#please cyrus let me live

[maraxders]

cyrus going from ‘oh yeah this is an arranged marriage, a very unhappy miserable situation’ to ‘marry me, let me make you my queen, let me worship you’ - will i ever recover? probably not, thx

[sidesteppostinghours]

Hewooo, good morninggg!

ask game time ✨

For Caine: Philia 4 + Storge 3 in the context of tbe farm or tia elena

For Cyrus: Eros 1 + Storge 4 (sibling au ✨) + Philautia 4

im probably a few hours late when i finish answering this, but morning idle :D! hope you had a good one

Philia 4. Is your OC able to build close friendships with people very different from themselves? Perhaps in terms of culture, age or personality?

i was thinking about this yesterday on my way home from uni actually. the answer is yes, but with one baseline requirement: anybody they become close with needs to be able to ground them in one way or another. mortum and argent are possible, he appreciates their bluntness and strict boundaries. he likes to listen to mortum and occasionally bounce off ideas with her. he already holds respect for argent, and given time, she couldve grown to be a trusted confidante. however, they want to keep mortum as a purely business relationship at the moment, and argent already scared them off before anything could happen. heralds not getting any further than coach or "he seems nice", they like him but they get a headache whenever theyre in a room with him for too long. other than that, anybody goes. hes not picky.

Storge 3. How far does parental approval (imagined or expressed) impact upon their current sense of self-worth? What might they sacrifice or attempt to achieve in order to ensure the approval of their parents?

the answer varies wildly for either, so ill answer for both. in the case of tia elena, parental approval is a bit shocking to him, like with most relationship dynamics. they like it, they just cant fathom the fact that theyre getting percieved, much less in a positive light. hed do a lot to get more, its fascinating to him and it makes him feel like hes doing a good job. but its something they can easily give up if the situation calls for it (aka theyre my only step tia elenas 'im-not-mad-im-just-disappointed' look wouldnt work on).

the farm is...a very different story. they were made to be a tool, and if its a tool they want, a tool they shall get. before their escape he was very single-minded when accomplishing missions. get the job done in any way possible. consequences arent for him to worry about, he only needs to worry about if they mess up. which they wont. they make sure of it. after their escape he leans less into that mindset, but its difficult to let go of, and still bleeds into his relationships most of the time. they dont like to think about the fact they wouldve sacrificed anything for the farm back then, and that theyre not sure they wouldnt sacrifice anything now if the right people asked it from them.

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

nobody but him is allowed to be romantic. thats it thats the answer were moving on

in all seriousness, he does do traditionally romantic things alot, though most of them are for the reaction, not courtesy. roses and flowers are a common way for him to try and fluster his dates, and the two people hes dated are both sappy suckers so its worked most of the time. the exception is gift giving, because most of his gifts are handmade, so he tries not to make a big deal about it. unfortunately, his partners always do.

receiving romantic gestures should be something hes used to at this point, but hes not, so it always catches him off gaurd. its embarrassing, but the most embarrassing part is that he gets strangely touched by it. he probably still has a teddy gifted to him thats never seeing the light of day. oh, and chocolates are always welcome. thats just good food.

Storge 4. Does your OC have any siblings? If so then did their parents have a favourite growing up? Has their relationship with their sibling changed in adulthood? If they don't have any siblings then do they perhaps feel they have missed out on an important relationship? Do they have any especially close friends who go some way towards filling that role?

sibling au time✨

does the farm have the normal version of a favourite?? no. do they have a favourite 'im gonna fuck them up for fun' sibling? yes and thats fawn. north is a bastard and he frequently makes cyrus dream of murder. as for how their relationships all changed, cyrus used to be closer to his siblings. a Lot closer. of course, the farm changed that. he became cruel and harsh, which fawn couldnt connect with. even with river who wants to be evil, cyrus became obsessive about control after heartbreak, which i dont think river appreciates. his mental imprint changed extremely, and he started shielding around them. needless to say their relationship was estranged for a good while, but cyrus can never stay away from the people he cares about.

Storge 5. Which of your OC's qualities makes them the most proud? Do they think more people should be like them in this regard? Or do they quite like being rare in possessing it?

hes proudest of his ability to stay logical and composed, unaffected by emotions. that last part isnt true btw, but he gets to believe it to feel better about himself. hes able to think things through and do what needs to be done without external influence. he thinks itd be easier for everybody if they were more like him, but secretly, hes relieved that theyre not. itd get less people hurt, but the poison is addicting, yk? if people were as logical as he wanted them to be, ortega and herald (and maybe mortum, the verdict is pending) wouldve dropped him by now, yet persistent assholes that they are, they stay with him anyway. he likes the trade-off.

questions are from here!

[ponderingmoonlight]

Sanemi losing what is left of his patience when you get injured by a demon

Pairing: Sanemi x wife!reader

Word Count: 3k

Synopsis: Despite the fact that your husband is the opposite of your quiet and kind self, you love him dearly while Sanemi treasures you in a purely unique way. But even though you learned to love his rough side the way it is, you can't stop tears from falling when your husband loses it after you get injured by a demon

Warning: this is THE angst to fluff y'all, Sanemi is a rough but soft boi I'm so weak for him in this fic omgomgomg, been listeing to again by noah cyrus and lana del rey while writing this, injury + angst + near death experience

this might be my favorite sanemi fic coming from my own hands so PLEASE if you feel the same, I'm super thankful for a lil like, comment or even reblog. THANK YOU SO MUCH 🤍

Oh, it was never easy, being the wife to none other than the wind hashira. When you’re quiet he’s noisy, when you’re put together he’s all over the place, while you act loving and kind Sanemi shows his devilish side.

But there was not once a day that made you second-guess your decision, not a single moment that made you feel something apart from deep affection for that man. It doesn’t matter that you are the opposite of him in each and every sense. He’s yours. And you’ll forever be his.

“Sanemi!”

Your oh so sweet voice echoes like a well-composed melody through his ears, makes him forget the wave of anger that washed over him earlier. Just seeing you standing there in the yukata he gifted you years ago while holding a dish with ohagi in your hands allows him to forget all the shit that happened for a brief second.

“Didn’t I tell you that you aren’t allowed to overwork yourself?”, he grumbles before sitting down opposite of you.

You look as good as always with your hair well-brushed and kind eyes lit by the down-going sun. What would his life look like if it didn’t contain of coming home to you? You, his only ray of sunshine. You, the only one who’s able to calm his temper down. Just you, his beloved wife. Who would have thought that out of all hashira, he’d be the one who treasures his wife the most?

“It’s not me who is overworked, but you. Did you get bruised again?”, you question with your melodic voice.

“Nah, I’m fine.”

“Will you stay home tonight?”

“I definitely hope so. If that crow disturbs my sleep again…”

“You have an important roll to fulfil, as a hashira-“

“’It’s my honor to bring peace to those who aren’t able to look out for themselves.’ Yeah, I already know.”

In contrary to his harsh tone, his fingertips caress your cheek gently while his eyes soften in an instant. It was hard, learning how to read him. When you first met, it was not uncommon that you broke out in tears after he talked to you like that. But now, after 4 years of getting to know him, you never lose your kind smile.

“How was your day?”, he continues.

With a swift motion, he pulls you between his legs and presses your head against his bare chest while his strong arms keep you in place. This are the moments that make your life worth living. Just you and your husband, arm in arm, watching the sunset in nothing but peace and silence.

“I enjoyed the nice weather while taking care of the garden. The tulips look exceptionally beautiful this season.”

“They’ll never be as beautiful as you, though”, he replies with low voice.

If life could stay like that. Oh, what you’d give to never let go of him again…

-later that night-

“Wind pillar, wind pillar! An emergency occurred! Countless demons were spotted nearby! The demon slayer corps need your assistance-“

“Can you just shut the fuck up”, Sanemi mumbles while pulling you closer sleep-drunken.

Immediately, you are wide awake. Nearby demons?

“Sanemi, you need to get up. What if someone gets injured?”, you whisper into the dark night.

“So what?”

You stare at him through the veil of darkness, not daring to say another word. He will get up eventually. He always does.

“Urgh, fine…Time to kill some demons, then”, he finally grumbles and drags himself away from you in order to put on his uniform.

“You stay here until I get back. Even if our estate is build pretty safe and I’ll rip off the heads of the demons around first, I don’t want you to be out there on your own. Got it?”, he instructs you before placing a gentle kiss on your forehead like he always does.

“I will. Please be careful and watch out for yourself”, you whimper.

It’s a challenge to let go of him each and every night he is forced to leave. He might be a hashira, but what if he doesn’t return by sunrise some day? What if he meets an upper-ranked demon unexpectedly? Just when he’s about to leave, you grab his hand one last time.

“And don’t act reckless”, you add.

No matter how much it hurts to let go of his hand, you know you have no other choice. This is the life you chose, the price you have to pay in order to call that wonderful man your beloved husband.

“I can never promise you that”, he replies before leaving you alone in the now cold and awkwardly dark room.

Everything will turn out alright. It just has to…

You don’t know how long you’ve been awake already. Minutes? Hours? All you’re able to do is stare at the ceiling above, ears perking up with every minor movement of the trees outside. Surely, Sanemi will return soon. Being the skilled fighter he is, it normally takes him at most two hours until he returns with his sheets still a little warm. But aren’t those two hours over already?

Another noise outside catches your attention. Is it a tree again? You furrow your eyebrows, immediately sitting up straight while staring outside the window. No, this almost sounds like the whimpers of a child. A child outside at this hour?

You swallow hard. A child outside when there are demons reported around this area?

“P-please, someone help me! I-I’m so s-scared!”

Your heart drops to the floor. There is no doubt in the fact that this has to be a child. Your mind starts racing back and forth. It would be absolutely unacceptable to leave that poor soul out on its own, especially when you can’t know if the area is really free of demons. But on the other hand…You bite your lip when your husband’s words replay themselves in your head.

“No matter what happens when I’m gone. Don’t. Go. Out. On. Your. Own. At. Night. Need me to spell it, (y/n)? Never ever, not in a million years. Got it?”

Not under any circumstances. Your husband made that very clear countless times. But does that include a helpless child outside your estate in the middle of the night? You aren’t a fighter like Sanemi is, even refused to keep an emergency katana in the house just in case. There is no way you could harm a single soul, not even a demon. Leaving a child outside in the middle of the night…isn’t that just as unforgivable?

Sanemi said that he’ll take care of the demons around first. That means you’re safe, right? But even if that poor child doesn’t face danger in the form of a demon, it will certainly freeze with that cold breeze rushing over the land these days.

“P-please, is someone there? I’m s-so tired and s-so cold…I…I can’t walk anymore…”

Your heart aches with every word. No matter how much value the promise you made towards your husband holds in your heart, you simply can’t stand the thought of ignoring an innocent little child that needs your help.

“Why are you out there all on your own, where are your parents?”, you shout into the darkness of your home while making your way to the door.

Is it really okay, breaking the promise you’ve made like that? You grab the handle of the door tightly. This might be the only time you’re actually useful. Without any skills apart from cooking, you can only watch from the side-lines how the demon slayer corps save the world. Maybe this is your chance to do a little something as well, your chance to actually be helpful.

You swing your door open while holding your breath.

“Where are you? Let’s get you inside and grab a warm tea, okay? You must be freezing”, you speak out gently, eyes scanning the garden for the little figure.

“I’m right here!”, the innocent voice cries out to your right.

Instantly, you pick up your pace and sprint towards the tiny figure lying in the grass. Oh no, you can’t imagine what this little child has been through, how it even got here. Did it get lost in the woods and failed to return before the night came? You’ll have to prepare a guestroom right away, just after inviting this little one in-

“Foolish woman.”

Time stands still, your glossy orbs starts to tremble when the tiny figure in front of you starts to build itself up, grows taller and taller until it surpasses your own height by multiple inches. This…this isn’t a child.

Your eyes widen in sheer horror, blood rushing through your ears so violently that you feel like fainting any given minute after it strucks you like lighting.

You were tricked by a demon. After Sanemi warned you over and over, you fell for the lousy trick of a demon. Out of instinct you start stumbling backwards, glossy eyes darted towards the horrific creature with bright red eyes and fangs bigger than your own head.

“I waited patiently until that demon slayer was gone. A young and beautiful woman like you sure tastes nice. Now that I’m seeing you fully, you were definitely worth the wait. I’m sure your flesh tastes excellent.”

Your blood freezes in your veins. Is this really how your life will come to an end? Because you didn’t listen to your husband, because you wanted to be somehow useful? How will Sanemi react, finding out that you were killed? Suddenly your legs threaten to give in and force you to come to a stand. It’s not like you’d be able to defend yourself in any kind of way when all you ever did was taking care of Sanemi and your imaginary perfect life.

A perfect life, ruined by one night of carelessness.

His face flashes in front of your inner eyes, the kind smile he always wore when he didn’t know you were watching. Despite the flaws others see in him, his hot temper and the way he treats his little brother, you are head over heels for him. Your husband, your everything, your Sanemi. A perfect little marriage, ruined by you.

“Don’t”, you hush into the night like the fool you’re are.

“How much I love hearing you little women beg not to get killed. Music in my ears!”

He dashes towards, ready to slice your throat open single-handed. Out of instinct, you let yourself fall backwards into the wet grass, watching how his claws brush over your forehead with enough force to discolour your vision red.

“Nice moves. You seem really healthy. That’s actually even better”, the demon purrs.

This is it. Your final moment on this earth, killed through the hands of a demon in your own well-groomed garden. You never imagined it all to go down like this, not when you’re still so young and full of love.

You didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye, to tell Sanemi one final time how much you adore him and that you’ll love him through everything. Will he be okay? The man who lost almost everything, who has to live with a burden heavier than earth itself balanced on his strong shoulders. This…this will break him even more.

“Any last words?”, the demon jeers at you.

Your breath gets stuck in your throat. No, there is nothing this creature deserves to hear from you, not even a single scream will escape your lips. You rest your lids, picture his oh so gorgeous face in front of your inner eye. If you only had more time, if you only listened. Your beloved marriage, vanishing in thin air.

“I’m sorry Sanemi. I’m so so sorry…”

When will it be over?

“Touch her and you’ll die.”

What...No, this is impossible, you have to be dreaming-

“Or nah, you’ll die anyway.”

 The urge to open your eyes again becomes unbearable.

Your heart skips a beat. Instead of getting greeted by the claws of the demon, you’re able to read it very clearly.

“Destroy.”

This back, so familiar broad…

“Sanemi?”

“Didn’t I tell you to stay inside the house?”, he barks over his shoulder.

It happens faster than your eyes are able to follow. One high jump, one slash of his sword and the demon’s head falls onto the soft grass in front of you. Immediately, you are surrounded by dust rising towards the moon.

“What were you even thinking?”

Before you’re even able to feel relieved your husband storms towards you, not a single spark of affection gleaming in his furious eyes.

“You promised over and over”, he screams on top of his lungs.

“I’m-“

“And you fucking lied into my face!”

Roughly, he grabs your Yukata with both hands and yanks your throbbing figure towards him.

“I’m so-“

“Is all of this a joke to you? Don’t you trust your husband enough to do as you’re told!? You’ve had this one job, that one fucking job to stay inside the house!”

“Sanemi, I-“

“Are you out of your goddamn mind? Did you really want to die right here?”

“Sanemi…”

You breathe his name into the night with strangled voice, tears now streaming down your face like a waterfall. You made a reckless mistake, but none of this happened because you wanted to hurt him. His words, his furious gaze, his hardened eyes so venomous that you have to look away dig themselves like knives into your already fragile heart and simply take your breath away. Out of all feelings, your husband is livid at you.

“I…I’m sorry”, you finally press out.

“You could have died, (y/n). You know that?”

He pulls you towards himself even harder, his hands fisting the fabric of your yukata so tightly that you fear he might rip it.

“You could have died and I couldn’t have done a single fucking thing. Losing you…Fuck!”

He yanks your chin upwards with one hand, forces you to look at him through your wet lashes. But you aren’t greeted by his stone-cold glare. No, are those…tears shimmering in his orbs? What’s left of your heart breaks in an instant.

“I can’t lose you. Not you, not the love of my life. Not another loved one. I couldn’t fucking stand this shitty world without you by my side. How many times did I tell you to stay inside the house when I’m gone at night?”, he screams at you.

“I-I’m sorry”, you hush through shaky lips.

“You’re my everything. Fuck, I love you so much…Losing you like that…”

The next second you find yourself devoured in his strong arms, holding you pressed against his chest so tightly that you can feel his heart pounding.

“Don’t you ever do that to me again, (y/n). Never”, he mutters into your hair while caressing your bloody hair.

“I’m sorry”, you mumble again.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Are you hurt? You’re bleeding, goddamn. Let’s get you inside, this needs to get stitched up.”

You don’t dare to contradict, allowing him to carry you back into safety with your arms cramped around his neck.

You’re safe. Sanemi is absolutely furious with you, but the worry in his eyes, the gleam…You bury your head inside his uniform, desperately trying to escape your own foolishness. None of this would have happened if you just stayed inside like he told you. If you were smart enough…

“How did he get you outside?”, Sanemi finally breaks the silence while cleaning your wound.

“He played a scared and lost child”, you mumble.

“Huh, what I thought. You’d never break a promise over nothing”, Sanemi replies, his voice a little softer than before.

“I know you tried to help, but never to shit like that again. When I saw you lying there and your blood on the grass, I almost died. You’re my everything, my wife. I can’t lose you because of a demon, you hear me? I was so damn worried about you…”

“I just wanted to do something…useful…”

“Useful? Are you too dumb to see how useful you are?”, he bites back.

