#ryker-writes oc

[axvwriter]

I Spy With My Little Eye

Bobo belongs to me, Jaxon belongs to @ryker-writes, Anan and Charin belong to @siphoklansan

(I don't know if the ask I sent regarding Anan's eyes reached Siphok, but if tumblr didn't eat it, sorry for asking and then losing patience to wait. I feel like I probably got a few things wrong with your characters' designs anyway. If official reference sheets of them come out, I may just draw them again.)

In regards to Bobo's comment about what she's seeing definitely not being Malleus... yes Jaxon has tricked her and she's mistaken Malleus for a tree before. She's somewhat near-sighted but refuses to believe that she could benefit from glasses.

Anan and Charin may have gotten ears which my chibi style doesn't usually have, but Jaxon got eyebrows. I usually don't use eyebrows for my chibi style either unless it really helps with emoting but it just felt like I was giving Jaxon a huge forehead with all that empty space.

Also I can't decide how I want to do belts for my chibi style so Jaxon randomly sometimes has a belt. One panel doesn't really show the earrings on Anan's ear and that's because I forgot along with also not knowing what to do with that ear angle.

I thought it would also be fun to share my rough drafts. Had a really rough draft first to try to get the idea down.

Then I polished up to a better rough draft.

Then afterwards decided to split it into two parts considering the size of it all. I did also originally sketch Bobo's phone to be like a flip-phone. When it came to the official outlining, I looked up what phone Crowley actually gives the MC in Twst. It's a smartphone and not something super old.

Also I changed some of Anan's lines as I realized that Siphok also takes the role of the MC and I wasn't sure how to go about merging worlds. I decided to try to keep it a bit more vague by keeping Bobo saying she's from Ramshackle, but not having anyone say if she's the Prefect. So could just be a dormmate I guess? Or just something that no one acknowledges or thinks about when two different MC-inserts may cross paths.

Didn't know how to have Jaxon leave and decided to go for the awkward just go and leave thing.

[t3a-tan]

What do you say to someone who is perfectly justified in hating you?

Probably nothing.

Also maybe you should give him his cousin back Ryker—

[mysticstarlightduck]

Character Profile Tag!

It's been a while since I've done one of these, and I really like this tag, so I'm gonna make a few lol.

Let's go with Adahm Ryker from Scrapyard Boys for this one!!! <3

Full Name: Adahm Tiberius Ryker

Kind of Being: Human (Mutant Variant)

Age: Presumably 19 years old, has no birth certificate and has a snake-like biology so the details of how he ages are unclear but he is around that age physically.

Sex: Male

Appearance: Adahm is very tall and lanky, with warm white skin that is slightly sun tanned but without any freckles. His eyes are a piercing light yelloish green, almost neon, hue which look distinctively like the eyes of a snake. He has very long light brown hair that he usually keeps loose, brushed to one side, or tied in a messy ponytail. Adahm's smile usually appears normal if not for the fact that his teeth are generally sharper than that of a 'regular human' and that he has two, pointy snake fangs - like a reptilian vampire. A fun detail is that he can stretch and detach his jaw like a snake would and it makes for a devastating biting force. Adahm usually wears black clothes, with a dark - kevlar reinforced - jacket, black or dark grey button up shirts, dark denim pants and black leather combat boots, as well as fingerless grey gloves.

Occupation: Serial Killer (of corrupt people), Vigilante, Rebel

Family Members:

Taylen Ryker: adoptive younger brother, ward

Charles Zarin: childhood best friend (deceased)

Unnamed Parents

Pets: No pets

Best friends: Jax Strobber (they/them), Sasha Valentine (she/her), Gwyn Whitewood (she/her)

Describe his/her room: Adahm's room is spacious and meticulously organized/clean. It's on the smaller side, so as not to take up too much space in their safehouse, but comfortable. His bedsheets are dark grey with some black details, and his bed is usually pristinely made, and there's a light blue sleep mask usually tossed onto it. The room often has a light citrusy smell due to air freshners he buys, and there's a small study desk/work desk by the reinforced glass window where he does most of the planning for his missions. There's a holographic picture of him and Taylen on the edge of that same desk. In his wardrobe, he keeps his clothes - which are usually all in dark tones of black, grey and blue - and his vast collection of guns (ranging from pistols to precision rifles and one small machine gun) and knives (his preferred weapon, usually sharp daggers, common knifes and a few thin swords, as well as a pocket swiftblade);

Way of speaking: Faint (fictional) english accent. He is usually soft spoken, to the point he can sound like a hissing snake when he is speaking specially sharply, but almost always has a dangerous lilt to is voice that commands a certain amount of fear and respect from those around him. His way of speaking changes drastically when he's talking to Taylen - whenever he is addressing his brother, Adahm sounds genuinely kinder, more excited and gentle than he ever would have sounded while speaking to anyone else.

Physical characteristics (posture, gestures, attitude):

Towards strangers: Cold, snake-like, moving swiftly from spot to spot almost imperceptively, confident, scarily so. He usually has a wild/feral attitude to him, despite his calculated behaviors and emotionless persona, having a wild animal's unpredictability and deadliness to him. He has a sharp, imposing smile that usually sends chills down people's spines, and his eyes can be disturbingly cold and unemotional, though they do show a strong glint of enjoyment whenever he is inebriated by the thrill of a kill.

Towards Taylen: When around his little brother Adahm becomes an almost completely different person, being genuinely warmer/gentler, patience, easily excited about different topics and doting. The shift in his usually murderous outer personality he shows the world to his kind, protective older brother personality that is reserved for Taylen alone, can be jarring for those who don't know him well, but Adahm himself doesn't seem to realize that.

Items in his/her back pocket/ purse: Extra poison vials, combat daggers, ammo, climbing gear and spy gear, commlinks, his phone, an extra jacket or coat (he's ectothermic due to his snake biology and sensitive to temperature changes, especially cold weather) and snacks, preferrably dry ones.

Favorite sports: Swordfighting, Boxing, Climbing/Parkour, Swimming

Powers: Snake Biology, Venom/Poison Manipulation & Generation, Shadow Movement, Enhanced Senses/Speed

Relationships (how he/she is with other people):

When he knows the person: quiet, funny, attentive, kind, protective, easily excited, happy, and genuine

When he does not know the person: cunning, manipulative, sociopathic (he does suffer from sociopathy but it becomes much more clear when he's dealing with strangers, especially enemies), murderous, dangerous, sadistic, cold and unpredictable.

Fears: Losing a loved one again or being unable to protect them (especially Taylen), actually being a 'freak' or unworthy of love, being forced to comply by arbitrary rules, being weak, being touched without consent

Faults: Emotionally detached from strangers, murderous, ruthless, vindictive, blunt/unkind, vicious/bloodthirsty, tendency to tunnel vision, bad at reading people and especially stunted at emotional cues (of people he doesn't know)

Good Points: Kind, genuinely cares about those around him, has a good sense of humour, protective, loyal to a fault, deadly smart, loves his brother more than anything and is a good guardian even though he doesn't know how to parent, rebellious and free spirited

What he/she wants more than anything else: Justice, Revenge, being able to keep Taylen safe, and being worthy of respect/genuine love with no strings attached.

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart, @ray-writes-n-shit

@the-golden-comet, @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid

@lassiesandiego, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams

@differentnighttale

@wyked-ao3 and OPEN TAG

Taglist for Scrapyard Boys below the cut 🧪

Scrapyard Boys Taglist (-/+): @ray-writes-n-shit, @sarandipitywrites, @lassiesandiego, @smol-feralgremlin, @kaylinalexanderbooks,

@diabolical-blue @oh-no-another-idea

@cakeinthevoid, @clairelsonao3,

@thepeculiarbird

@the-golden-comet, @urnumber1star, @ominous-feychild, @anyablackwood, @amaiguri, @lyutenw @finickyfelix

@thecomfywriter, @the-letterbox-archives, @differentnighttale @wyked-ao3

Let me know if you'd like to be added!

[grey-gravy-art]

Nothing better than a good nap after a long hard day of fighting crime

[ryker-writes]

Ryker's 19th birthday celebration

woooo I turned 19 today! I wanted to do something fun for my birthday, so here we have a question and answer interview like the birthday interviews in TWST. If you guys have any more questions feel free to ask and I'll happily answer! If you want the link for the picrew that made that image, you can find it here

NRC School Newspaper: A Birthday Interview with Ryker Crowley

Happy birthday!

Thank you! I gotta say that this has been one of my best birthdays so far! I love how NRC celebrates birthdays, and since we had one yesterday, it's like one very long party.

That's right, we celebrated Riddle's birthday yesterday.

Yup! Me and Riddle are pretty similar in a lot of ways. Aside from our birthday's being one day apart, we're also the same height, and even some of our personality. I'm a big rule follower and pretty strict when it comes to my school work and grades too.

Are you two close?

Well I'm a Heartslabyul student and he's my dorm leader, so we see each other often. I'd say we get along pretty well, but I wouldn't consider us close.

Who are you close with?

I get along really well with Ruggie, Silver, and Idia. I'd consider them pretty close friends. Ruggie is always fun to do practically anything with, even if it's working jobs, he can make it fun. Silver is really easy to talk to and fun to hang around with. He's the kind of friend I know I can always count on. Idia is the one that I spend most of my time with tho. It's not intentional, but when you're playing your favorite game or watching your favorite anime, you tend to lose track of time.

