#redacted hurt comfort

[broccolibaabe]

I'm doing a thing

Idfk how to do normal polls so heres a doc:

THE ANSWERS MATTER ALOT SO CHOOSE WISELY

[llondonfog]

i hope you're doing well, my dear lettie <3 for the six sentence prompt ask game, might i request silver getting sick at school and lilia dutifully cuts class to take care of him? 🥹

"Oh— oh, watch yourself, love—"

The hand on his arm is sure and steady, and it is the only thing that keeps Silver's knees from buckling away beneath him as if he were wobbling around with transfigured sea legs, jellified and weak.

It's a familiar touch, one that he would know even in the deepest of slumbers. He doesn't need to lift his heavy eyes to know who has seemingly materialized out of thin air to support him, and because Silver is, still among all things, a child, it takes no effort at all to slump his head to the side and rest his forehead against the waiting curve of his father's shoulder.

" . . . now, what am I to do with you?"

Silver was sick.

And not the average, runny-nose and scratchy cough kind, but the roiling shower steam nausea, feverish kind— the kind that felt as if little craft fairies with lead hammers had taken up residence in the hollows of his bones and the aching sinus pockets behind his eyes, and were banging incessantly on his raw nerves with vicious, unmitigated glee.

Morning classes had been an absolute misery of sensory havoc, his mind distracted and his glazed eyes slipping shut with even more forceful vengeance than usual. His pen had scrawled aimless lines across the blank notebook pages, and even Trein had spared him a pitying glance, not that Silver had realized it, for his flushed cheeks and obvious disorientation.

(Neither had he noticed Kalim's repeated concerned glances, nor the way that his friend kept tapping on his cell phone with a worried twist to his perpetually upturned lips.)

It was little wonder then that as the students streamed in eager droves out of their lecture halls for lunch, Silver chose instead to attempt a shuffling escape towards the Mirror Hall, towards Diasomnia and the promise of a timed catnap in the gloomy embrace of its dark, cool corridors before the rigor of his afternoon classes could begin.

He'd been rather foolish to believe he'd make it there unaided with how the stone floor beneath him started to wink closer, the sinking realization tugging at his stomach that he was beginning to plummet down to meet it without resistance, until a presence unannounced had swooped in by his side.

So focused now on attempting to wrangle his breakfast into submission before it inevitably made a second, less pleasant appearance upon his father's uniform, he hardly notices until too late that the ground has disappeared under his very feet with a swiftness that spares him the nauseous threat. Bleary eyes blink past the invisible weight pressing insistent fingers against them, and Silver manages to find a glimmer of incredulity among all of his slippery, pounding thoughts as he stares up at the fae cradling him in his arms as if he were all of five again— and smiling as pleased as punch, in the middle of the grand hallway no less.

". . . Father— !" he doesn't even think to correct himself as he croaks out the beloved title, utterly at a loss as to what the fae could possibly be thinking. "Father, please, put me down! Someone might see—"

"And see what?" His father's eyes sparkle down at him with mischievous delight, but it is not enough to mask the darker currents of worry that linger there, stealing the rest of the sputtering arguments from Silver's mind. "That I'm caring for my adorable junior classmate as a good vice housewarden should?"

His mouth opens and closes more uselessly than a fish as he stares without a rebuttal at the self-satisfied fae, unable to come up with a worthwhile protest in the sluggish cogs of his mind.

The rambunctious cacophony of their fellow classmates echoes from further down the hall, and Lilia's smile creases into something tender and private, an expression reserved for Silver and Silver alone as those clawed fingertips drift soothingly through his sweaty bangs. There's no magic that glitters from his touch, and yet Silver's eyes find themselves drooping instantly just the same, his head tucking forward to rest against his father's chest where that heartbeat reverberates like a lullaby in his ears.

"Come on, dear— let's get you back to bed."

[no-see-um-incorrect]

Bad Blood (literally)

Sam/Masc Darlin

Fluffy sick Fic

No proofread

Darlin’s POV

“come on Sam. pick up” i dialed the number again only to be met with the same voicemail I’ve heard 1 million times today 

“you’ve reached Sam Collins if it’s important enough, you’ll leave a message”

Sam hadn’t answeredmy calls at all today, not even any texts. Which was abnormal usually I’m the one to mentally respond, but not actually message back.

Was he napping? no. Sam usually texts before he lays down for a nap 

Maybe he was listening to music and it was too loud for him to hear his phone….No. Sam has sensitive ears, And likes to be hyper aware of his surroundings. usually the music is just loud enough to hear.

Maybe I’m just being obsessive and spiraling over nothing, maybe I’m just being a paranoid little shit like Chrissy is always saying…

or maybe my paranoia is warranted.

I make my way to David’s office

*KNOCK-KNOCK* “come in” I quickly open David’s door closing it a little too loud behind me 

“oh, I thought you were Asher” “so sorry to disappoint. Can I go home early?” He cocked his head like a confused dog (yea. I know) “…..can I ask why” “I think something might be wrong with Sam. he hasn’t answered any of my texts or calls….and I’m getting worried” “alright you can leave. I’ll get Milo to cover for you on the Walton job” “holy fuck, thanks David” I turned to leave.

“hey…Next time something like this happens just leave….you can fill me in later” I whisper a quick thank you. Before bolting out the door. 

Nobody’s POV—————————————————

Darlin jolted through traffic in ways that should’ve earned them many tickets. But that didn’t matter all that was going through their head was. possible scenarios of what they were gonna walk into. most of them less than pleasant. 

Have they checked in with Quinn’s containment facility? Could Alexis’s invoke have worn off? Can invokes wear off? why does their driveway feel so much longer than it usually does. 

Darlin pulled up next to Sam’s truckand threw open the door, not even bothering to turn their car off. Fumbling with their keys all the way up to the front door. Darlin unlocked it and ran inside.

“SAM! IM HOME!” They waited for a few seconds then they heard a groan. Coming from down the hall. they start walking down the hall, making sure to listen closely. the groan is coming from the end of the hall. It’s coming from.…..the bathroom??

Darlin presses their ear up against the door. inside they can hear labored breathing 

“Sam?” They softly spoke. Admittedly, a little scared. a few seconds past before they heard a weak “Darlin?” it was quiet, it was weak but it was there. and it was Sam. and he sounded in pain? They think that’s what that is. “Sammy…i’m gonna open the door is that OK?” They can hear Sam grunt in agreement. they slowly opened the door. and they see Sam. On the floor. hunched over the toilet. They thought he was pale before.  but you might as well call him a friendly ghost because he’s white as Casper.

“oh, baby…what happened?” “B-bad blood bag..*Gulp*” “like expired? or just bad blood?” “bad blo-*Cough!* I tried to-get to my phone but I-” Sam quickly leans closer to the toilet. Darlin places a soft hand on his back. using the other to hold his hair back. “oh shit. Ok. I got ya i got ya..” once Sam was finished hacking up a lung. He leans back against the bathroom wall. 

“feel any better?” “still nauseous, but not nearly as bad as before” “how long have you been in here?” “…since around three hours after you left-And i know what your gonna say-” “SAM I left at 5 AM! And I don’t know if you’ve checked the clocks but it’s 3 PM” Sam was quiet his cheeks were flushed from being sick and his eyes started to fill up “…Sam..have you been throwing up all the time?” “…I couldn’t s s-” Darlin places a hand on his cheek. Caressing his face with their thumb. “oh Sammy” they wrap their arms around him and hold him close. Sam takes a deep breath and leans into the embrace. 

After a minute, Darlin hooks their arm under Sam’s legs. The other supporting his back.  standing up and lifting him off the ground. Almost out of reflex, Sam wraps his arms around their neck. “Darlin! Put me down!” “nope, not happening. Sorry a Babe, but it’s my turn to play the big strong man in the relationship” Darlin walks them to the bedroom and lays him down.

“No. I can’t lay in the bed I’m gross” “and you laid in the bed and cuddled me when I had the flu. I don’t see your point. Can I take your shirt and pants off?” “yeah. Wait hold on. why?” “you’ve been in these clothes all day they’re probably sweaty and icky” Darlin removes his flannel and jeans, taking off his shoes and socks.

