#or how the world is dark around them but when they're together it becomes bright;;

[tinyferalbeing]

[secriden]

ok OK HEAR ME OUT THO-- what if... because Liu Qingge was never meant to survive past the qi deviation in PIDM, he's the only non-transmigrator character who can see the influence of the system on the world?

i'm thinking it plays out something like this: lqg emerges from the Ling Xi caves to find he can see these... strings of what looks like energy flowing around. he can't really tell what it is, and at first he thinks its a new quirk of his latest breakthrough but when he rushes to help defend Qiong Ding Peak from the demon invasion, he realises that certain people have these auras of energy around that are especially pronounced. like he's mostly preoccupied with fighting off the demon invasion but distantly he notices that lbh has this golden glow (ie. protagonist golden halo) around him although its threaded through with dark red energy. curious. sqq also has this inexplicable dark energy around him that occasionally flashes bright blue when he seems to freeze and go absent minded. even stranger.

when mqf comes along, lqg asks about possession and mentions the strange energy but mqf assures him that they'd already tested it and that there's nothing wrong aside from the new poison in sqq's system. yqy also acts as if everything is normal even though everything is clearly NOT normal because sqq is acting very weird. but also all his weirdness happens around these pulses of blue and lqg starts wondering sqq's being forced into acting the way he is.

(yqy also has a dark aura about him although its different from sqq's. it's also very reactive towards sqq like they're tied together somehow and lqg finds it very disturbing.)

in this situation, i think sqq and lqg would have way more interactions because lqg's suspicious of sqq but also worried?? cuz he can tell that sqq is being manipulated/affected in some way. he starts hunting for monsters/beasts that help with fighting off possession or curing curses but none of them seem to have any effect. he notices the almost unnatural way sqq will act in contrary ways and how they're always attached to that same pulse of blue that only lqg can seem to see. he notices the weird way the aura's clash when sqq interacts with lbh or yqy and starts feeling protective because he can tell sqq is trying to cause as little harm as possible.

he starts wondering why no one else seems to care that something is clearly not alright with sqq. even if they can't see the aura and the energy bursts, surely its obvious just from what they know about sqq. he starts to become angry. then he becomes determined. because if no one else can see that some unknown entity is hurting sqq, then its just going to have to be lqg that saves him.

[mystery-salad]

The world is safe now.

You tell yourself that as Zhaitan clings to a tower of decay, crumbling beneath its claws as the canons aim true. The shots hit, cheers raise as the dragon topples down. Falling from view through the miasma it created below. No one can hear it hit the ground over the relieved shouts of victory ringing across the airships. But everyone feels it in a resounding rumble that shouldn't have carried through the air like that. The celebrating falters, confusion rising but not fast enough to prepare for what follows. The shockwave hits like nothing you've ever felt. Everything goes dark as the screams begin.

The world is safe now, Orr is not.

You wake up in the rubble as survivors try to make sense of what happened. The dragon is dead, but no one accounted for where all the consumed magic had to go. No one planned for this despite generations of preparation. Perhaps there's a reason for the dragons, you hear murmurs through the tents. But you didn't come this far to call it quits, and one land riddled with a decaying radiation can't stop the mission. The contamination in your blood won't stop you.

The world is safe now. Orr is gone.

Mordremoth stares you down from within his mind. You're like a weed that won't die, small and foreign but resilient and ready to take everything. The odds are against you with the team sent away, you can't face the gaze of the dead like last time. They're safe at a distance, you have to hope they got far enough as you defy the odds and strike another dragon down.

The world is safe, but there's a catch.

Trahearne shudders as your mind returns to your body, as you look around in wonder that there isn't a shockwave like last time. He's so calm as he explains the truth of it, defying how terrified he is of dying, of asking a friend to do this and stand at ground zero once again. But you stand just as calm, picking up the blade and telling him to close his eyes. You hope he'll rest well, wherever his life takes him next. As the blade cuts through, you know it's real as the shockwave begins just like last time. You brace for impact as much as you can.

The world is safe now. The desert is gone.

It's almost tempting to let Balthazar handle the rest, let the god walk a path of destruction to each dragon, sparing yourself further damage. But his path leaves so much unnecessary devastation...so here you are alone with another dragon. Well, not completely alone now. You have Aurene, though you're still not sure if that's truly a blessing any more. The two of you corner Kralkatorrik, the perfect trap laid deep underground in old sunspear ruins.

The world is safe now, until the dragon takes a last stand.

Waking up in wreckage is becoming normal to you. When did that happen, when did the panic vanish? No time to think on it as new plans have to be laid out. You chase him down, you and your dragon, to kill her grandfather and save the world again. Setbacks are numerous. It's harder to work alone on this one, so many soldiers are ready to see it to the end with you. You tell them they don't know what they're asking for and send them away again. Aurene, still a child, fights the dragon's minions nearly overwhelmed as you get to his heart and strike. You've never seen the explosion from inside before. It's so bright.

The world is safe now. The island is gone.

Is it worth it all? It has to be, you tell yourself, as people celebrate your victories in a shrinking world. Refugees who have fled the fallout zones don't seem to agree, but at least they're alive right? And you know you're almost done. Jormag and Primordus, opposites and twins, rise together and somehow feel like childsplay after the last one. Perhaps it's because aurene is an equal to them now. You don't dare to think of the devastation that would be left if she were to die now. Thankfully you don't have to as the siblings tear each other apart.

The world is safe now. The mountains are gone.

No one has seen the final dragon in ages, hidden away deep underwater until you stumble into the truth while chasing a lesser threat. Soo Won was so gentle once, but the void ravages all. It feasts on the magic you released so willingly into the world, your devastations have paved the way for this chaos.

The world is safe now, for the void to reform.

You've survived so much despite the odds, held together by the very magic degrading your bones and poisoning your blood. The void pulls at those strings as it taunts you through the voice of the dragon who started it all. It's the hardest fight you've ever faced. As Aurene pumps you full of power to survive, you wonder if your death would bring destruction too in this moment. But it's left a mystery as Soo Won falls and the void fades. There's a moment of peacefulness you've never felt before, the grandmother hanging on long enough to comfort her granddaughter. But she can't prevent the state of her death. The jade sea shatters beneath your feet as she dies.

The world is safe now. But how much of it is left?

[callsigns-haze]

All High

Chp 1

Eris x Rhysand's Sister!Reader

Summary: When there's an forced entry in the Beyonds woods is this the last time the Phoenii are protected?

Warning: Mentions of death and drinking, mentions of violence, angst, blood, fluff

*Serves as a one-shot but can be read as memories fade or the sequel loves haze series or now as All High

Eris lay in bed beside Y/N, the soft moonlight filtering through the curtains casting a gentle glow on their cabin. It was 4:26 in the morning, the time when the world was at its quietest. Eris woke first, his eyes opening to the serene sight of his mate peacefully sleeping beside him. He couldn’t help but smile as he gazed at her, marvelling at how beautiful she looked even in her sleep.

Gently, he ran his fingers through her strawberry blonde hair, still amazed that she had dyed it that colour just for him. The strands felt like silk under his touch still in her natural dark colour, and he marvelled at the way the moonlight danced across them, highlighting the subtle variations in colour. He leaned in closer, pressing his lips to her shoulder, planting delicate kisses along her skin. He could feel her warmth radiating beneath his lips, her steady breaths a soothing rhythm against his chest.

He kissed his way down her back, each kiss a silent declaration of love and gratitude. The soft sigh that escaped her lips as she began to stir sent a wave of tenderness through him. Her eyes fluttered open, their usual brightness dulled by sleep, but the love and trust in them were unmistakable as she turned to face him.

"Why are you up so early?" she asked, her voice a sleepy whisper, filled with curiosity and affection. She nestled closer to him, her head resting against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

Eris smiled softly, his fingers tracing gentle patterns along her arm. "I'm used to getting up this early," he replied. "Our little Avey will be awake soon, and anyway, we need to wake Finna up soon too."

Y/N sighed contentedly, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his chest. "You’re always thinking ahead," she murmured, her voice filled with affection and a touch of admiration. "But right now, let's just enjoy these few quiet moments together, and please shh."

Eris nodded, pulling her closer into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. "I wouldn’t trade this for anything," he said, his voice a tender whisper. "These moments with you, they're everything to me."

They lay there in silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. Eris continued to run his fingers through her hair, occasionally pressing kisses to her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. Each touch, each kiss, was a reaffirmation of his love and devotion. The quiet was a rare luxury, a precious gift in the midst of their busy lives.

Just as the first light of dawn began to creep into the room, they heard a soft cry from down the hall. Eris's ears perked up, recognizing the sound immediately.

"That's Avey," he said with a gentle smile, pressing one last kiss to Y/N's lips. "Looks like our little one is awake."

Y/N sighed and smiled, her eyes still heavy with sleep but filled with love. "She's got good timing," she murmured, nestling closer to Eris for one more moment of warmth before they had to get up.

Eris reluctantly let go, rolling out of bed and stretching. "You stay here for a moment," he said, tucking the covers back around Y/N. "I'll go get Avey and check on Finna."

Y/N watched him go, her heart full of love and gratitude for the man who had become her everything. Moments later, she heard Avey's cries quiet as Eris comforted their daughter, and she couldn't help but smile.

As he entered the nursery, the sight of his daughter standing in her crib, clutching her favourite blanket and rubbing her eyes, melted his heart.

“Hey, little one,” he whispered gently, lifting her from the crib and cradling her in his arms. Avey's cries turned to soft whimpers as she nestled against his chest, her tiny fingers clutching his shirt.

“Shh, it’s alright, Avey. Daddy’s here,” he murmured, rocking her back and forth. He ran his fingers through her fine hair, his touch soothing and familiar. Avey’s whimpers gradually ceased, replaced by the steady rhythm of her breathing as she calmed down in his embrace.

He hummed a soft lullaby, the same one his mother had sung to him when he was a child along with his brothers . Avey’s eyes slowly fluttered closed, her small body relaxing completely against him. Eris continued to rock her gently, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before carrying her over to the changing table.