What are your favorite games and animes?

Some of my favorite games are Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, Pokemon, and Stardew Valley. As for anime...my favorite has to be One Piece. It's a very long one, and I'm not done yet, but I love it. I also like Black Butler, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Death Note.

Do you have any dreams for the future?

I want to become an author. I love writing so much, and I'm even taking writing college classes right now. I have a bunch of short stories that I've written and debated creating a separate blog for, but I'm unsure if anyone would even care about it. But I also have an idea for a book I want to write, so completing and publishing that would be my ultimate goal.

Speaking of your writing, how is your blog doing?

It's doing great! I say it often, but I never imagined I'd get as much support as I did. I'm really grateful to all of my followers who give me feedback and requests. I really love seeing their comments and responding. Hearing their thoughts, what they want more of, and interacting with them always makes me happy!

What's your most popular series?

Definitely my broken sibling relationship series. I'm honestly surprised how much everyone loves the angst. It started with Vil after a slight mention that I had an idea for how it could go wrong, but people keep wanting more. Those take a little bit longer to write than most requests, but I always love doing it.

Considering you've written so much sibling angst, if you had to choose someone at NRC to be your sibling, who would it be?

Oh man. That's a pretty tough decision, but I think I would have to say Malleus. He's pretty lonely most of the time, but I think if he had a sibling, he would be a bit happier. I firmly believe that Malleus would treat his sibling very well. Plus, I think growing up with him would've been very fun. I would've loved to be a part of Malleus' family.

Do you consider anyone in Twisted Wonderland your family?

I've accepted Crowley as my bird dad. I know most people wouldn't, but I do.

How are you enjoying Twisted Wonderland?

I love it! I've been playing for a little over a year now. I originally came to Twisted Wonderland through Obey Me, but I play more Twisted Wonderland now. I'm a proud owner of 25 SSR cards, and love the story. My favorite characters have to be Sebek, Leona, and Silver.

What are you talking about?

Don't worry about it.

Uh, okay. Can you tell us about your clothing style?

Sure! It varies from day to day depending of if I'm feeling more feminine or masculine, but lately I've been wearing a lot of Hawaiian shirts. My friend @l1ttleclouds actually made me an aesthetic board for my normal style. Take a look!

Nice! Are there any fun facts about you that most people don't know?

I always have trouble coming up with fun facts, especially ones that most people don't know. So I decided to come up with a few that people may or may not know; I love horror, I have a few succulents, and my eyes have two different colors. To clarify that last one, my eyes aren't two different colors, but each eye has two colors in it. Not mixed together, but separated. So about half of each iris is green, and half is brown. Fun!

Thank you so much for your time, and happy birthday again!

Of course! If anyone else has questions, don't be afraid to ask <3

[freedrats-sewerman]

Teivel Chandler Intro

This is for my play Deighton's Monument to the Stars. These introductions are written for the actors to read at the start of the play. This is written for Teivel to state. Enjoy Mr Chandler's introduction.

Trigger Warning: Mentions of Murder

I shan't allow slander to my name. Lunette and I were rivals, however it weren't me. You mustn't listen to Magnus' false accusation. The greatest of all my kin, Dullahan, has turned his back from me. I am not the villian the press are painting me to be. I have dreams, I shall become a medical doctor, not a sinful murder. My dignity is being striped from myself. I haven't gotten my chance to wed with Ruth Walton, her brother forbids it.

[useless-moss]

My brain is a shipping mess rn.

Like. Words can not even properly articulate the dilemma I am in regarding my story and the relationships within it.

Just.

Vigcup and dagcup are so cute. They're both literally enemies to friends to lovers and they hold so much fuel for angst and hurt/comfort and fluffy cuddles by a fireplace and the trust that is built up and I-

I just-

And Viggo and Dagur fighting to win Hiccups affection is such a top tier idea and I'm surprised nobody has written about it before. Viggo giving Hiccup flowers, handmade gifts, poetry he's written for him. Dagur trying to combat all that and not really knowing how. Angst and self doubt and comfort and whatnot follows.

Then again hicstrid is amazing. They're so wholesome and, yeah, it's kinda basic, but it's still so cute. They care for each other so much and it's adorable. And their dragons are best friends which makes it even cuter.

But Heather is also so freaking gay for Astrid that it's not even funny and they would be so cute together. Friends to lovers. Warrior women who would kill and die for each other. They're such an amazing team in the show and I just.

I think about all this and think I have it figured out and then my brain just. It's just like "hey, what about Dagur being a disaster bi for both Viggo and Hiccup?" and I'm suddenly sent reeling again. Especially with with found family aspect that literally has Viggo helping Dagur raise his adopted son and being deemed the kids 'second dad'.

This has already been decided BTW. Its set in stone. Dagur and Viggo are raising a child together in my story and Ryker helps out and is that kinda aloof uncle figure.

They take turns keeping an eye on this bundle of chaos and unfathomable energy. Have to sleep in small cuddle piles because this child refuses to sleep at all if he can't use at least one of his dads as a pillow. Viggo and Dagur get to see softer sides of each other that completely contradict their usual reputations.

Then Krogan comes along and becomes another father/the mother figure of this family and my brain just.

Implodes.

Kroggo. Angst. Hurt/comfort. Fluff. Trauma buddies.

And it's all just a love pentagram at this point and I haven't even thought about the other riders or any other relationships because my brain just. Latches. Locks its jaws on a collection of ideas and shakes it all around like a rabid animal.

Please help I need outside opinions on all of this

[finnofamerica]

Original Characters

Aaron Jones: Blog (Faceclaim - Rahul Kohli & Raymond Ablack)

Age: Late 30s Early 40s Birthday: September 22nd Occupation: History Professor Sexuality: N/a Cannon Ships: N/a Aaron is a History Professor at the North Beach University. He enjoys photography in his free time. Avid Coffee drinker. Has a decently-sized apartment in North Beach. Older brother to Ryker Jones. Devon Reed: Blog (Faceclaim - Froylan Gutierrez)

Age: 22 Birthday: February 28th Occupation: Singer/songwriter for They Might Be Wolves, plays a multitude of instruments as well. Sexuality: Demisexual/Demiromantic Canon Ships: N/a

Devon Reed is quite introverted; he and his brother Everett moved into a duplex-style apartment together as soon as Everett turned 18. Everyone is quite protective of the youngest of TMBW. He is very slow to warm up to people.

Everett Reed: Blog (Faceclaim - Herman Tømmeraas)

Age: 28 Birthday: October 28th Occupation: Bassist and Lead Singer for They Might Be Wolves. Sexuality: Straight Canon Ships: Finnlyn Alexander

As the oldest of the group, Everett had always been the protector and fighter. He and Devon started TMBW as a creative outlet to cope with the abuse of their childhoods. Now, they are a semi-successful local band. Everett has a hard time letting people take care of him since he's taking care of everyone else.

Finnlyn Alexander: Blog (Faceclaim - Millaine Friesen)

Age: 24 Birthday: March 17th Occupation: Audio Engineer and Bookstore Cashier Sexuality: Straight Canon Ships: Everett Reed

Finnlyn spent the majority of her childhood in the foster care system until she was fostered by Venera's grandparents before Venera was taken in by them. Despite this, Venera and Finnlyn were never really close.

James "Dix" Dixion: Blog (Faceclaim - Max Barczak)

Age: 26 Birthday: July 25th Occupation: Lead Guitarist for They Might Be Wolves, Barista at Rise & Grind Coffee Sexuality: Chaotic Bisexual Canon Ships:

James, a.k.a Dix, is best friends with Finnlyn and Everett. He and Everett have been friends since kindergarten and will always follow Ev into a fight. He is often found with bruises (from the aforementioned fights) or hickies (He just likes making out with anyone and everyone). Josh is like a brother to him and will beat the shit out of anyone who has anything to say about Josh's sexuality.

Joshua Vaughn: Blog (Faceclaim - BooBoo Stewert)

Age: 27 Birthday: April 15th Occupation: Drummer for They Might Be Wolves, Barista at Rise & Grind Coffee Sexuality: Gay Canon Ships: N/a

Joshua Vaughn has a positive vibe bordering on the hippie of TMBW. As the second oldest, he is very protective and caring of Finnlyn and Devon. He was kicked out of his house as a teenager when his parents found out that he was gay. Dix's parents took him in, and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Leon Keane: Blog (Faceclaim - Kevin Creekman)

Age: Late 30s, early 40s Birthday: August 5th Occupation: Private Security officer Sexuality: N/a Cannon Ships: Venera Toth

Leon Keane is ex-military turned private security. Typically assigned to high-risk cases as a personal bodyguard until the threat is eliminated. Enjoys cooking. Rides a Motorcycle and drives a truck. He is a widower - his wife was murdered in their home while he was deployed (Before moving to America). Has a Scottish accent. Kit Hargrove: Blog (Faceclaim - Luanna Perez )

Age: 28 Birthday: June 21st Occupation: Boudoir Photographer Sexuality: Bisexual Canon Ships: N/a

Kit is a Boudoir photographer whose reputation often brings in business from out of town. She also enjoys hanging out in the North Beach University library and studying books on art and photography.