Sam’s skin was warm. But not the cozy warm that Darlin look forward to when they came home every day. This was like fever warm…but vampire edition, 

“I’ll be right back. stay here” “well I don’t think I have the strength to go anywhere else”

Around 15 minutes later, Darlin comes in the room with a Home Depot 5 gallon bucket. They sit on the floor on Sams side of the bed.

“I’ve got Vernors courtesy of Ashers sister, saltines and vapor rub, three ice cold water bottles, and the main event..” they drop the 5 gallon bucket next to the nightstand in front of him “puke bucket. I Also threw away the blood bags that were left in the fridge and told Vincent to pick up some fresh ones at the bank by his house” Darlin sits down next to him and opens one of the water bottles “Drink” Sam grabs a water bottle and chugs it. not realizing how thirsty he was until now. Once he finishes, he tosses the water bottle into the bucket. 

“thank you darlin” “there’s that voice” they lean forward and give him a kiss on the forehead  “aw. Is my big bad wolf being soft?” “Only for you cowboy”

The next few hours were spent making sure Sam could function again. Darlin’ had reheated some of the chicken soup that Marie had given them. And made him eat a few bowls of it. not that he was complaining. he had drank almost every of the water bottle they had in the house. made quick work of the crackers and Vernors. and was now simply resting. laying on his side while his Darlin rubbed his shoulders. Feeling his now normal Sam temperature skin 

“this is gonna sound bad, but I’m kind of happy that you were sick” “you’re right. That does sound bad” “what I mean is….when you weren’t returning my calls or texts I…I got really anxious and started thinking..” “started thinkin’ the worst?” “yeah..and of course, now I know that it wasn’t your fault that you weren’t answering I just got really worried” “well your worry was warranted you saw me. I was a mess…A mess that was then rescued by his favorite night in shining torn jacket” “Ha! Look, who’s being sappy now!” “must be the medication got me all up in the clouds like them migraine meds David takes”

Sam stretches out his shoulders and lets out a yawn.

“you should probably get ready for sleep. You must be exhausted” “you’re probably right” Sam turns over clicks the lamp off. And closes his eyes to sleep. 

“what are you doing?” “getting ready to sleep” “all the way over there?” “I didn’t think. You would want to cuddle with me” “well you’re right about one thing” Darlin pulls Sam closer by his hips forcibly little spooning him “you didn’t think” they nuzzled their face into his neck and wrapped their arms around his torso 

“…..I love you Darlin. your the best thing I’ve got” “your worth trying to be the best for”

————————————————————————-

This might be shit. OH WELL

@frog-0n-a-l0g Luv u Boo. this for you

[seventh-district]

Sam: "Look at me. Hey- look at me a second. I know. I know you're tough. I know how strong you are. You have every right to be proud of that. But being able to handle somethin' doesn't mean you should have to. Least of all when I'm right here trying to help. Please let me help. If not for you then for me, because I don't like knowin' you're hurtin', especially when there's somethin' I can do about it."

Me, shaking my head, fighting back literal tears: "B-but it's gonna give you another headache!"

[joshusten]

love me in spite (guy/honey, redacted audios)

Guy and Honey get into an argument early into their relationship.

(angst, hurt/comfort, arguments, fluff)

3k+ words [ao3 link here!] [masterlist]

[CW and notes: swearing, arguing, insecurities, overthinking, breakdowns, descriptive?? crying?? I think??, idk they’re both having a bad time. probably a lot of grammatical errors lmao. also honey is implied to be empowered!!]

Honey doesn't remember the last time they felt like this, but they’ve always known their personality would bite them in the ass someday.

“Aww, is my beloved mad again? Oh, pray tell, which heinous crime did I commit this time, officer? Robbery? Public indecency?” Guy stroked his chin, pretending to rack up his mind on any possible offense he could have made. “Hm…jaywalking?"

“Guy.”

“Oh! Or maybe—just maybe—it was wanting my ever-so-affectionate lover to stop their pretty head from fussing over me?”

"Guy, can’t you take this seriously for once?” 

“But I am! It’s just not that big of a deal, baby! Look, a manuscript can’t just write itself, y’know? Especially one with a little flair from yours truly!”

“You haven’t slept properly for days now, you work overnight most of the time, and on your days off you pull all-nighters writing!” 

“Oh, you’re one to talk!”

“Well, this one’s more serious! I haven’t even seen you eat a proper meal and anything I offer you gets left out cold!”

They continued to have a back-and-forth confrontation, voices raising and words getting crueler as time goes on, with both parties not intending to back down anytime soon. Honey thought it was the first time they ever heard Guy let out an actual annoyed scoff and they noticed the slightest change in his demeanor. 

“Jesus, Honey. Of all the times you can finally act like you care for me, why now? Hm?” There was a playful smile on his face. It almost made them believe he was still joking around but his words were laced with an unmistakable annoyance.

But something inside Honey snapped. Their chest tightened at the thought of their partner thinking they didn’t care. They felt themselves flinch from the comment and Guy seemed to notice that too as his smile drops. “Shit. Honey, I didn’t–”

“I’m–,” They scrambled to get their bag, keys, wallet, anything they would need because they just want to be anywhere but here.“I’m going out. Let’s finish this later. I-I just can’t fucking do this right now.”

They didn’t mean that. Didn’t mean for it to sound so harsh. Then again, they don’t mean to sound so harsh most of the time but end up doing so either way. Grumpy. Mean. Intimidating. A common descriptor from most people. But Guy wasn’t like most people. ‘Unless,’ they think, ‘That was just a lie you told yourself to believe in.’

Honey shuts the door behind them, leaving the building and the warmth of their partner.

The pain in their chest almost distracts them from the exhaustion currently catching up to their body after a long day. They can feel the telltale signs of a migraine coming as they rub their temples gingerly with one hand, the other guiding the steering wheel. ‘Damn, it started to rain too. What a great way to lighten the mood,’ they think bitterly. Their mind eventually goes back to the fight earlier.

“Of all the times you finally can act like you care for me, why now? Hm?”

They do care. They care for him so much it scares them . He knows that, right? Even if they groan at his flirtatious quips and innuendos or if they grumble at his (very creative) attempts to give them as many hugs and kisses as they would allow, he knows that that’s just how they are, right? 

Maybe that wasn’t enough anymore. Maybe that never was enough to begin with. Maybe Guy finally realized he deserves better than an ill-tempered partner who doesn’t even know how to properly show any affection to their own fucking boyfriend.

A sharp car horn snaps them out of their thoughts. Shit, it’s a green light. They continue to drive until they see the familiar soft glow of a nearby 7-Eleven sign despite the persistent rain. 

Honey's entrance was signaled with the chime of the bell above the glass door. It’s relatively empty save for what they recognize to be a few D.A.M.N. students buying some late-night study snacks. Walking through the aisles while the pop song they heard their partner hum before softly plays in the background, slowly but surely calming them down. Muscle memory makes Honey reach for Guy’s favorite snack and they wonder how he’s doing. 

---

Guy doesn't remember the last time he felt like this, but he’s always known his personality would bite him in the ass someday.

Sure, he and Honey had their disagreements, but they were all accompanied by playful slaps and teasing laughter. Never had it gotten to the point of an actual argument that caused them to spit such venom toward each other like the one they just had. 

“I’m going out. I-I just can’t fucking do this right now.”

The door closes and Honey leaves, bringing the warmth of their shared apartment with them. Guy lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding and starts to get to work. He wordlessly distracts himself by cleaning the living room—picking up stray plastic chip bags, vacuuming crumbs that settled on the cheap shag carpet, and fixing up the pillows on the couch that he’s been nesting on for the past few days while he works on the final draft of the project he was writing. 

Piles of paper littered their second-hand coffee table. Every inch is covered in Post-it notes and wrinkled pieces of paper filled with ideas that he had haphazardly scribbled in an attempt to record them before it leaves his mind. Most of them, he recalls, are just random doodles of spirals and honeybees that he absentmindedly drew as he was typing away on his laptop. The spaces left exposed on the table were adorned with faded mug rings on the old dark oak wood.

He tries to compile them into a neater collection, pausing as he notices a doodle he made of his Honey. It was far from a masterpiece, but the cute cartoony style paired with heavily exaggerated furrowed brows in order to replicate their partner’s usual expression pulls a smile from his lips. There was even a jumbled-up line inside a small text bubble next to it to symbolize the adorable grumbles they always make. 

