#or like i make any conversation awkward if it comes up

[madaboutmunson]

Fluff

For @strangerthingswritersguild prompt : ‘Fluff’

Word count: 3824

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Eddie parked up and took a few grounding breaths before leaving his vehicle.

He knew he, Steve, was gonna be here today, and today he was gonna ask him out. It had been ten years and times had changed a little, and he now knew Steve wasn’t the kind of guy to knock him out if he found out he was gay. After Robin revealing her coming out to Steve story.

And, he’d totally wait until one of them was leaving so it didn’t have to be awkward.

But this was Eddie, and never mind the path of true love, none of his paths ran smooth and if it looked like it was, he’d better watch out for the sudden long drop to sink hole he was about to plummet into.

So when Eddie checked himself over in the mirror one last time, and was giving himself a pretty intense pep talk in it, he didn’t catch the dark green Jeep Cherokee pull up next to him.

He also didn’t see 1996 Steve Harrington hurry in to the building arms laden with things.

Eddie grabbed the card with wad of cash in it, for the new happy couple. He’d been doing pretty well for himself lately, and Dustin and Suzie were only just reemerging into the world after being in the academic world for so long. He wasn’t even sure if they had any intention of leaving it.

He hopped down out of the van and smoothed over his suit which he had to compromise on, suit he could do, but tie and buttoned up the collar? Absolutely not!

But as he slammed the door shut and locked up, he heard a way too close.

“What’s up, nerd?” Followed by a sweet laugh Eddie would know anywhere, and he knew full well that laugh continued because Eddie had jumped out of his skin.

“Steve!” Eddie can’t help the way his face lit up at the sure and happy smile directed his way, “Good to see ya man,” he beamed and stuck out his hand.

Steve looked down at the ringed hand between them, pulled a face as he scoffed a laugh, grabbed Eddie’s hand and pulled him in for a hug.

“Good to see you again, man. Sorry I hadn’t been in touch more,” He said squeezing Eddie tight and releasing him to step back and look him over, “Wow, you haven’t aged a day. Oddly strange to see your forehead,” Steve chuckled.

Eddie touched his forehead at the mention of it, “Couldn’t keep the bangs if not even Hetfield and Dickenson could keep ‘em,” he mumbled with an irrepressible smirk, “Glad to see a decade hasn’t flattened yours,” Eddie looked up at Steve’s much shorter at the back, but still elegantly swooped over hair.

“Yeah, at least I held onto all the good things from back then,” Steve smiled, “Well most of them. Where’s your date?”

“Ah, yeah, no date for me, for the wedding I mean, I can get dates, lots of them in fact when I’m not all caught up with work,” Eddie cringes internally, and tries to make a save, “Yours?”

“Inside,” Steve chuckled, and Eddie’s heart shattered.

“Cute is she?” Eddie tried to pull a distraction with conversation, whilst his inner minions swept to the shards in his chest cavity.

“The cutest!” Steve beamed, his smile was wide and bright, making his eyes narrow and sparkle. Eddie didn’t think he’d ever seen someone more happy. Maybe his uncle when Steve arranged a secret Eddie trade, after all the upside down business, to get him out of Hawkins and its pitchfork wielding residents.

Eddie nodded as they entered the main building, “I’m happy for you, man,” he said sincerely, because though he wished it was him, Steve really did deserve a happy ending.

“Hey I’m just gonna hit the bathroom before I get into the festivities,” Eddie juts a thumb at the sign in the wall, figuring he can use it as an excuse to reset and start the night over with a different ambition, “I’ll catch you inside, man. You can introduce me to your girl,” he said fondly.

“Yeah! We’d love that. I’ll save you a seat with us. Oh wait a second-“ Steve says back with way too much excitement. He must really like this chick, or maybe everyone else here hates her? But before Eddie can escape Steve is way too close. So close he’s inhaling his cologne, and obviously it’s exquisite.

“You had some fluff in your hair,” Steve smiled and handed Eddie the offending debris.

Eddie chuckled genuinely this time, “Ah, perks of the job free fluff with every stuff.”

Steve wrinkled his nose up adorably in confusion.

“I make toys, teddy bears, Eddies’s-“ Eddie starts to explain, but Steve’s eyes are wide with excitement and he’s pointing and talking over him.

“Eddie’s Teddies! That’s you? Oh my god! Oh my god . My baby loves those. I must have gotten her at least four from the fairytale collection. No more than that. We got some of the professionals' collections too. We’ve got the sailor, the baseball player, the stunt driver, the movie star, and the,” Steve pauses and his words slow down, “and the ice cream man.”

Steve is just staring like he wants to say something but the words won’t come out. Eddie swallows and quickly breaks the tension, “Yeah that’s me. listen I gotta go take a leak, I’ll be right with ya.”

Eddie’s hurries inside the cubicle, screws up his eyes and thumps himself against his head a few times. Idiot. Now Steve is gonna feel fucking awkward all night knowing Eddie had a decade long crush on him.

No. He could save this. Eddie could save this. He’d say it was a thank you. Yeah, a thank you for saving his life. Ok, cool. He was gonna go with that, and meet the love of Steve’s life and then get lost in the party, so he can avoid them for the rest of the evening.

With an emptied bladder, washed hands and an extra fluff check, Eddie entered the main room.

He is mobbed by a large section of the guests, leaving the other seventy percent of the room wondering who the hell he was and maybe he was famous or something. He catches up and then finally gets to congratulate the happy couple and heads to the bar to grab a soda.

He felt a tug on his bracelet.

“Gee mister, that’s pretty shiny. Where’d ya get it?”

Eddie looks down to follow the voice and is met with two huge blinking hazel eyes in a flurry of brown hair.

“I made it, when I was a kid,” he smiled.

“You made it?” the kid asked in awe, pushing the mass of brown bangs out of her eyes for a closer look.

“Sure did. Bit of chain, bit of leather, some snaps and Sabbra Cadabra a bracelet,” he smiled.

She giggled, “It abracadabra, silly!”

“Oh is it now? My mistake. I better go call up Ozzy and tell him.” Eddie played along with a sad sigh.

“Who’s Ozzy?”

“Only one of the greatest heavy metal singers of all time!” Eddie enthused and threw up the horns and made a silly face, which only further plunged the little girl further into the giggles.

“You’re silly. Like daddy, but you’ve got long hair like, uh, elif cub,” she smiled up at him.

Eddie looked around the immediate area and there did not seem to be anyone he would label as a Daddy in the vicinity.

He knelt down to her level, “Speaking of Daddy, shall we go find him?”

“Yah!” She said stretching her arms up to Eddie, which he took as a queue to pick her up, “I’ll show you him.”

And when this little girl points directly at a sweating, out of breath, clearly distressed Steve who was hurtling their way. Eddie’s heart couldn’t decide to soar for his friend being a parent or sink for himself as a kid meant this was serious.

“Honey, you can’t run off like that, ok?” Steve says softly though he was clearly very worried.

Eddie handed over Little Miss Harrington, to Steve, and he immediately relaxes with her in his arms, “Thanks Eddie, I had a bottle mishap and turned away for a few seconds and she was gone.”

He can see the way his brow creased that Steve felt like he really fucked up.

“Hey, it could happen to anyone, man. Kids are so fast, and if I’m anything to go by, very sneaky and creative,”Eddie offered him a friendly smile, and he watched as Steve’s shoulders relaxed one more setting, “How about I come over and meet your date and I can sit with the kid whilst you go get cleaned up and the bottle done, yeah?”

Steve looks confused, but walks towards a table in the corner which it’s strewn with toys, books, pacifiers, an open jar of applesauce with a spoon sticking out of it, a bag full of diapers and wipes and creams, and a spilled baby bottle.

But no one else was there.

Eddie sees the deep blush hit Steve’s face as he places his little girl in a high chair, and quickly tries to tidy up so Eddie can sit down.

But he can’t have that.

Eddie pushes Steve firmly into a seat, then cracks open and puts a soda in his hand as he begins to tidy up his own space. Making it all a show by pretending to sample the bottle and applesauce and finding them disgusting, much to the amusement of the little girl. Even reading passages from the books as if performing on stage. ‘A is for apple’ is performed with such dramatics, with Eddie propping on foot up on a chair, flailing his arms around, even Steve started to laugh.

Once he has two Harrington’s giggling he sits down with a big ‘mission accomplished’ smile. As he raised his eyes, they meet Steve’s sparkling ones, but this time maybe they’re a little for him too.

“Eddie, let me introduce you to my date for the evening. My daughter, Georgina,” Steve gestured to the little girl in the high chair currently chewing on the corner of a book.

“Hey sweetie, This is Eddie. He makes the teddy bears you like,” Steve beamed, but Georgina couldn’t be less interested, in Eddie right now, because the main lights had dimmed to make way for more colourful ones moving around the dance floor.

Eddie wants to leave it there. Accept the facts Steve is a family man now. Move on. But the way he’s looking at him, making him feel like a knight in shining armor, Eddie can’t help himself, and he has to know for sure.

“So-“

“There is no one,” Steve shouts quickly over the music and immediately shrinks back in volume, “I mean, I’m not dating anyone or married or anything. I really wanted to be a dad, and relationships just were not working out, you know,” he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, “So I got a surrogate,” he beams at Georgina, who is clapping her hands and kicking her feet to the music, but quickly casts his eyes down, “But being a parent is a lot harder than I thought.”

“Hardest job you’ll ever do, if you believe my uncle, who technically didn’t sign up for it,” Eddie smiled and Steve mirrored it, “But she’s happy and confident, you’re doing great.”

“Thanks,” Steve says quietly, and Eddie can tell he doesn’t believe him, so he opts for a change of subject.

“Who is Elif Cub?”

Steve’s eyebrows spring up, “Uh, well,”

“Hey man, you don’t gotta say, Gina, said I had long hair like them. I was just being nosy,” Eddie waves the question away, “You want me to grab you another drink or something to eat?” Eddie says standing up.

“It’s you,” Steve blurts out and in response to Eddie’s confusion, “Elif Cub. Has long hair like you because they are you. In a photo on my wall. From the hospital when we snuck people in to play d&d for a few hours.”

Eddie smiles in realisation, “Elif Cub. Hellfire Club.” He puts his hands on his hips and leans into Steve’s space with a smirk, “You have a lot of pictures of me on your walls, Steve?”

Steve’s Adam’s apple bobs in his throat, “Just the one,” he confirms, and Eddie leans back, “But-but I’d like more. I mean we should hang out more.”

Eddie raised his eyebrows in surprise, and slowly sat back down. He looks between Steve and the table a few times and taps on it, before asking, “Is this a pity thing because of the bears?”

A gorgeous smile erupted across Steve’s face and he laughed, “No, but I can’t believe I didn’t realise until today. Robin’s right I am a dingus.”

Eddie’s freshly glued back together heart is pounding ferociously in his chest, “So, by, more photos and hanging out. Do you mean, like, friendly hanging out?” He asked cautiously.

“Well of course it would be friendly we’re friends aren’t we?” Steve said with a furrowed brow.

Eddie was struggling with words, which was extremely rare. He wanted to know if there could be something more but also didn’t want to make Steve feel awkward, if it was a no.

“Ok let me preface this by saying I really love the idea of being closer friends, that is a definite thumbs up from me. Big fat yes,” Eddie laughed a little nervously mostly talking to the table, “But I wanna be transparent about something.”

He raised his eyes and Steve looked like he was hanging on Eddie’s every word, until-

“Daddy? I’m hungry,” Georgina asked sweetly.

“Oh my gosh. Yes. Yes! I’ll be right on it sweetheart, just let me find the… Damn I need to heat it up. I mean darn,” Eddie watched Steve deflate opposite him, and he reached across the table and took his hand.

“Hey, that was my fault, talking your ear off, ok? I’ll entertain Gina the best I can. You sort out whatever you need to ok? You’re doing great,” Eddie smiled at him.

“It was just. I’d just got used to the bottles and jars and now she’s on, like real food, which should be way easier right?” Steve shook his head as he searched through the bag retrieving a few Tupperware boxes, “I won’t be long youre a lifesaver Eddie, thank you. There is some fruit here, honey, ok? Steve said setting the tub of chopped up fruit and vegetables on the high chair, which her little hands plunge straight into, and she starts munching away.

Eddie watches her shovel the beautifully carved fruit into her mouth. Each piece perfectly sized, cut into stars, hearts, rainbows, even some melon balls carved to have a rose like texture.

Steve hurried back from the kitchen area wafting a small meal on a plate, trying to cool it down.

“Ah those Dino chicken nuggets never go out of style,” he smiled at Steve, who gave he a sweet sigh of defeat.

“I honestly tried to avoid them but she really likes them,” Steve shrugged.

“Steve, I see what you’re doing, and you're wearing yourself out doing it,” Eddie says gently. He wants Steve to know he’s not judging him, but he does care about how stressed he seems.

Steve turned his eyes up to his, “Is it that obvious?” He said a little defeated.

“Listen, all these cute things you do for her are great and they are special but make sure you’re in a space to enjoy them too, you know? That beautiful melon ball got chomped on just like the carrot stick in her fist.” Eddie pointed out, “And yeah sometimes I guess you gotta make food fun for kids to get into it, but it doesn’t have to Michelin star carvings every meal.”

Steve scoffs, “Come on it’s hardly-“

“You know what I’m getting at, Steve, and I think I know why,” Eddie said gently reaching over the table, “Your making two childhoods here, right?”

Steve looks at him a little guilty, but Eddie only smiles in response, “Nothing wrong with wanting to give your kid all the things you wanted as a kid, but not at detriment to your stress levels. Kids are emotion sponges. You get anxious, they might get anxious. So try to relax. You’re doing a great job, Steve. Maybe you don’t hear that enough.” Eddie turns his hand reaching across the table palm up.

He watches Steve carefully. Watches him stare at his hand the breath catch in his chest and suddenly how his hand tentatively reaches out and takes his.

He looks up at him, and Eddie knows he’s searching for what it all means, but Eddie just holds his hand, soothingly rubs his thumb on the back of it.

“It’s why I make the bears.” He smiled over at him, and looked out at the dance floor as he continued to talk leaning over the table so Steve could hear him, whilst Gina dunked her Dino’s in their ketchupy demise.