Ryker Jones: Blog (Faceclaim - ricky_aimee on insta)

Age: 25 Birthday: December 22nd Occupation: On-air personality and Board Operator for NSRB radio station Sexuality: Bisexual Canon Ships: N/a

Rides a motorcycle. Will stab a bitch. Designated drink holder at the bar. Basically, nocturnal runs the late-night show at NSRB. Younger sister to Aaron Jones. Venera Toth: Blog (Faceclaim - Holland Roden)

Age: 26 Birthday: January 15th Occupation: Book Store Owner Sexuality: Bisexual Canon Ships: Leon Keane

Venera is the Owner and Operator of Word to the Wise bookshop. She lives in a small apartment above the store. As an aspiring author, she spends most of her free time writing. Moved in with her grandparents (Previous owners of Word to the Wise) after her parents died in a car accident.

[theherosvillain]

5: Something that you'll never kill

Previous - Masterpost - Next

CWs: captivity, violence

After a night of restless sleep, I didn’t feel much better. My ribs ached, and I felt a sharp pain down the left side whenever I took a deep breath. I couldn’t tell whether the rib was broken or just cracked. My arms and my torso felt bruised, but I didn’t check to see how bad it looked. I didn’t want to know.

The hours of rest only made me more aware that I was running out of time. Gingerly, I sat up on the cot and assessed how I felt. Could I run in this kind of condition? Fight? I swung my legs over the edge and slumped over, then hissed at the stab of pain in my ribs. Fuck. I couldn’t handle another fight. Running would hurt like a bitch, and I’d be slower than usual, but …

My fingers tightened on the thin mattress. It was wishful thinking, but what choice did I have? I’d been missing for more than a day already. Someone must have alerted the police, but maybe they wouldn’t take the disappearance of a troubled kid like me that seriously.

The police, honestly, were the least of my concern, and I could dodge questions from my aunt and my friends, too. I was used to that. My biggest worry was not getting out of here at all.

I picked the lock again. It took longer this time—a pretty good indicator that I needed more rest, but I pushed through until it clicked open, ignoring the lingering aches as I stepped out into the hallway. Then, immediately, I heard footsteps.

I stiffened, but before I could move, Ryker turned the corner, his scowl zeroing in on me. “You just don’t fucking know when to quit, do you?”

Normally, I’d give him a witty retort that would only piss him off more. Now, I barely had time to brace myself before he threw me to the ground, and his boot met my possibly-broken ribs. He didn’t even kick that hard, but I hissed in pain as I wrapped my arms around myself. “Thought you would’ve learned your lesson last time,” he muttered.

“Ryker, that’s enough.” Vale’s voice was disapproving, but only mildly. I stiffened; I hadn’t even sensed him approaching. I really needed more sleep. “I told you not to cause any permanent damage.”

I only uncurled when I heard Ryker step back. “He’ll survive,” he said.

“You’re dismissed. He’s not going anywhere.” Vale’s shiny black shoes entered my vision, stopping far too close. “Are you, Phantom?”

“Fuck off.” The words slipped out, and my breath froze in my chest. I braced myself for more pain. I rarely swore when I was acting as Phantom—it was part of the persona, being polite, but I was in too much pain to maintain that façade. Still, I got the feeling Vale would take the disrespect a lot less kindly than Ryker had.

There was a beat of silence. I heard Ryker walking away. Vale’s shoes stayed planted on the floor. “Do not speak to me like that again,” he said, his voice low and calm. I nodded, not daring to lift my head. “Now get up.”

I painstakingly rose to my feet, suppressing the urge to swear as my injured ribs shifted. It killed me to follow orders, but I couldn’t risk another injury. Vale had barely touched me yet, but I was under no illusion that he wouldn’t. He barely made sure I was standing before he turned his back and started walking, like he was expecting me to follow.

The worst part is, I did.

“I spoke with Amoret,” he said over his shoulder. “It was … enlightening.” He paused for a brief moment before he added, “She mentioned that she’s your mother.”

I flinched. I really wasn’t in the mood to think about that. “Why did her name surprise you?” I blurted out instead. It was a blatant dodge, but as long as we were talking about Amoret …

Again, he paused. I didn’t really think he’d answer until he said, “I knew Vivienne Thorn a long time ago. I hadn’t been aware that she and Amoret were the same person.” Despite how shitty I felt, the edge in his voice made me feel a tiny bit better. I hadn’t fucked up. If Vale was angry at Amoret for lying to him all these years, then I did exactly what I meant to do. “How long have you known she was your mother?”

The question jolted me out of my short-lived satisfaction. “Since the other night,” I muttered, my arms crossed carefully above my injured ribs.

He glanced back at me. “I take it you’re unhappy with this revelation?”

Oh, he had no fucking idea. I managed to keep a straight face. “It’s not the best news I’ve ever gotten, no.”

He scrutinized me for a moment before facing forward again. I wondered why he’d even asked. Why did he care what I thought about it?

By now, I recognized the way to the office, so I wasn’t surprised when we ended up there again. The desk was scattered with papers, and as I approached, a cold feeling washed over me. Sitting on top, front and center, was my school photo from this year: my bangs swept to the side, eyelashes dark with mascara, the collar of my purple top slightly askew. Printed above the photo, in big block letters, was the word MISSING.

All I could do was stare, the blood draining from my face. No. Nononono—

“So.” Vale’s voice cut through the panic buzzing in my veins. “Wren Argent.”

I whirled to face him, gripping the back of the chair as my legs threatened to give out. “Don’t ever say that name again,” I snapped.

“This is you, isn’t it?” He inclined his head toward the newspaper, as if I hadn’t fucking seen it. All I could do was nod stiffly. That was me—my civilian self, in the paper, on Axton Vale’s desk. His hand grazed the edge of the paper, and without thinking, I snatched it away with my powers. It crumpled in my fist, and I tried to take a deep breath, but the pain shot through my ribs. I stopped.

Vale studied me like I was a puzzle, and I wanted to shrink down and disappear, away from his prying eyes, away from the realization that he knew. “There is one thing I’d like to clear up,” he said slowly, eyeing the paper in my hand. “By all accounts, your civilian identity seems to be a … girl. Are you—?”

I cut him off, mortified and furious all at once. I wasn’t out, especially not in my villain life. When I was Wren, my gender was whatever I needed it to be. When I was Phantom, though— “I’m a boy.”

The words so rushed they sounded like a lie, and I was certain he’d call my bluff. To my surprise, though, he nodded slowly, although he still looked bewildered. “But—”

My grip on the chair tightened as my powers welled up inside me, threatening to break loose. I shoved them back down, reminding myself that I couldn’t afford another fight. “Is that really the most important thing here?”

His eyes narrowed. After a brief pause, he said, “No, I suppose not.” My relief only lasted for a second before he reached for a different newspaper. “I’m assuming this is why you became a villain.”

My stomach dropped as my eyes zeroed in on the familiar headline: LOCAL PROFESSOR ARRESTED FOR VILLAINY. It wasn’t the only article written about my mom’s arrest, but this one, in particular, had framed it badly. All the evidence was circumstantial, but the tabloids acted like it was such a concrete thing, like the Hero League actually had proof that my mom committed those crimes—

I cut off the train of thought before it could go any further. Even after all these months, it made my heart pound with rage. I tried to take a deep breath, and my ribs ached in protest. “Yeah,” I said, not quite looking at Vale. “That would be why.”

“What, exactly, were you trying to accomplish here?”

Rage spiked through me, my powers threatening to burst out. I counted to ten in my head before I felt controlled enough to meet his eyes. “I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

He set the paper down, his full attention on me. “I want to understand your motives. Your mother was arrested for villainy, and you became a villain yourself because …?”

“Because she didn’t do it!” I snapped. “Amoret confessed to framing her—” I cut myself off and looked away, fists clenched. I said I wouldn’t explain myself.

“You don’t have any evidence of that, do you?” I swallowed, still not meeting his eyes. I was working on it. Vale let out a weary sigh. “Phantom, you’re clearly a very bright, driven, and powerful young man. What you lack, though, is perspective. You’re a wolf lowering yourself to the level of sheep.”

I laughed, and it came out sounding hysterical. Between the pain and the panic, my grip on the chair was the only thing keeping me standing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that you are wasting your time.” His tone was clipped, matter-of-fact. “You could be doing so much more with yourself.”

The newspaper crinkled in my fist. “Like working for you?” I asked icily. The possibility of it made me feel ill. I only had a vague sense of what Vale did for a living, but I knew it was nothing I wanted to be a part of.

“Working under my guidance would be a much more productive use of your time than the petty villainy you’ve dedicated yourself to.”

I doubted it, but I didn’t doubt that he believed it, and that part scared me the most. I had to get the fuck out of here.

I bolted for the door. Before I could get far, his hand landed on my shoulder, and I froze. “Just where do you think you’re going?” His voice was almost casual, his fingers digging into my skin. “I know where you live, Phantom. I know where your friends live.” My breath froze in my chest. The door was right in front of me, but I didn’t dare move. “Ariel Becker, Danika Cameron … you wouldn’t want anything to happen to them, would you?”

I whipped around, and my fist slammed into his jaw. He grunted, staggered back—then his hand jabbed my side, and my ribs exploded in pain. I gasped and doubled over, and he yanked me up by my hoodie. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. The neutral expression on his face had evaporated, replaced with simmering rage. “If you ever do that again,” he said in a low, calm voice, “I will kill them, very slowly, and I will make you watch. Do you understand?”