Fuck, he misses them so fucking much.

A sudden wave of exhaustion almost makes him drop the stack of papers he’s holding and it dawns on him how much he really has been neglecting his own health for this project. The stress of trying to find a job where he can utilize his degree and finally get out of that godforsaken pizza place has been taking a toll on him. All Honey was trying to do was for him to take a break that he so desperately ( and, he embarrassingly admits, unknowingly ) needed. And he just treated it like some silly joke. Granted, it really was because he wasn’t used to being coddled after, but, it definitely wasn’t an excuse to dismiss their worries like that. 

The guilt builds up in Guy’s throat like bile. He feels worse now, especially considering how much they struggle with expressing themselves like that to him in general, even if they don’t say it aloud.

He finishes cleaning up but the restlessness doesn’t leave him as time passes by with no word from his partner. Maybe this is it? Maybe he fucked it all up like always? Maybe they finally came to their senses and got fed up with him. It wasn’t uncommon for people to think he was a bit too much. Too chaotic, too irritating, too overwhelming. He ever minded those comments in the first place, but the thought of Honey possibly thinking like that too makes him sick. 

It’s getting late and he can hear the rain outside get louder. The anxiety that has been settling in their stomach flares up. He reaches for his phone to message them before concluding they might not want to be bothered right now. Shit, he’s feeling a little sluggish. 

Guy begrudgingly trudges to the wardrobe of their shared bedroom to get a change of clothes. He glances over as he pulls a familiar-looking hoodie from the hanger. Their double bed, adorned with a pizza plushie that Honey had given to him as a joke gift, was more inviting than usual. Maybe he should just take a rest and go to sleep. 

No, no, no, they might want some space from that too. Guy wants to talk this out with them instead of sleeping it out. If this persists, he isn't sure how his poor heart could take it. He ultimately decides to go back to the couch, stay up, and (at the very least) greet them when they come back. 

If they come back. God, please come back.

What if they don’t?

The thought felt like a mere whisper in his head but it left him numb. Guy's aware of his tendency to overthink but before he knew it, he was lying down on his side, hand clamped to his mouth as he forced his eyes shut. He lets out a quiet sniff. His breath hitches. Then he hears himself choke out a small sob. 

Then another.

And another. 

And another.

The dam breaks, his eyes water and he heaves as much air as he can into his lungs. It suddenly became a struggle to breathe and it definitely became a struggle to calm the ugly thoughts that plague his mind. Shaky, broken sobs fill the room, he cringes at how pathetic it sounds.  He hates this. He hates this feeling. Just come back, I’m sorry.

After what felt like hours, his sniffles slowly died down. With heavy eyes and a heavier heart, he finds himself drowsy from all the crying. The hot tears streaming down his face had begun to dry, but, the warmth on his cheeks reminds him of his Honey and the thought of them finally lulls him to sleep.

---

Honey returns, a little haggard but with a calmer mind. The drive around Dahlia and their quick run to the local convenience store definitely helped lighten their mood but the guilt still followed them around like a shadow. Shaky hands find their way to the lock of their shared apartment and Honey opens to a dim living room, with the forgotten hanging bulbs from the kitchen barely providing a sense of light. They noticed the place was tidier than they remembered.

It was eerily quiet, as well. The wrinkling sound of the paper bag that they were holding filled the room.

"Guy?" Fuck, they can hear their voice getting wobbly. 

"I'm home. You there?" A shift from the room was all they heard accompanied by a sniffle. Honey suddenly becomes hyper-aware of the soft snores matching the rise and fall of a figure on the couch.

They couldn't really explain why their heart started to pound with their pulsating headache. Why they made a beeline inside their apartment. Why they started to get down on their knees in the living room despite the protests of their tired body. Why their chest sank deeper as they saw their partner all bundled up on their battered couch. 

They don't miss the frown on his face and his tear-stained cheeks.

Fuck. Tears? Guy was crying? 

Honey quietly (urgently) sets down the paper bag from their grasp and slowly places a hand on his shoulder, patting it ever so gently.

"H-hey? Guy, what are you doing over here?" They noticed how cold they felt to the touch and remembered their thermostat wasn't working that well. "It's freezing. You're freezing. "

After a few gentle pats and caresses (and reminders of how it's cold here, the bed is warm. Take it, please. ) Guy manages to blearily open his eyes, rubbing away the sleepiness and the few tears that managed to slip.

Cute. His eyes are so cute. Honey would have thought if their mind wasn't filled with thoughts and questions. Why was he sleeping on the couch? Was he waiting for me? He didn't need to do that. Why was he crying? Did he cry himself to sleep? Was it because of me?

Did I do this?

"Honey?" Guy's voice croaked and Honey's heart aches after hearing how hoarse it was. It aches a little more to see him smile at them despite the argument they had earlier.

"You're back…" he mumbles, slightly adjusting his body to prop himself up with his arm. He was wearing their hoodie again.

"Guy, why are you sleeping here? It's cold," they repeated, the worry in their tone becoming more and more evident. 

This had Guy fully sitting up, giving his full attention to their Honey with a slight grin that was preparing to give out a smug reply before dropping his smile and deciding otherwise. If he noticed that their eyes were starting to get just as glassy as his, he didn't mention it. “I-I mean, you’re…mad, right? I thought you’d want some more space from me or something…” 

“N-no! I mean, yeah, thank you for that but that doesn't—” Honey cuts themselves off with a groan. Why can’t I just say what I want to say? What do I even want to say? Guy immediately notices their partner’s frustration and sits down beside them.

“Hey, hey, it's okay. You’re okay, Honey,” he says with a reassuring smile and slowly raises his hand near their cheek, “Can I touch?” 

Honey immediately nods, almost melting at Guy’s warm hands. The familiar calluses from working countless graveyard shifts and delivery jobs all over Dahlia for Max’s kept them grounded. They notice a newly formed bump on the ring finger of his dominant hand from the number of handwritten notes he’s been doing recently.

After a few moments of soft breaths and the sound of Guy's rough thumb gently gliding across their cheek, Honey let out a weak laugh but the words that followed were by no means a joke to them. “You’re so good for me.” Too good. I don’t deserve you. 

It was Guy’s turn to let out a confused chuckle. He felt anything but good to them at the moment.

“What do you mean by that, hon?” He caresses their cheek and he forgets how much his chest hurts when his Honey leans into his touch. “Hey, c’mon. Do you…do you wanna talk about what happened?”

Honey nods once more. "I'm…I'm sorry," they choke out as if the words got caught up in their throat. Everything was overwhelming again. The sound of the remains of the rain, the ticks of the wall clock, and most of all, Guy's unwavering attention to them. They avoid his gaze. 

"I know that…I'm…I dont have the most…pleasant attitude," The nervousness in their tone was obvious but the quick squeeze of their hand from their partner was enough for them to go on. "And I know that you didn’t mean that. About me…not caring,” They felt him give another squeeze, a bit tighter than the last. “Fuck, god knows you’ve put up with me long enough for me to know you wouldn’t mean that.” 

Honey manages to finally look him in his eyes again, they think it's their favorite color. “I…I just don’t know why I act like this. Why can't I just…care for you in a normal way.”

“Oh, Honey…” 

“I’m just so fucking sorry. I really, really care for you, please know that,” they sob out. Guy thinks he’s never seen them this vulnerable. His arms slowly circle and stop around their body as if he was waiting for their permission but Honey beats them to the embrace, burying their head on his chest. He knows they can hear his heart speed up.

“Hey, I know, I know,” The hands that were once on his partner's cheeks find their way to their back, rubbing circles and tracing shapes. “I’m really sorry for what I said too. The stress from work and writing these past few days is catching up but please don’t let that ever be an excuse for me to talk like that, especially to you and especially if it makes you think of all these lies.”

“And all this talk about…caring for me in the ‘normal’ way. Don’t say that.” Guy slowly pulls away to tilt his partner's chin up for their eyes to meet again. The way his Honey looked so distressed was a sight he decided he never wants to see again. “What matters is that I know you care and I want you to know that the way you show it is… fuck, I’ve never felt so cared for like this until you, Honey. Okay?”

“I’ll work…on not neglecting my health too. If it weren’t for you, I might’ve actually collapsed from exhaustion,” he adds, lips upturned into a sheepish smile. “So, thank you.”