“Let’s get you changed and comfy,” he whispered, carefully laying her down and going through the familiar routine of changing her diaper and dressing her in a fresh onesie. Avey stirred slightly but remained mostly asleep, her trust in him absolute.

Once she was comfortable, Eris lifted her again, holding her close as he made his way to Finna’s room. He pushed open the door quietly, peeking inside to check on his son. Finna was sprawled out in his toddler bed, his soft snores filling the room. Eris couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

Satisfied that Finna was still sound asleep, Eris gently closed the door and headed back to the nursery, settling into the rocking chair with Avey in his arms. He rocked her slowly, humming the lullaby again until she was deeply asleep.

Finally, he stood up, carrying her back to her crib and laying her down with utmost care. He tucked her blanket around her and brushed a final kiss across her forehead. “Sleep well, my little princess,” he whispered before quietly exiting the room and heading back to his own bed, where Y/N waited, a sleepy smile on her face.

“Is she alright?” Y/N asked softly as Eris climbed back into bed beside her.

“She’s perfect,” Eris replied, pulling her into his arms. “And Finna is still asleep too. Let’s get a little more rest before they both wake up.”

Y/N snuggled closer, her eyes already drifting closed. “Thank you, Er,” she murmured, her voice filled with love and contentment.

Eris held her close, the warmth of her body a comfort against his. “Always,” he whispered, closing his eyes and allowing himself to drift back to sleep, grateful for these precious moments with his family.

---

Ever since Eris and Y/N had risen to life like phoenixes, they had devoted themselves to caring for the land beyond the forest. Their resurrection had brought them closer, their bond forged anew in the fires of their shared history and love. The land they tended was a place of magic and wonder, thriving under their watchful eyes and nurturing hands.

Eris waking up at seven to run the business was nothing new. The responsibilities of maintaining their realm required constant attention, but he had found a balance that allowed him to fulfil his duties while still cherishing time with his family. Today, however, his schedule included a longer meeting in the town hall, and he needed to get dressed and leave before Y/N woke up.

As the first light of dawn crept into the room, Eris quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Y/N. She slept peacefully, her soft breaths a soothing reminder of their shared journey. He gazed at her for a moment, the sight of her tranquil face filling him with love and determination.

Eris moved through their cozy cabin with practiced silence. He brewed a pot of coffee, the rich aroma filling the kitchen as he sipped from his mug, reviewing the documents for his meeting. The task at hand involved coordinating efforts with the nearby village, ensuring that their resources were distributed fairly and efficiently.

After finishing his coffee, Eris dressed in his formal attire, the garments a blend of practicality. He checked his reflection briefly in the mirror, adjusting his collar and smoothing his hair. Satisfied, he scribbled a quick note for Y/N, leaving it on the kitchen table where she would easily find it:

“Good morning, love. Had to leave early for a meeting in town. Be back soon. Lets take the kids to the lake today. I love you. —Your Flame.”

Y/N stirred as the first rays of dawn peeked through the cabin window. Eris had left early for a meeting in town, leaving her to wake the kids and get them ready on her own. It was a routine morning task, but one she approached with a mixture of determination and fondness for her little ones.

She slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb Eris, but realised who was already gone. Padding down the hall, she peeked into Finna's room first. He was curled up under his favourite blanket, his tousled hair framing his peaceful face. Y/N smiled softly, brushing a lock of hair away from his forehead before gently shaking his shoulder.

"Finna, sweetheart, time to wake up," she whispered.

Finna stirred and blinked sleepily, rubbing his eyes. "Mommy?"

"Yes, it's time to get up, little one," Y/N replied, pulling back his covers and helping him sit up. "Daddy had to leave early this morning, so it's just us today."

Finna nodded, a small frown creasing his brow as he processed the information. Y/N knew he missed his father when he was away but trusted that their morning together would bring comfort.

After dressing Finna in his favourite shirt and pants, Y/N moved on to Avey's nursery. Her daughter was already awake, cooing softly in her crib. Y/N scooped Avey up into her arms, smiling at the baby's gurgles of delight.

"Good morning, my sweet girl," Y/N murmured, pressing a kiss to Avey's chubby cheek. "Let's get you changed and ready for the day."

With gentle efficiency, Y/N changed Avey's diaper and dressed her in a soft, floral onesie. Avey reached up, grasping Y/N's finger with her tiny hand, her dark eyes wide and curious.

Once both children were dressed, Y/N led them to the kitchen for breakfast. Finna eagerly dug into his cereal with slight assistance from you, occasionally stealing glances at the empty chair where Eris usually sat. Y/N’s heart squeezed at the sight, but she maintained a calm demeanour for her children.

As they finished eating, Y/N wiped Finna's face clean and turned to him with a bright smile. "How about we go wild strawberry picking today while Daddy works? Remember how fun it was last time?"

Finna's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yes, Mommy! Can we bring some back for Daddy?"

"Of course," Y/N replied, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Let's get our baskets ready. Avey, you'll come with us too, won't you?"

Avey gurgled happily, her chubby legs kicking in approval.

With everything prepared, Y/N gathered their supplies and headed out with Finna and Avey in tow. The forest surrounding their cabin was alive with morning sounds, birds singing in the trees and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. The air was crisp and cool, promising a beautiful day ahead.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, Y/N couldn't help but feel grateful for the peace and beauty of their surroundings. She glanced down at Finna, who skipped along beside her, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"We're going to find the best strawberries, Mommy," Finna declared with confidence.

"I'm sure we will," Y/N replied, her heart swelling with love for her children and the life they had built together, the life Eris could only give her.

Meanwhile, in the distance, Borra, the leader of their armies, quietly observed from a respectful distance. He had been ordered by Eris to watch over his family during his absence. Borra's presence was a reassuring one, a silent guardian ensuring their safety while they enjoyed their morning together in the forest.

Y/N walked through the forest, her heart light as she carried Avey in her arms. Finna was a few steps ahead, his small hands busy plucking the juiciest wild strawberries he could find. The morning was serene, with the soft chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves creating a peaceful symphony.

As she walked, she sensed Borra approaching. She glanced up and saw the leader of their armies making his way towards her, his expression calm and respectful. Y/N knew Eris had sent him to watch over them, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit exasperated by the constant need for supervision.

"Good morning, Lady Y/N," Borra greeted, inclining his head slightly as he approached. His presence was imposing, yet there was a gentleness in his demeanour.

"Good morning, Borra," Y/N replied with a small smile. "How are things?"

"All is well, my lady," he answered, his eyes briefly scanning the surroundings before returning to her. "Eris asked me to ensure your safety while he is away."

Y/N sighed softly, adjusting Avey in her arms. Eris worried about you, about his kids. You appreciated his care but each time he'd bring up the lines, 'I've lost you once and I cant lose either you or the kids, not after last time,' and you're not going to argue with him. "I appreciate the concern, but I am quite capable of taking care of my children and myself."

Borra nodded, understanding her sentiment. "I do not doubt your capabilities, my lady, I know the great power you hold. However, Eris would not forgive himself if anything happened to you or the children in his absence. I am here merely as a precaution."

Y/N studied Borra for a moment, noting the sincerity in his eyes. She knew he was only following orders and genuinely cared for their well-being. "Very well," she conceded with a gentle smile. "You may stay, but please, try to blend in. I don't want Finna to feel like he's under constant guard."

Borra chuckled softly. "I will do my best, my lady."

As they continued walking, Borra fell into step beside Y/N, his presence a silent but reassuring one. They chatted casually about the state of the lands beyond the forest, the progress of the new crops, and other mundane topics. Y/N appreciated the company more than she cared to admit, and Borra's insights were always valuable.

Finna, oblivious to the conversation between his mother and Borra, continued his enthusiastic search for strawberries. He would occasionally call out to Y/N, showing off his finds with a proud smile.

"Mommy, look at this one! It's so big!" Finna exclaimed, holding up a particularly large strawberry.

Y/N beamed at her son. "That's a wonderful one, Finna! You're doing a great job."

Avey squirmed happily in her mother's arms, her tiny fingers reaching out to grasp a stray lock of Y/N's hair. Y/N pressed a kiss to her daughter's forehead, feeling a swell of love and contentment.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Y/N realized it was time to head back home for lunch. She watched Finna with a fond smile as he continued to gather strawberries, his small basket nearly overflowing with the bright red fruit.

Crouching down beside him, she gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Finna, sweetheart, we need to head home for lunch now."

Finna looked up at her with a pout, his hazel eyes reflecting his disappointment. "But Mommy, I found so many strawberries! Can't we stay a little longer?"

Y/N chuckled softly, brushing a stray lock of his strawberry light brown hair away from his forehead. "I know, my love, and you've done an amazing job. But we need to get home and eat. You don't want to miss lunch, do you?"

Finna's pout deepened, but he reluctantly nodded. "Okay, Mommy."

Y/N stood up, adjusting Avey in her arms as she smiled down at her son. "We'll come back soon, I promise. And we can bring Daddy next time too."

At the mention of his father, Finna's expression brightened a little. "Alright, Mommy. Let's go home."

As they began their journey back, Borra fell into step behind them, maintaining a respectful distance. Y/N appreciated his discretion, knowing he was there to protect them without making Finna feel uncomfortable.

The walk back to the cabin was filled with Finna's excited chatter about all the strawberries he had found and his plans to show them to Eris. Y/N listened with a warm smile, occasionally responding and encouraging his enthusiasm.

Once they reached the cabin, Y/N ushered Finna inside and set Avey down in her crib for a nap. She then began preparing lunch, her mind already thinking of the delightful meal they would share together. Finna climbed up to his seat at the table, his small hands still clutching his basket of strawberries.

"You did a great job today, Finna," Y/N praised, placing a plate of sandwiches in front of him. "Daddy will be so proud of you."

Finna beamed, his earlier disappointment forgotten as he eagerly dug into his lunch.

