#remember last year I drew duo!

[youremyonlyhope]

I'm not a "new musical theatre style music" person. Never have been.

Even when I was doing voice lessons, I'd steer towards the golden age or jazzy musical theatre songs. My voice teacher would have to drag me kicking and screaming towards adding anything new musical theatre to my repertoire. For a while, the most modern song in my book was I Know The Truth from Aida, and I wouldn't count that as new musical theatre style since I mean more the Pasek&Paul or Joe Iconis type.

And now I have an audition coming up for a small production of a show in that style and I'm supposed to sing a song in a similar style. And I'm looking at all my sheet music like... let me do some Cole Porter... or Gershwin... at least Sondheim please...

[kel-lance]

Movie Night: fem!reader x Itadori, Megumi, Toge, Yuta Part 2

Warnings: MDNI, Group sex, camera use, teasing, humiliation, mmfmm, everyone’s bi/pan, overstimulation, worship, etc(?)

premise: You hosted a game and movie night, bc it was making and nobara s anniversary and they were going out for the weekend. Okay so sodas, pizzas, snacks, really really bad movies…. sad movies, and finally scary movies. Perfect to watch with whoever could make it to your last minute plans. Turned out to be Yuuji, Megumi, Toge, and Yuta… oh great…

————————————————

“Megumi, are you paying attention?”

“And if you want them to do this,” you yelp higher this time, more surprised than anyone that Toge knew exactly which spot Yuta was talking about. He does it again to show his underclassman, slowly this time drawing out the same noise.

“Remember what I said, if you make her come before I get to I’m unleashing mahagara on all of us.” The other guys sigh and let you go. They sit back, beaming, almost satisfied with what they got out of the moment.

You’re moved from everyone’s reach, to sitting in-between megumi’s legs, his body almost swallowing yours. His long arms tried to hide you away from the others’ greedy hands and you almost let him erase you before feeling more of him. It almost took you by surprise, that he was poking at you.

You let your head fell back onto his shoulder, wondering what face megs could be making. He’s trying so hard to hold back right now. The faint grinding of your ass onto his thighs was already enough. He gasped hard, trying not to look at you, focusing so his body could last.

You crane up and kiss his cheek, this was the cutest thing you’ve ever seen. Megumi never fights back against you, so seeing him trying to deny what he’s fantasized for years, you regained your playfulness and hopped off his lap.

Turning to face him, you grasp his face and pull him into a kiss, continuing his streak of pleasure. “They thought they had the upper hand because of numbers, hah.” You were surprised, they almost made you forget how they melt under your touch. You got them to keep up with you, though, of course no one else could compare to Yuuji’s.

Either way, you’ve got fresh meat now and everything from the past comes flooding back. You met tsumiki-chan in elementary school and knew she was going through hard times. You just had a knack of figuring people out as a kid and something drew you to her, more or less a curse found her because of the loss of her parents, you pitied her and exorcised it.

Megumi wondering what happened to that weird thing he used to see on tsumiki and she suddenly feels better when she’s around me? You didn’t mind as they were a fun duo, and you get how they grew up, though you had the school take you in for your sorcery instead of certain super famous super powerful super hot descendants of certain clans. *rolls eyes*

“This is my best friend’s brother, she knew about his crush but will she kill me?!” You’re brought back as you felt meg’s tongue trace your bottom lip. “She’d be happy for us.” You dive into him, pushing him back into the headboard, ignoring the other guys watching, commenting among themselves of the show before them.

You’re on all fours while kissing him into the bed frame, ass in the air, hands pressing onto his hard chest and abs. It was someone completely new, a body that you haven’t fully familiarized yourself with, yet it’s been waiting for you.

“Are you ready?” You asked, pulling yourself back to take off just the t shirt you were wearing for movie night. I mean it was your house and you asked them to come over… you could’ve started this whenever you wanted.

——switching writing style-——

- you hover over him and tease him by dipping your hips down, he’s barely entering you but still getting his raw head

- He’s whimpering and holding onto you as he cums right away and you’re loving it, giving him words of encouragement and saying how he’s so good

- He’s whisperer he’s sorry and you tell him he’s gonna fuck you as much as he’s waited for

- “She’s loving this” they chatter

- “I remember our first time…”

- “Salmon salmon”

- Tell me when you want me to move. You’re still hard, unless you need a second?

- He huffs as he holds you and says yeah

- Yuuji comes over to sit him up and hold him as he needs aftercare.

- I guess we have our order now. Don’t tire yourself out y/n yuujis bright eyes gave a lustful hint that he’s really going to enjoy todays session

- Toge pulls you to the end of the bed and has you bend kneed on the floor as he uses his fingers to fuck you into finishing and to make it easier to scoop out megumi’s cum

- He licks you clean and spits it onto megumi who both try to fight before you hazily ask them to help you do that again and you loved it

- Yuta has you sit on his dick, showing the others about the rules of your body and how to treat you until you try to move.

- He gets excited and start to go crazy with the angles and how he’ll manipulate how gravity will make you fall back onto his dick splitting you open, getting deeper and deeper, getting more intense, so intense you gave up breathing until the involuntary gasping comes.

- There was no one else but you two, his hand grabbing at your throat to keep you up, the other hand across your womb, feeling himself through and jerking his hips. Your arms were pinned by his chest and behind your back. “Yuta, plea-“ That was the final straw, he didn’t care anymore. Taking his time? Saving his energy? Fuck that, he’s known you once, letting you love him was a huge step from coming out of “neglectbernation” or his hermit phase, but he couldn’t choose between his trauma and you, his past or his future, Rika or you. You knew he didn’t need her, you were fine with it actually when he broke the curse, but then he started to be weird about it. almost forgetting that you and rika weren’t the same person, that you weren’t a body replacement for her, it just was bad to be around so you left, noticing that he and toge started to hang out together more if they’re not watching u.

- Anyway from this position if he lets go of the weight of your whole body falls onto his cock, and he bounces you back you in ease. This would be so hot if the other boys weren’t trying to claim your face

- Yuta was the most fixed on you while toge was the most needy. Yuuji was the most clingy and Megumi was the most yearned.

- Toge come over here and help us out. Toge puts himself in you too, you can feel yuta digging in deep from behind while toge rubs against your g-spot or is that your bladder?

- You don’t know as yuta holds you up between the two boys.

- You lol your head to the side and the boys nip at your neck and ear and kiss at each other, tongues twirling before they separate on soft parts of your body

- Toge pulls himself out and brings your head down on him. Changing angles yuta rhythmically pounds into you from behind. The angle making him feel larger, you waste no time taking toge in your mouth, you tasted megumis cum, your own juices and the precum of the other two.

- This was an average Tuesday tbh, sometimes yuuji comes by to watch, sometimes we just record and watch later with everyone.

- Right now could be a good time, maybe they set up a camera somewhere before you milked Megs.

- You’ll think about it later, right now why don’t you give him a show.

- You held yourself up with your hands, sometimes with your knees. Putting your hands on the back of his hips to pull and push him into your head rather they bob your head all around.

- You pull him all the way into your throat, letting him adjust and lose himself into the tight wet hot hole. Yuta moving you all around was also aiding in his pleasure.

- Looking up trying to get a glimpse of his pretty purple eyes, you loved being able to hear his voice, so him whimpering had you all sorts of messed up

- Yuta knew it too, his voice being so pretty though demanding, it was so cool. But he also knew because you’d squeeze in him whenever toge got loud.

- Megumi couldn’t stop watching you, he could only admire you, his best friend holding him as he caught his breath.

- He was eating up every angle of you, Yuuji also watching intently, patiently. His bulge was grinding into Megumi, his hands teasing and sensually grabbing at the mess you’ve created. “He could control himself.” We all hoped.

————————————————-

A/N: Next ch is 3/9 (megs fr this time, yuuj, n sukuna. (And finishing off these two.))

[just-a-carrot]

this is on my mind now. what would the main cast + Hunar, Cecil, jerry dress up as for halloween this year/ whats their go to halloween costume?

i remember i answered this question before last halloween laksdjfa but i'll expand upon it

my first answer would ofc be what they're dressed up as in the halloween art i drew:

but for even more possibilities...

Iggy: Jughead from the Archie Comics, Shion from No. 6, a humanized version of Escargon from the Kirby anime

Genzou: King Dedede from the Kirby anime (I think this would be a cute double costume with Iggy tbh... LOL), Ash Ketchum from Pokemon (with a Pikachu plush ldkjfasldkf)

Orlam: Alistor from Hazbin Hotel, Battler from Umineko, Patrick Bateman from American Psycho, Garfield

Gidget: Utena from Revolutionary Girl Utena, Kino, from Kino's Journey

Bucks: Ellen Ripley from Alien, Sarah Connor from Terminator 2

Hunar: He would probably always dress up as something to go along with Bucks for fun as a duo; I could see them going as Westley and Buttercup from Princess Bride or Calhoun and Felix from Wreck-it Ralph

Cecil: Alfred from Batman, Thomas from Downton Abbey

Jerry: The rabbit from Donnie Darko

[oya-oya-okay]

I'm kinda curious, when do you think your interest in azurido started? Did you have any other ships you were interested in before/are interested in now that are overshadowed?

Wow, such a great question!!😍💗 Thank you very much for your interest!💕💕💕

Actually, I think I got carried away with AzuRido from the age of 14-15, I really liked their duo, but I didn't see them as a romantic couple. They were my favorite characters and I loved seeing them just when they interacted with each other!!💖💖💖

Then when I was 16, they appeared together in book 6! I STILL REMEMBER HOW HAPPY I WAS WHEN THEY WERE TOGETHER, WW~~ I then drew a drawing because of this!👇

Then on my 17 my dear friend Mugi drew me an AzuRido drawing! I thought then, "Why not try it?". So I officially started drawing AzuRido at the age of 17 last year🥰

In fact, I VERY RARELY SHIP ANYONE, really🙃 The only other ship I had that I drew was the KureGure from ONS, www~ This is probably ship and in general the fandom that I left🤔

WELL, IN SHORT, I ship only what I'm interested in/like💕 And if I come up with something, I'll draw it even if it's another ship and not AzuRido!! But I also remain a person who finds it difficult to ship someone, find a reason and create an idea at the same time, so AzuRido is really something special for me

But also Sasaki to Miyano, Hirano to Kagiura!!!😭💗💖💗💖 I love them very much, it's just that sometimes it's hard for me to come up with something<3

[specialagentlokitty]

Wednesday/Enid x reader - a monster

I would be just fine for any plots for that Ghoul!Reader x Wednesday/Wenclair one. I havent thought of bringing tokyo ghoul into the fold and now im just imagining scenarios. But reader being secretive about being a ghoul and nevermore sourcing reader with human flesh just for them to live and not become beserk - @tundra1029 💜

You were dancing a little to the music flowing through your dorms as you were tidying things away that you had scattered about during the week.

Humming along to the music, you grabbed some clothes and jumped over the chair to your bed, folding them away as you used your kagune to grab some more clothes from across the room and set them on your bed.

There was a loud knock on your door and you jumped, putting your kagune away, you checked yourself in the mirror by the door, red eyes fading to normal as you blinked.

Once you were sure everything looked normal you opened the door and beamed at the duo who stood on the other side.

“Hey! Come on in!”

They walked in and looked around at the bomb site of a room.

“This is ridiculous you’re never in here.” Wednesday sighed.

“I know, but I was cleaning.” You grinned sheepishly.

“Cleaning it throwing stuff?” Enid chuckled.

You laughed a little bit, rubbing the back of your neck with a small grin as you struggled and went back to folding your clothes.

Wednesday started to organise your desk while Enid helped you put your clothes away.

“We’re going to the cafe for dinner, are you coming?” Enid asked.

Gulping a little bit, you glanced at her before turning away and shaking your head a little bit.

“Sorry, but I have a meeting with Weems.”

“Didn’t you have one last month?” Wednesday asked.

“Yeah, but I have to have one every month since my outburst last year.” You pouted a little.

“Outburst?”

You sighed and turned around to face Wednesday, sitting on the bed you fiddled with the hem of your hoodie as you looked up at her.

Enid smiled and sat next to you, placing a hand on your shoulder and gave it a small squeeze.

“(Y/N) has uncontrollable anger issues, even the smallest things can set them off.”

You nodded your head.

“Yeah, so Weems is teaching me how to keep it under control, and she does regular check ups on me.”

Wednesday nodded her head and went back to what she whole doing while you simply carried on with your cleaning.

As evening drew closer, you watched them all leave before you made your way over to the principals office and lightly knocked on the door.

She announced for you to come in and you make sure the door was closed behind you.

“Good evening (Y/N).”

“Hey Weems, sorry I’m late.”

“That’s fine, come, sit.”

You did and she offered you a cup of coffee which you happily accepted and sipped at as she reviewed your grades and the progress you were making.

This part of the meeting didn’t take very long, it was just standard things she had to go through to make sure everything was on track.

“We’ve got some more food for you, but I’m sorry you’ll have to have to make this last. The CCG are in town and we can’t get you anymore.”

“That’s fine, I can stretch this out for a few months, I may have to drop some classes during that time though.”

“That’s fine, we can get you your work to your dorm, and keep everyone away from you.”

“What about Wednesday and Enid? They come by every single day.”