My mouth went dry. I swallowed, my eyes darting away. “Yes,” I whispered.

He grabbed my jaw, forcing me to look back at him. “Yes, what?”

It took a moment for my brain to catch up, and another moment to push past the bitter taste in my mouth. “Yes, sir.”

I stumbled when he released me, my back hitting the door. I stayed there, trying to breathe through my aching ribs, and watched him dab the blood off his mouth with a handkerchief. Then he turned back to me. “Go back to your room. Think this through. You’re a smart boy, Phantom. I’m sure you’ll reach the right conclusion.”

Mechanically, I left the office. I could run, I thought. He’s not following me. He won’t expect it. I could run.

Then Vale’s words rang in my head again, cold and clear, and I decided to stop thinking.

I shut myself inside the room and sat down on the cot, reality settling over me like a heavy weight.

-

Title credits: Thank You For The Venom - My Chemical Romance

Tag list: let me know if you want to be tagged in future updates!

[painful-pooch]

Medals For Scars - BTHB

I'd like to thank @whumperofworlds for asking for this! I decided to have this be a fairly short write, but if people want to see what really happens next, just leave a comment so I know lmao. That being said, let me tag the Bru Bru/ Military Whump squad!

@badthingshappenbingo 'Scar to Remember'

Tag Squad: @actress4him, @redd956, @ocean-blue-whump, @pigeonwhumps, @technom0ose, @inscrutable-shadow, @straight-to-the-pain, @thethistlegirl, @sssunshinebreeze, @crash-bump-bring-the-whump, and @brinkofdiscovery