Guy isn’t prepared for the way their Honey finally graced him with a soft smile. He’s had them laugh and grin at his…eccentric behavior before, but this smile held so much fondness and sincerity (directed towards him of all people! ) that made this moment all the more intimate. 

I think I'm gonna have a fucking heart attack. He doesn't recall having butterflies for lunch but he definitely feels them flutter up and about in his ribcage. He wants to treasure this moment. He wants to treasure them.

Honey looks down, uncharacteristically flustered and Guy’s heart soars again. “Thank you,” they whispered. “For that.”

“Of course, Honey. Though, I must say,” he grins. “Although your methods of conveying your love for me are a bit… unconventional , you could say I’m on the more bizarre side, too. I guess we make a perfect match after all then, don't we?”

Honey snorts, a reaction that's endearingly familiar to him and he smirks even wider. “You’re so fucking stupid.”

“Well, for the record, if anybody here is fucking stupid, it would be you!” Guy shoots back, “Hi, hello, I’m stupid, by the way, ehh– Ow, ow, ow!”

The pair continues to laugh and banter at each other like before, but, as they comfortably settle down to cuddle on the couch, they both don’t miss the way the grip on their entangled hands tightened for the slightest bit.

---

hope you enjoyed!! please let me know if i had any mistakes or just some feedback in general!! i kinda wanna continue doing these kinda stuff :DD

[thinkingofausername]

i endlessly admire and appreciate fic writers so here's a shoutout for some folks on ao3 whose works i hoard like gems

FlowerCitti, pirate_captains_captain_pirates, coffeeincluded, BasilBing, obvious_apostate, SpaceBarbarianWeird, mordecaisgrave, mothpersephone, Fr0g_king, netherprince, QueenMaria, Water_Blade, Morgana_Ren, sandpapersnowman, Guardian_Rose, parsnipit, leomona, Mrs_Galaxy_M, winter_writes, Reune, caprisunkaidii(otomekaidii), bg_brainrot, miasma_13, Ekolo, Tizniz, imnotcryingipromise, reveluving, rockwithjoong, Wordsy, MesserMoon, Lieutenant_Leaf, orphan_account, bronwe_iris, citrinesparkles, celamoon, CosmicallyLyss, peteprker, IHaveNothingToDo, angry_geno_is_score, Lost_Elf, oiuytrewq36, haunt_the_stars, heartofhush, kakia(orphan_account), ScreamingFae, PsychoVigilante, artiest, zvzam, Deandeanmose, Bunny17, ConsiderableColors, thirteenbullets, Team_141_property, tinyduckies, bailish, Whoareyou0000, LindtLuirae, nyabatos, BlueBlackBourne, TrashfireRadiowaves, Sakusas_wrist, FanaticalThings, rogerzsteven, sahiya, StarsinmyTea, TaelonSamada, domini_moonbeam, ForeverImperfect, ByTheAshTree, tepid_judas, henryspearl, LaVieEnRose, Kaijuscientists, aetherae, AeolianMode, Taeyn, beautifullights, ArgylePirateWD, Kythe42, QianLan, HamburrgerBites

keep doing what you do, your work is very much appreciated and needed <3

[sainthowlzon]

Ao3

Less a fic and more a long HC

After All this Time

Pairings: Vincent/Lovely

Vincent hadn't always been second in line to Alexis. In another life, before the accident, he had actually been the eldest, he and his younger brother only a few years a part in age. They were close in his old life, inseparable even, until the former Vincent met his untimely end.

One of the most difficult adjustments in his early years as a vampire was the sudden separation from his family and younger brother. Vincent resented William's insistence that, for the sake of both covert and his own well being, Vincent couldn't continue to keep tabs on his old family, even if from the shadows. He seethed each time William, with great patience whenever the subject was broached, explained how much more painful it would be for him to watch their lives ultimately move on in Vincent's absence. Despite this, Vincent couldn't help but attempt small check-ins on his brother over the years, the act made all the easier as social media took off. Vincent learned when he graduated high school, a year later than planned as he grappled with his grief over Vincent, was delighted to find that he'd managed to be accepted to the same College Vincent himself was attending before his accident. Had shared in his brother's grief when their mother became ill shortly after and eventually passed before his brother finished his first year.

Over time, Vincent began to understand the ache that William had tried to shield him from, and finally acquiesced to put his old life to end. To fully separate himself from the "old Vincent" his brother still remembered. The last thing he chose to know about his little brother was that he had settled down his sophomore year with his college sweetheart and that they seemed rather happy together.

So it was to Vincent's immeasurable surprise when one day, many years after he had last allowed himself to last think of him, that his Lovely returned home to tell Vincent about the oddest encounter. They told him that after finishing their last class for the day, they had made a quick stop at the 7/11 by campus for snacks where they ran into a boy who so closely resembled their lover it stopped them dead in their tracks. As they stood near him in line to check out, they couldn't help but say hello and make small talk together. The boy shared that he was passing through Dahlia on his first solo road trip before leaving for college later in the Fall. Lovely had recommended a place to him to eat while in town before parting ways. Vincent sat utterly still, in a daze as they spoke and laughed about how much alike they looked.

Later that evening, with his heart still racing in his chest, Vincent did what he had not dared to do in nearly 2 decades, and looked up his younger brother. He found that in the years since he'd last, his brother had lived a full life spent traveling and making a name for himself in his career. He had even started a family of his own, his most recent post mentioning that his eldest son would soon be attending college at his own Alma Mater. Vincent felt his Lovely rush to his side and wrap their arms tightly around him before he even registered the feeling of tears roll down his cheeks. He heard rather than felt the sob that broke from his chest as he began to cry in their safe embrace.

Vincent didn't know how long they sat with his face pressed against their neck, their hands soothingly running through his hair. Eventually he was calm enough to explain what he had found out. That after all these years there would soon (finally) be a Vincent Reyes counted among his university's Alumni.

[kunikisss]

all fanfiction of every single character i ever like is smut and ON TOP OF THAT 99% of it is noncon😭😭 what is this curse

[falkea]

A bad egg

Cw:[verbal abuse][childhood trauma]

Building up for Sam to help heal Darlin’ s inner child with cooking fun in the kitchen.

[agentplutonium]

Sweetheart doesn't have panic attacks anymore...

... at least, not in the way they used to. As the years went on Milo could tell that his Sweetheart was shifting and adapting to the panic attacks. They worked so hard to keep the dreaded things under their thumb and he couldn't be prouder.

Sometimes, though, they couldn't quite catch it.

That's what was happening now, Milo realized, as Sweetheart sat on the other side of the room. The other mates were beside them, but they did not seem to notice the way that Sweetheart has gone still and glassy-eyed. Tank, on the other hand, who was sitting on Sweetheart's left seemed to be trying to catch his eye.

David was droning on about the plans for the security jobs, plans that Milo was already privy to. He was sure David wouldn't be too upset if he dipped a few minutes early.

Trying to cause as little of a disturbance as possible, Milo stood and made his way over to the table. David's and Asher's mates looked over briefly, but that was the only response he got from them.

Sweetheart didn't even flinch when he gently put a hand on their shoulder.

Leaning down, he whispered next to their ear, "Come on, baby, let's get you out of here."

The only response he got was a small nod. They reached out to him, eyes still focused on some distant point in front of them. Up close, Milo could see that they were pressing their lips together, hard, and they were counting on their fingers again. 1, 2, 3, 4; pinky, ring, middle, pointer and back again, 4, 3, 2, 1. It was something they often did to ground themselves.

He took the offered hand, squeezing it gently, as he lead his Sweetheart out of the room.

"What do you need me to do," Milo asked them quietly when they were out.

Sweetheart didn't answer right away, but Milo waited. "Home. Take me home."

"You got it," he agreed. Before he could even take a step away, Sweetheart squeezed his hand tighter, eyes finally flicking up to his.

"Stay, too," they added, voice barely above a whisper. "Your aura helps."

"I'm not going anywhere," Milo said, bringing their hand up to kiss their knuckles.

They were becoming more responsive, but their left hand was still counting. It would be a while before they were in the clear. Milo would stay as long as he is wanted there.