“We’ll tell them that you’ve gone to visit your family for personal reasons, everything will be taken care of you haven’t a need for worry.”

You sighed, running your hand through your hair as you shook your head at her.

“Weems we both know keeping me here during that time is a bad idea, you saw what I did last year.”

“Trust me, I remember.”

Weems rolled up her sleeve to show the ugly scar on her arm, clear that someone had taken a chunk out of her skin.

She then rolled her sleeve back down.

“As a ghoul the need to eat will drive me into a pure animalistic impulse, there won’t be a single thought in me and I’m scared of that.” You sighed.

Weems got up and walked over, placing her hand on your shoulder.

“I won’t let that happen okay? We’ll get you everything you need until the CCG leave (Y/N). Ghoul or not, you are still a student of Nevermore and I protect my students.”

You nodded your head and accepted the package she had given to you and stuffed it into your bag before quickly zipping it up.

“The moment I feel out of control I’m leaving the school.”

“As long as you return.”

You nodded and rushed back to your room.

You didn’t have long until they got back, so you ate a small bit and ignored your stomach crying out for more and you unlocked your fridge and stuffed it in there.

Then you washed the plate you used and washed your face.

You loved your friends but you couldn’t ever let them find out what you were

[radidadood]

Rise drabble y'all yep yep featuring urs truly foot!Leo <3 Forgive me it shouldn't be this long- A drabble ain't even a drabble anymore- Edit: pss I drew this drabble

You wiped the blood on your lips, keeping your eyes narrowed at the man you once knew.

"C'mon (Y/n), we don't have to keep doing this. Just surrender yourself to us. To me. Simple as that and we won't have to fight each other anymore." His husky voice rings in your ear.

Again. As if this will be the last before you yield.

This is amusing to him. The chasing, the game between cat and mouse. He catches you and you fight back. Then he let you escape on purpose. Everytime. Then it repeats like a routine for the both of you.

You know. He knows you know because that's why he allows you to escape. That shit eating grin he often wears to pissed you off on purpose.

How did it get to this?

New York falling apart. Almost every inch of the cities there is no place where the Shredder doesn't own.

People feared for their lives day and night. Unable to risk themselves to go out to look for supplies.

That is your duty. Looking for supplies for the others before curfew. And everytime he always seems to get in your way.

How did he turn out like this?

You remember laughing with him. Pulling jokes together. Playing video games together. Having midnight snacks together because you guys would suffer insomnia almost every night.

He was always so cheerful. So loving. Loyal and caring. He was the face of the team. A leader. A friend. A brother. A son.

What had happened to that Leo?

What gave him away?

What did he miss?

What did he lose?

Thunder cracked upon the sky, snapping you back to reality. You hardened your grips on your sword as you stood your ground.

On the wrong time, your mind decided to occupy you once more by torturing you with stupid flashbacks. You eventually fall for the blue clad throughout the years knowing him and the guys. You two were the closest friends. A duo. Two peas in a pod. You were inseparable. But you decided to bury your feelings deep down, afraid you would ruin your friendship.

You cringed at the thought. You liked- no- loved Leo.

But this isn't Leo.

Leo is no more.

Replaced by this…monster.

Poisoned by another monster. A monster that is much worse than him.

The rain drops reminded you again of the present. The turtle in front of you has been patient with you all evening. You're quite lucky to find out that he hadn't lost his patience after he turned his back on his family. Which means there is still part of Leo left in him. And it pains you deeply.

He pulled a grin, tilting his head while raising his hand and gestured to you to make your last call. It's always like this. He would ask you the first time for you to surrender and you would decline. He'd ask again and you'd give him the same answer. The third same request will be his last warning and you guys would spar after you gave him your final answer.

And tonight as always, you still refuse to give him what he want.

He shrugged, raising his shoulders before cracking his neck and gave his sword a couple of warm up swings.

You stood your ground, waiting for him to give you his special attack like he always does. He didn't take off his smile before speeding himself towards you. You let out the breath you've been holding, embracing yourself for the impact as he charge at you.

Masterlist

[astraystayastayastray]

Straykids as Your Boyfriend (Hyung Line)

Pairing: fem!reader + idol!straykids!hyungline

Genre: fluff

A/N: first time doing imagines!! sorry if its a bit rusty ;(

[HyungLine!] | MaknaeLine

Warning: Nothing here is real! All fictional!

Description: straykids love language with girlfriend (you!)

DO NOT COPY WORK.

BANGCHAN - CHILDHOOD FRIENDS/SECRET RELATIONSHIP

♤

- Friends ever since u guys were born

- Confessed to you and now in a secret relationship!

- Texts you sweet messages every single day

- He's so delulu about you

- Thinks of you 24/7

- Usual relax chill dates are at the recording studio

- You're always either sitting on his lap or laying comfortably on top of him at the couch

- Gets caught by other members and always teased

- Shy and clingy around you!

- Hold hands

- Careful in public but gives you all the love you deserve all the same <3

- Talks about you nonstop with the members

- Sometimes when you walk out of your apartment in the morning for work, there's coffee and breakfast in a to go box at your front door with a note...

Eat up and goodluck at work today darling~ Love you with all my heart!

- channie

LEEKNOW - ENEMIES TO LOVERS

♡

- If someone dare asks you two who confessed first, the both of you'll get into a fight immediately

- You'll say that Minho used to bully you at school

- And Minho'll defend himself that you fell head over heels for him and asked him out

- But you vividly remember Minho dragging you into an empty classroom, trapping you between his arms with your back against the wall, and demand that you be his girlfriend

- He acts like none of that ever happened as if you guys just somehow met and started dating <3

- You love his cats and always spend time at his house everyday

- Always tends to nudge you farther away from the cars in the street whenever walking together outside

- Asks for a kiss on the cheek once in a while

- Private insta account is filled with pictures of you

- Back hugs and kisses!

- When you're having a bad day, you smell delicious food coming from your house as you slowly walk towards it.

- Right before you open the front door, a text always dings from your phone...

"You take forever to walk home hurry up the kids miss u!! Lets eat!"

- ur minho

CHANGBIN - LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT/SCHOOL

☆

- You never really beleived in soulmates..

- Until u met changbin

- Introduced from a friend

- Acts loud and strong around u but inside hes a nervous wreck

- He kept insisting that his camera was for the school newspaper but actually took pictures of you

- Gets jealous easily! ^^

- Scoots himself closer to you whenever someone else starts talking to u too much

- Carelessly puts his arm around you which makes u get hot in the face

- One day you forgot ur umbrella..

- Changbin was waiting for u in front of ur locker to let u "borrow" his

- Ended up walking home together

- Confessed his feelings for you before you entered ur home!

- Restaurant dates (ofc)

- Movies

- holds ur hand and slips it into his hoodie pocket to keep u warm

- always says the cutest cheesiest stuff to you (but u secretly like it)

"I never believed in love at first sight.. but luckily for me it's right in front of me. Right here, right now."

- binnie

HYUNJIN - SCHOOL CRUSH

♧

- Always brings up last year christmas in the middle of dating

- The day he confessed to you <3

- Started off as school desk partners

- Always made you the main subject of every painting he ever did in art classes

- Whenever you ask who that person is, he always replied, "Someone I like."

- Loves talking tea with you

- Judges anyone and everyone together

- The big sass duo

- Took THE LONGEST TIME EVER to confess, couldve filmed a kdrama

- Finally was able to get himself in front of you and confess

- On Christmas Eve night, under the glowing moon, when the first snow of the year fell <3 eek so romantic

- You have an addiction with ice cream so ur hands and body feels cold often

- He clasps your hands with his to make it warmer

- Keeps all painting he ever drew of you and all photos he took of you and stores it all in an album

"I want to be someone's last love than their first because love is meant to be eternal. I'd like to spend that 'eternal' with you."

- jinnie

◇

Check out masterlist for more.

REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED! THANKS FOR READING!

[sabineweek]

Prompt Showcase: Sabine & Ahsoka

Hello, and welcome to Prompt Showcase, a weekly series where I share some things I like about this prompt in the hope of getting people inspired for Sabine Week! We will be starting with our first prompt, "Sabine & Ahsoka", but before that...

What is your favorite part about Sabine and Ahsoka's relationship? What do you find most compelling? Please reblog with your addition (or send an ask, or comment, or in the tags...whatever you want! Ramble away!!)

Sabine and Ahsoka are the heart of the Ahsoka TV series, where they appear as a reluctant and traumatized Master & Padawan duo, but their relationship goes back about 14 years prior (yes, you read that correctly, fellow Rebels veterans) to the early days of the Rebellion.

At first, Sabine was suspicious of Ahsoka as Fulcrum. Her past at the Imperial Academy, well...let's just say it gave her mad trust issues.

(gif cred. skyguyed)

However, once Ahsoka revealed herself to the Ghost Crew, Sabine grew to respect her. Ahsoka proved herself to be an adult that she could trust, just as she could trust Hera and Kanan. After Ahsoka's "death" at the hands of Vader in the S2 finale, Sabine repainted one of her pauldrons with a convor in memory of Ahsoka, the same thing she'd eventually do to remember her closest friend Ezra after his own disappearance.

(gif cred. macgregor)

At the end of Rebels (and the beginning of Ahsoka) the two of them embark on a journey to find Ezra together, but much has changed since we last saw them together. Ahsoka feared what Sabine might become if she was trained in the Jedi ways, after the destruction of Sabine's home planet Mandalore. Sabine isolated herself on Lothal, mourning her family and angry at Ahsoka for her mistrust. The parallels that Ahsoka drew between Sabine and Anakin are fascinating and eerie, and at one point it feels like Ahsoka's fears are proven right: Sabine is too fearful, too attached to be trained. In the most vital moment, she chooses her attachment to Ezra over the safety of the galaxy and Ahsoka's teachings. Ahsoka has no choice but to go after her.

(gif cred. sersi)

In the end, it's Ahsoka as much as Sabine who has to face her internal demons so that Sabine can properly begin her Jedi training. Just like Sabine, Ahsoka still mourns the death of her Jedi family at the hands of her old Master, and his transformation into Darth Vader haunts her. In order for the two of them to move forward, they must both let go of the past. And, as Huyang says...

(gif cred. davidtennantedits)

[saphiraprince22]

His First Love

Author Talks: Thank you so much for the ask I hope this is what you were looking for.

Warnings: A little bit of angst in the form of maternal jealousy and dad Azriel ;) Lots of love Saph ❤❤

Its been 2 years since you gave birth to your beautiful daughter, who is the prefect mix of both you and Azriel. She had his wings and his dark hair while she inherited your eyes. And you love her but sometimes you just couldn't help but feel jealous of her.

She had Azriel, your mate, wrapped around her little fingers the moment she came into the world. You remember all the nights she had spent crying only to calm down when Azriel held her. You tried very hard to not be disheartened by this and sometimes would cry to yourself when it became too much.

And Azriel the sweetheart that he is always assured you that she loved you just as much and made sure that he spent time with both of you and also tried to include you in their games and as she grew older you realized that it became easier.

But lately things had difficult as missions and work burdened Azriel, due to which he spent less and less time with both of you making your little angel cranky and irritated.

It was so hard that somedays you only saw a glimpse of your mate and that too with your daughter before your eyes became too heavy to keep them open only to wake in the bed in the morning without your mates warm presence and a note apologizing for not being there and yet another false promise of coming home early.

You knew you couldn't blame him, his job was just as important as it was spending time with you guys, but you just wished you could at least see him in the morning before he left for his meetings.

Today had been the last straw as your daughter refused to listen to you no matter what you promised her. It had been nearly midnight before she fell asleep, with an half empty stomach and you knew that she would wake up in sometime as she would be hungry.

You were sitting on the sofa exhausted beyond means when you heard someone winnow to your door step and smiled knowingly, waiting for Azriel to swoop in make it all ok.

Just like you expected in came Azriel with a smile that made him look even more handsome than usual. He was in his leathers and was probably exhausted but that didn't matter as he was always loved to spend time with his family.

The smile on his face grew when he saw you and you were pretty sure that your face mirrored it.

He held you in his arms as you kissed him as you would never see each other again. You rested your forehead on his as you two panted softly, he was going to say something before it was interrupted by a shrill cry of your daughter and before you could even blink Azriel had left you to run to his daughter.

You heaved a sign as you took your little angels food from the kitchen and treaded upstairs to your daughters room to see Azriel try to calm your daughter as she cried her lungs out.

You told Azriel to hold her as you tried to feed her but she wasn't having it as she yelled out and Azriel quickly took the bowl out of your hand a fed your daughter as she silently ate as if she just hadn't thrown a tantrum.

You knew you were being an idiot but you couldn't help but feel hurt. It felt as though you didn't mean as much as Azriel to your daughter and you believed that you didn't mean much to Azriel as well, this thought drew tears to your eyes as you silently left the father daughter duo who were too busy to even notice your absence.

Your locked yourself in your shared bathroom as you cried quietly to make sure you didn't disturb them.

Unbeknownst to you Azriel did notice your absence but couldn't say anything as his daughter was almost asleep and he didn't want to wake her up again.

He set her on her bed and left the room quietly only for his shadows to report to him that you were crying and as much as you tried to shield your emotions by blocking your bond but he still felt it.