Continued after Tell Me When It's Over

CWs: Military Whump, Angst, PTSD, Panic Attack, Abuse from Commanding Officer, War Talk, *slightly grimdark*, and Mentions of Blood/Gore

~~~

Bruno stood in the hallway, poised and standing with a sense of purpose while his shoulders remained tense. He was dressed in full service blues, his uniform crisp, his tie straight, his shoes well polished, his ribbons positioned over his heart, his wings and occupational badges shining, and the bandages under his mangled chest concealing the damage.

He knew by now how it worked. He'd stand before a panel of both officers and enlisted, explain what had happened in excruciating detail, and then be given their decision of whether or not they would submit it for either the Air Force Cross or some other medal that signifies his honorable actions.

Bruno scoffed unknowingly, the word tasting bitter in his mouth. Honor. Such an overused word, yet people didn't comprehend what the reality of being honorable entailed, the scars it left behind, nor the painful memories that would come to haunt them during the hours of the day and night. People who say they know what war is have no fucking clue what it's like.

They aren't the ones having to put down someone else's pride and joy six feet under. They aren't the ones staying up 'round the clock, knowing that if they snooze for even a moment, their teammate could wind up dead beside them. They aren't the ones having to leave a body behind and telling the parents, spouse, or child of that soldier that their loved one is gone forever.

The taste of war was something Bruno could describe so easily depending on who asked. For the joke of it, he could just say it tastes like a fuck ton of Monster Energy, shitty MREs, and whatever random ass bug crawled in your mouth at night if you left your cot net open. For someone who wanted to really know the truth, Bruno's answer never changed.

It's something you can't stomach until you've learned to harden your heart and mind to it. Your mind can't begin to comprehend the utter chaos of the battlefield. No matter how organized it may seem, it's a cesspool of rage, unhinged emotions, death, blood, and dreams of a long life ending suddenly. When you breathe it the first time, you can't help but gag and cough because it coats your throat with what feels like knives slicing you from the inside. Once you swallow your fear and your woes, then you can taste it. It stings for a second, and then it's a fusion of melancholy and metallic aftertaste. Whether it's your own blood, someone else's, or even the residue from all the gunfire and smoke, it all ebbs into a certain tang that... if you've been around it long enough, it's sweet. If not, it is the most bitter thing you've ever tasted.

His chest began to hurt and he grimaced, a hand being brought up to grip the clothing over his sternum, as though the shrapnel from the accident were back in his chest. It grew harder to breathe, the hallway beginning to tunnel. He shut his eyes and clenched his jaw, hoping the waves of duress would pass by him, but he was met with a gentle tap to his shoulder, his head snapping towards the direction and coming face to face with her.

"Hey, are you okay? You're up next," Miranda spoke in that same voice she used on that fateful day. He wouldn't be here without her, but sometimes...

Sometimes he wished he hadn't survived.

He had to respond back before she could tell he wasn't in the greatest of moods. "Yeah. I'll be fine. It's just an award committee trying to pull every detail they can out of me. It won't be fun, but it'll get done soon enough."

"You can tell them that it's too fresh in your mind, Bruno. Why don't you let me go in-"

"Lieutenant Ryker, are you trying to talk our wonderful Captain Stenberg out of getting the Medal of Honor?" General Kane appeared around the corner, his eyebrow raised, his grey eyes ever so depressing to look into. "Well?"

Miranda straightened up and adjusted her Marine dress uniform, clearing her throat and throwing Bruno a look of displeasure. "No, of course not, General Kane. I was simply insisting that Captain Stenberg take a brief moment of leave to clear his mind of the traumatic events that occurred."

Kane barely even paid a second glance to Miranda, taking a step closer to Bruno, his hand reaching out to straighten Bruno’s tie and messing at the ribbons, wings, and the occupational badges he wore. "Captain here actually passed his baseline trauma exam. Isn't that right?"

Kane wasn't wrong. Bruno did pass the test. After 13 subsequent failures, tape scrubbing, and a few... corrective actions to fix his emotions. "Correct, General Kane. Mira- Lieutenant Ryker, I will be fine. Thank you for your worry, but this won't be long. Recounting the events will be simple enough. I'm assuming the mission has been declassified due to the circumstances of the possibility for the Medal of Honor?" It's a complete joke. He doesn't deserve the damn fucking medal. He deserves to die on the battlefield like a true warrior.

Miranda sighed and raised her hands. "Got it. I'm sorry for assuming that the incident where he almost died doesn't affect him at all. Sorry for assuming that he's just a normal man who sacrificed his damn chest and everything for-"

"That's enough!" Kane roared at her, Bruno unknowingly flinching at that. "You don't get to say whatever you want about this. Weren't you the one he took the blast for? Shouldn't you apologize to him for his fucked up chest?"

Bruno stopped listening at that point, his eyes fixated on a point in the wall, the ringing in his ears getting louder. He could hear the sound of his heart beating proudly in... in his fucked up chest; beating away without a care in the world. He didn't know why he felt really hot all of a sudden, sweat forming on his brow. He couldn't tell why it was getting harder to breathe or how the walls were closing in around him.

He just wanted to duck down.

He couldn't take another blast to his already fucked up chest. He didn't like the rain on his face. It wasn't rain though.

It was blood. Dripping, dripping, dripping down his face, hot and heavy, the screams and cries of agony an undertone of the deafening ringing in his ears.

And then the slap came out of no where, rough and stinging. Bruno registered it seconds after, his hand gently reaching up so that his fingers brushed up against the most likely reddened skin. "S-Sir?"

"Get your sorry ass together, Captain, or so help me I won't help you climb the ranks to Major. Hell, this could get you promoted. Now get your act together, stand straight, control your breathing, and get the fuck in that room. Tell them whatever they want. The mission was scrubbed as a Humanitarian effort to provide food and water to the locals when shit hit the fan for you and Lieutenant Ryker."

Miranda stared in rage and shock, standing in front of Bruno, her finger in Kane's face. "You *don't* touch him like that. I thought you knew better than to fuck over the one person on the team that half respects you."

The General stood there, his demeanor already giving Bruno a bad vibe, who was barely even there as it was. Kane and Miranda stared down one another, a silent discussion going on; one that Bruno didn't know what the contents were until Kane scoffed, pointing at Bruno. "If he fucks this up, I'll have you both on details that will make the Marines look like rocket scientists when they cut the grass in front of the their barracks with safety scissors. Understood?"

Miranda would have said something, but Bruno’s squeeze on her shoulder reminded her to choose her own battles, sighing and saluting alongside Bruno. "Copy. In that case, I'll leave Bruno to go ahead and present to the panel his recollection of events."

Kane grinned so smugly and patted Bruno’s cheek. "Atta boy, you'll be a fine officer. Now go get yourself a nice medal and a promotion. Don't let me down. You can't afford to."

The hall became so quiet, Bruno and Miranda watching as Kane disappeared, a sigh of relief coming from beside him. "I hate him so much," Miranda spoke with so much venom in her words. "I just want to... agh, forget it. He doesn't deserve another moment of my time. Bruno are you going to actually be fine?" She held his cheek, her lovely green eyes shimmering like a forest.

Bruno didn't even know what to say in return, so he took her hand off his face, whispering back, "It doesn't matter if I'm fine, Miranda. That's not something that should hold any importance." He forced a grin and smirk, winking at her with a bit of his dashing demeanor he puts up whenever he's pushing others away. "Besides... it's not something I can afford. I'm the leader of this team. I hold the line. I am the one who has to keep the rest of us up."

"And what about you? Who's holding you up? Bruno, don't walk away from this!" Miranda raised her voice to a harsh whisper, trying to stop Bruno from knocking on the door.

Bruno spun on his heels, and he stood rigid, holding back the anger that was rising in him. "When are you going to learn to just give up on me? I'm a lost cause. The sooner you accept that reality, the easier it'll be when..."

"When you die? Is that it? Do you just want to die, Bruno? Should I have let you bleed out on me back there?" Miranda was starting to tear up, making Bruno pinch the bridge of his nose tightly.

"I have to go... please, before I say anything else to make this worse than it already is." Bruno turned away again, knocking at the door and waiting to be told to enter and stand before the panel.

"You may enter, Captain Stenberg," a male called out from within the room, Bruno's hand reaching to turn the handle and pull it.

Miranda's voice was filled with sorrow and pain when she bid farewell. "Before you go in there... I'm not giving up on you. Not then, not now, and not ever. Now go get your medal that you earned."

Bruno couldn't turn to her. He didn't want her to see how much shame and pain he had within him. He heard the fading foot steps go away from him, and in order to not keep the panel waiting, he opened the door and entered the judgement chamber.

[backburnerdio]

OC Kiss Week Day 7 Sloppy

WIP: Time Borrowed Pairing: Ives & Ryker cw: Injury Mention Words: 2033 Tag List: @irnalia, @waysofink, @ashen-crest, @spacetimewraithwrites,@dustylovelyrun, @idreamonpaper, @abalonetea, @jaimistoryteller, @kaiusvnoir, @writeouswriter, @reininginthefirewriting, @concealeddarkness13, @winterandwords (Used the Time Borrowed taglist, please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed from this event or the main taglist)

I did not mean for this one to get so long! 😅 Sorry my dudes!

“We’re not able to get a connection.”

“Use the pry bar here and get under the paneling. The port has come loose –Ives, can you hear me? Can you give me some kind of response?”

“It’s all loose in here.”

Ryker maneuvered his way through the crowd, excusing himself as he hurried over. Ives was sitting on the ground hands limp at his side with his gaze unfocused on the ground. Dust and small clumps of cement dusted his head and shoulders, hair spilling forward over his brow. Mikki crouched beside him, hand on his face trying to get his attention without any luck.

“We’ve got a system crash,” one of the techs announced, leaning down to try and see into the open port on his neck. “There’s a faulty connection around his CPU, he keeps trying to connect and crashing.” Mikki got up, hurrying around to their side, shooing them out of the way.

“Is it hurt?” someone in the crowd whispered. “Is it hurting?”

“They pushed that slab right off the seventh floor. I saw it!” someone else chimed in. “They did it on purpose. Landed right on top of him!”

“Ryker, give us some air,” Mikki spoke up, snapping his attention from the deadened look on Ives’ face.

“Alright, alright!” Ryker came to, turning to the crowd and waving his arms. “Let’s back up, give our tech room to work. I need everyone to take five giant steps back.” He helped make room, someone bringing over markers to project the lighted barriers.

Ives was eventually loaded into a tech van to get away from the crowd and provide more tools to help his condition. It was hours later when Ryker was able to take one of his breaks and head over, hoping to get an update on Ives’ condition. He knocked on the back door and what surprised when Mikki opened it, stepping out.

“Perfect, Captain, you’re exactly who I wanted to see,” she removed the stained gloves from her hands, hooking them on her hips. “We’re having to put Ives into safe-mode. There was some damage to his hardware, loose connections and overheating after the initial point of contact. We were able to replace any damage to the chassis, and luckily there wasn’t any physical harm to his hardware. He just needs time to readjust.”

Ryker glanced behind her to where Ives was sitting on the table, taking directions from one of the techs who was having him follow their hand with his eyes.