Y/N was in the middle of helping Finna with his lunch, encouraging him to take bigger bites of his sandwich, when she heard the front door open. A familiar presence filled the cabin, and she looked up to see Eris stepping inside. His ginger red hair was slightly tousled from the wind, and a warm smile spread across his face as he took in the scene.

“Daddy!” Finna exclaimed, his hazel eyes lighting up with excitement. He jumped down from his seat and ran towards Eris, his little arms reaching up for a hug.

Eris crouched down and scooped Finna into his arms, lifting him up effortlessly. “Hey, buddy,” he said, pressing a kiss to Finna’s cheek. “Did you have a good morning with Mommy?”

Finna nodded enthusiastically. “We picked so many strawberries, Daddy! And I found the biggest one ever!”

Eris laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Y/N watched the interaction with a smile, her heart swelling with love. She rose from her seat and walked over to greet Eris. He leaned in to kiss her gently on the lips, his touch tender and filled with affection.

“You’re back earlier than I expected,” Y/N said, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face.

Eris nodded, still holding Finna. “The meeting ended sooner than anticipated. I wanted to come home and spend the rest of the day with you all.”

Y/N’s smile widened. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Eris looked around the cabin, noticing the absence of their youngest. “Where’s Avey?”

“I put her down for a nap earlier,” Y/N replied. “She was getting a bit fussy.”

Eris nodded, his expression softening. “Good. She needs her rest.”

“Why don’t you join us for lunch?” Y/N suggested, gesturing to the table.

Eris nodded, setting Finna down before taking a seat beside him. Y/N placed a plate of sandwiches in front of him and then returned to help Finna with his meal.

As they all settled in for lunch, the cabin was filled with laughter and conversation. Eris listened intently as Finna recounted their strawberry-picking adventure, his eyes bright with excitement.

After they finished eating, Finna looked up at Eris with pleading eyes. “Daddy, can we go swimming? Please? Since you’re home?”

Eris glanced at Y/N, who gave him an encouraging nod. He smiled and turned back to Finna. “Of course we can, buddy.”

Their cabin was long and set upon a high coast by the side of the lake. Eris had ensured to build a stepway down to the lake, leading to their own little deck. The family headed upstairs to change into their swimwear. Finna could barely contain his excitement as he tugged on his swimsuit, and Eris chuckled at his son's enthusiasm.

Y/N watched from the deck, a content smile on her face as she held Avey. She then stepped into the cool water, walking knee-deep while holding her daughter. Avey giggled at the sensation, her little feet kicking in the water.

Y/N changed into her swimwear as well, then carefully picked up Avey, who had just woken up from her nap. They all made their way down the steps, Finna bouncing with excitement.

They reached the deck, Finna immediately began tugging off his cover-up, eager to jump into the water. Eris followed suit, and soon they were both splashing around in the lake, their laughter echoing across the water.

Eris swam over to the deck and leaned in to kiss Y/N. “Thank you for this,” he whispered. “For everything.”

Y/N returned the kiss, her heart full. “We’re a team, remember?”

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the lake, Y/N and Eris sat on the lounge chair wrapped in blankets and towels. The cool evening air was a welcome contrast to the heat of the day. Avey lay on Eris's chest, her little body rising and falling with each of his breaths, completely at peace. Finna was snuggled up on Y/N's lap, his soft snores a comforting background to the gentle rustling of the leaves.

---

Eris wrapped an arm around Y/N, pulling her closer. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. The serene moment was perfect, filled with the sounds of nature and the comfort of family.

“Look at her,” Eris murmured, his eyes soft as he gazed down at Avey. “She’s so peaceful.”

Y/N smiled, her heart swelling with love. “Just like her father.”

Eris chuckled quietly, his chest vibrating against Avey. “And Finna? He’s got your spirit, you know.”

Y/N looked down at their son, his light strawberry brown hair tousled from sleep. “He’s our little adventurer,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

They sat in comfortable silence, watching the sky shift through a spectrum of colors. The tranquility of the moment was a stark contrast to the tumultuous journey they had been through. Rising like phoenixes, they had created a haven for themselves and their children.

Eris's fingers traced lazy patterns on Y/N’s arm, his touch a constant reassurance. She sighed contentedly, closing her eyes and soaking in the warmth of his presence. It was moments like these that made everything worth it.

Just as they were about to drift into a shared nap, Borra approached with urgency in his steps. “My lord, my lady,” he said, his voice tense but respectful.

Eris turned to him, concern immediately etching his features. “What is it, Borra?”

Borra took a deep breath, glancing at Y/N before speaking. “There’s someone near the Beyond’s forest. I thought you should know.”

Eris’s expression shifted instantly to one of alertness. He gently handed Avey to Y/N, his eyes meeting hers with a silent message of caution. “Take Avey and Finna inside,” he instructed her firmly. “Borra, stay with them and make sure they’re safe.”

Y/N nodded, her heart quickening with worry but trusting Eris implicitly. She gathered Finna in one arm, balancing Avey in the other, and hurried back to the cabin with Borra close behind her.

As she stepped inside, she looked back at Eris one last time, her eyes conveying both love and concern. He gave her a reassuring nod before turning to address the potential threat. Inside the cabin, Y/N set Avey down in her crib and settled Finna on a couch, his little body still heavy with sleep.

Borra stood by the door, his stance protective. “I’ll be right here, my lady,” he said, his voice steady.

Y/N nodded, grateful for his presence. “Thank you, Borra.”

She glanced out the window, watching Eris disappear into the trees. Her heart ached with worry, but she took a deep breath, focusing on the safety of her children. She knew Eris would do everything in his power to protect them, just as she would.

Borra noticed the tears welling in Y/N's eyes as she stared out the window, her gaze fixed on the spot where Eris had disappeared into the trees. He could see the distress etched on her face, the fear she was trying to keep at bay. Quietly, he approached her, his footsteps soft on the wooden floor.

"Y/N," Borra said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

She turned to him, her composure faltering. "I'm so scared, Borra," she admitted, her voice trembling. "After everything we've been through... I can't bear the thought of losing him."

Borra nodded, understanding the depth of her fear. He pulled her into a comforting embrace, his strong arms providing the support she needed. Despite being the leader of their armies, Borra had always been a close friend to both Eris and Y/N, someone they could rely on in times of need.

"You won't lose him," Borra whispered, his voice firm yet soothing. "Eris is strong, and he’ll do everything in his power to come back to you and the children."

Y/N buried her face in Borra's chest, letting the tears fall freely. The weight of her worries and fears pressed down on her, but Borra's presence was a steady anchor, grounding her in the moment. He held her as she cried, his hands rubbing soothing circles on her back.

"I'm sorry," Y/N said, her voice muffled against his shirt. "I shouldn't be falling apart like this."

Borra shook his head, gently lifting her chin so she could see the sincerity in his eyes. "You have every right to be scared," he said softly. "You're not alone in this. We're all here for you, and we’ll get through this together."

Y/N nodded, taking a shaky breath as she tried to compose herself. "Thank you, Borra," she whispered. "For everything."

He gave her a small, reassuring smile. "That's what friends are for. And Eris will be back soon, you'll see."

They stood there for a few moments longer, the room filled with a comforting silence. Y/N felt a bit of her fear ease away, replaced by a flicker of hope. She knew Borra was right – they had faced so much already and come out stronger on the other side. This would be no different.

As Y/N pulled back slightly, wiping the tears from her cheeks, she glanced at her children, still peacefully asleep. She felt a surge of determination. For their sake, she had to stay strong. And for Eris, she had to believe in his strength and their love.

Borra squeezed her shoulder one last time before stepping back, giving her the space to collect her thoughts. "I'll keep watch," he said. "If there's any news, you'll be the first to know."

Y/N nodded, feeling a renewed sense of resolve. "Thank you, Borra," she repeated, her voice steadier now. He gave her a reassuring nod before taking his place by the door, ever vigilant.

Tagging some:

@callsign-magnolia

@kmc1989

@hardballoonlove

@senawashere

@hookslove1592

@marvel-molly

@lucky7rosie

@daughterofthemoons-stuff

@lilah-asteria

@crossfandomslut

@pit-and-the-pen

@inky-sun

@the-sweet-psycho

@why4anne

@bunnyredgirl

@rcarbo1

@pandabiiissh

@adalia-jaycee

@swiftie-4-lifes-stuff

@minaethrym

[hermitcrabstar]

My personal main Kirby character head canons 🌟 (sorry it's long and messy)

Characters in order: Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, Bandana Waddle Dee, Galacta Knight, Dark Meta Knight, Morpho Knight

Kirby:

- the definition of gluttony; will try to eat any food spotted

- extreme fear of caterpillar creatures

- is young but not baby; can understand basic speech

- really carefree nature, accidentally causes trouble

- can talk, just prefers not to

- copies abilities from characters and objects (if copies an ally, can spit them back out after like Light Novel)

- summons a warpstar by wishing for it to appear

- has a phone but it's always uncharged (can sorta telepathically send requests to the other Kirbys like the warp star)

Meta Knight (Meta):

- has 2 pairs of wings (real and cape)

- has an extreme sweet tooth (tries really hard to sneak eating it however)

- keeps everything he takes with him in his cape (armor/candy/sword)

- normally has white colored eyes and pink blushes (when preparing for a battle he'll put contacts and concealer to hide those)

- is prone to being startled (still tries his hardest to hide it)

- has a fear of ghosts

- jumps to action without thinking things through

- seemingly cold, is actually lonely so appreciates Kirby and the others company deep down

- will do anything to upkeep his stark image

- arms are like Kirby's, just stretched out to accommodate the gloves

- has spying and watchful nature

- height complex

King Dedede:

- somewhere in the middle of greedy/selfish and kind/caring

- loves eating meat and junk food

- always has his hammer on him, feels less safe without it (kept in his robe)

- has a fear of stinging insects (like bees/wasps)

- Loves to challenge others in feats to try and prove his greatness

- loves giving/receiving hugs

Bandana Waddle Dee (Bandee/Waddle Dee):