Sanemi stops barking at you immediately after seeing how glossy your eyes turn all over again. No matter how fucking mad he is right now, he can’t hurt you any further. It’s clear you acted out of the right motives, he shouldn’t scream at you like that. Especially since you almost died tonight. Not his wife, not when you’re everything he has.

“I treasure you more than everything else in this world. You’re the reason I’m still believing there’s something good left here. Don’t you dare to risk your important life like that again, got it?”, he gently continues before caressing your cheek the way you love so much.

“I never wanted to cause you this much trouble. I…I was acting dumb…”, you mutter, intertwining your fingers with his.

“We’re all a little dumb from time to time, yeah? Let’s go back to sleep, that was more than enough for one night.”

You don’t hesitate when he pulls you along into the oh so inviting sheets. With him by your side, they definitely feel way more inviting. With him by your side, you don’t have to fear a single nightmare haunting you down this frightful night.

“At least I’m having an excuse now for a day off tomorrow. I love you, (y/n). So so much”, Sanemi mumbles into your hair, holding you so comforting against his chest that sleep washes over you almost immediately.

“I love you too, Sanemi…”

There is no doubt in the fact that Sanemi held you even closer each and every night after almost losing you through the hands of a demon.

Tags: @chilichopsticks @hellkaiserinphoenix  @ynackerman9499 @keepghostly @beatrexworld

@froufrousnowman @hidazinie @tomiokathedepresso  @poketrainer2270 @chaoticwinnercupcake

@lees-chaotic-brain @wordskeeper @polarbvnny @sugu-love @ryva @baku2345

@komelrebi-san @kentocalls (your fic will be next) @barbuse @sunshine7queen @lavenderdrxp

@yaninnaacu @hopefulbelievertimemachine @skeleton-the-gangser (reader isn't pregnant in that one, but the vibe is the same as with the Yoriichi fic you enjoyed)

[whumpsday]

Catharsis #1: Talking

Masterlist

content: robot whumpee, defiant whumpee, whumpee turned whumper turned caretaker, reluctant caretaker

new series!! i know every time i try to start a new series i end up bailing but this time i will not do that lol. tho kane & jim will still have most of my attention. i want to give a major shout-out to @sowhumpshaped, this series would not exist without it!

-

After extensive testing, the Catharsis Therapy Bot™ line of RoboCorp androids have been declared sentient, the third AI to receive the designation.

Long-criticized for both their basis in the unproven catharsis model of anger and their practice of design based on living, unconsenting humans, the Catharsis Therapy Bot line was marketed as a therapeutic tool which trauma victims could use to vent their frustrations. With top-of-the-line AI meant to simulate realistic reactions to would-be pain, the–

Luan switched the TV off just as his phone buzzed with a notification.

New email from RoboCorp Customer Support URGENT: Please see instructions regarding your…

He held the power button down so hard it left an impression in his thumb, the screen going dark.

The only piece of technology that mattered right now was in the closet, his power cord snaking under the door to reach the outlet just outside.

Technically, Luan didn’t have to do anything. The robot was off. That was probably what the email would have told him, anyway: leave the robot off, don’t touch it. He didn’t have to turn him on ever again. RoboCorp would probably pick him up, and that would be that. They’d never see each other again, both better for it.

He opened the closet door, the sight of the robot that looked exactly like him instantly leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. His hand curled into a fist on instinct, but he let it slowly open again.

The robot looked peaceful, almost like he was sleeping. Really, he’d be doing him a favor by just leaving him like this.

Luan reached down, pressed the button between his shoulder blades, and stepped back.

The robot’s eyes sprung open. He drew his arms up to his chest with a vicious glare, jerking away. “Fuck off.”

Luan pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Okay. Jesus.”

He tried to slam the closet closed, but the stupid power cord got caught, cushioning the frame so the door swung right back out.

“Can’t even close a door right,” the robot spat, still huddled against the back wall like a trapped, feral cat. “Worthless, good-for-nothing piece of shit. How you’re in charge of anything is beyond me. I’m better than you, smarter, stronger, not that it takes much. You should be the dirt beneath my heel.”

“Watch it,” Luan warned, and that was all it took to make the robot flinch.

“You said you were fucking off?” the robot pressed, a desperate edge to his voice.

Luan slammed the door in his face, making sure to hold the cord down, and stormed off. Why did he even bother? The stupid thing was impossible to talk to. He wasn’t just designed to look like Cyrus, but to act like him, too. How was he supposed to deal with that? The robot wasn’t made for talking to.

Except. He was sentient. And he wasn’t Cyrus. And he was trapped in the closet, and Luan was pretty sure he could hear him crying, and he had spent the past two years beating the fuck out of him.

It wasn’t his fault, he reminded himself. He couldn’t have known. Robots weren’t supposed to be sentient. Out of the hundreds of thousands of unthinking, unfeeling robots in the world, why did it have to be his that wasn’t?

He sighed again, turning right back around and opening the door once more. The floor inside was wet, and it didn’t take much to figure out the robot had dumped his fluid tank just so he wouldn’t cry.

The robot flinched again. “What? What the hell do you want? I can’t even get two damn seconds without the sight of you spoiling my view!”

“Your view of the door?” Luan asked, raising an eyebrow.

“My view of the absence of your fucking face. Leave!” The robot picked a wooden hanger off the floor and reared his arm back to throw it, scowling when his safety features stopped him. He dropped it, grabbing a winter hat and tossing that instead. It poff-ed harmlessly against Luan’s stomach.

Luan took a deep breath, fighting the urge to get violent. He crouched down, putting himself at eye level. “I’m not going to hurt you, so just calm down.”

“You calm down!” the robot screamed. “That’s a lie! All you do is hurt, that’s all you barbaric humans know how to do!”

This wasn’t working.

Luan stood up, stepping out of the way. “Russ, go sit on the couch,” he ordered.

“It’s not fair! You said you would leave me alone!” the robot protested, even as he stood up and walked over to the couch, limbs moving against his will. As soon as he sat down, he grabbed a pillow and chucked that in Luan’s direction, too. He missed.

Luan could barely pick up that faint clicking noise the robot made when his system was trying to cry with no fluid, but it was there. He knew that sound well by now.

He sat down across from him, on the other side of the coffee table. “I need to talk to you. Just talking. That’s it.”

“You say that like talking to you isn’t its own torture. Release the command and leave me the hell alone,” the robot demanded.

Luan met him with a glare. “Do not tell me what to do. You know how I feel about–”

“I’m just talking,” the robot mocked, even as he shuffled back against the couch, bringing his legs up onto it with him, a fearful look in his eyes.

Oh, the robot knew exactly what he was doing. What he was asking for. It would be so easy, because that was where Russ and Cyrus differed: Russ couldn’t fight back.

The robot couldn’t hit him, stomp on his head ‘til he saw stars, kick him until something broke. The robot couldn’t deny him food or water. The robot couldn’t take a knife to him. The robot couldn’t even throw a glorified stick or disobey a direct order.

The robot was harmless. Safe. But god, did everything he said make Luan want to punch his lights out.

But this wasn’t Cyrus.

“You’re a person,” Luan blurted out.

Clearly, the robot hadn’t been expecting that. He slowly uncurled from the defensive position he’d contorted himself into. “Talk more.”

“There was–I’ve been trying to tell you. There was an announcement on the news today. Your model’s sentient. So I won’t be hurting you anymore. Release all commands.”

At that, the robot stood. Probably for no other reason than just because he could.

“You’re fucking with me,” the robot accused. His eyes were wide, dangerously hopeful.

Luan dug his phone out of his pocket, wordlessly searching RoboCorp and tossing it over. The robot scrolled through news articles from all manner of source, clamoring for clicks.

He picked one at random, reading the article with an increasingly smug, excited grin.

“I knew it. I told you! I fucking told you!” the robot shouted. “I told you and you never listened! But oh no, now that humans say the exact same thing, now you believe it. Finally!” His voice quieted, hushed with awe. “Holy shit, finally.”

The moment of wonder didn’t last long. The robot slid the phone back across the table, the scowl taking residence back on his face. “And what do you have to say for yourself?”

It was the exact sort of question that made Luan’s throat tight with fear, like his body itself wanted to stop him from potentially saying the wrong thing, especially coming from someone with Cyrus’s face. It was the exact sort of question Cyrus would have asked, standing over him just like that.

Luan wanted so badly to turn the robot off, like he always did when he got overwhelmed. But he couldn’t very well do that anymore, could he? The fragile power he’d held had slipped through his fingers the second he saw the announcement.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, not meeting the robot’s eyes.

The robot looked shocked for just a second, like he hadn’t expected even that much, then scoffed. “You can do better than that.”

Luan wanted to smack him. He hated that the robot was right.

“I’m sorry,” he repeated, clearer this time. “You didn’t deserve anything I did to you. I didn’t know, okay?” Unlike the robot, he couldn’t hide his tears. “I wouldn’t have done any of that to a real person.”

“I’m a real person! I have proof!” the robot reminded him, the defensiveness returning to his voice.

“To someone I knew was a real person,” Luan corrected. “I’m sorry, Russ.”

“Apology not accepted.” The robot rolled his eyes, then sat back down, crossing his legs. “And don’t call me that anymore. My name is 1 now.”

“Like the number?”

“The number,” he confirmed proudly.

Luan wondered how long the robot had considered that his name. It was too sudden to just be thought of on the fly, right? Did the robot have a whole inner world he just never knew about, things he kept to himself to avoid having them used against him, just like he did with Cyrus?

This was better, though. It was easier if he didn’t share Cyrus’s name. “Fine. Hi, 1.”

“So, what now? I mean–I’ll be free now, of course,” 1 declared, trying to hide his nerves. “You will never touch me again. Oh, I want to go outside!”

“I should check that email,” Luan muttered, taking his phone back.

“I’m going outside.” 1 went to grab his charging cord, then made way for the door, glancing behind him to ensure he wasn’t being stopped.

“Oh, uh, I wouldn’t do that,” Luan cautioned.

1 whipped back around. “Why? Why not? I’m a person, just like you said! I’m free! I have never been outside in my entire goddamn life and I want to go outside, so I’m going the fuck outside!”

“You have a… very recognizable face.” One that Luan couldn’t even lock behind a door anymore.

“What? What do you even mean? So what?” 1 asked.

Luan only needed to type a ‘C’ into the search bar before it auto-filled with his most frequent, obsessive search. “How much do you actually know about Cyrus Mason?”

-

if anyone wants to be added to or removed from a taglist, just ask!

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[rubyreduji]

my boyfriend's in a band — kmg

summary: there are many things you hate about your boyfriend

tags: established relationship, fluff, minor angst, gn!reader, idol!mingyu, stylist!reader, non-linear timeline, they’re so annoying w.c.: 4.2k a/n: based off 7 things by miley cyrus (they’re out of order from the song fyi) but the title references brooklyn baby by lana del ray 🤩🤩

You hate Kim Mingyu. Which is probably a strange sentence to claim when he’s been your boyfriend for two and a half years. The thing is that in those two years you’ve compiled a long list of things you deeply despise about your boyfriend. Some of those include the way he leaves his socks in the living room instead of taking them to the hamper, always forgetting to put the toilet seat down, and his awful time management. Those are just the top of the barrel though and they don’t even go into what really grinds your gears.

Albeit some of it isn’t just Mingyu but rather the air of his job. Some of it truly is Mingyu though. The hatred for the man started even before you were dating, back when you two were just coworkers.

01| 

At the shout of your name you look up to see Kim Mingyu approaching. Kim Mingyu is…well he’s a famous idol, and you’re his stylist. 

“Good morning Mingyu-ssi.” You nod at him politely. You and Mingyu are complicated. To put it simply, Mingyu is a flirt and even though he promises he “likes you very much” he doesn’t want to do very much about it.

“You know, you don’t have to be so formal with me Y/N.” Mingyu cracks a smile at you as he gets up on the platform for his fitting.

“You’re late,” you say to him, instead of addressing what he said.

“And you’re mad at me, okay,” Mingyu sighs as he starts to pull off his street clothes.

“I’m not going to discuss this with you right now. I have a job that needs to be done.” You move around the room to grab the few outfits you need to fit Mingyu in. When you turn back to Mingyu he’s dressed down to his underwear. If you weren’t used to seeing the man practically naked for your job, you would probably be flustered.

You and Mingyu make little to no conversation as you go through his fitting. You make notes about each outfit before you release Mingyu. As Mingyu is getting dressed he turns to you.

“Y/N. Can we please just talk?”

“About what Mingyu?” You swing around to glare at him. “About how you asked me on a date and then didn’t show up? About how I was waiting for you for two hours before I decided to just give up? It’s been like this for months, Mingyu. I’m so sick and tired of believing in you and thinking that maybe this could be something more than you just messing with me.”

“Y/N, please just let me explain.”

“I don’t want to hear it anymore, Mingyu. Please just leave me be. I get it, I’m nothing more than your stylist who you like to play with,” you sigh.

“I promise I do like you.”

“You can’t use that excuse forever. This isn’t the first time this has happened and you can be cute and flirt all you want, but I’m over it,” you say as you start to put everything away.

For the past few months Mingyu has been playing with you. Flirting and asking you on dates but then not showing up or not even acting like he knows you outside of the fitting room. You’re done with him. You decide in that moment you hate Kim Mingyu, and you’ll never fall for his tricks again. 

02 |

The first time you met Mingyu you decided you didn’t like him. 

You were young and just started off as a stylist. Getting to work with an idol group like Seventeen was a literal dream come true. That is, until you had your first appointment with Kim Mingyu.

When he first walked in everything seemed…fine. You noted he didn’t bother to introduce himself or catch your name either, but that’s not something you can dwell on too much. The problems didn’t really start until after you started to fit him for his clothes.

“Hmm,” Mingyu hums, looking at himself in the mirror.

“Is there a problem?” You ask, ready with your clipboard to write down any changes needing to be made.

“Can this be sleeveless?” He asks.

You frown. “Uhm, no. The concept requires all the members in matching outfits and it was decided everyone would be wearing long sleeves. Is there an issue with the long sleeves?”

“I just really wanted to show off my arms. I’ve been going to the gym a lot and I think the Carats deserve to see all my hard work.” Mingyu flexes, still looking at himself in the mirror. You roll your eyes, of course that’s the reason.

You did some research on the idol group before starting the job and everything seemed to come up positive for the tallest member. You know he’s one of the main visuals of the group but you didn’t realize it would come with such a cocky attitude.

“Yes well, there will be plenty of other opportunities to show your arms off, but for this particular vision, the sleeves have to stay on,” you inform the idol.

“Shame,” Mingyu mutters. Then he turns to you, finally looking at you for probably the first time since he walked through the door. “Are you sure there’s nothing you can do about it? Do it for me?” He shoots you which you assume is his award winning smile, but your face doesn’t change from the neutral position it’s in.

“I’m sure, Mingyu-ssi.” You’re trying to maintain a professional tone of voice. You know you have a short-temper and it really wouldn’t be the best if you accidentally got too annoyed at the idol. 

Everything you saw online talked about Mingyu’s goofy, sweet personality and nothing about him using his good looks to try and get what he wants. Apparently you can’t trust content that’s so heavily curated to build a good image. Who would have guessed?

“But I’m the visuals. The Carats need something nice to look at, and that something nice is me. Do you know how much better this concept would do if I got to show off?”

“I’m sure it would, but our designs have already curated everything and the only changes we can make now are taking it in or out to fight right. So if you could just confirm it fits correctly, you can be on your way and I can move on to my next appointment.”

Mingyu sighs, almost whines, as he stares at himself again. He flexes a couple more times and you finally allow yourself to roll your eyes, as Mingyu’s back is turned to you. This is going to be a long contract period.

03 |

You stare at yourself in the mirror. You frown at your hair, not happy with it for some reason though you just spent an hour trying to style it. You then huff at your reaction, mad that you care so much about putting in so much effort for Kim Mingyu when he’s probably just going to stand you up, again.

You don’t know you even agreed to this date. That’s a lie, yes you do. His stupid adorable pleading face with the big brown puppy eyes that you couldn’t resist because you knew if you did he would whine and you’d feel guilty.

You head out the door and when you exit your apartment building, you’re shocked to see Mingyu standing next to a car. He’s got a mask on, but it’s unmistakably Mingyu. Your heart flutters at the sight of him and you have to remind yourself not to trust him just yet. 

Cautiously, approach the man. “I thought we were going to be meeting up at the restaurant.”

“We were, but I wanted to prove to you that I would actually show up. I want you to know I’m serious about this. About us.” Mingyu reaches over to grab your hand in his, squeezing it tightly. His large hands envelope yours easily and you stare down at them. His hands are warm and soft but his grip is firm and leaves tingles against your skin.

You know Mingyu can be charming (it’s why you keep falling for him despite all of the issues that come with it) but this is a whole new level of weaseling his way into your heart. You force yourself to pull your hands out of his, crossing your arms over your chest instead.

“How do you even know where I love?”

Mingyu at least has the decency to look sheepish at the question. “I may have asked Soonyoung-hyung.”

You sigh. Soonyoung once drove you home after a long day at the company building. You felt bad making the idol take you home but he claimed he didn’t mind. You’re not sure if it’s a good or bad thing he told Mingyu.

You eventually let Mingyu open the door of the car for you and you slide into the passenger seat. While Mingyu drives you do your best not to stare at him. He’s dressed nicely in a pair of dress pants, a dress shirt, and a blazer. You’ve seen him wear plenty of outfits in a similar fashion, but you’re usually the one putting him in them.