“I had a teddy bear when I was a kid. I took that thing everywhere. It used to make my mom laugh. She called me her Eddie-bear. When I lost her. All I had left was my bear. I couldn’t hug her anymore, so it was all I had,” he swallowed thickly, “You can imagine it got a little grubby and torn, but my Dad didn’t fix him up or wash him. He picked him up and threw him in the trash one day when I was at school. I cried my eyes out. Couldn’t find the thing. He got me a plastic truck to say sorry. Which wasn’t the same, but if you knew my Dad, you’d know that was him trying his best.” Eddie laughed and shook his head as he turned back to Steve, “So that’s why I make the bears, and every bear we make, I keep the instructions to make it. So if my business ever failed, or when I’m not around anymore. No one has to be without their bear. They can get an exact replacement. So I guess we’re both trying to heal our childhoods in different ways.”

Steve nodded, “And the outfits?” He said with a light smirk and a slight sparkle to his eyes.

“Hmmm, let’s just say when I got a little older, I found a different Teddy Bear I wanted for myself, but I wasn’t exactly sure if he would want me back,” Eddie shifted his glance between Steve’s eyes and the table, “And it’s absolutely fine if he doesn’t because-“

“The thing you should know about that Teddy Bear is, they don’t make them like him anymore. He’s a little fragile, and frazzled. A lot of wear and tear. Especially here,” Steve gestured to the centre of his chest, and looked at Eddie with a nervousness he had never seen before.

“So if you want him he’s yours, on the understanding that, he’s a pretty busy bear, and he’s looking for someone to care for, long term. He can’t have any more casual owners, especially not one like you.”

The air got heavy between them. Eddie hadn’t counted on making big promises so fast. He hadn’t counted on Steve singling Eddie specifically out as someone special. What if he screwed up or it turned out they didn’t like one another as much as he thought they might?

It was almost like Steve could sort of read his mind, “But if you’re not looking to keep him for a long time, maybe if he’s still alone in a few years, and gets fixed up a little. Maybe he could handle a play date?” Steve’s eyes had not moved from Eddie’s.

“No. He’s perfect right now. He always has been. I guess I’m just worried because he’s so rare and valuable to so many. To me. What if I accidently damaged him, or wasn’t the good owner I thought I’d be?”

Steve’s face relaxed at Eddie’s concern, “it’s not about predicting the future. It’s about intention.” Steve smiled, and released his hand.

Eddie sipped his drink and mulled it over. Half sort of impressed with the grace Steve is giving him to think about it. If it were the other way around he’d be gnawing on the table between them, in anticipation. Instead Steve cleaned up Gina and her plate.

Then as he looked around the room and his eyes fell back to Steve the answer was so clear, he couldn't believe he took a few minutes to think about it.

He got up out of his seat and walked towards the bar.

Eddie saw Steve’s face and shoulders drop for a second as he walked away, but his smile at his daughter didn’t falter.

As he pushed through the crowd he found Robin, “Hey, how well do you know Steve’s little girl?” He asked, unsure of the situation.

“Uh pretty well, you could say. I designed her last Halloween outfit. I had a ticket to her nativity. Basically co-parented when I watched Steve put a spoon of salt in his coffee and then drink it!” She responded with such affronted sarcasm that Eddie knew he had asked the correct person.

“I wanna ask Steve to dance. Would you watch her for him?” Eddie asked hopefully.

Robin’s eyes went wide, “Finally!” She added with a wide smile and yanked Eddie back towards Steve's table and basically shoved him into him.

“Uh, Steve, do you maybe wanna dance?” Eddie extended his hand out towards his dream guy.

Steve looked at Eddie’s hand and then at Robin snuggling Georgina tightly to her as she shooed him away with her hand like she was annoyed they were still there.

Steve nodded and took his hand.

It wasn’t exactly the slow dance Eddie was hoping for but it was close enough for him to hold Steve like it was.

“I’d really like to give it a shot if you haven’t changed your mind. I mean I’m not perfect, there will be challenges, but I promise,” he said holding their joined hands to his chest, “I will work hard at every single one to keep you safe, happy and in my arms.”

Steve smiled softly, “I haven’t changed my mind,” he said gazing at Eddie.

“I hope you realise this is going to cost me a small fortune now though?” Eddie teased lightly as Steve’s chest pressed against his own.

“What do you mean?” Steve laughed a little confused.

“Well now I’m going to have to make a new bear to look after the original model.” Eddie grinned as Steve rolled his eyes and they swayed to the music.

[xenosagaepisodeone]

during the summer at work we often get teens or young adults whose parents are forcing them to go door to door down the whole business strip to drop off resumes. we politely explain that we can't take physical applications and that they should just keep an eye on the website for any new job postings that come up. if the kid is alone, they'll normally understand but leave their resume anyway (which goes directly to shredding as per management instruction), but if they're with a parent it turns into a game of 20 questions of what positions are open, how to navigate the website, all kinds of poking and prodding about how to get in or get involved (with volunteering being something of interest but rarely followed up on 9 times out of 10), entirely lead by the parent. the parent is putting on a show for the kid to exhibit how job searching "is done" and the kind of tenacity that they think potential employers want to see in applicants. sometimes they'll resort to smalltalk or flattery in an attempt to leave a good impression, which would probably have some pull at a job with a smaller and more intimate staff or a high turnover rate, but means nothing in our closed and streamlined online application process overseen entirely by management. I sometimes try to give some advice re: job searching or next steps to make the conversation feel like less of a waste of time, but I can tell when a parent is feigning interest in my response because they haven't fully become cognizant of what is meant by "you have to apply online" and still believes that they're in the "sell yourself" phase of talking to a potential employer. when the parent and kid do the mandatory congenial smile and wave thing as they leave, i always look at the kid, awkward and embarrassed and on some level understanding that this is not working but following their parent to the next place anyway, and think "thank God I'm not young anymore"

[dumbbitchenergy17]

Where the Wild Things Are - Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven: I've Seen This Film Before

Plot: Wild men or monstrous infected creatures, the world is wild and ravaged by Cordecyps but some are raised in it and flourish becoming a wild thing.

Word Count: 3.6K

Pairing: Joel Miller x Platonic!Teen!Reader, Ellie Williams x Platonic!Reader

Warnings: canon-typical fighting/violence, injuries, harsh language, tw: ANXIETY ATTACKS/RESPONSE, trauma from abusive mother, description of child neglect/abuse

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I think I've seen this film before and I didn't like the ending

You're not my homeland anymore so what am I defending now?

You were my town, now I'm in exile, seein' you out

I think I've seen this film before

The booth table at the Tipsy Bison is frighteningly quiet with the attendants staring at each other. You sit on one side of it your hands picking the table and on the other side is your mother…and father. The decision to meet wasn’t on your terms but the constant pressure they put on Tommy until you agreed. Joel and Maria were a hundred percent on your side of not wanting to see them but it seemed they wouldn’t stop harassing Tommy until they spoke to you since you now remained at Joel and Ellie’s home having moved back to your old bedroom. The dynamic between the three of you is different, while your relationship with Ellie never changed but did grow stronger it was the change with Joel. He was more active speaking to you and not at you, asking about you which at first was weird and awkward going into it, but soon it became more natural. While some of the conversations have awkward silences where either of you don’t know what else to say or when speaking with Ellie or the others all together you and Joel had similar quips or reactions. This conversation however was the last thing you wanted. Your fingers continue picking at the wood not making eye contact with either of them.

“Y/n…” Your mother starts and you glance at her through your lashes before returning your gaze to the table, “We wanted to see if you’d rather come back to live with us. Given Tommy and Joel’s gracious work taking care of you we think you overstayed your welcome.” She says and you continue picking at the wood. Your mother knew this was different than all the conversations before you were a child with no sense of autonomy but you were older, mature, having grown up on your own following your rules for self-preservation. Your father's hand slaps hard on the table and your gaze snaps up to stare at him and he looks frustrated.

“Your mother is trying to reason with you,” He says and you narrow your eyes at him before glancing at your mother who looks tired by the circles they are running in and the hoops they have to jump through. You take this chance to look at him. You had the same colored eyes and you’d say the same skin tone, but he also had the same one as your mother. There wasn’t much to take in he looked rugged and a bit haggard for his age. When you imagined your father you didn’t picture this.

“Y/n,” Your mother calls to you and your gaze snaps to her recognizing that tone, “We’re appreciative of all they’ve done but they only watched you as a responsibility. You were only a burden for them to shoulder. You can do good by leaving.” You feel your skin crawl as she reaches out to grasp your hand. You go to pull but her fingers dig into your forearm and your eyes widen as you look at her. Her fingers rest right where those old scars from years ago rest feeling like you dragged back to being held down as the stick carves into your skin burning the flesh raw.

“This is what’s going to happen, when we leave you’re going to go to Tommy and Joel and thank them for all they’ve done and come live with your actual family.” She says her words as a command not leaving any room for discussion, “Do you know how embarrassing it is knowing that my daughter doesn’t want to be with her family like she hates us? Is that it, you hate me so much you’d abandon your father and sister.” She says and you feel a tighten in your chest at her words, the familiar words and demeaning words getting its grip on you.

“That’s not-” “You left Y/n not me. After everything I did to raise you and keep you alive. How do you repay me? By running off and playing family with some people who don’t even know you.” She says releasing her vice grip and standing up.

“Mom stop it,” You say as your father joins her.

“I’m sorry that’s who I am right? I thought that title goes to Maria or do you call Joel or Tommy dad?” She says and your throat tightens at the digs she throws. “Maybe it was a mistake finding you.”

“I’ll go with you!” You grab her arm stopping her from leaving. From letting her abandon you cause of the stupid choices you made. “Please…don’t leave me,” She stops and you shrink at her face when she turns. You really did it this time making her upset. Her hands stroke your cheek and you flinch by instinct. A kiss is placed on your forehead and a single droplet slips from your eyes, you’re not sure she’s ever kissed you. It’s still unnerving by the affection.

“What have I said Y/n about the tears,” She tuts and you quickly rub the tear away sniffling back more. Once she sees them all gone she gives a proud grin, “Alright go run off and let them know of the change. We’ve got placed at the corner of Connors Drive in the blue house.”

It was raining today and most people avoided outside but you mindless walk through the streets to Rancher Street. It was decided to return to Joel’s home where the others would be waiting for the news. Self-doubt crept in if this was a smart idea, just ignore your mother and stay with The Millers and Ellie, but then you would be abandoning your mother and that would kill her. Part of you wanted to run and hide back in your cabin from the world and all those who know you. The familiar home stands before you as you enter the gate your hand tracing the mailbox that reads ‘Joel Miller + Ellie Williams’. Maybe your name could have ended up there. Who are you kidding your mother was right you were only a burden, Joel didn’t need to worry about another person and Tommy and Maria had Liam to take care of.

The door creaks open and those waiting in the living room perk up hearing the sound of the rain outside before the door closes again. Joel had spent the time pacing while the others tried distracting each other but it was hard to. He’s the first to spot you when you round the corner drenched from the rain a conflicted look on your face.

“Kiddo?” Joel starts but you quickly cut him off.

“Thank you guys for everything you’ve done but I going to live with my family now.” You say and you don’t even dare to look at them your eyes glued to your shoes.

“What you can’t!” Ellie stands from the couch still holding Liam and shouts, “You can’t just leave us!”

“I appreciate you taking me in when you could’ve left me in that cell, but I’m done burdening you.” You say and even Tommy who was in the middle ground was shocked by the words coming out of your mouth.

“Burden? Kid, you’re far from that,” Tommy says and you keep your gaze firm away from them.

“You’re not leaving kiddo,” Joel says and for the first time you look at them, “Your reaction to seeing them isn’t how a kid reacts to being reunited with their family, so no you aren’t leaving.”

“You don’t get to make that decision,” You snap glaring at him.

“Y/n she’s not a good mother and you know it,” Maria says and you feel frozen at the callout and everyone else is confused by the sudden comment.

“Shut up,” You hiss shocking them with the sudden hostility and a warning look sent to Maria to keep her mouth shut.

“Wanna tell them who gave them those burns or shall I,” She says, and it's dead silent as it processes through the other three what was just said. Joel was filled with rage, some directed at you for keeping it a secret but primarily at your mother. What woman causes such pain to a child?

“Or how she made you sleep in the cold by a broken radiator, or let you have injuries fester as a child forcing yourself to learn to stitch cuts, treating your garbage and you just defend her,” Maria says with each step towards you and your hands clench in your fists.

“That’s not her,” You respond and Maria scoffs.

“So she didn’t burn you?” She asks and you shake your head.

“No, I did them,” Immediately defensive.

“You’re a liar,” Maria rebuttals, “Y/n I don’t understand why you let her treat you like this. She’s not a good mother.” She tries resting a hand on your shoulder but you smack it away.

“Yes, she is!” You shout your voice shaky until it grows cold, “You don’t get to talk about being a good mother. Where’s your son huh? Some mother you are.” Venom is spat and Maria physically recoils.

“Y/n!” “Hey!” Tommy and Joel shout at you for such a comment, “You’re done, kid. You’re not going back there. I don’t care what they say.” Joel says.

“Fuck you, Joel. You can’t keep me here.” You hiss and he steps forward and grabs your wrist, “If I gotta lock you up until you understand what she’s doing to you then so be it.” It’s instinctually your fist smashes against his face and he cries out and it’s chaos. Joel stumbles back clutching his bloody nose, Ellie is crying with Liam screaming and crying and Maria instantly shields them. Tommy tries to grab you but you dodge his grasp and sprint down the hallway hearing the pounding footsteps behind you, grabbing the bookshelf against the wall and pulling with your strength until it falls over blocking the hallway with a loud crash. Darting into your room where you slam and lock the door hearing the pounding on the door as you shove your dresser to barricade yourself in. Grabbing your pack and shoving anything you can carry.

“Y/n open the damn door!” Tommy shouts and you hear the shouts from Joel, “Fucking kick it down!” As you scramble faster and move to the window hearing a body slamming against the door. The door cracks breaking the lock as it pushes open making the dresser slide, Tommy and Joel spill in seeing the disarray in the room with the open window and the curtains moving in the rain storm.

2 Months Later

It was May the snow long melted but the coldness and tension between yourself and the Miller remains frozen. Since that argument and fight that was the last time you spoke to any of them. You stopped working at the stables from was a hesitant decision but your mother solidified it.

“You’re going to end up running into them and all those emotions will come back,” She said and when you stop showing up to your shifts they got the message and replaced you. Your days consisted of waking up, cleaning the house, taking care of Lila while your mother and father went out to do their community jobs, then just waiting for the day to be over to repeat for the past two months. No one rarely saw you unless you dropped Lila off at the school where you sometimes ran into Ellie but ignored them and rushed back home. There were times your parents would take you out to the Tipsy Bison and you’d see the Millers across the room and they would notice you were there as well, but they never dare approach.

