like... me?" she whispered. "Why? You're an alpha, aren't you?"

"I do not understand what my biological status has anything to do with this, but I like the way you focus when you cook. I like your determination to perfect your craft. I like the sound of your laughter. I like how your eyes brighten up at trying new food. I like the way you walk on your feet. I like your scent. I like you, Aiumi Shizuka."

She didn't respond for a while. Wakatoshi didn't feel the need to ask her for an answer. He knew she would give him one once she collected her thoughts. So they continued to watch the cherry blossoms and sip their drinks until it was time to head back to the dorms.

"I'm sorry for shutting down on you, Ushijima," Shizuka finally said as they exited the subway station. "The truth is, I like you too. I just... don't know if it's the right thing for us."

"I will take this as your rejection, then?" His voice was shakier than he thought it would be.

"I... I guess so? Just, think about it. Alphas can never be in relationships with betas; the biology doesn't sync up like omegas do-"

He grumbled, "I thought I made it clear that I do not like omegas."

"You still haven't told me why you don't like them. They're fine people... most of them, at least." Her head hung low. "If we date... people will talk. They'll talk badly about you."

He immediately pressed his wrist to her neck, even though his scent wouldn't linger as strong, in an effort to provide comfort. Surprisingly, she leaned into his touch.

"I don't care about what people say," he said simply. "About me, or about our relationship. If you're willing to be in one with me, that is."

She chuckled, but it sounded hollow. "If only I could have your confidence. Don't you know basically no one likes alpha-beta relationships?"

He shook his head. "I don't see why that matters if two people are compatible."

"...Like us?" Aiumi asked quietly.

"Yes." He offered her his hand, which she took. "I think we fit well together."

As they approached the dorms, she suddenly stopped. "To be honest, I'm scared. I'm scared people won't take us seriously. I'm scared people won't like you anymore. That people won't like me anymore." She gazed deep into his eyes, the corners of her lips trembling into a brave smile. "But I wanna be your girlfriend. I really like you, Ushi- Wakatoshi."

She said his name. He liked the way she said his name. Something deep in his gut urged him to scent her, but he held it in.

"Oh... Did you not want me to say your first name?" she stammered. "Uh, I can-"

"No. Keep saying it." He couldn't help but give a faint smile. "Can I call you by yours?"

Her cheeks reddened. "Of course."

"Okay. Good night... Shizuka." Wakatoshi couldn't help but whisper her name, gently rubbing his wrist against her neck again. "Let's meet tomorrow too."

She nodded, and before she went inside, quickly pressed her own wrist against his skin. Then she ducked inside and he couldn't see her.

He didn't sleep well that night, still thinking about her weakening scent on his neck.

[...]

And see her tomorrow he did. And the day after that. And the days until the beginning of their second year.

They were in the same class again, much to their delight. When he returned to volleyball practice, his teammates seemed immensely pleased, giving him pats on the back and a thumbs-up whenever he replied to her messages during breaks.

"You finally grew some balls, didn't you, Ushiwaka?" Semi crowed. "Good for you! I expect to be singing at your wedding in a few years' time!"

"I will keep that in mind," Ushijima responded simply.

Not much appeared to have changed since the beginning of their relationship. Shizuka continued to be active in the cooking club, and would occasionally ask him to taste her latest creations; the only difference was the reddening of her cheeks and the smile she gave him that only grew brighter. He continued to play on the team, and scored point after point in matches. He still occasionally got distracted by the image of her smile, the sound of her laughter.

But even he could realize the small, yet noticeable changes in his routine: the way she reached out her hand to hold his as they walked down to the cafeteria, the way he rushed to her club room after the end of an early practice to watch her craft yet another recipe, the way she came to watch him in matches wearing his spare club jacket with pride.

The way he enjoyed pressing his wrist to her neck and arms, relishing the way his scent rubbed off on her. He did it shamelessly: before class, after class, before practice, after practice, during lunch, during breaks, during dates. And he preened at the way she would always try to reciprocate, even though her scent wouldn't last nearly as long as his.