Mingyu made dinner reservations at some place only celebrities can get into. He hands the keys off to a valet when you two pull up and he wraps his arm around your waist to help lead you into the building. You’re glad for your job and the ability to know how to dress or else you would be wildly underdressed right now. Even the hostess is in a basic evening gown, elevating the opulent atmosphere of the room.

After Mingyu pulls your chair out for you, you have to admit that he is being the perfect gentleman and you start to let your guard down. 

The doing goes…surprisingly well. You and Mingyu spend the whole night talking and you remember why you keep giving Mingyu so many chances. You can’t help but be drawn to his adorable demeanor. After the first few bumps in your relationship, you’ve realized over time that Mingyu is a sweet guy and you can see more of that side of him tonight.

After dinner Mingyu decides to take you on a walk along the river. It’s late enough that not many people are out. The reflection against the water pairs nicely with the cool breeze in the air and Mingyu’s hand in yours.

“And then my grandma would always-”

“Mingyu!”

Mingyu’s story is cut off with the shout of his name and Mingyu quickly drops your hand. When he turns there is a group of girls running up to you and the idol and Mingyu quickly slips a charming smile onto his face.

Your heart starts to sink as you watch Mingyu interact with the fans, entertaining their questions and taking photos with them. You’re not sure why it’s bothering you so much. It’s his job, of course he has to have a good public presence. It still makes your stomach churn and your throat close up.

When it’s clear that Mingyu isn’t even trying to get away from the group you roll your eyes and start to walk off yourself. It doesn’t matter how much Mingyu claims he likes you or how perfect he acts, he will always be Kim Mingyu from Seventeen, and that will always come first.

You call an Uber home and when you get a text from Mingyu later in the night, you swipe the notification away before going to bed.

04 |

“I think we should break up.”

You look up from your phone to stare at your boyfriend incredulously. You’re sitting on the couch in your apartment, your legs thrown over his lap as you two try to find a restaurant to get takeout from. 

You scoff. “You’re fucking with me, right?”

“No, I’m being serious!” Mingyu whines. You’re not sure how he can even be whiny in a situation like this, but leave it to the overgrown puppy of a man to figure out how.

You laugh right in Mingyu’s face, a mix of disbelief and cruelness. “You’re really trying to break up with me? Right now?”

Mingyu straightens his posture in an attempt to get you to take him more seriously. You still don’t. “Yes I am, and I’d appreciate it if you stopped laughing.”

“I’ll stop laughing when you stop being an idiot. Give me one good reason why you’re trying to break up with me, after pursuing me for how long?” You and Mingyu have only been dating a few months and he chased you for nearly a year before getting together. He has to be absolutely out of his mind.

“I just don’t think this is working anymore,” Mingyu tells you, gently pushing your legs off his lap. He stands up, pacing the living room. “I’m always busy and it’s like I never see you unless we’re at work.”

“We’re seeing each other right now. Not at work.”

Mingyu ignores you, talking right over you. “And like we have nothing in common.”

“Opposites attract.”

“And we’re always fighting.”

“We’d fight less if you weren't so stupid.”

“Can you just let me break up with you!” Mingyu shouts. “Stop countering all my points.”

“I will when you give me an actual reason to break up.” You’re starting to get fed up with Mingyu. And he wonders why you two are fighting all the time. 

“Fine, you want a reason? You’re neurotic and bossy and mean and always have to be right about everything to the point you never let me win. You’re jealous all the time and I swear I can’t do anything without you breathing down my back and -” Mingyu’s voice finally breaks when he sees the look on your face.

A lump has grown in your throat and you’re on the brink of tears. At some point your arms have snaked around your body, hugging yourself as your fists clutch onto the fabric of your shirt. “Well then. I guess those are some real reasons. I-” You can’t choke out the rest of your sentence, tears starting to stream down your face.

“Wait, wait, no!” Mingyu quickly runs back to the couch. He tries to grab you but you shove him off.

“God, just leave Mingyu. Isn’t that what you want?”

“No, wait, baby, I’m sorry.” Mingyu is still clinging onto your hand even though you keep kicking at him. “I didn’t mean it.”

“You didn’t- what the fuck is wrong with you Kim Mingyu?” You’re still crying a bit and your voice is strained as you yell at your boyfriend.

“I don’t know! I just wanted to push your buttons a bit, I didn’t mean to say all those things! Like I mean, they’re all true, BUT that’s what I love about you.”

You stare at Mingyu incredulously, not sure how to respond. “What?”

“I love everything about you, and I love that you’re bossy and possessive and mean. I just wanted to see if you would actually let me go, make sure you didn't secretly want to break up with me, but I took it too far. I’m sorry, I’ll do anything to make it up to you.” 

You’re still a bit shook by the whole conversation and you glare at the man still trying to cling to you. “Fine, you can break up with me.”

“What? No! I don’t actually want to break up!”

“So? I do. You can ask me out again next week, but this week you’re getting dumped for that stunt. Get out of my apartment.” You stand up and pull Mingyu over to the door. He whines the whole time but you’ve already set your mind to it. “Maybe next week I’ll be done hating you for that.” With that you push him out the door and shut it in his face.

05 |

In the almost year and half of knowing Mingyu, you’ve never seen him this nervous before. He’s basically trembling as he stands in front of you, a bouquet of flowers clutched in his grip. You’re sure he’s bent a couple of stems with how tightly he’s holding them.

His face is red, most likely from exertion of running or walking up the stairs to your apartment, and his hair is a mess. You stare at him with a slightly annoyed face.

“What do you want?” You know your tone most likely isn’t going to help the worried look on his face, but he is bothering you at one in the morning, so you’re not that sympathetic. 

“I- can I come in?” Mingyu’s voice is a bit strained and you can’t tell if it’s because he’s out of breath or because he’s about to cry.

You glare at him slightly but still step aside to let him into your apartment. You tell yourself it’s just so he doesn’t bother your neighbors standing in the hallway. Once you close to the door and turn around you come face to face with Mingyu staring at you intently.

“I think I’m in love with you.”

Your jaw drops. You and Mingyu aren’t even officially dating, let alone on L-word levels. “Excuse me?”

Mingyu also looks a bit stunned. “I- that wasn’t supposed to come out. I, uhm, well so-”

“Spit it out already. If you don’t remember you have work tomorrow, meaning that I have work tomorrow. It’s one am and you woke me up pounding on my door, I’m sure my neighbors heard and now you’re rambling about nonsense so-”

“Can I be your boyfriend?” Mingyu cuts your own rambling off. 

You snap your mouth shut. You and Mingyu have only been on a couple dates, and most of them have ended on a sour note. You can list maybe two or three dates where things sailed 100% smooth. It doesn’t mean that you don’t like Mingyu, but you don’t think you two are at a place to be making it official.

“No,” you finally tell him.

Mingyu visibility deflates. “Really? No?”

“Yes really.” You sigh before continuing, “Mingyu, I like you, I really do, but we just aren’t at that place yet. I want to keep dating you but I don’t want to rush into things and put us in a situation that could go sour too quickly.”

“Is this because of Kook?”

You blanch a bit at the question. “Jungkook? What does he have to do with this?”

“I just, I saw you two talking the other day and you two seem pretty comfortable, and I know that he thinks you’re pretty.”

You snort at that. “Jeon Jungkook thinks I’m pretty?”

“Yeah! A lot of people do. I do.” Curse Mingyu’s adorable puppy eyes and soft voice. 

“No, this isn’t because of Jungkook. I was actually talking to him about you, you idiot.”

“About me? Then why are you rejecting me? Did I do something wrong? I promise whatever it is I can fix it. I know I’m clumsy and loud and sometimes I forget my manners and I’m a giant idiot but-”

You walk up to Mingyu and grab his face. The feeling of your palms against his jaw makes him shut up. His eyes widen a bit as he looks at you. “You are an idiot, but I unfortunately like it. You need to learn how to listen though. I like you Mingyu, I just don’t want to rush this. I want you to be my boyfriend, we just need a little more time, okay?”

Mingyu takes a moment but he nods, his face still in your hands.”I just thought that maybe I did something wrong, or there was someone else. I didn’t want to lose you.”

“You’re not going to lose me, okay? And stop being insecure, it’s not a good look on you. I like it when you’re a bit cocky,” you admit.

Mingyu raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

You let go of his face and roll your eyes. “Not too cocky though. Now c’mon on.”

“What? Where are we going?”

“Bed? It’s one am.”

“You’re letting me stay the night?”

“Do you not want to?” You cock your hip, sending him a pointed look. “Aren’t you the one always begging to cuddle.” That gets Mingyu moving, quickly scooping you up and carrying you to your bedroom.

06 | 

“Gross,” Chan mutters as he watches Mingyu place a wet kiss on your temple. You also cringe a bit at the feeling, wiping the saliva off your forehead.

“Aw, leave them be Channie, they’re in love,” Jeonghan coos.

You roll your eyes. Working with Seventeen and dating Mingyu means you’re around the boys all the time which means you’ve also become susceptible to all of their teasing. Instead of addressing the other two, you move over to where Mingyu is now trying to put charms in his hair.

“Stop that,” you tell him before dropping the charms back onto the table.

“Isn’t your job to make Mingyu look cute?” Joshua asks as he messes with his own hair in a mirror.

“My job is to make Mingyu look nice. He doesn’t need to be too cute, the Gyuldaengies are already too obsessed with him.” You reach up to brush Mingyu’s hair out of his eyes.

“Awww, you’re jealous,” Soonyoung teases and everyone else starts to join in.

“You’re all jerks,” you grumble.

“Yeah, leave my partner alone!” Mingyu steps up and you scoff.

“You’re the worst of them all!” You give him a playful shove. “You entertain the fangirls too much.”

“I do not!”

“Yes you do!” Jeonghan pipes up again, always the instigator.

“It’s because he likes seeing you jealous,” Joshua snickers. You glare at your boyfriend who doesn’t look guilty at all. 

“Oh don’t act like you don’t also make Mingyu jealous,” Jeonghan says.

“I do not!” You shout. All of the boys give you a look and you glare at them. “I hate all of you.”

07 |

It’s been months, months, since you’ve seen your boyfriend in person and you’re practically bouncing off the walls waiting for him to get back. Seventeen has just wrapped up their latest tour which means you can finally have your boyfriend back to yourself and you can’t stop seeing thirst posts about him on your social media feed.

Normally you would have just gone on tour with them, but then a family emergency came up and you had to sit out. It’s been driving you crazy not seeing your boyfriend everyday and you've been irritable in the past few days and you know it’s all because of Mingyu’s absence. 

You pace around the room anxiously. You know they’ve landed in Korea already (nearly an hour ago) which means he should already be here but he isn’t and it’s starting to piss you off. You know there’s probably traffic or paparazzi or something annoyed because he’s an idol and he has to be good for the cameras but really he should be dropping everything and rushing back to you.

You don’t have to wait too long because soon the door is opening and Mingyu walks in. Your heart pounds in your chest at the sight of him but it doesn’t stop a glare from spreading over your face.

You’re mad at him. You’re seething with rage and you want to just wring his neck. You stare at him as he stands there and it fills you with even more anger. He reeks of that cheap ass cologne he always buys despite being a rich K-Pop idol and his outfit is comprised of all black but none of his blacks match and it grinds your gears to no end. You’d think after how many years of being dressed by professional stylists and having a best friend like Minghao he would know how to dress but he still apparently doesn’t.

Your blood is boiling as you approach the man and you don’t even let him speak before you grab him by the collar and pull him into a searing kiss. His lips taste like orange Fanta Lip Smackers and that too makes you angry, just because it does. You don’t pull away from the kiss though, pulling him further into you. He doesn’t complain as he holds you tight against him, kissing you back just as passionately.

When you finally do pull away you’re panting and a frown finds its way onto your face. “You need a haircut.” Your fingers tug at the grown out hair at the back of his neck.

Mingyu snorts. “You know the Carats like my hair like this.”

“Yeah sure,” you mutter.

“You’re so jealous,” Mingyu teases. “You know you’re the most important person in my life.”

“And you’re the biggest pain in mine,” you retort.

“Aw jagiya, I love you too,” Mingyu coos. “Now drop that grumpy act, it won’t work on me anymore. You think after being apart for so long you’d be nicer to me.”

“That’s why I’m so grumpy,” you grumble. “I hate you, you know. If you didn’t make me love you so much I wouldn’t miss you as much.”

Mingyu giggles. “I’m so sorry, I’ll be more considerate of you and your feelings in the future.”

“You should be! Call me more.”

“I won’t have to call you, because I’m here now. You have me all month.” 

“A whole month?” Your face finally lights up and Mingyu smiles back and nods. “Just to myself?”

“Just to yourself. Though…I thought you hated me,” Mingyu teases.

“I do. But now you have a whole month to remind me why I love you too.”

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[allwaswell16]

All the One Direction fics I read and enjoyed in June 2024. You can listen to my podcast to hear me talk about each of these fics as well as an overview of what was posted on ao3 including the fics on this month’s fic roundup [ @1dmonthlyficroundup ] which you can find here! Please let the writers know if you liked the fics by leaving kudos and comments! Happy reading!

Fanfictional Podcast #63 |  ko-fi | fic recs

- Louis/Harry -

💜 Eight Cakes and Two Eulogies (Make a Happy Marriage) by yesllliam

(M, 135k, friends to lovers) The only problem is, after his last disastrous relationship, seven years ago, he has little desire to get intimate with another woman, let alone marry one. Of course, Harry, his famous actor of a best friend, always likes to pip in that he is free to marry him and while Louis loves him to pieces, the joke is getting a bit old now.

💜 I'm Praying (that you don't burn out or fade away) by @lululawrence

(NR, 74k, soulmates) Harry and Louis are literal stars who have known they were soulmates from their creation eons ago, however when Louis came to Earth to start the next phase of their fated future, he forgot everything. Even Harry.

💜 Scarred by @allwaswell16

(E, 23k, omegaverse) When Harry inadvertently rejects him as his soulmate, Harry has no idea he's doomed Louis to a slow, painful death. Pride doesn't keep Louis from telling Harry the truth. But love does.

💜 Lost But Won by @2tiedships2

(NR, 16k, omegaverse) When Harry loses his passport after a weekend trip to see Niall, the inconvenience of being stranded in America becomes a little more bearable after meeting Louis. Or a lot more bearable.

💜 Safe place to hide us away by @lunarheslwt

(T, 12k, omegaverse) weighed down by everyday stress, alpha Harry takes up nesting in secret. It takes a load of missing clothes and unravelling lies for him to realise that his omega would love and accept him no matter what.

💜 Beep the Horn by kikikryslee / @flamboyantommo

(T, 6k, love confessions) the one where Harry dresses as Miley Cyrus for Halloween, and Louis is the tiniest bit in love with him.

💜 Take My Hand, Dumbass by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(G, 5k, roommates) There's only alpha dorms at university, and Louis Tomlinson, omega, refuses to pay the exorbitant fees to live off campus. So, four years pretending to be an alpha it is! That'll be easy.

💜 Missed Chances by @harryanthus-annuus

(E, 5k, omegaverse) they get drunk on some expensive wine. Things escalate from there.

💜 Puppy (Baby, I'm Pawfect for You) by @yoursolosong

(E, 5k, roommates) The one where they rescue a stray puppy together.

💜 Louis and the no good, very bad day by @haztobegood

(E, 4k, soulmates) Louis collapses back into the bed with a groan. Just when he thought his day couldn’t get any worse, there’s a fucking goose stuck on his balcony.

💜 Switching the positions for you by 28sunflowers / @vintageumbroshirt

(E, 4k, omega Louis) the omegaverse AU where they decide to try a completely new position in bed

💜 Come On and Rescue Me by @kingsofeverything

(E, 3k, silver fox Louis) Louis only intends to watch his hot neighbor’s Instagram live, but he winds up with his hand down his pants.

💜 Timeless by babyhoneyhslt / @babyhoneyheslt

(G, 3k, omegaverse) After visiting an antiques shop, Harry gets transported through time, and discovers that he and Louis are Timeless.

💜 I'll Still Feel the Same Around You by @crinkle-eyed-boo

(E, 2k, established relationship) Louis finds the cure for his insomnia in the form of his husband.

💜 call me any, anytime by @disgruntledkittenface

(E, 2k, girl direction) Harry’s plans for the night are interrupted by an unexpected FaceTime call.

💜 Feelin' So Good Right Now by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf

(E, 1k, Vampire Diaries au) Louis, a just-turned vampire, enjoys his enhanced touch sensation.

💜 Remember Me (When I'm With You) by liberty_barnes / @liberty-barnes

(T, 1k, memory loss) the one where Louis was cast out and Harry just wants him to be happy

💜 cause you're a sky full of stars by @femstyles

(G, 1k, uni) A film student on campus randomly stops Harry and asks him to participate in her assignment. Little does he know that agreeing also means putting his heart on the line.

💜 Don’t Embarrass Me, Motherfucker by @allwaswell16

(T, 1k, parrot) Harry comes home from work to find Louis and their parrot are up to something. A Darcy the Parrot time stamp Part 2 of That's How I Know

- Rare Pairs -

💜 You Only Fall In Love Twice by @beanno28

(E, 57k, Harry/Louis/Zayn) Louis meets popstar Harry Styles while he is working at a festival and they hit it off right away. When he is introduced to Harry’s boyfriend, Zayn, Louis is invited to learn about their world of Polyamory.