There had been a time when Joel showed up at your home demanding to speak to you and your father answered, the two almost getting into an altercation if Tommy hadn’t dragged his brother home. Now it’s just burning gazes from Joel across the room or when you walk down the street and he happens to be there. When you joined your mother you thought it would be everything you imagine. Being a large happy family but how wrong you are as you are quickly thrust back into the lifestyle you had growing up. Horrible living conditions and little to no acknowledgment from your mother, but it is only once you need to leave those four walls you have to keep up appearances that everything is fine. You lie awake some nights wondering if you made the right choice but quickly shut it down imagining your mother’s voice.

‘You’re such a horrible child how dare you think that.’

‘I’ve done everything for you and this is how you repay me.’

‘The Millers could never treat you as good as I do.’

‘They don’t understand what’s wrong with you only I can take of you’

‘You can’t abandon me, I love you so much.’

You think when she says ‘she loves you’ it feels emptier each time, but you grow to crave it. Just that hit of praise knowing it was so disingenuous but your twisted mind makes you feel like everything was perfect.

The streetlamps flicker as you carry groceries to restock, your mother wanting you to avoid the people in the early times forcing you to be there right as the close inconveniencing those working there who want to go home, especially with the ridiculous list you have. Your pack is like a dead body on your back as you carry another bag slung across your chest constantly hitting your hip with each step wincing at the bruise that rests there. You had gotten her angry and she shoved you, your hip slammed against the island in the kitchen. It was your fault though. You had taken a nap and slept in at the time Lila needed to be picked up from school leading to the teacher having to go find your mother and father out having drinks at the Tipsy Bison.

The fraying strap from the bag snaps and the items and the bag topple onto the floor spilling everywhere. Curses spill from you as you try to pick up everything salvageable. Some items were broken and you already knew the amount of hell you’re gonna be put through.

“Kiddo?” A voice cuts through the night and you hiss as you flinch cutting your left palm on a broken jar of jam. Your gaze snaps up seeing Joel standing at the corner of the street, he has his pack over his back, and also slung over his shoulder is the object you’ve seen him use on the back porch. He spots the red coming from your palm as you squeeze it with your other hand, “Shit you alright kiddo?” He comes over his hand held out and freezes seeing the small flinch as he gets close to you. He lowers down to a knee as you keep clutching your palm to stop the bleeding.

“I’m fine Joel,” You snap but there seems to be no heat behind it, he can see the tiredness in your eyes, dark circles, and a draining look on your face lacking color and warmth. He slowly takes your hand and you don’t have the will to fight him as he looks over it. Pulling out a bandana he wraps your hand in it tightly and you wince.

“Sorry…” He mumbles and you bring your gaze to the destroyed food. “You need to get it properly wrapped it looks pretty deep.” He says and you rise to your feet holding the broken bag.

“It’s fine Joel really.” You try walking away, but the bag isn’t as secure and you almost drop the items, especially holding it with one good hand if Joel hadn’t swept in.

“Lemme just clean it up okay and fix this shitty strap,” He says and you look at him with cautious eyes, “Then I’ll leave you be,” He says honestly. You knew they would start wondering what was taking too long but you also knew it would take longer trying to talk Joel out of it.

“Just be quick.” You say and you almost catch the relaxation on his shoulders relieved you said yes. Joel takes the bag and leads you properly to sit on the curb underneath one of the streetlights. He gets to work removing his pack and the other object placing it beside you as he pulls out a small first aid kit. He undoes the makeshift bandage and you wince at the cut and the blood that starts flowing again.

“Doesn’t look that deep just needs a cleaning and wrapping,” He says pulling out a small bottle and rag, pouring water on it to clean most of the dried blood off. He reveals a smaller bottle and when he pours it on your fresh cut you hiss in pain trying to pull back but he stops you.

“It hurts!” You hiss and he nods.

“Just some alcohol to kill any germs you’re fine,” He says while pulling out bandages and wrapping your hand. You bring your attention elsewhere to the items that rest on the curb it’s an interesting shape with the strings. It looks like hollow on the inside. Joel seems to pick up on your interest.

“It’s a guitar. It’s a kind of instrument that makes music,” He says and you keep your gaze on the guitar. Once finished with your hand he moves to working on your bag. You can’t help to reach over and pluck a string a sweet noise rings through the air and your gaze snaps to Joel who is watching you with a soft smile.

“You press on this part which are the frets in certain positions to make other notes then pluck the respective string.” He says as you pluck another string that is the thickest it's a very low note, “That’s E.” You then move and pluck the thinnest one and it’s much higher.

“That’s also E.”

“How can they both be E?” You frown and he chuckles slightly and rubs the back of his neck,

“Uh, I don’t know they say the thicker E is used for fuller, richer sound, while the thinner E is better for soloing and playing higher notes.” He explains and you nod. You look seeing he’s finished fixing your bag and you accept the fixed item. He seems to hesitate to speak but decides to.

“If you’re interested in learning I can teach you.” He offers and you look from the guitar to Joel who looks a bit nervous. It did seem interesting and something to keep you occupied, but you aren’t sure your mother would allow that.

“I don’t think I can…I just have a lot of stuff to do at home,” You say and he gives a light ‘Right’ and it grows quiet between you too as you sit on the curb where he is beside you.

“Are you happy there?” He asks and you flash him a surprised look and you grow quiet. If this was any other scenario you would have responded instantly but you weren’t sure why you hesitated to.

“I—” “Y/n.” Your father’s voice cuts through the night and you instantly straighten up in concern and also partial fear. Since living with him he never hit you or got physical like your mother, but you just felt an off feeling from him. Sometimes he would make comments that didn’t feel fatherly and the few times you were alone it felt like he was staring at you for a second too long that made your skin crawl.

“Your mother is waiting for you, what the hell are you doing?” He asks coming over as he grasps your bad hand not paying the bandage any mind tugging you to your feet and you wince at the pressure.

“Careful,” Joel warns immediately rising to stand as well catching you wince as you hold your injured hand to your chest.

“She’s fine, now what are you doing wandering the streets?” He asks and you shrink away from his unsettling gaze.

“I ran into her dropping all these items and cut herself, just patching her up is all,” Joel defends you and you watch the two adults stare down each other before your father gives a grin that doesn’t radiate any kindness.

“That’s so kind of you Joel for taking care of my little girl,” He says while wrapping his arm around your shoulder and pulling you to his side and you cringe, “Well we better get going, you have a great night Joel.” He forces you to turn and start walking down the street.

“Y/n!” Joel calls out and you stop to glance behind you, “The offer for the guitar lessons still stands,” He says and you see it in his eyes, he’s giving you a chance to call for help. To do anything that’ll allow him to swoop in with no consequences.

“Thanks but she’s already pretty busy back at home. I’ll be sure to teach her though if she’s so interested.” Your father says and you see Joel’s face morph into a frown his cold look directed to your father.

“Do you know how to play?” He asks and your father stiffens at the callout.

“It’s a guitar it’s not rocket science,” He says and the two have a silent showdown before your father speaks again, “Have a good night, Joel.” He keeps leading you as you glance back seeing Joel’s defeated look standing under the streetlamp his guitar still on the curb.

Where the Wild Things Are Tags

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[beartitled]

ok i have non art related slay the princess ask, i was wondering if i could get your input on a route idea for slay the princess, i have the build up but idk where it would lead, and i wanna get opinions

Hm

You mean like any new route I can think of? Oc route¿?

Hehe sounds fun ✨

Well, the idea I came up from the top of my head

Let’s say

Chapter 1

> you took the blade

> you talked with the princess for a while

> all dialogue options are used, yet you don’t make any choice and just stay

> *insert awkward silence*

> you start talking with princess again

> you ignore Narrator’s and Princess frustration (Hero just sees ppl are getting angry and tries being a mediator)

> you keep talking

> the blade you had in your hand a second ago, now sits comfortably inside your guts

> “Everything goes dark.. and you die. Hope that can finally shut you u-“

Chapter 2

The Philosopher

> you find yourself in a forest with a bunch of columns

> you proceed to discuss a single column for about 5 dialogue options

(I dunno if we get a custom voice here 👀 I think any voice would work here, but if we go full on oc mode✨)

>The Voice of the Disputant engages in a column discussion

> you reach the cabin (after insufferable amounts of inner dialogue) that is covered with draperies

> you meet the Princess, which.. apologises for killing you last time! She had a lot of time to reflect you see and now

> you talk with the Princess

> you talk some more

> you keep talking

> it seems that your constructive discussion on the meaning of existence was interrupted by a inpatient Crowman

> “The wall of the cabin suddenly collapses on both of you.”

> how unfortunate

[I think it would be cool to have an alternative outcome, where you kill yourself to prove a point to Princess during at some point of your discussion. That outcome would lead to Chapter 3 The unexamined life is not worth living]

Chapter 3

I think, therefore I am.

> another day another cabin- oh wait. There is no cabin. Or is there? There are… stars… many stars in fact…

> you drift towards a cabin constellation, then you fly through a ladder constellation and then you see a brightest constellation in this starry sky, Her

> and of course you engage in a conversation

> and then another 🌠

> and then another 🌌

> the voices start to… talk less? Are they talking at all? Are they there? Hero even you are silent? How strange. It’s like you’re finally feel… liberated. It is quiet and- Ah no, here it goes

> slay the princess?

> at this point, does this echoing chatter even matters? When did you listen to this guy? Is he even a part of you? Certai n l y n o t n o w

> your body feels light.. as if you are the light itself…

peace.. you are at peace…

it felt like ages… maybe.. millennials…

you hold Her hands…

and let go

…

…

and yet

you don’t get to enjoy that

a hand takes a star… and then another appears and does the same.. and then another and another.. a tangled dance of hands just collected your Brightest Constellation and took it away

seems the voices returned and you find your consciousness in a familiar place

“This one is a confrontation for solicitude’s sake. The all knowing part of me that takes time to sympathise. She will make for an understanding heart.

Do not mourn her, for she has finally reached a satisfactory conclusion.”

[Your additional voice here could be Cheated or Paranoid. Cheated doesn’t get enough screen time in the main game >:D I let you decide which opinions they would have in this scenario. You as always could slay the princess, that would lead to the starry galaxy slowly dimming away as you both continue talking.. about anything, everything, and yet simultaneously, about nothing at all]

Chapter 3 /alternative/

The unexamined life is not worth living

> another day another cabin. A rock cabin to be exact? Hm, come to think of it, everything is kinda rocky

> your voices start to “slightly” panic as you collectively realise the world slowly turns to stone. Including you.

> oh wait, don’t you have wings?

> you hover in the air and it seems your limbs slowly return to normal. I guess no walking for you this time.

> as you glide through the air and breezed past the staircase, now fully covered in rocky texture, you see a statue in the middle of the room. Wait.

> you greet the Princess. Podium sure suits her elegant figure. Yet, you realise that you don’t have much time to appreciate her beauty, as her body slowly but surely, turns to stone.

> you try to help with no avail. But it seems that Princess is.. unfazed? She doesn’t seem to even want escape, she just wants to… talk with you. Again.

> you engage in a conversation

> and then another

> and then another

> take the princess’s hand?

> oh well, I guess nor you, nor the voices, wish to be turned to stone. You fly back a little and watch the Princess give you a comforting, yet.. a sad smile.

> you are left alone.

this world feels cold, as it is lonely

or maybe, lonely as it is cold.

you left in silence for a moment.

Narrator, apparently, being delighted by the unfolding events, breaks said silence.

You and the voices have nothing to say to him now, so you just let him talk.

And he talks.

And talks.

And talks.

Until…

He seems to be getting progressively quieter.

So you just wait.

The white hands appear.

Gently and delicately they pluck the Princess out of her righteous place in the ground.

seems the voices returned and you find you consciousness in a familiar place

“This one is a moment frozen in time. Her soul has accepted the inevitability of disagreement. She will make for a tranquil heart.

Do not mourn her, for she has no need in it.”

[Your additional voice here could be Cold or Hunted. Cold advocating for leaving the Princess turn into statue as well as being comfortable in the new stone world, accepting it in a way. Hunted on the contrary, full on discomfort and advocating to take her hand. You could also do the nice option and take her hand, which would lead to you both turning into stone as you chat, Shifty would take the Princess right before you both turn to stone]

OH BOY

I apologise if there are a million mistakes here (and nonsensically long sentences lmao)

Hope it was fun to read ❤️

Non art related ask 💥 Man look at what u did

[pupkashi]

a/n: kakashi word vomit i wanna make out w him

masterlist

kakashi is so attractive & he never believes it until you show him how much you’re attracted to him. when you first see him you’re doing a double take bc no one said the famous copy ninja was such a stunner ???

it takes a lot of courage and teasing from asuma and kurenai before you even think about talking to the silver haired shinobi. at first kakashi thinks you’re nervous because you’re scared of him, so he assures you he wouldn’t hurt you.

“you don’t have to be so nervous y’know, i don’t bite” he smiles, eye crinkling and it makes you flush.

“I’ve just never tried flirting with someone as attractive as you” you blurt out, cursing kurenai for encouraging the three shots you took before walking over to kakashi.

kakashi is shocked, his only visible eye now wide and mouth in the shape of an ‘o’ (even if you can’t see it). he doesn’t say anything, wondering how you could find someone as average as him attractive.

nevertheless kakashi doesn’t make you feel awkward, continuing the conversation. the two of you click perfectly, laughing softly and getting to know each other. kakashi is quick to ask you when he’d see you again, thankful his mask is hiding his profuse blushing.

four months later the two of you as sitting on his couch, the movie was mere background noise as you looked at your boyfriend, something akin to a magnetic force pulling your lips towards his exposed neck. you press feathery kisses all over it, kakashi sighs softly.

“thought you wanted to watch this movie?” he chuckles, moving his neck so you can kiss him with more ease. his words are airy, and you know he’s not complaining nor does he want you to stop.