Wakatoshi never put much thought into the concept of happiness, what it meant to be happy. He thought he knew it with volleyball, but when he was with Shizuka, he did what he never used to do before: he thought of a future. He thought of a family. He thought of drinks beneath the sakura trees, spicy tuna onigiri, holding hands during lunch, the scent of jasmine.

He was happy with her. She made him very happy.

But it was around the middle of their second year when he began to wonder if she actually felt the same way he did.

They were eating lunch together when he noticed how she suddenly ducked her head when their classmates walked by.

"They're talking about us," she revealed to him when he asked her why she began to do it. "About our relationship." When he tried to ask further, she simply shook her head and kept it down. His chest hurt to see her like this, so he didn't press any further.

"Shizu's been distant, you say?" Tendō mused, munching on some popcorn.

"Could you ask her for me?" Wakatoshi asked his friend. "I'm afraid that if I do, she won't answer me with honesty."

"Sure, buddy." His voice sounded uncertain. "But I have a feeling I know what's going on."

"What is it, Tendō?"

"...Listen to what the others say next time, Wakatoshi. I hope for both your sakes that you understand the answer."

[...]

"How long you think they're gonna last?"

"Dunno, maybe a month at best."

"It's Ushijima, you honestly think he's gonna stick with a beta for a mate?"

"Alphas need to be with omegas, that's just how it is-"

"He'll see it in time-"

"He deserves better-"

"Shizuka?" A warm hand grasped her own. "Were you paying attention?"

"Ah... Sorry, what were you saying?" She forced herself to look away from the table towards her boyfriend, who was watching her with concern in his eyes. "I got... distracted by something."

"...You haven't eaten your food," he noted, pushing her plate towards her. "I thought omurice days were your favorite at the cafeteria."

She nodded, mindlessly shoveling a spoonful of the rice into her mouth. It tasted like glue. Her tastebuds grew more dull by the day, and the worst part was that she couldn't even find it in herself to be mad about it.

Shizuka thought she knew what she was getting into. But the constant whispers and rumors, the heartless stares of her classmates, the abandonment by her clubmates when they learned of her relationship status (or should she say, who she was dating)... It was all too much. There was too much to listen to, and no one to listen to her. Not even her beloved Wakatoshi; simple, adorable, beautiful Wakatoshi, who couldn't understand why people would say such horrible things about their relationship.

"They don't see who we are," he would simply say to her. "It's their fault for not seeing how well we fit together."

And while those words would no doubt bring her comfort, it was those exact words that that would haunt her when the rumors only continued to spread like wildfire.

She had prepared her walls to be impenetrable as stone, so as to guard the love they shared. But there is only so much that stone can take before it is eroded, piece by piece, until the sharp thorns the walls were meant to keep out were piercing the treasure within.

Shizuka isn't strong enough. She's not Wakatoshi.

And when his face did not change even in the slightest when she told him her feelings on the matter, she couldn't help but be envious of the way he could be so calm and collected while she was nearly bursting at the seams.

"...I don't understand. Are you asking for a break up?" he asked, his voice steady as stone.

"No, Toshi. I don't think so. I just... want some time by myself. Would that be okay?" She hated how her voice trembled so much, but it was all she could do to keep it from shaking more.

"...How long are you asking for?"

"Just... just a month. No more, no less. I just want to... not think about the rumors, even if it's for a little while," she tried to reason. "I promise, I won't talk with anyone else in a romantic way, or go on a date-"

A low, rumbling growl left his lips, and she rushed to embrace him. The moment his strong arms wrapped around her waist, she nearly sobbed at his warmth and comfort, pushing her face into his chest, absorbing his smell, the familiar weight of his body pressing against hers.

But this moment couldn't last forever, even if she wished to stretch it out into infinity. She pulled away. "I'm so tired, Toshi. I'm tired of hearing all these bad things about us. Please... I need a break. Please."

And she would never know the way Wakatoshi's heart broke at the sheer exhaustion and pain in her voice. She would never know the absence of his strength as he let her go.

He would make sure she never knew of the way his soul shattered as he watched her walk away from him.