Once they were back home, and Milo was able to sit them down on the couch, they were starting to slip back into that frozen state. Milo had a feeling this would happen. They weren't surrounded by the pack and didn't have to worry about what others would think. But he will wait. Milo will sit here, hand mindlessly drawing patterns on his mate's arm, a constant reminder that he was there for them. To take their time, and he'd be there if Sweetheart needed them. They were present enough that Milo didn't think he needed to intervene other than the occasional whispered reassurance to them. Their breathing was even, and controlled, and he could see the gears turning behind their eyes. They had this under control for now.

"Milo?" Sweetheart whispered after about forty, very long, minutes.

"Hm? What is it, baby?"

"I'm safe," They said, but their voice shook a bit, and he knew the intent behind the statement.

"Yes, you are safe. There is nothing that can harm you or the ones you love."

Sweetheart nodded as if confirming their beliefs. They were confirming their beliefs. It's why they said it.

"I'm sorry I'm like this," they whispered.

"Don't be. You've got nothing to be sorry for."

"I took you out of the meeting."

"I knew what David was saying," Milo countered.

"This has been happening more often," Sweetheart said.

"You can't control how you react to things. You've had a stressful few weeks, it was only a matter of time before things started slipping."

"I don't like that," Sweetheart muttered.

"I know you don't, Sweetheart," Milo said, leaning forward a bit to press a kiss to their forehead. "Can I take this as you finally coming back to me?"

Sweetheart hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I think so," they said, "but, can I... can we just cuddle for a bit? I'm- that took a lot out of me."

"You know I can never say no to you," Milo chuckled. "Com'ere."

He leaned back against the armrest as Sweetheart curled against him. Their head was on their chest, right over his heart, and he could feel the relieved breath that escaped from them.

Sweetheart's panic attacks might have changed and evolved, but Milo was always going to be their rock if they needed him. Milo would do anything for Sweetheart. In a heartbeat.

As Sweetheart settled in, Milo was once again amazed at how strong his Sweetheart was. He had the privilege of calling the person in his arms his Mate. He was, with Sweetheart's aura reflecting what he was thinking, so irrevocably in love with them.

And, by the gods, was he going to do everything to keep them by his side.

[dominimoonbeam]

if you ever have the chance, or whenever you feel like it, id love to request a david/darlin fic, where david has to pick darlin up after a bar fight and patches them up? take as long as you need to write this, you don't even have to haha. just an idea :) thank you, and have a great timezone!!

Anon, my fire, my daydream, my love... This was so up my alley and you are wonderful for sending it my way! This was really fun to play with and your ask was so kind! I hope you enjoy it. Thank you so much! <3 <3 <3

david/darlin

tags: hurt/comfort, scars, blood, longing, not quite together but obviously leaning toward it

-

A Weird Way To Flirt

The rain pattered his truck. The storm seemed fitting. He slammed the door when he got out and stalked across the parking lot to the bar doors. One of the front windows was shattered but still in the frame. He curled his lip. He could already smell the blood and smoke.

He pushed the doors open and walked in to raised voices that quickly hushed.

A couple of department officials were standing in the middle of the room, clearly trying to break up the still flaring arguments. One side of the room was charred with a fire elemental standing there, arms tightly folded and heat still rippling off of them. Two vampires were yelling at the department officials, pointing and flashing teeth at the bar… Not at the bar, really, but at the shifter standing at the bar.

David’s shifter.

Darlin, for their part, didn’t seem to even notice the vampires anymore. They were tense, chin down but watching him through their lashes, careful not to actually make eye contact.

“Shaw,” one of the officials said with a relieved sigh and started telling him what they knew. That the fight had broken out, the vampires were saying the elemental started it, the elemental was saying that Darlin had started it, and Darlin wasn’t saying shit.

He never took his eyes off of Darlin.

They had a welt blooming on the side of their face that would probably become a bruise, the old scar in their lip had split open, and the sleeve of their jacket was shredded, blood dripping off their fingertips onto the floor.

"That dog tried to bite me!” the fire elemental shouted.

One of the vampires hissed at them. The room got warmer.

“Knock it off!” one of the officials snapped. “Or you’ll be sitting outside in the rain!” With a roll of their eyes they stepped closer to Darlin, but looked to David. “Tell this one to give us a statement so we can figure out what happened here?” They prodded, reaching out toward Darlin.

David growled low before he could stop himself. “Don’t,” he snarled. The official froze, staring at him. David shook his head. “Don’t touch them…”

The official blinked, blanching and dropping their hand. David couldn’t be sure if they thought it was a warning, as though Darlin might be the one to snap, or if they had any idea how close David had been. Either way, they stepped to the side, away from Darlin, and if possible, Darlin’s head dropped lower.

He stared at Darlin. “How’d it start?”

Their nose wrinkled, never want to be a narc… But they cut a glance toward the fire and then away. “I was at the bar when they threatened to burn the vamps. The bar fight started when they lit the drinks on fire.”

One of the vampires practically crowed at the department officials. “We told you!”

David didn’t care. He was still looking at Darlin. “Why did you stay?”

Darlin winced and shrugged. “Someone might get hurt.”

“Yeah! Me!” the fire shouted, pointing at one of the vampires. “That shit bit me!”

“And you tasted so fucking good!” the vampire shot back, the argument kicking up again.

David finally tore his eyes off of Darlin to look at the nearest official. “If you need anything else, call me.”

“We need to finish getting a statement…”

“They’re bleeding. I’m taking them home. You know where to find me.”

Darlin pushed off the bar, head still down. David led the way to the door, no one able to tell them to stop and the vampires and elemental back to shouting at each other. He got the door and held it, getting another look at Darlin has they stepped past him. They were walking okay on their own. That was good.

They took a breath and let it out on the sidewalk, standing under the awning and looking at the rain.

“Did you drive here?” David asked.

Darlin shook their head. “I walked.”

He nodded and waved an arm toward his truck. “Get in.” It wasn’t a question.

“I might get blood on your—” they started to hedge.

“Get in the damn truck.”

Darlin huffed but they marched out into the rain, toward the passenger door.

When they were inside, alone, the rain beating at the windshield, Darlin managed to sink into the seat like they could disappear.

David started the engine and turned on the heat. “How bad are you?”

“What?” Darlin exhaled, something nervous and broken in that question.

How bad are you, he’d asked. “Darlin,” he said, forcing his voice to be softer, like the smell of their blood filling his truck wasn’t making his teeth ache to defend. “How hurt are you? How bad is it?”

“Oh.” They blinked down at themself and then shrugged. “I’m fine. You can just drop me at my place.”

He huffed a hard laugh. Like that was happening. “We’re going back to my place where I can get a real look at you.”

Darlin tensed.

David cut a glance at them as he drove. “Or we can do to a clinic. Do you want—”

They shook their head, more animated now than they a had been all night. “No. I’m good.”

He bit the inside of his cheek. Fuck. They hated clinics. “How about Mary?”

They whined. “Come on… Please. I’m fine.”

“You’re bleeding.”

They wrinkled their nose and sulked.

It was a relief to see them acting like themself. “Have you eaten?”

“No.”

David nodded. “Okay.”

“You’ve got to have something better to do tonight than fuss over some bruised knuckles.”

David laughed darkly. “You’re really going to try to minimize this, troublemaker?”

“I can patch myself up.”

“I’m not sure I trust you to…”

“I’ve done it plenty!”

They were raising their voice now, in a full sulk. Good. He knew how to handle this. This was much better than scared. “You have and I still remember that time you got an infection.”

“I did not…”

“You fainted.”

“No.”

He growled. “Yes, you fucking did. You had a fever and we had to take you to a clinic.”

They growled back, quietly, and went to cross their arms only to flinch and drop one back into their lap. They pinched their face and turned their head away to glare out the window.

“Yeah…” David grumbled. “How did that happen?”

“Vampire.”

He turned a corner, windshield wipers thudding back and forth. “I thought the elemental started the fight?”

“They did! But then they almost go their throat ripped out.”

David parked and got out of the truck. They took the elevator up. The rain tracks Darlin was leaving on the floor was tinted with swirls of red. They both noticed and they both frowned, but David knew it was for very different reasons. He opened his apartment door and flicked on the lights. “Bathroom,” he said, tossing his keys into a bowl and locking the door.

Darlin nearly stomped down the hall to the bathroom.