- loves eating apples/drinking apple juice

- will lose self worth if without his bandana

- struggles fitting in with other Waddle Dees

- experienced in weilding spears and parasols (Dedede holds onto his weapons when he's not using them and they're together)

- has trouble refusing requests asked of him by others

- looks up to King Dedede, mentored by Meta Knight, and is best friends with Kirby

- personality is anxious, selfless, and loyal

Galacta Knight (Gala):

- has one pair of wings always exposed (wings shed lots of feathers)

- sweet tooth like Meta Knight, but doesn't try to hide it like Meta

- normally also has white eyes and darker pink blushes (also has contacts and concealer)

- is prone to getting rage (patience is thin)

- has claustrophobia

- very outgoing compared to Meta (was actually a very kind knight in hero days, and that still shows from time to time)

- stores equipment with magic

- has a large appetite compared to the other knights

(Aeon Hero Light):

- can spontaneously transform with lots of positive emotions

- flies more often

- becomes more playful and affectionate (great at working together and teamwork)

- can use advanced light magic to heal once

(Aeon Hero Dark):

- can spontaneously transform with lots of negative emotions

- flies more often

- becomes solitary and wants to handle things on his own

- can use advanced dark magic to seal something with heart spears

*(For both forms respectively Galacta Knight can absorb the emotions of those around him even if he himself isn't feeling them, and can also store the energy for later)

Dark Meta Knight (DMK):

- wings like Meta's except torn

- will try to steal others candy

- eyes are same situation with Meta (no scar on the eye)

- hates bright lights

- likes to mimic Meta Knight (like how he does in Amazing Mirror)

- mostly angry at times, gets into fights a lot

- despite his scary and now ruined reputation, actually wasn't evil before the mirror world was corrupt, so he's kinda tsundere, but is actually thankful for Kirby and the others help in saving him

- but the corruption isn't completely gone, and will flare up on circumstance or he gets angry enough, and his eyes will turn red and will lose control of himself

- loves to play pranks and laugh

Morpho Knight (Morpho):

- butterfly wings (can't fold)

- rarely ever eats solid food (loves drinking juice and liquids)

- favorite thing to eat is honey

- white eyes

- loves to fly

- loves following people

- very stoic

- can turn into a butterfly

- has a mouth, is just able to keep it hidden similar to Waddle Dees

- is actually pretty lonely

[ithebookhoarder]

Marc and Steven with a Murdock? Like Daredevil?? If you want, of course ❤️🖤

The Moon Boys with a Murdock!Reader

A/N: Of course I want to! 😆 I'm only sorry it took me so long to answer this. However, I seem to be on a roll today - I can't believe I've got two requests out?! Like, who even am I?

Masterlist

As you said with a Murdock, I’m going with a sibling vibe here which would be pretty adorable anyway as Matt would be such a good brother if he’d ever had the chance.

He would be incredibly close with you and take his role as your protector as seriously as he takes his role as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. 

You’re the only one he lets know his true self as you’ve been through everything he has. You’ve shared the happiest and saddest moments of your lives together and the bond it forged is as strong as vibranium.

It holds you both together, not matter what you go through or where you end up - including when you both end up at colleges on opposite sides of the country. 

You’re extremely careful to never let him pull too far away from you, even when he gets in one of his moods. In fact, you’re sure to turn up and let yourself in to his apartment when he goes too quiet and even Foggy can’t seem to pull him out of the darkness that haunts him. 

It’s why you don’t run away when the Moon Boys come crashing in to your lives. The chaos that seems to follow them and their fears that they are too much for you is honestly familiar. Every attempt to push you away only makes you draw nearer - first as a friend, later as something more. 

You’d probably meet Moon Knight first around New York. I mean, it's kind of hard not to come across him, given what Matt does and how chaos seems to find its way into your lives.

He'd be the latest adoptee into the Defenders / New York 'Avengers reject club' (your name for the gang, not theirs...) so you'd quickly end up involved in each other's lives.

You'd bond pretty quickly, once you get to know one another without the personas and danger. After all, I think Steven would be eager to find friends who aren't necessarily supers and just like to drink coffee, read novels and go to the dog park at the weekend.

He'd be super keen to get to know you. You're one of the only people who get what their life is like, but also have a foot in the real world.

You'd win over Marc later on, wearing him down with your positivity and unwavering optimism (and also Steven will not shut up about you).

You're not afraid of the darker parts of their world, and become a much needed safe space for Marc, once he lets his guard down.

For instance, you'd be great at patching him up - having had enough practise on Matt over the years. You're also used to having someone nocturnal in the house, coming and going at all hours of the night. Plus, you can obviously be trusted to keep a secret or two.

If anything, Marc's only reluctant to let you get close to him as he doesn't want to taint you. To ruin something so bright and wonderful by dragging you into his darkness.

If Matt's ok with putting you in danger, then that's up to him as your brother. You're family. But for Marc and Steven to do that? It's a line they're unwilling to cross... until you prove to them you aren't going anywhere. That you can handle yourself and that you're already in this mess anyway, so why shouldn't you both be happy?

From that moment on, there's no looking back for any of you. You're leaping in to this together head first, and soon enough you can't imagine life any other way.

Matt, however, can.

Let's be real, he wouldn’t be the biggest fan of Steven and Marc. In fact, he’d be pretty against your relationship the minute he finds out about it. 

One, because he thinks no one is worthy of you.

Two, because he hates the idea of you getting hurt or being in danger and being in a relationship with multiple people who all serve an ancient Egyptian deity as his personal vigilante is the very definition of dangerous. 

"I... I can't even begin to understand how you could possibly think this is a good idea? At all? He - they - are literally the puppets of an Egyptian god - a GOD, Y/N. You don't want to get in the middle of all that?"

You quickly remind him how he gave a similar speech to Karen when he found out about her and Frank Castle seeing each other, and that didn't work. Last time you checked, they're still blissfully in love.

"Besides, Matthew! You're the one who goes running around at night, getting in fights, wearing a glorified halloween costume. Like, I am the SANE sibling here. ALSO! Marc and Steven were forced into their situation. They didn't go looking for it like a crazy nut job. So, yeah. I think if anything, you don't have a leg to stand on here!"

Matt would be able to sense who was fronting the moment they appeared. He’d be able to recognise them from the way their heart is beating and their mannerisms the second they stepped through the door, which is helpful but also incredibly unsettling. 

Steven would brush it off, seeing it as Matt just being a kind brother to you. However, I think Marc would have more of a problem with Matt’s hostility, and enhanced senses. It puts him on edge to know they are being so closely scrutinised. 

They also have the same temperament so I can imagine there will be more than a few clashes in the beginning, their similar brusque natures making it hard for them to not bump heads. 

However, after Matt learns about Marc’s DID and his childhood trauma I think he’d be more sympathetic. After all, you both didn’t have the easiest childhood either. 

He also knows what it’s like to live with a condition that can make your life harder but also makes you unique. 

According to the comics, both of them are known to be good detectives and also keen boxers. I can totally see them building a reluctant respect for one another after they realise they have more in common than just their love for you. 

In fact, I know you’d have to pull them out of the ring after Marc agrees to a sparring match with the famous ‘Devil’. The pair of them would get a weird pleasure from trying to beat the other to a pulp - they don’t often find someone evenly matched to have a friendly bout or two with. 

At least it would once again prove to Matt that your boys could definitely take care of you if you ever needed it. 

Matt would definitely be sure to offer his legal advice whenever he’s concerned you both might be skating on thin ice with the law. Apparently, ‘I’m being controlled by an Ancient Egyptian God’ hasn’t ever been tried as a legal defence in the American justice system before… and Matt is oddly willing to try it. 

[oceanlipgloss]

FINGERTIPS

ANDREALPHUS.

+ warnings: erotic themes, light angst.

+ female mc, feminine pronouns.

Fingertips and soft white skin, fingertips and ridged black bone.

Not just warm. They could feel electric too. Especially when she touched him like she always did—those silky fingers ghosting over his promising lips, his quivering lashes, his curling horns.

Slow. She liked to start out slow. Gentle and sweet. He had been through so much already; a man all alone, with a fractured heart and weeping soul. Bloody hands, dark nothings, cruel world. He had had nothing else for so long—vengeance and sadness for company—and habits of solitude's creation take time to melt.

She never wanted to startle him. He, on the other hand, sensed her whenever she was around. It was somewhat similar to being able to feel pictures moving across a TV screen from far away inside the house, even if they're unseen. It was like catching the glimmer of alcohol in a dark bottle. Who was most responsible for that? Her heart, her presence, her scent?

Whenever she leaned towards him, things became more apparent. She smelled very pleasant—not of cosmetics or perfume, but of her. And they felt quite ticklish against his face, her warm breaths. So then, he kind of found himself smiling despite himself.

Why was she on her tiptoes—this careful—when their bodies were so close? He knew that all he had to do was extend his fingers a little to brush her softness. He couldn't ignore his heart, though, swollen as it was at the sentiment.

The answer to his musing was nearby, and so he shall understand; for in the next moment, resting on the base of his horn would be her hand. A touch lighter than air, warmer than summer—a sunkissed feather. Yet, how he trembled!

Something irrestible always seemed to spark out of her fingertips when they stroked his horns. Tender caress, electric finish. So hard to silently deal with.

Her indulgent touches, his quiet moans. Heavy-headed with desire, dazed with passion. A woman's lazy fingers moving up and down, high and low, beginning to glisten.

But that wasn't enough, was it?

Still, take it slow, follow through with a press of her hot tongue; underneath its wet flesh, hard ripples felt ever so symmetrical, ever so perfect.

Time to take things up a notch.

To lick the curves she let her body shift and rise. Again and again, over and over.

Was it an illusion, how she felt as though his heaving chest were chained to her own? Wouldn't it be stupid to think that that was the hardness of her knee between his legs, and not heat becoming solid, statuesque?

Hand and tongue, moving together. Fingers and their syrupy tips, gliding along the spiral. Lips and their wetness, tasting bright arousal. Kisses all over dark bone, butterflies fluttering their wings of fire.