[...]

It hadn't even been a week before the others noticed. It wasn't hard, after all- a couple who were once attached to the hip were now skating away from each other like nervous cats.

The rumors of their "breakup" spread as the weeks went by, and so did the whispers amongst the alphas, the omegas, the betas, whose approval of the separation was more than apparent.

"See, I told you it wouldn't last."

"You think I can finally get a chance?"

"Betas like us can only get the short end of the stick. That's just how it is."

Ushijima's inner alpha bristled, the desire to snap at his classmates surging through his veins. But Tendō must've noticed, if the way he grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the gym wasn't an indicator.

"Alright, I know you two did something. What's goin' on?" he demanded while changing into his practice clothes. "Shizu ain't talkin' to me, so I'm gonna drag it out of you, whether you like it or not!"

Wakatoshi didn't want to say it aloud. It would make the separation more real, give it more power than he needed it to. But the words slipped out regardless: "Shizuka wanted a break from our relationship."

Tendō was quiet for a while after that. He changed his clothes in silence and went to stand by the door, fiery eyes staring blankly at the floor.

"She said that it was too much," Ushijima continued, his fingers clumsily fumbling with the shoelaces. "That she was tired, and wanted to rest."

Tendō still said nothing. He fiddled restlessly with the bandages on his fingers.

"...I didn't want to let her go." He clutched the fabric of his shorts, knuckles turning pale at the pressure. "But she... She cried. So much. I don't..." He felt his throat clogging, and he tried to cough out the lump that wouldn't disappear. "I don't understand. I thought we were happy..."

His friend sighed, and opened his mouth to say something, only for his gaze to harden. "What is it?" His voice sounded unusually harsh.

Ushijima was about to speak when his nose picked up a scent: the pungent smell of roses and vanilla. His lips curled downwards, closed tight to stifle the hostile growl that longed to escape his throat.

"I just wanted to know if Ushijima was here," a sickly sweet voice answered. "Can I see him? I promise I won't take long."

"Practice starts now. All observers have to leave," was Tendō's clinical response. "And he's changing, so no guests. Leave."

"I don't mind waiting-"

"Leave. Now."

"...Listen, you beta freak. You're not the boss of him, or me. You don't tell me what to do-"

"Coach Washijō does not allow visitors when practice starts." Ushijima decided to make his presence known, staring down at the omega he assumed was a member of another class. He didn't even know her name, or bother to learn it. "As Tendō said, it is time for you to leave."

The girl's face immediately lit up, completely ignoring the darkness in his eyes, and she showed him the bento box she was holding. "Toshi, I just wanted to say-"

"Do not call me that."

She froze, along with his teammates who had begun to enter the gym. Semi and Ōhira glanced at each other before slowly approaching.

"Why not?" she broke out of her stupor to whine. "That beta girl called you that all the time!"

"Because that is the name I allowed her to call me," he rumbled darkly, eyes beginning to flicker with rage. "I do not recall allowing you that right."

"Look, I just wanted to give you this." The omega tried to shove the bento into his hands; he refused to even touch it. "Y'know, it's for the best you broke up with her. Betas can't handle alphas the way we omegas can."

Ushijima's hands shook.

Tendō paled. "Stop right now-"

"It's the truth, isn't it? Our pheromones match together for a reason; it's in our biology! I admit, it was kinda interesting seeing you two fight it for so long, but you deserved better-"

He completely blanked out. Her disgusting smell, her shrill voice, it all blended together into one disorienting haze.

He couldn't process how Tendō and Semi rushed to grab his arms before he could claw her fucking eyes out, rip out her throat with his teeth, bleed her out onto the floor as he watched her die.

He couldn't process the omega's horrified scream as Ōhira pushed her away and demanded the underclassmen to take her out, with or without her permission.

He couldn't process the fact that he was releasing so many pheromones that promised death, death to that revolting omega, death to his cruel classmates, death death D E A T H-

He couldn't process that the blood-curdling howls were coming from his own throat as he screamed himself hoarse, begging for the return of the one he lost.

[...]