He quickly moved to your shared room and knocked on the bathroom door, "Love can I please come in?"

"In a minute" he heard you mumble and a moment later he heard the tap running. You stepped out and pretended to be ok but he knew you.

"Love, I am so sorry-" "There is no need to be sorry Az" you interrupted him.

You tried to move towards the bed but he held your shoulder so that you wouldn't move away without talking to him about what happened.

"I need you tell me what's wrong my love." Azriel whispered in your ears. "Like I said there is nothing wrong" "You wouldn't have left the room if you were alright."

You huffed a breath and embraced yourself as you refused to meet his eyes and mumbled, "It's just that after her birth, you don't spend time with as you used too, and that she seems to love you more than she loves me and that just reminded me how less time you spend with me these days and that maybe you don't love me anymore."

You would have most probably rambled ahead if you hadn't noticed Azriel trying to hide a smile.

"Are you laughing at me Azriel?" You questioned indignantly, "I am not laughing at you my dearest, but something tells me that my mate is jealous."

You sputtered at that, "I am not jealous of my own daughter, Azriel, it's just that I wish you would spend more time with me too."

Azriel eyes softened as held your chin up so that you could see the honesty in his eyes.

" I am so sorry my love for not being able to spend as much time as I want to with you, it's been busy at the court, but tell you what, how about we go out just the two of us and we will let Rhysand and Feyre baby sit our little angle."

"Just the two of us, like we used to" "Yes my love just like old times."

Your face brightened at that and quickly kissed him. "And let me tell you, Our daughter loved you too, She told me not to tell you this but she is preparing a small girt for your birthday."

"Really" you were so touched by your little ones thought and scolded yourself for feeling jealous.

"Azriel I am so sorry, I just thought that-"

"Now don't complete that, remember that you are my first love and that I am so thankful to you for giving me another angel in my life."

"I love you Azriel" You mumbled as he kissed you, and lifted you to bed as you giggled in his arms.

And he spent the rest of the night whispering just how much he loved you the whole night.

Taglist:

@aroseinvelaris

[emmashouldbewriting]

And this quote too 😂

An extract from Endgame, which is published on Tuesday, November 28, claims that the 'silence was palpable' during the 150 second car journey from their residences to the Long Walk, which he says 'must have taken an eternity'.

In particular, he drew attention to 'the lack of communication between Meghan and Kate', as well as the tension between Prince Harry and Prince William.

Anyone could see that Catherine was not happy about the situation, she was maybe even mad at William too for even putting her in that situation (I’m a bit upset at William and KP for it since she was so visible uncomfortable) but Omid/H&M really can’t understand why there’s tension and Catherine not wanting to talk to Meghan? I know it’s because no one really gives a shit about what H&M does, but it’s like no one remembers that only a week before this Meghan have a pretty inflammatory article where she at the very least threw digs at the way George, Charlotte, and Louis are brought up. Or that Meghan’s friends have been all over social media taking shit about mostly Cathrine for years. Does she care about that? Maybe not, but I wouldn’t be nice to the person who’s gossiping about me.

NOT 150 SECONDS

What a dreadful 2.5 minutes that must have been for the shittalking duo

I've had shits last longer than that car ride

[starlightgirl242]

Throwback Thursday: My Drawings for the School’s Carnival

These are my drawings for one of the food stands at my school’s carnival. I drew Benjamin Fairest, Soft Pico, the Spooky Kids, Hex, Carol, and Boyfriend. (and Girlfriend and Whitty are here too, but they’re small cameos.)

If you want to know the short stories behind those pictures, they go like this:

Soft Duo: Soft Pico had a jar of caterpillars on the table. Someone left him a cheeseburger with fries and he came back, the caterpillar jar is empty and is wondering about their whereabouts. Meanwhile, Benjamin is enjoying his pickle-free hamburger with fries where he noticed a few caterpillars crawling inside of his sweatshirt pocket. When his hand reached inside, colorful butterflies come out. Much to his amazement.

Spooky Kids: Skid is preparing his lunch for his spooky picnic with Pump, with his mother’s permission of course. All the while, Pump is buying a hot dog from a spooky monster (possibly the Eyes of the Universe) with his pocket money.

Hex: Hex is serving a plate of chicken fingers with fries to a new friend of his, bringing joy to them with the meal.

Carol: Carol is thinking about buying some conch fritters (fried seafood) to her love interest, Whitty.

Boyfriend: Girlfriend brought some fries to share with Boyfriend and he’s delighted about it, especially after a week of enjoyable and lively rap battles.

Last year, I drew these for the carnival at my school. I had a fun time here, enjoying the outdoors with delicious food and soda to boot. Of course, I remember being disappointed about my drawings not being included to my teacher’s food stand… But, after I had a few moments of sobbing, I start to feel better and enjoy the wonders of my school carnival. 🎡🎠🎢🎈🌤😔😊💕

[whysamwhy123]

✨Fic Writing Review 2023✨

Tagged by the wonderful dynamic duo that is @aerodaltonimperial and @perhapswhoknowsvamp and it's very fitting that those two lovely people tagged me because they're a big reason why I wrote much of anything this year! Took me a while to get this done because I wanted to get my last fic of the year out the door first. I'll put the rest below the cut, and fair warning - it's loooooong. This bitch doesn't shut up, so I rambled on. A lot.

Words and Fics

76, 222 words published on AO3 in 2023

15 fics published on AO3 (16 if you count that one kinkmeme prompt I filled and posted anonymously)

2 little tumblr ficlets

Top 3 by Kudos

Voice in the Dark - Hookhausen (not super surprising, considering it was a popular pairing at the time, and it was the fic I wrote for the anniversary event)

Kids These Days And Their Darn Phones - Hookhausen

Half Your Age Plus Seven - OrangeHook (I continue to be incredibly surprised how well this fic did, like...huh?!)

Top 3 by Hits

Voice in the Dark - Hookhausen

Voice in the Dark, Part Two - Hookhausen (how fitting, LOL)

Half Your Age Plus Seven - OrangeHook (Seriously, what was it about this fic that drew people in? More so than any of my other OrangeHook fics? Like, I'm grateful and all but also confused, like this fic is way too long?! And weird about the age difference?!)

Author's Favourite

As much as I'm loving writing OrangeHook now, I think Voice in the Dark, Part Two is probably the best thing I've written? Even though it's also overly long and gets weird at the end (very much did not expect it to go in that direction when I started writing it), I'm actually pretty proud of how that one turned out. I had a clear vision in my head for how each scene would play out and what I wanted to get across, and man, I remember how most of the Hook/Evilhausen dialogue popped into my brain late one night when I couldn't sleep, so I spat it out into a doc and then about a month later when I actually wrote the scene, I don't think I changed a single word? I just added everything else around it, all the not-dialogue parts. And it was just a lot of fun getting to carry on that story, especially as someone who hasn't managed to crank out a proper multi-chapter fic yet. Who knows, maybe I'll return to that world someday...

Fandom Events in 2023

Uh, well, I guess I did the whole Hookhausen Anniversary thing? And...that's about it. I'm pretty disconnected from the fandom at large, whoopsie daisy 😬

Upcoming Projects

Hoo boy.

I have over 5k words of a Ricky/Christian Sugar Baby AU thing written already. I haven't posted it because it kinda needs some smut and that's still not something I can really do. I might post it someday, if I can make something work, or alternatively do what I normally do and put an annoying fade to black in there. Or maybe I'll think better of it and never post it because it's very self-indulgent and I highly doubt anyone else would really be interested or want me to continue it or anything. But I have Ideas for it...so many ideas...

Also, in my ill-fated quest to try and make myself write smut, I kinda started a Ricky/Bill championship celebration fic. Maybe I'll revisit that? Try to get it done?

And then there's that one fic I really want to work on, but have barely started. I've vague-posted about it here before - it's an incredibly fucked-up Dead Dove fic about Daniel Garcia and a Very Bad, Not-Good thing that happens to him, and the subsequent complete mental breakdown that follows. I've had the idea rattling around in my brain for the better part of a year at this point, despite not making much actual progress on it. Every time I think about it though, I have new ideas for scenes or dialogue. I'd like to make it work, but I don't know if I have the writing chops to handle it, plus it would probably end up being super long and nobody would want to read it, so it'd feel like a huge waste of time on my part? And I've had the idea for so long, it's out-dated too. But still, the urge remains...

Oh, and I still have a ton of OrangeHook ideas I'd like to make happen. Some are, of course, about their age difference. Some would (ideally) involve smut. And others... *nervous laughter* Others would likely result in an ''Everyone disliked that'' situation...

Writing Reflection

I was thinking about making a sappy post about this and whoops, here's my excuse! I don't talk a lot on here about my tragic backstory because honestly, who cares? But I will say this - before January of this year, I hadn't written a word of anything in years. Fic or otherwise. I used to love writing, but Stuff Happened and it killed all enjoyment I got out of it, and I thought that's how it would be forever. Then, for reasons I can't even remember, I started reading fic again, specifically in this wild little fandom of ours, and y'all are just so talented that it made my untalented ass want to give it another shot. So...I did.

I remember when I posted my first fic in ages back in January, I thought ''Maybe about three people will read this and no one will leave a comment or anything, but whatever, I wrote a thing and that's something I haven't done in years so that's enough for me!'' And to be honest, I still think that whenever I post stuff now? It's crazy to me that anyone actually reads my stuff and gets some kind of kick out of it. But every kudos and comment floors me and brings me so much joy, I can't even express it properly. I have to say a huge thank you to anyone who's ever read one of my fics, left kudos or dropped a comment. Whoever and wherever you are, you made my day!

And look, I ain't delusional. I know that calling myself a small fish in the fandom would be too generous. But I'm fine with that - because I'm genuinely enjoying writing again and that's what matters most to me. Even though I've also rediscovered how stressful writing can be (🙂🙂🙂) when it comes down to it, there's joy and happiness in my life that wasn't there last year and that's all because I started writing again. And because some lovely folks here decided to let me know they liked what I was throwing out there. The years have not been kind to ol' Sammy Sam-Sam and this year was no exception, but getting to forget about all that shit and write my silly little wrestling fanfiction has been a great distraction and a comfort through this whole year.

So...yeah. Thanks to everyone who's ever commented on my writing, thanks to the folks who follow me on here (I don't know how you manage that though, I'm such an annoying bitch, aren't you sick of me yet?) and thanks to anyone who I've had the chance to chat with about writing and ships and whatever silly little ideas pop into my head (any of y'all feel free to message me at any time, I am always down to blab about whatever blorbos/ideas take your fancy). I'm hoping I can keep this train a-rollin' a little more next year. Still thinking back to when I started writing again, I made my new AO3 account expecting to write Dustjim only, but then I quickly decided I couldn't write those two well enough, and since then I've bounced around a bunch of different pairings, with a few rarepairs shoved in between for good measure. God only knows where my head will be at this time next year, LOL. I'd love to finally be able to attempt some of the bigger ideas I've been cooking up for a while now. Maybe I'll even write a proper multi-chapter fic? We'll see, but this bitch can dream, at least.

Rules:

Feel free to show whatever stats you have. Only want to show Ao3 stats? Rock on. Want to include some quantitative info instead of stats? Please do this. Want to change how yours is presented? Absolutely do that. Would rather eat glass than do this? Please do eat glass, I’ve heard it’s good for your gums.

I'm not going to tag anyone because I'm pretty sure everyone I know who writes has already been tagged? So if you're reading this and you haven't, go ahead and do it! By which I mean, eat glass. Eat all the glass that you want. Accidents happen in the dark.

[tomyo]

Maka Supplementals

Hey welcome to my "Maka Supplementals" post aka when you become so obsessed with an anime character, you start to treat any other character that looks like them as that character. I've been in this fandom and ancient amount of time and for some reason, I'll just notice a very Maka like quality in them.

Neiro from Kaiba

I'm probably ruining myself by starting with the best. Kaiba (2008) is really a series you can easily project not just Maka AND Soul but the rest main cast onto. I stg I thought Bstar and Popo had the same VA (they definitely have the same god complex). Naturally the pigtails and droopy eyes were a huge connector and the orange/green color scheme is frequently used to represent our fav duo. As for the story, it's mostly around Kaiba and Neiro being just out of reach of each other and a new technology that allows people to store and transfer memories to new bodies. Neiro also makes a good Kaiba type as a stern person in the present but soft and kind in the past/later on. She also has family trauma which may be a theme. On its own it's a masterpiece but I actually made my first SE friend in part due to us both separately coming into SExKaiba au art.

Mikan from Gakuen Alice

I only ever read the series but I figured anime art would pop more. Mikan, the mc, our classic lightish hair color in pigtails and you could possibly call her eyes droopy shaped. Tbh I can hardly remember this series since it's been 11+ years since I last read it but I do remember Mikan having mother issues. If I remember right it's a magic academy shoujo and I probably wouldn't have included it but I wanted to show off that cute angel outfit she's wearing.