“Safe-mode? What… what does that mean?”

“He’s not entirely up and running. He’s functioning, there are just a few scripts and functions he has to work out. That’s simply going to take time.” Mikki turned to look back at him. “Similar to a human concussion. He’s just in self-diagnostics, which has a higher recovery rate than an Auditor resetting him.”

“Shit,” Ryker sighed. “Is he going to be alright?”

“Of course,” Mikki nodded. “It could take a few hours or a few days. But it’s quicker than wiping him and having to upload from a backup. That could take weeks for his system to adjust. I don’t recommend it.”

“Yeah, I’d like to steer clear from a wipe too.” Ryker frowned.

“I was actually on my way to get a hold of you,” Mikki turned back to him, blindly reaching for the van door to pull it to. “I don’t think it would be wise to leave Ives unattended,” she spoke quietly, face impassive. “I’m reporting after hours for scheduled maintenance and won’t be back at the station until tomorrow afternoon. I could take Ives with me but I don’t know that Auditors would agree with this process.”

She tilted her head down to peer at him through her lashes.

“Oh, well, yeah. Would you like me to watch him tonight?” He guessed and she straightened back up with a smile.

“I appreciate your offer,” she nodded, opening the door back up. “Are you on your way back to the station?” She spoke a little louder than a normal volume and Ryker caught on.

“Yeah, I was just headed back that way.”

“Do you mind taking Ives with you? Dropping him off there?” She blinked a number of times.

“Sure,” he winced as she suddenly turned to lean back inside.

“Captain Ryker is going to take Ives back by the station. I can ride back with you to BloomingTek.” Mikki told the tech, waving at Ives before turning back around to whisper. "Take him home."

DATE AND TIME UNKNOWN NETWORK UNAVAILABLE

There was the sway of big band music in the other room, Ives sitting up on the bed to look around. His olfactory sensors picked up the smell of braised meat, onions, and peppers, coming to the conclusion that Ryker must have been cooking in the kitchen. Feeling successful at that deduction, he smiled and pulled his feet off the side of the bed.

It took some time to get his equilibrium, still wobbly as he held his balance on the bed. And then the dresser. His HUD attempted to pull up the name of the song, trying to hum along to it as he studied the photographs pinned to the corkboard above the dresser. He recognized himself in a few of them, smiling as he leaned closer.

It wasn’t long before he was rifling through the drawers, pulling out one of the light blue shirts he recognized with a band name on it. Deciding he liked it, he stumbled against the dresser as he fought to pull his own shirt off and replace it with the band tee. He also found a small drawer of sunglasses, picking out a pair that caught his fancy to slide on.

He wandered about the room a little longer, visuals having one hell of a time recognizing anything through the sunglasses which he could only describe as hilarious –tricking and obscuring his HUD to see just how many error messages he could get. Finally, he drifted out into the hall, hand bracing along the wall as he stumbled into the kitchen.

Ryker was standing at the stove, turning at the motion to laugh. “Hey there, buddy.” He snickered, looking Ives over in the sunglasses, stolen shirt bunched up above his boxers. “Feeling pretty good?”

Ives made his way over, peering over his shoulder into the pan on the stove. The steam made the lenses of the glasses fog up instantly frustrating his HUD further. “I feel great,” Ives mumbled.

“You’re sure you don’t need a little more time?” Ryker snickered, turning to look at him.

“No, nope I just wanted to talk to you.” He smiled, the sunglasses sliding down his nose.

“Here, let me get these,” Ryker reached up, taking them off earning a pout.

“Why? I like them. Can’t I wear them?”

“Of course,” Ryker sat them aside, “but if you’re here to talk, I’d like to see those pretty blue eyes.”

“Oh,” Ives grinned, swaying closer only to catch himself on the counter. “Are you trying to flirt with me, Captain?”

“Have been for seven years, but thanks for noticing,” he stirred at the pan before cutting the heat. “Maybe we should sit down to talk about things—”

“Do you have feelings for me, Captain?” Ives blurted, turning his back to the counter to help support his unsteady weight.

“We should get you back—”

“Valetta thinks you do. They’ve got a bet going, you see.”

“Oh, they do?”

“But humans like to project romantic connections on each –on each other.” Ives urged informatively.

“They do, don’t they?”

“They do, don’t they,” Ives nodded, humming as something in his processes lagged. Everything felt warm and slow. “It makes them gentle,” he went on. “It makes them want to pack bond with us, even when they know -they know we’re not like them. We might look like them, you see, but we’re different.”

“I see,” Ryker smiled, cutting off the stove and turning with arms crossed. “And you don’t want to be packbonding with them?”

“I love to pack bond with them.” Ives slapped his knee for emphasis. “They’re so silly. Always in a hurry, trying to get ahead of one another, or look out for one another when they’re all just soft –they trip the wrong way and they could be dead.” He motioned down to the floor. “They need looking after. Someone ought to.”

“Yes, they should.”

“They’re all so different, too. But then there’s Ryker, and he’s not like any other human.” Ives prodded a finger into his shoulder. “When a human is like Hadrian they’re like an outlier, the end of the spectrum that has no comparison. He’s one in a million –no, eight billion.”

“Alright, let’s get you off your feet. Mikki said it might take you a few days to recover,” Ryker patted his shoulder, trying to urge him back to the bedroom.

“No, no, no,” Ives stood his ground, needing to finish his train of thought. It was important. As if the data hadn’t been completely clear or within sequence until now. “Hadrian isn’t like any other person. He always chooses kindness, always. And that’s what humans are about, aren’t they? Some of the oldest findings of human history are archaeological sites of humans with healed broken bones. Specifically femurs. Someone had to help them, care for them, because without that care they wouldn’t have survived. Kindness is what it means to be human. Hadrian is kindness.”

“I… well, thank you. But we really should get you back. Maybe try another reboot?”

“You’re mine,” he cleared the errors in his HUD. Ryker stared at him, dumbfounded, gaping on words he’d only half-started. Ives lurched closer, resting a hand on Ryker’s cheek.

“Wh-what?”

Ives could feel the temperature shift of his blush against his palm. His second hand pressed against Ryker’s other cheek to successfully hold his face in his hands. Eyes wide. Stunned. Face squished just so causing his lips to pillow. “You’re my human,” he whispered, running fingers into his hair to guide him closer.

“Ives, I don’t think we should—!” The words were lost against Ives’ mouth, pulled into the kiss. A new slew of errors popped up, filling his visuals even as Ives closed his eyes. He kept brushing them aside, packing them into the corners of his feed to keep from distracting him. They swarmed and piled up until they had blocked every pel of space with their orange glow.

And then gone.

The last bit of script clicked into place clearing the haze. Ives felt a hand on his chest, opening his eyes as Ryker leaned back. His cheeks were flushed, one hand gripping the counter as the other rested against Ives, holding their balance as he gawked up at him. His hair was disheveled, lips red and irritated. Ives glanced around the kitchen trying to familiarize himself.

“You okay?” Ryker whispered. Ives straightened, absently wiping at his mouth when the backlog hit him. He glanced stiffly at Ryker before taking a step back. “Hey, hey, you’re okay.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“You’re okay,” Ryker followed, reaching up to hold Ives’ face. “It’s okay. Trust me, you don’t have to be sorry.”

“I-I don’t know what happened. It wasn’t professional of me. You were trying to tell me no.”

“I was trying to say to wait until you were out of safe-mode. So you’re thinking clearly. But now you’re here.” Ryker smiled, soothing thumbs across his cheeks. “It’s okay. It doesn’t have to be professional.”

It was Ives’ turn to gawk. “You’re not upset with me? For what I said?”

“Why would I be upset over the nicest thing ever said to me?” Ryker laughed softly, urging him down to rest their foreheads together. Ives released a manual sigh of warm air, leaning against him.

“I can go back to the station for the night now that I’m in order. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“You’re not going anywhere with my favorite shirt,” he snickered, leaning back and giving it a tug. “You’re welcome to stay the night. In fact, I’d like you here.”

“You would?”

“Yeah.” He was blushing again, “I kinda like pieyied Ives. A little messy and real honest.” Ives couldn’t help but smile, shyly looking at the floor. “C’mon, stay? I’ll take you back in the morning.”

“Alright, I’ll stay.”

[chaosduckies]

Restoration (Chapter 12)

The chapter that will hopefully fix everything that I’ve done! :D (I regret it all) I don’t really know how to feel about the way I wrote this since my editor and other reader were not available, sooo I’m just gonna wing it and hope it turned out okay. I’m very sorry 😞. Otherwise, enjoy!

Word Count: 3.8k

CW: loneliness, that’s everything!

12- Nathan 

I lazily opened my eyes, pushing myself off the mysteriously soft fabric underneath me. It feels like I’ve been asleep for days… I looked to where my alarm clock should be, but only seeing everything around me enlarged and up to a bigger scale. Oh right, I feel asleep on Ryker. Oh. I fell asleep on Ryker. 

I let out a yelp, studying the area where I was at and seeing that the fabric underneath me belonged to his pillow. Oh god I really slept on top of him… My thoughts were thrown into a panic as I tried to wrap my mind around everything. I just remember it being cold outside, Ryker scooping me up extremely quickly, crying… Oh gosh. I cried in front him. I groaned, leaning back until my back hit the cushiony surface behind me. I-I was crying on him and he was there hugging me close to him the entire time which I mean it didn’t even feel bad it actually felt amazing but I can’t believe I just did all of that in front of him and oh my gosh it just felt so good to cry and- 

Calm down Nathan. 

I took a few deep breaths, calming down my fast heart rate and looking around again. I couldn’t see his alarm clock from where I was at, but I did smell something amazing. My stomach growled, but I just ignored it like I have been for the past week and a half. Where was Ryker at anyways? I didn’t want to move from my spot in case he comes back in looking for me. I owe him such a big apology… Why did he stick around for all of that last night? He could’ve left me. But he didn’t. And that just made my heart flutter at the thought that he cares about me. 

A few minuets later, Ryker walked in, peeking his head in as I hurried to sit up. I heard him chuckle a bit before walking in, he had a different  pair of sweatpants and sweater that had a skull with roses on it than last night. How did he even get me on to the pillow in the first place? Maybe that shouldn’t be the first question I ask. I’ll just stay quiet for a while. 

“Morning.” He sat a little ways from me, leaning against this arms behind him. 

“Morning.” I replied back in a tired voice. What do I do? I was alone with Ryker. In his room. Sitting on his bed that I couldn’t get off of on my own even if I tried. Was he going to leave me here? Or would he kick me out and send me back home? I wouldn’t be surprised if he did either of those things. I’m still in shock that I just slept on him last night, and he’s sitting next to as if nothing ever happened. 

“You slept for a while. I had to move you onto a pillow.” Ryker laughed, a light shade of pink on his cheeks. I brought my knees up to my chest, nodding embarrassingly. 

“Sorry.” 

“Hm? For what?” Ryker turned his head to face me, making me feel even more insecure than I already was. Did I really have to answer that question? I felt my face heat up just the slightest bit as I sucked in a shaky breath. 

“For… s-sleeping. On you.” Ever since Lucky had asked me that stupid question a month ago my mind has been all over the place. I’m so confused almost all of time every time I’m around Ryker. I question myself everyday if I really like him or if I’m just confusing my emotions with friendship. Usually I would have asked my mom for help but… she wasn’t here anymore. And that just made my entire world come crumbling down to the ground. 