“you’re too hot to not make out with” you breathe out between kisses, planting some along his jawline before finally landing on his lips.

kakashi is quick to move you, grabbing you by the hips and placing you on his lap. he’s never been one to deny your affection, and he wasn’t gonna start today.

he thinks maybe you’re just feeling clingy today, he’s been gone on a mission for a week or so anyway. that must be all it is. kakashi chalks it up to you missing him after missions for months, no matter how many times you tell him you just think he’s so fucking hot.

it’s not until a little over a two years into your relationship that kakashi lies awake in bed, realizing you’d never once stopped showering him with your affection and compliments. he’d figured once the honeymoon phase was over the rose tinted glasses you had on must’ve come off, but it seemed like they never did.

every day you still greeted him with a sweet smile and a flurry of kisses, “how was your day handsome?” or “hi pretty boy, how’d it go?” or any variation which included complimenting him.

kakashi lets his mind wander, grateful that you were as in love with him as he was you. you stirred in your sleep, flipping and curling into your lovers side unconsciously. it made his heart stutter as he closed his eyes, letting your warmth and steady breathing lull him to sleep.

kakashi comes home the next day with his vest already off, navy undershirt untucked and hair flopping naturally over his forehead.

“how was work toda-” you feel the words stuck in your throat as you drink in the look of your boyfriend. he usually gets home in uniform and immediately goes to the shower and you see him freshened up and changed. it’s a rare, breathtaking sight to see him as disheveled as he in right now.

“what? do i still have blood on my face?” he haphazardly wipes at his face with the back of his hand. you shake your head at him, not trusting your voice as you clear your throat and lean in to kiss his cheek. “what’s got you so flustered, pretty?” his deep honey voice has your cheeks burning as you stare at him.

“you look good” you admit, a small smile on your lips, not trying to hide how badly you wanted to jump his bones in that moment.

“hmm, do i? ‘m all sweaty” kakashi mumbles, letting a cocky grin play on his lips as he bends over slightly to allow his lips to hover over yours, “missed me that much baby? you made me late this morning” he smiles as your crash your lips into his, not able to hold yourself back when he was only mere inches away from you.

“not my fault you’re so fucking attractive” you say between kissing him, squealing softly when kakashi pulls you into him by your waist.

it’s in every kiss your place to his skin, ever gentle and needy touch, breathing your love into him as you hold him impossibly close. every action and gesture of yours is enough to reassure him as you shoo him off to shower while you finish dinner. kakashi lets the hot water hit his flushed skin with a happy sigh, forever grateful he paid for asuma’s lunch for a month in exchange for him to play cupid.

[short-honey-badger]

Peppermint Tea 37 - Hibiscus 2

Summary: Time passes, and you settle in with your boys. Tomura meets his niece, and a certain ex-warlord calls Mihawk

*warnings* some smut. Lot of stuff happens this chapter. It's a big one!

*Note!* This will be the last official chapter of Peppermint Tea! I have an epilogue planned that will be posted later today, but it's more of a *where are they at after 10 years* lol. I want to thank all you lovely people who have come by and read and commented on this massive work. You guys are what drove me to finally come back and finish this. I really hope you guys have enjoyed the ride!

Peppermint Tea Masterlist-> HERE

“Oh, she’s so cute!” Perona squeals and Mihawk gives his older daughter a narrow-eyed look to quiet down. The ghost girl gives a sheepish grin as she floats closer to take a closer look at Joyeuse, her baby sister. The babe watches her with big, golden eyes, and Perona is hard-pressed to not snatch her up and run away with her. 

You are watching from the couch, Shanks stretched out beside you so that you can rest your head against his shoulder with a fond look. You feel full, content in a way that you’ve never been before to have your most precious people all in the same room. All you were missing now was your brother, but according to Shanks, he would be here soon. 

Joyeuse gurgles and drools against her father’s chest, eyes watching the way the pinkett's hair bounces whenever she shakes her head. A hand is suddenly in reach, and Joy happily snuggles into the warmth it provides when it’s lain over her chest. She always knew who was holding her by their warmth. Mother was always cool, Father was almost scorching at times, but Papa. He was perfect.

“Do you want to hold her?” you ask Perona and laugh when the girl sits down faster than you’ve ever seen the other woman move, “Just make sure you support her head.” 

Mihawk steps over to Perona and walks her through the best way to hold Joyeuse. He’d become rather protective to the point it was overbearing lately if you were honest with yourself. If you didn’t have your daughter, then Mihawk was the one holding her 80% of the time. You’d mentioned it to Shanks, but the redhead didn’t seem to have a problem with it, stating that he had far less dirty diapers to change. 

“Stop squirming, girl,” Mihawk grumbles and then slowly transfers his daughter over when Perona stills. He watches the young woman coo over the babe, chest feeling tight at the display before him. Both of his girls so close together, the swordsman only wished that Zoro were here to see this. He would need to write to the young man soon and tell him the good news. 

Mihawk relaxes once he is confident that Perona has a good hold on Joy, and makes his way to the couch where he sits on your other side. You snake a hand into his lap and he indulges you by threading his fingers with your own, the edges of his lips curling into a tiny smile. 

“When is my brother supposed to be here?” you ask quietly. You’re beyond nervous to see him again, but terribly excited at the same time. It’s been over twenty years since you’ve seen your brother, and you can’t help but wonder how much he’s changed from the boy you remember from your dreams. 

“Another day or so, most likely, sweetheart,” Shanks says and turns to press a kiss to the top of your head, “He left the same day I called.” 

Shanks had gotten in trouble with Mihawk for not telling the other man about his decision to call Tomura, but he couldn’t bring himself to care too much. The older man would keep you away from your brother if he had it his way, if only to avoid any awkward conversions, or a fight breaking out. The redhead can’t imagine that Delemur would be too happy to find out that his little sister had gotten knocked up by an ex-warlord and emperor of the sea. 

His eyes find their daughter and a smile lights up his face. Well, after Tomura meets his lovely niece, Shanks doesn’t see any kind of confrontation happening. Joyeuse had a smile that could melt the coldest man’s heart. 

----

Tomura is practically vibrating on the spot when he finally spots Sphinx in the distance. He had swapped out of his Vice-Admiral uniform and left the massive navy cruiser behind on their last stop at port. He didn’t want to show up on the island Whitebeard was born looking like he planned on starting something, especially since he knew that Newgate’s first mate now lived there. It was only himself and a few select members of his crew, the ones who Tomura knew wouldn’t breathe a word about this place. 

“Nervous, Vice-Admiral?” Nitchell asked. His commander was gripping the rails of the ship hard enough his knuckles had turned white, his face set into an even deeper scowl than usual. He gave a little shrug when Delemur cut his eyes at him, lips pulling into a frown. 

“My little sister has been in the company of dangerous pirates for the past two and a half years. Of course, I’m nervous,” He snaps at the younger man. Tomura had let his imagination run rampant. Were you still the darling sister that he doted on all those years ago, or had you changed into something harder? He almost didn’t want to find out. 

Delemur didn’t care that Shanks and Mihawk had told him that they loved you. That you had apparently become important to them. He was your big brother, so he would trust your word on the matter, and if you even looked uncomfortable in their presence then he would scoop you up and run. 

It felt like a lifetime had passed by the time they had docked and made it to shore. The tiny port town was bustling with locals going about their business, and only spared him and his men a passing glance. Shanks had told them that there would be someone waiting for them at the edge of town, but once he got there, he wasn't expecting to see Marco the Phoenix waiting for them.

“Vice-Admeral Delemur,” Marco drawls almost lazily. He doesn’t like seeing the navy man on his island, but he knows that Tomura is one of the better marines and most likely wouldn’t try to cause any trouble for the locals. They’d never officially met before, since Tomura had never ventured too far into Whitebeard’s territory. 

“Marco the Phoenix,” Tomura rumbled back, “Where’s my sister?” 

The pirate doctor quirks his lips and crosses his arms. “Just up the hill a ways. Are you ready?”  

Tomura swallows and dips his head in a nod, forcing his hands to stop shaking, “As I’ll ever be.” 

He orders his men to disperse within the town. Delemur didn’t want to overwhelm you with too many people, after all, before he followed Marco up the hill. They walk for a while, passing by homey cottages until they come to a house that faces the sea. It’s small, though bigger than the cottage Tomura remembers from your island and looks freshly painted. There is a big shaggy dog lounging on the porch that perks up whenever they get closer, brown eyes looking them over before he barks to get the attention of his humans inside. 

Tomura waits, and then the door opens. He can’t help but scowl when the redheaded emperor struts out followed by the smarmy ex-warlord, but the look on his face morphs into astonishment when you follow the two men out. He wants to close the distance between the two of you and wrap you up in a hug so tight that you’d never escape from. Instead, he stands frozen, looking at you like one might a ghost. 

You flick your eyes over the man, taking in that white hair that makes you ache, the familiar shape of his jaw, and the brilliant green of his eyes. There is a vertical scar on the right side of his mouth that you don’t remember being there before. There are dark bags under his eyes, and you wonder if your brother had gotten any sleep while traveling here. You step off the porch, thankful that you’ve healed enough in the past three weeks that it took for him to get here. 

“Tomura?’ you say quietly, and that’s all it takes for the dam to break. The man is striding forward in an instant, sweeping you up into a hug and you wrap your own arms around him, hugging your brother as tightly as you can. Snow sprouts around you, your devil fruit reacting to the surge of emotions that make your head spin. 

“Gods, princess, It’s good to see you,” Tomura rasps against your hair, and you tear up, the old nickname a soft reminder that makes tears well up in your eyes. Your brother plows on before you can even think about getting a word in. 

“After I heard those rumors about you I had to come back, had to make sure that you were safe, but none of us got there in time. Did they hurt you? Have they hurt you?” 

You pull away at that, not liking what Tomura was trying to insinuate, and shake your head at him, a frown on your lips. 

“I’m fine, Tomura. I was with Big Mom only a couple of days and Katakuri made sure that I was comfortable,” you assure him, and then look behind you at your boys who stand ready to intervene if need be, “And those two would never hurt me.” 

Tomura frowns down at you, brows creased, “They're pirates, princess, dangerous ones. You never should have met them to begin with.” 

Shanks steps up, his usual friendly aura replaced by one of annoyance. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. He didn't think that Tomura would try and turn you against them, not that he thought it would work, mind you, but still, it chafed at the redhead. 

“Well, she did, so stop trying to make us out to be the bad guys. We're the ones who kept her company while you were too busy playing marine.” 

The tension in the air skyrocketed at that, and Tomura pulls his sister away from the redhead, stepping between them, “And she would have stayed safe if you'd not opened your fat mouth, you fuck.”

Mihawk narrows his eyes, about to step in and put a stop to his farce of a reunion, when you speak up, voice full of such disappointment that it makes his own heart race. 

“That is enough, Tomura. I wanted you here so that I could get to know you again, not so you could spit and argue like a damn cat. I might have stayed safe if Mihawk had never found me, but I would have stayed alone and hidden from the world until I died. You had twenty years to come and visit me, but you never did. You left me alone, stranded on that island with no one to talk to, no one to comfort me, and I was six! You don’t get to have a say in who I keep company with. You lost that privilege a long time ago.” 

Tomura stares at his little sister in shock, guilt eating at him. You weren’t wrong. He’d left you there and hadn’t even thought about paying you a visit, far too worried that the military would find out about you. Before he can try and defend himself, you soften and reach out to take his hand in your own, your fingers ice cold. 

“I don’t want to fight with you, big brother,” You say, and any ill intent that Tomura has deflated when you call him that, “I want to be a family, and you need to accept that they are a part of that.” 

Tomura takes a second to collect himself. It’s been over two decades, but he is still wrapped around your little finger. He deflates and smooths a hand over his face, giving you a weary smile that you return, “Okay, princess. No more fighting.” 

Mihawk saunters forward, taking up the space just behind you, “Glad to see that you’ve come to your senses, Vice-Admiral. Now, do you want to meet your niece or not?” 

You and Shanks cackle at the gob-smacked look that paints your brother’s face, only laughing harder when he looks at his sister for confirmation, and she nods her head, a smile stretching across her face. Marco steps up behind him and slaps his shoulder, grinning at the stunned man. 

“Don’t worry. You weren’t the only one surprised to know that these two powerhouses were having a baby. I’ll have to tell you about the first time Shanks tried to change her diaper.” 

Tomura grimaces at the imagery, and then he is being tugged inside the house, led through the living room, and to the nursery that’s been set up in the back. The room is painted a soft purple, and a rocking chair in the corner, and there, in the center of the room is a wooden bassinet. You lead him over to it, and Tomura stares down at the new member of his family. 

She is beautiful, her hair a fluffy red just a shade darker than her father’s, those eyes an exact copy of the ex-warlord’s, but everything else was you. Tomura still remembered what you looked like as a babe, the joy on mother's face when she had shown you to him for the first time. There would be no argument over who her parents would be. 

“What’s her name?” He asks and reaches out, trailing his fingertips over the red fluff of her hair, and smiling when the babe gurgles at him. 

“Joyeuse,” you murmur beside him, and lean into his side, your hand joining his own, “Mihawk came up with it.” 

“It’s a fitting name,” Tomura says, and you beam at your big brother. It gladdened you to see that Joy already had her uncle wrapped around her pinky. You knew that any bad blood between him and your lovers would settle in time, though you could still foresee some tense moments happening. But even with the tension, having your brother here makes you happy, your family finally all together. 

----

The next couple of weeks are filled with getting to know your brother again, and after a while, Tomura grudgingly begins to get along with Shanks and Mihawk. The three men could be found playing cards with some of the redhead’s crew on lazy days, you watching from the front porch and entertaining Joyeuse with your devil fruit. However, at some point, Tomura needs to leave, to go back to the navy. 

Joyeuse had cried that day on the docks when your family had gathered to say goodbye to her uncle, and you had given him a teary-eyed hug, the babe pressed between the two of you. 

“I promise to visit, princess,” Tomura swears quietly and presses a kiss to Joy’s brow who fusses and scowls up at him like it was his fault that she was upset. 

“You better,” You grumble at him, and then he is pulling away with a wave of his hand. You watched him board the small ship he’d arrived on, and then he was gone, disappearing as the waves pushed him further away from you. 

Mihawk steps close behind you, his hand coming up to cup your waist as he bends to press a kiss to the side of your head, “He’ll be back, my love.” 

You press into his side with a sigh, “I know. I just miss him already.” 

The ex-warlord hums and leads you back through town and up the hill to home where Shanks is waiting for the three of them. Perona takes Joyeuse, assuring them that she can keep the babe entertained while they have some alone time. Tomura wasn’t the only one who would need to leave soon. 

You find Shanks packing a small bag in the bedroom, and your heart lurches at the knowledge that the redhead had to leave as well. Benn had gotten a call last week, and some of the islands under their protection had been raided by an upstart pirate crew thinking that they had found easy pickings. Shanks and his crew were to leave the next morning to go take care of the other pirates. It would be the first time that the redhead would be gone for more than a few hours. 