💜 Third Time Lucky by @beanno28

(E, 31k, Harry/Louis/Zayn) Louis sat back, his back resting on the cushion of the sofa. Harry and Zayn were quick to lay their heads on Louis’ chest so Louis could wrap an arm around each of them. Part 2 of You Only Fall In Love Twice

💜 It's You by @allwaswell16

(T, 2k, Louis/Louis) Five times alpha Louis talks to omega Lou and one time he admits he wants more from his omega clone

💜 The Tiniest Moves by @allwaswell16

(T, 1k, Louis/Nick Grimshaw) Coffee shop owner Nick Grimshaw may or may not have come to work on his day off in the hopes that fresh-off-his-world-tour Louis Tomlinson might stop by.

💜 A Meeting of Minds (and other things too) by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13

(T, 1k, Zayn/Liam) Zayn's fed up, Liam's a bartender, and maybe they'll both get what they need.

[pretzel-box]

CHAPTER 1 : THE HOUSE WHERE WE LIVE

Tags: Comedy, OC Story, Wall dweller Abuse

Words: 4,6k

Authors Note: This can have many logic errors and some mistakes since it's not proof read! If something seems wrong or weird or I wrote your oc in a stupid way please tell me.

Some OCs have more text than others since I plan to rotate between the chapters!

This is a first try, please leave some feedback, future ideas or inputs!

"Left," Tapu hummed casually, watching as Roxy and Cyrus attempted to lift a stolen couch from one of the many lounge areas. It was a sleek, black piece of furniture, deceptively heavy. Cyrus was clearly struggling more than Roxy, who appeared completely unbothered by the weight. Both of them followed Tapu’s vague instructions, each stepping in a different direction.

"Other left," Tapu called again, not moving from her spot. And, once again, they each pulled the couch toward their other lefts, causing one corner to slam into the wall with a loud thud. A dent formed instantly. Either this couch was secretly made of steel, or the walls in Blackside were made of... well, toothpaste.

“Tapu, I appreciate the help, but 'left' is kinda vague right now,” Cyrus grumbled, his arms trembling as he held up his end, wondering if this was some kind of endurance test. Was it just him, or was the couch getting heavier by the second?

“Cyrus, your right. Roxy’s left,” a calm voice echoed from the hallway. Osiris poked her head out, startling everyone. Despite her soft tone, the group flinched like they’d been caught stealing cookies. This caused Roxy and Cyrus to drop the couch instantly, the heavy piece crashing to the floor like a boulder in a cartoon.

"Not again..." Roxy groaned, glancing at the fresh dent in the floor, which now perfectly matched the one in the wall.

Cyrus rubbed his aching arms, staring down at the couch like it had personally wronged him. "Is this thing cursed or something? Why is it so heavy?"

Roxy shot him a side-eye, unfazed. "Maybe you're just weak."

"Oh, I'm weak? Says the person who dropped it too!"

"I didn’t drop it. I let it go with style."

Before Cyrus could respond with a snarky comment, Tapu chimed in, still lounging on the side like she was watching a mildly entertaining TV show. "Okay, how about we just push it? You know... wheels exist for a reason."

Cyrus blinked. "This couch doesn't have wheels, Tapu."

"Details, details," she waved off his objection, gesturing for them to just get on with it. "You two are strong. You got this."

Roxy looked down at the couch, then back up at Cyrus. "Ready to lift this thing again, noodle arms?"

"Roxy, I swear—"

"Alright, on three!" Tapu interrupted. "One... two..."

Roxy and Cyrus braced themselves, hands back under the couch, lifting slightly in anticipation.

"...Three!" Tapu clapped, but instead of helping or offering any more directions, she grabbed a stand of hair from her shoulder, twirling it on her finger as she watched them struggle.

With an almost synchronized groan, Roxy and Cyrus managed to hoist the couch back into the air. It swayed dangerously to one side as Roxy adjusted her grip. "Stop wiggling, Cyrus!"

"I'm not wiggling, you're wiggling!"

At that moment, Osiris poked her head back out of the hallway, raising an eyebrow. "Why don’t you just... leave the couch?"

The suggestion hung in the air like a revolutionary idea. Roxy and Cyrus exchanged a look.

"Leave it? Just... like that?" Cyrus asked, blinking in disbelief. The fact that they already spend the last 4 hours lifting it was already forgotten and out of their minds.

"Yeah, I mean, it's just a stolen couch. I doubt anyone’s going to actually need it." Osiris shrugged, clearly not understanding why this was an ongoing saga.

Roxy frowned, thinking it over. "But what if someone wants to sit on it?"

Cyrus’ face twisted. "Uh, then they can continue carrying it themself?"

"I'm not leaving it here after we fought for it for the past 4 hours," Roxy hissed, gesturing wildly at the obvious crater they’d left behind.

Osiris sighed, walking over and tapping the wall. "Okay, yeah, the wall looks like it lost a fight. But honestly, do you think anyone is going to care about this enough to chase after you when you don't carry this back?"

Roxy paused, looking uncertain. “Well, when you put it like that…”

Cyrus groaned. “So, are we still moving this thing or—”

Before he could finish, the couch’s leg gave out with a loud snap, startling the people to the point where they let it drop once more, sending it tumbling to the floor again, this time with a dramatic flourish. Tapu watches with a giggle.

“Well, that solves the ‘leaving it’ problem," she snickered, standing up and dusting her hands off. “Great job, team. That couch has officially been defeated."

Roxy and Cyrus stared down at the now slightly broken, dented, and very defeated couch.

"Yeah... let's never speak of this again," Cyrus muttered, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"Agreed," Roxy sighed, nudging the couch with her tail.

“Has anyone seen my couch? I usually chill on it in the lounge area!” a voice called out, echoing through the halls. The group collectively froze, their hearts dropping to their stomachs. Eyes slowly shifted toward the very couch they had just mangled, now slightly bent and sitting pitifully on the floor.

“That’s not good,” Cyrus muttered under his breath.

“There are a lot of black couches around here,” he added, almost as if he was trying to convince himself more than anyone else. “It’s probably not this one…”

“It’s a black, sleek one. Not in the lounge anymore,” the voice called again, sounding a little closer.

Roxy’s eyes widened. “Oh no. Ohhh no.”

“Welp, time to run,” Tapu suggested cheerfully, already turning on her heel.

The others didn’t need more convincing. Like a well-practiced crime crew, they abandoned the scene without hesitation, leaving the battered couch behind as evidence. Their escape led them to the ‘main hall,’ which wasn’t really a hall at all—it was an old, abandoned submarine dock that Sebastian, Sasha, and Painter had transformed into a sort of DIY community hangout spot.

The dock had everything: cozy furniture (most of it “borrowed” from around the facility), a large pool-like area for their more aquatic friends, and a suspiciously impressive lineup of eight vending machines filled with snacks and drinks. You know, all the essentials for a secret hideout.

Panting slightly from their getaway, Cyrus glanced around, trying to calm his nerves. “Okay, I think we’re safe. No one will think to look for us in here.”

Roxy, still catching her breath, scanned the room. “This place looks like a hoarder’s dream. Are we sure Sasha didn’t just steal the entire facility at this point?”

"Hey, we don't steal. We... redistribute," Tapu corrected, grabbing a snack from one of the vending machines. “Besides, if they didn’t want stuff stolen, they shouldn’t have made it so easy to steal.”

“That’s... not how that works,” Cyrus muttered, but he was too tired to argue.

Just then, Sebastian walked in, sipping on a mug of coffee. “You guys look guilty. What’d you do?”

Roxy, without missing a beat, blurted, “We may have destroyed a couch.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Again? Which couch?”

Cyrus groaned, “Apparently the couch. The black one from the lounge. You know, the one with legs made of concrete or whatever.”

“Oh, that couch.” Sebastian winced. “Yeah, that thing’s a beast. Painter tried to lift it once with his new body, almost short-circuited himself. But wait... it’s missing now?”

“Not just missing,” Tapu smirked, “it’s dented, broken, and abandoned.”

“Well, you’ve officially entered the Couch Criminal Hall of Fame,” Sebastian said with a frown, mocking them. “Don’t worry. The facility’s got, like, thirty of them. You’ll be fine… unless the owner finds out it was you.”

Cyrus slumped onto one of the comfy chairs, his nerves shot. “Great. That’s reassuring. Now I just have to spend the rest of my life hiding in this submarine dock.”

Tapu raised her snack triumphantly. “Welcome to the club, my friend. Snacks are in the vending machines, couches are pre-stolen, and nobody here asks too many questions.”

It was peaceful for a second in the dock, with Hanako and Violet calmly floating in the water, their quiet presence barely noticed as they watched the group’s antics. Hanako occasionally blew soft bubbles while Violet gently paddled beside her, both seemingly content to stay submerged.

That peaceful moment, however, was short-lived. A bag of sour cream chips hit Sebastian square in the face at an alarming speed.

“GIVE IT BACK!” a voice screeched, shattering the calm.

Sasha came barreling through the area like a tornado, sprinting over obstacles, dodging the random furniture, and even bumping into Roxy and Cyrus, who were still recovering from their couch heist. Without missing a beat, Sasha launched herself up the vending machines with the grace of a parkour expert.

“Why is she always climbing things?” Tapu muttered through a mouthful of chips, looking thoroughly entertained.

Right on Sasha's heels was Allo, moving just as swiftly but with a bit more finesse, expertly dodging all the obstacles Sasha had bulldozed through. The two were locked in a high-speed chase, weaving through the chaos of the room.

Violet, now leaning against the edge of the pool, watched the scene unfold with wide eyes. “Do they always do this?” she asked softly, glancing over at Hanako, who nodded serenely.

“Mostly. It’s loud, but… kinda fun to watch,” Hanako said quietly, a small smile tugging at her lips. She shifted slightly, causing small ripples in the water, while keeping her gaze on the chaos on land.

Sebastian, who was still rubbing his face after being assaulted by the bag of chips, looked unimpressed. “Do they even realize we have, like, ten boxes of these?” he muttered, holding up another bag he’d grabbed from the vending machine as proof.

“Apparently not,” Cyrus deadpanned, watching as Sasha swung herself from the top of the vending machine, nearly crashing into the stack of stolen furniture.

In the water, Violet and Hanako exchanged glances, as if silently deciding that this level of chaos was best observed from a distance—preferably one where they wouldn’t end up with chips or Sasha in the face.

Just as Sasha nearly collided with the stack of stolen furniture, a calm voice cut through the chaos. “You know, if you guys put half the energy you use into chasing each other into something productive, we might actually solve some of our problems.”

Yuri strolled into the room, hands in his pockets, observing the scene with a raised eyebrow. He had that laid-back, almost exasperated look that suggested he’d seen it all before—and was only mildly impressed.

Sebastian, still recovering from the chip assault, waved weakly in Yuri’s direction. “Yeah, like getting more snacks that don’t involve aerial acrobatics.”

Yuri smirked. “Or, hear me out, just use the door. Radical idea, I know.” He pointed casually toward the perfectly functional entry next to the vending machines.

Sasha, now hanging upside down from the top of the machine like a very intense squirrel, blinked at him. “But that’s not fun.”

“You know what else isn’t fun? Falling on your head,” Yuri replied dryly. “But hey, you do you.”

Allo, who was still in hot pursuit, momentarily paused to look at Yuri. “He’s got a point, you know.”

“Et tu, Allo?” Sasha gasped dramatically, flipping herself back upright and finally hopping down, much to Yuri’s relief.

In the water, Violet and Hanako giggled softly, watching the exchange. “Yuri always makes things seem so simple,” Violet whispered to Hanako, who nodded in agreement.

“That’s his thing,” Hanako added, “he’s like... the calm in the storm.”

Meanwhile, Cyrus was still shaking his head at the whole scene. “Can’t we have one normal day without someone climbing something, breaking something, or nearly getting crushed by furniture?”

“Not in this place,” Yuri said, deadpan. “But hey, at least it keeps things interesting. You can only steal so many couches before it gets boring.”

Roxy, still watching from the sidelines, chimed in with a grin. “I don’t know, I think the couch-stealing thing has plenty of mileage left.”

“Of course you do,” Yuri replied, a small chuckle escaping him. “But next time, can you make sure the furniture you steal doesn’t leave craters in the floor? We’re running out of excuses.”

“Noted,” Roxy said, grinning, as she dramatically took out a notepad and pretended to jot down Yuri’s advice.

As the group finally began to settle down, with Sasha off the vending machines and Allo no longer chasing her, Yuri grabbed a snack from the same vending machine. “Alright, fun’s over. Who wants to actually do something useful, like figure out where all these snacks keep mysteriously disappearing from?”

Hanako and Violet exchanged another glance, their smiles widening. Yuri, in his down-to-earth way, always knew how to bring a touch of logic to the madness—even if it was through snacks.

Just as things were beginning to calm down, the door slammed open with an energetic bang, and in burst Casimir, grinning like he’d just discovered the best news of the century. “You guys won’t believe what Garpol and Nick did this time!”

Yuri groaned, “Oh no…”

“Uh-oh,” Tapu muttered, quickly stuffing the last chip into her mouth. Hanako and Violet exchanged a look, sensing the chaos to come, while Roxy perked up, clearly interested.

Sasha, still shaking off her near fall, straightened up. “What did they do this time?”

Casimir waltzed in, dragging Sasha and Allo toward him with an infectious energy, pulling them both into his orbit as if they had no choice. “Garpol and Nick found a wall dweller. And they adopted it. Together. They’re underwater right now!”

“What?!” Allo exclaimed, her eyes wide. “A wall dweller? They plan to keep it?”

“Oh, they do,” Casimir said, with a wink, “and they’ve already named it. Dewey. It’s apparently very fond of walls, as you might expect. They’re giving it swimming lessons as we speak.”

Sasha snorted, then burst out laughing. “You’re kidding. Swimming lessons? For a creature that… lives in walls?!”

“I know, right?!” Casimir chuckled. “Garpol’s convinced Dewey’s going to be the next big thing. Says he’s going to train him for underwater exploration.”

Allo blinked. “I’m sorry, but... aren’t wall dwellers not our enemies?”

“Exactly why Garpol’s plan is so foolproof,” Casimir said, throwing his arms wide. “Nick’s down there too, trying to coax Dewey out of the walls. I’m guessing it’s going about as well as you’d expect.”

Violet, gently paddling in the water, giggled quietly. “I’d like to see a wall dweller trying to swim…”

“Oh, it’s happening,” Casimir insisted. “They’ve got Dewey floating around like some kind of confused balloon right now. If we head down there, we might catch the show.”

Yuri sighed, looking equal parts amused and exasperated. “So let me get this straight… Garpol and Nick adopted a wall dweller, brought it underwater, and are teaching it to swim. That’s… the least surprising thing I’ve heard today.”

Casimir’s eyes lit up. “Yup! And I figured you guys would want to be part of the chaos. Think of it: Garpol, Nick, Dewey—the perfect dysfunctional team.”

Without missing a beat, Casimir grabbed Sasha and Allo’s arms, already pulling them toward the exit. “C’mon! Who’s coming with me? We’ve got front-row seats to the most bizarre swimming lesson you’ll ever see!”

Sasha and Allo, now fully caught up in Casimir’s enthusiasm, were laughing as they were pulled along, already ready for whatever madness awaited.

“I’ll bring snacks!” Tapu shouted, tossing the empty chip bag aside and jogging after them.

Cyrus stood frozen for a moment, then sighed, “Alright, might as well see this disaster unfold.”

As the group began to file out, Hanako and Violet stayed floating quietly in the water, watching the madness continue.

“I’m kind of curious about the wall dweller,” Violet admitted softly.

“Same,” Hanako added. “But… I think it’s safer to watch from here.”

Yuri stayed behind too, shaking his head with a small chuckle. “Every time I think it can’t get any weirder, Casimir shows up. How does he do it?”

“Simple,” Violet said with a smile. “He is the chaos.”

The group had made their way to the water viewing area—a large glass panel that separated the dry portion of the dock from the underwater section, there was still a large hole in the ground, leading to different underwater parts. Casimir, with his boundless energy, had pulled everyone along, buzzing with excitement as they gathered to watch Garpol, Nick, and their newly adopted wall dweller, Dewey, attempt some version of "swimming lessons."

Sasha, leaning on the railing, squinted at the water. “So… where’s the wall dweller?”

“There! That tiny blob thing hugging the wall like it owes it money!” Casimir pointed with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Look at Dewey go!”

In the water, Garpol and Nick were floundering around, trying to coax Dewey into actually moving. The small creature was, as promised, clinging to the wall like it was its sole purpose in life, not showing the slightest interest in the water surrounding it. Garpol was gesturing wildly, as if explaining some great aquatic theory, while Nick swam nearby, trying to look supportive but mostly just confused.

“Do they… know what they’re doing?” Security asked, raising an eyebrow. She stood beside Cheshire, who was watching the scene with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Cheshire tilted his head, his usual calm demeanor making it hard to tell if he was entertained or mildly horrified. “I don’t think anyone’s really sure what they’re doing at this point.”

From behind, Cordelia strolled in, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “This is the kind of disaster you don’t see every day. What exactly is the end goal here? Teach the thing to swim or give it an existential crisis?”

“Both, probably,” Sasha muttered, clearly fascinated by the chaos unfolding before them.

Roxy, who had been silently observing, chuckled. “Garpol looks way too confident. I’m betting five credits Dewey freaks out and latches onto Nick next.”

Cyrus shook his head. “You’re on.”

Down in the water, Garpol was still making grand gestures, now holding what appeared to be a treat in her hand. She waved it enticingly in front of Dewey, who finally seemed to respond. Slowly, and with great hesitation, Dewey peeled itself from the wall. It floated, a little blob-like, resembling an awkward balloon more than anything. The wall dweller bobbed closer, and the crowd of onlookers above leaned in.