Shizuku from Tonari no Kaibutsu

When I watched this series in 2014, this was the first time I said "Oh, this character is just Maka" and thus this list was born. Did you ever want to experience Maka in a Shoujo where her love interest looks like DtK but acts like Bstar? Here you are, the most frustrating romance ever. Shizuku Mizutani is a pretty perfect Maka type, she's quiet, serious, extremely studious, and constantly annoyed by everyone else's shenanigans. One day she's sent to deliver socially maladjusted Haru Yoshida his homework and naturally a classic nightmare romance starts. I'm not kidding when I say every episode one of the two confesses to the other who then turns them down. Honestly, that's the plot. The first confession is right at the end of episode one and it doesn't stop. Can't lie though, I love high school tropes and aesthetics so it's a fun way to reimagine the crew's life going.

Kirin from Gakuen Babysitters

Absolute baby. If you want to imagine was toddler Maka was like then Kirin is pretty good for that. She's not really a main focus of the story but Gakuen Babysitters is still surprisingly good. Kirin really feels like the tiny Maka we saw in Chrona's soul, very outgoing and friendly to those who aren't as confident. She often fights with a Black Star like nursery mate and has an aggressively doting dad that aligns perfectly with Spirit. One small story arc with her is wanting to be a witch. Not really a lot of anything but a cute detail to point out.

Marnie from Pokemon

She has pigtails and 2011 me drew Maka in the exact same outfit. Ngl, this is a real head empty one but I'm still not over that happening.

Nino from Fukumenki Noise

Sorry this is actually just another kind of annoying shoujo. Outside of the hair, Nino is pretty much nothing like Maka. Unlike most series where the story is a string of misunderstandings, Nino's naivety is often a major problem where she cheerily sings over listening to her best friend/crush's home problems and doesn't reflect on the ways her actions could be affecting others. So why is she on here? The music segments. There's this raw and unpolished nature to the singing that really just brings something special to it. Honestly just watch the singing proportions, ignore the bad cgi (in 2017 no less) and pretend its Maka "I don't get music" Albarn singing it.

Sana from Kodomo no Omocha

Probably the only series I've watched before Soul Eater on this list. I recently rewatched and kept feeling weird about the Maka vibes I was getting off of it. Sana does start the series pretty annoyed her schooling is being interrupted and her middle school uniform looks like the Sparoi uniform but her more core characteristics is being a child star and is extremely hyperactive because of it. So what was it? She's voiced by Laura Bailey. It's very interesting to hear her distinctive wobble in Sana's voice. Of course that isn't all, Sana has family issues and her genki personality is related to people pleasing so it's interesting to see when that facade drops. While the manga leaves a stronger impression, the end of 17- start of 18 has a few particularly beautifully scenes of animation.

Also something I want to point out is Sana's amazing wardrobe. Despite being 90s, the bright colors work great for Y2K looks that feel right for Mala's style sense. I wish I could use more than 10 photos to show them off. The anime uses a lot of long sleeves and skirts and the manga has some more trendy fashions like the fur trim cardigans that are popular right now so I'd look there for some outfit Y2K revival references.

[l1teraryangel]

3 x 3 (Ch. 1 - A Mishap)

Chapter Warning: Sexual Content, Consensual Polyamory

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

Two young men, Malik Ishtar and Yugi Mutou, sat upon a sectional couch in their shared home, staring at the third and final member of their household, Ryou Bakura, seated upon the floor. His tongue poked out of his lips as he studied over and over the symbols of his occult book, blissfully oblivious to his roommates bewilderment.

Yugi glanced at Malik, back to Ryou, and then Malik again. “So, Ryou… What, uh… Whatcha doin’?”

“Working on our Christmas gift,” Ryou said, smiling without looking away from his book. His matter-of-fact tone, coupled with the bizarre task he assigned himself, was endearing, or at least Malik and Yugi thought so. 

“And what is this mysterious gift that requires a summoning circle?” Malik asked and gestured to the chalk painting their high quality wood floor.

Ryou’s nose scrunched, a giggle reverberating in his throat. “I can’t tell you the details! It’s a surprise.”

Unable to deny his curiosity, Yugi frowned. “Ryou, you aren’t trying to do something crazy like summon a spirit of festive joy again, are you?”

Holding a hand to his chest, Ryou gasped, “Yugi Mutou! I would not repeat a gift one year to the next! I have integrity as a creative soul.”

Malik chuckled and prodded Yugi with his elbow. “Yeah, Yugi, don’t you know your boyfriend has standards by now?" His lavender eyes twinkled. “I did like that spirit, though. Really knew how to mix a damn good drink.”

Beaming, Ryou blew Malik a kiss. “Maybe for Valentine’s, if you behave, my lovely Malik.”

“I always behave.” Both Yugi and Ryou laughed. “What? I haven’t been a crime boss in like a decade. You cannot keep holding it over me.” 

The duo laughed harder, and Malik crossed his arms, exaggerating a pout. “I came out to have a good time, and I honestly feel so attacked right now. If you two are going to bully me, I’m going to lock myself in the bedroom.”

Returning to his book through his giggles, Ryou waved at Yugi. “Would the esteemed King of Games please dote on the renowned King of Drama?”

Clutching his stomach and gasping through the laughter, Yugi barely managed to crawl into Malik’s lap. “As you command, Prince of Darkness.”

The Egyptian huffed, though he grinned as Yugi coated his neck in kisses. “I just want to say that I am offended by this false title. I am the King of Kings, ruler of— aah!”

Malik shuddered, breath hitching, thanks to Yugi dropping his full weight into the blonde’s groin. A sly smirk across the shorter male’s lips revealed the intention behind the well-timed maneuver. 

He sucked on Malik’s jaw, dragging his tongue over the jut of the bone, and whispered in his velvetiest voice, “Sorry, what was that, your highness?”

“I’m going to remember this, Mutou.”

“Good.”

Biting his lip, Ryou tried to focus on the last symbol, but the sounds of escalating arousal were distracting him. He couldn’t be mad since “doting” on Malik was his instruction, but seriously. Did they need to dote on each other in front of his innocent summoning circle? It hadn’t even been completed yet, and they were already polluting its purity with their ragged breaths, moaning, and grumbled swears.

Rude.

He set the chalk down, closed his book, and stood. Dusting off his hands, he stepped over the circle and stared down at his writhing boyfriends. From his position on the bottom of their stack, Malik batted his eyelashes.

“Oh, sorry, were we disrupting you?” His eyes flicked down to the budding bulge tenting Ryou’s jeans. “Need a hand, sweet prince?”

Disregarding the double entendre, Ryou glanced at Yugi. “You should have gagged him if you were gonna go this far. You know he only gets mouthier when he’s pining to be fucked.”

Yugi paused the series of stomach kisses. “The benefit to a threesome, Ryou, is you can shut him up while I cure that need of his.”

The words drew a moan from Malik, though Ryou suspected it was played up to further entice him into abandoning his summoning circle for another thirty minutes or so. Not that it was necessary, since he had already begun undoing his pants while Yugi spoke. He swiped his tongue across his lips when Malik’s hungry eyes greedily fixated on his freed erection.

“Way ahead of you, Yugi. Move over.”

The shortest of the three obliged, pulling Malik by the shirt, thus allowing Ryou to slide right behind the blonde. Said male used the opportunity to shed the clothing, which Ryou rewarded with a light kiss on his upper scars. Yugi eagerly assisted Malik by removing the rest of his obstructive clothes, leaving his beautiful tanned body bare, and Ryou tossed his own shirt to the growing pile on the floor.

“Flip over, Mal,” Ryou instructed, tickling the dip between Malik’s hip and ribs. Malik growled, slapping away Ryou’s hand, and instead yanked Yugi’s shirt over his head. “Ooh, are we playing hard-to-top?”

“Nah,” Malik snickered, unzipping and shoving Yugi’s pants off his hips. “Just want us on even playing ground. I’ll be feisty another day. Right now…”

He flipped over, ass pressed against Yugi’s hardened cock, and ducked his head down to kiss the tip of Ryou’s. His eager efforts earned a needy moan from Yugi and an involuntary, pleased twitch from Ryou. The latter guided his cock to Malik’s lips, shivering when he obediently swirled his tongue around the slit.

“Nngh…” Ryou groaned, tangling his fingers in golden hair. He saw Yugi split Malik’s cheeks, eyes half-lidded as he sucked his middle finger and waited for either lover’s cue. The sight drove Ryou nuts, almost to the point of driving his swollen shaft right into Malik’s throat. 

Through gasps, Ryou tugged Malik back just enough to keep him from swallowing his cock whole. “Malik, the magic words?”

Dabbing his tongue tip-to-tip and teasing his object of desire, Malik gazed at Ryou through his flaxen lashes, passion burning through his irises. “Please fuck me, my most benevolent rulers. Use my body until you're spent.”

Being so benevolent, as Malik put it, Ryou and Yugi gladly granted his request.

***

When Malik, thoroughly fucked, and Yugi, exhausted, fell asleep, Ryou slipped away from beside them. He slid back onto the floor, cracking open his book. Mentally, he practiced his pronunciations, knowing this was a spell he could not afford to screw up. Not if he wanted to give Yugi the best Christmas present. Which he did.

A part of him always felt guilty about Yugi. After the Ceremonial Duel with Atem, when Ryou and Malik first started developing their friendship, Yugi had been alone for the first time in… who knows how long. His friends were there, of course, but they couldn’t be there twenty-four-seven. And while Ryou meant to check in on Yugi, to bond over the mutual solitude they found themselves in after losing their other halves…

He never did. He had no reason to because he found Malik. It never occurred to him during or post-Battle City that he might find a friend, let alone a lover, in the man who once used him for a puppet. Yet, the more they talked, the more Ryou realized they shared things in common. Their love of games, their snarky and occasionally morbid humor, their love of their families, their traumatic pasts. Even the things they didn’t share brought them closer together.

But when Yugi, alone and deprived, called him out of the blue one day to ask him on a date, it broke Ryou’s heart to turn him down and explain he already had a boyfriend. He thanked the gods Malik, in spite of his past feelings towards the pharaoh and his vessel, told him he was open to the idea of letting Yugi join them for a date night.

One date night led to another, then another, and evolved into a sexual threesome before any of the men knew what happened. Feelings seeped into their relationship, and the rest was history. They had been in a three-way relationship for six years, five of which involved genuine romantic feelings for everyone involved. For all intents and purposes, they might as well be married. They owned a decent-sized home together, shared a single bed despite each having their own space for personal items, spent holidays split between Malik’s siblings and Yugi’s mother and grandfather, and overall lived domestic lives.

There were unresolved feelings, however, and honestly, all three of them expressed some level of boredom with the mundane day-to-day. Life was so great, so quiet, so… average. Being with each other was the best part of the day, but compared to their teenage chaos, things were dull. And while none of them would trade their relationship for something new or more exciting, there was no reason, as far as Ryou saw it, they couldn’t add excitement into what they had.

What could be more exciting than resolving past loves and reshaping it into new love? Ryou might only have enough power and knowledge to grant Yugi’s former tenant, Pharaoh Atem, a day pass, but he knew Yugi would be over the moon. For many, many reasons.

‘Since he’s asleep, I’m going to take full advantage and make this the best surprise gift ever! He won’t know what hit him when he wakes up to Atem in our living room.’

Truthfully, he was excited for this, too. He loved Malik and Yugi, but a part of him sometimes fantasized about Atem, dressed in royal garb, seated in a chair while the three of them worshiped his body, head to toe.

Another part of him, tucked deeper into the halls of his heart, also fantasized about a man with hair the color of moonlight and eyes like the night sky. These visions usually accompanied a third, featuring a man with flaxen hair contrasted against copper skin, kohl-lined eyes and irises the color of dried Morning Glory petals.

He never confessed these desires because, given the history associated with the individuals, they were horrendously taboo. How dare he fantasize of the thief who stole and abused his body sneaking into his bed and stealing him away once more. How dare he touch himself over the man, little more than a split personality, who tortured his friends and especially Malik, regardless of how attractive his darkness was.

Keeping such secrets from his lovers left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he worried those thoughts would hurt them. Atem, at least, was harmless. Malik let go of his resentment long, long ago and even suggested Yugi roleplay as him, though the latter shot it down out of forlorn remembrance.

‘Focus, Ryou. Those sort of things are exactly why you are doing this. Malik and I might never be completely at peace with our other halves, so Yugi should get the chance. I’m going to give it to him personally.’

Double-checking the circle one last time, Ryou climbed to his feet and began to chant, funneling his focus into the words and feeling them vibrate through his soul. His magic, usually transparent white swirling around crystal blue, flowed around him in silvery gray wisps. Though it surprised him, he pushed on, refusing to ruin his gift by hesitating.

To his left, Malik and Yugi stirred, pulled out of slumber by the light shining upon their faces. Malik opened his eyes first, groaning, but he gasped when he realized what exactly woke him up. Ryou distantly recognized a poised question, likely aimed at himself, but he kept up his spell.

Yugi, rubbing his eyes, registered the scene slower. He blinked a few times, eyelashes fluttering, brain processing what must be going down. The magic spiraling in their living space intensified, a twister of Ryou’s heka tied down only by the boundaries of the summoning circle.

“R-Ryou…!” Yugi exclaimed over the roar thundering through their home. “What are you doing?”

Finishing the final declaration, Ryou beamed at his boyfriends and allowed his magic to gradually halt. They stared at him, confused and concerned, and Malik demanded, “Ryou Bakura, why did you not wait until we were all awake? You know magic is unpredictable. You could have been hurt!”