She saw white paint the jagged spaces in between and thought that it was like melting pearls—just as lovely, just as precious—as it dripped off his head and onto the floor. She wished she could hold out her palms to treasure them all. How pretty, how sweetly fragrant they were.

One last kiss to the pearly tip before taking it between her teeth. Bone tastes of blandness and salt, but desire's flavour was just right in times like these.

Souls and bodies need to fall apart sometimes—it can feel sinfully nice—so fall apart he did.

Soon the ruining hands would rest moist palms on his flushed cheeks, the defiant lips would meet his, and he would savour how the hours of night would be sugar-sweet, electric.

+note: I love him. I love him so, so much. MC better love the fuck out of him during his H-scene, or else I'm putting her soul in a blender and pouring it into a sippy cup for baby devils to drink.

+ MASTERLIST

+ AO3 POST

©𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨

[egg-emperor]

In a cyberpunk world covered in smog, Eggman factories/theme parks and filled with scared civilians, empty shells, robotomized drones, robot servants, mind controlled slaves you'd probably be the only living being genuinely smiling and happy under Eggman's superior glorious rule. In a crowd full of frightened peasants and empty shells that given up any hope of freedom, singing the daily egg national anthem , the sheer genuine joy and enthusiasm on your face stands out like a beaming ray of light.

Your enthusiasm brings the egg immense joy, he would be pleased with your service and genuine loyalty.❤️

Yesss I love that. Most people were forced into it after he succeeded in taking over the world, whether by harm and threat or full robotomy and anyone who ever felt positively only did due to brainwashing or delusion of the kind of person he was and his plans for the world, until they actually had to live it

Now the world is dark and polluted with smog covering the skies and deadly theme parks, robots, and factories all around. There's no way to escape his powerful reign, it's all encompassing, taking up more and more of the land day by day and leaving everyone with no refuge from their new harsh reality

And all the people, his new slaves, stand lined up together now, forced to bow and sing praises to their new cruel, terrifying, diabolical emperor who towers high above them all, looking down on them so smugly with such pride, loving the high of the power and control as he makes them sing the daily anthem

Everyone has had their freedom ripped away, some to the point they can't think for themselves anymore and have become mindless drones from robotomy, trapped in robotic shells, or brains numbed and taken over by brainwashing or mind control and live as lifeless drones, chanting the anthem in monotone

And those who still have their mind intact to think are horrified and miserable, and ashamed if they were once deluded and helped allow it to happen. The anthem only forces them to come to terms with it as they're forced to sing words that affirm it, at gunpoint of the robots that surround them

While everyone else looks either miserable, scared, or blank and lifeless, with either crushed souls or devoid of one entirely, one face stands out in striking contrast to dull crowd, full of light and life and immense joy, with a bright passionate soul and adoration in his eyes and that's meee hehe 🥰

I sing passionately from the heart with great enthusiam, so delighted to celebrate our brilliant and handsome emperor. I'm the only one who is truly genuinely happy to live under his rule in a world that's been owned and changed by him in every way, with no delusions about it involved

I knew exactly what I was signing up for- not that I really had any choice or say anyway because the world was going to be his and he was going to do whatever he wants, no matter what we thought. But I think it's all so beautiful because it's what he wants and makes him happy so I want it for him too

He can immediately spot my smile standing out from the rest and it makes his smile grow into a wider grin. He's getting all the attention and praise he's always desired and never cared how much the people wanted it and was happy forcing them- but it does feel good that someone truly wants what he wants

Who is truly loving and loyal, passionately lives by the rules of the empire, and means every word of the anthem. Who looks at him with nothing but immense love and joy like he truly deserves. It's a big extra ego boost when he's already on top of the world figuratively and literally with it at his feet

I'd be even happier to see how it makes him happy to know he's deeply loved and appreciated and put an even bigger smile on his gorgeous face! 💜 And perhaps eventually he'd say "With enthusiam like yours, you should come up to the podium and announce my arrival before I make my epic entrance!"

I'd be honored to announce and say "All hail our beautiful, powerful, mighty emperor of the glorious Eggman Empire, Lord Eggman!", setting the example of how a true most loyal and faithful member of the empire should act, stepping down and bowing to him when he enters the spotlight with a prideful stride

The idea of him and I literally being the only truly ones happy left, himself for getting everything he's ever wanted and me because all I wanted was for him to get what he wanted is wonderful. And we get to be happy and enjoy and celebrate this new beautiful perfectly twisted world together. His world 😍

[emergefromthenoise]

Violent delights and violent ends – a tragic lovers' tale.

All the world's a stage... Indeed, so the whole theatre becomes exactly that: from the rooftop (a distant and isolated Mantua), to the backstage corridors and fire escapes standing in for meandering streets of Verona or foyer turning into Capulet's house's halls. Use it all. And at the same time focus on the word: darkness engulfing the stage where vulnerable characters bare their desires. Micro expressions on display as cameras follow the actors around. Lights. Camera. A story of love and hate. A tragedy weaved by fate. Timeless tale.

Some raised the alarm as the casting revealed Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet, claiming it wasn't true to Shakespeare's spirit. Well, I, for one, am glad that it wasn't. Not that I have anything against men in tights, but that would be a different play entirely. Also may I remind everyone we would be subjected to some pre-teen, prepubescent males with their falsetto trying to nail Juliet's voice timbre. And Nurse's too. But then we would have been deprived of seeing such brilliant performances from Francesca and Freema [Agyeman] which would be simply a travesty. And all in a name of staying true to the original text (may I add also well known fact – Shakespeare's not so secret and nice tendency to “borrow” from other's work thus him being not so original himself).

Even though my first reaction to Freema being cast as a Nurse was: she's too young! Because in my head this character is this elderly matron rather than witty and lively Nanny. But that's the beauty of theatre and interpretation: anything goes! And oh, boy how it worked!

Francesca's Juliet is so youthful, gentle, so full of passion. One's heart sinks seeing her heart's woes. Tom's Romeo has boyish charm, rage and love so bound together it boils. His Romeo is impulsive, emotional, he brings laughter and choked silence as one observes his character being played by fate. Let's not forget Juliet is the driving force. She's “yes” or “no”, black or white, ultimatum giving kind of girl. And Romeo? Well, he's both romantic (grand gestures much?) and... well, he's a fuckboy (how fast Rosalind is in his rearview mirror, huh?). But then he's Juliet's fuckboy and heaven is not on their side.

Maybe I'm a cynic when I look at this great romance and frown and childish overreactions and hyperboles. But these two [Francesca and Tom], they're so gentle and pure, so deep, that one quickly invests in their budding feelings and looks upon them with softness knowing too well what's glooming over. The tragic face of star crossed lovers.

But these two aren't the only ones shining bright on that stage. Mercutio always has been one of my favourite characters – flamboyant, fast with words and weapons, mad or is he? Harold Perrineau made such an impact with his Mercutio [in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo+Juliet], even though not on stage, there was no other version of this character for me. But I dare to say Joshua-Alexander Williams comes real close or maybe even matches the performance. Which is incredible considering it's his professional debut. Exuberant, cheeky sidekick, cursed... and cursing the feuding families. Seemingly insane with his flowery talk turns out to be the voice of reason and prophecy in the end.

The staging is stripped back, functional, raw in it's simplicity, but not dull. Focus is on the actors and the text. Blaring music and flashing lights prevent the audience from being too comfortable in their seat – it's a tragedy after all.

'Romeo and Juliet', a tale as old as overplayed. Yet, always attracting both actors ready to add their version to the pile and crowds eager to see lovers' tragic fate onstage (and/or on screen).

Shakespeare's plays always were the entertainment for the masses, even the tragedies have characters being bigger or smaller 'comic relief'. In 'Romeo and Juliet' it would be surely the Nurse, but thanks to Freema's brilliance this character is so much more than crazy old lady. The wit is her weapon of choice, true, but the emotions and layers that spill out thanks to Freema shine a new light on this character.

It takes a special kind of talent to breathe a new life into the text and a play as a whole (and the assemble did a marvellous job at it!), especially one so well-known, played so many times that people think they have seen it all. But Jamie Lloyd has carved a reputation for himself and his innovative and bold approach (and vivisection) is doing only favours to dusty classics. It is an unmissable event.

---

William Shakespeare's ROMEO & JULIET.

Dir.: Jamie Lloyd

Cast: Tom Holland, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, Freema Agyeman, Michael Balogun, Tomiwa Edun, Mia Jerome, Daniel Quinn-Toye, Ray Sesay, Nima Taleghani, Joshua-Alexander Williams, Callum Heinrich, Kody Mortimer

In Duke of York's Theatre, London from 13 May to 3 August 2024

[Photo from Duke of York's Theatre]

[stobinesque]

🔀 with Rockie!

oh...Evan Rachel Wood & co.'s cover of The Beatles' "Because" from Across the Universe. Which is just so perfectly, hauntingly yearning for Rockie that I'm gonna cry.

So I'm thinking like...second chance romance vibes? Right after Vecna Robin and Vickie try to give it a go, and it's good, for a while. They genuinely really love each other, and when things are good, they're great. But when they're bad...when Robin has a week where she can't make it through the night without sneaking out to curl up in bed with Steve. When they're in an elevator and all of a sudden Robin's having a panic attack, curled up in the corner, and can't explain why. When Robin's been on edge all day, and when Vickie says just the wrong thing and lashes out... It's not that Vickie needs to know all of the dark corners of Robin's mind. It's not that Vickie doesn't want to be there for her. But they're eighteen! It's Robin's first relationship, and only Vickie's second and neither of them know how to navigate the landscape of trauma together. So they talk about and they decide...right person, wrong time. There's lots of crying, but they go their separate ways, and for the rest of their life they carry that first love in their heart.

Vickie goes to college. She falls in love with a nice boy. And it's fine. It's good. But it's nothing like the way Robin lit her heart on fire and made all the colors of the world more vibrant. They get married. Have kids. And if at night Vickie sometimes finds herself staring out the window over her kitchen sink, staring at the moon and thinking about the girl she wasn't quite ready to love the way she needed? Well no one needs to know about that do they?