Shanks smiles when he spots you and stands, opening his arm for you to fall into his side, pressing your face into his chest. Mihawk sits on the bed, watching his two lovers with heavy eyes. He did not wish for Shanks to leave, either, but he knew that with being an emperor, Shanks would always have a responsibility to the people that he claimed under his flag. 

They were still working on finding proper accommodations for you and Joyeuse to call home. While Sphinx was peaceful, you weren’t a fan of the history behind it. Even though it stayed a poor island, people far and wide on the Grand Line would come to visit the island where Edward Newgate was born. He had hoped that Shanks would find a suitable island to stay at.

“I don’t want you to go,” You whine softly against the redhead and clutch him tightly. Everything was perfect right now. You and Joy were safe where you could lavish in your boys’ attention whenever you wanted, and the three of you had just grown closer over the weeks that you were all together.

Shanks sighs and pulls you over to the bed where he flops back, taking you with him and laying his head on Mihawk’s thigh. The other man cards a hand through that red hair, gently scratching his scalp with blunt nails. You shift so that you are draped over him, your face tucked into the crook of his neck. 

“I know baby, and I wouldn’t if this wasn’t important,” Shanks murmurs softly. He hates that he has to leave you right after your brother, but he can’t let some rando pirate crew think that they could encroach on his territory, “You’ll have Mihawk to keep you company, though, and Perona.” 

You know that Mihawk and the pinkette would be here, but it doesn’t make you any less upset that Shanks has to go. You’ve gotten used to having everyone around you, and it hurts to see them leave. You feel him adjust under you, his lips finding the side of your throat and nipping the sensitive skin there lightly. You shiver and rise up to see Shanks looking at you with half-lidded dark eyes, a mischievous smirk on his face, “How about I give you something to remember me by while I’m gone, sweetheart?” 

You flush, heat burning your lower stomach, and you move to sit up, eager for his attention. This was the first time that you’d have the chance to be intimate with either man, for if it wasn’t Tomura stealing your attention, then it was Joyeuse crying for you. You hadn’t minded either, but it had left little time for the three of you to have any kind of alone time. 

“Please?”

Shanks shuffles off of Mihawk so that he lays at the head of the bed. His cock is already hard and aching for you, and he quickly shucks his pants off with an excited grin. The other man shifts to lay on his side, content with watching his two lovers play with one another. You stand to strip off your pants and shirt before you shuffle back up the bed, thighs pressing in on either side of Shanks’ hips. You lean down, lips meeting the redhead's with a soft sigh. 

His tongue presses forward, stroking against your lips and you happily open up for him, tongue meeting his own in a dance of slick muscles. His hand grips your hip, pulling you down as he rocks up into your awaiting heat. You groan and nip his bottom lip, pulling away to smirk down at your lover.  

“Ride his face, darling,” Mihawk rumbles beside the two of you, and you shudder at the thought, pussy clenching around nothing. Shanks makes an eager sound and shuffles a bit down the bed so that you would have more room. Carefully, you scoot forward, knees resting around his head as you hover over him. Mihawk leans forward to watch, eyes bright with interest when Shanks curls his arm around your hip and jerks you down.

“Sit, baby. I'm not gonna break,” Shanks rumbles and you gasp when he licks up your folds, tongue swirling around your clit and making you see stars. Your hands grip the bed frame, head hanging low as your hips snap forward, seeking that delicious pleasure. The redhead groans, pointing his tongue so that he can pierce your leaking cunt. 

The ex-warlord watches in rapt attention, watching Shanks tongue fuck you, watching the way you shake and shiver above the emperor, back arching from pleasure when the redhead suctions his lips around your clit and sucks harshly. You wail, thighs shaking as you come from the suddenness of it, slick coating your folds that Shanks happily licks away with a whine of his own. 

You pull away from the redhead when it becomes too much, and thankfully Shanks allows it. You shift back down the bed, taking his aching length in hand and stroking it from base to tip, free hand pressing against his chest as you lift yourself and then slide down with a hiss through clenched teeth, stuffing yourself with his cock. You don't give yourself much time to adjust, the sting of his girth still present when you roll your hips, groaning when he slips that much deeper. 

“That's it darling rock your hips, make him come undone,” Mihawk rumbles to your left, and you dip your head in a distracted nod, your legs and core working to bounce you up and down the pulsing length inside of you. You crack your eyes open, looking down to see the redhead reach out to grip your hip, his teeth clenched shut as if he was holding himself back from taking control. 

“Fuck, baby,” Shanks croons and he adjusts his legs, scooting his feet up to put you at an angle so that he can snap his hips up, making you gasp and whine when the tip of his cock nudges against that sensitive deep inside of you. He feels you clench around him, feather-soft walls fluttering around his cock and dragging him deeper when you bend forward, resting your brow against his collarbone. He wraps his arm around your lower back, keeping you close as he pistons his hips up, slamming home at a breakneck pace until you are crying out, clenching and shuttering against him as you come. 

Shanks isn't far behind, teeth bared in a snarl, and he pushes as deep as he can go, spilling inside of you and filling your cunt to the brim. You are panting above him, brow furrowed as you slowly sit up, bracing yourself with a hand on his chest. You feel hands gently pushing your hair away from your sweaty brow, and give Mihawk a weak, sappy little grin in return. Carefully, you crawl off your lover and fall to the side with a grunt, your body feeling rung out and exhausted. Shanks rolls so that he can cuddle against you, and Mihawk eases from the bed, a satisfied smirk on his face at seeing his darlings curled up together. 

---

Three weeks after Shanks leaves, you and Mihawk are out on the front porch enjoying cups of steaming tea while Joyeuse naps, when he hears his snail transponder ringing. The two of you share a look, one bemused and the other annoyed before the ex-warlord sighs heavily and stands to go and retrieve the transponder before it wakes Joyeuse. He doesn’t answer the phone until he is back outside, leg crossed over the other. 

Ca-lick

“Mihawk speaking.”

“Mihawk, it’s Crocodile. I heard what happened to your island, bad business that.” 

You perk up, brows going to your hairline as you listen in on the conversation. Mihawk cocks a brow at the transponder. Out of everyone who could have called, he hadn’t expected his fellow ex-warlord to be one of them. 

“Yes, it was rather unfortunate. I was fond of the place, but luckily I wasn’t there when the navy raided the island. Is there a reason why you’re calling?” 

They hear Crocodile laugh on the other end, and then the sound of a strangled squawk that sounds oddly familiar. 

“No beating around the bush with you, eh Hawkeye. Anyway, with the warlords being disbanded, it’s come to my attention that you and I are one in the same. Neither of us trusts easily, so I think that it would be beneficial for us to work together.”

You look at Mihawk in slight alarm. While you weren’t about to ban him from doing what he wanted, you refused to put your daughter into harm's way, and working with Crocodile sounded like it would bring more attention to you and yours than you wanted. Mihawk catches your look and waves a hand, silently telling you to calm down, which you scowl at. 

“And why would I even want to consider that?” 

Crocodile huffs on the other end, the snail rolling its eyes. 

“To create our perfect utopia, of course. The Navy wouldn’t take an organization headed by us lightly. After all, they used to call you ‘Marine Hunter’.” 

Mihawk huffs at the usage of the old name. It’s been years since he had gone by that title, but he can’t deny that the other man speaks the truth. They would make a very formidable pair even without the influence Shanks would inevitably have, “I have better things to do than play at being leader to some ramshackle organization, Crocodile. All I desire is a peaceful life, you know this.” 

“And that’s what the clown is for. He’s been made emperor, so we already have a figurehead to fall back on if things don’t go our way. I’ve got it all planned out.” 

In the back ground they hear another squawk, and this time a voice comes through. 

“Don’t listen to this maniac, Hawkeye! He’s crazy!” 

You can’t help but snort at the sudden interruption, eyes going wide, and you can’t help but wonder if this clown is the same one that Shanks likes to talk about. You couldn’t deny that you wanted to meet him, especially since he was connected to one of your boys.

“Oh, have I interrupted something, Hawkeye?” 

There is a teasing edge to the other man’s voice, and Mihawk narrows his eyes at the snail transponder, “You have actually. I-”

Crocodile cuts him off. 

“This something must be why you continued to disappear for weeks at a time, hmm? Rumors spread like wildfire, Hawkeye, and I’ve heard all about the woman you and Red-Haired Shanks absconded with. Quite the scandal, really.”  

Your heart goes still in your chest, and you share a wide-eyed look with your lover. You knew that it was a possibility that your presence would become more prominent, your lover's were very prominent people after all, but you didn't think it would be so soon. It's only been three months since they found you, and Joy was only around nine weeks. Why couldn't this have come up later, maybe when Joy wasn't an infant? You tune back in when Crocodile speaks again. 

“I'm not threatening you, Hawkeye. I'm simply stating that if I know, then surely the Navy knows as well. What's the saying? Strength in numbers and all that.” 

Mihawk is silent, expression shuddering into a furious expression that makes you shiver. It's rare that anything gets under the ex-warlord’s skin, and this obviously has. He can tell that he is being manipulated by the other man, but at the same time, Crocodile has given nothing but good points so far. As much as he would like, he wouldn't be able to stay here indefinitely, there were still things that he was responsible for, and that would leave you alone. Which was unacceptable after the last time you were left alone. Would he rather risk you being taken again, this time you and his daughter, or would he rather be surrounded by like-minded individuals who would most likely keep the two of you safe? 

Before he can come up with an answer, Crocodile speaks up, tone unusually soft and understanding. 

“Think about it, Hawkeye. You have my number once you come to a decision.”

Ca-lick

The silence is deafening between you, and you bite your lip to keep yourself from saying anything when Mihawk stands, drops the snail, and begins to pace back and forth. You watch him, leg jiggling in anxiousness, and you want more than anything to ask if he is okay, but anyone at that moment could tell that the answer would be no. You are tempted to go inside and retrieve Joyeuse, just to bring yourself some comfort with her soft skin and grabby hands, but the babe doesn't deserve to be in the middle of whatever this is. 

Mihawk is currently in the throes of a mental war. This… organization would keep you and Joyeuse safe, if he was willing to trust Crocodile, Buggy the Clown of all people. Which, granted, he was more inclined to trust the clown on the principle of him having grown up with Shanks on Roger's crew. They were brothers, and if there was one person that Buggy wouldn't betray, it was the redhead. 

But would you be okay with moving to an island filled with unknown pirates? Surrounded by criminals who most likely came from Impel Down? He didn't like the thought of it, but at least there would be others beside him there that could offer you protection, offer you companionship beyond what he and Shanks could provide. It'd also have the added bonus of pissing your brother off, and Mihawk lived for that. 

“Mihawk?” 

Your voice cuts through his internal conflict, and he turns to you, marching forward and kneeling at your side, taking both your hands in his own, “Darling, what do you think?” 

You chew your lip, brow furrowed in thought. Would it be something bad to be surrounded by other people? To have a community, that safety in numbers like Crocodile mentioned? You didn't know, but there wouldn't be a final decision until Shanks was in the know, too.

“Call Shanks. I want his opinion. He's talked about Buggy before, so I'm inclined to trust him, but I don't know anything about Crocodile.”

Mihawk reaches over and snags the snail, rattling off the number for Shanks. It doesn’t take long for the redhead to answer.

Ca-lick

“Mihawk? Everything okay?” 

Mihawk rolls his eyes and shares a fond look with you at the concern the two of you can hear in the emperor’s voice. 

“Everything is fine, Red. Something has come up, however, and we needed to speak with you about it.” 

You listen as Mihawk tells him about Crocodile calling him and the offer to head this organization with the other ex-warlord. He makes sure to mention that Buggy was there in the background but hadn’t said much on account of Crocodile hogging the call. Shanks is quiet on the other end, and if they were with him, you would see the excitement that lingered in his eyes. 

To Shanks, to know that the man, who was his brother in everything but blood, becoming part of his steadily growing family was something that he didn’t realize that he even wanted. 

“Well, I don't think it's a bad idea. I trust Buggy, and Crocodile has always had a soft spot for children. I think it should be up to _, though. She'd be the one alone with them when neither of us can be there.” 

You swallow harshly and then put on a brave face. If Shanks thought it wasn't a bad idea, and Mihawk seemed rather fond of it anyway, then the least you could do was try. 

“I- okay. If that's what you two think is best. I trust my boys to make the right call for me and Joyeuse,” you say and squeeze Mihawk's hand, sending him a tight-lipped smile. 

“We wouldn't do anything to put either of you in danger, baby. I think this will be good for all of us.” 

It certainly took a weight off of Shanks to know that someone he trusted would be able to look after you when he or Mihawk wasn't there with you. And for as much damage Crocodile had done to Luffy when the strawhats had made it to Alabasta, the ex-warlord had helped him escape Impel Down and even protected the boy he cared so much for during the Summit War. 

“He's right for once, darling. If you are ever uncomfortable or don't feel safe enough, then we'll find somewhere else,” Mihawk murmurs and ignores the indignant Hey! on the other end of the line. 

You laugh, easily imagining the pout that Shanks is no doubt wearing. You feel more relaxed at your decision now that you've spoken to both of them more about this, the easy teasing between the three of you settling something in your chest. You talk with Shanks and while longer, the redhead tells you about how easily he'd dealt with the upstart pirates and how he would most likely be home in the next week. 

After Shanks hangs up, Mihawk dials Crocodile's transponder snail. While you listen to them talk, you feel like this is a new chapter in your life, a new beginning to share with your boys and the little girl they have given you. You couldn't wait to see what happened next.

@writingmysanity @djbumblebee @goth-mami-writer @myradiaz @fluffybunnyu @bookandstar @foggyturtleknightangel @browneyedhufflepuff @anastasiyax @jaguarthecat @atricksterwithwings @black-swan-blog27 @breadedloafs @enpvrirnce @gottalovethefandom @mfreedomstuff @caniseethefourthsword @olenoname @glitterystarfishfestival

[reallife6anoufriev6boy6]

furry!dylric hurt/comfort fanfic

includes lots of comfort and them as furries, plus eric being a nervous wreck.

note: eric is a nervous dog. literally. i also dont have any lyrics i apologize… this is a short thing i threw together bcuz i rlly wanted dog eric content

erics parents had found one of his less incriminating journals.

it led to an awkward conversation with lots of deflection, then a fight. he had called dylan to pick him up and let him stay the night. he was too much of a wreck to drive and he couldnt be stuck at home.

which is what brought him to where he was now, standing in dylans room while pacing back and forth.

his tail was tucked between his legs and he kept incessantly licking at his maw - beyond nervous. he never liked to show his nervousness, but now he couldnt shake the feeling.