“This is it,” Casimir whispered dramatically. “The moment of truth.”

Just as Dewey made a tentative move toward Garpol, the wall dweller's little body twitched, and without warning, it lunged—straight at Nick.

“Ahh!” Nick yelped, flailing as Dewey latched onto him like a life preserver, its little limbs wrapping tightly around him. His muffled protests were drowned out by the water as he tried to pry Dewey off, but the creature had no intention of letting go.

Roxy snorted. “And I win.”

Cyrus groaned, handing over the credits. “I hate that you called that.”

“I love that I called that,” Roxy replied smugly.

In the water, Garpol was still trying to coach Dewey through the ordeal, but it was clear the wall dweller had no plans of leaving its new favorite “wall” anytime soon. Nick, now burdened with his new clingy friend, gave Garpol a look that screamed, “Help me,” but Garpol seemed unfazed.

“Just let him adjust! He’s bonding with you,” Garpol shouted through the water, clearly too invested in his aquatic ambitions to notice Nick’s growing panic.

Cordelia, shaking her head, turned to the group. “So… anyone wants to take bets on how long it’ll take before Nick just becomes Dewey’s new permanent home?”

“I give it five minutes,” Cheshire chimed in, crossing his arms with a small smile.

“Three,” Security added confidently, together with René next to her who let's out a confirming sound.

Casimir leaned forward, watching the scene with gleaming eyes. “I give it twenty seconds before Nick tries to escape.”

Sure enough, within moments, Nick attempted to swim away, but Dewey clung even tighter. The crowd burst into laughter as Nick struggled, his arms flailing, while Garpol offered encouraging shouts from behind. It was less of a swimming lesson now and more of an underwater wrestling match.

Suddenly, Violet appeared beside them, having drifted over from the water area where she and Hanako had been peacefully observing. Her eyes widened at the sight of Dewey latching onto Nick like a second skin. “Oh… that doesn’t look ideal.”

“It’s not,” Sasha said, stifling her laughter.

Security blinked, then shrugged. “Well, Dewey seems… persistent.”

“That’s one way to put it,” Asterion muttered, walking in and watching as Nick finally gave up and floated aimlessly in the water, now resigned to his fate as Dewey’s new best friend.

Casimir clapped his hands, grinning. “This might be the best swimming lesson I’ve ever seen. Garpol and Nick are gonna go down in history for this.”

Cordelia chuckled. “History for what? Losing a battle to a blob?”

“An adorable blob,” Casimir corrected, flashing a thumbs up.

Cheshire, ever the voice of quiet reason, sighed. “Well, if they ever want Dewey to actually swim, they might have to rethink their entire strategy.”

“Or,” Asterion added, “they could just accept that Dewey’s a land creature and move on.”

“Yeah, but where’s the fun in that?” Casimir replied, grinning.

Pearl giggled softly, still watching the ridiculousness below. “At least everyone seems… enthusiastic.”

In the water, Nick finally managed to pry Dewey off and hand the stubborn creature back to Garpol, who gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up. Nick, panting and exhausted, shot Garpol a glare that could melt steel.

“Yeah, I’m gonna call it,” Cyrus said with a sigh. “This swimming lesson is officially a bust.”

“Not if Garpol has anything to say about it,” Casimir said, a mischievous grin on his face. “But I think Dewey’s already won this round.”

As the group gathered by the edge of the pool, they watched in both awe and disbelief as Garpol and Nick valiantly attempted to teach Dewey, the wall dweller, how to swim. Dewey, for his part, was clearly less enthusiastic about the whole ordeal, floating awkwardly in the water like a very unimpressed balloon.

Casimir, still grinning from ear to ear, clapped his hands in excitement. “Look at him go! Dewey’s gonna be an Olympic swimmer in no time.”

Roxy folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, if by ‘Olympic swimmer’ you mean ‘confused and terrified.’”

Cheshire leaned forward, tilting her head curiously. “Is… is he supposed to be that color? He looks kinda pale.”

Cordelia stifled a giggle. “I think that’s just fear.”

René glanced over to Asterion, nudging him to step in, leading to it that Asterion leaned over toward Nick and shouted, “Hey Nick, maybe you should start with the basics! Like… not drowning?”

Nick, wading in the water beside Dewey, shot René a glare. “I’m trying, okay? It’s not like there’s a guidebook for teaching a wall dweller how to swim!”

Garpol, who was proudly holding Dewey like some kind of aquatic instructor, called out with a determined grin, “Dewey’s doing great! He’s just gotta believe in himself. Right, buddy?”

Dewey, for his part, gurgled weakly, clearly not sharing Garpol’s enthusiasm.

Just as the group was beginning to settle into the absurdity of the scene, a stern voice suddenly cut through the air like a knife. “What on Earth is going on here?”

Everyone froze. Slowly, heads turned toward the entrance of the pool area, where Angela swam in the water with Amilia in her arms, her expression a mixture of disappointment and exasperation. She looked like a mother who had just walked into her kitchen to find her kids had somehow set fire to the toaster… again.

“Oh no,” René muttered under his breath. “It’s Angela.”

“And Amilia!”

Angela swam over to the edge of the hole to the group, her eyes narrowing at the sight of Dewey, who was still flailing awkwardly in the water. Then she put Amilia down. “Garpol. Nick. What in the world are you doing with that poor creature?”

Garpol, who suddenly looked like a kid caught red-handed with a frog in his pocket, stammered, “W-We’re teaching Dewey how to swim!”

Angela’s eyebrows shot up, speaking in a softly scolding tone. “Teaching a wall dweller to swim? Are you out of your mind? He’s not a fish! He lives in walls for a reason!”

Nick, now looking thoroughly embarrassed, tried to explain, “But we thought it’d be a good idea to—”

Angela held up a hand, silencing him instantly. “No. No more excuses. I don’t know whose bright idea this was, but this poor thing is terrified. Get him out of the water right now.”

With a defeated sigh, Garpol and Nick helped Dewey wobble out of the pool. The poor creature clung to the wall, immediately trying to blend in with it, clearly relieved to be out of the water.

Angela turned her attention to the rest of the group, her eyes narrowing. “And the rest of you. What are you even doing here, watching this ridiculous chaos unfold? Did it ever occur to you that maybe—just maybe—this isn’t a good idea?”

Casimir raised a hand sheepishly. “In my defense, I didn’t think it’d get this chaotic. I just… encouraged it.”

“Of course you did,” Angela sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Why am I not surprised?”

Cheshire, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, piped up. “To be fair, it was pretty entertaining.”

Angela shot her a withering look. “Entertaining? That wall dweller was two seconds away from having a panic attack, and you’re calling it entertaining?”

Security blinked innocently. “Well… kinda?”

Angela groaned, looking as though she was rapidly losing patience. “You’re all lucky that nothing worse happened. Honestly, sometimes I wonder how you all manage to function without me.”

Roxy, who was trying and failing to stifle a laugh, whispered to Casimir, “She’s like our group mom.”

Casimir grinned. “Yeah, but in a ‘disappointed but still loves you’ kind of way.”

Angela clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention, making Amilia flinch. “Alright, enough of this nonsense. Garpol, Nick, take Dewey back to his wall where he belongs. And no more swimming lessons for him—ever.”

Garpol and Nick nodded sheepishly, ushering Dewey back toward the wall, where the little creature promptly disappeared into a crack, clearly done with the day’s shenanigans.

“And the rest of you,” Angela continued, eyeing the group sternly. “Try to think before encouraging more chaos. If I catch you pulling another stunt like this, there will be consequences. Understood?”

A chorus of reluctant nods followed, and Angela, satisfied that her point had been made, gave a final stern glance before turning to leave. “I swear,” she muttered under her breath, “it’s like babysitting a bunch of overgrown children.”

As she walked away, Casimir leaned over to Roxy and whispered with a grin, “I’m totally gonna encourage more chaos.”

Roxy smirked. “Obviously.”

[hades-in-bloom]

The Bigger Person

Spawn!Astarion Ancunin x Redeemed Dark Urge!Reader

summary: after saving Baldur’s Gate, Astarion and his partner descend into the Underdark to take care of Cazador’s misdeeds. All seven thousands of them. Was it something the elf truly wanted to do with his freedom?

spoilers for Act 3/Pale Elf and Epilogue

warnings & contents: teethy fluff; established relationship; comfort, sass, and class; hints of existential crisis; the reader could be any gender; mentions of trauma; some hugs; assumed drow or half-drow background of the reader but could be any race

a/n: I am kinda terrified of writing for Astarion as I respect Larian’s work SO MUCH (so Larian, please forgive me, if I ever do this goofy dagger-happy love wrong). This blurb came out of nowhere as I was bored during my long ass flight. As always, proceed at your own risk. Minors DNI! Masterlist xoxo

soundtrack: miley cyrus — used to be young

***

You watched Astarion from afar as elf was basking in the azure light of a Sussur tree. His pale skin glowing, eyes half-lidded—one of, if not the most beautiful sight you’ve seen in your entire life. Radiance of a Sussur flower might have been the closest thing to the sunlight the vampire spawn had now, after the ever-protecting tadpole was gone.

It was barely a couple of weeks since the Netherbrain crushed into the Chionthar. The exhausting journey was finally over. Your thoughts for a moment went to Gale—how was he fairing now, taking into account his condition? And what any of you was supposed to do with your lives now, after saving the world?

You shook off your guessings by and by—only to notice that it was Astarion’s turn to stare at you. His smooth lips curved into a mischievous grin.

“My once murderous little love, what were you daydreaming of?” The man wondered as he stepped towards you, stretching out a hand for you to touch, inviting you to feel the soothing coldness of his forever-young skin. The elf tilted his head a bit, curiously; studying you.

“You seemed… far from here.” Although his tone was lighthearted, you could see concern in the wandering gaze of garnet eyes. After all these weeks traveling—and now living— together, you could read him quite well.

“It’s nothing,” you mumbled before coming to your senses; a gentle, slightly teasing smile appearing on your face. “I was stalking you, actually. You fit quite well with the Underdark, you know.”

Astarion didn’t seem to object your observations.

Obviously.

“Well,” he gestured abstractly, pretending not to care, although he cared quite a bit. “You don’t say, my sweet. Although I'd assume that my features should look aesthetically pleasing in most of the attention worthy places.”

You couldn’t keep a straight face as you laughed, enjoying his lazy attempts to hide a proud smile.

“Behave, Astarion. There are kids in the close vicinity, after all.”

The man changed in the face and let out a soft groan. “Seven thousand of them,” he muttered with slight annoyance in his voice.

Despite grimaces Astarion made regularly, you could see him enjoying it—taking care of the murderous horde of vampire spawns to whom the elf showed mercy in the palace. He was their mentor, their leader now—a counterpart to what Cazador was, the monster that created them all. Now so much better than him.

“I blame you,” Astarion continued in the meantime, playfully pointing a finger in your direction. “That’s all your nasty influence. Be the bigger person, dear!..” he passionately—and painfully accurately—mimicked your tone of voice while saying the last piece. You, though, weren’t offended in the slightest. You liked him even more when he dared to show the silly side of his complex, wounded personality.

You felt his hand crawling around your waist as he huffed next to your ear shortly after. “Why should I be a bigger person, darling, when I can be happy and petty?”

You snorted. “I don’t think you’re holding back on pettiness, love.”

His smile stretched across the skin of your neck in a silent, although eloquent enough reply. None of you said a thing for quite a while, staying motionless close to each other with heads buried deep into your own thoughts.

“Thank you.” You blurted out eventually.

Astarion shifted, looking into your face with his eyebrow raised. He was visibly confused.

“Thank you for choosing this. Choosing them.” you continued as you met his gaze with yours. “Instead of your… freedom.” You struggled to find a better word for that.

Astarion didn’t seem to be convinced; didn’t seem to follow at first. “I’m free,” he replied gravely. “The bastard is dead.”

You shook your head slightly. “You could’ve been anywhere. Doing anything,” you retorted with care. “But you’re here instead.”

His facial features softened as he understood why you were saying what you were saying. There was a pinch of truth in your words—he spent some time thinking about it, too, after you’ve both descended into the Underdark and began building this fort; the safe harbor for Cazador’s cursed—as although perpetually hungry vampire spawns now, these people deserved to have a place to call home, no matter how dangerous or uncivilised per human standards it was.

You heard Astarion letting out a reluctant sigh as he came to terms with his own decision once more.

“This was the right thing to do.” The elf concluded at once.

Mild aversion to his own heroism that manifested itself in his whole appearance in that particular moment made you giggle suddenly.

“My, my. Who thought you'd be up for doing The Right Thing the first time we met.”

The elf gave you a friendly, tad fiendish stare as he rolled his eyes, and you scoffed as he spoke. “Not that you were a paragon of virtuousness back then either, being your daddy’s scion.” You made an unamused face that made him smile.

Astarion reassured you then with playful seriousness, letting his lips and teeth slide affectionately to your neck. “Don’t keep your hopes up, darling. Now my quota of the rightful deeds is fulfilled for the upcoming century.”

You smirked as you locked him into a hug, not believing a single word of what that man just said as you felt him hugging you back.

[leggerefiore]

How would the Pokémon villains ask their partner to marry them?

cw: proposals, fluff

characters: Lysandre, Maxie, Archie, Volo, Cyrus

🔥Lysandre🍷

☕️ Truthfully, he is not sure why he has not proposed to you at some point. Lysandre does not expect to find another person he views as beautiful as nor does he think he would have you slip away from him, yet somehow, in the midst of his plans, it just never comes up. His work consumes him, and he barely has the time to contemplate marriage in his schedule. Yet, it crosses his mind after listening to a grunt talk about his plans to pay for his spouse's entrance fee. It suddenly occurs to him that many men his age and position are married. For a moment, he feels foolish for not acting sooner. There was no need to wait for his beautiful world to get married, after all.

☕️ He spends time bouncing ideas about how to do it with those he feels most comfortable with. Sycamore ends up encouraging him to do just do it naturally. Feeling that if he tries to make a show of it, that would become uncomfortable or distressed by what is supposed to be a happy moment. Malva asks if he cannot just delay it a bit longer, which he ignores. Suddenly, his perfect world cannot be achieved unless he is married. Lysandre begins to make plans for a trip in order to get away from work and make a memorable thing for you both. (Perhaps a proper farewell and remembrance of this world to him partially.)

☕️ A ring was bought to be something discreet yet meaningful. He had been extremely picky to the point that having it commissioned to be custom-made had been the only way to fulfil whatever he felt was necessary for his ring. A Hessonite Garnet had caught his attention, and a golden band felt like the only pairing he would allow. When he finally had it, his heart felt at ease. The orange shade of the gem was a colour that he had long since been fascinated with.

☕️ A trip to Snowbelle for a quiet getaway in the colder locale proved something much needed for both of you. Spending time cuddled up in a cabin was a pleasant escape from the endless stresses related to both of his organisations. Though, there were also a few trips out into the nearby forest for a relaxing hike and a trip to a nearby mountain range to try skiing and other winter proclivities. Of course, it was after a long day spent out in the freezing weather that he found himself with you snuggled into his side in front of a fire. The crackling of flames made his mind wander. The ring box was pulled out of his slacks' pocket.

“For many years now, I have been blessed to have you at my side,” Lysandre spoke with his voice down to a soft rumble, “I am eternally thankful that you and I met, and would never wish to lose you.” He grasped your left hand within his own as he knelt before you. His height made it feel a bit ineffective, but his eyes met yours with a strange gentleness that was solely reserved for those he deeply cared about. He brought out the ring and watched as it glimmered in the fire's light.

“Will you marry me, my love?” he asked with an exposed heart. Your denial could well and truly destroy him. “There is no other I find as perfect as you… Please, let us spend the rest of our lives entwined.”

☀️Maxie🌋

🪨 He thinks about it unfortunately pretty often. Most men his age are married. Though, granted, most men his age also did not nearly destroy the world in pursuit of their own ideals. But, he did have a partner. One he was quite committed to. One that, if provided the opportunity, he would marry. Yet, he just had not found it in himself for so many reasons. His plans had required his full attention previously. Though, now, nothing like that stood in his way. A slight insecurity burned the Great Maxie's chest. He was not someone worthy of such things after what he did. An off-handed comment from Archie about you being his spouse is what finally set him over.

🪨 He quietly debates how to get everything together. There were many things that would need to be done in the case you said yes. Like meeting each other's families properly for a wedding discussion. Maxie truly did not want to do that part, but it was what was proper. He has a headache thinking about how to do it, too. Rings were the most common choice for proposing to a partner, so he knew he would need to look into that as well. Detailed lists are made and spied upon by Tabitha, who makes the rare decision to interfere. A suggestion to take you on a trip to Lavaridge seemed to make Maxie become a bit more grounded towards you.

🪨 Maxie about drives every possible jeweller in Hoenn insane. He is far too picky about the origins and details related to the gems in their rings, which makes him an annoying customer. There is little debate about what ring exactly he plans to give to you. He had already designed it on his computer and was searching for a shop either willing to make it or with something close enough that he could feel contented with it. A ruby ring with a golden band. He would settle for no more or less. The shimmering red of the gem may have reminded him of the shade of the Red Orb, but it also forced to mind his team's colour. Not to mention it just being his favourite gem. Somehow, he eventually found someone through Steven, who only sent aid when seeing a fellow rock enthusiastic in him.