When Ushijima finally came to, it was at the nurse's office. Coach Washijō peered down at him while speaking with the nurse, briefly thanking her before turning his full attention to his prize player.

"Satori filled me in on the basic gist of what happened," he said, his normally strict voice oddly calm despite the events that occurred.

"...I apologize, coach." His voice was so shaky, it hurt to speak. "It won't happen again. It was a lapse of judgement. I will apologize to the girl as well."

"From what it looked like, it certainly didn't seem like just some 'lapse of judgement.'" The coach sighed before taking a seat on the bed. "Wakatoshi. As you are now, you are in no condition to play."

He lurched up on the bed, eyes wide, and immediately began to voice his complaints, but Washijō continued.

"Until you get your issues fixed and your priorities straight, I forbid you from attending practice for the remainder of this month."

Wakatoshi's throat clogged. What little strength he managed to gather disappeared yet again. "But the upcoming match-"

"Will have to continue on without you." The coach's steely gaze pierced through his student. "With your mental state being as fragile as it is, you being there won't change the outcome. Besides, don't think I haven't noticed you slacking off for the past few weeks; I only gave you a pass because of that girl who used to come by. Her wagashi is missed, by the way."

He fell silent at his coach's words, knowing them to be true. Ever since the separation, his spiking power had reduced significantly. He made more amateur mistakes, and missed several of the new setter, Shirabu's tosses.

Coach was right. He was currently not responsible enough to play. And that knowledge brought him pain. Not enough to forget the hole in his chest, but enough to make his bones ache.

"Kids, these days," Washijō mused with a huff. "So unwilling to fight for what they want. Back in my day, I just pursued the hell out of my wife, even though I was a beta and she was an omega. Best decision of my life."

Wakatoshi blinked at the sudden story. "Did you ever have... trouble?"

"Of course I did! But the alphas who loved to talk shit about me could never hold up in a fight," he boasted. "I knew I wasn't the best for her, but dear god, I loved that woman. Biology this, biology that, blah blah blah. It was still me that she chose." His chest briefly puffed up with pride, before he decided to turn to Ushijima. "If you ask me, kid, biology ain't nothin' but a load of horse dung. You want that girl, then it'll happen naturally, biology or not."

With those words and a brief stretch of his arms, he left the room. Tendō and the others soon replaced him, swarming Wakatoshi and telling him words that buzzed in his ears, something about the omega girl and his physical condition, about the upcoming practice match.

The coach's story still rung in his mind.

[...]

"Have you heard?" one of her clubmates whispered to another. "Ushijima's being disciplined."

Shizuka's ears pricked, carefully stirring her test cake batter.

"For real? What'd he do?"

"Y'know Yoshira Koharu? That really cute omega from 2-1? Apparently she tried to confess to him and he completely blew up at her face."

"Is that why she's not at school right now?"

Ushijima was disciplined? She suddenly flashed back to yesterday, when Satori had hinted to something bad happening a few hours before practice.

"So horrible that grungy Tanji actually cancelled practice," he had told her while helping her with her merengue cookies, "which is why my wonderful self is here to serve you~" But when she asked for more details, he wouldn't say anything more than the fact that Ushijima was involved before shoving a cookie in her mouth.

It tasted like chalk.

Lately, everything she made tasted like it. Like the ingredients knew her very soul was sucked out, and decided to not take any more of it for itself, lest she lose herself completely. But it seemed that it was far too late for that.

It had already been a month, yet the pain of their separation weighed more on her than the weight of the rumors and cruel words.

She needed to see him.

Without her realizing, after-school club had ended, and she mindlessly packed some of the test cake to take with her before setting off to Ushijima's dorm, where she nervously stood by the entrance.

She forgot- she was a girl, she wasn't allowed into the boy's dorms. Why now of all times to remember such a crucial detail...

"Aiumi? That's you, right?"

Jumping at the sudden familiar voice, she turned around to see Ōhira Reon, with a friendly smile and a wave.

"Um... Hi."

"Hey there. You need something?" He gestured to the building, and she nodded.