“theyre gonna find out, theyre gonna find out, vee,” he kept repeating it “i’m so fucked - *we’re* so fucked.”

“dude, its gonna be okay. they found one of the “normal” ones, right? and you hid everything else again?” dylan was trying to reason with him to help him calm down, its usually what he did on these rare occasions.

“yeah, yeah i did,” he replies, but he cant help but think something will happen “fuck, fuck! theyre gonna find something, anything, i swear,” he barked, sharp and nervous “i dont know what to do, i dont-“

he cut off by the other grabbing onto him, pulling him into a tight hug and running his paws down his back soothingly.

“relax, reb, itll be fine,” he murmurs, keeping a steady hold on him “itll work out.”

eric stands frozen in place and its only just now that he realizes how he was panting and shaking - *trembling* from the anxiety. this was new, this was embarrassing.

“dylan, theyre gonna find it - it, something, anything, shit! i should’ve stayed - i shouldve-“ hes hushed by the other again, except this time a paw comes up to grab his snout, holding it shut like a muzzle.

sometimes the best course of action was to quite literally shut him up.

“they arent going to find anything. youve hidden it for this long, yeah?” that was true, but the doberman couldnt accept that. he was thinking too much too quickly - he couldnt think rationally.

his paws come up to the shepherds back, grabbing onto the fabric of his shirt and digging his claws in.

he didnt know how much he needed it, but it felt good to hold onto him. it felt good to be cared for.

dylan is soon easing him onto the ground, sitting on the floor with him pulled close. he hated seeing his friend like this - like a nervous wreck who couldnt control himself. it had never gotten this far though to the point of panic.

he lets go of his snout and wraps both arms around him again, careful yet tight. his paw continues to pet his back.

it was amazing how quickly and easily he could soothe him. he was still trembling and panting, but the lip licking had stopped and his tail was untucked.

it was so weak. it made eric feel weak, but he melts into the touch as his friend spoke.

“im here for you, reb. ive got you, ive got you.” his voice is soft, comforting. he really did have him - in a physical and metaphorical sense.

the doberman hadnt noticed it before, but there were tears pooling in his eyes. he blinks and they finally spill over, dampening his fur. this was the most vulnerable he had been in a long time.

the petting on his back seemed to calm him further. the panting stopped and his body relaxed the smallest bit, although he was still shaking.

under any other circumstances he wouldve never let this happen. he wouldve forced himself to calm down, he wouldnt have shown dylan this side of him. not this weak neediness he hated.

however the shepherd took to it warmly with open arms. this was his best friend and soon to be partner in crime. this display of vulnerability didnt make his view change.

eric lets out this little high pitched whine, not being able to bite it back. its like he finally accepts it, indulging in the sweet care.

he turns his body and nuzzles his head into his chest. it seemed like he had been replaced with a completely different person in that moment, but it was still him - it was all the broken, fragile pieces of what was called eric harris. not reb or any other fancy persona, just eric.

dylan gladly accepts eric into his chest, holding onto him tighter. he didnt care about the way he was holding onto him so tight that he could feel his claws in his back or how he was getting tears on him - none of it mattered. nothing mattered other then his friends needs.

“what if they find something?,” erics voice breaks through the silence, but its hoarse “then what?”

the other takes a moment to answer, replying thoughtfully“ill back you up,” it was true, he would stick by his side “ill agree with whatever story you come up with, eric, i promise. i wouldnt let you take the fall on your own.” if he was supposed to stick with him through a shooting, then he could stick with him through this.

“what if i have to tell the truth?”

“ill still have your back.”

its quiet again for a moment. theres so much devotion and loyalty that lingers in the air, thick and heavy, but not suffocating. instead comforting. he could tell just how serious he was.

the shaking stops, turning into short shakes that are spread out and only last a moment. his ears relax a little too, lifting from where they were pinned to his head.

eric needed so much from dylan. he needed the devotion and support, he needed *too* much of it. it would suffocate and crush anyone under the pressure of it. dylan wasnt good at committing and giving him the commitment he so desperately needed, but he could tell he would do it anyway.

he would risk everything right alongside him.

“do you promise?”

it feels so childish to ask. its like if he were a kid asking him to pinky promise over something small.

“yeah, i promise, eric.”

he does though. he promises him. its a promise he would be sure not to break.

thats all he needed, completely relaxing against him and taking in the warmth and comfort. he was so lucky to have someone like him. he didnt know what hed do without him.

his whole body felt so exhausted - he had a massive headache and his eyes felt so heavy. he sniffled, closing his eyes and letting himself rest against his friend.

he felt *safe.* he felt safe because he was in dylans arms, being cared for like he was some kind of angel. again, its a childish thought, but it feels like nothing can hurt him like this. as if his friend would be able to protect him from whatever was out there.

he hated himself for even thinking of that. he was supposed to protect himself - be strong and tough and not let anything get in his way.

however, sometimes a little protection from your best friend was all that you needed.

[luvstappen]

“My pretty girl” ???? I fucking love this fic but also why’s Lando constantly overstepping and now touching ?? I wish Oscar would say something to him or do something in front of Lando to make him back off 😤

ahh, I was blushing when I was rereading their conversation honestly! that line wasn’t even planned, it just came to me while writing, and I was like… oh god, that’s genius! 😭

and lando's such a complicated character, to be honest. he knows y/n’s been crushing on him for years and now he’s jealous that oscar’s getting her attention. in his mind, he kinda feels like he’s entitled to her, like he was "there first", but at the same time he’s kicking himself because he knows he’s been treating her unfairly.

that being said, lando doesn't really mind overstepping because he's already fucked things up, so what’s the worst that could happen? y/n rejecting him? he'll live. things are already kind of awkward between them anyway. honestly, rejection might even be a win for him. if max found out about them sleeping together, lando could easily spin it and say, "yeah, I really liked her and tried to make things serious, but she rejected me and chose oscar instead. so, it’s her fault, really" - that way, he can still preserve his ego while framing himself as the one who got hurt (not saying this will happen in this story!!! just what’s in my mind when I’m writing his character. also, his approach might change at any point because, you know, character development)

meanwhile, oscar is the complete opposite. he’s cautious and considerate, maybe even to a fault. he knows that there's something between y/n and lando, and he’s not really the kind of guy to go after his teammate’s girl, is he? he's not going to overstep. he won’t make a move unless he’s sure it’s reciprocated. plus, his friendship with the reader is still new, so he’s treading carefully. and getting on lando’s bad side isn’t exactly his goal either.

but that’s what makes the contrast between them so fun to write! lando is quite impulsive and selfish when it comes to Y/N, while oscar is patient and steady. and I think it's up to the readers to decide which dynamic resonates with them more!

my characters are always a little messy but that's probably because I try to make them human :) I definitely aim for the "you're gonna suffer... but you're gonna be happy about it" type of writing lol

[gii-1]

nanami x reader + adopted yuuji

here you go @jaix-chan-blog i really hope u like it!!!

authors note: not proof read. i really hope i got his personality right!! it might be ooc because nanami is not on my top favourites (so i haven’t psycho analysed their personality and things they would possibly do or say to an alarming state) it also took so long because i just take a really long time write lol. i also dont really know how adoption works, so i apologise if some things are a bit off.

ps. sorry for so many …elipsis.

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you and nanami were at his favourite bakery, eating his favourite pastries like how you both usually do in his extra spare amount of time. during this you wanted to address a nagging thought that you’ve been meaning to say for a long time.

“i want a child.”

his eyes widened mid bite. he first finished chewing the delicate soft pastry to buy some time for thought before he could answer, taken aback by your bluntness. you were just dying to tell him your urge to have a child, so your thoughts had slipped in an instant.

“do you understand what you mean by saying this? do you know how much effort it takes to raise a child?” nanami questioned you. his tone alot more serious then normal, he wanted to make sure you were aware of the responsibilities you would need to hold in order to be a parent before you even start considering the possibility of having a child. children are as vulnerable and delicate as a flower, if you get one thing wrong while trying to grow it, the plant will be detrimentally affected for the rest of its growth. this is a fact he knew very well.

“of course i do! i’ll be a good parent, im willing to sacrifice many hours and sleepless nights to take care of it.”

“will you always make sure you’re ready and emotionally available?” right when he said that, the realisation had dawned on you that, maybe, talking this out in a public bakery would not be a good idea. of course this wasn’t, you certainly didn’t want random strangers to listen in to your very personal conversation with him.

“..lets talk about this when we get home.”

“yes. that sounds like a good idea.”

once you both headed back home, it was silent. not out of anger or spite - but rather that you were both pondering the likes of having a child. this was the first time either of you ever brought up even the thought of the two of you being parents, and it really made nanami think. he had his own fair share of daydreams, he definitely had thoughts of what it would be like with you both sharing a child and enjoying the happiness of being parents. he’s pictured you making lunch in your worn out ‘kiss the cook’ apron while the kid is silent watching in awe. watching the child do endearing things which makes you let out your oh so beautiful laugh. you both holding the childs hands while walking to school, giggling and smiling while speaking about silly things. but nanami had always brushed these thoughts off, not thinking about it any further.

as you both entered your comfortable abode, he hung up your coat on the hanger for you (like the gentleman he is) , you slightly pouted at him since you could of done it yourself. he looked at you with a quizzical expression not understanding the reason why you made such a face.

“you didn’t have to, you know.”

“sorry, its just a habit. i do it absentmindedly.”

it was certainly true, he was a gentleman by default. you were aware that when he did these things he didn’t think you weren’t capable of such tasks, he just couldn’t help doing it. what you couldn’t help but do was smile and chuckle at his antics, earning another confused look from him.

you both sat down together on your shared bed, which is never gets messy for some peculiar strange reason. (nanami hates coming home to messy beds.)

“so..uhm.”

so thats how its going to start, yay! he seemed to be really awkward, his body going sort of stiff. its not that he didn’t like the idea - no. infact, he would be extremely happy, over the moon to share a cutie pie with his loving wife.

“do you think.. we should get a child?”

you asked, jumping straight into right into it, taking all of your eager confidence you had in stock. it would have probably been better if you asked this first, to see what he thinks about it.

“i..”

he trailed of, he had oh so much to say but he couldn’t. so you did have to sort of take the lead here.

“i…i’ve actually thought about this for a long time, the clothes, the diet, education and fun activities we all could do, and ive calculated if we have the capacity to add a child to our family with our combined salaries. we would have more then enough.”

a smile had slipped out of his usual facial expression unknowingly. he should of known you would think that far, of course you would. it made him feel alot less anxious, as he instinctively thought he would have to do all the boring calculations and planning like he usually feels inclined to do. but he’s talking to you here, where he gets to relax. he’s not at work anymore, he’s with you.

“i would really like that idea, love.”

“yeah, i really do.”

that was it. there and done, set in concrete. maybe even the mutually agreed happiest day of your life’s, next to the day you first met. you both would finally share an adorable little child.

now it was time to actually get said child; and this is how it went.

the agency of the adoption center had questioned you what age and gender you wanted for the child you wished for, both of you didn’t mind the gender as long as they were young. after about three months of searching you both laid eyes on one child particular, it was like fate.

it was a little boy, no older than four. he had the most squishy and rose dusted cheeks you have ever seen, two cute little beady eyes full of curiosity. he had a very pinkish blonde hair that stuck out with the sides of his hair being brown. right when he looked at you both he gave a big toothy smile, holding up his hand to give a toy car.

“for you!”

he urged you both to take it, the toy looked a bit rough on the edges. it looked like it was loved very dearly, with its paint fading and chipping. the agent laughed at his antics.

“what a lovable little boy, no? he’s been giving his favourite things to every could-be future parents he comes across. he gave his favourite apple once, too!”

you and nanami both looked at each other. all it took was one look, you both already knew that he was the one. he was so undeniably wholesome, you couldn’t help but pick him up and smother him with love and affection.

“i want that.”

yeah, as soon as you said that you got (gently) slapped in the back of your head. nanami quickly cleared his throat.

“we are interested taking in this child, do you think we could proceed with the adoption papers?”

“yes, of course!”

luckily the agent thought nothing of your little slip up, thankfully they just laughed it off.

later you both found out the boys name, yuuji itadori. out of the grandfather’s respect, you were told not to change his name as his last dying wish was him to still remember his families name. he must of loved him dearly, it was sad that he didn’t have the opportunity to see him grow like you both had.

after that moment on, all of your moments were all the more exhilarating. you had actually spent hours researching good food for picky eaters while it still being healthy, you wanted to make sure he’d like it. so there you were, arms behind your back while your fingers crossed, discreetly biting your lip in anxious anticipation. when you saw him happily eating your food, leaving nothing out, you couldn’t help but smile.

now with your newly adopted son, you both were scrambling to safety proof the whole house as yuuji was not very aware of his surroundings yet. he was to adventurous for his own good, constantly getting hurt. its even worse when you don’t know what he could get hurt by - possibly anything at this point. a ball that he slammed into the wall onto for it to hit it back with same amount of force, making him lose a tooth, or how he accidentally immobilised himself with jump ropes where he couldn’t get out. one second you turn away, he’s already grabbing something he shouldn’t have.

like for example, when he grabbed nanamis razor and shaved some of his hair off. not only that, he was giving you a smile. how did this happen? you were running him a bath while in the bathroom, he wad standing next to you, watching the water pour out of the tap with curiosity. you knew the dangers of keeping bathroom appliances near children very well, you made sure it was out of his reach. what you didnt take account for, when checking the warmness of the water, then adding more hot water to readjust the temperature, he took that time to climb up the sink and grab the razor. you completely forgot! you didn’t even think he would know where it was in the house considering it was inside a cabinet, let alone be aware of its existence. you should of known he had been eyeing that cabinet, he looks at it every time he comes in. he must of seen nanami use it. as soon as you heard the sound of the razor, you immediately took it from him.

so now you were sitting there, your child with a newly attained bald spot despite being nowhere around his thirties. your heart nearly stopped when you saw the pinkish hair scattered across your bathroom floor, cursing yourself as a parent.