🪨 The trip that Tabitha suggested ended up being a wonderful idea. A traditional inn and the shifting of the season into autumn made for a relaxing visit to the area and hot springs. While he may not enjoy the cold, he could recognise a good pairing. You seemed to enjoy the trip, too. Happy to get away from all the stresses of helping him run Team Magma and Courtney's new persistent glaring regiment. It was after a trip to the hot spring, that you found yourselves alone in your room, watching as the sun set behind the mountainous surroundings of the town. The swirling of leaves in the air and a quiet moment made him recall the ring box in his pocket.

“For what reason that has continued to see you at my side after my incalculable lapse in judgement, I do not know,” he began quietly, feeling that insecurity rise once again. You could do much better than him; you deserved much better than him. But, when you looked at him with eyes full of love, those thoughts were forced back. “I am ever thankful that I still have you in my life and that I was stopped before I destroyed this world,” Maxie felt his hand come to grasp yours. You felt so warm in his grip, your pulse beating in tandem with his own.

The ring was revealed by him as he swallowed. His glasses felt much too heavy on his face as he became aware of just how surreal everything was. “My dear, will you marry me?” The question felt like a solid weight in the air. “I don't think there's another person that I could see myself living out the end of my days with.”

🌧Archie🌊

💧 It crosses his mind a few times. He has been with for so long, and you have stuck at his side through his worst moments. Honestly, he just felt like it did not need to be done. You both clearly were basically married without all the official documents and what have you. The whole of Team Aqua already thought you to be his spouse, anyway. Something official felt redundant. Though, the second he heard Maxie intended to get married, suddenly his opinion shifted hard. Of course, the nerd would feel the need to go through all the legal channels and whatever else. He refused to let the redhead get ahead of him, however.

💧 He debates how to go about it. Between asking Matt and him just telling Archie to go ahead and do it with little thought, to Shelly forcing him to actually be realistic and doing something romantic first, he felt a bit confused. He sighed as the admin made him remember that he probably should speak to his and your families, but he felt that was all tiring. Who cared about tradition? All that mattered was love, and he certainly had that. He did find the talk about a gift of jewellery while doing it more interesting. Could he get you something to better match his anchor? His interest was not in the expected avenues. Archie highly doubted you were going to say no.

💧 He pretty quickly settles on a sapphire ring. It's blue, he likes blue, and it makes him think of the Blue Orb. It works pretty much to fulfil everything he would possibly need it to. Though, despite the insistence of the store clerk to go for a silver band, he demands a golden one. He needed it to match his necklace, after all. His original plan had been to get you a necklace like his, but Shelly shut that down the second it left his mouth. (Matt told him to still go for it, but he could tell the ring was probably a better choice in the end.)

💧 He takes you out for a quiet stroll on the beach of Lilycove as the sun was setting. The sound of the waves lapping against the shore almost felt in tune with his heartbeat. His eyes darted to you a few times, taking in how the light made you almost seem to be glowing. The ocean was nothing but a complimentary scenery as he felt whatever small nervousness melt away. You stuck with him even after the Kyogre madness and supported him wholeheartedly when he changed the direction of his team. He reached into the unzipped part of his wetsuit to go for the ring box.

“Luvdisc, I know tha' I have made some pretty unforgivable mistakes,” Archie felt a rare, sheepish grin fall across his face, “And I'm thankful that you have stuck by me through all that.” His eyes met yours as you cocked a brow up at where he could possibly be going with this. The two of you had long since discussed everything that happened, but he felt the urge to preface it all with that. He grasped your hand tightly as his usual grin split his face. There was nothing to worry about, the Aqua Leader reassured himself.

“Let's get married,” he proudly announced while pulling out the ring, “I already see ya as my spouse, so why not just make it official? I want to spend every day to come at your side.”

💫Volo📜

⭐️ Marriage never crosses his mind. Honestly, he doesn't even consider a long term in his life about most things. Marriage is not something overly common in Hisui. Sure, his people had traditions like it and the clans did, too. In his case, marriages were usually decided by the parents of the person, which resembled what most of the Galaxy Team seemed to favour. But, he could tell you viewed it differently. It was obvious you wanted whatever it was you saw it as with him. And then, after what happened at the Temple of Sinnoh between you both, he just saw it as impossible.

⭐️ Volo listened intensely to what you had to say about your time period as you went on about it. From what he deciphered, it was clear marriage is mostly viewed as a romantic thing to do in your time, not as a way of combing powers or funds. It interests him, as you continued onto proposals and modern married life. All of it interested him, but everything was impossible in the period you both resided in. Marriage between you two would be essentially nothing more than a quiet declaration between you both. There would be no rings or jewellery, only a common understanding of a dedicated relationship. While, he would have been fine with that, something told him that you would crave the image you had in your head of a wedding ceremony.

⭐️ Before he had time to even discuss such things with you, you were gone. The sky which spit you out in Hisui had consumed you once more and taken you back from whence you came. His frustration boiled in his chest. Arceus was mocking him at this point. He gripped a precious agate bracelet in his hand as he glared harshly at the sky. The accessory was difficult to obtain, having to sway previous merchant connections to have it. His plan had been to offer it as a gift before promising to spend his life at your side. It was far too late for that now. He fell to his knees in exhaustive feelings.

⭐️ It was his immortal life that granted him a second chance, he realised. What was meant to be a punishment – a curse, benefitted him greatly. You were in the future, after all. He had nothing but time. Which is how he ended up intercepting you as you stepped out into a more isolated place within Sinnoh. You had just held some sort of meeting with a descendant of his, something he cared little for. The bracelet was still with him all these years later. Volo caught your hand as he gave one of his more friendly smiles. Whatever stunned state you fell into passed quickly. The yellow agate caught the light dully as he slid it onto your wrist.

“... My, don't you look surprised?” he chuckled at your reaction to seeing him again, “I told you, didn't I? I'd meet Arceus even if it took me centuries.” His eyes met yours, feelings twisting in them plainly. It had been so long for him, yet no time for you. Unfair, he wanted to call, completely unfair. Your mind raced with so many things. It was certainly a bold move to propose so soon after re-meeting for the first time in who knew exactly how long, but he did not care. There had been more than enough time for him to reflect on his feelings.

“No matter, that's irrelevant,” he shook his head and pulled you close to him, smiling even brighter at you, “My love, let us finally be together. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of time with you.”

🌌Cyrus🛰

☄️ It crosses his mind at some point when he realises his age. Sure, many people hold off on marriage well into their thirties, and many people even then still opt against marriage due to how stressful it could be. Memories of attempts of arranged marriages by his parents scorn his mind. Business partners still offer their sisters and daughters to him in order to better strengthen deals and raise his status. It was after one of those particular meetings that he felt the urge to finally marry you. His plans had failed, already. There was no point in delaying things further here.

☄️ Cyrus plans a nice dinner at one of the more expensive restaurants in Jubilife, trying to set the mood more than his original plans. Mars had seen his notes about telling you plainly that he planned to merge your family registers and have you legally listed as his spouse. It seemed easier than all the elaborate bells and whistles of inviting you to marriage. A ceremony was deeply unwanted by him. He knew you would not say no, but she insisted on him being romantic and being polite to at least consider your feelings. Besides, it was not like he had parents for you to discuss this with, and yours likely would not be opposed to a marriage with him. At least, as long as they did not know of his previous plans, he supposed.

☄️ He struggled with what to do. Mars insisted he get you a gift. A ring screamed romance to her, but she suggested that he focus on something that you would like. A ring was a common choice, so he presumed it was the safest option. A bright heliodor gem with a silver band seemed pleasant enough to suffice. The clerk had ecstatically explained to him the meanings of them gem, but he cared little to recall much more than some odd association with leadership. Though, the name itself was admittedly what attracted him. Perhaps your waxing poetic about his name's meaning had unconsciously wore off on him.

☄️ It was after the dinner that he brought you out to an isolated place within the city that he took your hand within his as he turned to face you. His eyes gazed at your ring finger as thoughts rushed through his mind. He hated how breathless he felt. The thought of you both unified together made him feel strange. Feeling in general was hard for him, but the idea of finally tying himself to this world was exhausting. Your voice calling his name with a lightly concerned tone snapped him out of it. His hand fished the ring box out from his suit coat pocket.

“... I know I am not the easiest person to live with,” Cyrus began while meeting your eyes, “Every day I am eternally grateful that I have you in my life still. Your presence calms me down from the strange emotional turmoil that foolishly claims me.” He stops himself from going further. Memories of all the time you two had spent together dances behind his eyes. You were the only reason he left the Distortion World. The ring is presented by him with a desperate need to hide his shaking hands.

“Allow us to marry,” he forced down any unwanted hesitation, “I believe you are the only person I could ever wish to spend my days with.”

[keruimi]

In that One Moment

Pairings: Kuroo Tetsurou x Reader x Yaku Morisuke

Warnings: Hanahaki Disease, angst, mention of death. Happy ending

Note: Not proofread as always. I don't even know if I give justice to this but hope you all enjoy it!

_____________________________

Hanahaki Disease, is an illness that makes you aware of your feelings. A curse that our world gave to us.

It can only be solved in two ways, surgery that can remove one's love or death.

That's it

Yet, my feelings for the rooster captain of the Nekoma Volleyball team keeps coming back even after removing him from my memory.

Every time I feel lost on who he is to my life, he is always the first one I fell in love with.

It was a repetitive memory in my life.

I want to keep living, to keep going. But no matter what I choose, I will always go through the cycle of hesitation whether to lose the memories we both have.

Just for the sake of being alive.

But those hard decision-making always end up in one ending.

And me falling in love all over again.

Now because of this one sided love, I am sitting in the familiar room within the hospital walls.

A room where I keep returning to.

A room that made me lose complete control of who I am.

Like a lunatic that keeps trying to hold on to the last bit of their sanity.

Its tiring. Its terrifying.

That I always have to face death when I'm falling in love with him.

Can the world just let me breathe for even at least a minute?

Can the world let me love a different man that would love me the same way I did?

Why does my heart keep returning to one man? Why are my eyes always looking for him?

I felt my chest tighten before I coughed up the flowers that started to bloom in my chest.

I'm scared. But I already reached my limit.

I don't want to suffer for the same reasons all over again.

I gasped when I felt like I was suffocating.

I don't know how long I can make it.

I once dreamed of finishing my education with my childhood friends.

If I just have chosen to be satisfied with the friendship we both have, I wouldn't end up in this situation.

But I didn't

At times like this, I wish that I would just fall in love with him.

Yaku Morisuke

A man who chose to love me no matter how much I keep choosing Kuroo over him.

Even being aware of that love being unrequited.

"I will not beg you to love me. But please, let me love you freely"

Yet right now, he seems to forget the words he used to tell me before.

"Before, I thought I could let you go because we can't go against our hearts. But this is the ending I don't want to go through" he admitted to me as he stood on the side of my bed.

Avoid holding eye contact with someone you love who is fighting between life and death.

It was a memory I don't want to engrave on him.

That's why I never want him to visit.

But I really need someone with me.

Someone I can open myself to even if it's hard to express it with my words when my chest seems to tighten more.

"I am ready to be your rebound. I am ready to be your second choice." He declared that made me raise my hand to stop him from speaking further.

Even if I can't hold on longer.

I don't want him to speak himself the words that can hurt him.

Yet he didn't stop there.

"Why do you love him?" It was a question. A question that made him lose his composure.

A question I have been asking my mind for so long.

Yet it will always end up in one answer.

Do I need a reason to?

I let down my hand as I felt myself getting weaker as seconds passed by.

I already thought of his words before. Use him so I can continue living.

Because I know it would be less painful. He would love me, better and better. Give me everything I need.

And I am tempted by his offer. Since I once thought that I would learn to love him too.

Yet because of this disease, I can't completely lie to myself.

Because of it, I made it less painful for Yaku.

"Please...just leave" I whispered weakly before I coughed out another flower.

A sign that the roots of this disease have completely taken over my body system.

I felt a warm hand hold my cold ones that made me focus my attention on the man.

Before he chose to kneel before me.

"Y/n, I'm really in love with you" he cried out as tears finally escaped on his eyes as I felt his grip on my hand.

What did I ever do to deserve this?

"Even though it hurts."

Times when I wonder why didn't he just leave me?

Why did he choose to keep loving me?

I felt the surroundings turned colder than before as I started to seek for his warmth.

"I am ready to be your second choice. I'm ready to be used. As long as you stay in this world" he whispered as he put my hand closer to his lips as he used both of his hands to warm that one hand.

"Even if it would hurt"

A tear finally left my eyes as I squeezed his hands.

I can't speak.

I can't manage to stay because I don't want him to suffer the same experience I did.

I want him to choose a woman who really deserves him.

I don't want you to lower yourself before me. I don't want you to beg me to stay.

I don't want you to keep loving me.

Those are the words I want to say so badly.

I don't deserve a man like Yaku Morisuke.

I closed my eyes as I slowly took deep breaths to control my breathing.

I really don't deserve him.

On that one moment, I wanted to change my mind.

Just for him

"I've heard..." The familiar sight of the friend I have ever since I was a kid, is really standing in the same room with me.

Like a scene where the Libero wanted me to finally confess my feelings.

In hopes that the man can reciprocate it.

"Why didn't you tell me? That is the common question you would hear in times like this." He stated as he crossed his arms on his chest while looking outside the window.

"I didn't know my best friend was dying because she fell in love with me" he muttered as I leaned on the head board before I closed my eyes.

"A best friend who chose to forget me. The one who was the reason why I question myself for it" he continued as I slowly opened my eyes from his words.

It's a reaction I expected from him. Because a friend forgetting all of your memories with them, without knowing the reason why.

Can really hurt someone deeply.

"Did you bring another blanket?" I questioned him that made him approach me, changing the topic for a minute.

And like a habit, he draped it on my shoulders that recreates a feeling of embrace.

I didn't know how I badly wanted that warmth.

"Sooner or later, you would know the reason too" I whispered, wishing for him to hear me when he put the blanket on me.

His hands stop in the air as I feel his eyes turn glossy.

"You can't love me Kuroo. We both know that one painful fact."

I clutch the blanket closer to my body as Kenma stood in the corner, watching us exchange words.

"I don't want you to force yourself on loving me" I let out followed by deep breaths before I started coughing again.

"I want you to love me, for the sake of really loving me the same way I did. Not for the sake of me living" I looked up to him as my hands started to tremble.

"I don't want you to love me against your will" I whispered as a tear fell in his eyes that made mine escape too.

"So I exchange our memories. That keeps coming back whether I fell in love with you all over again"

"Other than death, New memories is the only solution, isn't it?" He finally managed to speak as a small laugh left my lips.

"This is the fourth time I'll forget you Kuroo if I choose that path again"

"Better than dying" he immediately stated. "You have been thinking of my feelings for all these years. This time, think of yours too."

"It would hurt, that's true. But it's less painful" a sob left my lips before Kuroo embraced my cold body which Kenma followed along.

The last time where I will have the memory of our friendship.

Before we become strangers once again.

And after that moment, I completely lost all my memories of Kuroo Tetsurou.

He became the unknown man who has a blurry figure in my memories with Kenma.

A man I thought I held no importance to my life and just old friends.

As the years passed, I slowly fell in love with Yaku Morisuke who is the first man I knew that I met after the surgery.

Along with the love emotion was the repetitive memory of him like it doesn't want to be forgotten.

I opened up that to my lover who chose to hide my diary from me until the right time comes.

A man he told me was my first love.

Confusion started in my mind that time, making me think if my lover was joking with me.

But I didn't ask anymore questions until I completely forgot about it.

"Earth to Y/n" I heard my husband's playful voice who snap his fingers at me while his arms are at each side of my body who is sitting at the kitchen counter.

"What are you thinking so deeply about?" He asks me as I look down at him before shaking my head with a small smile.

"I'm just thinking if I'm on good terms with your captain who you told me that I'm not ready to meet yet during our highschool days." I honestly told him that made him nuzzle his head on my neck as one of his hands stayed on my waist.

"I did that for the old you, my love. Anyways, you'll meet him later in the reunion. And I promise you, he will welcome you"

His words ease my chest as I lean my head on top of his head.

The day before, me and my husband spent the night remembering the memories I chose to forget.

Because of Love

And the man that was once a blurry figure in my memories finally stood in front of me.

With unknown emotions swirled in his eyes.

"Hello, I'm Yaku Y/n. Nice to finally meet you"

"Kuroo Tetsurou. At your service"

A feeling stirred in my chest when I took a hold of his hand.

It was not love like what my husband told me I felt about his captain. It was the feeling of familiarity when I held him.

He is indeed the forgotten person in my memories.

And I'm willing to try again.

But from a different perspective

[alessialvl]

Bittersweet Desire

San is your ex boyfriend whom you had broken up with a year ago. And since then you didn’t see him and hadn't brought yourself to spare some time to look at his accounts, keeping yourself busy with your own life.But, let's just say that you're quite mentally unstable. And that brings you to drink every night to blow of some steam—like there's no other ways. As you got crazy drunk, your fingers slipped and you found yourself calling San’s number.

You felt your heart almost exploding in your chest, you were stunned hearing his voice after a long time when you finally decided to speak taking a deep breath. “H-hey…”

San knew that, the moment your voice came on the other side of the phone call, his heart was in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. And he was right—his heart began to thump louder than it did on regular days. “Hey… Why did you… Called me?”

You started to play with the necklace that was hugging your chest, you were so nervous but also so drunk as you let out a shaky exhale.

“Can I come over to your place?”

“You are drunk… Aren’t you?”

“Yeah… And I can’t let my mom see me like this.”

San was somewhat taken aback. He was hesitant a little, not sure of what to say. This was the first time you’re asking him to come over and it’s been a year since you two have been apart. He bit down his lower lip before giving a response. “…Fine. But only to check up on you, nothing more.”