"Yeah. I was... hoping to talk to Waka- I mean, Ushijima."

At the mere mention of his name, Reon's smile dropped, eyes brimming with concern as he rubbed his chin.

"I wouldn't say he's in... the best mood to receive guests right now," he spoke carefully. "He's been having some trouble in practice, so he's been grumpy."

So it was true, she realized. Something bad happened to him. She couldn't help but look down at her shoes. She knew it was likely because of her.

"...But..." he continued, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "I'm sure he'd be happy to see you. You are his mate, after all."

And with that, he let her inside the dorms with some directions to his dorm room. It wasn't until she was standing in front of his door that she managed to process what it was he said.

Mate? Did he consider her his mate?

Her hand was propped at the door to knock when it swung open. Shizuka jumped, about to take her hand away when a warm grip grasped her wrist and tugged her inside.

Her yelp was muffled by the shirt her face was buried in, but the warmth that surrounded her needed no explanation. With a relieved sigh, she returned Wakatoshi's hug. It was comforting to know that he missed her just as much, if not more so, than she missed him.

"Shizu," he whispered with what could only be described as reverence, burying his face into the crook of her neck and inhaling deeply. "You're here."

"Yeah," she gasped out, patting his back. "I'm here."

"...I missed you."

The raw vulnerability in his voice brought tears to her eyes. She pushed her face further into his chest, savoring his familiar woody scent. "I missed you too, Toshi. I- I'm so sorry, about everything! About leaving, and not being strong enough!" Her sobs made her chest heave, and she weeped in his arms for some time, all the while he gently rubbed her back and hushed her, leading her to his bed to sit on it.

"Please don't apologize," he whispered to her, burying his nose in her hair. "You were strong. You still are. You just needed some rest, that's all."

They didn't talk for a while after that, just staying in each others' arms, taking in each others' warmth and scent, re-familiarizing themselves with one another.

But they didn't need words to know how the other was feeling: at peace.

The alpha in Wakatoshi huffed in content, more than eager to re-scent her after a month of separation. The urge came once again: he wanted to mark her, to make the bond so they could never be apart again.

But he didn't speak until Shizuka finally wiped her eyes and heaved out a big sigh of relief, leaning into his touch with a smile that finally reached the corners of her eyes. His heart felt lighter at the sight; it had been a while since he'd seen her smile so beautifully.

"I'm really sorry," Shizuka spoke again, turning in his arms to gaze deep into his eyes. Her lips were pressed in a tight line, and her brows were creased. "I thought a break would help me get my head together about the situation, but it didn't. I just felt more sad and lonely; I kept missing you so much I couldn't even think about the rumors that made me want a break in the first place."

Oh.

Wakatoshi could feel his heart jump; the knowledge that she missed him just as much as he missed her made his chest puff in pride, a soft purr-like growl erupting from his throat.

"I didn't mind too much," he spoke honestly, "because you returned to me. That is all I could ever ask for." He nuzzled the crook of her neck, and when his teeth lightly scraped the skin, he reveled in the way she shivered. "You are all I could ever ask for."

"That's definitely a lie," she said with a laugh. "Nothing could come between you and volleyball; nothing."

"You are just as important to me as volleyball."

"Sure, I'll believe that when you give up a game for me~"

"I did."

She flinched away to gape at him, eyes wide in shock. "...Does it have anything to do with the fact that you're being disciplined?"

"...Yes." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "An omega disrupted practice. She insulted you, and I..." He coughed into his hand and said nothing afterwards.

Shizuka just stared at him, stunned. While she knew of his distaste for omegas, the fact that whatever he did to Yoshira was due to her absence...

She couldn't help the tears prickling her eyes once again, even if she didn't want to. "I'm sorry. It's my fault. You can't even attend the next match..."

"No." He shook his head fervently, pushing her face back into his chest. "Don't blame yourself. While I could have reacted less extremely, I do not regret what happened. I would never let anyone disrespect my mate like that."

There was that word again: mate. The fear once again made its appearance in her stomach, but Shizuka refused to let it rise and consume her yet again.