“Oh that? You were tired. I don’t mind. I kind of fell asleep a little after you anyways,” Ryker sighed, laying down on his back and facing the ceiling, “I didn’t want to wake you up, so I just left you there and checked up on you every half hour.” 

I nodded my head, still feeling a little awkward. Should I go home? Thank him for everything, go home, then see him when I’m forced to go back to school? A part of me thinks that was the way I should do this, but another part of me thinks Ryker would really help me. I mean, he has gone through this before because his parents also… You know. Maybe he knows how to help me? I haven’t really been able to take the best care of myself, and I just feel like Ryker might be able to help me get back up on my feet. Then again, I could just go to a therapist so I wouldn’t waste Ryker’s time. But since when has a therapist been able to help you? 

My mind wasn’t wrong. 

“Are you hungry? There’s some breakfast in the kitchen.” Ryker asked, sitting back up and waiting for my answer. Physically? I was starving. Mentally? No. Not even in the slightest bit. At least I figured out what that amazing smell was. 

“N-no. But thank you th-“ It was then in that moment that my stomach decided to growl. Not loud, but loud enough for Ryker to hear and smile sadly at me. He offered his hand palm-up, waiting just as patiently as ever. I always admired him for that. I don’t know how he puts up with me half the time. 

I carefully stood up, a little wobbly on the cushiony surface below me. I tried my best to keep my balance, clinging to his thumb as soon as I could so I wouldn’t roll off his pillow. Now that would be something to be embarrassed about. Luckily I didn’t. 

The kitchen smelled like pancakes, which just so happens to be what I was craving right now. How did Ryker even know? What surprised me even more was that there were human-sized plates sitting on the counter, like they were just waiting for me. For the first time in forever I really did feel like eating. Why did it take me to go through all this just to be able to eat and feel just the tiniest bit better about myself? 

Ryker set me down, saying that If I wanted I could cut off my own piece of pancake while he went to go grab a blanket from another room. I gladly did, my body enjoying the much needed energy that I’ve been neglecting it for the past two weeks. It tasted just like my moms… I blinked back the tears. There was no time to think about that. I didn’t want to cry in front of Ryker again. Plus, I didn’t really want to cry anymore in general. I knew it felt good, but I’m trying not to seem like such a burden for people. 

It took Ryker a while to dig out an extra blanket from the closet, because by the time I finished my plate he was barely coming back. I placed my plate with the other dirty dishes where I hope would be the best place to keep it until I can wash it later. Again, I didn’t want to be a burden while I stayed here. 

Ryker sat on top of the kitchen island across from me right after he threw the blanket on one of the couches. I sighed, taking my phone out of my pocket and seeing that it was already midday. How long was I asleep for? Nearly twelve hours? I shoved my phone back into my pocket. I guess I’ll go home in a little bit. I don’t really want to though, but I can’t just keep leeching off Ryker for forever. I’ll go to school, finish it up, and then I don’t know after that. I haven’t really thought that far ahead. 

“When will you go back to school?” Ryker asked. I didn’t have answer in reality. I didn’t want to go back, but my parents would probably like me to finish it up with only five months left. 

“Next week? M-maybe? I, um, don’t know.” I stared at the countertop below me, trying not to make eye contact. Was I the reason he wasn’t going to school either? I should have answered his calls while I was in the hospital… Maybe then I wouldn’t have been this bad. 

Ryker pushed himself off the counter as he laid his hand flat out in front of me. I stood up, lifting myself up onto his palm and sitting down in the middle before he started moving to the living room and carefully sitting down against the armrest with me still in hand. Usually he lets me down first. 

“D-did you want me to m-move?” I asked, looking back up at him. He shook his head with a smile on his face, “Not unless you’re uncomfortable.” 

I wasn’t. The opposite actually. But I wasn’t going to just blindly show that to him. At least not again. 

Ryker put on a movie, which I wasn’t really watching but pretended to anyways. I kept thinking about why he wasn’t even complaining about me being here. Why I didn’t hate the fact that he didn’t even acknowledge what had happened last night even though I wanted to forget all about it. Oh. He knew I didn’t want to talk about it. 

In truthfulness, I have no idea what I’m even doing anymore. Everything is so confusing now. What do I do at this point? I wouldn’t even be here if we had never gone to that stupid store in the first place. I would have been happy, my life would have been turned around for the better and I wouldn’t have to worry about anything else. Instead, it’s the complete opposite and I’m having to rely on everyone just to help me. I felt useless. Or maybe that wasn’t the word I was looking for. 

———Ryker———

I guess I made the right call to not talk about what happened last night. Nathan looked exhausted. Physically and mentally. I know how it feels, but obviously there was something else bothering him besides what happened this past month. I didn’t know if it had to do with me, or not, but I really just wanted to help. Not be the reason he’s suffering even more. 

I wasn’t really paying attention to the movie, and I could tell neither was Nathan. I didn’t know whether to turn off the movie or to just leave it on. What would be the right call here? From what I’m getting at he just didn’t want to be lonely right now, which I mean of course, but I guess he’s also touch starved? As far as I knew Nathan was never really a fan of anyone touching him, and now all of a sudden he clings to me like a lost puppy, and every time my heart falters for just a split second. 

“Hey, um, do you just want to hang out in my room? Neither of us are really watching the movie sooo.” I laughed, trying to cheer him up. A slight smile cracked on his face as he nodded his head. At least it’s something. How long did it take for me to get better? Three months? Four? I hope he doesn’t take as long as me. 

I turned everything off, grabbed the extra blanket that took me forever to dig out of the closet, and shut the door behind me after I walked into my room. Did I know what we were going to do? No, not in the least. I was just trying to keep his mind off of everything, and I have zero idea if it’s working or not, but I think I’m doing a decent job. 

“Ryker,” Nathan played with his hands while I cleared off my desk. I turned my head to him, waiting for the rest of the sentence, “Never… never mind.” He sighed in defeat, sliding off my slightly tilted palm and onto the black wooden desk. I did want to know what he was going to say, but I can wait. Instead, I just nodded my head, sitting down in my chair and grabbing one of the small sketchbooks I have. I haven’t really drawn anything for a while, and while I was extremely insecure about other people watching me draw, Nathan would be the only exception. And that’s coming from a person with five younger siblings. 

Nathan sat a little closer, interested in what I was doing. I flipped to any empty page, not even knowing what I wanted to sketch in the first place. I leaned to the side, my hand holding my head up as I just scribbled all over the paper aimlessly holding that would spark something in my clouded mind. Lately it’s been a little lonely, but that was just because nearly the entire school was on that field trip to some amusement park. I’m too used to having so many people around me. 

I wasn’t really paying attention to the time, nor whatever the heck I was conjuring up on the paper. It jus kind of looked like a dead cheery blossom tree at this point. It wasn’t bad, but not exactly what I had pictured in my mind. Which was nothing, but still. I sighed, placing my pencil down in the middle of the book and apparently not even realizing that Nathan was trying to climb over my arm I involuntarily placed in front of him. I didn’t dare move a single muscle as he struggled to lift himself up onto my wrist, dragging his leg onto the other side, then nearly falling over as he tried to bring his other one across. I started laughing without even meaning to as soon as he slid down back onto the desk. 

“Sorry, sorry,” I apologized, moving my arm away from him as he hid his face from me, “It’s just that you could have asked me to move. But I guess that way works too.” I heard a quiet chuckle right before he turned to look, his jaw immediately dropping the second he sees it. I bit the side of my cheek, suddenly subconscious about myself. 

“Woah.” Nathan kept studying it before I decided to softly close the book in front of him and shove it back in the cubby I pulled it out from. Subconscious wins. 

Nathan turned back to me, a worried look on his face. Is he worried about me? It should be the entire opposite! But still, I couldn’t ignore the fact that he cares so much about me. I had high hopes that after we graduated we would stay friends, but I still had no idea. Maybe he had his own plans. 

I checked my phone, reading that it was already three in the afternoon. How long was I drawing for? I sighed, leaning back in my chair and watching Nathan sit down and play with his hands again. I felt really tired, but I didn’t want to leave Nathan alone. Usually when my siblings are gone I try my best to clean up as much as I can and get as much rest as I can. It’s nearly impossible to keep up with everyone during school. My bed honestly looked as welcoming as ever right now. 

Last night, in truth, I didn’t get much sleep. How could I? I had a small human practically passed out on my chest and I didn’t want to wake him up. Plus, I kind of freaked out because I didn’t know what to do and I knew what could happen if he stayed on me while I was asleep. I tried my hardest to stay awake, but there were times when I fell asleep and found Nathan in the same spot as before. Still, there was still the fact that he slept on me. I didn’t mind at all. My mind was all over the place, I was a little flustered, but I realized that he must’ve been pretty tired to fall asleep like that. There was no way he would have willingly done that, right? 

“Do you… want me to go back home? I don’t want to, um, bother you.” Nathan asked, his tone lined with sadness. He think he has to I guess. I turned towards him, not really knowing what to say. He’s never bothered me. I don’t think he could either. It’s just the thought that he would think I would be annoyed by him. I don’t know what happened before he moved to the city, but it’s obviously changed the way he thinks. No other human would think that way unless something bad happened. Something I shouldn’t ask him about right now. 

“Only if you really want to, and you’re not bothering me,” I sucked in a shaky breath, “I was actually going to ask you if you wanted to stay here for a while. Of course you don’t have to! I just noticed you weren’t taking care of yourself and I’d like to help, you know? Plus, what kind of friend would that make me if I didn’t at least try to help you?” 

That technical promise I made to his mom before she passed away was stuck to my mind. I wasn’t going to tell Nathan, and I planned on keeping that promise until he leaves. I do care about him. A lot. And I hated how he looked last night. He looked broken and torn apart, and at the same time fragile and gentle as ever.  

Nathan looked surprised at first before smiling and nodding his head, “I-If you don’t mind.” I didn’t. 

I yawned, covering my mouth and my eyes slightly tearing up, “You don’t mind if I take a nap, right?” He shook his head. I laid my hand out flat, watching him try to keep his balance as he stumbled to the middle of my palm. I was just going to place him on the ground so he could do whatever. I wasn’t going to keep him in my room with nothing to do.

As I lowered my hand down, Nathan’s expression looked confused before he hurried to grab onto my sleeve. I stopped for a second, confused myself. What was he doing? It’s the same thing as last night. Oh. Right. He doesn’t want to be lonely. My heart fell the same way it did last night as I walked over to my bed, keeping Nathan in my hand and getting myself under the covers. So what do I do? 

“S-sorry. I d-don’t even know what I’m doing.” Nathan apologized, slouching down as I pressed my back up against the head of the bed. No matter how many times I tell him it’s fine he won’t believe me. Maybe he’ll believe me if I show it? 