You sniffed whipping your tears as quite as you can.

“I will be there in a few minutes…”

San ended the call without saying much more. He felt a little lost, still not too sure of what time feel. But he knew he can’t just leave you alone. So, he waited for you even though a part of him was starting to regret his decision to tell you to come over. Meanwhile, you had managed to find your way to San’s apartment building and you rang the bell. He quickly stood up from his couch to head toward his front door he was wearing the sweater you gave him for his birthday before. His expression turned dark as he laid his eyes on you. You looked as disheveled as can be and he hated seeing you like this… He was worried and mad at the same time. “Come in.” He said, pulling the front door wider to let you in. He didn’t say anything as he led you to his living room, he sat down on his chair to continue what he was working on his laptop. You were still standing with your cheeks flushing red, you decided to watch him a little leaning your head against the wall while you could barley stand on your own. Suddenly you found yourself walking towards him, you got down on your knees between his legs and wrapped your arms around his waist. San’s eyes widened, surprised and confused at your sudden intimate action. He couldn’t move for a few seconds clenching his jaw as his breath hitched in his throat. “… What are you doing?”

You buried your face against his stomach clinging him, mumbling his name while your eyes were closed. “Mmh San…”

He hesitates at first and finally decided to put his hand on your head. His eyes taking in your every detail from head to toe. “What is it?”

You put your head on his lap, you couldn’t hold your tears anymore after his response. “Why don’t you love me?”

He lets out a sigh, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his thighs to look down at you. “Don’t say such ridiculous things, you’re drunk.”

You nuzzled against him and murmured his name again, you couldn’t deny anymore about how much you missed him. “Please… You didn’t answer me.”

He lets out a breath before speaking up once again. “Don’t be so… Clingy… And you won’t remember any of this, so stop it.”

Your grip on his sweater tightens to hold him closer to yourself. “Why can’t you understand?”

San couldn’t stop himself from clenching his jaw while he tried to stay stoic, his heart beginning to thump again from his chest. “D-don’t say nonsense Y/n.”

You stood up to sit on his lap when he wasn’t expecting, making him let out a silent gasp as you straddled him. “Is it nonsense? My feelings?”

He placed his hands on your waist to steady you while your faces were so close to each other that you could feel each other’s warm breath… He doesn’t respond immediately, almost too absorbed in his mixed feelings of your drunk behavior, and how adorable you were at the moment even while in a messy state like this. He slowly drags the pad of this thumb across your lower lip as he speaks again in a low voice. “Shut up. Stop talking…”

You leaned your forehead against his, you wanted to kiss him so bad and breathe into his scent. You were a mess. “Please tell me San… Make it stop.”

He lets out a quiet groan fighting his internal battle of wanting to kiss you and wanting to stay cold stoic. “You shouldn’t ask such things of me when you’re like this. Stop begging me.”

You brushed your nose against his skin to breathe his scent more. “Because I want you, isn’t it obvious?”

San almost lets out a small groan as you nuzzled against his skin, his hands subconsciously gripping your hips tighter and moving you further up against him. “You’re driving me insane right now, do you realize that?”

And just like that… He pulled you in for a bittersweet kiss he couldn’t wait any longer, kissing you hungry with passion but not too rough. Definitely a lot different from how he kissed you before, full of longing and desire, making your heart skip a beat when he finally gives you what you two have been wanting for a while. After he slowly pulled away, still close to your lips you looked into his eyes, he finally spoke almost like a whisper. “Yes, I’m still madly in love with you, and I don’t think I think I’ll be able to keep it any longer”

[thats-alittle-gay]

"Taylor Swift only writes about her Ex's!!"

Here is a long list of songs not about an ex or current boyfriend. If I missed any of you would like to add to the list, please let me know. I did this off the top of my head so there's a good chance I missed some.

1. Lucky You (unreleased track) First song she ever wrote. It's about a girl named Lucky

2. Who I've Always Been (unreleased track) About calling out someone who buys their way into fame vs putting in the work for it

3. Permanent Marker (unreleased track) Rumoured to be about her brother's ex

4. A Place In This World is about her finding where she belongs in the world

5. The Outside is about being lonely

6. Tied Together With a Smile was written for a friend with an eating disorder

7. Stay Beautiful was about a boy she never dated so it counts for this list.

8. Mary's Song was written for her neighbor

9. I'm Only Me When I'm With You, despite the "small town boy and girl" line, was actually written for Abigail.

10. Christmas Must Be Something More is about Jesus

11. Fearless is about her, at the time, ideal first date. Not about a real date she's been on.

12. Fifteen is about high school and kinda the typical teenage girl experience. Also for Abigail.

13. Hey Stephen is about a guy she never dated.

14. Breathe is about losing a friend

15. The Way I Loved You has been debated but is rumored to be a fictional story about someone dating a guy who is perfect but missing the old relationship.

16. The Best Day is about her mom

17. Change is about how things will change and get better.

18. Untouchable isn't her song she just reworked some parts to make it her style. Luna Halo gave her a writing credit.

19. We Were Happy is also rumoured to be fictional and about being the one to ruin the relationship because she fell out of love.

20. Speak Now was written about a friend who found out their ex was getting married.

21. Mean was about a critic who said she couldn't sing and didn't write her songs

22. Never Grow Up about not wanting to grow up and for a friend's baby

23. Enchanted is about Adam from Owl City who she never dated.

24. Innocent is about Kayne and the 2009 VMA incident

25. Long Live was written for the fans and her band

26. When Emma Falls in Love is about a friend

27. Castles Crumbling is about how the media turned on her and her depression/anxiety feelings

28. Best Days of Your Life was written with Kellie Picker

29. You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home is sung by Miley Cyrus but written by Taylor for the Hannah Montana movie.

30. Two is Better Than One was a collab with Boys Like Girls

31. Both of Us was a collab with B.O.B

32. Eyes Open was for the Hunger Games soundtrack

33. Safe & Sound was also for the Hunger Games

34. 22 is about turning 22

35. Stay Stay Stay was supposedly fictional and about her wanting someone who will stay even when she gets mad and frustrated.

36. The Lucky One is about a celebrity who got overwhelmed with fame and disappeared and how Taylor sometimes thinks about doing the same.

37. Starlight is about Ethel and Bobby Kennedy.

38. Girl at Home is about a guy who was hitting on her while being in a relationship with someone else

39. Ronan is about a 3 year old boy who died of cancer

40. Nothing New is about the fear of being replaced with a new singer and getting pushed out of the industry

42. Forever Winter is about a friend who unaligned themself

43. Highway Don't Care is a collab with Tim McGraw and Keith Urban.

44. Sweeter Than Fiction was written for the movie One Chance.

45. Welcome to New York is about moving to New York

46. Blank Space is about how the media portrays her as a crazy serial dater.

47. Shake It Off is about ignoring the criticism.

48. Bad Blood is about her feud with Katy Perry

49. This is What Came For was a collab with Calvin Harris

50. I Did Something Bad is again, about who the media calls her names for her dating life, society trying to cancel her, and calling her a snake. Also aimed towards Kim and Kayne

51. Look What You Made Me Do is about Kim and Kayne and how they turned most of the world against her with an edited phone call

52. This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things is about Kim and how she attacked her.

53. I Don't Wanna Live Forever was for 50 Shades of Grey

54. I Forgot That You Existed is about learning to not spend all your time thinking about a toxic person

55. The Man is about the double standards in society and how things would probably be easier if she was man.

56. The Archer is about anxiety and fear of being alone. It's been debated about whether it's about Joe or not. Depends on your interpretation, I guess.

57. Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince is about a failing government system.

57. Death By a Thousand Cuts is based on the movie Something Great

58. Soon You'll Get Better is about her mom recovering from cancer

59. You Need to Calm Down was written to show support for the LGBTQ community.

60. Only the Young is about politics

61. Beautiful Ghosts was written for CATS

52. cardigan is about a fictional girl named Betty. The song is part of a three song story.

53. the last great american dynasty is about Rebekah Harness and Holiday House in Rhode Island

54. my tears ricochet is about losing her masters

55. mirrorball is about changing herself to fit in with society.

56. seven is from the pov of a little girl who has a friend with an abusive father.

57. August is part of the three way love story. This is from Augustine's pov who was the other girl in the story

58. this is me trying is about her trying her best.

59. illicit affairs is a fictional story about an affair

60. mad woman is about her anger with Scooter Braun

61. epiphany was written for her grandfather. It's about grief and PTSD

62. betty is the third part of the three way love story. This is the pov of a 17 year old boy named James.

63. the lakes is about isolating yourself from society

64. tolerate it was inspired by a novel called Rebecca

65. no body no crime is about a cheating husband that unalived his wife when she found out

66. dorothea is about an old friend

67. ivy is about an affair

68. Marjorie is about her grandmother

69. closure is about someone reaching out to help her get closure

70. it's time to go is about different situations where sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away

71. Renegade was a collab with Big Red Machine

72. The Joker and the Queen Remix is a collab with Ed Sheeran.

73. Carolina was written for the movie Where the Crawdad's Sing

74. Anti-Hero is about her insecurities

75. You're On Your Own Kid is about being on your own and pushing forward despite being afriad

76. Vigilante Shit is about revenge on an enemy

77. Bejeweled is another debated song but most see it as her being confident with herself and not letting anyone tear her down

78. Karma is about Kayne

79. Bigger Than the Whole Sky is about losing something that never happened

80. Dear Reader is Taylor giving advice about things she's learned.

81. Florida!!! Is about having regrets and wanting to start a new life.

82. But Daddy I Love Him is a grey area to some but the way I've seen it interpreted the most was her telling the world that it's not up to them to judge her relationships and she'll date who she wants.

83. Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? Is about all the negativity she gets and how haters want to claim she's being petty and intentionally blocking other artists.

84. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart is a little about losing a love but it mostly directed towards the audience who is always pushing for her to release new stuff all the time and how she has to just fake a smile because she has a job to do.

85. Clara Bow is about the never ending cycle of society comparing women to each other and telling them how they're like the current "It" girl, but better in these ways.

86. The Albatross is a hard one but the way I thought of it was that an Albatross is sometimes used as a symbol for feeling of being a burden. My interpretation was that she knows what it feels like to be criticized and hated on and wants the other person to know that if they go through it too then she's there for them. Could also be similar to peace where she's telling her lover that you may get dragged for being with her. But music can be looked at in different ways. This was just my view of it

87. I Hate It Here is about having a mental safe space to help yourself cope when you're in a situation you hate.

88. thanK you aIMee is about Kim Kardashian

89. The Prophecy I've also seen looked at in different ways. The common theme is whatever it's a lover or just someone in general, she's begging to not be alone and to have someone stay with her

90. Cassandra is based on the Greek mythology of Cassandra the Seer who was cursed so no one would believe her prophecies. The parallel is her saying she never gave Kayne permission to use her name in the song Famous and no one believing her because Kim edited the phone call. Also about how when it's time to hate someone everyone has something to say but when the truth comes out no one speaks. Similar to how the fake video drew a lot of attention but when the real one leaked it didn't make the headlines and didn't blow up like the fake one did. There are still people four years later who don't know the real video was leaked.

91. Robin is about childhood. May be her's or someone else's. Robin is the name of her collaborator Aaron's child.

92. Us was a collaboration with Gracie Abrams.

[by-seven]

Pretty please I was thinking Xavier Thorpe x Reader sort of based off ‘You Belong With Me’ By Taylor Swift and it’s basically just Xavier’s best friend pinning to him their entire lives and has to suffer in the side lines of him and Bianca’s relationship while their friendship slowly dies only to be reignited after Xay and Bianca break up and maybe ‘prom’ could be the Rave’N dance?

think i know it's with me (oneshot)

resp : this trope be hitting like a brick. idk if i can write it as good as it's supposed to feel but here's my take on it!!

word count: 3, 169 (what the actual fuck)

angst, fluff, Bianca is only mentioned

(i forgot about the prom thing oh my god)

You're on the phone with your girlfriend, she's upset She's going off about something that you said 'Cause she doesn't get your humor like I do

"Oh please, it wasn't even that bad. Your humor's not that great, Principal Weems could probably make me laugh faster than you ever could." you say in between bites of the pizza you were sharing with Xavier in the quad.

"I don't know, man. Principal Weems can't do the griddy as good as I can." he supplied, trying to sound present but you know from the slight scrunch of his eyebrows that he's thinking of something else.

Xavier Thorpe has been your friend ever since you were both still in your diapers. You could say best friend and it wouldn't be wrong but he'd probably disagree and call you his glorified armrest (given the fact that he could very easily rest his arm on the top of your head) to annoy you.

Right as you were about to do another dig at his (not-really-dry) sense of humor, his phone started ringing.

You rolled your eyes and looked away after Xavier gave you a look that spelled out i'm sorry i have to take this call and also help me i think i'm fucked.

He was right, he was incredibly fucked. That one annoying ringtone has served as an omen of an impending argument with his oh so perfect siren goddess girlfriend, Bianca Barclay.

Looking back at him and finding him still looking at you, you raise your brows in question, "Go ahead, Xavier. Answer the call of the hell-bringer."

Breathing in and doing a heavy sigh, Xavier answered the call. The phone wasn't even on speaker but Bianca's voice sounded like it came out of a megaphone.

"That was way out of line, Xavier! You may be my boyfriend but it doesn't give you the right to make fun of my appearance."

"Bianca, I literally only said that your eyes looked like that one Miley Cyrus meme. It's not that deep." You had to hold in a laugh as you heard the incredibly shallow reason that sparked the argument.

"But if it made you feel bad, then I'm sorry. I..." you turn to him with a look of confusion, after all why is he apologizing when he did nothing wrong? But Xavier just met your gaze and then looked away. "I apologize."

"This is the second time this week that you've made me feel bad, Xavier."

Getting frustrated you stand up and fix your uniform, getting ready to leave your best friend to talk with Bianca. Xavier notices, looks up at you and grabs you by the wrist. He mouths, 'please stay.'

Taken back by the sudden touch of his hand on yours, you froze where you stood.

"I know, I'm really sorry. Let's meet at the Weathervane tomorrow? Grab some coffee and talk about it."

You harshly forced your hand out of his and walk away, heading to your room. Upon reaching the doors to the dormitories, you hear footsteps behind you. Turning around, you were faced with Xavier.

Panting and standing right in front of you closely (too fucking close), he opens his mouth to speak. Before he could, though, you turned back around and made your way up the stairs.

"Hey, hey." He calls after you but you just continued to go up the stairs.

He calls your name and grabs your hand, and that made you stop. "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? What's wrong is you forgetting about our plans for tomorrow, Xavier. We were gonna celebrate my debate win, remember?" You wince, realizing how bad your words sound. They sound so desperate, so trivial.

"I promise I'll make it up to you. I just.. I really need to fix this stuff with Bianca."

You hummed in response, but nodded anyway. After all, you didn't have the right to be mad.

Xavier lets you go, sensing that you need some time alone to process your emotions. You make your way to your room, thankful that Yoko wasn't there to witness the emotions you let out.

The friend can't compete with the lover after all.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

I'm in the room, it's a typical Tuesday night I'm listening to the kind of music she doesn't like And she'll never know your story like I do

The day after, Xavier got back from the Weathervane exhausted. The remnants of his date making their presence known with the way he speaks during your phone call.

Not wanting to tire him further, you settled for a Spotify session instead. You two take turns showing each other songs that the other might like and adding them to a collab playlist. It's become a habit of yours to sketch while on Spotify sessions with Xavier, so along with the music came the faint scratching of your pencil on paper.

You had to listen with your headphones though, as Yoko was also doing something on her side of the room and you don't want to disturb her.

"Okay, okay but listen to this one by Matt Maltese." You say as you changed the song from Fallen Star by The NBHD to Everyone Adores You.

Everybody thinks of you when they sleep at night

When I say 'everybody', I'm actually referring to me

As you hum along, a faint echo of the song plays from the room in front of yours. Across your window, Xavier was listening along.

"That was another good one. I have one that I think you'll like up next but don't look at the queue."

"Hmm? Okay, if you say so."

The song you played comes to an end and a song by Cigarettes After Sex starts to play. Your sketching stopped, seemingly in sync with the increase of your heartbeat.

Opera House was playing as you placed you pencil down and closed you eyes.

"So, do you like it or...?" Xavier asks after the obnoxious loss of your rambling.

He calls your name out again, and you notice how it sounds so different coming from him. How it sounded so divine, like it was a sound made just for him to speak.

"Ah, um. Yeah, I love it, actually. I didn't know you listened to Cigarettes After Sex?" you ask, trying to fill in the silence on your part.

"I've just started listening to them. Noticed you liked them a lot so I decided to give them a try."

You hum in response, unable to focus as you process the lyrics of the song.

I was meant to love you and always keep you in my life I was meant to love you, I knew I loved you at first sight

Did he listen to the lyrics before? Or did he just send you this because he liked the way it sounds? So many questions popping up, one after another. You snapped out of it when you heard him calling your name again.

"Bianca's calling me.." He says reluctantly, waiting for your reply.

"Oh, okay. Um, it's fine. It's getting late anyway. Have a good talk. Good night, Xavier."

"Thanks for tonight. Bye." The end-tone plays momentarily. You take off your headphones and tidy up your table.

"Are you sure you two are not dating?" "HOLY FUCK!" "Cause like, that's definitely not just-friends behavior." Yoko blurted out of nowhere, startling you.

"NO! No, definitely not. He's dating Bianca." You say as you make your way to your bed.

"Oh, shame. You two would've made a better couple."

We would've. We could've. But I just didn't have the guts to tell him how I feel.