“Malik, Yugi,” Ryou sighed, contentment tempting his eyes closed. “I wanted to wake you up once the surprise was here, but I guess it’s okay that you woke up during. Guess we can wrap the gift up together, assuming he will let us.”

“What?” Yugi stared into the magic circle, trying to see past the receding silver swirls. “What is the gift, Ryou? Seriously?”

Ryou hummed and sank to his knees, exhaustion from both the sex and the spell catching up with him. “Maybe you two will have to wrap it yourselves. I’m… really… sleepy…”

Malik darted forward, holding Ryou up by his waist and shoulders. “Ryou Bakura, so help me, don’t you dare pass out until you explain yourself! That is an order.”

“I love when you’re bossy,” Ryou giggled and kissed Malik’s nose. “But, my lovely Malik, I’m tired… You two can figure it out from here, yeah?”

He leaned into Malik’s neck, closing his eyes, and listened to the magic dissipate at last. Both of his boyfriends gasped, which was the reaction he hoped for, but the way Malik began to tremble made Ryou’s emotions sour. His eyes shot open, tired though they were, and went to his summoning circle.

“What’s wrong? Did it not wo—”

His spell worked. Of course it did. He studied it over a hundred times, reciting it mentally and repeatedly confirming his understanding of the arcane symbols and words.

The problem, the one causing at least his one lover distress, was his spell worked too well. Scattered around his summoning circle, naked and unconscious, laid Atem — as intended — and two other men. The very ones Ryou privately dreamed of.

Thief King Bakhura, his former parasite, and Yami Malik, his boyfriend Malik’s sadistic alter ego.

***

“I don’t understand what went wrong,” Ryou groaned, hiding his face in Malik and Yugi’s shoulders. “The spell was supposed to bring one person — one! And I meant it to be Atem.”

Yugi smiled and rubbed Ryou’s back. “You’re so sweet, Ryou.”

The white-haired man groaned again, louder and almost angry. “No, Yugi, I’m a fucking idiot who fucked up a spell! Now, instead of a fun surprise, we have a major problem…”

“It was a sweet idea,” Malik admitted, but his voice wavered as his lavender eyes flickered to his dark personality. “What are we going to do with them? Better yet, how are we going to deal with them when they wake up? They might try attacking us and Atem.”

“Especially Atem,” Yugi agreed, face grim. “First thing’s first… Let’s put Atem into the master bedroom and lock the thief and Yami Malik in… The bathroom, maybe? Just make sure there’s nothing in there they can use against us.”

Ryou grimaced. “Like razor blades. I’ll go clear the hall bathroom. Malik, will you carry Atem to Yugi’s room? And Yugi, will you please watch them? If they start to wake up, yell for us.”

His boyfriends nodded and went forth with their plan. Malik lifted Atem up bridal style, shooting Yugi a wink as he hauled the pharaoh down the hallway. Ryou scampered after him, breaking off the shared path to dart into the bathroom and remove anything possibly dangerous. He scooped basically every item into his arms and ran it to their main bathroom, shoving it in a cabinet haphazardly so he could rejoin Yugi.

“You’re such a speed demon,” Yugi teased when he skittered to a stop beside him. “I had everything under control, Ry. They aren’t even stirring.”

Planting a kiss on Yugi’s forehead, Ryou plopped onto the couch and sighed. “Gods, I’m so sorry about this. I looked at that spell so much. I seriously don’t get what went wrong.”

“It’s fine, Ryou.”

“But it isn’t, Yugi! I’ve put us in danger!”

“You were trying to do something unbelievably sweet. Neither Malik nor I could blame you for that.”

“You might feel different if we get stabbed or murdered.”

Malik, walking up behind them, laughed shakily. “Hey, we could have loads of fun in the afterlife. Imagine all the ghost sex, Ryou. And don’t pretend the idea doesn’t get your motor going.”

Ryou pouted and crossed his arms. “Dammit, Malik, not the time for sexy talk. Especially not really sexy talk.”

“There’s our beautiful spectrophiliac,” Yugi snickered, wedging himself beneath Ryou’s arms to hug him. “Alright, if you two don’t mind, I am going to make use of Ryou’s gift and go talk to Atem.”

Waggling his eyebrows, Malik asked, “Talk or talk, Yuge?”

“I like to keep my options open,” Yugi replied just as cheekily before looking at the two unconscious men. His tone took on a more serious edge. “Do you need help getting them into the bathroom?”

Offering a shrug, Ryou experimentally lifted the thief’s upper body. Heavy, but he didn’t have to be gentle with the thief like Malik was with Atem.

“Think we can manage. Go to your Prince of Egypt, oh mighty King of Games.”

“Ooh, that’s fun and accurate. Good call, Ryou.”

The star-haired man rushed off, leaving his two boyfriends to their other halves. The two men eyed said halves, contemplating the best course of action in mutual silence.

Ryou tutted his tongue absently. “Should we stick with our own or share the burden of each other’s demon?”

With a snort, Malik slung his arm over Ryou’s shoulder. “Fuck, it’s been a decade. I can be brave enough to handle my own darkness if you can, too.”

“I’m game. Best looking between the two of us goes first.” Ryou made a show of batting his eyes at Malik. “That would be you, my king.”

“That’s subjective. What if I think you are better looking?”

“I’d argue that you have visible abs, which are worth one bonus point a piece.” He poked Malik’s stomach. “That’s six extra points.”

A grin curling his mouth, the blonde narrowed his eyes. “You’re trying to sweet talk me so you can top later, aren’t you?”

“Why, Malik! That never crossed my mind!”

“Uh-huh. Fine, I’ll go first. But I don’t take kindly to the attempted bribery, lover.”

Ryou met his grin with his own, stepping back so Malik could work. His boyfriend yanked his darker half up, arms hooked under the armpits of the unconscious lookalike, and dragged him precariously backwards towards the hall bath. Once Malik rounded into the bathroom, Ryou moved to mimic the actions, sliding the thief king’s upper body against his chest.

He barely steadied himself before he found himself flipped onto his back, a snarling man straddling him. Ryou gasped at the impact, locking onto the purple-blue eyes of his Ancient Egyptian ancestor. For a moment, he swore the man might rip his throat out using only his teeth; yet, as his heart beat into his breastbone and sweat beaded on his forehead, a flicker of recognition and disbelief graced those beautiful eyes burrowing into him.

“Landlord?”

“I, uh… prefer Ryou these days, if you don’t mind.”

The man’s hand, rough with callouses and small scars, cupped Ryou’s cheek. “You’re here?”

Swallowing the temptation to lean into the hand, Ryou exhaled a wobbly breath. “Well, yeah. This is my home, after all.”

The thief king blinked, darting his eyes around suspiciously. “...This is real? I’m in Domino, Japan?”

“Uh-huh. Could you, y’know, let me up? You’re kinda heavy.”

Considering his former host, the thief brushed a thumb over Ryou’s lips. “Why am I here?”

A blush, mainly from the caressing touch and partly from the heat building in his pants, exposed Ryou’s wandering mind and awarded him a salacious grin a la his other half. “Um, that’s because… Ugh, it’s a long story. Short version is an accident.”

Licking his lips and watching Ryou’s eyes subconsciously track the motion, the thief dropped to the side, allowing Ryou to push himself off the ground. “Yeah, it would be, wouldn’t it?” He glanced down at his nude body, and the smirk pulling at his lips doubled. “Guess you couldn’t accidentally bring me my clothes, huh?”

“I didn’t have much say in your clothing or lack thereof,” Ryou answered, averting his eyes in spite of his desire to drink in the man’s appearance. “I doubt anything of mine will fit your original body, but I could get you a towel or something?”

“My precious landlord, why would I deny you the viewing pleasure of my true body?”

Tensing, Ryou glared at the thief. “Wipe that smirk off your face. I told you, my name is Ryou. I’m not your landlord anymore.” His guest seemed unfazed by the curtness, leisurely charting every inch of Ryou’s form. “Stop that. You’re acting like you’ve never seen me before.”

“I’m not used to looking at you with my own eyes,” The thief chuckled. “So, tell me, how many years have I been lost in the shadows?”

Ryou sucked in a breath, fingers twitching as he resisted the urge to bite his nails. “Ten years.”

“Seems fitting.” The thief’s eyes betrayed no annoyance or shock. “Considering how long I hung around your neck, I mean. Where’s the ring?”

“Buried in Egypt last I saw of it.”

His smirk dropped, transforming into a more sardonic grin. “That also seems fitting. How are you these days, Landlord?”

“For the love of… My name is—”

His complaint was shut down by a pair of plump, dark lips sealing around his mouth. He couldn’t pin down what emotions coursed through his veins; they were jumbled and criss-crossed too many times. All he knew was his feelings drove him to return the kiss with little regard for who or why.

When the thief pulled back, licking the remainder of the kiss off his lips, he shot his former host a wink. “Ryou. I know.”

The other stared, wide-eyed and heart racing. “What was that for?”

“Felt like it. Why? Should I not have?” The man, on his hands and knees, crawled forward until he bumped his nose against Ryou’s. “I’m a thief. I steal what I want, consequences be damned. But if you dislike my affection, I’ll try to contain my instincts.”

“Bakhura…” Said man tilted his head, lids sliding to half-mast. “I said it right, didn’t I?”

“Perfectly.”

“Then, Bakhura, answer my question. Why kiss me? Be honest.”

Laughing softly, Bakhura nudged his face closer, mouth hovering over Ryou’s. “Such a demanding request. Honesty doesn’t come naturally to me, you know, but for you I can at least make an effort.” He brushed their lips together, crawling further so he could straddle Ryou again. “Do you know what I remember most from our final days together, Ryou? The one thing that stuck out to me amidst Zorc’s influence?”

Eyelashes fluttering, Ryou mimicked the ghost of a kiss, moaning when the thief king rewarded him by dropping into his lap, grinding their groins together. “W-What?”

“I remember you. My beautiful, mistreated host who, even after all I did, spent his last waking moments trying to get through the demon and speak to the man.” Bakhura teased his lips against Ryou’s jaw and neck. “You always held out hope for me, determined I could be saved. Right up to the last second where you were proven wrong.”

“I never fully stopped believing that,” Ryou murmured, angling his head backwards. “And look at you now. This is the real you. You’re free.”

Bakhura’s laugh vibrated on his clavicle. “By accident, right?”

“It was, but accidents don’t have to be a bad thing.”

“You’ve been thinking about me, haven’t you?” His words weren’t quite an accusation or taunt. “Thinking about us? About those few moments we stole together?”

Ryou sighed, both at the firm kiss on his pectoral and the memories floating around his head. “Sometimes the good ones get buried beneath the bad. It’s not always easy separating the ‘Zorc’ you and the ‘real’ you. Even just before you woke up, I was antagonizing myself for my mistake, trying to figure out how to deal with you being here.” 

A kiss on his sternum served as his only response. “But I couldn’t forget you, Bakhura. We shared too much together.”

“Remember the first time we met? Before Battle City…” Ryou smiled at the recollection and nodded. “That was the longest we ever truly saw each other. I remember thinking to myself how lucky I was to have such a beautiful host.”

“You never said anything. You acted like you were annoyed to be around me.”

“I’m shy.”

The deadpan statement broke Ryou’s lustful haze, his lungs convulsing with laughter, making him gasp for air. “You idiot…! How can you say shit like that with a straight face?!”

 Bakhura pulled back, a crooked smile replacing his usual smug expression. “How hurtful. You aren’t even pretending to buy that excuse.”

“That’s because I don’t, dummy. Gods above…” Ryou shook his head, clutching his ribcage. “Aah, now I have a cramp, you asshole. I thought we were having a heart-to-heart.”

“Too much honesty makes me jokey,” Bakhura replied and snuck a quick kiss. “Guess we’ll have to finish our talk another day.”

Laughter faltering, Ryou smiled, eyebrows bunched above his nose. “About that… This spell isn’t supposed to be permanent. It’s meant to last for a day.”

The thief king hummed thoughtfully. “You said this was an accident?”

“Bringing you here was an accident. The spell itself wasn’t. I was trying to surprise—”

“R-Ryou…!”

Jolting, Ryou spun around, clambering to his feet. Behind him, Bakhura climbed to his feet, tentatively testing his joints, and asked, “Was that Malik Ishtar’s voice I heard? What’s he doing here?”

Rather than respond, Ryou leapt over the couch and rushed to the hall bathroom. The moment he tilted his head in to see what caused Malik to cry out, he realized the thief king was not the only one awake.

Malik, trembling despite his attempt at a fierce expression, sat in the bathtub, legs flung over the side like he had stumbled into it. Above him, looking more bemused than murderous, was his darker half.

Without thinking, Ryou lunged forward and wrapped his arms around Yami Malik’s waist, tugging him backwards with all his strength. For his part, the alter ego blankly stared and allowed himself to be dragged clumsily out of the bathroom.

Ryou shoved Yami Malik out of the hall, guarding the path with his body. Catching sight of the scene, Bakhura jumped the couch and approached the blonde, curiosity not outweighed by distrust. With a whimper, Malik heaved himself out of the tub, moving to stand behind Ryou.

“Oh, hey,” Bakhura grinned, keeping one eye on Malik’s alter ego. “Man, this is familiar. Feels like a Battle City reunion, eh? How’s it going, Ishtar?”