"Y'know, if we do end up being mates," she started, "it'll be hard. We'll always get questioned; you'll have a harder time with ruts; and if you go pro- which you probably will- people will always try to get you." She couldn't help but gnaw on her thumb at that thought. "I can't mark or scent you like omegas can. What if you get tired of me?"

Wakatoshi hummed tunelessly, so bad that she couldn't help but laugh. "I like when you scent me. It reminds me that I'm yours. I don't mind that your mark will fade away either; you can simply replace it. And I am also worried about you going to culinary school: many people will likely try to get close to you, and I will not be able to be there to fend them off."

She couldn't help but whistle at the revelation of his worries. "Wow. The great Ushijima Wakatoshi is, deep down, a worrywart."

"So it would seem."

"Even so, would you be okay with that?" she asked, leaning back to look into his eyes. "Are you okay with me?"

He simply tilted his head. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't have asked you to date me."

"...Ah." There was the usual Wakatoshi bluntness she loved so much. But before she could say anything else, he gently took hold of her hands, rubbing the skin with his thumb.

"Shizuka, whether it's a month, a year, or a decade, I will wait however long it takes. All I ask is that I am the one you choose to return to." There was a tinge of uncharacteristic fear in his eyes that made his gaze cloudy. "You asked me if I could get tired of you. I think I should be the one asking you that. My ruts will make things difficult for you. My future career may bring unnecessary pressure on you. My status as an alpha may very well be a burden to you. Even so..."

She tried to shake her head (how could he possibly think himself to be a burden when he's been nothing but a balm to her aching heart), but he stopped her with a swift, gentle kiss to her cheek.

"I like you, Aiumi Shizuka. I choose you. I may not know much about love, but what I feel comes close to what I imagined it to be, because you make me happy. You make me think of a future."

The tears refused to stop now; even if she wanted to, the sobs heaving from her chest failed to cease.

(How did she ever deserve his love? His patience? When all she did was hurt him, he still accepted her with open arms. What did he even see in her?)

But, as if he somehow knew what was going through her mind, Wakatoshi cradled her face in his warm hands, thumbs softly brushing away her tears. He smiled at her; a clumsy, beautiful smile that put a stop to her downward spiral as she basked in its glory.

"Shizuka," he whispered, "will you ever get tired of me?"

Her crying made her voice tremble, but her answer was resolute: "Never. Never in a thousand years."

And she tackled him onto the mattress, nuzzling into his neck, scenting him so much that his chest rumbled in pleasure, arms wrapping around her smaller form to turn her onto her side so as to press his forehead against her own.

"I love you, Toshi," she finally admitted, placing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "I love you so much. And I will always choose you, always."

He huffed in relief, returning her chaste kiss with reddened cheeks, before shoving his face into the crook of her neck. He nosed at the skin, close to her glands, and pressing his lips against it. Shizuka shivered in his hands, and he reveled in the reaction, confident that one day, he would feel it yet again.

"Are you gonna mark me?" she asked quietly. He felt her hand slowly run through his hair, playing with the strands.

"Not tonight," he replied, purring at her gentle touch. "But soon."

Spoken with finality, it would be his promise to her. He would mark her and make her his mate.

Soon. All in due time. As they fought against the odds.

Together.

[...]

"Y'know, he's not as pissed as I thought he would be," Yamagata noticed as he drank from his water bottle alongside his friends.

Reon nodded. "Yeah, no kidding. I wonder what happened up there. Sure was a good thing, though. He's not as grumpy anymore, and he actually does well in practice now."

Tendō cackled, but much to his friends' chagrin, he added nothing else to the conversation other than a cheeky "He's a lucky bastard, that one."

But no one could deny the glow that emanated from the alpha as he sat by the coach's side, significantly calmer than before.

Semi sighed and cracked his knuckles. "Well, I better get a head start then."

"On what?" Yamagata asked curiously.

"On writing their wedding song, duh."

--------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: oh my god this has been in my drafts for forever, I'm so glad it's over with- but I'm also super proud of this!

Also I'm testing the read more rn, rip me