He ditched his jacket and grabbed more towels from the closet on his way. When he got there, they were trying to unlace their boot with one hand.

David put the stack of towels down on the counter and then knelt, waving their hand away and deftly working their wet laces open.

Darlin sighed. “You don’t have to do that. I can take care of myself.”

David rolled his eyes.

“The fight wasn’t my fault!” they burst, emotion cracking their voice.

He looked up at them, just as surprised as they were.

“I was just there. I didn’t… I didn’t do anything! I couldn’t exactly leave once it started. They could have killed each other…or someone else!” The words tumbled out of them in a breathless rush.

David reached up and gently pressed his palm to the center of their chest, their back touching the wall. He nodded, holding their gaze. “I know. I know, Darlin. You didn’t do anything bad. You’re not in trouble.”

“It’s like things always go bad when I’m there, though, right? Like, of course there was a bar fight. Of course, they called you to come get me!”

He kept his hand on them, knees still on the floor and eyes on theirs. “You have a sense for bad things, Darlin, that’s all it is. You don’t run away. You know something is off and you wait to see if it really happens and when it does, you stay to help. That’s all that happens.” He waited, feeling their breath and their pulse under his hand, and watching their spirit settle in their gaze.

Finally, they exhaled and swallowed, nodding tightly. One of their hands came up to touch the back of his against their chest, squeezing it for a second before letting go.

David sighed and finished unlacing their boots. “And you’re not the only one I get calls about. Asher’s been in a dozen altercations both with empowered and unempowered groups getting into trouble that he couldn’t just ignore and Milo practically midnights as a vigilante with Stealth.” He stood and gently peeled their ruined jacket off of them.

Their upper arm had two long cuts. After cleaning it up, he decided it wasn’t deep enough to need a healer or stitches. He wrapped it and then gently moved his thumbs down their arm, making sure nothing was broken and watching them for a flinch. They stared back at him almost smugly. He brushed his thumb across their knuckles and their expression jumped, lip curling.

He checked their other arm, those knuckles even worse, but nothing broken. “Shirt.”

Darlin stared back at him. “What about it?” they asked, biting back a smirk.

David met their gaze, realizing how close their face was to his. “Take it off.”

Darlin’s heart beat a little faster and that little smile almost broke free. “Weird way to flirt with me…”

“Getting you to strip down so that I can make sure you’re not broken or cut up seems about the only way to flirt with you…”

Darlin’s smirk faltered, heart pounding.

David waited.

Darlin swallowed and looked away, peeling their shirt off.

“Does anything hurt?” he asked, looking them over. They had red splotches on one side that he was sure would turn into bruises like the side of their face. He passed his hands gently over the area, feeling their ribs.

“No. The arm was really the worst of it,” they said, almost a mumble now that he’d made that flirting comment.

David nodded, finally able to feel relieved. “Okay. I’ll grab you some clean clothes, ditch that mess and clean up.” He turned and started down the hall to his room.

The shower turned on in the bathroom seconds later, the door still open.

Shifters had never been overly shy with each other. It was pack and they’d all seen everything. Still, the idea of Darlin naked in his place when it was just the two of them was definitely distracting. He tried not to think about it. He stripped down, tossing his wet clothes into the hamper and pulling on soft sweats and a clean t-shirt, pulling them out a few pieces of his clothes too.

The bathroom was slowly steaming up when he came back to it, Darlin’s clothes in a pile wedged tight into the corner. He put down the new items and picked up their old, adding them to the hamper and making his way to the kitchen. He had left over lasagna and set about heating it up.

Darlin was fast. He knew they would be, but he still wasn’t entirely prepared to see them in his clothes. He liked that a little too much.

Darlin held a hand towel to their lip. The split must have started bleeding again when they scrubbed the dried blood off their face. He waved them closer, gently taking the towel from their hand to get a look at the cut. It was a scar that reopened. It happened often enough that the pack had stopped freaking out when it did. Looking closely, he could see the faint scars around it from other cuts. This was just the deepest. David touched their jaw, brushing his thumb under that lip. They went still, staring back at him, holding their breath. He pulled at his core and tried to focus that magic into the cut. It was small but painful. Healing didn’t come naturally to him but he’d been practicing.

Darlin twitched when the wound closed. Their hand came up, dabbing at it and coming away clean. “Shit… When did you learn that?”

He shrugged, tossing the towel away and going back to preparing their food. His stomach felt suddenly very empty.

“Thanks,” Darlin said quietly, looking around the apartment. “Thanks for everything…I’ll get out of your hair.”

“You should eat first,” he said. “And that storm is getting worse. Unless you need to be someplace, you can hang out here.”

Darlin was quiet long enough that David looked back to see them watching him. “I don’t want to bother you.”

David huffed. “Since when? And you staying over has never been a problem.” He went to the freezer and pulled out a bag of frozen greens, holding them out to Darlin. “Here, put this on your face while I get dinner together. You can pick out something to watch.”

Darlin took the bag, fingers brushing his, that curious smile slowly pulling at their mouth again. “You might regret letting me pick the movie…”

David smiled back. “I don’t doubt that,” he grumped and then added, as if to himself, “But as long as you’re staying, I’ll put up with it.”

[eyecollective]

Statement of Juno Steel

Horroreyecollective

Fandoms:The Penumbra Podcast, The Magnus Archives (Podcast)

Teen And Up Audiences

Major Character Death

Other

Complete Work

22 Aug 2024

Tags

Major Character Death Rita & Juno Steel Peter Nureyev/Juno Steel Benzaiten Steel & Juno Steel Benzaiten Steel & Sarah SteelJuno Steel & Sarah Steel Diamond Hijikata/Juno Steel Ramses O'Flaherty & Juno Steel Juno Steel Jonathan "Jon" Sims | The Archivist Peter Nureyev Benzaiten Steel Rita (Penumbra Podcast)Sarah Steel Diamond Hijikata Jack Takano Captain Hijikata (Penumbra Podcast) Miasma (Penumbra Podcast) Canonical Character Death Canon-Typical Violence Canon-Typical The Lonely Content (The Magnus Archives) Canonical Child Abuse Child Neglect Child Abuse Canon Non-Binary Character Statement Fic (The Magnus Archives) Abandonment Nonbinary Juno Steel Juno Steel Needs a Hug Hurt Juno Steel Post-Episode: s01e18 Juno Steel and the Final Resting Place Emotional Hurt Manipulation The Lonely Fear Entity (The Magnus Archives) LonelinessSuicidal Thoughts Not A Fix-It Lonely!Juno Eye Trauma Prompt Fic Angstober 2024 Episode: s01e01-02 Juno Steel and the Case of the Murderous MaskImplied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism

Summary

Statement of Juno Steel about how he only hurts people so it ends here, statement begins.

Day 31: It Ends Here

Series

Part 1 of Angstober

Language: English Words: 1,344 Chapters: 1/1 Collections: 1 Kudos

[ejunkiet]

to build a home

this started as a prompt fill, but turned into something else entirely. ;u;

redacted audio: asher/babe, rated teen, 1.6k wordcount, hurt/comfort.

content warnings: mentions of a home invasion, burglary gone wrong.

 “Ash, there’s- there’s someone here, in the house-”

READ ON AO3

--

to build a home

“Ash, there’s- there’s someone here, in the house-”

Their voice cuts off abruptly, the dial tone loud and piercing in the sudden silence that’s fallen over the Shaw Security offices. It’s unnerving in a place that’s nearly always filled with sound - the easy murmur of conversation, the rustle of papers - but that’s the last thing on his mind as he stares at the dropped call.

That was...

Fingers shaking, he selects their contact, trying to reconnect the call - but a polite voice informs him that this number is not available at this time, and what the fuck, that doesn’t make any sense, they were just-

He stumbles forward, dropping his phone onto the desk as a hand grips his shoulder to stabilise him, and his senses fill with the heavy scent of a familiar cologne. David.

“My mate, they-” He can’t get the words out, a heat building behind his eyes, even as he feels his teeth grow sharp, and he looks over his shoulder, meeting the gaze of his best friend. Fuck. Fuck. “David, that was-”

He nods, a tightness in the line of his jaw, and he’s already wearing his jacket, keys in hand. “Milo,” he calls out, receiving a sharp noise of affirmation, the rest of the office flowing into motion as Milo rounds the corner.