“I’ve been better,” Malik grumbled and shot his glare directly at his other half. “You look different, Bakura. That the original ‘King of Thieves’ body?”

“Firstly, it’s Bakhura. Get it right. Secondly, not sure. If it is, magic did a hell of a restoration job, ‘cause three-thousand-years should have left me a lot more skeletal.” He flexed his muscles, winking at both Ryou and Malik. “But yes, I did look this good back then. Feel free to agree.”

Yami Malik glanced between Bakhura and Ryou, but his eyes settled on the latter. “...Bakura? I killed you.”

“Yeah, but the pharaoh and Yugi killed you. And him.” Ryou gestured to his Egyptian counterpart. “Welcome to Domino. Death doesn’t follow nature’s laws here. It’s as much a curse as a blessing.”

The blonde yami nodded, looking around the living area. “I remember dying. I remember walking the shadows, alone. Then there was light.”

Eyes hardening, the thief king tucked his arms behind his head. “Yeah, I saw that, too. Guess that was you, eh, Ryou? Our hero.”

Rubbing his head, Ryou offered a half-smile. “Guess so? Like I said, it wasn’t intentional.” His brown eyes traced over Yami Malik, who stared back, still completely withdrawn and uncharacteristically calm. “Let’s get this out of the way right now. If you try to hurt anyone in this household, I’ll do everything in my power to send you back to the shadows early.”

Smirking, Malik coiled his arms around Ryou’s ribs and rubbed their cheeks together. “What a Prince Charming.”

Bakhura cocked a silvery eyebrow at the show of affection, and Yami Malik shrugged, taking a seat on the back of the couch. “I’m tired. Too tired to hurt or kill.”

“The shadows do that to you,” the thief king muttered and yawned. “Come to think of it, I’m wiped. What’s the point of having my body back if the batteries are already dead?”

 Malik frowned, flicking his eyes between the two of them. “So… You two are going to behave? We don’t need to tie you down?”

“As if that would accomplish anything,” Bakhura sneered. “Have you forgotten who I am, bitch?”

Opening his mouth to respond, Malik’s retort was cut off by both darker halves jerking to attention, staring farther down the hall. He and Ryou followed their gazes and saw, to their dismay, Yugi ambling down the hall.

“Hey!” The shorter man waved. “I heard a shout, but Atem woke up right then. What hap—”

“Atem?!” Bakhura’s body posture and tone flipped. “The pharaoh and the mini pharaoh are both here?!”

Ryou, seeing Yami Malik stand back up and Bakhura fix him with an accusatory glare, sighed. “Both of you, calm down. What did I literally just say? Hurt anyone in this household. And that goes for you, too, Bakhura.”

His darker half bared his teeth, vibrating with rage and muscles bulging with tension, but he remained where he was.

Yugi poked his head around Ryou, purple eyes wide. “Oh, shit. Sorry, I didn’t realize they woke up, too. Suppose that explains the shout.” He peered up at both his boyfriends. “You guys okay?”

“We’re fine, Yugi,” Malik answered, ignoring Yami Malik’s seething gaze and hissing breath.

With a clenched jaw, the blonde yami spat, “Traitor! Choosing the pharaoh over our victory wasn’t bad enough? Now you’re friends?”

“I’m the traitor?” Malik growled back. “You tried to cast me into nothingness, wipe me off the face of the earth so you could keep my body! My body!”

Nerves unraveling, Ryou frantically motioned to the dining table tucked into its alcove. “Okay, everyone, please. Can we sit down and take some breaths before things get more heated?” 

He gave Bakhura an especially pleading look, which seemed to work since the thief dragged his feet towards the table. Yami Malik hesitated, meeting Ryou’s doe-eyed gaze with an arched brow, but he too complied. Bakhura sank into a corner seat, crossing his arms like a pouty child, and Yami Malik took the next seat over at one end of the table.

Knowing Malik and Yugi would be far less comfortable sitting beside Yami Malik, Ryou seated himself across from Bakhura, knee to knee with the spiky-haired blonde. Malik slid in beside Bakhura, leaving the seat next to Ryou or on the opposite end of the table from his alter ego for Yugi.

Nervously, Yugi scanned the table. “S-Should I get Atem or no?”

The darks immediately glared at him, snarls curling their lips, but Ryou replied, “He needs to be aware of what's going on, too. He can sit as far as possible from these two.”

Malik chuckled humorlessly. “Good call for that one, Ry.”

Acknowledging Ryou with a nod, Yugi dashed off and came back after a moment with a perplexed Atem in tow. The fireworks exploded immediately, voices crescendoing over one another.

“I don’t want the fucking pharaoh here, Landlord!”

“I’m going to rip his body and soul apart!”

“Partner, why are those two here?!”

Slamming his hand on the table, Ryou shushed the group in a hiss. “Enough! Atem!” The pharaoh jumped at Ryou’s harsh tone. “Please. Sit. We’re going to explain what happened, but I need you three to not act like bloodthirsty barbarians for a minute!”

Yugi and Malik laughed, amused by Ryou’s commanding presence over the three other halves, each of whom looked taken aback by the control he somehow commanded of them. Bakhura, being most familiar with Ryou, recovered the quickest and whistled.

“You’ve changed, Landlord. Beneath that pretty pale skin is a real pair of brass balls, huh?”

“Bakhura, if I have to correct you one more time…”

“My bad, Ryou. Please, good sir, don’t kick me out on the street. I am a humble bandit king at your mercy.”

Huffing, Ryou chose to ignore the last taunt and focus instead of the group as a whole. “Alright, I’ll cut right to the chase. I was trying to perform a spell to temporarily bring Atem back as part of my present to Yugi for Christmas, and it went wrong.”

Cheeks flushing, Yugi beamed and clutched Ryou’s right hand atop the table. “I stand by what I said. You’re so, so sweet for even trying something like that.”

The show of affection drew three pairs of eyes, each with more suspicion than the last: lavender, mauve, and midnight blue.

Continuing his confession, Ryou said, “I have no idea why, but the spell brought back Yami Malik and Bakhura, too. It was only supposed to be for one person. One person, one day. Simple.”

Atem cleared his throat. “May I see the spell, then, Bakura?”

Ryou’s lips barely parted before Yugi corrected, “Oh, Atem, call him Ryou, please. Less confusing that way.”

Shoving back his chair, Malik snorted. “Besides, after all this time calling him Ryou, hearing him referred to as Bakura sounds wrong.” He waltzed around Atem’s side of the table, ruffling the pharaoh’s hair absently as he went, much to the other’s chagrin. “I’ll fetch the book. Give me a second.”

As he said, Malik returned in less than a minute, flinging the book carelessly onto the table. “Have at it, Pharaoh.” Instead of returning to his seat, Malik slid halfway into Yugi’s chair, leaning on the table with his elbow.

“Mal, you’re going to shove me into the floor,” Yugi complained, using one leg to keep himself from tumbling. “Scoot over, would ya?”

“Bite me, Mutou. I wanna sit with my prince charming. Just be glad I’m not making you sit next to Bakhura.” Malik flopped his head onto Ryou’s shoulder, smiling as his boyfriend, with a sigh, relented and stroked his hair.

System overloaded by the latest display, Bakhura couldn’t contain his words further. “Ryou! Are you fucking Ishtar and the pharaoh’s vessel?”

Choking on air, Atem pounded his chest through a coughing fit. Yami Malik, wordless and emotionless, observed the way Yugi, Malik, and Ryou’s faces turned varying shades of ruddy brown and pink depending on their individual complexions.

Glaring at the thief, Ryou muttered, “Was it necessary to put it out there so crudely?”

“So I’m right? I mean, I can give you Malik. He’d make a pretty bedmate for a few nights before his bossiness got on the nerves. But the shrimp?”

Before Yugi or Malik could protest, Ryou again slammed his hand into the table, a rage burning behind his chocolate brown eyes. “Touzoku-Ou Bakhura. The three of us have been in a happy, committed relationship for five years. Malik and I dated for three more before that. I will not have you reduce their worth to casual sex partners, nor will I tolerate insults. Am I clear?”

His other half gawked silently, while Malik, with a Chesire grin curling his lips, fanned himself. “Man, I love it when you get protective, Ryou Bakura.”

Yugi sighed dreamily. “Same. Could make a guy swoon.”

Atem tapped the table, pulling the group’s attention back to him. “Ahem, not to interrupt, but… Ryou, the point of this spell was to bring me back?”

Brow furrowing, Ryou nodded. “Yeah? I know the spell had the right purpose, so don’t tell me that’s wrong.”

“But it… It’s meant to call forth someone the caster desires?”

Unwavering, Ryou stared right into Atem’s eyes. “Yes…? I’m aware.”

“B-But… But you cast it.”

“Uh-huh?”

“To bring me back…?”

“Yup.”

Yugi giggled at the lost expression the pharaoh wore. “Atem, the Christmas gift wasn’t only for me. It was meant to be a shared present.”

Shaking his head, Malik mumbled, “Seriously. We literally just went over how the three of us are in a relationship, and you’re sitting there wondering how it’s possible Ryou’s open-minded enough to be attracted to you?”

On the other hand, Bakhura glowered, nose scrunching. “Ryou! Have you no shame?! The pharaoh, really?!”

Banned from his pharaoh aggression and disinterested by the conversation, Yami Malik yawned and rested his head on his arms, hair cascading onto the tabletop. “Your other half has poor taste, thief.”

“Okay…!” Atem interceded, face notably more red despite his silt-colored skin. “S-So you meant for me… I got it… But if your intention was to only summon me, you should have chosen a different spell.”

Frowning, all three lighter halves gazed at the pharaoh, and Yugi asked, “What do you mean, Atem?”

“Well…” Atem toyed with one of his blonde bangs, avoiding the three pairs of eyes burrowing into his head. “The spell’s intended purpose is to summon a single person, the one the caster desires. The problem is the caster in this case didn’t have a single person they desired.” His mauve eyes flickered over to Bakhura and Yami Malik. “The reason those two are here would have to be because, to some degree, Ryou also wanted them.”

“W-What?!” Ryou’s face turned crimson, and the blush spread down his entire body as Bakhura howled with laughter and even Yami Malik chuckled at the reaction. “That’s not true! I didn’t want them here!”

Clearly doubtful, Atem shrugged and ran his fingertip along the grain of the wooden table. “Maybe having them here wasn’t the goal, but somewhere inside, you wanted them back. The same way you wished for me to return.”

Malik and Yugi whipped their heads around, meeting Ryou’s scandalized stare. It only took them a moment to process Atem’s words.

Exhaling, Malik patted Ryou’s shoulder, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. “Ryou Bakura, why am I not surprised?”

“B-But Malik…!”

“We should have known there was more space in his heart than we could fill,” Yugi solemnly whispered, wiping away fake tears. “Ryou, Ryou. Your love knows no limits.”

“He has the biggest heart I’ve ever known,” Malik agreed and leaned to hug Yugi, dramatically burying his face into the man’s shoulder. “Whatever shall we do now, Yugi?”

Ryou slapped a hand over his face. “You two, I swear…!”

“There’s only one thing we can do, Malik.” Yugi clapped his hands together, positively giddy. “It’s Christmas, after all, so let’s unwrap our presents and enjoy them.”

His words pulled Ryou out of his moment of embarrassment. The other men tuned back in, though only Malik matched Yugi’s sly enthusiasm. Narrowing his eyes, Yami Malik deliberately scooted his seat further back while Bakhura’s face contorted in disgust.

Eyes wandering, trying to find an escape, Atem mumbled, “Er, Partner, you realize your ‘presents’ might not all want to be ‘unwrapped,’ right? Certainly not in a collective group.”

A devious grin hooked the corners of Malik’s mouth. “Are you saying you don’t want to show Yugi how much you’ve missed him, Pharaoh?”

“I-I have no qualms about Yugi specifically, but…” Atem gulped as both Malik and Ryou’s eyes locked onto him, and he remembered the only form of clothing he had was a thin blanket Yugi wrapped around him. He clutched it tighter, hiding himself in it.

Malik leaned back over to Ryou, cupping a hand to the white-haired male’s ear, though his voice carried across the dining nook. “Ry, I think the pharaoh is feeling overwhelmed.”

“If the spell duration stays true to the book, we only have one day.” Ryou tapped his chin, drifting his gaze over the multiple beautiful men surrounding him. “Yugi, bringing Atem here was first and foremost a gift to you. Why don’t you lend him some clothes and go visit Grandpa? Let him breathe a bit.”

Yugi contemplated the advice briefly before breaking into a huge smile. “That’s actually a great idea! We can grab a few card packs, maybe duel a bit?”

Without waiting for his other half’s input, Yugi dragged Atem back into the hall, down to the master bedroom. Even from their spot in the nook, they heard the rapid rustling of clothing and chattering of one very excited Yugi Mutou. He darted out of the hallway past them, Atem in tow, and threw open the front door.

“Call me if you need anything! Love you, bye!”

The door clicked closed, leaving Ryou and Malik with their other halves. Malik tutted, shaking his head, and murmured openly, “Think we’ll see him again before the spell’s over?”