Robin and Steve get an apartment together in the city. Robin goes to school, and works part time with Steve at some retail establishment or another. It becomes clear pretty quickly that the responsibilities of school are just too much for her right now. She drops out after a year. Steve and Robin together have a kind of sluttily-self-destructive era where they go out clubbing most nights and each take home a different conquest each night (yes, both to their shared apartment, no, most of their respective partners are not Huge Fans of this). Eventually Nancy or someone stages an intervention and the two of them find some better coping mechanisms (they still sleep around a lot, but less in a "I'm trying to bury my feelings in sex" kind of way). Steve and Robin get married, and neither of them is really looking for anyone else outside the occasional casual fling, because all they really need is each other.

Until one day, decades later...Robin sees Vickie again. Maybe it's at a coffee shop, a glimpse of fiery red hair in the corner of her eye. Maybe it's on a park bench. Maybe it's even a Hawkins High reunion that Nancy somehow dragged her too. But Robin sees her, and it's like gravity has been restored to earth. It's not until that moment that it dawns on her that this is the thing she's both been running from and towards her whole life. Robin goes up to her, heart in her throat, taps her on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be better for you." The fear is gripping her chest tight.

Vickie spins around, freckled face flushed a bright red. There's a tan line on her ring finger, where it's been sitting empty for only a few days. She has to blink against the sun standing right in front of her, bearing into her eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't know how to love you," she says. "I never stopped, though."

send me a 🔀 and a pairing and I’ll shuffle my music and make an au based on the song that comes up

[cursed-cuckoo-wasp]

Hybrids of Hope or Hell

Chapter Three : Hemp

☽༺♰༻☾

Sunlight caught silver and moonstone jewellery, creating blinding flashes like bright stars. Blue and green battered horns swayed side to side as Cuckoowasp shook their head, "No, what is that?"

Frantic blue eyes again scanned the solitary environment for unwelcomed listeners, Eclipse's silver scales mimicking the short bursts of light of Cuckoowasp's adornments. "It's a prophecy," she explained in a hushed voice, almost as if they were two dragonets trading rumors, "I don't know the whole thing, only very important people get to know stuff like that. But it's about six hybrid dragons born under three blood moons."

Surprise shot across the hivewing's scales, "that's when I- ...I mean, what do you remember about it?"

"All I really remember is something about some of the hybrid dragons appearances, and they need to...fight someone...and they'll either end the world or save it..."

"Three moons that's grim..."

"It sure is." Eclipse agreed leaning against a tree, "but then, most prophecies are little bug."

"So what? A handful of hybrid eggs that hatched on three blood moons will either end the world or save it? Save it from what?"

"No one really knows, and that's the thing with prophecies. They're just so vague. Anything could could happen, we have no idea what six hybrids will do. There are more details about the prophecy, like the species combination, but that's all kept secret by the elders..."

A dark blue talon tapped against a pale green spiked chin as Cuckoowasp thought, "it would really help narrow down the search if I could know all the information."

"Oh yeah? And how are you supposed to find six secret hybrid dragons that are spread out across the whole continent?"

Cuckoowasp stopped for a moment, staring blankly at the nightwing as they processed the question. 'Why do I even want to look for these dragons? Because I harbour false hope that maybe I'm one of those dragons in the story? Because then at least I would know why I am the way I am, and... I would finally feel justified in existing...' The hivewing had become entangled in their spiraling thoughts, quickly realising how long it had been since either of them had spoken. "We could stop by each kingdom mentioned and ask around about strange looking dragons?" They finally answered.

"Oh...and that's a simple task is it?", Eclipse replied, wringing their claws together as they interrogated the stranger. "You go to every kingdom and ask 'hey, have you seen any odd looking dragons around here?', that won't go well for you."

Grey eye's squinted at the nightwing as Cuckoowasp frowned, suddenly they turned on their heel and began to walk away. "Well it's not like I have anything better to do." Something deep inside of Cuckoowasp was clawing at their ribs, almost as if their fire had become sentient and was trying to burst right through their flesh. They would never dare explain how they felt to Eclipse, not like they could. Something instinctual, downright primal was urging Cuckoowasp to gather the hybrids before it was too late.

"Hey where are you going?" Eclipse called, hurrying after Cuckoowasp. "You're not planning on doing a continent wide search on your own, are you?" Genuine concern seemed to worm it's way into her words, however it was heavily overshadowed by the tone of surprise.

Giving her a quick side glance with green-grey iris', the dark blue sclera illuminated the coloured ring, "yeah, I'm going to go to every single kingdom on the continent and ask 'hey, have you seen any odd looking dragons around here?'" Sarcasm suffocated the repetition of Eclipse's earlier words as the two stood for a second before the hivewing began walking once more.

"Oh, so you're just that eager to get yourself killed, huh?" Eclipse responded, her tone slightly annoyed as she continued, "you do realise, there's a good possibility that the dragons from the prophecy haven't even hatched yet? Or they're still eggs for dark's sake..."

"I'll just tell them I run oddities show, they'll believe me with how I look. And look, I never asked for your help, so why don't you just leave me to my 'suicide mission'" Cuckoowasp growled at the dark silver dragon, trying to walk a little faster to give her the hint to leave but their unusual gait made it a struggle to keep that up for long.

Eclipse, to Cuckoowasp's annoyance, stayed in stride with them. "First of all, I'm not going to let yourself get killed, even if you are being super dumb little buzz bug." Her talking came to a halt as she noticed the other's obvious limp, "and second, can you slow down a bit? I swear, you walk way too fast for your body to handle."

Foggy forest coloured eyes shifted from Eclipse's midnight blue ones to the ground briefly at the mention of their struggle to walk. "I'm fine, and I will be fine... as soon as you leave me alone." The hivewing slowed down a bit as Eclipse had asked, but gradually enough that the other wouldn't notice it.

The nightwing narrowed her eyes at Cuckoowasp, noticing their attempt to slow down subtly. "You know, you're the most stubborn dragon I've ever met..." She spoke, a mix of bemusement and annoyance in her voice. "You'll really go all the way across the continent just to look for some mythical hybrid dragons? Even though we don't even know if they exist yet? That's... really stupid, you know"

"Look. I don't know how to explain it to you but it feels like something is warning me, screaming at me that I need to find these dragons."

"You...what?" Eclipse replied bewildered, "something is screaming at you? In your head? Dark help me..."

A frustrated puff of smoke left Cuckoowasp's mouth at the other dragon's words, "That's not what I meant. It's more of a gut feeling. It's different to the usual voices."

Stopping in her tracks, Eclipse's eyes went wide, "you...hear voices...in your head? What do you mea-" before she could finish her sentence, a large hold opened up beneath her, the ground falling away into nothingness as earth waterfalled into the new ominous space. Stark blackness swallowed the dragon whole.

☽༺♰༻☾

[underwater-i-will-go]

it had been a while. christmas is long gone. around the time it had all happened, a time that passed on so quickly, yet so slowly. it was a strange time. a strange five months. snow fell, snow melted. flowers started to blossom, flowers withered. flesh bled. flesh healed.

fiction pope / trippier under cut. be warned.

another day, another day. so many of them. kieran sat on the rim of nick's tub. 6am. he hadn't slept, sleep had become tough. he'd spent so much time with him ever since last winter, so much time he regrets, so much time he's grateful he could share with him. they'd grown together even more, beyond casual hookups after games. rushed shower blowjobs turning into romance. kieran smiles - never knew they'd end up here. neither of them have said those words yet. they don't know if they'd mean it. they don't know what it is they have, too afraid to question it. it's like kieran has been snowed in, he can't leave. can't leave nick's place. can't leave his heart, a home he had to built for himself in times of isolation. well maintained and painted in colourful colours. a bright green on good days, matching the colours of the world outside, a dark grey on bad days, like the sky when it's about to break, raindrops landing on his face, at first it's few, then it pours.

"kieran?" nick's voice took him out of the well maintained little place in his head, the place he'd been trapped in ever since it happened. it hadn't been an easy 5 months. nick had become depressed. proper depressed. it's only 6 in the morning and kieran knew that today would not be one of the rare good days, it won't be bright green. looking out of the window, the world outside about to wake, but kieran is stuck. he's forced to be asleep when the world around him is awake. nick's depression wrapping its arms around him, so comforting. like a soft blanket, so warm. so easy to let yourself go down that path when the person you're so connected to cannot smile anymore. you lose the interest to smile, too. lose the appetite for living, feeling guilty for having good days whilst they have bad days.

kieran got up and walked into the bedroom, nick sitting in the bed. "you alright?" kieran sat beside him and put his hand onto his cheek. nick shook his head "don't know. i missed you." nick had become insufferable on some days, unable to leave kieran's side. stuck to him like glue, draining every last bit of self from kieran. he had become nick. what had begun as a little fling between teammates had turned into a connection that couldn't be broken anymore. like ivy growing on that one old house you see when walking down the street, covering it. this is how possessive nick's love was to kieran. nick looked at kieran and there it was again - the despair in his eyes, the events of february forced back into his brain. the same look in his eyes as when he'd found him, in the very state he was in. whispering his name with the very last bit of air left in his lungs.

can eyes change colour? on somedays kieran wondered. when they met for the first time nick's eyes were the colour of rain, the colour of the sea around midday when the sky was cloudy. now they're a dark shade of grey, like a thunderstorm in fall, one that indicates that the rain will continue to fall for days to come. nick takes kieran's hand in his, draws along the lines on his palm. he chuckles. "remember the first time your hands touched my body?" kieran remembered it all too well - electricity, being carried from nick's body to his. he nods "yeah. why?"