“what am i going to do with you, huh?”

you say, simultaneously pinching his cheek. he simply giggled, reaching his hand out to try and pinch your cheek as a way of copying you. even though you found him wholesome, it doesn’t make up for the fact he had a very noticeable bald spot on the side of his head, how were you going to tell nanami that your child looks like the before photo of a hair loss ad?

nanami then came home to a little yuuji running up to meet him as usual, and you leaning near the doorway watching yuuji reunite with his dad, happily hugging and grabbing onto his legs.

“wow, i really love, yuujis uhh.. hat.”

he said, looking at the big straw sun hat that yuuji was wearing. you actually had no other options, even though it was quite literally sliding off his head when he bounced around the place, it was all you had to cover his bald spot. nanami was about to take it off until you stopped him.

“wait! wait, wait, wait! don’t take it off!”

you quickly clasped both of his hands, resulting in nanami raising a eyebrow in utter confusion.

“why not? did something happen?”

“i should probably tell you but, um, you know your razor you keep high up in the cabinet? yeah, he used it and gave himself a bald spot. i didn’t even know he would climb up the sink just to get it! it was wrong of me, i should of been more aware of it, its an obvious danger!”

you felt extremely bad for not being able enough for it not to happen, you felt very disappointed in yourself. nanami simply sighed.

“dear, you shouldn’t work yourself over too much. you already put so much effort into taking care of him, but these types of situations are unavoidable. children are very impulsive and unpredictable, you can’t be sure every accident won’t occur. lets try to keep our sharp things completely of reach next time, so it doesn’t happen again.”

he then took off yuuji’s sun hat and put it on the rack.

“ah.. so thats what it looks like huh?”

nanami looked at it as yuuji started giggling, touching his new bold spot.

“i want a sunhat! like mommy!”

he crouched down onto yuujis level.

“when you see any object you don’t know, make sure to ask mommy or daddy if you should do anything with it, alright?”

“ok! i will daddy!”

nanami simply smiled, patting him on the head. you also sit down on his level, ruffling his hair making him look at you with a toothy grin.

“we’ll make sure to get you that sunhat when its summer, alright?”

[kirbysdreamlandd]

Hamzah takes you christmas shopping

Hamzah X Y/N, Fluff, SFW

Hamzah comes home on Christmas Day with a surprise—A whole day of shopping just for you.

Oof, I rushed to post this since it’s already New Year’s! Hope you all have a fantastic year ahead and enjoy this unproofread, late fic!

You were comfortably sat on your bed, fingers tapping on the keyboard of your laptop while your lilac Apple AirPods Max—so kindly gifted to you by Freddie Dredd—rested snugly over your ears, drowning out the world with a soothing mix of your favorite jazz songs.

In your hands was your “Out of Character” mug, its handle cracked and glued back together—a casualty of Hamzah’s infamous lack of attentiveness. The poor mug had met its fate during one of your kitchen debates over what to DoorDash, a conversation that had somehow spiraled into a messy, laughter-filled makeout session right there by the countertop.

Every time you held the mug, you couldn’t help but recall that memory: Hamzah half-apologizing between kisses, both of you too caught up in the moment to care about the loud crash behind you, and the mug shattering to pieces on the floor.

Hamzah had insisted on replacing it a with another. “We have millions of others in the warehouse.” But for you, this wasn’t just any mug. It was the one that had seen you through everything. From your first awkward visit to his apartment after a Hinge date, all the way to the day you packed up your tiny studio and moved into his house.

You both had ended up buying so many other mugs over time; ones with stupid sayings like “Mama Needs a Coffee” to match your equally ridiculous “Mama Needs a Blunt” shirts.

But no matter how many novelty mugs came and went, it was always that one “Out of Character” mug that ended up in your hands.

That piece of history was now filled with the hot chocolate you and Hamzah had lovingly prepared together that morning, the steam rising in soft spirals before meeting your lips.

That morning had been full of festive joy. You and Hamzah had spent hours decorating the Christmas tree, hanging each ornament turning into a competition for who had found the most ridiculous cringeworthy decoration at Walmart.

The free time after finishing up the Christmas decorating quickly became Hamzah’s excuse to pull off your matching set of pajamas. “What? I’m unwrapping my Christmas present.”

You smiled softly to the screen of your laptop, recalling Hamzah telling you at some point that this was the best Christmas he’d ever had. “I actually feel like I’m part of a family.” he had said. It wasn’t just about you two, it was about everyone: Mandy, Martin, and all the others who had made this Christmas feel complete for him.

You were so absorbed in your memories and hypnotized by the soft voice of Kali Uchis humming in your ears that you didn’t notice Hamzah returning from his trip to the store.

He started calling your name, the third time being when you finally heard the faint sound of his voice through your headphones. You quickly got up, pulling them off as you heard him make his way to the bedroom, still calling your name.

“Babe?”You raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips as you greeted him. “Hey, what’s all this?” you asked, nodding toward the bags.

Hamzah grinned, shifting the bags around in his arms. “Christmas presents for the kids. Got a little carried away when I encountered the toy isle.” He paused, setting the bags down making a heavy clunk.

You peeked into the bag, spotting a huge Lego set that seemed to be Spider-Man related.

“D’you think Martin’s gonna like it?” he asked, catching you eyeing the purchase. “Bought a similar one for Freddie.”

“Oh, I checked out that Kawasaki we saw the other day,” Hamzah continued, his voice a mix of excitement and hesitation. “The owner said it’s a custom motorcycle, so it’ll probably cost a fortune. It’s not worth it, man.”

After setting down the other bag, Hamzah walked over and wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you tight into him. “I got a present for you, too.”

You tilted your head back to make eye contact, and for a moment you saw that usual smug expression on his face soften with sweetness.

“Hm? What is it?” you asked, your arms swinging around his hips. You couldn’t resist giving his butt a playful squeeze, but he immediately dodged it with a playful chuckle.

He grabbed your hand gently and placed it over his chest. “Me. I’m the present.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t stop the playful scoff that slipped from your lips. His grin widened, and he giggled softly, still holding your hand, his fingers nearly intertwining with yours.

“I’m joking.” he added quickly and slowly pulling your hand from his chest, his grip firm as he moved it to the side.

You glanced down and noticed he was still wearing the pajama pants you’d bought him, the ones covered in little Santa Claus prints. The soft fabric clung to his legs, highlighting the shape of his thighs and emphasizing the curve on his crotch area.

“I know you wanna take these off me, girl.” he blurted. Your head snapped up caught in a guilty expression. “I’m sorry, but we’ve got things to do.” he said, his voice light and teasing, until his gaze flicked down to your outfit. He paused, his expression unreadable for a moment, and you suddenly felt a wave of self-consciousness.

Hamzah wasn’t usually one to critique your outfit choices. If anything, he always found a way to compliment your carefully chosen looks, especially if they incorporated his own clothes.

“You might wanna dress up.” he stated, his voice low, but his eyes betrayed the sharp flicker of desire as they lingered on the flushed mark on your collarbone and neck, a reminder of that morning’s passionate need for each other.

You couldn’t help but flash a flustered smirk, but quickly snapped back, wondering what in God’s name he meant by “You might wanna dress up.”

You watched as he pulled away to carry the bags away, completely unbothered by your utter confusion.

“What the fuck does that mean, Hamzah?”you asked, crossing your arms as his head shot up. “Where are we going?”

He smiled, giving a smug yet amused look. With his hands now free, he fished his wallet out of the pocket of his hoodie.

“I’m splurging on you, babe.” he said casually, flipping his wallet open. Neatly stacked credit cards glinted under the light, and a Polaroid of the two of you awkwardly touching tongue tips in a photo booth peeked out from the folds.

You continued to stare at him, waiting for the punchline, unsure if this was still part of his joke. But his expression remained genuine, his smile softening into that familiar playful look Hamzah wore when he was truly happy.

“Come on, I’m taking you to wherever you want.” he said, walking toward you with a playful grin. “I know you like the matching PJs, but you’ve got to wear a lot more than that. It’s below freezing out.”

As he veered off to greet the cats with an exaggerated, high-pitched voice in response to their meows, you stood in the hallway for a moment before retreating to the bedroom. Your laptop still displayed the test you’d been taking. You closed it with a soft click, unknowingly letting out a relieved sigh.

Rummaging through your closet, you pulled out a long-sleeved black top and a comfy black silk skirt, simple but elegant. To keep warm, you layered on a fuzzy coat and wrapped a red scarf snugly around your neck.

For the final touch, your hand hesitated for a moment before reaching for the red lacey tights—the ones Hamzah always said made you look “like a sexy office siren”. A small smirk tugged at your lips as you slipped them on, pairing them with sleek black heels that completed the look.

You gave yourself a look in the mirror. The outfit was bold, a little outside your usual comfort zone, but that was part of the fun. You loved dressing up for dates; not just for the way it made you feel, but for Hamzah’s inevitable amazed reaction and silly comments every time you jokingly runway model-walked to him.

When you walked back into the hallway, his reaction was immediate. He paused mid-sentence, one hand still extended toward a cat that had been nuzzling him, and his eyes widened slightly before a lopsided grin spread across his face.

“Damn.” He said adjusting his beanie while attentively scanning your whole body. His gaze darted quickly, from your face to your chest, down to your legs, and back to your face before lingering there, his lips parting slightly as if he wanted to say more was left speechless.

“Blue got your tongue?” you teased, twirling around playfully, letting the silky skirt flare out slightly.

His only response was a breathless laugh, shaking his head as if to snap himself out of it, but his dark widened eyes were still glued to you.

You sauntered over, the click of your heels echoing in the hallway, and leaned in close. Pressing a soft kiss to his jaw, leaving behind a faint red lipstick mark.

“Girl, I want you to get my tongue.”He teased, laughing softly, before his hand wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer just as you tried to pull away. Your faces were inches apart now. His eyes flicked down to your lips, a hungry look quickly growing in his pupils, as if the red lipstick unlocked a new craving in him.

But before he could lean in for the kiss, you broke away, giggling, leaving him standing there with his lips slightly parted. You grabbed your bag, a mischievous smile tugging at your lips as you made your way toward the door.

-

The mall was alive with the chatter of couples picking out Christmas gifts, the soft clinking of cash registers blending with the festive music playing. Despite the cold air that that clung to your fuzzy coat when you’d stepped inside, the warmth of the mall enveloped you, Hamzah’s presence beside you only adding to the coziness.

You couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze would occasionally flicker to your outfit. How his lips curled into that knowing smile, along with the same teasing glint in his eyes.

Hamzah inisisted on getting you the chocolate-covered strawberries you’d been eyeing every time you passed the food stalls. The vendor, grinning at Hamzah’s excitement, threw in a jar of pistachio cream and even offered a Christmas-themed spoon for free, saying that Hamzah was “doing the right thing by spoiling his lady”.

Your next stop was a cute pink store filled with Hello Kitty and other Sanrio gadgets. You picked out a few skincare products, making sure to grab some that could be shared between you two. Hamzah had a habit of stealing your moisturizers anyway, so it only made sense. When he showed you the cherry-scented lip balm, bejeweled with tiny Hello Kitty figures, you couldn’t help but tease him. “Yeah, you could use some of that too.” Then you found yourself rummaging through Hello Kitty blind boxes, your hands practically trembling with excitement. You had to complete the collection, and Hamzah simply shook his head as you grabbed a handful of them.

“It’s an obsession” he muttered, the familiar reference slipping from his lips before he sighed dramatically. “I miss Martin.” he added, the usual remark he weaponized to draw your attention back to him.

The next stop was a high-end boutique, the kind brimming with luxurious fabrics and well-dressed staff who hovered nearby, ready to pounce on you the moment your gaze lingered on anything, ready to recommend the priciest item in the store.

Though your first reaction was to scoff at the price tags, Hamzah was relentless, insisting you try on a couple of dresses. You hesitated at first, but once you stepped out of the fitting room, you couldn’t help but notice how his eyes widened along with a bright smile.

You ended up buying two dresses, each one serving a different vibe but equally gorgeous to you.

The first dress was a chic, long-sleeved design, its soft fabric and delicate details perfect for the cottagecore look you liked. The way it hugged your figure and complimented your features made you feel like you were stepping out of a Pinterest board. As you twirled in front of the mirror, the airy fabric flowing around you, Hamzah’s voice cut through the fantasy you were immersing yourself in.

“Nara Smith can move over,” he said, his eyes wide, pointing at you and pretending to talk to an imaginary audience. “This is the perfect trad wife.”

Then came the second dress, a complete contrast. It was a lacy, see-through, short dress that had you questioning how you’d even find the occasion to wear it. It clung in all the right places and left little to the imagination, with a daring open back framed by pearly curtains. The moment you walked out, Hamzah’s face shifted from playful to serious as he quickly stood up, his hand instinctively reaching to shield you as you turned.

As you passed the sneaker store, a couple of pairs caught your eye. Shoes that matched some of the items on Hamzah’s wishlist. The temptation was too strong, so you subtly steered him inside. He hesitated, but you were persistent, convincing him to try on a few pairs making him walk around the aisles a few times.

“Are you sure they fit well?” You asked worried, follwing Hamzah awkwardly pacing up and down the aisle.

“Yes, mom.” He plopped back on the chair with an exaggerated scoff, while you leaned down to press on the tip of the shoe, making sure that there was enough space for his toes.

After much deliberation, he finally settled on a pair of black metallic shoes, admiring them with a satisfied look on his face. As you both approached the cashier, he fumbled for his wallet. You quietly handed over your card as the cashier processed the purchase, a small smile exchanged between you and the employee behind the desk while Hamzah continued make small talk, oblivious to the transaction happening right in front of him.

Once the bag was handed to him, you made your way out of the store, giggling to yourself about the little secret you held from him.

The mall had completely drained both of you, the energy spent on shopping, teasing, and trying on clothes leaving you feeling more tired than you’d expected. You both ordered two caramel macchiatos at the Christmas-y looking coffe shop and made your way back to the parking lot.

Hamzah’s tired smile, the smell of coffee, and the undeniable Christmas spirit that seemed to be everywhere around you ignited in you a calming serenity.

The warm AC hummed through the car as Hamzah turned the key, the motor rumbling to life. The car’s screen lit up, and the soft, jazzy tones of “Santa Baby” by Laufey spilled through the speakers.

“Oh my god, the spirit of the Christmas is here, literally.” Hamzah said, faking a surprised expression while extending a hand towards the screen.

“Santa, if you’re hearing me, please bring Hamzah that Kawasaki he’s always wanted.” you said, glancing at him with a playful smirk as he chuckled, steering the wheel with one hand.

Little did he know, his beloved motorcycle was waiting for him in the garage, tied up with an exaggeratedly big red bow and a red lipstick-stained note resting on top of it.