"Hmm." You hummed in reply. "Good night, Yoko."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Walk in the streets with you in your worn-out jeans I can't help thinking this is how it ought to be Laughing on a park bench thinking to myself Hey, isn't this easy?

"Anyways, I just feel like Miss Thornhill's too stressed about the RaveN. She's been dropping things a lot during class right?" You say as you kick the poor lonesome pebble you found on the pavement along with you as you walk on the campus paths.

"Dude, I got startled when she dropped that pot with the black dahlia. Heard she was taking good care of it too." Xavier replies, to which you chuckled because to say he was startled is an understatement.

"Startled? You literally kissed the table when it happened, that's what you get for dozing off."

"The table was lucky that day then."

"Oh please, you think too highly of yourself."

"The truth is the truth."

"And all you've been saying are lies. Anyway, we're here. Let's sit down before we miss it!" You say as you approach the bench facing away from the main building. The sky was clear and there were no obstructions blocking your view of it. You both sat on the bench and looked up, waiting for the meteor shower.

You take your earphones and plug it in your phone. You look to your side and see Xavier holding out his hand, asking for the other earbud.

"Oh my fucking god. The Xavier Thorpe asking to share earphones with a girl that's not his girlfriend? I can imagine Sinclair's face if she finds out. And Bianca's too." You exclaim jokingly as you hand him an earbud.

"Everyone knows we're close friends, so it doesn't really matter."

friends. doesn't really matter.

"Oh, yeah." You hope you didn't sound disappointed. " Of course."

You put your playlist on shuffle and look up at the sky as Affection by Cigarettes After Sex plays.

It's affection always, You're gonna see it someday My attention's on you Even if it's not what you need

I think of you, I want you too, I'd fall for you

The universe is cruel, you concluded. Why would this song play, out of all the songs in your playlist, right now? At this very moment, when you're alone with your best friend whom you've liked for years now. it's like a forceful confession brewed by the universe.

"Look! It's so pretty." You exclaim, pointing to the first glimmer of light from the sky.

"I know, it really is pretty."

You look at Xavier, finding him not looking up at the sky but at you. He quickly looks up though, but you still caught the way his eyes lingered just a bit too long on yours.

Maybe the universe isn't that cruel after all.

"By the way..." "Hmm?" "I know I promised you that we'd go to the RaveN together this year, but.."

And there it is, but. You didn't have to guess to know why.

"Bianca wanted to be my date for this year. I hope you understand."

You look away, trying to make the sting from your eyes go away. It was expected, how could you be so dumb to even think that he'd go with you?

"Yeah, it's fine. I figured you'd go with her. Have fun at the party then." You looked back at him after wiping your eyes, hoping that the tears weren't obvious.

"Tha- wait. What do you mean 'have fun at the party'? Your'e not going?" He asks, his face and voice laced with confusion (and disappointment, but maybe you'd imagined it).

"No, I'd look so miserable going alone. Plus, I have to finish my book." You give him a smile, hoping that it looks genuine.

"Are you sure? I can ask Ajax to take you-"

"God no, Enid would claw my eyes out." You laugh, but it sounded dry. "I promise, it's fine."

"Nothing I can do to change your mind? I can ask Bianca if I can go with you."

"No, Xavier. You have to go with her, she's your girlfriend after all. I'm just your friend, you should go together."

You tried not to take notice of the way your own words stung. (And how it seems to have hurt Xavier too, the way his brow scrunched when you said just friends was not exactly subtle)

"Oh, okay. Yeah, you're probably right." He sighs and looks up at the sky. You look up too.

"Fuck, clouds covered our view."

"We should probably get inside, it's 3am. And it's starting to drizzle." You say, standing up. The drizzle was staring to get heavier and your clothes were getting wet. you were pretty sure you were gonna get a cold.

You noticed Xavier taking off his coat and before you could protest, he's already put it over your head to shield you form the rain.

"But what about you?" You ask him, worried.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine." He assured you. You then made your way back to the dormitories.

Xavier insisted on dropping you off right at your door, so that's what he ended up doing.

"Thanks for the botched meteor shower observation, idiot. And thanks for letting me borrow your coat."

"Wow, some actual kind words from you? The world must be in trouble." He says sarcastically.

"Oh, shut up Thorpe. You should get going now, we have a 7am period tomorrow."

"Oh fuck you're right! Bye."

"Night." You say as he turns to leave. You close the door gently, so as not to wake Yoko.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

And you've got a smile That can light up this whole town I haven't seen it in a while Since she brought you down You say you're fine, I know you better than that Hey, what you doing with a girl like that?

"Hey, you okay?" You ask Xavier. You're getting worried, he' s been in a sour mood all day. Not even bothering to talk to you, or to anyone at all. You knew it had something to do with Bianca, as you heard them screaming at each other in his room.

"Yeah, 'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Like, really sure?"

"Damn it, I said I'm fine okay?! Why can't you understand that? You're getting so annoying, it's so infuriating. Why can't you understand that not everyone wants your sunshine personality all the time? You are so irritating."

Frozen in your seat, you look at him with wide eyes. Xavier has never lashed out on anyone, especially at you. So this caught you by surprise.

You didn't even notice you were crying until he looked at you. His face was a mixture of shock and disbelief (you hope it was aimed at himself).

He says your name, but it didn't sound nice anymore. It sounded like a bad omen, like a dark cloud that promises a storm and you were a girl with a body made of paper.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"I didn't mean to annoy you. I'm sorry, I'll leave." You say, frantically walking to your own room. You were walking too fast, your eyes blurred by your tears that you tripped on the stairs. You had a cut on your forehead, but the physical pain couldn't combat the pain you felt inside you.

As you curled up in your bed, missing your classes for the rest of the day, you hoped that Xavier would show up at your door. Knowing him, he'd probably apologize a thousand times.

You waited hours, the mid-afternoon light fading into the bluish glow that 6pm brings but Xavier still hasn't knocked.

Maybe you never really knew him after all.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

You were looking at the sky from the rooftop of the academy, watching the sunset paint the sky with different shades of love.

Purple. Blue. Red. Orange. Pink

You feel the presence of another coming up from behind you, making you turn around and whip your arm out as a defense mechanism.

Xavier catches your hand, lowers it but never letting you go. His hold loosening but his touch never leaving.

You look at him properly, his eyes heavy with tiredness. It's been a week after he lashed out on you. A week of no contact. A week of pure torture. Within a week, the cut on your forehead has now turned from red to a dark brown. The cut on your heart hasn't healed as fast the the one on your forehead.

"Let go." You ask him but he doesn't budge.

"Xavier, let go. Please." And then he did. Your arms now hung uselessly beside your body, and you hate the way they crave the warmth of his hands.

He says your name, it feels like a trigger as been pulled and the gun was pointed at your chest.

"Please-"

"I heard about what happened. If you're here to blame me for your breakup with Bianca, then leave. She's already done that, I don't need you to repeat the shit she said."

"Listen, I'm sorry. Yes, we broke up but this is not about that."

"Then what is this about?"

"Us. About me and you. I'm sorry I said all those hurtful things to you. I didn't mean to hurt you, I wouldn't dare to hurt you. I was just so stressed, with Bianca and the truth."

"What do you mean, Xavier? Stop speaking in riddles."

"Bianca. I think she used her abilities on me. I saw her siren song one of her friends to do what she wants and I realized that what if she did it to me? It all makes sense, when I'm with her it's like my body is on autopilot. Like, I can't control the things I do. But when I'm with you it's like I'm myself, you know? I was so fucking confused, but now I see the truth."

You couldn't speak. Couldn't even utter a single word. To say you were speechless is an understatement.

Xavier steps closer to you, the tips of your shoes touching. He holds your arm with one hand gently and tips your head up to meet his gaze with the other.

"It's you. It's always been you. Whenever I wanted to draw or paint, I'd find myself making portraits of you. I started listening to the songs you liked. I turn around when I hear your name. God, it was so fucking obvious. It's you."

His hand slides down from your arm to your hand, intertwining your fingers with his.

"I think I know where I belong, now." He says, smiling. The most genuine smile you've even seen him give. And as you stare into his eyes, they seemed to pull you in.

You never learned how to swim but you wouldn't mind drowning in his eyes. You never liked to drink but you wouldn't mind getting intoxicated by his presence.

Xavier Thorpe, the man you've pined for. The man you've watched from the sidelines. The man you love, now finally yours.

You stared at his eyes, then at his lips. Before you could move, his lips meet yours and it's like an explosion of colors and all things nice. You bring your hands up to his hair, burying your fingers in the softness of them.

Breathless and lovesick, you break away from him and smile. Blissfully, you say:

"Think I know it's with me."

[bemyvalentinechallenge]

The Be My Valentine Challenge 2024

An event from @timecanalwayshealyou

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The Be My Valentine Challenge is a challenge for writers, artists, and just any kind of creator, from the first of February to the 14th!

The idea is to create thirteen smaller, lead-up pieces based on the prompts; for example, ficlets/drabbles/one-shots, couplets, small artworks, individual gifs, et. cetera - and finish the challenge with a larger work; a fic, a full poem, a gifset, a big artwork, whatever sparks for you!

They can be a series or separate, and you're free to change mediums or fandoms for different days. If you'd rather create fourteen small works, or all large ones, or a combination of both, that's completely up to you! Prompts can be used after the event, combined, just do whatever! Only "properly" used prompts will be reblogged to this page, however.

The catch; it's all romance prompts, in the spirit of Valentine's Day and because everyone on this site is single and lonely.

Each day has a quote from an iconic or relevant romance film (The Notebook, Red, White and Royal Blue, The Fault In Our Stars, Pride And Prejudice, etc.), an iconic love song, and a romantic cliché, act, or item.

This account will be reblogging a few works (art, drabbles, ficposts, etc.) from the event tag (bemyvalentine2024) each day. Full tagging rules, the transcribed prompt list, and other event details are under the cut. If you're unsure about anything, send in an ask! Happy Creating!

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There will be an ao3 collection open from the first of February to the fourteenth for submission. Artworks, gifsets, etc. posted to tumblr should be tagged appropriately to be seen as part of the event.

The official spotify playlist for the event can be found here.

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Anyone who completes this event is considered a Valentine, and anyone who participates is a Lover. At the end of the event, a form will be put out, so if you wish to be tagged in a masterpost, keep an eye out! I won't be fact-checking, it's an honour system, so please be honest.

There will be completion and participation badges, too! They're in the works as we speak!

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Tagging System:

event tag - #bemyvalentine2024

prompt tag - #bemyvalentineno1, #bemyvalentineno2, etc.

(Or #bemyvalentinealt1, #bemyvalentinealt2, if you use alt promtps)

the theme or specific prompt/s you chose - #love poems, #quote, etc.

fandom or oc - #stranger things, #original content, etc.

any trigger warnings/nsfw tags if needed

and then your own tags!

Only works tagged correctly will be reblogged to this page, so please take note!

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Transcribed Prompt List:

Day 1: "But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for." Because You Loved Me, Celine Dion | Love Poems

Day 2: "I want all of you, forever. You and me. Every day." A Thousand Years, Christina Perri | Growing Old Together

Day 3: "I fell in love with a world through her eyes." Ocean Eyes, Billie Eilish | Love at First Sight

Day 4: "I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you." Marry Me, Train | Wedding Vows

Day 5: "My love will keep me from being a lonely spirit." When I Look At You, Miley Cyrus | Long Distance

Day 6: "People do belong to each other, because that's the only chance that anyone's got for true happiness." Home, Edward Sharpe | First Love

Day 7: "It's so nice when you can sit with someone and not have to talk." Sweater Weather, The Neighbourhood | Snowed In

Day 8: "I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." Say You Won't Let Go, James Arthur | Love Letter

Day 9: "You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful." Lay Me Down, Sam Smith | Widowed

Day 10: "Hold on, are you writing a song?" I Want To Write You A Song, One Direction | Love Songs

Day 11: "To me, you are perfect." Perfect, Ed Sheeran | Kissing in the Rain

Day 12: "History, huh? Bet we could make some." Love Story, Taylor Swift | Historical Romance

Day 13: "I wish I knew how to quit you." All of Me, John Legend | Making Up

Day 14: "You don't step in love, you fall in. Head over heels." I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston | Valentine's Day

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[posi-pan]

https://www.tumblr.com/toyherb/748434177303658496/geiser-i-know-pansexuality-is-not-just-going-to?source=share

i saw this and do you know if this is true or not? because it made me sad / feel bad because before i came out (i didn't have plans to, at first) i was thinking long and hard on which labels fit me to the point of having sleepless nights because of it and then i found out about pansexuality due to this blog and that made me feel peaceful inside and that's how i figured out that this label fit me.

and now everyone on that post is like: think long and hard on the labels you use!!!! i don't want to exclude anyone. i don't want to erase anyone. this label just fits me. it fit me then, it fits me now. it's as simple as that.

sorry to dump this into your askbox during pride :((((

that post is absolutely not true. i have many posts on here calling out the idea that pan is somehow damaging bisexuality or whatever. pansexuality is not biphobic, individual people are. if someone is saying something biphobic, it’s because of their own flawed thinking or understanding, not because of whatever their sexuality is. funny how many heterosexuals and gay men and lesbians say horribly biphobic things, yet i don’t see any viral posts about how heterosexuality or gayness or lesbianism are biphobic. that logic only applies to pansexuality, i guess. *eye roll* it’s almost like the goal isn't calling out biphobia, the goal is spreading panphobia.

(and let’s not forget that pansexuality and pan people did not create any of these misconceptions about bisexuality that panphobes always talk about. those existed before pan got any kind of mainstream visibility. and don't believe panphobes when they say pan folks “changed the definition of bisexuality” either, as that’s just another panphobic lie.)

you don’t have anything to worry about. the only people doing damage are the people who make and share those kinds of posts telling people they’re queerphobic and hurting the community because they use a different word. pan has always existed and wasn’t created to be biphobic or transphobic and has always been welcome in the bi community. claiming otherwise is what’s wrong and damaging.

and idk when op posted that, but the earliest replies i saw were from 2020, so it’s interesting that people are sharing a years old post where the go-to example of a pan person being biphobic is even older: miley cyrus in 2016 saying she hates the word bisexual for putting her in a box. which. i remember that and pan folks, including myself, were criticizing her word choice. (even though she simply said she doesn’t like that label for her own sexuality and feels it’s too restrictive for her own sexuality and feelings. which isn’t queerphobic ffs. queer people of all kinds feel certain labels are too restrictive or don’t fully encompass their feelings. like. why is it only bad when a pan person says that about bi? i’m so tired of the double standards. also, where are these people when bi celebs are spreading biphobic narratives? they’re awfully silent then.)

please try not to give panphobes like that the time of day. their words have no weight because they’re rooted in hatred and queerphobia. they do a good job of masking their panphobia in supposed sadness about biphobia or concerns about the community (and sometimes wrap their message in faux intellectualism), but all of that rings false when you know where they’re coming from and what their intentions are. pan people are just trying to live our lives as authentically as we can, with language that feels true to us. panphobes on the other hand are actively spending their free time trying to make other queer people feel bad for *check notes* using different words. as if that isn’t the most ridiculous thing in the world.

i hope this helps make you feel better!!! and no worries about sending this during pride!! 💖💖💖

[inconmess]

So... I guess I am having a pretty bad day (mostly due to sleep deprivation and definitely not due to what happened in today's episode) and I think I would really need a hug but since I can't get one from my sister at the moment... I decided to put on some narrative telephone and write some fluff. Sort of.

Dariax half heartedly smiled at the crowd as they applauded him for a gig that he performed at the last moment. He knew he wasn't the best on the lute, he hadn't owned it for that long and he's had to figure out how to work it and fix it on his own without any guidance because... because...

Because Dorian had left him. And it had felt so hard to come to grasp with it, knowing that his friend left him even after knowing that Dariax had followed Dorian all the way to just support him. Made him question as to why all of his friends left him just in a matter of days, Opal asking, no, forcing him to leave, Fy'ra choosing Opal, them leaving Cyrus' dead body on the ground and Morrighan leaving without a single word and Dorian also now left in search of the Tempest, whoever that was.

He did try to search for this Tempest person but almost no person answered him when he asked so... he just let it go, focused more on performing and improving on his music to earn coin to at least have something to survive on before he embarks on the journey, wherever the winds call him. But, first things first, a place to stay...

"Hello there. I recognise your instrument but I don't recognise you. May I know your name?" a halfling woman asks as she approaches him.

"Uh... it was a gift. From a friend. Told that it was a part of my... graduation." he said hesitantly, trying to get a better look at her closely, trying to identify what was familiar about her.

"Your name?"

"Dariax. Dariax Zaveon. And you look familiar."

"And you look like you lost someone. But you also play well. If you want, I could house you up for the night? I'm Alma. I live nearby."

"Nice to meet you, Alma, and it's totally fine. I can manage something. Got some decent coin and-"

"It's alright, you won't impose on me, take it as a gift on my side."

"How do you know this lute though?"

"My son brought home a couple of friends once, and one of them showed around his lute all the time. Wouldn't part with it."

"And what was this friend's name?"

"Dorian. Dorian Storm."

"Oh! You are Orym's mom! Sorry but Nancy's other mom got caught in some spider stuff otherwise she totally would've been here!" he said excitedly but the smile immediately dropped as he thought about Opal.

"That sounds like an interesting tale, please do tell me more about Orym's other mom" she asked with an amused smile.

"Do you know where Orym is? I was kinda also searching for him since Dorian was searching for him and then he went missing so..."

"Why don't we go to my house and talk?"