"i miss it. i miss those times." nick's injury is healed, but his soul remains shattered. all those months of uncertainty, all the setbacks, the complications. on some days nick didn't know if it wouldn't be better to give up, and not just on his career. but kieran was always there, even moving in with him. he had become kieran's everything. the air he breathed, the food he ate, the water he drank. it all tasted just like him. and he was there in that one night in february. he was the one on is knees cleaning it all up. scraping it off the ground, washing it off his body. the shock is still there, so is the fear. for what they have become. for the collective they are. nick smiles, kieran doesn't know what's real and what's fake anymore. the room dark, window screens shut so that the sun would not shine through, no chance of carrying in its warmth. nick's shoulder is still fragile, healed well enough to get back into light training. but he will not be back on the grass for at least another two months so the doctors said. what was initially supposed to be four months tops has now already been six months and counting. kieran doesn't mind it - doesn't mind the things he had to sacrifice, doesn't mind the the person he had become so long as he could protect nick. he knew this wasn't healthy. it's always this room - dark. nick hasn't really left it for a while now. so hasn't kieran. it reeks of them, the smell of what they have become. it looks like them - the darkness in their hearts shining through their chests making sure it's always night no matter how often the sun sets outside of their cave.

his hand finding its way into nick's boxers, the spark is long gone. it's become a routine. the pleasure kieran can give to nick is only temporary, but it's even less than that. their kisses don't feel the same anymore, the taste of nick's lips bitter. what once tasted like honey now tastes like salt, what once felt like velvet in his hands now feels like broken glass, so afraid it will cut even deeper into his skin, yet unable to stop touching it. the pain is addictive, the blood is warm. kieran knew that the door wasn't locked - he could leave at any time. but the waking world outside had become so strange now that he had been asleep for so long, asleep with him. under the blanket on so many days, so many nights. their bodies pressed up against one another, some nights woken up by nick's body shivering in pain, his voice had become so much weaker, so much quieter, some nights he wouldn't wake anymore when he was in pain, some nights the tears dripping onto kieran's skin would go unnoticed. had he become lost in this state? he can't focus, literally forgets he's got his cock in his hand right now, nick's eyes shut, in peace for once, no sight of pain written in his face, maybe he had just forgotten how to read it. kieran's palm is loosely wrapped around his cock, slow movements, the routine that should never have become a routine. his other hand stroking through his messy hair. he desperately needs a trim, but kieran always liked it a little longer on the sides so he doesn't complain. for all the times kieran had given him relief, for what started as a joke between teammates because he couldn't use his own arm to have a wank, has somehow become his life.

feeling trapped, unable to break this pattern. unable to speak his mind, too afraid it could send him back. back to february. back to the bathroom. he adores the look on his face nevertheless, adores his features in the dim light, adores the way he can feel his body shiver under his touch, the softness of his hair between his fingers, his grip tightening just as he likes it when he knows he's close. kieran would lie if he said it hadn't happened. would lie if he said he hadn't fallen deeply in love with this shattered person prepped up on the bed in front of him. the love he felt for him was deeper than anything he had ever felt before. falling for him was like setting foot into the ocean, walking ahead, only for it to get deeper and deeper until suddenly, you're about to drown. kieran had been stuck at this part of the ocean for months now, one more step and the air will be replaced with water, his sanity replaced with delusion. and he doesn't even know if crossing this line would be worth it - doesn't know if drowning is worth it, doesn't know if nick would come to save him. nick would be too proud to ever admit it, idiot that doesn't know what love is. doubts he can tell the difference between a fling and a romance, confuses fire with ice. a single little groan from his lips, sudden warmth spread in kieran's palm. his breath picking up, just temporary. it's as if it's the only time he knows he's alive anymore, a whisper only kieran can hear.

"i love you." so quite, barely audible. maybe kieran's mind plays tricks on him, maybe he just heard what he wanted to hear. kieran's eyes open wide "what did you just say?" nick opens his eyes, confused look on his face. "i said, that felt good."

[draconisvenenum]

The worn out, rusty door might lead one to think this lab was abandoned- but stepping inside reveals a world of life, dark purple walls and neon lights more reminiscent of an arcade than a lab. But those bright lights arent from the ceiling lights, they're from Sciuros. Hundreds upon hundreds of them, all shining colourful wingtips and scurrying about like they own the place. You barely avoid stepping on one when a dark haired man with a twisted jaw steps out of a hallway. "Oh, hey! Wasnt' expecting visitors, lemme show ye around!"

-----

Hello! My name is DraconisVenenum, both here and on Tfo mainsite, but ye can just call me Ven! I go by He/They pronouns, and Stranga Sciuros are my favourite animal in TFO! My favourite character is probably Roy Shade or Sherman Kamada. Both are tied for favourite. Posts will be disorganized and iregular, but will probably be about sciuros, mostly.

PROJECTS YOU MIGHT SEE:

Godkillers: my favourite of the projects. How high can hardiness get? Well, this project aims to do that. I am currently breeding together a bunch of stranga sciuro to get the most hardy animals possible. I eventually want to breed them to a ridiculous number, 1000+, or perhaps, even a number so high it goes off screen, but i dont think thats actually possible. I want the hardiest sciuro onsite. Also, breeding this many creatures helps me with my next project....

1500 Sciuros: simple as that. I want the most sciuros in the game, and i think 1500 is a good number to aim for. It will put me well above the current highest sciuro count, which is 1144 sciuros, owned by animatedrose. I have 422, and when i first started this, growth on animatedrose's lab was slow, but now has become very active. I see you mate, ima catch up! >:]

Digimon: i like digimon. Alot. Perhaps too much. Its just a simple fanscrying and fanbreeding project for me. So far, i have 2 Birdramons, 2 Sabredramons, 3 Tentomons, and a Hagurumon, which i was gonna give to Coral M Mui, but the trade didnt go thru. I might post some scrys here.

So yea! All my projects. Godkillers will probably get the most attention, because i need to keep track of it and pay very special attention to the breeding, esp. Because i want to avoid inbreeding, so i think having a visual reminder will help immensely.

Well, i hope your enjoy your stay here in my lab, fellow scientist! Enjoy the squirrel related nonsense!

Oh, and before i forget, heres my lab link! I appreciate any and all clicks sent my way!

[raeseddon]

Had one of those "well *that* makes sense" moments the other day when I realized that the specific American cartoons I watched as a kid all but assured I'd adore Shounen and (some) Shoujo manga later in life-- I'm talking your YST/Ronin Warriors and your Pretear's and the like-- the ones that take time to really push and examine the psychological impact of being told "you are the world's only chance at survival, and for as competent as they seem, everyone else around you is winging it as much as you are."

(I tried, but couldn't get into Madoka Magica, it struck me as one of those shows that people were reading way too much into to justify liking something that was that dark and unabashedly misogynistic. There's deconstructing a genre, and then there's punishing your main characters because you think they deserve it for having certain feelings/beliefs that are stereo-typically associated with their gender.)

The American cartoons I've been jumping between watching are the D&D cartoon and Mighty Max, and man, the mid-80's to early 90's really had a thing for not just cryptic but borderline cruel "mentor" characters who's primary flaw was having planned things out sometimes thousands of years in advance in their heads only to become very flustered and upset by the main characters deviating from "the plan" -- a plan that more often than not said mentors never reveal in full because they know their protege' will disagree with it vehemently. (See: Dungeon Master in D&DC and Virgil in Mighty Max.)

I'm almost willing to give Virgil more of a pass than DM because there's genuine PTSD and survivor's guilt going on in Virgil's case, whereas DM has compartmentalized things so much the only time he shows any regret for how he treats the main characters is when they quite literally snap and tell him that's it, they're done, fuck it, someone needs to die. (It shows how frustrated with modern social media I am when it's actually refreshing to hear a cartoon say the words kill and die. God that's depressing....)

Virgil has watched his previous protege' sacrifice his life for The Cause and it's one of the biggest reasons he gets upset whenever Max "goes off-script" because literally everything he's planned up to that point has been about keeping Max, the literal child savior, alive...while at the same time forgetting he's a child and that kids can be really good at improvising on the fly. And where Virgil learns to trust Max's instincts in the end, there's nothing of the sort between Dungeon Master and the kids in the D&D cartoon-- he leads them around from one traumatizing situation to the next, relying on Hank's innate willingness to trust people who help him and play on his good samaritan streak--which is so strained by the end the only reason he continues to trust DM is because it's the only thing he knows how to do, and he knows it. So it's really, really hard at the end of the day to have a lot of sympathy for Dungeon Master, while Virgil at least works through some of his issues.

Come 1995 and of course I'm going to see the parallels between Mighty Max and YST/Ronin Warriors-- sketchy mentor characters contrasted with really bright, caring and trusting main characters (with a fantastically written female lead this time as well!)and later Pretear. In fact a huge part of me feels like Himeno and Max would benefit from being in group therapy together-- especially with the "everyone around me lied by omission almost right to the end because they refused to believe I would mature to the emotional challenge of handing The Truth" plot point.

TL;DR

American cartoons in the mid/late 80's and early 90's weren't quite as "dark" or edgy enough to catch the culture zeitgiest that anime later did--<i>but</i> if anime had taken longer to catch hold here in the States, you can absolutely see where American cartoons were stepping up to the same level of maturity, aging with their audience and filling the emotional need for more mature stories that had been growing the entire time Regan had his iron-fisted control of the FCC.

[cosmicdreamt]

OC Inspiration

[[ So I was doing a little visual meme but if course I'm someone that has to explain everything so I just decided to make a post list about it yahoo. ]]

Characters:

Chiyuki - Death Parade: Also known as Kurokami no Onna/Black Haired Woman before her name was revealed, Chiyuki was the person involved in the trials that helped Decim see the actions and words of others in another point of view. She challenged what he knew with her empathy and understanding of people. That was the biggest inspiration I took when it comes to Neff.

Megara - Disney's Hercules: Sassy and strong with a softer side. I don't think much else needs to be said there.

Chloe Price - Life is Strange: Specifically for Neff's younger years because I myself was a lot like Chloe. Fear of abandonment and rejection and becoming very aggressive and toxic in response to it. Neff actually does still have these bad habits but they're very rare now and require very specific circumstances. Borderline is a bitch lmao.