“It’s okay, Nathan. You’re just touch starved, I get it.” I whispered, placing my thumb behind him and laughing when he jumped. He didn’t back away though. I laid down, Nathan still cupped in my hand. Just don’t move your hand. No other words were said between us before my eyes shut closed. 

“If you like him so much why don’t you kiss him already?” 

———Nathan———

Ryker really just fell asleep. How tired was he? I didn’t know, and I was sort of tired myself even after sleeping for twelve hours. But still, I can’t believe I was doing this to him again, and he doesn’t even say anything. He’s allowed me to stay here for a while, which I was so grateful for, but I can’t keep leeching off of him. It was a bad habit, and he won’t always be there for me. I guess I should cherish what I have right now. Ryker was right. I really was touch starved. 

He didn’t really move much, but after about an hour was when he was getting twitchy. I was thinking I should probably move, but I didn’t want to. I was just being selfish, and I was going to tell him that, but I just couldn’t. Would he think the same way? Was he only letting me stay here because he was just sympathizing? That doesn’t really makes sense if he said he’s going to try to help me. Still, I didn’t erase the possibility. 

It was quiet, and I would have fallen asleep if I hand’s occupied myself with just exploring his room from the view I was at. Otherwise, I was just laying down in his palm still, hanging onto the little part of the cuff of his sleeve. Then, Ryker started twitching again, this time somehow gently getting me in a fist and bringing me close. The worst part about it was that I couldn’t get out even if I tried. 

I was just slightly freaking out. He was basically holding me like I was a small stuffed animal right up against his chest as he stirred around for a little. My face turned a bright red as Ryker yawned again, groggily opening his eyes and opening up his palm I was in. The panic in my chest diminished as he blinked away the bags under his eyes and smiled down at me. I smiled right back. I wouldn’t tell him about that. Plus, it’s not like I was hurt anyways. 

Ryker pressed his thumb against my back gently, stretching out the rest of his limbs before sitting up and pressing his back up against the wall. I completely forgot about the blush before he squinted and weakly chuckled before wrapping me in a hug. Well, he was only pinching me between two of his fingers but I get the gesture. I just didn’t know why. But it felt amazing all the same. 

Actually, this entire day it seemed like I had forgotten about all that happened. I couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but I’ll just have to hope for the best. I’d have to thank Ryker for that. 

“You feel better?” Ryker asked. I nodded my head in response. I’ve never felt better. He yawned again, covering his mouth and bringing his knees closer to his chest. He studied me for a while before sighing and getting up. What was that about? I had no idea. I didn’t even know what I was doing today. All I knew was that I wanted nothing more than to just be held and safe and wanted. Which was everything Ryker was giving me. 

“Do you like Ryker?” 

I stopped breathing for a second, losing my focus on everything around me. That stupid question again? I’m pretty sure I don’t. Right? I was just mistaking my feelings for friendship. Right? My heart started beating faster when Ryker looked down to check on me. 

What was this?

——————

Again, my editor and beta reader was not available (they’re the same person but still) so this probably turned out to be one of the worst chapters or you guys actually like it and I’m just over thinking this TwT

I hope you guys enjoyed it though! Chapter 13 will be the last one! But I do have some little scenes after the story I want to do sooo they’re not going away anytime soon don’t worry :D

Taglist: @da3dm

[scattered-winter]

seven sentence sunday

tagged by @moonlightbuckleys !!!! sending u ALL the kisses and hugs in the whole world MWAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is. an oc story im rotating. actually. most of u don't have context for them. but regardless <3 here <3 (also wayyyy more than 7 sentences but SHHhhshhhh)

Missy hesitates, raises a hand to stop Kit before he can leave. He pauses, turns back. Missy is fiddling with a long blonde braid, not quite meeting his eyes.

“There’s, uh. Something I’ve been working on,” she says, and then she reaches for her cluttered work desk and picks up a bracelet. It has large, round black beads, with intricate detailing carved into each one. She holds it up for him to see.

“It’s…a bracelet,” Kit deadpans, raising his eyebrows at her. He’s used to Missy tinkering with odds and ends, and even more used to her showing him her creations, but he doesn’t quite get why she’s so nervous over something so small.

Missy hesitates, rubs the back of her neck. He’s never seen her this nervous. “Look…see, the thing is…I made it for you.”

He must look confused, because she rushes to explain herself. “I’ve been studying those power suppression cuffs the humans use on us,” she says quickly. “It’s fascinating how they work, really, but I was hoping to reverse-engineer them to work for…well. What I was hoping.”

She holds up the bracelet to study it with an analytical gaze. “I…don’t know if it works. But if it does…it can neutralize your powers, Kit.”

Kit just looks at her, not quite believing what she’s saying. “You…you mean…this can…take my powers away?” It almost sounds too good to be true, but at the same time…it’s a terrifying thought.

“No, not quite,” Missy explains. “Just…turn them off for a while. You can control whenever you want them off, and disable the bracelet whenever you need to use them. But while it’s on…well, in theory, it’ll temporarily take away your powers and all the…side effects.”

Kit doesn’t know what to say. He just looks at her, mouth agape, trying to process what she’s saying. He could…he could touch her. He could hug her, like he’s always wanted to do. He ached for it always, a literal throbbing underneath his skin whenever he watched the others hug, or lean into each other, or ruffle each other’s hair. The longing for it, for physical contact, was almost more painful than anything else he’d ever experienced.

And now Missy was here, saying she could help him.

Fuck, he wanted to hug her now more than ever.

Instead, he lets out a trembling exhale and says, “Does…does it work?”

“I haven’t tested it yet,” Missy admits. “I mean…there isn’t really a safe way to do that…but. I don’t know. I just…I wanted you to know that I’m working on it. I won’t stop until I’ve figured it out, I swear.”

Gingerly, she hands him the bracelet, and Kit is careful not to let his fingers brush hers, despite the fact that he’s wearing gloves.

“I think,” he says slowly, not even daring to hope, “I can maybe figure out a way to test it. Without anyone getting hurt.”

Missy grins at him, dark skin smudged with some kind of oil from one of her gadgets. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

Kit hesitatingly smiles back and backs out of her workshop, knees wobbling. He isn’t quite sure how he makes it out into the hallway and up several flights of stairs to the very top floor, then the ladder up to the loft. To Ryker’s room.

He knocks softly on the trapdoor, and Ryker grunts an invitation. Kit sticks his head through the opening, and Ryker looks up from where he’s sunning himself on the floor, large wings spread wide to catch the sunlight streaming through the large skylight set into the roof.

“Hey, Kit. C’mon in.”

Kit climbs inside and carefully lowers the door closed behind him. Ryker shifts to a sitting position, black wings sweeping over the floor and coming to rest behind him.

Kit doesn’t know where to start. The bracelet is hanging from his grasp, cool and light, and Ryker is sitting in front of him in a beam of sunlight, so close but so incredibly far just like everyone else, and Kit doesn’t know how to cross the distance without hurting, without killing.

“Kit,” Ryker says, and it’s his soft voice, the one he uses when he’s trying to comfort one of the younger kids after a nightmare. “What’s going on?”

Kit swallows. He can do this. “Missy’s been working on a way to…to neutralize my powers,” he says, voice hitching involuntarily. “And the only way I can think of to test it without…without risking anyone getting hurt…”

Because Ryker is the only one who has touched him skin to skin and lived. Because his powers are unique, and his self-healing can keep up with Kit’s destruction, at least for a while.

It’s painful. Kit knows that. But it isn’t fatal, and that’s better than anything else.

He can see the moment Ryker understands why he’s come. “You need to test it on me,” he says.

Kit nods, barely able to draw in a full breath. He feels like he’s standing on the edge of a cliff, threatening to fall, and he can’t step back onto solid ground but he’s too afraid to take the plunge.

But Ryker just stretches out a hand, palm forward, fingers splayed, and just holds it there, in the space between them. And he just waits.

Kit draws in a shaking breath, slowly slips on the bracelet. He pinches a bead between his fingers, just as Missy had instructed, and twists it three ticks to the left. The carvings in the beads light up a cool, pale blue.

Then, with trembling fingers, Kit removes his gloves, one at a time. His fingers are pale, like the rest of his body probably is. He’s fairly sure his heart has stopped beating.

“Kit,” Ryker says, and Kit realizes he’s frozen up like a deer in headlights. “It’s okay,” Ryker continues, voice gentle. “We don’t need to—”

“No,” Kit manages to gasp. “I…I need to know.” If there’s a chance, if there’s hope, if he’ll ever find release.

Kit takes in a deep breath, squares his shoulders, and reaches forward. He’s moving in slow motion, swimming through syrup, as his hand slowly moves toward Ryker’s. Ryker doesn’t move, doesn’t try to reach for him. He just waits and lets Kit come to him.

Their fingers are a breath apart now, and Kit gathers his courage. He’s ready to pull away at the slightest sign of Ryker being hurt, at the slightest spark of his power surging into Ryker’s body. He reaches forward.

And their fingers brush against each other.

Kit pulls back immediately, in shock, in surprise, because he expected Ryker to flinch back, because that’s what always, always happened.

But there had been nothing. No spark of warmth, no crackle of fire in his veins. Kit slowly, cautiously presses the tips of his fingers to Ryker’s again, gauging his reaction for any indication that he needs to stop.

The only sign he gets is a smile, spreading slow and wide across Ryker’s face.

Kit keeps reaching, keeps moving, until their palms are flat against each other. Still, no burst of power, and Ryker is still smiling at him, so widely it must be hurting his cheeks.

Slowly, Ryker tangles their fingers, and their hands slot together like puzzle pieces.

And oh. His hands are rough, callused from battle, but they’re warm. It’s like everything Ryker had imagined, and at the same time it’s so, so much more.

He lets out a small laugh that cuts off into a hitched sob. Ryker is beaming at him, gently squeezing his hand, and Kit doesn’t know if he’s laughing more or crying as he squeezes back.

“It…it works,” he gasps through tears. “I…I didn’t think…” Then he gasps, sits up straighter as he remembers something important.

“What?” Ryker is looking at him in concern, their hands still tangled together, and Kit isn’t sure he ever wants to let go. “Are you okay?”

Kit stands, pulls Ryker up with him. “I need to go hug Missy,” he says, and Ryker grins.

“Well, what are we waiting for?”

tagging !! @soleadita and @xandromedan and @dauntingday and all my other writer friends!!!! and anyone else who wants to!!!!!!!!!!!!

[radicalhighway]

i have so much info stored in my brain abt ryker and his species and the world she’s from. i’ve had this oc since 2016 and it’s gone thru so many different iterations and oh my god i have never been more attached to an oc in my LIFE

[sk1nand-b0nes]

Dakota: Go to sleep or you'll hate yourself in the morning. Ryker: I'll hate myself in the morning regardless.

[freedrats-sewerman]

Corentin Dozier Intro

This is for my play Deighton's Monument to the Stars (dmtts). These introductions are read by the actors at the start of the play. This is written to be said by Corentin M. L. Dozier. Enjoy the introduction of Mr Dozier.

Trigger Warning: Mention of Death

I, Corentin Marcel Laurent Dozier, am the proud brother of Lunette Dozier. Ever since she passed away, the only person who has been there for me was Ryker. I don't think he knows that I love him... as a companion. I have become aware that I am inferior to that Mycroft lad. I wish I could be a poet maybe then Ryker would acknowledge me.