He has his phone already in hand, and Ash can hear the soft voice of his mate on the line as he makes his way towards the back, towards his car – and it feels like an age since he’d parked it there this morning.

He turns back to face David, his throat tight, the wolf in his teeth as he takes another tight breath. “The wards. There wasn’t- I would have known if-”

“I know.” David’s holding him tightly, his dark eyes serious as he starts moving them both forward, guiding him gently but firmly towards the front. The cars. “We’ll take the jeep.”

Once they reach the parking lot, his grip shifts to his nape, the pressure grounding. Keeping him human, he realises after a moment - and the cars would be faster, even if his instincts are screaming at him to shift, to run and bite and tear apart whoever had hurt his mate-

“-Asher.” He doesn’t realise that the low growl filling the air around them is coming from him until David calls out his name, and shit. “We need you human. Just until we reach the building.”

He can’t speak, but he nods tightly, curling his fingers around his claws, the sharp points of them digging into his palms. He doesn’t even fight it when David climbs into the driver’s seat, taking the passenger side, his eyes on the road in front of them.

Babe. I’m coming.

--

READ THE REST ON AO3

[arrowfleur]

Quinn spoilers:

I actually really like how the Quinn story ended up for a lot of reasons.

Firstly very few people were expecting it to go down this way, there were plenty of theories about Quinn attacking Darlin’ or the mates so this was a cool change/twist.

If Quinn had just gone ahead and attacked Darlin’, they would have felt like their was no point in all the effort they’d put in to get closer with the pack. A big part of their char development was choosing to stay with Sam after finding out Quinn was up North. It would have definitely ended up in a physical fight had Darlin continued to hunt Quinn down, so having Quinn be captured really helps to show that the work they put in wasn’t for nothing in a way.

Similarly if Quinn had attacked the mates/pack it would have driven Darlin’ away and it would again, (at least make them) feel like they should have just gone after him when they had the chance. (Which is an interesting point to explore but so is the one Erik went with!)

We know Darlin’ is good with physical pain and struggles more with being vulnerable so Quinn doing this really drives home just how absolutely EVIL he is. He admits himself that ‘there is no greater pain he can give them’. He knows he doesn’t have any leverage (since the girl was dead already) and even then, when he knows that he has already lost, he still tries to bring them down with him.

Looking at it from the standpoint that it is Boyfriend ASMR it makes a lot of sense to do it this way. 1. Not many people in irl have had fatal fights with their ex partners, so the comfort that Darlin receives from Sam being about emotions and vulnerability is a lot more helpful and personal to a larger base of people. 2. A lot of the fan base aren’t comfortable with watching violence (a lot of people decide not to watch the imperium au or the inversion arc for personal reasons) so having it end in a lot of violence would have meant that a large portion of the fan base wouldn’t have been able to watch it and this has been a long awaited arc centred around a listener character specifically so it makes more sense this way.

And too add on to that, even if the video with Quinn and Darlin’ that we will be receiving some time in the future does turn violent it isn’t necessary to watch to understand what happened!

Anyways I’ll shut up now, thanks for coming to my ted talk /hj

[beewithknee]

of dreams and nightmares

redactober day 5 !

huxley/freelancer hurt/comfort (with blink-and-you'll-miss-it poly DAMN)

They never woke with a gasp like in the movies. It was always a slow awareness creeping back into them.

They knew it was a nightmare. Knew it was fictional.

However that didn’t stop the racing heart, vivid images and unsettled stomach.

Glancing through their space, they eyed every corner feeling far too exposed in the open, dark space.

A warm body stirred beside them.

“Flower? Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Of course Huxley immediately knew they weren’t okay. The wide eyes and shaking hands gave that away.

“Bad dream.” They whispered, hands still shaking slightly. They heard the blind-fumbling on their bedside table before a light flicked on. It was dimmed, but enough to remove the long shadows and a good chunk of their anxiety.

“Baby, I’m so sorry. Can I do anything?” He asked gently, eyes still half-lidded from sleep.

“Hold me?” It was whispered into the dim room. They felt pathetic. It was 2:30 and they’d woken the poor man up because of some idiotic dream. Knowing something isn’t real and feeling it isn’t are two vastly different things.

Logically, they were fully aware it was a work of chemicals and a bad TV show before bed.

But their biological reaction had it replaying like a horrifically real memory every few seconds.

A sharp breath stuttered from their chest as he pulled them into his arms.

Warmth immediately seeped into every exposed nerve that danced along their body, soothing them tenfold.

“We’re okay. There’s nothing that’s gonna get through me.” He soothed gently, hand stroking up and down their stomach. Huxley’s palms were always warm. Not like Damien’s in the way that you could tell it was his core, but just in a gentle soothing manner.

They’d never get tired of it.

Flipping over, they buried their face in his chest. It allowed enough light to reduce the paranoia floating their head.

Huxley cradled their back in one large palm and the back of their head in the other. His short fingernails scratched at the nape of their neck, sending addictive shivers through them.

“Tighter?” It was a plea. Huxley immediately complied, wanting nothing more than to soothe his distressed partner.

He rested his head on the top of theirs, only bending to kiss their head sweetly. “I’ve got you, petal. You’re okay.” Each word soothed another frayed nerve. They were sparking live-wire and only Hux could settle the danger.

“Keep talking? Please.” In the darkness, it felt like such a silly request. Huxley understood. Of course he did.

“Uh, well Damien beat me at volleyball again. Our little spitfire, huh? He gloated very humbly. Gavin made so many innuendos, and I’m pretty sure he and Xavier snuck off half-way through to go fuck but oh well. It was fun, I just wish you and Lasko could’ve been there you know… would’ve been nice to have all my people in one spot.” He lamented a little sadly, squeezing them even tighter.

A kiss was pressed to his sternum, and his stomach jumped with the feeling.

“I love you, Hux.”

“I love you too baby, go to sleep if you can. I’ll be here.” His chest rumbled under their cheek with every word, relaxing them more than any pharmaceutical had ever been able. He kept it up; rambling about the sunflowers he saw, about his moms, about their other partners, upcoming games, anything and everything.

It was nearing on 3:30am when he finally slowed, voice dipping quieter. Tilting back, he admired the sight that greeted him.

His darling Flower passed out on his chest, taking comfort in the place they knew they’d always find safety. Huxley took such pride in being able to comfort his partners, being more than a scary jock stereotype. He kissed their head once more, lingering there to cope with the rising emotions he faced.

Throat clogged with hushed love declarations, he choked out “I love you. Sleep well, flower.”

The shelter they found within his arms could never be replaced. It was unspoken, unconditional happiness.

They were safe. They could sleep.

[piffany666]

Ok just one more punk progeny won't hurt~

Chapter 4: the sun

TW: this Chapter contains purposefully induced PTSD flashbacks, self harm and smoking if any of these topics make you uncomfortable I recommend you scroll to below the red line, past this line is after the potentially uncomfortable situation ends.

Ftm trans Bright eyes (he/him pronouns)

Bright smoked as he sat on the roof of the solaire mansion.

Not so long ago he renounced smoking and demoted himself to vapeing but he made the compelling argument of 'its not like vampires can get lung cancer' besides, when he exhaled smoke protruded out of the bite holes in his neck and to him that was a compelling enough reason.

As he exhaled, the memories he'd made over the last few hours played in his head.

He did have a lot of fun with Vincent. It did feel good to hang out with another vampire that wasn't Sam, Fred or just some guy he met at a bar because his friends sucked.

So....why was he here?

He looked towards the horizon as he took a drag of the cigarette, in the direction of Wonder World.

The sun was creeping almost menacingly over the horizon but Bright had some time to kill before the sun came out of hiding.

He had a good day. He had found someone to talk to besides Tanker that truly understood him.

So why. Was. He. Here?

He asked himself again, eyes still attached to the horror movie set of a place he was made in.

Finally he closed his eyes, allowing the smoke to coil around him.

He remembered everything....he remembered everything as if it happened only yesterday.

The way the excitement melted away into dread and horror as the skull of Quinn's last victim rolled into view.

The way Fred ran, the way Bright lingered on a little longer than him.

Fred may have begun running before him but Bright was faster and it wasn't long before he overtook him.

Somewhere along the way Fred had fallen behind.