[aramynx]

SWEET BERRY WINE & COURAGE

IZUKU MIDORIYA X READER

summary: you get the chance to reconnect with izuku a few years after graduation at a new years party, and a few glasses of wine bring you to spark up a conversation…

a/n: we a little late with this one but i hope you guys enjoy! i left izuku out of my christmas fics so he’s getting the new years special all to himself >:3

*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*

You were starting to feel a headache coming on- this heroes party had been going on for way too long and the noise was finally starting to get to you after five hours of being surrounded by people. Thankfully, this was a press-free event, so at least you didn’t have the paparazzi forcing a camera in front of you at every waking moment. You had already spoken to most people, everyone had dawdled back off into groups they were familiar with, so you ended up sitting among your classmates from your UA days. The wine you were drinking was only a stronger red, smelling and tasting like berries.

You listened to their conversation, not really paying much mind to what they were saying as your eyes scanned the room, finger lightly tracing the rim of your wine glass. They decided to settle on a familiar head of green hair standing in front of the near empty buffet table. Hastily you stood up from your place at the end of the table and made your way over. Regrettably, you and Izuku hadn’t been as close as you had hoped back in high school, and slowly lost touch over the past couple of years with life getting in the way- now would be a good time to catch up, since he was currently by himself, looking handsome in a neatly pressed black suit, accompanied by the classic red shoes, of course.

“Hey Izuku! Long time no see.” You said rather loudly as you approached him with a wave, “You look great tonight! How have you been?”

“Y/N!” Izuku smiled back. That big, beautiful, beaming smile that hadn’t changed one bit since the first time you saw it, still full of hope and happiness, “Thank you, I’ve been good- just really busy, you know?”

Izuku didn’t get nervous to the extent that he used to anymore, although he was still pretty easy to fluster, and his face would still turn completely when he blushed.

“You look good too, by the way.” He said, smiling as he looked you up and down, admiring how wonderful you looked in your chosen outfit, and how the colour complimented you perfectly.

“How’s your agency?”

A long conversation led to the two of you standing away from the bustle of the people in the crowds, in front of a large window overlooking the dark city, illuminated by the dull glow of apartment windows. One thing led to another and before you knew it you were casually chatting about the people you both knew and who had ended up in relationships.

“I had no idea they were together, that makes sense though.” Izuku said, chuckling slightly.

“Yup. Anyway, have you found a partner?”

“Oh! Uh- no, I haven’t.” He admitted, “I’ve been on a few uh- awkward dates here and there but they didn’t work out.”

He scratched the back of his head, averting his eyes from yours. He was a little ashamed to admit that he was struggling to get into a relationship, but it wasn’t that big of a deal to him. You smiled sympathetically, knowing he was a pretty awkward person and that wasn’t likely to change any time soon.

“You know…” You started, confidence spilling out of your mouth more than you’d like it to, “I used to have a crush on you in high school.”

“Wait really? I had no idea!” He said in surprise, face tinting red as the reality of your words set in. Sure it was a few years ago now, but his head was conjuring up ideas of what could have been, if only he had the courage to ask you out back then, “I felt the same way back then as well, it’s a shame we didn’t get closer than we were, huh?”

Despite trying to hide his sprawling thoughts with a calm and collected confession, Izuku merely came across as more nervous than before, stuttering a little as he told you. You noticed that people were rushing into the centre of the room for the countdown to midnight, when suddenly the wine in your system gave you an idea.

“Do you want to know who I have a crush on now?” You smiled mischievously stepping ever so slightly closer to him, “He’s a pro hero, name starts with ‘D’.”

“Is that so?” Izuku asked curiously, his heart skipping beats as you were suddenly very close in his proximity.

“… and it ends with e-k-u…” You whispered, listening as people began to count down from 30 as the clock ticked into the new year.

Izuku’s mind quickly processed what you had just said, blushing hard as the gap between your lips narrowed, meeting gently as the year rolled over into the next. The sounds of fireworks outside aligned with the sparks in his stomach as you kissed, his mind quieting for a moment. Your arm found its way around his neck, resting gently on his shoulder, his arm reaching around you to place a hand carefully on your lower back to pull you in closer. As your lips remained pressed against each other for just a moment longer before pulling away, eyes locking into a shared, delighted and surprised trance as cheers began to erupt from the crowd.

“Happy New Year!”

*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*

[nevertheless-moving]

Stormlight AU #3 (Kalarin Rumors): Chapter 7 Part 2

Chapter One Premise Outlined Here

"Captain? Can we speak for a moment?"

"Of course," Captain Kaladin said, not looking up from the indecipherable chart of messy glyphs, laid atop a pile of those like it. “Just let me finish — Sigzil what about seventeenth—” Teft sighed, leaning against the door and idly picking at his fingers. A few minutes later the two managed to finish their conversation. The worldsinger gave Teft a sympathetic look and a pat on the shoulder as he passed by on the way out.

Teft felt he deserved more than that for what he was about to do.

He stepped into the Captain's private room, which functioned more like an office for how often he actually slept, closing the door behind him.

Best to get it over with. Teft squared his shoulders.

"I was hoping to talk to you about... whatever's going on with you and Prince Renarin." 

Kaladin blew out a heavy breath, leaning back against the desk. To his credit, he didn’t look embarrassed, so much as resigned. "Alright. Yes, we guessed that figured that you all had... noticed something."

"You could say that," Teft said carefully. Hard not to notice when you come back from private ‘training’ wearing each others shirts. Idiots.

The captain scrubbed a hand across his face. "Give me until tonight, alright? I'm pretty sure Renarin is about ready to talk openly with everyone."

"Uh," Teft said, face screwing up, a spark of panic rising from beneath the awkwardness. "Storms lad, I wasn't suggesting you make an announcement… we're just worried about the lighteyes noticing something. Prince Adolin basically walked in on the two of you, doing..." he coughed into his hand. "Whatever you were doing."

"I appreciate your concern," Kaladin said. "Truly, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the tremendous loyalty you've all shown, covering for us without asking questions. Not to mention how much of an effort you've made to include him in the crew." 

"He's... a decent kid. For a lighteyes," Teft said begrudgingly. "And, well. We've all noticed you've been, uh. Sleeping better. Which...storms he could be a lot more annoying and we'd probably still teach him cards, for your sake, you have to know that."

"He really is a good person," Kaladin said, looking slightly defensive.

"Of course," Teft agreed quickly.

"And he's hardly a kid. He’s barely a few months younger than me."

"You're a decent kid, too," he said, smoothing his expression with long practice. Storms really? I knew you were young but... the prince was nineteen, wasn't he? Blood of my fathers, I’ve been following a teenager. Well. At least this makes a bit more sense now, Almighty help us all.

"I'll go check with Renarin, but do you think we might be able to get the men to meet inside tonight, after dinner shifts are over? I'd rather not risk being overheard by any of the other crews, and it would be easiest if we could talk with everyone off duty all at the same time.” Kaladin scratched his chin, looking down at the pages. “Actually, if we make a few switches, if Lopen’s cousins and the old guard agree…could probably get most of the original bridge off for the evening."

"Jezrian's crown,” he whispered. “So it's… so it’s serious then?" Of course it was. When did you do anything not seriously. Stormfather, what were they going to announce? It’s been less than two weeks!

"You could say that." 

Teft looked to the sky. Oh, this was going to end in desolation. But the two were young, and had more determination than sense. "Nothing’s ever simple with you, is it lad?" 

Kaladin sighed, then stood, patting Teft on the shoulder as he walked outside.

They found Renarin polishing leathers with Mart and Bisig, all three listening to Lopen tell some story with grand gestures and whole body movements. 

The prince perked up like an axehound pup when the Captain approached. Storms. A lighteyes who acted like a loyal servant, and a darkeyes who acted like a caring lord. Maybe they deserved each other.

The two stepped away, conferring with bowed heads. Mart and Bissig exchanged amused expressions, while Lopen stared, leaning their direction with utter shamelessness.

The brightlord blanched, hands fumbling for his box. Kaladin put a hand on his arm, smiling softly and whispering something. 

Teft turned away, not wanting to see anymore. Damnation, he needed a drink. Kaladin Stormblessed could probably have had any darkeyes he wanted in all of the camps. Nales scar, he probably could have had a fair number of the tenners, maybe even a niner. But no. The ambitious moron had to reach for a third dahn, son of a highprince. Why didn't he just storming try and seduce the king and be done with it?

No. I’m being unfair. Teft groaned, kicking a rock with his nice, black leather boots. Boots he wouldn't have had if it weren't for the captain.

Kaladin was a good man. Maybe some would accuse him of social climbing, but anyone who knew him knew how ridiculous the idea was of him using someone like that. The two morons were in love, or, more likely, having good enough sex that they had convinced themselves it was love.

They should have been more insistent about dragging Kaladin to a brothel. The man just hadn’t seemed interested. In any of it! Not that he had been listening, when they were all living in Sadeas bridgeyard, without the nice privacy shields even Kholin infantryman got but he had never even heard the Captain —

"Teft?" 

He jumped, turning to face the captain guiltily.

The man gave him a slightly curious expression, but didn't ask. 

"Renarin's ready. We'll talk to everyone tonight — those who aren't on evening guard anyway."

"I'll tell the men,” Teft said, resigned. “Some will kick up a fuss about not going out, but they’ll all want to hear."

Kaladin nodded once, then looked past Teft, noticing a sergeant from bridge twelve who was hovering nearby. He walked over to deal with one of his ten ten impossible responsibilities. 

An announcement. Screw a drink, he would deserve something stronger than that after tonight. All he wanted was for the lads to be a bit more discreet. And they had to go and decide to make an announcement. 

They couldn't be planning on getting married, could they? Bad enough he strongly suspected they’d already traded soldier's oaths. It had been what — jez's balls, six days, seven? And it was insane besides, the prince's rank — Almighty's tenth name, what was the prince going to do, resign his position to be with his lover? Disinherit himself? Could he do that? 

…Highprince Dalinar might actually kill the captain. He might kill all of them, while he was at it.

Teft sighed, then went on his own way, spreading the word like a death sentence.

[eph3merall]

2024 sturniolo tumblr appreciation post <3

i joined tumblr this summer during august something i believe, starting off as finding authors i enjoyed reading and stayed anonymous in some writers' inboxes before finally starting to write. i recently reached 1k followers and it has been suchh a dream to find mutuals and talk to some of the people who enjoy my writing :)

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@sturnioz ; cas !!!! we dont talk muchh, save for me appearing in your inbox a lot, but you are quite literally the sweetest ever. youre one of the people i was inspired by to create my own blog on here, and it was literally one of the best ideas ive ever made. i adore you soo much and you are one of the first blogs i was introduced to on this platform. immediately fell in love with your writing and personality, i know you are just the sweetest in real life. wish i could eat you out whenever you have a bad day or something idk but that isn't possible so i just wish for you to take it slow and not push yourself. i love you <3

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@cvnntagious ; rory i have soo much to say about you. you are so incredibly funny and i kinda fell in love with you the second we started talking. youre the cutest ever, and your writing is phenomenal. it never everr feels awkward to keep a conversation flowing with you, which is a very occurring problem i have with literally everyone i know !!! but its like i can kinda just not think whenever i talk to you and you have no idea how refreshing that is. sometimes i feel like things i say will get made fun of by who im speaking to, but it never feels like that with you. i feel like youre the most cunty (pun not intended) person ever in real life, truly. i wholeheartedly believe we would be great friends <3

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@55sturn ; my star babyy :( it always baffles me to look back to the ask you sent when i followed you back, because i was thoroughly obsessed with your works (and forgot to follow you) so i was kinda like huhh because you seemed so out of my league if that makes any sense. i want to kiss you because i know you dont always feel the best but i wish you take everyday slowly and care about yourself always. you are one of the first people i go to when i come up with something new to write about, because your opinion is genuinely so important to me honestly. the way your brain works is so fascinating to me (not in a weird way </3) and i hope we can have soo many more conversations in the future about whatever comes up. im incredibly awkward sometimes, but i hope u dont mind :)

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special shoutout to all of my mutuals whether we became moots more recently or not. i dont think i can tag everyone because i dont think i can check who im moots with </3 know if i didnt tag you, you are included and i love you !!! @darksturnz @phone4pills @clairomatt @ccxsturns @cupiidk1lls @mattslolita (im aware kiwi doesnt have access to tumblr rn)

i hope everyone has a good new years. i adore every single one of you !!!!

much love, vi 🤍

[baldurs-gate-official]

One of the really nice things about this fandom is how there's space to open up discussion about trauma in a way that can make a person feel seen/heard in a non-judgemental way (without the worry of being a burden/upsetting people)

The characters in this story each have their own traumas, each caused by different factors and dealt with in different ways. And they're really well written.

It gives people who come from heavy trauma something relatable beyond the typical hero story where all that trauma is buried and ignored, or resolved in some way that seems good narratively and gives a happy ending, but is upsettingly bad to someone who's experienced that same kind of thing. (And don't get me started on media where the PTSD character's "happy ending" is death)

It also gives people who haven't experienced that sort of trauma meaningful ways to understand it better, and discuss it. One of the main reasons I don't talk about my problems much is because I know how awkward it is for people to hear about. They don't know what to do in that situation, and I really can't blame them. It's probably very jarring to hear about.

It...feels like there's more equal footing, though, in this fandom. Because it helps those who haven't been traumatized understand what it's like, and gives space to interact with the characters experiencing it. It bridges the gap. It gives both sides something to add to the conversation.

I think what makes me uncomfortable discussing it normally is that I feel like as soon as my experiences are brought into a conversation *I* hold all the reigns and it leaves very little space for others to voice their thoughts add to it. It's hard to open up and feel welcome when you're worried about how voicing your experiences affects those around you.

I've seen some incredible observations/takes from people analyzing the characters. I've spoken with people who haven't experienced what I have, but have played this game and seem to actually understand what some of my experiences might have been like, and have valuable insights. It feels... really nice to not feel like an aspect of my life is some horrible little secret that needs to stay hidden.

[pinkyjulien]

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[i-could-be-so-much-more]

It frustrates me to no end that everyone I talk to someone new my brain catastrophises to the point where even though I know logically it’s fine, and normal, and fun, I end up making it a bigger deal in my head that I know it is…I think myself into spirals that the logical part of my brain knows are ridiculous and dramatic and improbable, which stress me out more than is entirely necessary…it’s so tiring to exist and participate in the social world sometimes