Ryou, seemingly pleased, beamed down at the tabletop, eyes lost in thoughts beyond their cozy dining room. “Hard to say, but I’m happy my gift, despite some unforeseen complications, was a success.”

“Oh, I’d say it was a fucking success.” Ryou snorted at Malik’s waggling brows, and across the table, Bakhura mirrored the action.

“So, Ishtar One and Two, Ryou… What shall we do with ourselves?” He looked pointedly into Ryou’s face, impish grin back in its place now that the source of his fury was gone. “Surely you have some ideas, dearest other half. Since you wanted us back so much…”

Interest piqued, Yami Malik also glanced at Ryou, gaze half-lidded and seductive — in Ryou’s perspective at least. Malik, much like his counterpart, eyed Ryou curiously, waiting to hear more about the untold affections his boyfriend harbored.

The white-haired man gulped. “U-Um… First of all, let me say… I am holding a grudge against Atem for outing me like that.” The Maliks, regardless of their bitter relationship, chuckled in sync. Though silent, Bakhura’s leer carried amusement and, unsurprisingly, a provocative glint.

“I can’t believe you never told me, Ryou. I guess Bakhura doesn’t surprise me, since you mentioned a few cuddling sessions with his human side—”

“Whoa, Ishtar, slow your roll. We did not cuddle. We sat together, chatted—”

“Held hands, spooned, napped together…” Ryou supplied, cutting his counterpart off. The dark-skinned man frowned, a hint of red rising to his cheeks. “Look, I already lost face. Don’t expect me to protect your ego.”

Malik barely hid his laughter behind his palm. “Pre-marital hand holding and spooning? You filthy sinners.” Bakhura replied promptly with a middle finger, but the blonde ignored him. “My point… I kinda suspected Bakhura meant something to you, behind all those bad memories, but my other self? Really?”

Ryou peeked over to Yami Malik, catching the amethyst eyes. “I… I don’t know how to explain that one. I mean, obviously, he’s attractive. Like you.”

“I am quite attractive,” Malik agreed and combed a hand through his hair.

“Uh-huh… And, you know, he never really scared me…”

“‘Cause you’re a kinky freak,” Bakhura quipped, winking when Ryou shot him a glare. “Big bad wolf was right up your alley, huh? Just like me: sexy man plus a sense of danger and tabooness.”

Utterly lost, Yami Malik scowled. “I killed you. How can you not be scared of me?”

Pulling his venomous gaze off his darker half, Ryou met Yami Malik’s eyes, much calmer and gentler. He bit his lip and twiddled with his thumbs, mind searching for the right words. “After dealing with Bakhura and the demon for so long, I lost my fear of the shadows. It sucked, sure, but it wasn’t the end of the world, so to speak. Plus…”

He sighed and averted his gaze, writhing as heat bloomed under his pale skin. “...Bakhura’s not wrong… You were sexy partly because of the danger.”

His other half exploded with laughter, and Malik nudged him. “And my body?”

“...Yes, Malik. And your body.”

Grinning, Malik slung his arm around Ryou’s shoulder. “Pays to be honest, Ry. While I don’t necessarily agree with your analysis of his danger factor, I can appreciate your attraction.” He stuck out his tongue at his darker half. “Since, again, it was my body at the time. Don’t go getting a big head just because Ryou thinks your sexy.”

“I don’t understand…” was the only response.

Eyes shining, Bakhura snagged Ryou’s hands, bringing them to his lips. “So, Ryou, since the cat is out of the bag and we’re working against the clock…”

Malik reached across the table and flicked the thief’s forehead. “Ah-ah! Don’t be grabby!”

The other Egyptian tightened his grip on Ryou’s wrists, baring gritted teeth when he hissed, “Fuck you, Ishtar.”

Suddenly, Malik’s expression shifted. His mouth morphed into a chaotic, wicked grin. “Well… It would be a shame not to take advantage of the opportunity, wouldn’t it, tomb-robber? You are here, after all. Flesh and blood for a day.”

Narrowing, Bakura’s eyes flitted between his previous host and his previous partner-in-crime. “You’re Ryou’s boyfriend. I’m not going to hurt him by fucking you, and you shouldn’t even suggest such a thing.”

Ryou pulled his hands free enough to rub circles on the back of the thief king’s hands. “I think Malik was suggesting more of a collaborative experience, Bakhura. Though… I wouldn’t mind if you two wanted to test the waters with each other.”

“No, no, no,” Malik chided and leapt to his feet, tugging Ryou up without warning. “He’s your secret crush. You aren’t sitting it out.”

Tucking his face into his arms, Yami Malik grunted and mumbled against the table, “You just want to watch him fuck the thief.”

Malik, shielding himself with Ryou, glared over his boyfriend’s shoulder. “You weren’t invited into the conversation, asshole.”

“Oh, Malik, we can’t leave him out here all alone,” Ryou pouted and caressed the spiked mass of hair, surprising both Bakhura and Malik when the yami allowed the soft touch. “It’s not fair to him, bringing him back and then ditching him.”

“Ryou, I love you, but I’m not fucking him.” Malik spun on his heel, marching out of the alcove. “He’s me. It’s weird.”

Bakhura cackled. “Is that your only hang-up? I figured it was the history between the two of you, but it’s only because he originated as part of you?”

“You wouldn’t get it, thief,” Malik snarked back. “You and Ryou may have shared a body, but you were never the same person. He is literally me. A split personality given way too much power by the Millenium Rod.”

While the blonde continued quipping with Bakhura, Ryou contemplated his boyfriend and potential lovers, pondering over the predicament. With Atem and Yugi out of the picture, Malik and Yami Malik were the only remaining source of hostility, and truthfully, the latter seemed more interested in taking a nap at the table than participating in arguments. On second glance, he saw Bakhura, too, sported dark circles under his eyes, though he hid his exhaustion behind overly animated banter.

He sighed because, of course, he knew the right move, his physical desires be damned. Pushing on Yami Malik’s shoulder to stir him, Ryou announced over Malik’s latest scathing remark, “Hey! I’ve got a better idea.”

“Better than sex?” Bakhura asked, exaggerating the surprise on his face. “Impossible.”

Malik gazed curiously at Ryou. “What’s the idea? Like I said, I’m not fucking him, but if you want to…”

Laughing, Ryou shook his head. “No, different plan entirely. Why don’t we go take a nap together?”

His boyfriend’s eyes widened. “Uh… You’re joking, right?”

Snorting, Bakhura tugged Ryou to him and wrapped his arms around the skinnier male’s waist. “You little lovesick pervert. Why is it that even after so much time has passed, you continue to meet my expectations?”

Yami Malik side-eyed the white-haired pair. “You’re confusing me again. First you want sex, now you want to sleep?”

“You two,” Ryou motioned to the blonde yami and poked Bakhura’s cheek for emphasis, “look absolutely drained. Whatever else I may want to explore with you two, I’m not putting it above your obvious need for sleep.”

Catching on, Malik sighed. “And you want to nap together for emotional intimacy.”

“I also just enjoy napping with other people,” Ryou shrugged, causing both Malik and Bakhura to snicker, and the thief purred beside his head, “You’re so raunchy.”

Ryou swore he could see his brain with how intensely his eyes rolled. “Shut up. Mal, will you please take this loudmouth to the bedroom? And you.” He offered his hand to Yami Malik, who stared at it blankly. “Would you please come with me?”

For a heartbeat, the lavender-eyed yami gave no indication of complying. Neither Malik nor Bakhura dared leave Ryou behind with the unknown element, so they waited, much like Ryou, for any acknowledgement. Finally, while staring into Ryou’s determined eyes, Yami Malik rested his palm upon Ryou’s.

Smiling, Ryou led the group down the hall.

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

This is going to be a background project for when I need a break from In Another Life. There will NOT be regular updates to this - it will be more of an update-when-I-can situation. It's also my first time trying to write Yuumeishipping. Wish me luck.

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

AO3 Link: 3 x 3 - Chapter 1 - LiteraryAngel - Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (Anime & Manga) [Archive of Our Own]

Next Chapter *unavailable*

[mushiewrites]

can I just be sappy for a moment about 2022? It was so shitty for a multitude of reasons but you guys made it better ):

firstly everyone that interacts with my posts, i love u and appreciate u so much ): if i didn’t have people interacting, i wouldn’t really have a reason to want to keep writing.

but there are some very cool and lovely people I want to fawn over and just say a few things about 🫠

thank u to:

@an-inkling-of for hyping up my writing and always encouraging me to be mean (hehehe 😈)

@elliot-tword for being one of the first people i remember being so kind and supportive when i first started out writing

@fluffy-fics for making LITERAL BEAUTIFUL ART FROM MY FICS / DRABBLES???????? still so honored tbh 🥺💕

@sleepy--anon + @azuregiggles + @starshinenova for providing the best hc’s i’ve ever seen and allowing me to run wild with them 👀

@amitlee for being my enemy, one of my favorite people to bully/be bullied by, and also one of the best people i’ve gotten to meet on this hell site 🔥

I have a million more people I could thank, so if you weren’t mentioned, just know I love u and appreciate you. I want to tag you all 🥺

I hope every has an incredible 2023, it’s gonna be great I can feel it ✨

(okay i’m putting the longer ones under here…..this is going to be SAPPY sappy - this is your warning)

@cayjno - my baby jworm ): i don’t even know what to write for you. i went from freaking out in the best way over your fics to getting to be so close with you and i am still confused as to how????? i have no idea why but i was so nervy to speak with you bc u were just so COOL to me and i was scawwed. i remember the night we had our first real conversation, i was just so hype that you were as cool as i thought, probably even more so. you are one of the most kindest and sweetest humans i’ve ever met. i am so so thankful to know you and get to be in your life. you make me feel so safe, you never ever throw judgement on me and i am so grateful for that. i don’t ever feel scared telling you things because i know you’re not going to look at me differently for it. you also don’t let me brain run with bad things - you normally tell me straight up how something is if i seem to be going a different direction than what actually is happening in situations where that might normally happen. you are just such a lovely support person. we are so comfortable with each other and i love doing stupid things with you. you are so extremely talented in so many ways (i will never have another wallpaper that isn’t a juno drawing ever again btw). u are absolutely adorable and i adore you and your art and your writing and just skdndjdndjsj i love you ): i can’t wait until we invent teleporting so i can hug you for a million years ): i love u so much mouse 💕

@covenofwives - I literally stayed hyperfixated on The Blame Game for m o n t h s. you are SO UNBELIEVABLY COOL. the first few times we spoke i was so hype because you were so kind! we’ve gotten to be such nice little fwens and i love that for us ): we have our own little bobbi duo! i love when we exchange art and wips, it makes me feel so nice that you allow me to see your creations before they’re finished. you are so insanely talented as well, i’m still so hype that you drew Big Challenges on the beach just enjoying his day. you and your feathers are the cutest things EVER, i can’t wait to keep our cute lil friendship growing! i love and appreciate u and ur kindness always 🥺💕

and last but definitely not least

@awkwardtickleetoo - my lil baby puppy knight. the other half of puppyduo. mr bones. i could list everything we’ve ever called each other here but it would need to be a whole new post tbh. i adore you. you already know this. i remember being nervy to speak to you too, but god am i glad we started bc here we are now, months later and clingy as heck. we are the cutest little besties and i wouldn’t trade our weird little freaky conversations for anything. thank you for always bouncing ideas around with me or reading things if i need to know if things sound okay. i love that we don’t gatekeep, and i love that we bully each other about the embarrassing things we share. i love that we’ve resorted to using mostly pet-names for each other, and i love the ones you give me (all of them are good but you know my favorites 🥺) i love that we don’t EVER judge each other and i don’t ever second guess it when i tell you things that fluster me. you’re always so kind (and mean) in the best way and you are just such a lovely person. you, just like everyone else on this list are so extremely talented. you know i binge your fics and fawn over the shit you say all the time. i am very clearly cal stan #1. i actually could keep going but this would end up being very long and repetitive, but it’s all true. love you, idiot. 💕

[the-stray-storyteller]

Defenders : Chapter 7

It's been three months. I really need to update this more often.

Warning: A bit of violence I suppose. Actually, I don't think this chapter has anything to be warned about.

Tag List: @timetravellingkitty @smzeszikorova (if you want to be added or taken out just tell me)

Chapter 1 Chapter 6 Chapter 8

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1 week 4 Days

Location: Middle Village, Queens

People started to crowd around them after that incident. The students would drag chairs to their table during lunch asking Ren questions upon questions. Ivy somehow became her manager. The only reason people would talk to her was to ask when they could meet Ren. She never let them near the younger. The last time she had done that Ren had gone unusually silent and when Ivy had stolen her away she learned that Ren had started to hyperventilate. Now their lunch breaks were eating sandwiches brought from Ivy’s home in the washroom at the corner of the school. The washroom was so far, that nobody bothered to walk all the way there. They had tried empty classrooms but someone or the other would always walk in.

“So..” Ivy drew out the word, “How come you never get food from home?” She pushed the sandwich into her mouth trying to finish as quickly as possible. Eating in the washroom made her nauseous but the crowding students made Ren uncomfortable. Ivy felt that she could sacrifice this much for the younger.

“Don’t know how to cook.” Ren took small bites of her sandwich, chewing it carefully. 

“Pah-runs?” Ivy tried to speak with her mouthful, she pushed the unchewed sandwich down her throat and tried again, “Parents?”