It was a good thing Fred told him to keep going because he probably would have kept running anyway and Fred would probably hate him even more than he already dose if that had been the case.

At least that's what Bright told himself.

Bright's heart rate began to increase so he instinctually took another drag.

He kept. On. Running.

Eventually the sound of his best friend's voice got quiet, whether or not it was due to distance or the fact that he was dead wouldn't be known until later on.

Because of this, Bright allowed himself to slow down. How many worst mistakes of your life can you make in one night?

Until eventually he heard a sound that could only be described as "woosh" and he was knocked to the ground along with his breath.

A low groan came from him before the ability to breathe was put into question.

Then HE appeared.

At first he was just a silhouette then his features became visible as he grabbed Bright's wrists and dropped his knees onto his stomach and chest.

He could still hear his voice...

"You should have listened to your friend little mouse~ didn't anybody tell you not to stay out late

On Halloween?~"

Bright scratched at his neck as if to swat him away, but he wasn't there.....all he did was reopen the wound.

The cigarette fell from his lips and onto the roof where he held his knees in his hands.

Nothing he did NOW would change what happened THEN so the memory played on.

He continued scratching at the bite mark as the situation played out in his head, desperately trying to get through the memory of the second most painful experience of his life.

Whether it was the blood loss or the sophistication, eventually everything just....stopped.

The pain....stopped.

Exept there was no breath left in him to let out a sigh of relief.

For what seemed like forever but upon looking back what was probably only a couple minutes, Bright just layed there, body numb from the feeling of nothing.

It felt....nice

Like he never had to feel any kind of pain ever again, physical or otherwise.

But then like a defibrillator to the neck, he was jolted back to semi consciousness.

He wouldn't describe himself as awake but he could see what was happening to him, his best friend, the one guy he least expected to hurt him in any way, in the same position as his killer,

Sucking at the bite mark left by him.

Bright felt himself wince as what was left of his bloody insides were slurped up into Fred.

When Fred's mouth left Bright's neck, Bright assumed it was over so he let himself go numb, which only made it sting more when Fred ripped his own neck wound and lowered himself so it flowed like a fountain into Bright's mouth.

At first he began spluttering and choking but then he gave up on struggling and allowed himself to drown.

He couldn't speak at the time, he knew that, but in his mind he heard himself screaming at Fred to stop and that he didn't understand what he was doing

But he knew he wanted him to stop.

But he did not waver till there was no more blood to give and when he drained himself dry he collapsed next to him.

They were both looking to the sky when they died together.

Bright's eyes jolted open as he began screaming in anger, agony and regret

The sun had finally made its way past the threshold of the horizon and the only thing protecting him from its burn was the shadow that the solaire mansion cast, so amongst the screaming that went unheard, he pulled back his sleeve and removed his glove that did its best to hide the battle scares from him and the sun's past encounters, and he shoved his arm into the light.

His screaming became more of a hiss as he felt his skin burn and sizzle

_________________________________________

He didn't know when he planned to stop

But luckily somone wasn't going to let him make that choice.

He felt himself being pulled backwards then he was swiftly turned around to face the figure that pulled him, however he wasn't able to see their face as his face was being held close to the chest of his saviour.

He could feel arms cover his body as if to shield him, he could hear a hiss come from the body that held him, almost to threaten the light that burned him.

Eventually the figure loosened their grip, allowing Bright to look up at them

It was William.

He didn't look angry, he just looked....protective...?

Like the sun had attempted to take somthing important from him.

After a moment of this, he no short of scooped Bright up and made a motion that could only be described as "wooshed" him down from the roof, sticking to the shadows.

Bright blinked and then he found himself in William's office again, still huddled in his arms.

William placed him onto the chair he sat in last time and looked him in the eyes.

"Were going to talk about what you were just doing, but before any of that I need to heal you, it will hurt more than it did last time, is that OK?"

Through tears that Bright couldn't prevent from falling, he nodded.

Before he began his work, William removed his belt and gave it to Bright

"You'll be needing this" Bright knew what to do.

He placed the flattened rope of leather into his mouth and felt his teeth press into it.

"Alright" William said to no one in particular.

The burn wound was very visible and within healing range but Bright was a very....skittish person so William wanted to be as careful as possible.

He slowly intertwined his fingers with Bright's and brought his arm up to him. He let go of Bright's hand and took his arm into both his hands to place it in front of him.

He looked at Bright one last time then began to work.

It was just like last time exept the feeling was throughout his whole arm, Bright tried his best to be still for him but he couldn't stop himself from kicking and squirming, he continued to bite into the belt he held in his mouth, tears now streaming down his face.

After healing his arm he moved onto his bite wound that now had a claw mark that was bound to scar.

After a good few minutes of that, William let go as fast as he could.

"There it's done"

Bright spat the belt out his mouth and a spluttering noise came from him as the tears continued.

After Bright had fully composed himself, he looked up at William who had a look of sympathy on his face, but not pity

Never pity.

"H-how did you know I was - that I would?-"

"Fred had told Sam that he could feel you feeling.....bad and that he worried you were going to 'do something stupid' Sam informed me of this and when I heard a scream come from the roof and given where the sun is currently, let's just say I put two and two together"

Looks like his literal cry for help didn't fall on deaf ears this time.

William looked Bright dead in the eyes, the look of sympathy still plastered on his face.

"I wouldn't describe what you just did as stupid, I'd describe it as....understandable but equally unfortunate"

Bright looked down

"Bright, I am older than you could ever imagine, I can recognise a cry for help when I see one"

At that, he picked the belt up from the floor and began to re applie it to his waist.

He then sat on the edge of his desk

"Talk"

This wasn't a command as much as it was an invitation but Bright still felt like he didn't want to know what would happen if he didn't do what he told him.

"W-well i-i" he took a moment to compose himself and breathed in

"I spent the day with Vincent"

"Oh?"

"Y-yeah, I had a lot of fun....it was nice"

"I'm glad"

"But i-i.....I don't deserve it....there is SO much I don't deserve...so i-i guess this was kinda like a...l-like a-"

"A punishment"

Bright looked up at him

"Y-yeah...I know it's stupid of me I just-"

"No it isn't. It's completely understandable, I mean since the very beginning of your vampire life everyone you have ever had to interact with has blamed you for what happened and since you agree with them, I can see why you wouldn't deem yourself worthy of happiness"

Bright was stunned, he knew he was old but he didn't exactly expect him to hit the nail on the head with this one.

"Y-Yeah..."

"Are you a man of faith Bright?"

Bright looked confused at the sudden seemingly off topic question.

"Why?"

"A few centuries ago there was a vampire I knew who was very religious and he believed himself to be worthy of hell, but since that was never going to be, he made sure his immortality, or what he called purgatory, would be filled with nothing but misery because he believed himself to be worthy of nothing but just that, misery."

William then got up and went rooting in one of his draws.

Giving Bright a minute to marinate on what he had been told.

William eventually pulled out a small piece of paper and then went over to Bright

"Here I want you to have this, but I want you to know that this dose not contribute to your decision, you may take this regardless of your decision"

Bright took the paper from him.

When he un-crumpled it he saw that it was a phone number and a name he couldn't pronounce but that didn't tell him much.

"What is this?"

"It's the phone number to the best therapist in the area, I'll pay for it however like I previously stated, I will do so regardless of whether or not you agree to be my progeny"

Bright's eyes became wide, he had wanted a therapist that actually knew what they were doing since before he died.

"Thank you"

He said breathlessly

"It's no trouble, I'll let you know when I inform him of the payment situation, now, it's time for you to sleep, I assume you've been having trouble with the sleeping situation so I recommend you start going to sleep at this time for now on"

"O-ok"

Bright had slept here many times before so he had no trouble finding his guest room but before he left, he thanked William one more time.

William nodded and smiled.

When Bright left William picked up his phone.

.........

"I trust you made it here safely then?~"

.........

"Good I'm glad to hear that, you're earlier than we agreed, miss your old home that much hmm?~"

..........

"Alright, Alright I won't jest, I suppose I just wanted to lighten the mood given the circumstances of your return"

..........

"Alright, oh! And there's somone I think you should meet, I think the two of you would get along very well~"

Taggs: @darlin-collins @anexistingexistence @you-think-i-care-mate