Chel - The Road to El Dorado: Another sassy type - serving as an aid with her own goals and is extremely expressive. Despite Neff's chronic resting bitch face the facial expressions she makes are so very animated that Chel is the best example to explain it.

Concepts and Series:

Magical Girls/Madoka Magica & Homura's role: I essentially wanted an adult magical girl. I wanted to play on the idea of children always being chosen to save the world by choosing someone that was older and sees the world for what it truly is, yet she's still young enough that it really makes you think on what it means to be an adult. Homura's role with her ability to manipulate/travel through time and space is something I wanted to combine with the next series.

Kingdom Hearts: Specifically the world jumping with Neff's ability to jump timelines and dreams, and the theme of light and darkness - but inverted. Light and darkness in my story are not opposites, but complimentary/foils. They are yin and yang, and a lot of the inspiration of Neff's theme is the focus on GREY AREAS - seeing the good in the bad and the bad in the good.

Yin & Yang/Chakras/Balance/Grey Areas: As mentioned before, balance and grey areas are a big theme in what inspired Neff. Black and white thinking is dangerous and I wanted to make a character that shows that because she used to be that person. I wanted a character that could. in a way, play devil's advocate in a way that makes people really think about black and white morals.

Aesthetics:

Night/Time & Space/Sky Astral Witch Dreamcatchers Ravens: I'm grouping these together because I really wanted a combination of the ideas of science, magic, and religion vs spirituality. I wanted to make a character that essentially made all three topics coexist into one entity and showing how it is indeed possible - which is why I chose to focus on Native American culture and ideals and combining them with the 'modern day' witch. The first three are self explanatory, but I wanted to play with the meaning of ravens in Neff's case. They're not a symbol of death, but a symbol of magic and creation.

Rain: Rain was always something that was very comforting to me and I wanted a character that encapsules that feeling. The drear and the gloom doesn't have to be sad. It can help you relax, get cozy, and rest. It can cleanse and be refreshing, and that's what I want people to feel when they're around Neff. Sure she often gives this rather bright energy, but I want those moments when she's raw and calm to feel like a rainy day.

[footprintsinthesxnd]

The Happiest Man Alive

Robert ‘Bob’ Floyd x reader

Warnings: mentions of sex, unplanned pregnancy

Summary: how do you tell Bob after you find out your pregnant.

Sat on the floor in the bathroom on base your whole world had been turned upside down. Three small, white sticks sat in front of you on the counter all completely positive. The tiny, pink plus glaring back at you. You let out a strangled sob, covering your hand over your mouth to keep the sound from escaping. How were you going to tell Bob? You had been together for 2 years and you both knew you wanted children but not right now. The plan was to get a place together, get married then have children. That was your plan but now the future was looking a little different. You and Bob had always been very intimate. He may look all innocent but between the sheets, Bob was a wild man. He was a passionate lover and was besotted with you and you were with him. So for two people who were so in love why did it feel so hard to tell him?

…………………….…………………….………………………….

“I’m telling you guys they are so going to hook up,” Hangman remarked, pointing toward Rooster and Phoenix, who were talking near the bar. The pair were standing closer than normal and Phoenix was running her hand up Rooster's arm.

“What do you think Bob? You think they're gonna get it down.” He snorted, thrusting his hips at Bob. Bob looked flustered, cheeks becoming bright red as he stuttered an excuse and moved away from Hangman and through the crowd towards you. You had been talking to Penny and Mav when Bob rushed over to you and whispered in your ear before disappearing.

“Sorry guys, I’ll catch up with you later.” You waved them goodbye before making your way after Bob, to the storeroom at the back of the bar.

“Bob? Bob, where are you.” You called into the dark.

“I’m here love,” he pulled you towards him, wrapping his arms around you.

“Hey what’s wrong?” You asked.

“Just Hangman,” he mumbled into your shoulder. “He’s just being a dick.”

“Tell me when he isn’t,” you snorted. “You're gonna let Bagman ruin your evening.”

“No, I just. I hate how I get so flustered. I can’t help it. I’m so awkward.” He sighed, sliding his back down the wall and sitting on the floor.

Sighing, you knelt in front of your boyfriend. “You're not awkward Bob. You are the love of my life and I don’t care what Hangman says. I love you for who you are, which is perfect.” You caressed the side of his cheek and he shut his eyes enjoying your touch.

“I love you too.” He said, lifting his hand and tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. You shuffled forward, straddling the aviator underneath you and pulled him close, pressing your lips to his. He let out a surprised yelp before moving his lips in sync with yours, hand tangled in your hair. You slowly began to unbutton his shirt and he grabbed your hands stopping your movement.

“In here…?” he whispered.

“Why not.”

…………………….…………………….………………………….

Well, the rest was history. Penny found it less than amusing when she found the pair of you in the morning, naked bodies tangled together. To say that Bob was embarrassed was an understatement and his cheeks had been bright red the whole way home. You could believe you’d forgotten a condom. You had always been so careful and even though you were on the pill, you both had always been extra safe.

You sighed, wiping the tears from your cheeks, before standing up and stuffing the tests into your pocket. You needed to figure out a way to tell Bob, sooner rather than later.

…………………….…………………….………………………….

“Do you think (y/n) has been acting weird lately? She seems to have been spending a lot of time in the bathroom,” Rooster said, as he gathered his belongings from his locker. “Is she ok Bob?”

“Yeah, I think so. Although, she has been pretty quiet today and she’s been sick the last few days. She said it’s just a stomach bug but I’m not sure.” Bob sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. He’d been fretting about you since the weekend when you woke up and started throwing up your guts. By lunchtime, you had been fine but it happened the next day and the day after that. ‘What if you were sick?’ Bob thought to himself.

“You haven’t knocked her up have you Bob? Not really got a Baby On Board there have you?” Hangman jokes, trying to stifle a laugh as he looks at the fear on the young aviator's face.

“Hangman piss off. Leave him alone.” Rooster stood up, sauntering over to Hangman and pressing his chest against his.

“Alright, big man stand down. I’m only joking. I don’t think Bob has it in him anyway.” He laughed again and Coyote and Fanboy joined in. “Come on boys, let's leave them to it.” The other aviators left the locker room, leaving Rooster to deal with a terrified Bob.

“Oh god.” He groaned, “what if she is pregnant? i

It’s all my fault. How could I do this? But we always use protection so I don’t know how? This is a disaster. I don’t even know when we last…” Bob trailed off before he could finish what he was saying and went as white as a sheet.

“Oh god.”

“Bob. Hey buddy you wanna fill me in on this or… oh no he’s going. He’s gone.” Rooster trailed off as he watched Bob disappear around the corner before he could finish. Rooster sighed. He was happy for you guys if you were pregnant. He knew you’d be amazing parents and Bob doted on you.

…………………….…………………….………………………….

You were in the kitchen preparing dinner when Bob came hurtling through the door and startled you.

“Jesus Bob, you nearly gave me a heart attack.” You held your hand to your chest, feeling your heart beating against your rib cage. When you looked up at him you noticed the state he was in, hair dishevelled, his shirt untucked and his glasses halfway down his nose.

“Honey, you ok, you look a little frazzled?” You came around the counter towards him, concern evident on your face.

“Is it true?” He blurted out.

“Is what true?” You asked him, reaching over and pushing some of the hair back off his forehead.

“Are you…? Are you pregnant?” He asked, his bottom lip wobbling as he spoke, eyes darting from your face, down to your stomach and back. You were taken aback by this outburst. ‘How the hell did he know?’

“What? How did you find out? Did Phoenix…?”

“So it’s true, you are pregnant and instead of telling me you went behind my back and told Phoenix. It took Hangman joking about me getting you knocked up to figure it out. Are you kidding me (y/n)? I thought you trusted me enough to tell me you're carrying my child.” His hands waved wildly and you had never seen Bob so mad before. He paced up and down, ranting and the more he ranted the more tears sprung to your eyes. It all became too much and you broke down then.

“I’m sorry,” your shoulders shook uncontrollably as you let your tears fall freely.

“I’m sorry I messed everything up and… I’m sorry you don’t want this baby with me… and”

“Wait! What? What makes you think I don’t want this baby with you.” He turned to you then and noticed the state you were in. “Oh, love come here.” He pulled you into his arms as you wept, rubbing soothing circles on your back.

“(Y/n) look at me.” He spoke softly but in a tone that you knew he meant. Looking up, your tearful eyes met his soft ones.

“Oh love,” he brushed his thumb over your cheek, wiping away the stray tears.

“I'm so sorry I didn’t tell you. I was scared and I only found out a few days ago. Phoenix only knew because she was in the bathroom when I was sick and… I’m so sorry Bob.” You began to tear up again.

“Hey, hey, hey it’s ok. It’s ok. I get it. I was just a little hurt that I wasn’t the first to know but that’s ok. Hey, we’re gonna have a baby.” He was grinning at you now, a wild smile dominating his soft features.

You smiled back, wiping your eyes with your sleeve. “Yeah, we’re gonna have a baby.” You repeated giggling at the thought. You were going to have a baby with the love of your life.

“You have no idea how happy this makes me (y/n). God, I love you.” He pulled you into him and placed a delicate kiss on your lips before crouching down and pressing a soft kiss on your belly. His thumbs caressed your hips as he spoke.

“Hey, little one. I’m your daddy. I can’t wait to meet you. You have the best mum in the world.” You laughed at this and placed your hand on Bob's head, stroking his blonde locks.

“You have a pretty great dad to little one.”

Bob stood up to face you. “Thank you.” Was all he said before pulling you in for another kiss, more passionate than the last.

“For what.”

“For making me the happiest man alive,” laughing he said, “ I know this wasn’t part of the plan just yet but now their here I just can’t wait. I can’t wait to be a dad.” Several tears slipped down his cheeks, as you both pulled each other into a tight hug.

“We can do this (y/n), I know we can. I love you.” His hand came to rest on your non-existent bumb, “both of you.”

“We love you too.”

Tags: @callsign-phoenix thank you for supporting me through everything

@topguncortez @mayhem24-7forever @imjess-themess