“Busy.”

Ivy wondered if Ren counted as a neglected child. Even while being homeschooled her parents rarely spent time with her from what Ivy could make out. Maybe she should invite Ren for a sleepover, she could join them for dinner and have a home-cooked meal.

“Is Ivy really your given name?” Ren’s question snapped her back to reality. 

“Why not?” The words were defensive.

“It just seems unlikely.” 

“It’s not unlikely,” Ivy snapped, pushing herself off the ground, “but you aren’t wrong,” she muttered dejectedly. Ren had caught her words, eyes glittering with expectation. 

“It’s short for Ivette.”

“Ivette?”

“It’s not that weird,” Ivy protested but Ren was nowhere near convinced.

“I prefer Ivy.” Ren struggled to say through choked laughs.

“Everybody does.” Ivy put the lid back onto the empty lunchbox. Offering a hand to Ren and pulling her up. They exited the bathroom and walked towards the slowly crowding hallways. Ren stuck to the corners hiding behind people who were taller than her, staying away from the people who recently started to demand a piece of her attention. 

An erratic energy started to grow inside Ivy. It was something that made her restless, something that made her eyes sweep the crowd. Her mouth tasted like ash. She grabbed Ren’s hand, looking to ground herself to something. The speakers turned on making Ivy jump towards Ren, her hand squeezing the younger’s. 

“This is your principal speaking,” her voice was shaky and quick, “all students are to report for an emergency assembly.” The speaker turned off with an intolerable screech. Ren gently tugged at Ivy’s hand and before Ren could ask her question, Ivy answered.

“This doesn’t happen often.” 

Ivy remembered what her neighbour’s son had said about his school’s impromptu assembly. The boy was four years older than her and just a few months ago there was an incident in his school, which involved the court and other things. Her dad hadn’t allowed her to know the details but it couldn’t have been anything good. Ivy could only guess what had happened in his school. Her old friends thought that someone had brought in a gun and another suggested drugs. Ivy knew that whatever was going to pursue there would be drama.

The duo followed the stream of students into the gathering assembly. Some students were whispering their expectations, the worst ones being told directly into their ears. There were good expectations which were being laughed at. There were also jokes. Ivy absorbed them all in, trying to get to a proper conclusion. She tried to collect the rumours that were similar to each other, they were the most likely possibility. Ivy dragged Ren to a good spot where they had a proper view.

A group of people entered the room, most of them in formal wear. Ivy felt Ren go stiff next to her. She looked over to the younger one. Her eyes were sharp, calculating but her face was pale. Her charcoal eyes landed on Ivy. 

“I have to go. Goodbye.” Ren let go of her hand and started to walk away. Her steps were silent and she crouched down to hide herself trying to cause little commotion. The confusion took a while to wear off from Ivy.

“Ren!” She hissed out and started following the Asian, at least Ivy thought she was Asian. Ren had told her she wasn’t American by birth but Ivy never asked where she was from.

“Ren!” She hissed out and started following the Asian, at least Ivy thought she was from Asia. Ren had told her she wasn’t American by birth but Ivy had never asked where she was from. Maybe Ren was from Japan? Korea? China? Indonesia? India? Thailand? Vietnam? 

It was just one of the many things she didn’t know about Ren.

She whispered out her name again this time a bit louder but Ren was still walking away from her. She tried to get other students to stop her but Ren had sunk into the crowd. Ivy didn’t hesitate to search for her friend. She pushed her way through the crowd not giving a damn about being discreet like Ren had.

A couple of curses flew Ivy’s way when she pushed and shoved or accidentally stepped on someone. She could see a blur of pudding-coloured hair popping up with the crowd. She followed it out of the assembly and into the hallway. The second Ren was free from the crowd she started sprinting at a speed Ivy would have thought was impossible. The enhanced did her best to try and keep up but she swore that Ren could leave Usain Bolt in the dust. So all she could do was shout out her name while roaming the empty corridors hoping that Ren had gone down the path she was on. 

“What the hell is going on?” The inquisitive whisper behind Ivy made her scream and trip over herself. Red hair fell into her mouth and the cold floor sent painful shocks up her spine. Ivy opened her mouth to say something. She didn’t know what that something was and she didn’t find out because a hand clamped over her mouth. Ren’s dark eyes met Ivy’s asking her to stay silent. When Ivy had calmed down enough Ren pulled her away and pushed her into an empty classroom. She looked over her shoulder making sure no one was following them.

“What the hell is going on?” Ren whispered to Ivy.

“What do you mean what’s going on? You were the one who ran away suddenly!” Ivy pointed her finger at Ren accusingly, trying her best to keep her frustrated voice quiet.

“Believe it or not, those people are searching for you. The assembly is just a distraction. I overheard some people in black suits. They are trying to hunt you down..” Whatever Ren was saying after that fell deaf to Ivy’s ears, her voice was hazy and it sounded like Ivy was hearing it from underwater.

Ivy’s heart sped, her hands were sweaty and the floor swayed below her feet. Air refused to go into her lungs and it also refused to escape it. She could feel something beat along with her heart, a pulse. It grew faster every minute beating like an orchestra of drums along with her heart. The room seemed to darken.

Ivy noticed a lack of background noise. Ren’s unforeseen silence had pulled her out of her dazed state. Her charcoal eyes stared out of the window, pupils blown wide. The room had actually darkened like someone had pulled the sun out of the sky. Ivy followed Ren’s gaze and her heart fell into her stomach. Thick vines covered the windows blocking out the sun.

“You are an enhanced.” There was an elongated gap between each word Ren had said. 

“Ren I swear I can explain-” Before Ivy could continue blabbering Ren gripped her hand, fingers digging into her wrist painfully. 

The next thing Ivy knew she was running down the hallway beside Ren.

“We need to go and we need to go far. These people are the worst, they threatened to kill the last people who wanted to help me.”

“Wait. What?” Ivy had no idea what was going on but Ren seemed to know something. Ivy was trying her best to keep her questions to herself. She really wanted Ren to explain but now was not the time. Everything the other girl was saying was incomplete and only brought up more questions.

 Ren was keeping her pace slow so Ivy could follow. The enhanced’s footsteps were obnoxiously loud compared to Ren’s. It annoyed Ivy how easily Ren could glide from one foot to another, it looked a little bit too graceful.  

They ran past a corridor and unfortunately, Ren had picked one with people in it. Ren turned without a second of hesitation and dragged Ivy along with her. The adults started yelling after them and more started to crowd around the corridor. 

Ivy’s lungs were burning from the strain. Sweat dripped down her back making her shirt stick to her skin. Her legs wobble under her weight. She had already been failing gym class and now she was running for her life. She wanted to slow down and breathe for a while however she could hear the footsteps approaching fast. A woman cut them off a dozen metres from the entrance. She pressed a finger to the side of her ear to what Ivy believed to be a communicator. 

“I have eyes on the enhanced and I believe I have found Ruiz’s little project too.” 

Ivy was getting ready to make a turn but Ren ran ahead. With one swift movement, she slapped the gun off the woman’s hand and rammed her head into the woman’s stomach. The woman bent down in pain and ended up getting punched in the jaw. She fell to the floor unconscious. 

“We don’t have much time. Do you know anywhere safe?” Ren looked back as she picked the gun from the floor. 

“My house.” Ivy could barely process anything but her dad’s company had helped enhanced beings to get out of situations like this, he should know what to do. Ren contemplated the idea before grabbing Ivy’s hand and leading her out of the school.

Ivy was expecting a car chase but that didn’t happen. Instead, Ren used three different buses and five taxis and a convoluted route to get to her house. She took out her keys and opened the door letting Ren in. 

Her dad was pacing around the living room, earphones in his ears while he argued with co-workers. A laptop sat on the coffee table with numerous tabs opened and meetings scheduled. He walked around at a frantic pace, his speech erratic and occasionally stuttering. He would stop every few steps, to push his glasses up his nose clumsily. A nervous brilliant scientist just like Ivy, Ren noted. The man came to a halt, his eyes widening at the sight of them.

Ren took in the house with awe. There were picture frames everywhere. The frames held, photos, certificates and news clippings. The wooden floor was covered by warm carpets and everything was in a comfortable mess. The place smelled of coffee and flowers. Endless scattered papers on every available surface. A chalkboard with barely readable scribbles. It reminded her of the Aloisi-Moore residence and was completely different at the same time. Something twisted in her chest at that thought, it made her eyes sting. She wondered how far Los Angeles was from Queens.

“Give me a few minutes I will be back,” Ivy’s dad told his coworkers, turning his full attention to Ivy.

“What are you doing? Did something happen at school? Is-is everything okay?” Ethan Lynn threw question after question with the same frantic energy as before. He put his hands on his daughter’s shoulder, his eyebrows scrunched together. Ren felt her gut twist once again.

 Ivy couldn’t help herself. She hugged her dad, her breathing uneven and harsh. Ren shuffled around in the background awkwardly playing with her fingers.

“What happened?” Her dad asked again, cradling her in his arms. “Was it one of the teachers? Bullies?”

“Traffickers searching for Enhanced. I think. I don’t actually know who they are.” Ren provided hoping it would be of some help.

“What?” 

“There was this lady with a gun and they were after us and..and..” Ivy couldn’t explain what had happened because she herself had no idea. She turned towards her friend hoping Ren could do it. 

Ren opened her mouth and closed it once again. What was she supposed to tell Ivy’s dad? Was she just supposed to tell Dr Lynn that his only daughter almost got kidnapped? She wanted to help but she was more lost than before.

“I don’t know much,” she looked down to the floor guilty, “But I can’t stay here for long and I don’t think Ivy can either. They were targeting her specifically and they are targeting me too. If they found her in school they can find her here.” Ren looked away, not being able to face the family. What good was she if she couldn’t do something as simple as protecting Ivy?

“They who?” he asked with frantic energy. Ethan sat down in the dining room, ignoring a call from work. “You know what, start from the beginning.” Ren nodded, she owed them that much.

Ivy’s eyes were wider than saucers after Ren had finished explaining everything. It explained so much but it brought up more questions. She looked at her dad hoping for an answer, for his guidance, for anything at all.

“Ivy, we need to pack.” Her dad stood up from the table.

“What? We can’t leave,” she blocked her dad from leaving the room, “There has to be something you can do, you saved so many Enhanced.”

“All I did was give them a safe place to live and figure out their powers after they were found. This is entirely different. You are being hunted and I don’t think these are any ordinary traffickers. No ordinary traffickers would have entered school premises like that. I don’t think the police can help with anything like this. The best we can do is run.” Every ounce of Ethan’s restless, nervous energy was gone.

“Actually,” Ren felt bad for interrupting them, “I don’t think you can come with us, Dr Lynn. It would be suspicious if a famed scientist went missing, the whole police force and the media would be after you in seconds. Also, it would be useful if you could cover us from here, throw them off our trail perhaps.” The doctor furrowed his eyebrows, pushing his glasses up his nose. He let out a strangled humming noise as he ran his hand through his red hair. He plopped onto the couch, a resigned look on his face.

“Why would you say that? Why would you suggest something like that?” Ivy looked furious and the assassin did not like that expression on her. The redhead looked near tears.

“Your friend is right. She is only thinking logically.” Her dad hugged her tightly, rubbing comforting circles on her back, while she hiccuped and teared up pleading to do something else. “Go pack.”

“Carry everything in one backpack. Take money in cash. Baggy clothes and things that cover hair and face.” Ren suggested as Ivy climbed the stairs to pack her bag.

Ethan looked down at Ren. He felt a headache throb at the back of his head, he couldn’t breathe properly. He didn’t want to make Ivy run like this and he didn’t want to put all of this responsibility on Ren who seemed like she had been through enough. He fell into the couch burying his face in his hands.

“Dr Lynn, are you okay?” Ren asked.

“To be honest, no I am not.”

“I will do my best to protect Ivy. It’s my mission.”

 He smiled bitterly, “Thank you. Is there anything I can do to help?” He hoped that the younger one would look after herself as well. A little voice inside him told him he was making the worst decision of his life

“Call the police, tell them your daughter never returned from school after a while. Then tell them that Ivy might have run off to Kansas or Missouri because….I don’t know give them a reason.” Ethan nodded along.

“I will give you cash.” He said getting up, he had a safe in his room where he kept some extra money. 

Ivy came down with lethargic movements. Cheeks were stained with tears and a bag weighing her down. One hand gripped the straps of the bag, leaving marks on her palms. The other gripped a bunch of seeds clasped in the other. Her body felt leaden, and her mind swirled. Something was wrapped around her chest, barbs poking into it, leaving her still and motionless. She realised it was fear, real fear. It was the fear that was buried deep and fast. The one that left you drowning with no thoughts. 

She wrapped herself around her dad once more. 

“Both of you look after each other okay and call when you can,” Ethan whispered, trying to keep his voice from breaking. Ivy took his hands in hers, purple asters and white daisies started blooming at the speed of light on his palm. The scientist’s throat constricted at the sight of the flowers. He kept reminding himself this was the safer option for Ivy. She needed to keep moving to avoid getting shot. The girls stepped out of the house with final goodbyes. Dr Lynn watched them walk away and closed the door to his house when their figures dipped below the horizon.